CasaSugar

Found It! Candlesticks in Away We Go

CasaSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:44 -0700

While the conversation in Sam Mendes's new comedy-drama Away We Go looks lively, it's the stylish glass candlesticks on the sideboard of this dining room that caught my attention. I actually own a few of these, and they're a staple at one of my favorite home retailers. Want to know where they're from? Find out when you read more.

They're the CB2 Lumiere Candleholders ($3.95-7.95, on sale). These candleholders are really versatile; they fit in with practically any style of décor. But, I have found that since they are made of chem-lab beaker glass, they are extremely light. They fall over easily if you leave a window open or if you have a wobbly table, and I've actually broken several. So, I recommend securing them to your table with a little adhesive.

Casa Quickie: Sticky Drawers

CasaSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:30:24 -0800

Aging isn't an easy thing to do. For antiques, the phrase "things get better with age" is nearly always true when it comes to aesthetics and market value. But sometimes they do need a little love to get their groove back. When it comes to a chest or bureau with sticky drawers that no longer slide open and closed easily, did you know that the antiaging remedy is as simple and household-ready as a candlestick? Just pull out the chest drawers and grab a piece of wax or an old candlestick that's down to its last legs. Rub the wax along the tracks where the grooves of the drawers will run. Now, put each drawer back, and they should slide in smoothly.

Cool Idea: CandlestickMaker

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:00:01 -0800

I've got a fragrant candle for the Winter season, but my candlestick collection could use a fresh, not-so-stuffy update. When it comes wine glasses, though, I'm good to go - my recycling bin will confirm this. So, I was delighted to come across the Designfenzider CandlestickMaker ($30),which will turn any wine glass into a whimsical candlestick holder. Oh so smart. Seeing that this gadget is made of glazed porcelain, I somewhat understand the cost, but I think 30 smackers is a little much to spend on something that's not actually a candlestick. On the other hand, it's so pretty with its turned wood-esque shape! It wouldn't take up much cabinet space, either. Hmm.

Roundup: Pretty Candlesticks

CasaSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:00:57 -0700

I'm so sick of those trendy, rustic antler candlesticks that I just want to go back to the roots. Remember pretty candlesticks? The ones you'd set your table with if your grandmother came over or you were hosting a dinner date at home? The kind you'll hold on to until you're wrinkly and gray? The kind you'd wrap up for a friend getting married? I love them. I want you to lay down an elegant tablecloth, dust off your fancy silverware, and slide a taper into a pretty candlestick for dinner tonight — even if you're eating Stouffer's lasagna. Here's a few to get you going.

Source

Steal of the Day: Scalloped Candlestick

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:00:13 -0800

You won't feel guilty treating yourself to a little housewarming gift with this candlestick; it's overwhelmingly affordable. Find out where to snatch this steal when you read more. This Jayson Home & Garden Scalloped Candlestick ($9) made of blue-tinted mercury glass will achieve that vintage-inspired look (and some romance) in your home. Or, it would make a lovely gift for your shabby chic-loving friends. Just don't buy the whole stock: I want one, too . . .

Steal of the Day: Viva Terra Bark Candlesticks

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:00:49 -0800

The tree-branch trend may be giving way to birch and other motifs, but I still appreciate a lovely tree-inspired accent. Especially one that's sleek and metallic rather than brown and burly; even better if it's on sale.

If you're knot ready to give up the tree trend just yet, snap up these Viva Terra Recycled Aluminum Bark Candlesticks ($89, marked down from $179). They're half price but fully fabulous.

Nice and New: Anthropologie Society Candlesticks

CasaSugar — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 05:52:38 -0700

If you read home design magazines, I'm sure you've seen those pricey crystal ball lamps that are so trendy these days, and maybe you're lucky enough to own one. I personally have not made the splurge, although I've come close several times. So, when I found these Society Candlesticks ($32) amongst Anthropologie's new inventory, I knew I'd found an economical alternative to the beauties I'd been pining for. According to Anthro, these "sparkling stacks of faceted crystal are the life of the party." What could be better?

