CasaSugar

Casa Quickie: It's No Picnic!

Julia Millay Walsh — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 05:00:00 PDT

The new issue of Rue Magazine hit the digital shelves this week, and my browser is already bursting with bookmarked design inspiration. In one feature, Rue introduces us to Bay Area designer Kriste Michelini - whose home CasaSugar toured in October - with a visit to her studio (I'm guessing). As usual, the styling is perfection.

The vignette I can't take my eyes off is this floral arrangement. Kriste stacked one picnic table bench on top of its table and left its match in front, creating a tiered, stadium-seating-style display for pots and bouquets of gorgeous Spring flowers. The look is impractical for a home setting day in and day out, but it would be marvelous at a wedding or another event. You could use the table as a sign-in spot for guests, a place to stash gifts, or just as a pretty focal point.

This kind of obvious yet genius design idea reminds me why lovely ladies like Kriste are making a living out of design . . . and I'm typing away on my Macbook. But, we all have different skills, don't we?

Do You Use a Bench at Your Dining Table?

Elka Karl — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 08:00:35 PDT

Earlier this week, I gave you some options for extra seating for Thanksgiving dinner and included stools and benches in the roundup. Since I spent so much time looking at various bench options, I'm now inevitably tempted to add a bench to my dining table. It's such a great way to cram extra guests around a table - imagine how many kiddos you could fit on one!

Of course, benches are also wonderful due to their versatility. After Turkey Day, you can move them to another room for use while removing boots near the entryway, an area in the bathroom to stock towels, or in any number of other spots in the house. Tell me, do you use a bench at your dining table?

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Crave Worthy: Sally Bridge Metal Dandelion Bench

Julia Millay Walsh — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:00:27 PDT

It's been a while since I've written one of these Crave Worthy posts. I've been waiting for a truly statement-making piece to come along . . . and this Dandelion Bench ($2,750) definitely fits the bill. From the playful, '50s-style metal backrest to the round, neon green cushions, this sophisticated seat stopped me dead in my tracks. You'd make a fabulous first impression by placing this bench in your foyer, don't you agree?

The bench is designed by Sally Bridge, a former fashion designer who began designing and making furniture in 2007 for a home she bought and renovated in Umbria, Italy. A modernist, she mixes fresh, fun shapes and rustic materials in a quirky way.

Do you love it as much as I do?

Roundup: On the Bench

CasaSugar — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:00:36 PDT

Earlier today, I espoused my belief that benches are a smart addition to any living room. So to help you on your search, I've rounded up several benches to choose from. I'm in love with this Tarp Bench ($1,900), which is made from South American hardwoods with gray canvas cushions (though I'm tempted to reupholster them in something a little zingier). Not your fave? Maybe you'll find your dream bench below!

Casa Quickie: Let a Bench Do Double Duty

CasaSugar — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:00:16 PDT

Benches are an unsung hero in room design. During a party, they can accommodate several guests in a small space. At a dinner, you can move it over to an extended dining table if you don't have enough chairs. In between gatherings, this work-horse piece of furniture can be staged next to a sofa or chair to add structure to a room.

I use a long oak bench as a low console table equivalent behind my sofa. It's a great place to stack quilts and a pretty container holding my son's toys. More organizing containers can easily - and attractively - fit underneath.

Try out this technique for your bench, which I found in Matthew Gleason's portfolio, and create an instant reading area with books and a table lamp. Or, go for broke and use the entire length of the bench as a low bookshelf.

Do you decorate with benches in your house? How do you use yours?

Roundup: Treasures With Tassels

CasaSugar — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:00:52 PDT

I'm swooning over this Hollywood Regency Gilt Tassel Bench upholstered in blue and white ikat from Madeline Weinrib. With the gilding, the curves, the luxe fabric, and of course, the tassels, it's totally ostentatious. But sometimes a girl is entitled to flaunt it! Unless you're using them as curtain tiebacks, tassels in general are merely a decorative feature - a finishing touch. This one's an unlikely find, but there are plenty of furnishings featuring ornamental tassels to go around. Check out a few that I'm liking below!

Before and After: ABurlock's Bench

Casa Community — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:00:00 PDT

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member ABurlock from the Su Casa group:

I bought this bench/stool at my local Salvation Army over the weekend with the intentions of redoing it, possibly trying out some tufting and nailhead trim as practice for a headboard I plan to make. The bench was marked $7.99, but all furniture was 33% off on Saturday if you took it home that day. I took advantage of the sale and brought home the bench for just over $5. I purchased 2 yards of fabric (WAAAY too much), a button covering kit, 10 yards of nailhead trim (didn't need that much, but that's how it came), and an upholstery needle. I spent approximately $40 on these supplies, but I have many things left over for other projects.

Continue reading to hear about and see the final product!

Before and After: Bench Revival

CasaSugar — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:00:53 PDT

I get all giddy when I stumble upon a piece of furniture that screams for an easy makeover, which is why I fell in love with this tired little bench. The small seat was attractive enough, but I mulled over what I wanted to do with it until the right fabric struck me. And eventually, it did. After a fresh coat of paint and a cheery cover, this little bench found a new life in a little girl's room I've been working on for a while. The problem is I like it so much that I kinda want it back!

Want to check out the vibrant redo?

George Nelson's Platform Bench . . . Made From Legos!

CasaSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:00:00 PDT

About six months ago, Su Casa community member anti curl's husband became obsessed with the George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller. Seeing as an original would have cost him about $700, he decided to build one. "So what's a fellow with no discernible woodworking skills and no tools to do?" he asked. "Turn to Legos of course." Over 1,400 Legos and a few redesigns later, he's built a one-of-a-kind coffee table that's as much an art piece as it is a conversation piece. Come take a look and hear more about the project! Check out their Humble Ablog for more details, too.

Roundup: Hidden Living Room Storage

CasaSugar — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:15:19 PST

The living room is one room that always seems to accumulate random items, from library books and DVDs to stacks of magazines and kids' toys. Instead of immediately purging excess from the room, which can get tedious, you can cleverly conceal it within furniture items that have storage built in.

Ottomans and benches are a wonderful way to both rest your weary bones as well as hide messy items you'd rather not deal with at the moment. Check out some of my favorite recent finds that will provide for your living-room storage needs.

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