CasaSugar

TeamSugar Challenge: Show Off Your Casa!

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:35:51 -0700

Inspired by last week's Casa Craving challenge to find great dorm room digs, TeamSugar is hosting her own contest centered on what comes after the dorm. If you've recently graduated from a dorm room to a high-style pad, it's your turn to show off you casa on Team! The winners of the best post-dorm digs will be featured next Tuesday, Aug. 21.

Here's how to play Team's Challenge:

Step 1: Upload a video of your favorite room(s) in your house or create a photo album with various pics of the interior of your house or create a widget with some images of items that you have in your apt, house, etc.

Step 2: Be sure to tag your video, photo album or widget with "Show Off Your Casa."

Step 3: Be sure to leave a comment in this post with a link to either your video, photo album or widget. Or you can cut and paste the embed code in your comment instead.

Team will select our top 2 winners for this challenge and announce the results on Tuesday, Aug. 21st!. And yes, of course there will be a prize!

We can't wait to see your casa!

Tell Us Your Casa Cravings

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:02:17 -0700

If you're anything like me, you spend a lot of time online browsing and buying on an endless array of home sites. Well, have no fear: TeamSugar makes it easy to bookmark and share all of the great furniture, home accessories, and gardening tools you find online.

With our new bookmarking tool called Casa Cravings, you can save your favorite home finds with just one click of a button. Your Cravings will then be displayed on your TeamSugar profile, so you and other users can easily find them again.

I'll be posting a Casa Craving challenge every Thursday, where I'll present a theme and ask you to find Cravings that fit that theme. If you have been with us for awhile and already know how to bookmark, you'll see the Casa Craving bookmark choice the next time you use your existing Save to TeamSugar bookmark. If you're new to the Sugar Network and want to learn how to create a Casa Craving, read more

GeekSugar has a great explanation of how to bookmark, complete with a handy video, but here are the basics:

To start bookmarking, you'll just have to add a simple link to your browser's favorites or toolbar. However, unlike a normal link, you will not be able to click on it first (if you do, nothing will happen and it won't work).

Here's the link: Save to Teamsugar, you'll need to add it one of these ways:

Option 1: Right-click on the link above and select "Bookmark this link."
Option 2: Drag the link onto your toolbar or favorites.

I suggest Option 2, putting the link directly on your toolbar for easiest access.
When you come across a Casa Craving, simply click the Save to TeamSugar button in your bookmarks toolbar, select "Casa Craving" as the bookmark type, and add a keyword or two.
You can always click Bookmarks in the TeamSugar menu to see them all.

Once you've mastered that, you can also create a list of your bookmarks, which is a better way to put together related items if you're doing a Casa Craving challenge. TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how. So get out there and start craving!

Casa Craving Recap: Blue Striped Danish Bench

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:30:01 -0700

I had your home décor tastes in mind last week, so for the latest Casa Craving Challenge, I decided to see you how well you could instill your personal style into a room built around a piece that isn't everyone's style. I spotted a vintage Danish bench with preppy, rugby-esque blue stripes from Hudson, and challenged you to make it work with your aesthetic in one particular room of your choice.

Everyone did a good job at creating a list that was cohesive, and that you could really visualize. My favorites detailed what their personal style is and how they made the bench work with it (and they really did make it work). Bonus points to those who specified what type of room they were decorating, as I'd asked. You can see all of the blue striped bench Casa Cravings here, as well as the great lists the users created. (TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how.) Since I said I'd be giving away a CasaSugar canvas tote to one of the challenge winners, CocoChic, who designed the winning look, will soon be receiving some sweet schwag!

Here are my favorite looks:

Look #1, designed by CocoChic, who says her décor style is comfortable, modern, and eclectic: "I made a home office for this challenge. I added some clean modern lines and a Louis Ghost chair to make the bench more my style. I used a shag rug, silk window panels, and some funky pillows in fun colors to play up the blue stripes. A fun wire mirror, a couple of girly prints, some task lighting, and an awesome computer finish off the room."

There are some other excellent rooms, so read more

Look #2, designed by The City Girl, used the blue striped bench as inspiration to create a warm, inviting, and soothing sitting area, filled with organic shapes, interesting finds, and natural materials.