Source

Ask Casa: Help With My New Living Room

CasaSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0800

Hi Casa,

I recently rented my first apartment and now I have to furnish and make it my own space. Eeek! I feel like I need some serious help. The apartment is not very big and I'm not allowed to paint the walls so they must remain white. Right now I'm focused on the living area. As of right now I have a couch, chair, and an accent table. I'm need of a coffee table, but I was thinking instead of going the table route, of doing a cocktail ottoman. I found one at Target, the Kerry Rectangle Ottoman, I thought might work well. If you could give me some pointers I would be truly grateful. I've included a picture so you can get some idea of what I'm working with. Thanks, xnieves

To hear my suggestions for xnieves, read more.

Hi xnieves,

Thanks for writing in! How fun? Your first apartment! The space looks great. Your parquet floors are gorgeous, and that fireplace nook is great.

It's too bad you can't paint the walls, but you do have some alternatives. If you're allowed to, hang large-scale artwork to instantly bring color to the space. The wall above that fireplace is just begging for a big, bright painting. You can also hang textiles, tapestries, or curtains to bring in color. Another great trick is to wallpaper boards of plywood and just lean them against your walls - see what I mean here.

While I do like the idea of using an ottoman instead of a coffee table, I'm afraid it will be too hefty for this small space, especially in that dark brown color of the Kerry ottoman. If you really want one, I'd recommend getting two small ottoman cubes instead - something more like this. But honestly, I think the space would really benefit from a coffee table that's much lighter visually, such as a glass or Lucite one. For instance, the CB2 Smart Coffee Table ($199) would look great (and let those parquet floors peek through).

The biggest problem I see already here though is that you're headed in a very beige and brown direction, which is not very inspiring or intriguing. You need color in this space. I recommend adding colorful throw pillows to the couch, and maybe a small one to the chair as well. Since you can't paint the walls, your furnishings should take the lead on adding color and personality. You should also dress up that fireplace nook; read my post on Decorating a Nonworking Fireplace for ideas. Bring in color with accessories, too, such a candlesticks, books, vases, etc.

Hope that helps!

Cheers,
Casa

SGS1's Lovely Little Fall Vignette

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:53 -0700

Lovely Little Vignettes member SGS1 was inspired by Kimpossible's Fall decorating scheme to get to work on her own. The result is beautiful and chic! I love how she's mixed various shapes and colors of seasonal gourds. Her branches of berries really fill out the mantel and give it depth. The reflective quality of SGS1's mirror and glass candlesticks, vases, and votives really make the arrangement elegant. There's a tendency for seasonal décor to look kitschy, but she's managed to avoid that altogether.

Have you done any Fall decorating lately? Be sure to add your photos to our Lovely Little Vignettes group!

Casa Quickie: Tips For Spray Painting

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:30:30 -0700

Spray painting is a seriously easy way to update everything from furniture to shelves to candlesticks. Lacquered finishes, a nod to Hollywood Regency style, are all the rage these days, so updating an old furnishing with glossy spray paint is an easy way to get the look on a small budget. But there are a few tips you should keep in mind. First of all, before you paint, clean your piece and sand it lightly to make the paint adhere better.
To prevent paint globs, apply several light coats, letting each dry completely in between. And, when you are painting, keep the can completely upright to keep the flow consistent. Oh and this one might go without saying, but make sure you shake well before spraying!

Source: Flickr User ohad*

kate spade "Pompano Point" Candlestick Pair, 5" - $50.00	Holmegaard -cassiopeia candlestick by torben jorgensen - $55.00
L'Objet Evoca Candlesticks - $275.00	Gump's Candelabra - $1,250.00
Spode Judaica Sabbath Candlesticks - $52.99	Temple Candlesticks - $135.00
Red Lacquer Candlesticks - $125.00	Holmegaard - heart candlesticks by anja kjær for holmegaard - $39.00
Candlestick White 22.4 - $60.00	Bahari Mayfair Candleholder- WOOD - $28.00
Ceramic Candlesticks - $65.00	Turned Glass Taper Holders - Leaf - $49.00
Towle® Silversmiths Andover Candle Holders (Set of 3) - $74.99	Dogwood Candle Holder - $18.00
Mirrored Candle Holders - $35.50	Carved Metal Candelabra - White - $69.00