CasaSugar

Ask Angel: west elm's Advice for Holiday Entertaining (Part 2)

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 06:30:28 -0800

West elm designer Angel recently started a new TeamSugar group called Ask Angel to help you solve all of your design conundrums! Here's some advice from her latest post, which ties in perfectly with this month's Home Entertainment theme.

Angel writes:

One of the fabulous things about my job is being surrounded by great design minds. With the seasonal whirlwind of decorating and entertaining swiftly upon us, I tapped west elm’s creative director of design – who is also an exceptional entertainer - Alex Bates to share her expertise and show us how to create a modern and chic mood flawlessly and easily without breaking the bank! I hope you love these as much as I do.

To see what Alex has to say, just read more

Alex writes:

There are lots of ways to make your home festive and fabulous for the holidays, and reflect your personal style. This season is all about glam and metallic accents. Just like your favorite patent wedge makes every outfit feel chic, there are a few little things that will make a big difference in your home this holiday season. You don’t have to be overwhelmed and you don’t have to spend a fortune. These simple ideas will help set the stage for a stylish holiday and create a look with staying power that will last into the New Year.

Mix the primitive and polished

Animal prints have gotten a great makeover in recent seasons and this year, they are popping up in new styles and patterns everywhere. A little animal goes a long way, try the patterns as an accent piece in the home. Combine timeless and chic animal prints with gold metallic holiday decorations for a fun twist, such as a zebra stocking pairs perfectly hanging on the mantel next to a tree decorated with gold or vintage ornaments. Or toss a throw pillow on your sofa and get a whole new look anytime you feel like it.

Source

Ask Angel: west elm's Advice for Holiday Entertaining (Part 1)

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:02:20 -0800

One of the fabulous things about my job is being surrounded by great design minds. With the seasonal whirlwind of decorating and entertaining swiftly upon us, I tapped west elm’s creative director of design – who is also an exceptional entertainer - Alex Bates to share her expertise and show us how to create a modern and chic mood flawlessly and easily without breaking the bank! I hope you love these as much as I do.

To see what Alex has to say, just read more

Alex writes:

There are lots of ways to make your home festive and fabulous for the holidays, and reflect your personal style. This season is all about glam and metallic accents. Just like your favorite patent wedge makes every outfit feel chic, there are a few little things that will make a big difference in your home this holiday season. You don’t have to be overwhelmed and you don’t have to spend a fortune. These simple ideas will help set the stage for a stylish holiday and create a look with staying power that will last into the New Year.

Mix up glam and nature

You and your home should shine this holiday season. A small detail can make a big impression with minimal effort. Gold or silver banded glasses are an easy way to add drama when setting the table or when setting the mood for a chic cocktail party. Simple lines can mix and match with holiday patterns or you can create a whole metallic table for a more dramatic statement. In the living room, add a mirrored coffee table. It will soften the room and the table adds a sophisticated decorator touch, especially when mixed with a natural sheep skin area rug. Mix the earthy and the elegant. A large vase filled with natural Manzanita branches and hung with crystal strand ornaments makes quite the statement in a hall or on a table, and reflects candle light beautifully. Carry the festive sparkle through your home when decorating your tree and mantle. Create an all silver Christmas tree with silver and crystal garland, adding a mix of silver and white ornaments. Collect vintage ornaments and mix them in to create your own style.

Source

Ask Angel: Multipurpose Furniture For a Studio

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:00:53 -0800

If your design questions aren't getting addressed in the Ask Casa or Room Therapy posts, then direct your queries to west elm designer Angel, who's started a new TeamSugar group called Ask Angel to help you solve all of your design conundrums!

BellaSugar wrote to Angel saying,

How can those of us who live in studios divide up our space? Right now, I'm low on furniture-I have only a side table, a dresser, and a bed-but I feel kinda stuck. I don't want to overwhelm the space with too much furniture, especially because everyone comments on how spacious my (mostly empty) studio feels. Any ideas for adding furniture without making things feel cramped?

To see Angel's answer, just read more

Angel writes,

Ciao Bella! These days, everything and everyone has to multitask – including furniture! As you know, in a small space every corner counts. All it takes to make the most of yours is a little planning and a piece or two of multitasking furniture.

To make the most of your space, furnish with versatile pieces you love. You can never go wrong with a stylish daybed, which serves as a couch by day and doubles as a cozy sleeping space for friends by night. I’d suggest putting a white coverlet on the daybed to brighten the space and maybe add a few throw pillows for color. Place an accent stool next to it that can double as a small side table or extra seating. Or use side by side ottomans with trays on top as your coffee table – these can also become seating or be moved around as needed. Remember, sticking to furniture with simple lines is key when creating a calm open space.

