CasaSugar

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:00:26 -0700

. . . would you buy this 1950s Jacques Adnet Clover Lamp ($6,500)? While I can't picture myself spending over even a grand on a floor lamp, I think this enameled wrought iron piece, with its stitched leather handle and adorable clover-shape base, is as good a splurge as any. It's stunning and completely unique. Have you ever seen a shade like that?

Trend Alert: Quatrefoil in the House

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:00:59 -0800

Domino market editor Jennifer Condon has a fun slideshow of products with a quatrefoil motif, an ornamental design of four lobes or leaves resembling a flower or four-leaf clover, which you know from Van Cleef & Arpels's "Alhambra" jewelry pieces (and Heidi Klum's knock-offs). Her slideshow was inspired by this image in a 1971 House & Garden story showing readers how to create a Moroccan mood with quatrefoil stencils.
I've been seeing this growing trend of quatrefoil design in the home in plenty of other places. So, I figured I'd show you where it's taking shape. To see my finds, read more.

Source

Trend Alert: Pale Yellow and Gray

CasaSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 05:15:55 -0700

I love the color combination of pale yellow and gray, which showed up first on the Spring fashion runways before surfacing in the cheap and chic clothing offerings from Delia's and H&M. Even Kate Hudson was spotted in the chic color combo. Now, the subtle but unexpected pairing is coming to your humble abode. Here are four products that play expertly with the gray and pale yellow palette.

This Anthropologie Palm Frond Shower Curtain ($88) would be a great way to add a touch of bright citrine color to a white bathroom.

Three more, so read more

This Romo Fabrics Kimura Wallpaper ($74 per roll) uses a mustard shade for a floral pattern that's at once bold and muted.

Designed to echo an old glass jar, the Perch! Mason ($52) comes in buttery yellow and gray; buy both and get an instantly trendy display.

This minimal Judy Ross Clover Rug ($100 per square foot) is made from hand-knotted Tibetan wool but creates a very modern look.

Casa Verde: Add Clover to Your Lawn

CasaSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:00:46 -0700

If you're still yearning for more lawn care tips, even after my 10 tips, here's another one for you. Try adding clover to your lawn's grass cover. Clover doesn't require fertilizing, since it is a nitrogen fixer, just like other members of the legume family. Clover also aerates the soil, which helps to reduce soil impaction on your lawn. And since clover has longer roots, it requires less watering than normal grass lawns.

Source

Roundup: Mirrored Cocktail Tables

CasaSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:00:41 -0700

I was taking a look at some set photos of Melrose Place and noticed this showstopping clover-shaped mirrored cocktail table. It was from Horchow/Neiman Marcus, but it doesn't look like it's available any longer - to be honest, this whole room looks like it could have been furnished by Horchow. Anyway, you know how I love mirrored furniture, so it's no surprise that this caught my eye. But seeing it makes me think if you're going to go for the glitzy trend, you may as well show it off to your cocktail party guests. So see a few of my mirrored cocktail table picks when you read more.

"Mirage" Cocktail Table - $1,199.00	John-Richard - $1,829.00
John-Richard - $1,529.00	Jonathan Adler - montmartre table by jonathan adler - $1,200.00
John-Richard - $799.00	Cappellini - cappellini ministeel table series by carlo colombo - $968.00
Clairemont Coffee Table - $699.00	Jonathan Cocktail Table - $2,195.00
Meridian Cocktail Table - $849.00

Photo courtesy of The CW

Roundup: St. Patrick's Day Decor

CasaSugar — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:48 -0700

Happy St. Patrick's Day! In an effort to forgo your grocery-store variety of St. Patty's Day decor, I thought I'd round up some more luxurious furnishings that will give your digs a touch of holiday festivity without making it look like an elementary school. If you want to be just a tad kitschy and pick up a pack of leprechaun paper plates, I won't blame you. I'm loving this Judy Ross Green and Cream Clover Runner ($900); both its palette and design have shamrock style, but it would work year-round in your home. To see more St. Patrick's Day decor, read more.

Love It or Hate It? Liz Levin Living Room

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:00:20 -0800

I think this living room designed by Liz Levin has a lot of interesting elements. Key words: a lot. While I adore that clover-shaped ottoman, the use of topiaries indoors, and the style in general, I think there's just too much going on. Too many colors and furnishings in such a small space detract from the possibility each item offers. What do you think? Am I totally off base here?
Source

How-To: Say Welcome Home to Honeybees

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:15:27 -0700

Are you worried about the frightening and mysterious rate of death in honeybees? If so, you're not alone. In the past two years, almost a third of the United States' beehives have disappeared or been destroyed, and no one knows quite why. But you don't have wait until all the data is in to do something about it. By planting trees, flowers, and plants that naturally attract bees, you can make your deck, patio, garden, or backyard a haven for honeybees.