Look #3, designed by Tdamji, used the bench along with some contemporary touches and earthy tones in the library she's always daydreamed of decorating: "The American Clay walls in blue will accent the blue stripes of the bench and provide excellent contrast with the dark wood furniture. The mostly dark wood furniture lies in contrast with a few blue accents throughout the room."

Casa Craving Recap: A Home Away From Home

CasaSugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:22 -0800

Last week I asked you to design a hotel room. The challenge was a little reminiscent of the final Design Star challenge. I also suggested that you take a look at the Home Away From Home posts, or take inspiration from some of the favorite hotel rooms you've stayed at over the years.

You can see all of the Home Away From Home Casa Cravings here, as well as the great lists users created. (TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how.)

Here are my favorite looks:

Look #1 was designed by htiduj, who writes, "I like to mix different styles, colors, and textures. The base of my hotel room is off white, but the ceiling is more of a creamy, golden white. The floor is the ocean-colored carpet. I love sleigh beds, and so I chose one whose modern shape and upholstery is really interesting to me, especially when you mix the upholstery's texture with the linen and carpet textures. The linen is a mix of the Marimekko Tree print (in both black and gray colorways, with the pleated linen and duvet cover in white. I added the Marimekko Poppy Print in pink as some of the throw pillows, as well as a Marimekko print of red/orange/blue poppy with gray, black, and blue dots to tie the bedding together with the floor. The pleated linen comes with pleated shams and a pleated throw pillow, as does the Marimekko forest print. (I like lots of pillows.) The side tables are off white, with crystal knobs. They match the dresser drawers. I like how they are traditional with a more streamlined modern curve. I would place the leaf lamp on each of the tables - so that the square shape of the lamps and hard stone texture balances out their curve - also adding more interest to the room. In a corner of the room, I would place the club chair and the striped chair. I like the bursts of color that they bring to the room, and they tie in all the color of the carpet and the throw pillows. Between them I would put the metal round side table - another classic shape but with a modern texture, and on top of that I would place the rounded flower-like lamp. Over the dresser I would place the shell mirror, bringing another texture and curve into the room. As for artwork, I would put the cutout print as well as the upholstered prints (but not the green one) on the walls, and add the Jonathan Adler "face" vases on the dresser top. All together, I think the room has character, openness, and a real fun and lively quality to it."

There are some other excellent rooms, so read more

Look #2 was designed by katherynn, who said: "I saw a photograph by Aimee Herring that really inspired my hotel room. I picture my hotel room to be in an upscale, boutique hotel on the shores of Greece, with the warm, golden sun and the soft, cool blues and aquas of the sea. I designed my hotel-room suite with a living and dining area as well as a sleeping area. The bathroom is a luxurious one with access off the main area, as well as from the sleeping area. Keeping the whole area open was my main goal. I wanted to provide a room separation that divides the sleeping area from the rest of the space, but still have that open airy feeling. I want to be able to come into the space and have the eye travel all the way through the space to the back windows that look out onto the sea. I wanted to incorporate the gold and aqua into the space as well, so at night you still get the drama, and the feeling of being in Greece! When designing this space, I thought, 'This is a fantasy scenario . . . why not go all out?' So I did!"

Look #3 was also designed by toby321, who says, "For me, the dream hotel room is about comfort and cleanliness. The top priority is fresh, clean, and comfy bed linens . . . in other words, the Heavenly Bed (from Westin). To keep the crisp and fresh vibe, I've chosen lots of whites and creams and glass accessories. The walls should be subdued, so a pale stone color like Benjamin Moore's Hazy Skies in both the bedroom and bathroom. All metal should be silver toned, i.e. pewters and nickels. Otherwise, everything luxurious is best: the thickest white towels, the best skincare and candles, and fresh fresh fresh in appearance. A room that soothes and doesn't offend any tastes. Relaxing touches like wine and cheese, and good coffee-table books, are always a plus!"

Casa Craving Recap: Your Craft Room

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:45:10 -0800

The latest Casa Craving Challenge was inspired by the autumn season, which is when I always start hibernating a little more and delving into home projects and crafts. I know that a lot of Casa readers are also DIY kings and queens, and even though most of us will never have a separate space for our crafting madness (especially one as fabulous as Martha's), it's always nice to dream! So, in this Casa Craving Challenge, I asked you to design a funtional, cozy, and organized room for project making.

