CasaSugar

Great Decorating Ideas From the Hotel Saint Cecilia

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:00:15 -0700

Austin's South Congress Hotel Saint Cecilia expertly mixes styles, eras, and patterns in the design of its rooms and public spaces. The uniting factor throughout the space is the hotel's inspiration. The hotel was named in honor of the patron saint of music and poetry, and the Rolling Stones circa early '70s, writer William S. Burroughs, and artist Andy Warhol all serve as muses for the hotel. Comprised of five suites, six poolside bungalows, and three studios, this hotel is a must-visit spot the next time you hit Austin. See my favorite decorating ideas from the Saint Cecilia.
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Open House: Flags as Drapery

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:30:42 -0700

According to Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, (d) of the US Flag Code, the American flag, "should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free." But Austin's Hotel St. Cecilia has used Old Glory as drapery on hospital tracking here in a bedroom suite, and I applaud the look. To me, a flag displayed nearly anywhere (so long it's in one piece) looks patriotic. But some of you - and the authors of the code - may disagree. Then again, there are plenty of tiny US codes and laws that I don't follow (oops), so should this one matter? Tell me your thoughts below. Do you approve of this use of the flag as drapery? Have you done something similar in your own home? Or are you against it?
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Home Away From Home: Kimber Modern

CasaSugar — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:00:30 -0700

If you ever find yourself in Austin, TX, look no further than Kimber Modern for a contemporary crash pad during your stay. Designed by Burton Baldridge Architects, the hotel has a clean-lined, low-slung design and is set on a multileveled environment that is never more than one story from the ground. The interior is furnished with high-design pieces by the likes of Offi, Eames, Philippe Starck, Arne Jacobsen, and more. Its cool palette has a surprisingly inviting warmth that will give you the feeling of stepping into a relaxing spa. The rooms are modern and minimal and have an overwhelming sense of "clean" - a far cry from the cringe-inducing patterned carpets of your average American hotel. Beyond that, you'll rest well during your escape on 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and stay in touch with WiFi throughout. See more photos when you read more.

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Coveted Crib: An Austin Green Home

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:00:47 -0700

When planning a new home, the owners of a home in Texas wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous views in the neighborhood. Thus, a three-story, 3,100-square-foot home was envisioned for a steep hillside in Austin. The public areas of the home, such as the living and dining areas, are located on the top floor, where the family and guests can gaze out at the stunning views. The house's expansive glass walls not only encourage gazing, but also provide natural lighting for the home, minimizing the use of electricity.

This home's cutting-edge look and smart, eco design shows that green building is compatible with any number of designs, whether they be traditional or modern.

For many more photos, as well as information on the green features of the home, read more.

Rated a four-star (out of a possible five stars) project by the Austin Energy Green Building Rating System, the home boasts a number of green features in the design itself, including passive heating and cooling and daylighting. Water-saving features include low-flush toilets and waterwise landscaping, and electricity is saved through the use of fluorescent lighting, a high-efficiency water pump, and Energy Star-compliant washer, dishwasher, and refrigerator. The home also used low formaldehyde insulation, double pane LowE windows, sustainable lumber, and non-toxic/low-VOC finishes and paints.

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Coveted Crib: Lone Star Home

CasaSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:00:23 -0700

Austin resident Blake Dollahite didn't enter the rat race when he finished college. Instead, he rebuilt a crumbling bungalow with the help of his dad and friends. Using a variety of salvaged materials, as well as furniture he built himself, the results are absolutely fantastic. For the whole story, pick up this month's copy of Dwell. Source

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Casa Verde: Ronald McDonald House Goes Green

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:00:20 -0700

While I may have some criticisms of LEED, the USGBC green building program, there's no question that the program is an important step in the right direction. Hopefully, thanks to green building guidelines and programs, green building will someday soon become a standard part of any construction project, and not an afterthought.

Austin, TX, has the oldest regional green building program in the country, with its Energy Star program established in 1985, and the green building program evolving from it six years later. Now, the city's Ronald McDonald House, which provides housing for families whose children are suffering from serious illnesses has been recognized for its new, healthy, and green building.

Austin is now home to the first green Ronald McDonald House in the world. It's also is the first building in Austin and only the third in the state of Texas to attain the highest level of green building recognition awarded by LEED - the Platinum certification.

To find out the green features of this house, read more.