Another tip to design a highly functional, creative space is to build up. Instead of taking precious floor space, utilize your wall space instead. Refrain from crowding tabletops by choosing wall sconces and floor lamps and add wall–mounted ledges and shelves for storage. If you need a small work space area I’d suggest investing in a classic Parsons desk, which is not only the perfect shape and size but can also multitask as a cozy dining table for two or a decorative console! To finish off this corner of the room, think about adding an adjustable pendant lamp to highlight your vertical ingenuity.

Hope these quick tips help you maximize your space with style!

Source

Ask Angel: Rental With Personality?

CasaSugar — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 05:03:10 -0800

I have a question about different ways of decorating when your landlord is extremely strict. I won't be living in my apartment forever, but for at least two years I'd like it to have some of my style. How can I decorate when she doesn't want me painting or even nailing into the walls? Right now everything is very sparse and bland-looking. (For the record, I'm ignoring the last rule a little and planing on using some spackle before I leave.)

To see Angel's answer, just read more

Angel writes,

Great question krazykarot! This is one a lot of people can relate to. How do you make your living space your own when, technically, it’s not?!

Don’t worry, you can still show your personal style. If you can’t paint the walls, try redefining the focal point of the room to the floors. Add a rug with strong colors or bold patterns to anchor the room and provide the perfect pop. Build up from there by adding coordinating accessories, pillows, and throws to your couch and chair. Cover those built-in blinds with cool textured curtains to add another dimension to the room. Throughout any space, I always try to use varied textures and fabrics to add depth and interest to a room. Finally, if those walls are way too bleak, you can place tall bookcases against the wall to add height and cover the white walls at the same time. Have fun accessorizing the shelves with books, various found objects, artwork, and collectibles to bring the whole space together, or use canvas storage boxes along the bottom shelf for great storage and filing help.

Source

Ask Angel: west elm's Advice for Holiday Entertaining (Part 3)

CasaSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 05:45:35 -0800

One of the fabulous things about my job is being surrounded by great design minds. With the seasonal whirlwind of decorating and entertaining swiftly upon us, I tapped west elm’s creative director of design – who is also an exceptional entertainer - Alex Bates to share her expertise and show us how to create a modern and chic mood flawlessly and easily without breaking the bank! I hope you love these as much as I do.

To see what Alex has to say, just read more

Alex writes:

There are lots of ways to make your home festive and fabulous for the holidays, and reflect your personal style. This season is all about glam and metallic accents. Just like your favorite patent wedge makes every outfit feel chic, there are a few little things that will make a big difference in your home this holiday season. You don’t have to be overwhelmed and you don’t have to spend a fortune. These simple ideas will help set the stage for a stylish holiday and create a look with staying power that will last into the New Year.

Light up the season and your home

Last, but not least, don’t forget the lighting. Remember, lighting sets the mood of any holiday party or room so get creative and replace harsh bulbs with soft candlelight. Combine different sizes and shapes of glass lanterns in monochromatic groupings for dramatic effect over a table. Carry the look through the room with complimentary votives and candles sticks on the table or mantle. The room and your guests will enjoy a flattering glow.

Source

How-To: Save Money on a Vacation House This Summer

CasaSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:00:20 -0700

While most of us have been tightening our belts when it comes to Summer vacations, there are still ways to fit in a getaway before Labor Day arrives. Even if it's just an overnight trip, you'll still reap the benefits of getting away from it all, falling asleep to the sound of crickets or waves, and lounging on the beach for a day. Think it's out of reach? See my tips for saving money on a vacation house when you read more.

Get a little help from your friends. If you've got a crew of friends or family who you wouldn't mind spending a weekend with, turn your romantic getaway for two into an all-out friends frenzy. Look for a large house through Vacation Rentals by Owner and then split the cost with your friends. The final price tag can be surprisingly small when it's split among several parties.
Try Home Exchange. Do you own your home? Then register it with Home Exchange. Essentially, the service allows you to trade your home with that of another party. For instance, if you lived in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, you could trade your hip home with that of someone living beachside in Capitola. No money required! It's simply a home switch-a-roo.
Be flexible. Do you have a flexible work schedule, or do you work on weekends? You're much more likely to get a cheaper rate on a cottage or bed and breakfast if you travel mid-week. Make sure to ask about mid-week specials when calling to inquire about a particular vacation cottage.
Try roughing it. If all else fails, why not try camping? Many of our country's state and national campgrounds are located on gorgeous beaches or lakes - perfect spots for beating the heat on a hot July day. If you can't stand the thought of a tent, you could borrow a friend's pop-up camper or charming vintage trailer, and park it at an RV-approved camping site.

