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.

Share Your Thanksgiving Vignettes!

CasaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:15:46 -0800

I hope by now you've joined my new group Lovely Little Vignettes, which is the place to share photos of the small vignettes you create in your home, or those you see online or at a friend's home. There were some great Halloween decorating vignettes shared in the group, but now I'm anxious to see your more autumnal and Thanksgiving-related vignettes! (If you're not sure what I mean by vignettes, this slideshow should make it clear.)
So, show me what you got! Be it some art books on your coffee table or your arrangement of green cachepots on your windowsill, I want to see all of your beautiful photographs of the little details throughout your home.

Source: Flickr User bangli 1

Hvenbnd's House of Juicy Color Continues

Casa Community — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:19 -0800

Su Casa member Hvenbnd is continuing her home painting project. Check out her latest post on her progress:

Take a moment to check out my pics! We are still a work in progress . . . Diane at Inspired Designs is amazing and well, I am a gutsy woman who loves color, color, and color!

View 10 Photos ›

Working on a decorating project at your house? Be sure to post photos and tales in our Su Casa group!

Hvenbnd's Beautiful Wall Colors

Casa Community — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:43 -0800

Su Casa member Hvenbnd recently asked for your advice on wall colors. See how her painting quest has progressed since we last checked in with her.

I posted an earlier entry asking the community for help with picking paint colors. I just could not narrow it down! Finally I discovered Inspired Design. Diane really helped me choose colors that work with my vision, furniture, art and personality. Here is the kitchen in process! All paint is from Sherwin Williams.

Have you made any recent improvements to your home? Show them off in Su Casa!

View 5 Photos ›

Let's See Your Lovely Little Vignettes!

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:00:29 -0800

I hope by now you've joined my new group Lovely Little Vignettes, which is the place to share photos of the small vignettes you create in your home, or those you see online or at a friend's home. If you're not sure what I mean by vignettes, this slideshow should make it clear.
So, show me what you got! Be it some art books on your coffee table or your arrangement of green cachepots on your windowsill, I want to see all of your beautiful photographs of the little details throughout your home.

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!

Would You Buy a Sheepskin Throw?

Casa Community — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:30:28 -0800

Crave Worthy Creations member HannahNicole is throwing activism to the wind in favor of a sheepskin throw:

The animal activist inside me is screaming "No!" - but regardless, I'm absolutely in love with this sheepskin ($449, originally $899). It would be the perfect home accent when I'm cozy by the fireplace, so soft and plush. I know it's wrong, but I can't help it. I'll take one for Christmas, please.

Do you have any fur furnishings at home? Do you have one on your holiday wish list? Be sure to add photos and links to our Crave Worthy Creations group.

Show Me Your Casa!

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:21 -0800

Add any new additions to your home lately? A new pendant light? Have you wallpapered? Bought a new coat rack? Whatever you're doing, I want to see it!

Show off all of your home views, both interior and exterior, in my group Su Casa, where readers can share snapshots and stories related to home decorating, crafts, organizing, and gardening. A Su Casa post could be anything from a photo of a loved one's home to a tiny nook you're tickled by. Think of it as a look book for home style. If I see something I like in Su Casa, I might ask you if I can feature it on CasaSugar.

To learn how to join and post in the group, read more.

To join the Su Casa group, just follow this link and click "Join Group" on the right-hand side of the page. Once you're subscribed, click New Post on the upper right-hand side and choose what type of post you want to create. If you have just one photo and some text, create a text post; if you have a bunch of photos you want to share, select "gallery." The Community Help Group has a great primer on how to create a text post, so check that out if you've never posted one before. Here's a rundown of the basic process:

Su Casa can be found by clicking on See My Groups & Blogs from your member name drop-down. Once on the group homepage, click on New Post and choose the type of post.
Add a Title and the Body (content for your post). Don't forget to click the Check Spelling link and Upload an Image to make your post stand out!
In Advanced Options, add appropriate categories and tags. Click on Save Post and voila!

Source

Vintage Lamps Make For a Lovely Home

Casa Community — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:33 -0800

Vintage Delight group owner Deemurph is loving vintage lamps lately and has had some wonderful luck tracking some beauties down. Take a look at her finds:

My eye for old chairs kicked off my vintage obsession, but now my love for vintage lamps is on the rise! It's not just the great old shapes and materials - look at the ceramics! - it's also the shades that come with them. Where can you find shades like these that won't cost a custom fortune?
Dining room lovelies . . .
See a few more of her treasures.

Room Therapy: Help Me Choose Paint Colors!

Casa Community — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:14 -0800

Just in time for Color Theory month, Hvenbnd needs your help in choosing colors for her home! Read on to find out what she's looking for. Hi CasaSugar Readers,

I need your help ASAP! I recently experienced some water damage to my 1942 custom bungalow. As a result the wonderful insurance company has come through and has agreed to re-install new hardwood floors in my dining room and living room, paint the entire kitchen (including cabinets) laundry room, dining room, living room and to install a new kitchen floor.

My problem is choosing paint color for my rooms! I am so overwhelmed with all the options I have been researching. We are eclectic in our tastes, and have mixed antiques and modern midcentury pieces in our home. I collect Shag prints, which are bold and bright with lots of oranges and greens. I also collect tikis but hate the beachy thing. My husband is an airbrush artist and tends toward bold deep color.

For more pictures of this reader's home, and to hear more about what she's looking for,
Now, the house: We have 8 foot ceilings in the living area and dining area with coved ceilings and curved walls. I am installing recessed lighting in all three rooms. The red kitchen island that sits in the dining room in the pictures obviously belongs in the kitchen and will be painted as well. The house has lots of nooks and crannies and built in cabinets and bookcases. Can you help me pick some amazing paint colors? I will post the finished result for your viewing pleasure!

P.S. I am looking for a chesterfield sofa for the living room in what I envision to be olive green leather. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!
Hvenbnd

Do you have advice for Hvenbnd? Leave a comment! Have interesting photos of your home to share? Then post them in the Su Casa group.

View 10 Photos ›