Toxin-free building materials were used throughout construction and finishes.
Rehabilitation of a brownfield site means that no undeveloped land was used for this project.
The sod roof systems replaces greenery used in construction, while also controlling heat island effect. Rooftop gardens also are a place for guests to sit, visit, and relax.
Native landscaping reduces needs for water.
A 10.5 KW photovoltaic solar panel system will produce enough electricity for 15 of the 30 rooms.
Use of daylighting minimizes electricity for lighting while providing natural sunlight for guests.
Natural ventilation improves air quality, helping children with compromised immune systems.
Construction of air handling system minimizes shared air in guestrooms, also improving air quality.

If you're interested in finding out more about Austin's Ronald McDonald House, read all about it here.

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Designer Spotlight: Robert Austin Gonzalez

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:03:45 -0800

This weekend I stopped by the impressively well-curated FIVEten Studio as part of my monthly traipse through Oakland's Art Murmur open studios night. FIVEten was filled with gorgeous art and design work by the likes of Nolan Niu and Ross Lovegrove, but my favorite pieces were the turned wood furniture crafted by designer Robert Austin Gonzalez.

As you may already know, I'm a big fan of turned wood. I used to love watching my grandfather create turned wood furniture on his lathe when I was little. Robert Austin Gonzalez's turned wood finds have a distinctly contemporary feel, and the chameleon-like combination of clear glass tabletops and reclaimed wood in his tables would make them perfect for a variety of interiors.

To see a gallery of work and to find out more about Robert, just read more.

These turned wood (and turned lacquer) creations are part of Robert's series "Grace." Robert also designs, builds, and constructs furniture and interiors for both professional design clients and homeowners alike. When he's not working or spending time in Brooklyn Heights with his family , he can be found, depending on the season, pursuing his passions of surfing and skiing.

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Get the Look: Schoolhouse Style

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 -0700

My lecture hall days may be over, but I'm still loving the industrial schoolhouse aesthetic of this office styled by Canadian magazine editor, stylist, and decorator Margot Austin. From the galvanized metal file cabinet to the linen grain sack pillow, every item seems to have a history. The black/metal desk and sunburst mirrors are a bit more contemporary, which keeps the room from looking too much like a dusty old library. Add some messy piles of paperwork and a MacBook and this room would work for any college student or work-from-home professional. To get the look, read more.

Photograph by Daniel Harrison

This Just In: Gonzalez on Cover of Cal H + D

CasaSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:00:13 -0800

One of my favorite designers, Robert Austin Gonzalez, who we highlighted in a recent Designer Spotlight, has a piece featured on this month's cover of California Home + Design.

The 4Lcombo dining table from his Grace Collection can be spotted on the cover of their current issue. Also shown in the accompanying magazine story is Gonzalez's T/Sgothic stool and side table in oak. These limited-edition pieces were sold through Five Ten Studios, a gallery in Oakland, Calif. Architect Michael Logue selected the dining table as a statement piece in his penthouse loft design.

To see a gallery of some of Gonzalez's other work, just read more.

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Steal of the Day: Austin Pearl Sofa

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 04:30:10 -0800

This Austin Pearl sofa ($549.99, marked down from $1,399.99) is the perfect party guest. It's never too rowdy, it doesn't announce its presence with an inappropriately loud and gaudy get-up, and it never takes on the role of the wallflower. In fact, it always looks like it's perfectly comfortable and perfectly suited for its situation. With its velvety beige upholstery and quality hardwood frame, this sofa will have you sinking into its comfy yet modern confines as soon as you get home from work. And when you do throw the inevitable house party? It'll be happy to mix and mingle (and to hold up its end of the bargain when it comes to accommodating weary guests). Just don't expect it to pass out hors d'œuvres.

Bradford Mirror - $249.00	Galvanized Office Tower with Casters - $199.98
Acanthus Message Boards - $379.00	French Grain Sack Square Classic Stripe Pillow Cover - $52.00
Turner Barstool - $199.00	Linnarp Desk - $119.00
Globe Pendant - $129.00	Glass Cloche - Bell - $79.00
Montparnasse Grain Sack Tote - $65.00	FLOS Archimoon Classic Table Lamp - $365.00
Galvanized Metal Chalkboard Cabinet - $99.00	Red Rim Metal Wire Basket - $79.00
Chrome Storage Basket - $29.95