Anyone else have other ideas for cheap vacation homes? Share them in the comments!

Love It or Hate It? Motorhead-Inspired Garden

CasaSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:00:05 -0700

If you're in London, stop by the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to see garden designer David Domoney's Biker's Garden, which may be the perfect garden for a motorcyclist with a green thumb. When asked to explain the design, Domoney said, "this is the Hells Angels' garden - it's called Ace of Spades after Motorhead's song, the bikers' anthem."
Source

Natalie Portman Overpays For a Medieval Mini Manse

CasaSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:00:00 -0700

After selling her West Village condo, and moving in with her parents, Natalie Portman is no longer homeless. The bright-eyed beauty has snatched up a 4,866-square-foot, 4-bedrooms, 2-bath 1930s estate in Los Angeles for $3.25 million - $51,000 over the asking price. The property has had a history of celebrity ownership, including Dermot Mulroney and Catherine Keener, and DMB saxophonist LeRoi Moore. There was undoubtedly considerable interest in the property if Portman overpaid. But, that comes as no surprise, considering its dazzling features like a private courtyard, rich wood floors, sanctuary-style windows, buttressed ceilings, French doors, over 18,000 square feet of lush landscaping, and a beautiful pool. To see photos of the property, read more.

View 11 Photos ›

Source

On the Market: Jamie Foxx's Slightly Dull Tarzana Manse

CasaSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:30:03 -0700

Actor Jamie Foxx, who has been trying to sell his three-bedroom, 5,428-square-foot house in Los Angeles’ Tarzana area since April, is still asking $2.3 million for the house. Built in 1949, the home is located on approximately 3/4 of an acre and features a game room, pool and pool house, master suite with private entrance, media theater, gourmet kitchen with SubZero and Wolf appliances, and a dining area with an aquarium. The house was purchased by Foxx in 1997 for $930,000, so it seems to me as if there's a significant markup on these slightly dull digs.

The listing states:

This three-bedroom, three-and-a-quarter bath estate at the foot of Braemar Country Club and Santa Monica Conservatory has just been freshened to a crisp finish and includes media theater, soundproofed rooms and orchestral wiring used as recording studio and vocal booth, game room, sports court, gym, pool, pool house, great room, outdoor living deck, motor court for about 10 cars, all tucked away behind a secluded wall . . . .

If by "freshened to a crisp finish" they mean "homogenized to within an inch of its life," I'd have to agree with the listing. For an actor who's given such powerful, intricately developed performances in movies such as Ray, I expected something a little more nuanced from Foxx's home. And if this is the fault of the staging crew, then I say for shame - there is absolutely nothing interesting about this house, from the suspiciously West Elm-like panel curtains in the living room to the outdated, harsh recessed lighting in the game room, I'm a bit disappointed. Maybe Foxx fled to his new Mediterranean villa in Thousand Oaks out of boredom from this home. Do you agree, or am I a little harsh on this expansive, yawn-worthy house? Take a look at the gallery and then let me know.

View 14 Photos ›

Source and Source

Sex and the City: Carrie's Marvelous Mexico Egg Chair

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:45:53 -0700

While I'm absolutely in love with Carrie's new apartment, there are many other aspects of the Sex and the City movie set that I'm equally in love with. One of these would have to be the wicker egg chair from the fab four's Mexico vacation.

I think that this chair is a brilliant casting choice; its design perfectly mirrors Carrie's emotional state in this scene in the movie, and provides welcome shelter to her, even as Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte soak in the sun. In my interview with production designer Jeremy Conway, he told me that the wicker egg chair was from an outdoor furniture store in Los Angeles, where the Mexico vacation scenes were shot. However, if you're coveting this chair and aren't in LA, I have another source for you, which I'll tell you about when you read more.

While not an exact match for Carrie's more cocoon-like chair, the Palmetto All-Weather Wicker Chair ($1,299), which I asked your opinion about just last month. Do you like Carrie's chair better than the Palmetto? Tell me in the comments.

Photo courtesy Craig Blankenhorn/New Line Cinema
©2008 New Line Cinema