CasaSugar

The Best Design Shows in 2011 - Which One is Your Favorite?

CasaSugar — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:30:42 PST

In addition to devouring glossies and the web, we design lovers also get our fix from the countless television shows that revolve around the world of interiors. Whether it's in the form of a contest, talk show, or docu-series, we seem to love them all. Or do we? I've rounded up a handful of design-related shows that piqued the interest of decorating enthusiasts in 2011. I want to know which shows you looked forward to tuning into the most. So, browse this gallery for a refresher and vote for your favorite!

Sneak Peek: Emily Henderson Chats About Tonight's Episode of HGTV'd

Elka Karl — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 10:15:38 PDT

Emily Henderson is one of my personal favorite designing ladies for many reasons - two of those being that she's got a great eye and possesses an immediately recognizable, very cool personal style. Plus, you can just tell that she's a really nice person. All of those qualities will jump out at HGTV viewers who tune in tonight to watch HGTV'd.

On this episode, Emily tackles the lackluster, cluttered family room of Steve and John, proud dads of two adopted sons. Their attic-level multipurpose room definitely has potential, but in its current state, it's a jumble of kids' toys, media devices, and old furniture. Luckily, Emily's the perfect person to tackle all of these issues. Check out some behind-the-scenes and reveal photos from the project, and hear what Emily has to say about the experience of designing for HGTV'd.

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. to watch the entire transformation!

Who Are You Rooting For to Win Design Star?

Elka Karl — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:53:21 PDT

Last week's elimination of Mark had many Design Star contestants up in arms - he was an audience favorite, but his designs for the Small House challenge admittedly fell far short of the mark. This means that Karl and Meg are the last two designers vying for their own show. Who's your favorite: Meg, the camera-ready designer with the vibrant designs, or Karl, the architect who makes great use of space?

Tell me why you think Meg should win, or why you favor Karl. And what did you think of the season overall? Were the designers on this season of Design Star better than last year? What did you think of the different format, with David Bromstad as the mentor?

Source

Sneak Peek: Preview Saturday Night's Episode of Home by Novogratz

Elka Karl — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:00:11 PDT

Are you tuning in for the next episode of Home by Novogratz this Saturday? If you do, you'll get to check out a fab 2,000-square-foot penthouse apartment owned by a young couple who've done virtually nothing with the space. Of course, Cortney and Bob Novogratz are the perfect remedy to boring white walls. On a small budget, the couple introduces pops of color, cool art, an array of accessories, a fireplace tower and spectacular lighting to the home. Take a peek, and don't forget to tune in on Saturday at 10/9 CDT for the next episode of Home by Novogratz!

Photos by Matthew Williams

Sneak Peek: Preview of Tomorrow Night's Episode of Home by Novogratz

Elka Karl — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:30:17 PDT

If you tuned in last Saturday to see Home by Novogratz, you know that the Bob and Cortney are creating decorating magic on their new HGTV show. This Saturday, the couple create a multipurpose family room perfect for a family's three kids - and their parents. Cortney and Robert take their city-chic design chops to the Everett family home in suburban New Jersey to renovate a basement divided into a playroom for the kids and a home theater and entertainment area for the parents. Check out this preview for a few images from tomorrow night's episode. There are some great ideas for kids, but I'm sharing the more mature decorating ideas with you today. Tune in to HGTV at 10/9 CDT tomorrow night for all of the details!

Portrait by Tim Geaney

The Novogratzes Share Design Ideas and Dish About Their New Show!

Elka Karl — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:00:23 PDT

I was lucky enough to catch a screening of the new HGTV series Home by Novogratz a month ago. (Spoiler alert: you're going to love it.). Starring Rob and Cortney Novogratz, with appearances from their seven children as well, the new show focuses on deserving renovation projects that are actually within most homeowners' budgets. Premiering this Saturday on HGTV, it's a must-see show for those of you looking for unique and beautiful decorating ideas that are budget friendly. The busy couple recently pulled together some images from their portfolio, including some from the upcoming show, to share with CasaSugar readers. Take a look at some truly beautiful designs and read Rob and Cortney Novogratz's thoughts on each.

