CasaSugar

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.
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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!

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:30:11 -0800

Steal decorating ideas from Anthropologie's November catalog.
Create a wall of mirrors.
Guess what this wall is made from?
This reader needs help with her living room.
Hang your houseplants upside down.
See how this china cabinet was transformed.

Open House: How Do You Dress Your Thanksgiving Table?

CasaSugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:30:04 -0800

When it comes to the Thanksgiving table, how you dress it is often as important to the hostess as what food sits upon it. Over the years, I've seen family members fuss over table settings, switching out placemats, rethinking china sets, and shifting floral arrangements.

I admit that I'm known to fuss over my Thanksgiving table as well. The first year that my hubby and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner for friends and family, I stayed up late into the night sewing a dozen napkins, pressing tablecloths, and arranging flowers. In the end though, it was all worth it. Not only did the food turn out wonderfully, but the table looked spectacular as well. Plus, as far as I'm concerned, deciding on color schemes and flower arrangements is all part of the fun.

So tell me, how do you dress your Thanksgiving table? Do you keep things casual? Is your feast a buffet-style affair? Or do you get formal with placecards and calligraphied names? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Source: Flickr User thedabble

Casa Quickie: Chicken Wire For Open Shelving

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:15:00 -0700

Vintage china cabinets may be beautiful, but their glass doors are too precious for some homes. So if you have an all-wooden armoire or glass china cabinet, you can replace the wooden or glass door façades with chicken coop wire to bring an inherited piece of furniture into the 21st century. Chicken wire offers the visual lightness of glass, but it's less formal - ideal for those of you with eclectic or shabby chic homes. And yes, you could just remove the doors, but this effect is more unique. I love how the collection of beautiful dishes looks stacked in this cabinet. Why hide them?
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Anthropologie to Open First London Outpost Oct. 23

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:26 -0700

Anthropologie will open its first European outpost, and the first outside of North America, in the heart of London's West End on Oct. 23. Anthropologie has made a habit of seeking out architecturally distinct spaces for its stores, and this one will be no exception. The store will occupy a historically renowned, three-story building at 158 Regent Street, which was once home to Waterford Wedgwood, a prominent English china retailer since the 18th century.
The new store will sell Anthropologie's signature mix of fashion, accessories, home décor, decorative antiques, and found objects - many discovered around the world by antiques buyer Keith Johnson. As with all of the brand's stores, Regent Street will also incorporate reclaimed materials from nearby and feature work by local artists. Another shop will open early next year on London's King's Road. Londoners, get your wallets ready! And a night job while you're at it!