CasaSugar

Su Casa: Whittle03's New Apartment

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:30:34 -0800

Su Casa member Whittle03 and her boyfriend just moved to a new apartment near downtown Boston, and although her interior design work is not complete, things are looking great! A successful cohabitation is always a difficult balance when it comes to design, but Whittle03 sounds like she has it under control. She says, "Love is all about compromise. I hate leather, but my boyfriend loves it. So, I tried to find something more streamlined." Clearly, in this living room she's balanced a leather sofa, chair, and storage ottoman with other textiles on her cushions, throw, and silk lamps shades. I think her living room manages not to look overly feminine or masculine. And, although it certainly looks like a cozy lounging spot, it is also quite polished and neat. To see more of her home, read more.

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Roundup: American-Bred Design

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:00:23 -0800

I wanted to find an appropriate way to celebrate inauguration day here on CasaSugar without pushing red, white, and blue items at you or suggesting you buy Obama-inspired artwork. I know you don't want your homes looking like a Fourth of July parade, and you may not be interested in political figure art, or President-elect Barack Obama, for that matter. So, I thought I'd round up some work by a few of my favorite American designers. It might surprise you how many classic, iconic designs were born and raised right here in the US of A. For instance, the Cherner Arm Chair ($959), which was a recent Crave Worthy of mine, has "Danish modern" written all over it. But in fact, Norman Cherner was an American who studied and taught at Columbia University, was an instructor at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and designed for a Massachusetts-based manufacturing company! Check out the rest of my American-bred design finds when you read more.

Casa Shops: Beehive Kitchenware Company

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:30:47 -0700

While Beehive Kitchenware Company does make measuring cups and lemon juicers, their range of fanciful metal accents ensures that you can use them in any room of your home. I have my eyes on Beehive's Paisley Hooks ($27) myself, though there are plenty of other pieces that have enchanted me. The company, which is located in Massachusetts, is owned and operated by Jim Dowd and Sandra Bonazoli. The metalworkers' collaborative work has been exhibited at the Museum of Arts & Design.

Jim and Sandra's work has been featured everywhere from Gourmet to Architectural Digest. They were first influenced to create their metal home accents after seeing how beautiful antique kitchen items were. With the goal of melding form with function, they started their line of products. Birds and bees are a repeating motif in the company's metalwork, as are delicate petaled flowers. You can order these products online, or find them at a local retailer.

To see images of the products, and to hear about the company's environmental commitment, read more.

Beehive notes that, as part of their environmental policy,

We use only recycled paper in our office and recycle all our paper, junk mail, and cardboard (no small feat!). Our packing peanuts are made from bio-degradable material. Our products come in boxes that are made from recycled, unbleached paper, and are most often nestled in a natural, compostable material. There is very little in the manufacture of our products that creates waste: any reject castings get re-melted, and we recycle every bit of our scrap metals. And of course all of our pewter is lead-free, without any electroplating, to protect the health of our water.

The company also only works with local and national suppliers to cut down on their carbon footprint. While these items are definitely not "needs" for a home, they will complete a home's look and add a whimsical, beautiful touch to any room. I like to think of Beehive's products as things that you might not necessarily buy for yourself, but would be on the top of your list for thank-you gifts for your favorite friends and family.

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How-To: Reduce Winter Heating Bills

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:30:51 -0700

Recently, heating expert Chris Cooper shared some advice for thrifty Winter heating. He's back, with some hints on how to cut your heating bills or to assist other families with their high heating bills. Chris notes that, "Research compiled by the National Fuel Funds Network proves that fuel poverty leads to 'heat or eat' situations, [where] families strive in vain for a safe balance between paying for food and paying for energy."

To find out how you can help out, or find assistance with your heating costs, read more.

The Low-Income Housing and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of the most effective programs in the battle against fuel poverty in the US. Since 1981, LIHEAP has provided funding to heat homes through the cold stretch from October to March, but officials there indicate that they only reach 20 percent of the population that requests their services. $5.1 billion is allocated to LIHEAP for Winter 08-09.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) addresses the fuel poverty problem from the pragmatic perspective of home conditioning, offering funds to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their property. During the last 30 years, they have served 5.6 million low-income families.
In addition to the help that federal programs provide, there are numerous organizations within close proximity of any community that reach out to Americans in need. Look for a Salvation Army, an American Red Cross, or a local advocacy center in your town or city. If you can, donate warm bedding, coats, scarves, gloves, and mittens to local community assistance organizations.
Most local electric companies offer assistance programs to their customers. The Upper Peninsula Power Company in Michigan, for example, offers a Winter Protection Plan that assures eligible elderly and low-income customers will not have their power turned off between Nov. 1 and March 31. In Massachusetts, local electric providers throughout the state contribute to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund which helps people who do not qualify for state or federal programs. Electric consumers can also contribute to the fund through donations sent in with their monthly payments.
You can engage public officials in your area regarding regional and state programs that promote affordable warmth. LIHEAP distributes a newsletter that keeps citizens informed about ways to lobby and support their campaign. The National Fuel Funds Network is organizing a Day of Action in Washington DC on Feb. 10, 2009.
Participate in home winterization initiatives in your neighborhood. Participating in initiatives that improve insulation, heating options, and living conditions for a variety of people may be the sort of grass roots movement that could reverse the terrible reality of fuel poverty in the United States.

