CasaSugar

When Couch Potatoes Invade

Sara Yoo — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:00:00 PST

When it comes to coexisting with pets, sometimes it isn't clear who rules the roost. Even in no-pets-on-furniture homes, our furry friends eventually crowd us out of our beds and claim the couch during The Bachelor because nothing is off-limits when the sleepies hit or when they just need a better vantage point from which to supervise the household. We could get mad . . . or we could just sit back and check out some pics of the cutest usurpers (sorry, you'll need to find your own chair).

Source: Flickr User .Larry Page

Currently Coveting: The Johansson Dresser

Elka Karl — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:01:22 PST

I'm a huge fan of walnut and bright colors, so it's only natural that I'm majorly attracted to this gorgeous Johansson Dresser from Khouri Guzman Bunce Limited.
The piece is made from a thin skin of lacquered aluminum, which encases a dresser constructed of walnut burl exteriors and solid walnut interiors. Each drawer features handmade glides and milled copper pulls. Bright pops of color contrast gorgeously with the rich walnut burl. While the dresser is shown here in both fire engine red and kelly green, you can specify individual finish color and custom size when ordering the dresser.

Khouri Guzman Bunce Limited is made up of David Khouri and Roberto Guzma of design firm Comma, as well as Christiaan Bunce of Girth Design. The three are now the driving force behind KGB Limited, and their new line of handcrafted American furniture can be seen at KGB Limited's new showroom in Chelsea's Gallery District.

Mixing modern design with timeless craftsmanship, KGB Limited uses materials ranging from Pyrex to fumed white oak. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by in person, or peruse all of KGB Limited's gorgeous designs online.

Hit the Online Sales This Labor Day Weekend

Elka Karl — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 09:28:20 PDT

In between the barbecuing, relaxing, and family time this weekend, make sure to take some time to hit up the sales. If you want to avoid the crowds, all of these sales are valid online. Let's get shopping!

West Elm is celebrating with an extra 15 percent off its clearance items.
Bloomingdales' home items are marked down 20 to 65 percent.
Save 25 percent on VivaTerra's eco-friendly furniture.
Save up to 60 percent on Napa Style's Summer items.
Save up to 50 percent on Brocade Home's rugs, chandeliers, furniture, and more.
Save big on everything you need to organize with the Container Store's Happy Organized Home sale.
Save up to 50 percent on outdoor furniture and up to 60 percent on clearance items at Pottery Barn's Labor Day sale.
Many other retailers, including CB2, Macy's, and The Shade Store, are offering 10 percent off their products, with some retailers also offering free shipping.

Where are you shopping this weekend? Share your favorite sale in the comments!

Retro-Styled Credenzas For Your Modern Tech

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:16:55 PDT

You don't have to limit yourself to shopping for a stylish and functional media cabinet at Ikea, Crate and Barrel, or EQ3 - you can get a sweet retro-styled credenza to fit your flat screen TV, video game consoles, and more over on Etsy. Check out a few beauties I found while clicking through the site, and be sure to grab a tissue to mop up the drool from your keyboard.

Zen Out With Lotus-Inspired Décor

CasaSugar — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:00:52 PDT

There is something so special about the graceful shape of the lotus flower. But what's even more beautiful is the story of how the plants grow and develop: out of the muck at the bottom of a river or lake, deep-rooted and gnarled roots develop into an absolutely beautiful flower. The shape of the lotus has long been associated with zen thought and Eastern design. Enjoy these pieces of home décor that pay homage to the lovely lotus!

Pixelate Your Life: Design Ideas For the Home

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 04:21:42 PDT

Pixelated furniture and accessories aren't just for the geek at heart anymore. These days, pixel-inspired home goods are chic, cool, and totally sophisticated. Just look at the examples from Cristian Zuzunaga - not only did he craft that beautiful couch (that I'm still lusting over), but the pixel bag and scarf could jazz up any ole outfit. Now that I mention it, that rug is his, too. He must be the king of pixels, no? Though The Pixel cabinet would look quite chic in my living room, the $23,000 price tag would not. Want something you can buy now to start your pixel trend? The CB2 Pixel Pillow is just $50. Happy shopping!

