Latest Stories
The Shining
Home Library: Majestic Metropolitan Living
Just a week after the fold of Metropolitan Home, I've got my hands on another city-centric design volume: Sue Hostetler's new book Majestic Metropolitan Living: Visionary Homes in the Heart of Cities. The shelter and design editor for magazines like Gotham, Hamptons, and LA Confidential, and the host of Plum Homes With Sue Hostetler on Plum TV (which "targets the most active, influential, and educated audience in the world"), Hostetler has tapped her cronies for tours of their unique and luxe urban dwellings.
The American dream of retiring to the pool and tennis courts in your countryside home is squashed by this book, which showcases a range of sprawling, real-life city homes.
The Card Shop: Gift Givers
As facile and affordable as your pharmacy variety gift tag stickers may be, they're a little lacking in the humor department. That's why I'm refreshed — and your giftees will be, too — by the Shine Box Print Gift Givers Tag ($6.95). These gag gift tags come with the requisite "To" and "From" fields, but they're given a dose of light-hearted humor with wry one-liners like, "I made this myself, in China," and "No elves were harmed in the making of this gift."
Trend Alert: Pretty Cool Peacocks
If you had told me a year ago that I'd suddenly be coveting peacock-embellished accessories for my home, I'd have thought you were crazy. But that's because I would have been imagining fussy old-lady types of peacock motifs and not these very chic versions showing up everywhere right now.
Rather than render peacock feathers in a realistic style, these pretty cool peacock accents offer modern interpretations on the magnificent plumage, with simple silhouettes and elegant yet understated color combinations.
Roundup: Sunburst Mirrors
I've been over sunburst mirrors for a long time now. But as other trends gain precedence, they've slowly returned to my favor. I'm really digging how the mirror in this bedroom is used.
Casa Quickie: Shine Like the Top of the Chrysler Building
In the classic musical Annie there's a great line imitating Miss Hannigan during the "Hard-Knock Life" number that I always think of when I'm mopping the house:"You'll stay up until this floor shines like the top of the Chrysler Building." The image of how that landmark sparkles in the skyline is actually a great motivator for me. But, sadly, the plot, which involves the hard labor of orphans, isn't the nicest thing.
Design Ideas to Steal From the Set of the Boys Are Back
While I'm pretty much guaranteed to cry all over this film, that possibility isn't deterring me from heading to the theaters later this month to watch The Boys Are Back. And yes, it also doesn't hurt that one of my favorite actors, Clive Owen, is starring. Following the journey into fatherhood that Owen experiences after the death of his wife, this film, from director Scott Hicks (Shine), is filmed in South Australia at a home, and a property, that are absolutely gorgeous.
Steal of the Day: Z Gallerie Soho Pavilion
Z Gallerie's Soho Pavilion ($399.99, reduced from $599.99) is water- and fade-resistant, so you can host a chic party outdoors rain or shine. But, would you blame me for wanting to set up this chic tent indoors? I'm imagining a cross between Nick Olsen's tented workspace and interior designer Marjorie Skouras's oversize indoor topiary bedroom.
Artist of the Day: Sophie Blackall
Whether she's drawing two spritely little girls for a children's book or a more sober illustration for a national magazine, artist Sophie Blackall's signature style always shines through. What exactly is this style? When it comes to describing her illustrations, Sophie cites influences ranging from Chinese packaging design to train journeys and pipe fish.
Casa Quickie: Make It Pop
The dining room is often the most formal room in our homes. But, seeing as we've thrown formality to the wind in nearly every other aspect of our culture, why stop there? Why not pair lively conversation with lively design?
Charlie Sheen Lists His Lovely Los Feliz Pad
Charlie Sheen has listed his 4,179-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-and-one-half bath restored Mediterranean-style-home in LA's Los Feliz neighborhood for $3.7 million. The home, which is not Sheen's principal residence, might just be my favorite celebrity home I've seen to date. Sheen and his wife have made the wise choice to let the gated villa's beautiful architectural details (vaulted, wood-beamed ceilings, rich wood floors, stunning floor tiling, a sweeping staircase) shine by using primarily solid white upholstery and adding personality with accessories and interesting artwork.
More on CasaSugar
Fall Award Season
Top Brands
Top Studio
Steve Madden
Argos