CasaSugar

Cool Idea: a Tablecloth Sans a Skirt

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:00:07 -0700

I recently introduced you to one of my favorite blogs, My Marrakesh, about a family's quest to build an eco chic boutique hotel, called Peacock Pavilions, in Marrakesh. As part of this quest, Maryam, the blogging girl, wanted her hotel's tables, Saarinen tables I might add, "to be, well, pretty." Instead of purchasing traditional round tablecloths or leaving the tables undressed, she designed her own tablecloths, edged with handmade passementarie buttons, because she didn't want "to cover the graceful stems of the Saarinen tables." If that's not sheer brilliance, I don't know what is. One look at the table settings, and I'm already booking my flight, waiting to hear the words, "dinner is served."

Crave Worthy: Nika Zupanc Maid Chair

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:31:12 -0700

I’ve been aching for a certain Lucite chair for a few years now. But, I have to admit that the Nika Zupanc Maid Chair has just surpassed the Phillipe Starck Victoria Ghost Side Chair ($294) as my favorite Polycarbonate seating choice. This beauty is perhaps the offspring of Saarinen and Starck. It’s sexy, fun, well-dressed, and looks good in the living room-much like the French maid it’s inspired by. Plus, for many of us living in a small spaces, the transparent color options of this Maid chair maximize the size of our homes. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the chair is available in stores yet.

Coveted Crib: The Miller House

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:00:53 -0700

While most people associate Indiana with corn fields and basketball, there's amazing modern design to be found in this Midwestern state as well. Take the Miller House in Columbus, IN. Commissioned by J. Irwin Miller, a banker and industrialist, this family home was one of the few private residences designed by Eero Saarinen.

With interior decorating provided by Alexander Girard, and landscaping courtesy of legendary landscape architect Dan Kiley, this home is a stunning example of modern design. While the home has a minimalist, open look, Saarinen made allowances for private space. In the article "Indiana Modern," Martin Fuller notes that "Saarinen 'zoned' the interiors by consigning private functions to self-contained units in the outer corners: widely separated bedroom suites for the owners, their children, and guests, with the kitchen and other services in the fourth quadrant."

To see more photos of this home, and to hear about my favorite aspect of this property, read more.

While I love the interiors, including the gorgeous Alexander Girard-designed upholstery and rugs, my eyes stray to the exterior of the Miller House. The landscape's geometric, room-like trees, paths, and hedges are a perfect echo of the home's design. At the same time, however, the landscaping makes its own strong, beautiful statement. For more photos of this home and to find out what role the Indianapolis Museum of Art plays in this home's future, check out the whole article.

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10 Round Pedestal Tables to Love

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:00:32 -0800

When it comes to side tables, the Saarinen Tulip Side Table (center) is the be-all and end-all for me. The mid-century design can be incorporated into a modern home as easily as a traditional one, and you're just as likely to find it in either. Fifty-two years after its introduction, the design is as beautiful as ever. But my love isn't reserved for the Tulip only. Whether they be the creation of a prominent designer or a chain store like Crate & Barrel, there are plenty of fabulous tables out there to love. So, I've collected nine other gorgeous round pedestal tables that I adore equally. See them when you read more.

Nice and New: Proenza Schouler Womb Chair

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:00:46 -0800

For the past month, Design Within Reach has been running a program called DWR: Limited, where each day a single item, sometimes vintage, sometimes new, is available for purchase or auction, in limited quantities. Tuesday's item up for purchase is a Proenza Schouler Womb Chair and Ottoman ($5,500), available in a quantity of four. The iconic chair, designed in 1948 by Eero Saarinen, has been updated upholstered in a a rich damask textile in a moody dark navy and black palette by Proenza Schouler, called Mepal Midnight, as part of the Fall 2008 line for Knoll Luxe. Not only is it a refreshing re-envisioning of the midcentury design, but it also resonates with Proenza Schouler's concept of "nonchalant luxury." The medium-size Womb chair is not available in Knoll's standard product line, so it's quite the limited edition. Oh, and did I mention that it's utterly stunning?

Inspired: Time For Tweed

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:24 -0700

I passed by the Knoll store this morning and saw a Saarinen Executive Chair upholstered in a rich, wintry tweed sitting in the window. Then, I got my computer up and running and saw this smart J. Crew Wool Tweed Oona Coat ($550). Then it dawned on me: it's Fall. I'm not really one to redecorate with the seasons, but I do like the idea of introducing this textured, graphic material into my home. The DwellStudio Painted Tweed Blush Throw Pillow ($106) is a start; it offers the pattern of tweed without the heavy material. See a few more tweed and tweed-inspired items when you read more.

