CasaSugar

Good, Better, Best: Ottoman Storage Cubes

CasaSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:30:49 -0700

It's hard to underestimate the utility of a good storage ottoman: You can put up your feet, use it as an extra seat, and store your junk inside when guests appear. I particularly like the cute cube-shaped varieties, since they also don't take up much room. Here are three great storage ottomans to suit your budget.

Good: The hip, mod pattern on this Urban Outfitters Teardrop Storage Ottoman (on sale for $39.99) distracts from its utilitarian double-life. The padded lid slides off for storage.

Two even better storage ottomans, so read more

Better: This very versatile Crate and Barrel Nomad Storage Cube ($379) goes a step further, with a lid that flips over to serve as a drink tray. As if that weren't enough, the microfiber footstool also has wheels.

Best: Add a tray on top, and this edgy, metal-studded Each Leather Storage Cube ($619) is sturdy enough to serve as a table, too. Available in four colors; I particularly love the bright begonia shade.

Victoria Smith's Go-To Holiday Gift Ideas

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:00:54 -0800

I do have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to holiday gifts, but I'm always impressed with what my design-savvy friends give each year. So, I decided to ask some interior design "tastemakers" for their favorite go-to presents. From designers and stylists to bloggers and shop-owners, some of the brightest stars in the design world have shared their favorite holiday gift ideas with me.

To kick things off, San Francisco-based Victoria Smith of the always-inspiring blog sfgirlbybay has shared her go-to gift ideas. But, she admits she's not a huge fan of the commercial side of Christmas: "I love the white twinkling lights, and the parties and dinner gatherings with friends - the celebrations. I do love that part."

On gifts for friends: "Most of my friends and I for years have agreed to always make our gifts for each other. Even when they sometimes don't come out quite as well as you had envisioned, we give them anyway, and just have a good laugh. From homemade pillow cases, to miniature snow domes made from baby food jars, and knit scarves, we've gone through some good gifts and some good laughs."

Hear more of Victoria's favorite go-to gift ideas.

How-To: Make a Pretty Thanksgiving Garland

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:30:01 -0800

If your family is anything like mine at Thanksgiving, there are likely a few kids running underfoot who'd love a planned activity. That's why this Thanksgiving leaf garland is so perfect: it gives kids a meaningful task, and is a quick enough project that you can make it before turkey hits the table.

Here's What You'll Need

This leaf template
Colored paper/construction paper
Twine, yarn, or string
Scissors
Double-sided tape
Pens or pencils

To find out how to make it, read more.

Here's how to make it, from Full Circle:

Trace out leaf shapes using the leaf template.
Cut out leaves in a variety of colors.
Help children write what they're thankful for on each leaf. Then have the kids take leaves to other friends or family members and have them write down what they're thankful for.
Space leaves evenly on twine or yarn. Using doublesided tape, attach the leaves to the twine.
Hang from a doorway, or along a wall, or even from a chandelier.
Enjoy Thanksgiving!

Source

Guess the New Moon Character's House!

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:01 -0800

Do you know your New Moon? If you're a fan of the Stephenie Meyer book, this quiz shouldn't be so hard (and definitely see how well you do on BuzzSugar's New Moon quiz, too). Check out these quotes from the book, and then tell me whose house is featured in each quote.

Take the quiz

Home Library: Majestic Metropolitan Living

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:10 -0800

Just a week after the fold of Metropolitan Home, I've got my hands on another city-centric design volume: Sue Hostetler's new book Majestic Metropolitan Living: Visionary Homes in the Heart of Cities. The shelter and design editor for magazines like Gotham, Hamptons, and LA Confidential, and the host of Plum Homes With Sue Hostetler on Plum TV (which "targets the most active, influential, and educated audience in the world"), Hostetler has tapped her cronies for tours of their unique and luxe urban dwellings.

The American dream of retiring to the pool and tennis courts in your countryside home is squashed by this book, which showcases a range of sprawling, real-life city homes. Each has an original sense of style, a warmth that defies traditional conceptions of "cold urban modernism," spectacular views, and in several cases, an outdoor space complete with a pool or lush garden. Many of the homes were created, not surprisingly, by converting former warehouses or other nonresidential buildings, or combining apartments.

Continue reading . . .

Does Your Thanksgiving Involve More Than One Table?

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:30:42 -0800

Growing up, large family dinners, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, always involved a grownups' table and a kids' table.

Since most of my adult meals have involved friends, not family, we no longer have a grownups' and kids' table, but we often have to have two or even three tables to accommodate all of the guests. It's fun having everyone pitch in to set up, and I love seeing how the conversations develop with each table.

Source: Flickr User bron*

DIY: Advent Calendars

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:40 -0800

The anticipation of Christmas facilitated by my mother's advent calendar was always my favorite part of the holiday season growing up. (These days, it's mulled wine.) But I've never been a fan of those store-bought advent calendars where you opened a little paper door each day. They're cute, but certainly not as fun as a calendar filled with treats or activities. The possibilities for making your own advent calendar are endless, but I thought I'd round up a few DIY projects to inspire you (and woo you away from the drugstore variety).

View Slideshow ›

Roundup: Silver Ornaments

CasaSugar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0800

I love to add a few new ornaments to my holiday tree each year, and this season I'm really loving the metallic sheen of silver baubles. One of my favorites is this set of silver swirl ornaments. They have a great, antiqued look, and would look gorgeous against the dark green needles of your evergreen.

Are you loving the look of these silver ornaments? Check out my other favorites below.

Do You Ever Spy on Your Neighbors?

CasaSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:00:46 -0800

A recent New York Times article reveals that window watching (spying on your neighbors) is a common activity in big cities, where apartment windows often face each other. One woman interviewed for the article notes, "In a large city where there’s a lot going on around you, it can feel very isolating and lonely. By having contact with these total strangers through the window, it’s a safe way of having a relationship without the hard part of a relationship."

While I don't live within window-watching proximity, I know that many of my friends have sneaked in a little window watching in the past. What about you?

How-To: Decorate With Gray

CasaSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:49 -0800

If you read my November must haves, you know that this month I'll be giving you tips, advice, and ideas for adding color to your home. As part of these "Color Theory" posts, I'm going to focus on different ranges of color each week. This week, I'm beginning with cool colors, showing you how to decorate with specific colors, how to use color in small spaces, and how to paint and upholster with color. I've covered turquoise and lavender, so now it's time to move onto one of my all-time favorites: gray!

Source

View Slideshow ›

Michael Aram Twig Snowflake Christmas Ornament - $29.00	Glass Bird Ornament - $3.50
Metal Angels with Bells Set of Four - $11.80	Etched Mercury Vases - $12.00
3-D Snowflake Ornaments - $8.95	Peace Sign Ornament - $3.95
Silver Swirl Ornaments - $18.00	Barneys New York Old World Standing Deer - $38.00
Silver-Plated Sleigh Bell Christmas Ornament - $38.00	Silver Origami Crane Placecard Holders - $24.00
Horchow Sterling Silver Two Turtle Doves Christmas Ornament - $50.00	Holiday Lane Christmas Ornaments, Tube of 6 Silver Snowflake Balls 3" - $17.00
Kotte Decoration, Ornament - $2.99	Barneys New York Big Apple Ornament- Silver - $44.00
Silly Dog Ornament - $10.00	Orbit Ornament - $4.95