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Artist of the Day: Jennifer Skoropowski

CasaSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:00:46 -0800

Jennifer Skoropowski (a.k.a. Jenn Ski) is a Somerville, Massachusetts based artist who makes one-of-a-kind hand-painted panels with paper and acrylic, and giclée prints of her digital art. She received a B.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Massachusetts, and worked for years as a graphic designer. This year, though, she waded into trepid waters by dedicating herself full-time to getting her website and shop off the ground and running. She also has an Etsy shop and keeps up with her own blog, which showcases her interest in all things retro and modern.

Jenn's artwork, which for the most part involves an abstract series of orbs, spheres, and other irregular shapes in somewhat subdued tones, is undeniably and admittedly retro. Not surprisingly, Jenn claims to have "a passion for modern and mid-20th century art and design." What I find interesting about her work is that in spite of the asymmetry of her shapes, her work is overwhelmingly smooth, restrained, and polished. It makes you wonder why she chooses to place one lone dot just slightly off-center.

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Crave Worthy: Gold-Leafed Hand-Carved Mirror With Birds

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:00:33 -0700

I thought I was over faux bois mirrors, but then some sweet little birdies chirped when I came upon this beautiful Gold-Leafed Hand-Carved Mirror (inquire for price), making me fall for them all over again. This gilt wood mirror from the late 20th century was carved by the Carvers Guild of Massachusetts, a company run by a couple recognized for their old-world craftsmanship and exceptional design. The Carver's Guild began in 1970 but they could have fooled me: this hand-carved mirror looks like it dates back to Colonial Williamsburg. It's nice to see that some designs transcend time.

Ask Casa: Can I Tour a Green Home in Boston?

CasaSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:39:06 -0800

Hey CasaSugar,

Thanks for the informative green-living articles. I love being able to find information like that. You mentioned that if anyone was interested in touring a green home, to let you know. Well, I'm interested!!

I live just outside of Boston, and I wouldn't be surprised if there is a green home open for public viewing and what not. But I'm not sure. Could you possibly direct me to a great place? If there is one? Thanks again!

Thanks,
Peachy/Peaches

Dear Peachy,

I was able to track down a number of great options for you in the Boston area.

To see the rest of my response, just read more.

You can tour Nexus, a green living and green building showcase in Boston.
You can check out the Going Green Expo on February 2nd and 3rd.
Go take a look at Rollins Square.
Green Homes Northeast is another great resource.
Sage Farm is a solar home in Concord, Massachusetts.

I hope this list helps you find a great home to tour! Do any Bostonians have additional suggestions?

Yours,
Casa

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Designer Spotlight: Kelly Wearstler

CasaSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:04:00 -0800

Kelly Wearstler was recognized as one of the best interior designers by House Beautiful and one of the world's top tastemakers by the now deceased House & Garden. She was raised in South Carolina, and received her BFA from Massachusetts College of Art, and later founded her own interior design firm, Kelly Wearstler Inc. She is well known for her mod-baroque, Hollywood Regency-revival commercial interiors, such as the Viceroy Hotels in Palm Springs and Santa Monica, but also boasts a bustling portfolio of office, retail, restaurant, and residential work. Her book Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style was published in 2004, and Domicilium Decoratus in 2005. She has also appeared on Bravo's interior design show, Top Design, as a judge. This Fall, she opened her own boutique in Bergdorf Goodman, showcasing a range of decorative home accessories. In the next two years, she also has plans to debut her own collections of home furnishings for The Rug Company, Groundworks at Lee Jofa, and Cole & Son. Check out the gallery below to see some of her projects.

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This Just In: MIT Sues Frank Gehry

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:47:15 -0800

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has has filed a negligence suit against famed architect Frank Gehry for serious design flaws in the Stata Center, a campus building holding labs, offices, classrooms, and meeting rooms. MIT paid Gehry $15 million to design the building, which was completed in 2004, and spent $300 million to build it. The school alleges the flaws in Gehry's design have caused leaks, drainage problems, and mold growing on its brick exterior.

According to Gehry: "You never quite know where they went wrong. A building goes together with seven billion pieces of connective tissue. The chances of it getting done ever without something colliding or some misstep are small." The Stata Center’s builder, Skanska USA Building Inc., is also a defendant in the case, but Paul Hewins, executive vice president and area general manager of the company, told The Globe: “This is not a construction issue. Never has been.”
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Vitra Nelson Ball Clock Multicolored - $335.00	david mocarski Libre Curved Corner Component - Fabric - $1,500.00
Vitra wooden dolls by alexander girard - $160.00	Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman - $3,599.00
Chilewich - 'stix' print pattern tablemats by chilewich - $14.00	The Cherner Chair Company cherner arm chair - $959.00
Chadwick Task Chair By Knoll - $638.00	john caldwell Silver Collection Bar Table - $1,350.00
Theatre Armchair - Ultrasuede - $1,980.00	jeffrey bernett Flight Recliner - Fabric 2 - $2,600.00
Angela Adams Canopy Indigo 5x8 Wool Rug - $840.00	Acme Studios -playhouse series by frank lloyd wright for acme studios - $14.00
david rowland 40/4 Stacking Metal Chair - $195.00