You can see all of the CasaSugar logo Casa Cravings here, as well as the great lists the users created. (TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how.)

Here are my favorite looks:

Look #1 was designed by Katherynn who says, "I've always grown up in family full of crafters and DIY junkies, so it's a dream of mine to have my fantasy craft room! We like to have friends and family over and all do crafts together or just chill out with one another while we sew our curtains or make our scrapbook pages. Having lots of room for everyone to spread out is a must in my room, as well as having plenty of lounge space for the rest of the family that want to visit, but may not want to craft with us! Also, EVERYTHING must have a place in my craft room. I HATE a mess when it comes to my crafts. It throws my creative chi off majorly! In this room I've provided lots of space, and lots of storage. And lots of cozy room in my sitting area! My main colors are Mermaid Net, citron and orange! I kept the wood light and neutral because the other colors were so bright! This room is awesome in the autumn becuase of the rich orange, but also fun in the summer because of the fun citron! I've listed TONS of stuff, but.. it was just so much fun I couldn't stop!"

There are some other excellent rooms, so read more

Look #2 was designed by 4BYRDS, who used bright colors and retro elements in her craft room, and says, "I like the vintage metals with splashes of color." So do I!

Look #3 was designed by CocoChic, who said: "The gray walls and colorful accessories make for a room full of inspiration. Cork board tiles make for a place to pin ideas for crafts. The Eames lounger? For a catnap after all of that crafting!"

Casa Craving Recap: Beauty on a Budget

CasaSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:45:07 -0700

For the latest Casa Craving Challenge, I asked you to help design a living room for Karazzies, who needed your help finding an affordable and beautiful style for her living room. She has chocolate brown leather sofas and blue carpet, but needed some help filling in the rest.

Everyone did a great job at creating a list that was creative and worked within the sofa-and-carpet limitations you were given. My favorite lists carefully considered the budget portion of the challenge, and made economical decisions without sacrificing style. You can see all of the beauty on a budget bookmarks here, as well as the excellent lists the users created. (TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how.)

Here are my favorite looks:

Look #1 is designed by Nikkeeb, who writes, "When it comes to decorating on a budget, you need to go with basic but unique pieces to keep it practical and chic at the same time. That's what I put in my list, unique pieces for a great price that you'll still want to use 20 years from now. I tried to give as many options as possible, so I wouldn't recommend using all these pieces at once, but you get the idea...and along the same lines I'd paint the walls this taupe color becausc it's the most versatile."

There are some other excellent rooms, so read more

Look #2, designed by Toby321, created a beachy feel with ocean-inspired art and accessories and light colors. She shopped sale items from Pottery Barn and big retailers like Ikea and Target to keep her look on a strict budget.

Look #3, designed by Klynnmorton, used "lovely yellows to make the blue carpet a part of the color scheme, and not just a nuisance! And fabulous chocolate furniture, a flax-colored upholstered chair, and a magnificent vintage poster to pull everything together. Fantastically wonderful!"

Casa Craving Recap: Pink and Gray Palette

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:49:54 -0700

I had style on the brain last week during Spring Fashion Week in New York, so for the latest Casa Craving challenge, I decided to use some inspiration from the DKNY runway show.

These colors are really close to the Gypsy Pink and Rockport Gray shades from Benjamin Moore's 2008 Color Trends Report, so your challenge was to design a pink and gray bedroom using this palette.

This was a tough one, but the best rooms pulled off the color combo by going sleek and modern rather than too teeny-boppers. You can see all of the pink and gray Casa Cravings here, as well as the 10 great lists the users created. (TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how.) Here are a few of my favorites.

Look #1, designed by CocoChic, who says her room is all about glamor: "I kept the palette simple with gray, pink, black, and white. The mirrored tray and Victoria ghost chair add a sense of an old dressing room. The rug is made of FLOR tiles so it can be rearranged at the drop of a hat. Finally, the lamps, bedside tables, and dresser accessories give off a little sparkle."

To other excellent rooms, so read more

Look #2, designed by Ejmcmis, who went for a mix of glam and mod, with understated silver curtains, a sophisticated but funky pink chandelier, and black wooden furniture.

Look #3, designed by Jackieos, who calls her bedroom "Chic and timeless. Youthful but classic. Fun yet glamorous. The pink and gray wallpaper sets the tone for all the other hot pinks and grays: silk drapes, bedding, mirrored furniture, 'ghost' style accessories, and a fun rainbow-dipped jeweled chandelier."

