CasaSugar

Before and After: A Traditional Swedish Clock Gets an Update

CasaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:10 -0800

Su Casa member dezignerwannabe recently decided to update her traditional Swedish Mora clock. In case you didn't know, these Scandinavian floor clocks were created near the town of Mora, Sweden, around 1750, after bad farming seasons forced the Mora farmers to find another way to earn income. Many of the clocks were decorated with painted faces, but now, hardly any of the original artwork remains on the clocks, and most have been painted over with inferior, rosemaling-type designs.

Since dezignerwannabe wanted to update the look and color of her traditional clock, she decided to go for it, and, as she wrote in the title of her post, "I hope I don't regret it but after so many years it needed an update."

To see the update, read more.

I, for one, can't see how dezignerwannabe would have any regrets over this update. The teal-and-gold paint combination with rosemaling designs was really holding this piece back, and while it stood out, it didn't do so in a positive manner. The real beauty in this piece is its gorgeous shape, and the simple, white paint update that dezignerwannabe gave it allows its beautiful curves to really stand out.

Have you made any updates to any home accents, like a clock, credenza, or cupboard? If so, then share it in the Su Casa group.

Roundup: Bold, Basic Clocks

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:30:19 -0700

In case this young girl is worried about running late, she can double-check her train times on the 19th-century clock above her head. Featured in the 1920s film Brief Encounter, the clock at Carnforth Railway Station in England is wound by hand each week. While I'm not keen on winding a clock weekly, I do love this clock's bold, basic look.

For a similar look, try the Arne Jacobsen Romer Clock ($370), which was designed for the Rathaus in Aarhus, Denmark in 1937. With bold Roman numerals and a thin band of black around the circumference, the clock will tell you the time in a non-nonsense, handsome manner.

For more bold and basic clocks, read more.

Would You Rather . . . Two Tiger Clocks

CasaSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:00:41 -0700

If you were forced to add a tiger clock to your casa, which one would you choose? The Ed Hardy Crouching Tiger Wall Clock ($29.99, on left), or this Suleyman Tiger Clock ($3,600)? And no picking "Other" or "None of the Above"! You must choose one.

Cool Idea: Topiary Clock

CasaSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:00:56 -0700

I've shown you a horse topiary outside of Stella McCartney's Beverly Hills store, but I've never shown you a topiary clock.

Who would settle for a sundial when they could clip their shrubbery into numbers? This reminds me of something you might see in a children's park, though in reality it was found on the campus of a major university. I love any example of playful landscaping, and this definitely fits the bill. Would you ever attempt something similar?

Crave Worthy: Jason Linde Wenge Veneer Clock

CasaSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:32:01 -0800

As someone who has never owned a watch, and whose cell phone is practically glued to her hand, I never thought I'd ache for a wall clock. But for Jason Linde Handmade Wenge Veneer Clocks ($110–$130), I do. His clocks have rotating laser-engraved dials and a stationary hand, flipping the face of the traditional clock on its end. I find everything about them understated, elegant, and beautiful: the dark-wood veneer, delicate hands, and sans-serif typography. I'm sure these clocks would be a simple DIY project for someone who knows mechanics, but certainly not for me. Until then, dear clock, be still, my ticking heart.

Good, Better, Best: Cool Cuckoo Clocks

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:30:37 -0700

One of my best friends had a cuckoo clock growing up, and I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. But as an adult, I've never been into the whole German-kitsch look, so I was never particularly interested in bringing a cuckoo clock into my life.

But right now, it seems, everyone wants to put a cute, modern spin on the iconic design. Combining surprising colors and materials with the traditional cuckoo clock silhouette, these products would add a playful touch to your decor. Here are a few finds to suit three difference price points.

Good: Who'd have thought that the discount-store behemoth could create such a stylish clock? This Wal-Mart Retro Cuckoo Clock ($14.88) has lacy detailing that echoes older designs, but it doesn't have a cuckoo sound.

Two even better cuckoo clocks, so read more

Better: Offering more traditional design cues, the Urban Outfitters Starlight Cuckoo Clock ($48) has a modern silver gleam and features images of pine cones, woodland creatures, and a pop-out bird.

Best: The Diamantini Domeniconi Cuckoo Clock by Pascal Tarabay ($278) is the smartest of the bunch. You can opt for a soft, subtle cuckoo or a louder tone, and the bird quiets down at night using a light sensor. It's available in orange, white, black, stainless steel, and light blue.

Midday Muse: Modern Clock Madness

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:58:44 -0700

I love seeing how people display their collections and obsessions, as in this kitchen featured in a Metropolitan Home (via Girl Meets Glamour). Sure, you could scatter your mid-century modern clock collection throughout the house, but why not hang them all on one wall for great impact?

Love It or Hate It? Book Clock by Sjoerd van Heumen

CasaSugar — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 05:50:26 -0700

This Book Clock by Sjoerd van Heumen ($28) would like very cute nestled among the shelves of your home library, but with its bright primary colors, it's almost too cute for my taste. Tell me what you think.

Found It! Trompe-l'œil Grandfather Clock

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:50 -0800

I spotted this photo in the portfolio of photographer Joanna Henderson and I'm absolutely in love with it. Not only is the light beautiful, but the space couldn't be any more understatedly elegant. The trompe-l'œil grandfather clock is simply great for that white wall, and it pairs perfectly with those bentwood chairs. The little floor lantern gives this antiquey corner a bit of Eastern flair, and the horse print is so sweetly styled. But back to the clock - it looks familiar, doesn't it? Wondering where you can buy it?

Good, Better, Best: Modern Desk Clocks

CasaSugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:00:17 -0800

Clocks have long been a fixture in homes worldwide, with not only a time-keeping function but also an aesthetic one. But as we've become drawn to our computers, cell phones, PDAs, and electronic kitchen appliances, we've found ourselves with little need for a free-standing clock, and these handsome things have fallen by the wayside. Personally, I like to put my gadgets to rest and out of my bedroom so I can have uninterrupted sleep, but I'll gladly grandfather in a good-looking desk clock. Lately, I've been looking for a handsome modern desk clock with a white face. So, I thought I'd round up a few that I'm thinking about. First (Good), the Jonas Damon Twice Once Clock ($80) is a modern reinterpretation of the two-sided railway station clock. I like its minimal face, and the punch of color its orange hands bring. To see two others, read more.

Better: The Riki Desk Clock ($120) is a re-release of a 1970 Riki Watanabe design. I love that its large font makes it easy to read and its cute round shape, but I'm not sold on the pumpkin color.

Best:: The Amadana Alarm Clock ($118) is quite handsome with its simple face, quadrilateral shape, and lack of needless trimmings. It's also an alarm clock with slow, Euro lounge-esque sounds (listen to them here), giving you a natural, less-startling awakening than your average alarm clock. And, it features an LED light that shines on its laser-processed clock face with the press of a button, but doesn't look so "electric" when it sits untouched. Beautiful.

Metropolis Wall Clock - $129.00	Infinity 36" Clockmaker Wall Clock - $475.00
Wood Wall Clock - $74.95	Arne Jacobsen Romer Clock - $370.00
Romer Wall Clock By Arne Jacobsen - $370.00	Classic Clock - $55.00
Alessi Firenze, Wall clock - $75.00	Alessi Firenze, Wall clock - $75.00
Braun Abw31 Wall Clock - $75.00	Alessi Momento Wall Clock - $300.00
Howard Miller® 32" Cityview Wall Clock - $259.99	Rusch Wall Clock - $2.99