CasaSugar

Room Therapy: Help Me Choose Paint Colors!

Casa Community — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:14 -0800

Just in time for Color Theory month, Hvenbnd needs your help in choosing colors for her home! Read on to find out what she's looking for. Hi CasaSugar Readers,

I need your help ASAP! I recently experienced some water damage to my 1942 custom bungalow. As a result the wonderful insurance company has come through and has agreed to re-install new hardwood floors in my dining room and living room, paint the entire kitchen (including cabinets) laundry room, dining room, living room and to install a new kitchen floor.

My problem is choosing paint color for my rooms! I am so overwhelmed with all the options I have been researching. We are eclectic in our tastes, and have mixed antiques and modern midcentury pieces in our home. I collect Shag prints, which are bold and bright with lots of oranges and greens. I also collect tikis but hate the beachy thing. My husband is an airbrush artist and tends toward bold deep color.

For more pictures of this reader's home, and to hear more about what she's looking for,
Now, the house: We have 8 foot ceilings in the living area and dining area with coved ceilings and curved walls. I am installing recessed lighting in all three rooms. The red kitchen island that sits in the dining room in the pictures obviously belongs in the kitchen and will be painted as well. The house has lots of nooks and crannies and built in cabinets and bookcases. Can you help me pick some amazing paint colors? I will post the finished result for your viewing pleasure!

P.S. I am looking for a chesterfield sofa for the living room in what I envision to be olive green leather. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!
Hvenbnd

Do you have advice for Hvenbnd? Leave a comment! Have interesting photos of your home to share? Then post them in the Su Casa group.

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Room Therapy: Has Anyone Used Rust-Oleum on Their Counters?

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:19 -0700

Dear Casa,

I just recently moved into a house and am excited about making it "my own." The problem is I'm broke. The house is old and I've already made peace with the fact that I'm going to have to live with some things (such as the horrendous '70s-era orange countertops in the kitchen) for the next few years until I can afford to replace them. But then today, while researching inexpensive options for refinishing my tacky gold light fixtures, I stumbled across this, a paint made just for countertops! Can it be?!

The product claims to be simple and effective (and the video-demo shows this to be true, ha) but it sounds suspiciously too good to be true. I do not want to get my hopes up if this product is really just crap. I was wondering if you knew anyone that had used this product with success or if I'm headed towards a horror story?

Thanks!

Rainey

To see my suggestions, and to leave comments, read more.

Hi Rainey,

I haven't personally tried this product, but I found this blog post from a homeowner who used this product on her counters. The results, at least from this picture, look great, and she says she's very happy with the results.

However, on the blog Tattered Hydrangeas, multiple readers commented that the paint doesn't hold up well at all. Perhaps if you used a sealant on it, it would be more wear-resistant. However, these users seem to think that one should proceed with caution.

Has anyone else used this product? Have you tried to paint your countertops with other products? What were your results? Leave your thoughts about the experience in the comments.

Good luck!
Casa

Room Therapy: Easy Fixes For an Outdated Kitchen

CasaSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:00:16 -0700

Hi CasaSugar Readers,

My husband and I are purchasing our first home, and I would love suggestions on how to "refresh" the kitchen and bathroom. In the end, we're going to only have probably $2,000 (max) to spend on both spaces.
In the kitchen, I'm thinking of painting the cabinets, and the countertops (has anyone done countertops painting?). What do you guys think of that idea? Does anyone have a better idea than that? I'm rather desperate. And it's going to be a few years or so, since hub and I have to save up to complete the reno, so I really want it to be a nice, decent and comfortable place for me to cook, since I love to cook.

P.S. I like muted and neutral colors usually. My appliances most likely will be white.

Thanks in advance!
Nevaeh1978

Do you have any great ideas for Nevaeh? Leave them after the jump!

Room Therapy: An Outdoor Rug For My Patio

CasaSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:00:02 -0700

Su Casa member Kimpossible recently bought a new outdoor living set for her back patio from Walmart. It's a great set, with such warm colors, ideal for Summer entertaining. She says, "I have plans to either buy an outdoor rug for the set or paint one on the concrete if I can't find one reasonably priced."
While I love her creative concept of painting a rug onto the concrete, I'm wary of it. Any mistake made (we're all human) would be a permanent one, and if she decided to move the set to a different area, or even get different cushions, she could be left with a painted rug in the wrong place or with the wrong colors. So, I took it upon myself to hunt down some coordinating outdoor rugs for Kimpossible. To see my finds, read more.

What do you think of my finds? Do you know of other outdoor rugs Kimpossible might like? Share your finds in the comments!

Room Therapy: Any Suggestions For My New Studio?

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:15:09 -0800

Dear CasaSugar,

My application for my new apartment was approved, a down payment made, and now the apartment is officially all mine. I'm so excited, and can't wait to move in. My biggest concern was finding an affordable studio with as much space as the one I currently live in, and after much searching I found it. There is a large main room, which is the bedroom and living area. The kitchen is in a separate space, as well as the walk-in closet area, and the bathroom. I'd love it if other CasaSugar readers could offer me suggestions on maximizing the space, window treatments, and decor for my apartment.