DIY a Mural With Tape

Elka Karl — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:28:06 PDT

Last night on the premiere of Design Star, the contestants were challenged to make over their penthouse rooms. There were definitely highlights in each room, but I was most impressed by Kellie and Karl’s bonus room, which showed the designers' innovative use of odd spaces and ability to create custom focal points on a small budget. I especially loved Karl's tree mural wall, which he painted in two beautiful blues. The designers' use of contrasting yellow in the furniture and accents really made the wall pop. Karl created this wall by using blue painter's tape - definitely an economical way to make a major impact in a space. You could easily do the same on a wall in your home. Just make sure to firmly press down the tape's edges to create a crisp line. Have you tried to do a similar mural with tape? How did it turn out?

Did you miss last night's episode? Watch it online now!

My Favorite Decorating Ideas From Design Star's New Contestants!

Elka Karl — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:00:14 PDT

Tonight marks the premiere of Design Star season six. Will you be tuning in to HGTV tonight to check out the new season, as I will? If you're curious about this latest crop of designers, check out this introduction to the 12 designers, along with one of my favorite designs from each. Then head over to HGTV to preview tonight's episode!

Read More About the Novogratz's Inspiration, New Line, and Designing With Kids

Elka Karl — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:00:31 PDT

Earlier today, I shared the first part of my interview with Rob and Cortney Novogratz. You can catch up on some of the highlights from their new show Home by Novogratz in the first part of the interview as well as design news and inspiration from the couple. With the premiere of Home by Novogratz on HGTV next month, their new hotel design, a new line of home accessories and goods, and numerous residential projects, it's amazing the couple had time to sit down and respond to my interview questions. See what they have to say about their new line, inspiration from their kids, and more in the second half of my interview with them.

CasaSugar: How did you decide which items to include in your new line, Novogratz?

Rob and Cortney Novogratz: We wanted to go for things that we want to use ourselves, like accessories, paints, rugs. We created the products, because we felt that we couldn’t find exactly what we wanted in so many areas, and now we will be able to have products that reflect our very specific point of view, and we think lots of people will like them as well.

CS: What’s one of your favorite pieces from your new line?

R&C: Oh no, we can’t choose. That’s like saying you like one child better than the other. We love them all!

CS: What was one of the most challenging projects you’ve worked on in the past year?R&C: Maybe the school makeover that we did with Bounty in Orlando, FL, (seen below). The school had not been updated since the 1970s, and it really needed work. It was difficult, but also one of the most rewarding things we have ever done.

CS: What materials are you working with at the moment that are inspiring you?

R&C: Oh we are seriously into patterns, graphic wallpaper, cool rugs, lots of color.

CS: What artists have you discovered lately that you’re loving?

R&C: There are so many. We find new artists that we love every day. We used Matt Siren in one of our projects, and his art was very cool, and we found a Paco Rabanne piece for a recent project, something classic and something totally edgy. With a lot of interesting art in between. We are constantly inspired - and on the hunt for a new discovery!

CS: What design lessons have you learned from your kids?

R&C: So many. Their point of view is always so helpful, the way they see things informs us so much. Not only about design but about life. Kids keep you young and challenge your perceptions, and inject a lot of love and whimsy into your life and work.

Get Ready to Get HGTV'd!

Sponsor — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:49 PDT

To all the home renovation junkies out there, get ready for a new show that's sure to become your must-see hour of the week - HGTV'd! Each episode will highlight a different HGTV star and a family in need of a home makeover. Tune in with amazement as these talented designers travel across the country in an 18-wheeler and arrive at the home of a surprised viewer to start the over-the-top transformation of their home. These makeovers are sure to impress so tune in June 6, 9/8c for the series premiere!

To get you even more pumped for premiere day, get a sneak peek of some before and afters here. Enjoy!