Coveted Crib: Arty in Cologne

CasaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:00:50 -0700

You'd expect nothing less than inspired décor from an artist, designer, and art director, and that's exactly what you see in Mike Meiré's early 20th-century Cologne apartment. On top of beautiful architectural bones, Meiré has used his German home as a canvas to showcase his contemporary art collection, including work by Rita Ackermann, Lutz Fezer, and Damien Hirst. Pop art brings in color throughout, and iconic designs by famous names (Jasper Morrison, Eero Saarinen, Piero Lissoni) give the place a sense of idolism. But the place isn't a museum either, this coveted crib has an eclectic spirit and a heart, with exotic pieces collected on worldly trips, family photos, and everyday items (like ladder) used in peculiar, artistic ways. Take the full tour when you read more.

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Desire/Acquire: Philippe Starck's Miss K Table Lamp

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0700

If I were to purchase every Philippe Starck design I've fallen for, I'd be bankrupt - in a killer house. I already do a good enough job spending money I don't have without the French superstar's help, so really there's got to be an easier way to achieve his design style. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I doubt Starck would mind if I snatched up a stylish red lamp inspired by his Miss K Table Lamp ($360, on sale for $288). Right? I've got my eye on a great knockoff with a similar Saarinen-shape base and streamlined shade. See it when you read more.

No, maybe the IKEA Lampan ($5) isn't made of the token Lucite Starck's known for (it's made of plastic). But for five bucks and a near replica in both shape and color, I'd choose it any day.

Get the Look: Brad Ford's Lovely Lime Living Room

CasaSugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:00:17 -0700

I'm still swooning over this living room designed by New York-based interior designer Brad Ford. It's light and airy, comfortable, great for entertaining, and well-balanced. There's also a good mix of eras here: the Saarinen side table and swivel head floor lamp are very midcentury, while the quilted white leather ottomans and exposed metal legged sofa are undoubtedly contemporary. As for color, white and lime green are the primary hues here, but touches of pink, blue, and brown give it depth. Learn how to recreate this room when you read more.

Chace Crawford Loves Philippe Starck

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:00:43 -0700

Now that Chace Crawford has moved out of the Chelsea apartment he shared with Gossip Girl costar Ed Westwick, he's on to bigger and better things. The place he now calls home is a penthouse rental in the hip and exclusive Financial District building Dwell95, which was outfitted head-to-toe by French superstar designer Philippe Starck. The urban sanctuary is part of the yoo by Starck international development project and houses studios, lofts, and one and two bedrooms in two styles: "classic" and "nature." The former is not your average traditional style but is quintessentially Starck, infused with his brand of chic modernity and bathed in rich wood cabinetry and limestone countertops. The latter takes a lighter note with earth tones, organic materials, and natural light oak. Want to take a peek at Chace's new home and hear about the design? Then read more.

As you might expect, the fully-furnished suites are dripping in Starck-designed fixtures and products, from his arachnid-like Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer for Alessi to his Miss K Table Lamp. But Starck's also shown some love for his contemporaries, including realist accessories designer Harry Allen, as well as design innovators Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen. Nate Archibald might prefer the Upper East Side, but I think these digs are right up Crawford's alley. Think you could get used to this? Rates for the furnished suites start at $5,100/month.

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Turned Wood Pedestal Table - High Gloss White - $249.00	Silhouette Pedestal Side Table - Coffee - $129.00
Pedestal Salvaged Wood Round Table - $1,795.00	Turned Wood Pedestal Table - High Gloss Black - $249.00
Ully Low Pedestal Table - $269.00	Maxine Pedestal Table - $699.00
Emma Bedside Table - $199.00	Monroe 48" Round Dining Table - $999.00
Artek - pedestal tables P90B - P90C by ben af schulten for artek - $1,420.00	Saarinen Side Table - $560.00

Ashfield Neutral Accent Rugs - $49.99	Joe Chair - $149.00
Park Avenue Settee - $3,999.00	XO - 'couture' chair by philippe starck for xo - $440.00
Carter Sectional, Sofa, & Chair by Gus Modern - $1,050.00	"Whitney" Tweed Headboard - $1,759.00
Rattan Dining Table & Gray Tweed Seats - $1,099.00	Blissliving Home Callum Bolster - $50.00
Tweed Drop-Front Shoe Box - $17.99	Painted Tweed Pillow - Cobalt - $150.00
Adrianna - $74.99	Bedford Hunt Suede-Trim Sham - $129.99
Adriana Tweed Sham - $119.99

Arlington Sofa - $1,599.00	Balanced Design - Flannel/Felt Color Block Pillow - $140.00
Patent Leather Cube - White - $169.00	Enzo Lamp - $398.00
Christopher Marley Shell Artwork - $450.00	Saarinen Side Table - $560.00
Green Tea Bamboo Bowl (18x7.5-in.) by Front of the House - $39.95	CLOSEOUT! Martha Stewart Collection "Chenille" Throw - $100.00
Kanist Vase - $7.99	Arielle Love Seat: Custom Colors - $1,499.00
Arielle Chaise: Custom Colors - $1,399.00	Blissliving Home Poppy Field Pillow - $75.00
Framed Letterpress Bird Prints, Set of 2 - $229.00	Wool Shag Rug in Select Sizes - $595.00
5'x7' Wool/Cotton Shag Rug, Natural - $229.00