Here are some things to remember: If you plant a variety of flowers and plants, you will have a greater chance of attracting honeybees. Also, by choosing native plants, you will be using plants that are naturally adapted to your home's region and weather conditions. If you're worried about getting stung, I can reassure you that honeybees will not try to sting you unless you slap at them. My dad's a beekeeper, and even when I've helped him move hives or sat within five feet of a buzzing, busy hive, I've rarely been stung. (By the way, to take the above photo, I was within four inches of this busy little fella, and he never wavered from the job at hand.)

For a list of plants that can help you make your home bee-friendly, read more.

This list, from The Daily Green is more than enough to get you started!

Annual Plants and Flowers Asters, Calliopsis, Clover, Marigolds, Poppies, Sunflowers, Zinnias
Perennial Plants and Flowers Buttercups, Clematis, Cosmos, Crocuses, Dahlias, Echinacea (Purple Cone Flower), English Ivy, Foxglove, Geraniums, Germander, Globe Thistle, Hollyhocks, Hyacinth, Rock Cress, Roses, Sedum, Snowdrops, Squills, Tansy, Yellow Hyssop
Garden Plants Blackberries, Cantaloupe, Cucumbers, Gourds, Peppers, Pumpkins, Raspberries, Squash, Strawberries, Watermelons, Wild Garlic
Herbs Bee Balm, Borage, Catnip, Coriander/Cilantro, Fennel, Lavender, Mints, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
Shrubs Blueberry, Butterfly Bush, Button Bush, Honeysuckle, Indigo, Privet
Trees Alder, American, Holly, Basswood, Black Gum, Black Locust, Buckeyes, Catalpa, Eastern Redbud, Fruit Trees (especially Crabapples), Golden Rain Tree, Hawthorns, Hazels, Linden, Magnolia, Maples, Mountain Ash, Sycamore, Poplar, Willows

Liquid Soap For Home Entertaining

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:32:53 -0800

Last week, I shared with you iVillage's list of items that are essential to throwing a good home-based party. One of them was soaps: According to iVillage, "fancy soaps, whether molded or French milled, will make your guests feel pampered." At my recent Feuerzangenbowle extravaganza party, my fancy bar soaps, I have to admit, were pretty icky by the end of the night. This leads me to the conclusion that the best solution is liquid soap. There are plenty of fancy liquid soaps out there now to choose from. Crabtree & Evelyn has a great selection, and I love love love their Gardeners Hand Therapy Caddy Set ($32). The set comes with liquid hand wash and shea butter hand cream in a charming rust-proof sink caddy. The green clover, lavender, sage rosemary and thyme scents keep all of your guests smelling fresh, and more importantly, clean. You can always go back to the bar soaps when your party is over. But in the interest of keeping things looking nice, entertain with non-icky liquid soaps.

Tile Jacquard Towel - $9.00	Tile Organic Duvet Cover & Sham - Black - $99.00
Medallion Tile Quilt & Shams - $258.00	Tilework Duvet - $348.00
Trellis Leaner Mirror - $299.00	Linden Street® Quatrefoil Wall Mirror - $159.00
Clover Mirror - $329.00	Maharam Quatrefoil Pink Pillow - $150.00
Maharam Quatrefoil Silver Pillow - $150.00	Maharam Quatrefoil Emerald Pillow - $150.00
Fontana Arte - cartoccio vases by pietro chiesa for fontana arte - $288.00	Lucky Field Rug - $78.00
Clover-Shaped Table - $1,119.00	Driade - clover armchair by ron arad for driade of italy - $886.00

Bells of Ireland - $9.95	Emma Ireland 3 Wick Candle by Fringe - $55.00
Giralda by William Yeoward - $155.00	Irish Coffee Mugs Set of 6 - $11.94
Creed Green Irish Tweed - $90.00	Versailles Velvet Chair - $899.00
Chloe Chair - $1,750.00	Balerma Rug - $119.00
Gaia & Gino - lucky collection by andree putman for gaia & gino - $68.00	John Derian Clover Leaves Cake Stand - $340.00
Monique Lhuillier by Royal Doulton "Charms" Accent Plate Charms, 9" - $80.00	Luck: The Essential Guide - $19.95
Driade - clover armchair by ron arad for driade of italy - $886.00	Limited Edition Lucky Clover Tote - $24.00
Clover Mirror - $79.99	Gianna Rose Atelier - lucky tiny soaps by gianna rose - $10.50
Shamrock 5" x 7" Frame by Belleek - $69.99	D. L. & Co. Rotten Luck Dice - $195.00