Thanks!

Tiaramh

To leave a suggestion for Tiara, and to hear my advice, read more.

Hi Tiaramh,

Congrats on the new apartment! It's always exciting when you find the perfect spot, and I'm sure your cute pooch Coco is going to love your pad as well. My suggestion is to check out my posts on studios. There, you'll find petite furniture suggestions, featured projects and ideas from other studio dwellers, and smart ways to maximize your space.

Anyone else have suggestions for Taramh?

Congrats on your new flat!
Casa

Source

Room Therapy: I Need Help With This Stair Railing!

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:30:35 -0700

Hi CasaSugar,

I moved into a new apartment seven months ago, and for the life of me I can't figure out what to do with this entry railing. When you enter our front door, you are greeted by a staircase that goes downstairs to our roommate's room. The staircase has this trough-like railing . . . and I have no idea what to fill it with. I don't care for fake plants, which is what I believe was its original purpose when it was built in the '60s.
For reference: the trough is barely too small to hold the width of a CD, but it wouldn't make sense to have a small collection of CDs and DVDs right by the front door. What on earth would fit in there?? Or should I cover it somehow? Any ideas from you or anyone else would be much appreciated . . .

Thanks,
Details

To see my ideas, and to add some of your own, read more.

Hi Details,

What a conundrum! My first suggestion is to try a modern take on this railing's original purpose. First, buy a bunch of small earthenware or ceramic planters that will fit in the space. My suggestion for a cheap one is the Billig, which is only $.49 for each white, earthenware pot. Since the pot is only four inches tall, though, if you decide to use this one, I would have a piece of wood cut that will raise the depth of the box by at least an inch. Then, choose low-light house plants and fill every other pot with a plant. Use the empty pots for key storage, mail, or other front-door, small-item needs.

Anyone else have other suggestions? Leave them in the comments.

Good luck,
Casa

Room Therapy: Mixing Styles With Success

CasaSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:45:35 -0700

Hi, Casa!

A friend and I are moving into an apartment together, and we're facing the challenge of decorating and furnishing it. We'd both like to figure out how we can mix vintage, Ikea, and new decorations and furnishings and still make things look good. We have a color palette picked (light green, white, light gray, hints of yellow, and light wood). Any ideas or tips you could give would be great! Thanks!

Tee0206

To see my suggestion, and to leave a suggestion of your own, read more.

Hi Tee,

My house is definitely furnished and decorated with an eclectic mix of pieces as well (we have Ikea chairs around a beautiful, expensive Parsons table, for instance), and I think that most enthusiastic home designers use this same strategy.

I also love the color palette you and your friend are using in your new home. It seems like it will be simultaneously cheerful and meditative, which is a nice combination.

I'm going to direct you to three books that I think are really helpful in mixing styles. The first, though meant for couples, also works great for housemates. The Nest Home Design Handbook has great advice for mixing styles, as well as ways to balance two people's ideas on style and home layout.

Another great resource is written by one of my favorite interior stylists, Selina Lake. Bazaar Style is the perfect inspiration for integrating thrift store finds and flea market furniture into your home. Combine Lake's advice with the inspiration and ideas offered in Found Style, and you'll be well on your way to sorting out your and your friend's combined styles.

Cheers,
Casa

Anyone else have advice for Tee?

Source and Source

Room Therapy: Help Me Make My Bedroom More Livable!

CasaSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:15:01 -0700

Hi Casa,

I'm a student who recently moved into a huge four-bedroom apartment with four other girls. We converted a den into a bedroom, which also means that my room opens into the sunroom. While there is a lot of space, there isn't closet space anywhere. I have questions about making this space more liveable.

How do I get hanging space on the cheap? I only have one more year of school to go! And don't want to spend too much money.
I inherited a really old bed (no headboard) and was wondering what's an easy/cheap way to make it look nicer?
The sunroom has huge windows that overlook the street. I love the sunlight but the lack of privacy makes me nervous especially since it's on the first floor. Any way can I create some privacy while still maintaining sunlight?
Thanks!
Princessjaslew

To see my suggestions, and to leave suggestions of your own, read more.

Hi Princessjaslew,

Back in my college days, I once lived in a house with six, yes, count them, six roommates, in a house where the laundry room was converted into a bedroom, so I sympathize. I think that most college students have had to deal with similar issues to yours, and even if my suggestions aren't perfect, other Casa readers will provide you with a wealth of ideas for your space.

Let's look at solutions for each of your issues:
- Hanging Clothes: Since you're in school and want to spend as little cash as possible, I recommend buying a couple Riggas ($19.99) from Ikea. My sister would use them at her sewing studio to hang up clothes she made, and while they're pretty bare bones, they will do the job. You can always spring for a more expensive wardrobe unit that has a space for hanging clothes, but for a college student on a budget, the Rigga is a good choice.
- Sprucing Up Your Bed: Start with beautiful linens that reflect your style, and some fluffy, comfortable pillows with matching or coordinating shams. In place of a headboard, try painting a trompe l'œil headboard. One of the Su Casa members also created an awesome illusion of a headboard using curtains. Framing pretty photos in matching frames and arranging them above your bed (as long as you don't live in an earthquake-prone region) is also an easy, cheap option.
- Privacy and Sunlight: When I lived in my college rental, we turned the second living room area in our Victorian apartment into a bedroom simply by hanging floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains in the open, eight-foot space between the two rooms. Would this work as an option for you? That way you can keep the sunroom cheerful and bright, and you can also choose to open the curtains when you want to welcome some sunshine into your bedroom, and then close them again for privacy. Otherwise, a combination of pull-down shades and a more light, pretty curtain could be used in the sunroom itself, with the same idea of using both for privacy and one for letting the sunshine in.