Cool Idea: Origami Folding Flux Chair

Julia Walsh — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:00:00 PDT

One of my favorite products I discovered at Messe Frankfurt's Ambiente consumer goods trade show in February was the Flux Chair, a weather-proof polypropylene origami chair, which can be used indoors or out. Designed by Dutch industrial designers Douwe Jacobs and Tom Schouten, it folds out from flat to a chair in only 10 seconds. Better yet, it's light as a feather at only 10.6 lbs., but can carry up to 352 lbs. It folds into a rectangular envelope-like shape with a built-in handle, which can be easily transported to the park, the rooftop patio -wherever! When it's not in use, you can hang it on a hook on the wall, slip it upright in a closet, or slide it under a sofa. When stacked, 21 chairs take up only one foot of space.

The chair is available exclusively at Y Living ($199) in eight different color options, including pure white, pebble and anthracite gray, jet black, bright orange, classic red, lemon lime, and ice blue. You can also order a Flux Chair Wall Strap ($75) to make hanging easy and Flux Chair Cushion ($65) for extra comfort.

I'm coveting a few of these for my two-bedroom San Francisco apartment, where space is at a minimum. I currently have four chairs to pull up for a dinner party, but I'd love to be able to fold out a couple when I'm hosting a six-person fête. Better yet, I'd love to bring them to the rooftop when the weather is nice; but, at only 10.6 lbs., I wouldn't leave them there, they might blow away!

Would you like to own a Flux Chair?

Su Casa: A Succulent Table!

Casa Community — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:00:08 PDT

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member simplysofie from the Su Casa group:

Remember those burl wood tables from the '70s? Well, they’re back! I picked one up from a thrift store in the San Fernando Valley for $25. It was left outside amongst some old tools. It had a thick, yellow, shiny varnish that was not cool. So I sanded it and chiseled out a hole for succulents and here it is: ready to party! More ideas on Simply Sofie!

Have you found any great furniture pieces lately? Share your photos with the Su Casa group!

How to Restore an Antique Leather Chair

Julia Walsh — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:43 PDT

Last week I bought this antique leather wing chair at an antique shop in San Francisco. I'm kind of obsessed with it! It has so many amazing features like nailhead trim, turned-wood arms, a ladder back, and of course, tufted leather. Its leather cushion is also worn in and a little cracked, which is the well-loved look that I'd been seeking.

When I bought it, the leather was a little worse for the wear, the nailhead was dusty, and the wooden legs were scratched up. After spending an hour or so sprucing it up, it's looking mighty fine, I must say. If you have a new old leather and wood chair on your hands that could use a pick-me-up, I have some restoration tips for you.
Here's what I did to get my sexy seat into shape:

First, I removed the seat and vacuumed every nook and cranny to get rid of dust and other particles.
Then, I slightly dampened a clean rag and ran it across the surface of the nail head and wooden trim to reach dust the vacuum couldn't. Then I ran a clean, microfiber cloth across the leather to pick up dust on the cushion and tufts.
To restore the wood and conceal scuff marks, I purchased Old English Scratch Cover for Light Wood. To use it, begin by applying the solution on a clean, white rag to the scratches and dents only. When it dries (in only a few minutes), apply the solution to the whole surface of the wood, continuing to add more of the scratch cover to your rag every few swipes. Make sure not to let it touch your rugs, upholstery, or other textiles.
To repair the leather, I picked up Lexol Leather Conditioner, which is revered among furniture refinishers and autobody professionals. It extends the life of the leather by restoring oils and keeping it soft and supple. First, test it in an inconspicuous spot. Then, apply the solution to the entire surface of the leather with a clean cotton rag. Let it be absorbed for about 20 minutes. Then, buff off the solution with another clean rag, and voilà: conditioned as a whistle!

Inspiring Makeovers: 11 Reupholstery Projects That Will Impress You

Elka Karl — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:05:00 PDT

April 22 marks Earth Day, and in anticipation of that most eco of days, I wanted to inspire you with some eco decorating ideas. Going green in your home doesn't just mean using biodegradable cleaners and CFL bulbs; it also means choosing your furniture and accents with some eco factors in mind. One of the most green ways you can go when it comes to furniture is to buy a vintage piece and have it reupholstered - or try your hand at reupholstering things yourself. Check out 11 projects that may just inspire you to try this green decorating technique at your home.