CasaSugar

How-To: Build a Set of Mismatched Tableware

CasaSugar — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:15:29 -0800

When we're talking fine china and silver, we don't all have the luxury of having complete matching sets of dinner and serving pieces. Luckily, mixed sets can still look just as chic. Whether it's a tea set, antique silverware, or a mismatched set of dinner plates, there are a few things you can do to make building a mismatched set look purposeful, while still keeping your costs down.

First of all, in-store sales at home décor shops are a great place to find bargains on fine china and silver on pieces that don't make a full set. For instance, you might find two dinner plates at a great price, but you'll have to come up with four more to serve a party of six. You can also find great bargains at flea markets and thrift stores, but you'll have to do more sifting to find good quality pieces.

Read my essential tips for building your own set of mismatched tableware.

Etsy Finds: Gifts Handmade From Vintage China

CasaSugar — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

I love to give handmade gifts, whether I make them myself or buy them from another crafter. It's much more personal, not to mention one-of-a-kind. And, to ease my eco conscience, it helps that the gifts are made from repurposed materials. So I was excited to see a handful of wonderful gifts handmade from vintage china on Etsy. They'd make beautiful gifts for any girl you know. Take a look!

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Does Your Design Style Rule Your Love Life?

CasaSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:00:06 -0700

I recently caught a first season episode of Sex and the City, Bay of Married Pigs, where Charlotte dates a man on the marriage track, Sean. Not long after they begin dating, they find themselves looking at china patterns together, and Charlotte dumps him when she realizes his pattern of choice isn't up to her standards. Carrie narrates, "Charlotte ended it right then and there. It would never work. He was American Classic and she was French Country."
Since I've never been in this situation, I can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing, but it does seem a bit irrational. On the other hand, I can be quite stubborn when it comes to compromising my tastes in interior design.
Source

How Would You . . .

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:00:15 -0800

This ornate pair of cypress wood Chinese Window Panels ($3,750) originally had an architectural (yet decorative) purpose in 19th century China. But, their greek key pattern, which is very popular these days, certainly gives the screen a sort of à la mode flair. I'd love to see them used in a home's interior, rather than its structure, and I'm wondering what ideas you have for them. I'm thinking they'd look quite unique used as a great headboard, coffee-table top, mirror frame, or even a hanging pot rack. The possibilities are endless. What are your thoughts? Tell me by commenting below!

Nice and New: Amy Butler China For Mikasa

CasaSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:30:05 -0700

Artist and designer Amy Butler, whom many of you know for her textiles, has decided to delve into the world of ceramics, partnering with Mikasa to introduce Vintage Botanica, a unique china pattern in her signature style. Vintage Botanica is a clean-lined collection with curved silhouettes and fresh, colorful florals and in some cases, a stylish peacock. The dinnerware certainly has that Midwest Modern vibe with vintage and organic elements, and is versatile enough for casual or formal dining, depending on how you style your table setting. The collection is available from Mikasa or Amy Butler.

Cool Idea: Mounting Mismatched China

CasaSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Flea markets and thrift stores can be a treasure trove of mismatched china, which could lead to trouble depending on your level of impulse control. One too many "Oh, this little dish is too cute to pass up!" and next thing you know, you've got boxes of quirky plates without coordinating mates.

That's why I was mesmerized by this wall I snapped at a Northern California diner. The quirky patterns look so serene, mounted on the seafoam-green wall. What do you think of this idea? I loved it so much I never wanted to leave. The diner did something similar with mismatched mugs on a shelf. Curious about this curiosity? Then read more.

Cool Idea: Frankensteined China, Two Ways

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:00:56 -0700

Belarusian artist Vika Mitrichenka makes gorgeous tea sets by casting broken pieces of china together, which were picked up by Dutch Design Shop Frozen Fountain, as well as the Stedelijk Museum. At $5,742 for a limited edition set of serving tray, tea pot, dish, sugar and cream bowls, and cup and saucer, you'd better have a pretty tame tea party if you want to use them, but I think it's best to think of Mitrichenka's work as fine art sculptures. To hear who else frankensteins china, read more.

One of my Designer Spotlights, Jason Miller (of antler chandelier fame), designed a collection called "Seconds," teapots, teacups and saucers, and dinner and dessert plates which look to be mismatched pieces of china glued to china, but are actually produced by Areaware. Each set actually has one singular motif or imagery that runs through each piece, like his blackbirds. His artist statement for the collection reads, "Products that are 'seconds' are products that are not quite right. They are imperfect and therefore lesser value. But who made the rules? Who says the decoration has to be in the center? Who says a flower can't grow down? Who says a whole bird is better than half a bird?" Prices range from $90 to $132.

Source, Source, and Source

Before and After: Boring China Cabinet to Fabulous Bookcase

Casa Community — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Su Casa member LittleLeo recently transformed a dated china cabinet into a fabulous bookcase:
We inherited this piece from a friend who was getting a new dining room set. My husband couldn't understand why I wanted the cabinet and not the dining table too. I explained I had a vision for my home office. I sanded it all down and painted it matte black, wallpapered the back, and had acrylic shelves made. It has set the tone for the room and now the "office" doesn't take away from the living room. It actually adds an extra layer of function to the room, at least I think so.
To see LittleLeo's finished project, .

Have you made over any furniture lately? Be sure to add photos to our Su Casa group!

Assisted Living: Housewarming Party Etiquette

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0800

PartySugar recently came to me with a very good - and common - question: how soon should a housewarming party be after one moves in?

Here's the thing: I want to host one for my half birthday which is on March 16. It will be about a month after I moved. But my apartment will be far from finished, especially in terms of artwork and decorations because I plan on doing a lot of it myself. Since it's a work in progress, I can't imagine it being done until perhaps this Summer. But by that point, everyone will have seen my house and it won't necessarily be a housewarming. Is it OK to host a party when my house isn't completed? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Want to hear my thoughts on the subject and a few hosting tips?

My Dining Room Is Finally Coming Together

Casa Community — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:30:55 -0800

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member (and Sugar staffer!) KWM from the Su Casa group:

We have been working on decorating our dining room pretty much since we moved into our house three years ago. Last year we finally got a dining room table and chairs and then recently we added curtains and a wreath and then this weekend our china hutch finally arrived! Still to come (hopefully) is a rug and some more art for the walls, but at this rate it will probably be another year. At least it's closer than ever!

Have you bought any new furniture or done any other home projects lately? Be sure to share photos and tales with our Su Casa group!

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