CasaSugar

Do You Have Open Shelving?

CasaSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:45:24 -0700

Americans are too attached to their kitchen cupboards. It's as if they'd never considered storage other than upper cabinets. Open shelving can actually make a kitchen feel open, relieving the tight, cramped feeling that many kitchens have, in addition to leaving space to display artwork and other decorative elements. But if you don't have matching dishes or you're not diligent about stacking them neatly, open shelving can look sloppy. And of course, open shelves attract dust more easily.

Source

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.

How-To: Go Subtle With Lavender

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:01 -0800

Earlier today, I showed you how to decorate with lavender walls. If you're not ready to make the commitment to that much lavender, though, you can always work with accents. Try using textiles in a lavender shade. Or, paint the interior of a cabinet or cupboard with your favorite lavender shade. Accent decor is also an option as well. See some of my favorite lavender accents below.

Before and After: A Change in Chelsea

CasaSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:21 -0700

Camila of High-Heeled Foot in the Door is at it again! This time the DIY expert and interior designer conquered her young sister's apartment in Chelsea, NYC, which is shared with two roommates. Communal living spaces often pose a problem, as each roommate has her own tastes, and recent grads often can't afford to be spending their hard-earned mula on décor. So with a budget of only $350, Camila made over her sister's living/kitchen/dining area. As you can see, this wall with cupboards was a bit of wreck before. She says, "I swear the busted chair was just like that. I did not stage it!" Want to see the after photo? Then read more.

A few punches of color face off with plain vanilla walls - and win. She painted the cabinets with chalkboard paint, which is ideal for notes between roomies. And the stools flanking the cabinets were a curbside find, which she upholstered in chic gray stripes. Accessories and some cute embroideries add girlish flair. This project is an inspiring one; it's not complicated, but it's certainly happy! See more before and after photos of the apartment at High-Heeled Foot in the Door!

Before and After: Lauren's Retro-Modern Kitchen

CasaSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:03 -0700

Craftster member Lauren is an amazing crafter, but she's been taking a hiatus from personal craft projects to work on a much bigger one: making over her new house.

Lauren writes, "We bought our house in mid-August and have been going to town on every inch of it. It is a 1931 cottage style 1 1/2 story house that we fell in love with on the very first round of showings. We have mostly completed the house in just one month, but the kitchen was the first to be finished to completion."

To see the great improvement Lauren made on her kitchen, read more.

Lauren, who says she loves retro kitchen decor, has done a great job integrating '50s-style items with a more modern look. I love her use of pattern and color, from the curtains to the wallpaper and cupboard inlays. The cupboards look super fresh thanks to the new coats of paint, and I love the scalloped edging over the sink. Her use of accents is spot-on, too. What a nice update!

View 6 Photos ›

How-To: Create a Craft Corner

CasaSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:42 -0700

A good friend of mine just sent me photos of her new house in Los Angeles, and I was excited to see that she made room for a craft corner. My pal loves to craft and sew, and now she has an established space for her handiwork (which is more than I can say for my own house).

There are many advantages to maintaining a permanent space for your crafting or sewing hobby. For one, you won't have to haul everything in and out of a closet or cupboard every time you want to work on a project. Additionally, you won't have to clean up your crafting area and put it away once you have guests over. And perhaps most importantly, having a craft corner will help you to get motivated and actually finish all of those projects you've started!

For all of my tips on creating a craft corner, read more.

A small desk is perfect for your craft corner. Look at garage sales or flea markets for a solid wood desk. You'll want something that's sturdy and not overly precious.
Organize with pretty tins and boxes to keep everything in its place.
If you need additional shelving, try hanging shelves on walls to maximize space.
Positioning your craft corner close to a window will help you to take advantage of natural light. Otherwise, use a task lamp so you're able to see everything you're working on.
Keep all of your tools accessible. Use a large tin can or vase to hold your glue gun, scissors, and other needed tools.
Keep things pretty! As long as you keep your space organized and pretty, it will be a joy to work in this space, as well as to look at when you're not crafting away. Since your corner will be integrated into a bedroom, living room, or study, you want the space to flow. Organization is the key to keeping things looking their best.