Casa Craving Recap: Powder Room Remodel

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:55:44 -0800

Last week, sandusa wrote me asking for advice on how to remodel her powder room. She was considering painting the room a deep plum color and maybe hanging a small chandelier, but was open to all ideas. So for the latest Casa Craving Challenge, I asked you to conjure up your decorating talents to help sandusa with this project.

You can see all of the Powder Room Remodel Casa Cravings here, as well as the great lists the users created. (TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how.)

Here are my favorite looks:

Look #1, by nikkeeb was full of black and white accessories, used to accent the deep plum color she chose. The room definitely had a French feel to it, although the Manuscrit rug she chose had a poem written in Catalan on it.

There are some other excellent rooms, so read more

Look #2 was designed by htiduj, who said: "I would use the damask wallpaper on the back wall, where the sink, mirror, and toilet go. Then, I would paint the rest of the room the lighter purple shade from the wallpaper and use what I call "shabby chic" tiles as the floor. I would also change the faucets to a nickel or chrome, so it's more matte, display the soaps and candle, use the darker purple towels for guests, and hang the interesting lighting fixture from the ceiling."

Look #3 was also designed by nikkeeb, and had a dark brown tone to it. She chose some great hardware pieces, dark wood furniture, and elegant glass bathroom jars.

Casa Craving Recap: CasaSugar Logo

CasaSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:03:08 -0700

I was full of myself last week, so for the latest Casa Craving Challenge, I asked you to design a chic, peppy living room around the salmon and brown color palette of the CasaSugar logo. You were allowed to use other colors too, but those should have been the dominant colors.

You can see all of the CasaSugar logo Casa Cravings here, as well as the great lists the users created. (TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how.)

Here are my favorite looks:

Look #1, designed by katherynn, took the logo to a modern pop level. She said: "I love the color combination and had a lot of fun combining pieces to fit the room. I wanted to keep the room light with light walls and white pieces, and let the colors pop in the accessories, curtains and artwork!"

There are some other excellent rooms, so read more

Look #2 was designed by nikkeeb, who chose calm white fabrics and rattan brown furniture with soothing punches of salmon in the accents. She also included a pretty sweet pendant lamp, an earthy topiary, and an Impressionist Monet painting.

Look #3 was designed by klynnmorton, who said: "These colors together are, to me, a meeting of vintage (the salmon) and modern (the brown). It is a collection of browns, bronze, salmon, and pale pale golds that fuse together the vintage and modern worlds. The sofa and salmon chairs are offset by a mirror sepia-toned coffee table in a modern Parsons design. The python rug adds more modern flair and statement pieces like the turtle ottoman, capiz floor lamp, brocade mirrors, and copper flowers keep it lively."

Casa Craving Recap: Cozy Autumn Porch

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:42:56 -0700

This past week has brought with it a dip in temperatures, and has made me consider how I can give my porch an autumn-friendly conversion. So in this last Casa Craving Challenge, I asked you to design a cozy autumn porch that carefully considered its use during this season. Some of you created a cooly casual country look, like Danny Seo's porch from above, and others gave it a more eclectic look with some more funky materials and accessories.

I loved the porches that Casa readers created that provided warmth (both with blankets and gorgeous lighting) as well as fun activities for visitors. You can see all of the Cozy Autumn Porch bookmarks here, as well as all the great lists. (Still not sure how to create a list? TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how. Here are my three favorite porch looks:

Look #1 was designed by Turkeyjerky, who chose strong wood furniture, lovely textiles, and wrought iron candle lanterns for her autumn porch.

For two more great looks, read more

Look #2 was designed by Klynnmorton, who created bright red pops of color in her porch. She writes that "This porch would greet you each day with a promise of relaxation and fun with its three seating areas, the egg chair for alone-time reading or watching the birds, the game/picnic table, or the bench for talks and a little rest while gardening. This porch is full of color and makes the summer more cheery and the fall more fun!"

Look #3 was designed by Tdamji who writes that fall is "a great time of year to sit outside in the evening and watch the sun go down, before it gets too cold out." She provided visitors to her porch with lots of games and fun topiary accents to focus on after they finish watching the gorgeous autumn sunsets.