Room Therapy: How Can I Revamp This Headboard?

CasaSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:00:34 -0700

Hi Casa!

So, I've just been given this Ikea bed, and it completely doesn't work with my style or my apartment. It was free though, so i couldn't turn it down. I'd love to do something creative to cover up the metal headboard, as my style is more bohemian florals than industrial minimalism! I'm looking for some inspirations...any suggestions?

Thanks!
Northbeachalex

To see my suggestion, and to leave a suggestion of your own, read more.

Hi Northbeachalex,

My first thought is to paint or powdercoat the frame in a more cheerful color. This would take away a lot of the mimimalist tone of the headboard, without too much trouble or monetary output on your part. In fact, I think it would add a fun, modern chinoiserie touch to the room, if done in the right color. Another idea is to create a fabric panel that could fit over the headboard. This would definitely require some sewing skills though, and might prove to be expensive if you chose to have an upholsterer attempt the project. However, if you're up for the task and in need of some inspiration, check out this Flickr set, which I tracked down through Ikea Hacker.

Let me know if this helps!
Casa

Do you have a suggestion for Northbeachalex? Leave a comment below!

Ask a Professional: I Need a New Ceiling Lamp!

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:30:24 -0700

Hi Casa,

I'm in desperate need of help. I'm redecorating my living room and need to find a cool ceiling lamp fixture. There is one annoying condition: the lamp has to have a pull cord because the fixture is not attached to a light switch. I'm really loving the French/modern look right now. Any recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Chi

For this question, I consulted Jeff Smith, who owns and operates EarthFirst Electric, an environmentally conscious electrical company in San Francisco. To see his answer, read more.

Hi Chi,

Yes, there is an option for you! There are wireless switches that can control your fixture. It would be to your advantage to choose a fixture that has a fair amount of canopy space - i.e. the part of the fixture that covers the ceiling. Ideally, it works well if you have enough space that you could fit a deck of cards between the fixture canopy and the wire junction box in the ceiling (the box that holds the wires for the fixture). The box in the ceiling receives a radio frequency signal from the wireless switch, eliminating the need for the pull cord. Wireless switches range in price from 50-200 dollars. The more expensive ones allow for dimming capacity.

If you're based in the SF Bay Area, you can contact me for more information.

Good luck,

Jeff

Thanks for the information, Jeff! To add my two cents, Chi, I've found some pretty pendant lamps and ceiling fixtures that might just work for your style, and here's one of those wireless fixtures that Jeff mentioned. I hope these help. I chose some fixtures that were in the French/modern category, and others that would be the easiest, and most practical, to implement if you follow Jeff's smart advice. There are other pendants that would need some rewiring in order to accommodate them, but luckily you have an electrician who already knows your issue, and who's on the job!

Source

Tapestry Bordered Outdoor Rug - $79.00	Liora Manne "Terrace" Indoor/Outdoor 1717/24 Medallion Terracotta Area Rug - $69.00
CLOSEOUT! MANUFACTURER'S CLOSEOUT! Safavieh "Simple Care" Indoor/Outdoor EZC427D Red Area Rug, 6' x 9' - $839.00	Soleil Orange Lattice Outdoor Rug - $79.99
CLOSEOUT! MANUFACTURER'S CLOSEOUT! Safavieh "Courtyard" Indoor/Outdoor CY2714 Natural/Brown Area Rug, 6' 7" Round - $469.00	Outdoor Coral Rug - $325.00
Customized St. Tropez Indoor/Outdoor Rugs -Pattern - $129.00	Herringbone Outdoor Rug - $79.00
Zigzag Outdoor Rug - $399.00	Striped Braided Indoor/Outdoor Rug - $65.00
Safavieh "Courtyard" Indoor/Outdoor CY2098-3201Beige / Orange Area Rug, 6' 7" x 9' 6" - $519.00

Crystal Flower Ceiling Fixture - $300.00	Innermost Peony Shade - $120.00
Abby Ceiling Fixture - $299.00	Bowman Flushmount - $89.00
Ceiling Drum Clip Shade - $39.00	Scalloped Medici Clip-On Shade - $39.00
Scalloped Linen Clip-On Shade - $39.00	Galbraith & Paul - Large Funnel Pendants - $480.00
Ceiling Fixture - $525.00	Verde Pendant Lamp - $168.00
Roost Crochet Pendant Lamps - $190.00	Lights Up! Meridian Jumbo Pendant Lamps - $590.00
Mibo Rhosilli Dark Large Table or Pendant Shade - $116.00	Artecnica Midsummer Light - $84.00