Q&A With Personal Organizer Carrie Carlson

CasaSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:34 -0700

I recently showcased an office organization project from personal organizer Carrie Carlson. Carrie was nice enough to sit down and answer some questions that readers had about her project.

To check out the Q&A, read more.

Reader Question: I would like to know more about how the pieces themselves were actually organized - I mean, my desk would be a lot less cluttered too if I had the space and money to just buy more storage.

Carrie: People often feel disorganized because they simply lack storage. I encourage all my clients and anyone trying to get organized to find cost-effective ways to create storage where they need it. Freecycle, Craigslist, or Ikea are all viable options for obtaining storage for a decent price. Each drawer/space in this office has a specific use, created just for this client and her lifestyle. The necessity for drawers is often overlooked. The drawers and cupboards house mailing supplies, which this client uses often, office supplies, and media and supplies. The baskets are used for the client’s dog toys, items to be routed to her offsite office, items for family and friends, and items to be taken to her second home. The bamboo bins are used for personal receipts, business receipts, and cash receipts.

Reader Question: I like the look, but where do you sit and do work?

Carrie: These pictures only show half of the office. There is an additional L-shaped desk (see photo), which is used for paper and computer work.

Reader Question: I would love to be a professional organizer. I just don't know how to get started!

Carrie: Visit NAPO to find out about becoming a personal organizer.

Reader Question: I like it, but would like to see the desk space. I'd really enjoy seeing some sort of makeover with objects/pieces of furniture already on hand.

Carrie: Most of these projects have re-purposed pieces of furniture. Check my projects for more examples.

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:00:24 -0700

Consider these 5 steps for creating an outdoor space.- AT:LA
Get inspired with steampunk style. - More Ways to Waste Time
Peruse fab rooms designed by Andrew Edward Kepler.- Desire to Inspire
Here's a simple way to save food while organizing your cupboards.- Re-Nest
EasyBloom helps simplify your gardening.- Shelterrific
Check out this easy medicine cabinet DIY.- Simply Stated
Get cheap, chic lights.- PointClickHome

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:00:02 -0700

Learn to make a kitchen cupboard message center.- AT:LA
Tour a colorful and light-hearted home.- AT:SF
Here are some tips about snaking your sewer drains.- Charles & Hudson
Find out how you can repair ripped-out slipcover seams.- Craftzine
Take a stroll through a handmade apartment in Germany.- Decor8
Tom Leighton's photography is like stepping into a dream.- Desire to Inspire
David Stark makes incredible cardboard creations for West Elm.- Inhabitat
Check out some stunning paper cuts.- Design*Sponge

Su Casa Challenge: Miriam Olivia's Cocina Fiesta

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:00:59 -0800

Su Casa member Miriam Olivia responded to my January Su Casa Challenge and posted photos of her kitchen wall cupboard that she enlivened with colorful dishes.

She writes, "Living in Pennsylvania means long Winters with very little sun. So, one day I decided to take off the three doors to this 1950s kitchen wall cupboard. I painted the ugly wood an antique white. I replaced my dishes, cups, and so on with bright and bold beautiful colors. I love the Mexican motif. It's cheerful, and every day is a fiesta!"
I love the dishware's patterns and Miriam Olivia's flawless combination of bright tones. It really goes to show you how some colorful accessories can brighten a gloomy Winter.

Have you entered your home in my January Su Casa Challenge? For this month's contest, I want you to photograph and describe a bright and happy corner of your casa. Winter may be dreary, but I know that your homes are cheery! Show them off and you might win some CasaSugar swag of your choice. Intrigued? Read all about the January challenge here.

Surya Area Rug, Flirty FLT-1054 Purple 5' 4" x 7' 8" - $389.00	Blissliving Home Callum Pillow - $50.00
Avalisa Patterns Collection Circles Stretched Wall Art - $59.00	Abat-Jour Lighting Family By Venini - $2,160.00
Solos Glass Glass Vase- Purple - $675.00	Blissliving Home Shadow Pillow - $50.00
Traditional Violet Glass Knob - $9.00	Lavender and Sea Glass Diffuser - $29.99
Ferm Living - Dotty Pillow - $76.50	Sentimental Violet Knob - $20.00
D. L. & Co. Violet Absolute Candle - $35.00	Calvin Klein "Violets" Decorative Pillow Collection - $75.00