CasaSugar

Definition: Key Pattern

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:12:53 -0700

A classic design motif that consists of interlocking and repeated geometric designs - typically vertical and horizontal lines linked together at right angles. The look is also called "Greek key" because of its ancient Grecian origins. The bold, masculine pattern is often used as a border or a decorative accent on rugs, dinnerware, and wooden furniture.

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Cool Idea: An Interactive Trash Bin

CasaSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:00:33 -0700

British fashion designer Paul Smith and Design Museum director Deyan Sudjic today unveiled a five-foot "rabbit bin." Whenever a passerby drops rubbish in the bin, the bunny's ears light up. The bunny is part of the Design Museum Super Contemporary Exhibition in Covent Garden. I love the concept of making civic responsibility (such as keeping your city clean) whimsical and fun. Perhaps the streets of my fair city would be a little cleaner if there were rabbit bins here.

Would you want a rabbit bin in your town?

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Love It or Hate It? Charlie Dog Giclee Print

CasaSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:15:29 -0700

You might already know that I've got a soft spot for the canines, but that still doesn't mean I'm sold on this Charlie Dog Giclee Print ($89.95). Are you?

Love It or Hate It? Animal Bookends by Roost

CasaSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:11 -0700

The Carved Wood Animal Bookends by Roost ($150) are, in my opinion, equal parts cool, cute, and creepy. Whatever you think, if you park your books against one of these hand-carved shesham wood bookends, it'll definitely be a conversation starter.

Love It or Hate It? Diva Red Ostrich Console Table

CasaSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 06:15:39 -0700

I don't think anyone's going to have a neutral feeling about this Diva Red Ostrich Console Table ($500). Do you love it? Or does it make you want to stick your head in the sand until it disappears?

Love It or Hate It? Droog Door Mat

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:00:55 -0700

These animal doormats ($121) were designed for Dutch company Droog by Ed Annink, and were inspired by Deco-era pictograms. Would you want a hippo or a bunny saying hello to your guests?

Cool Idea: Dyed Doilies

CasaSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:00:41 -0700

Doilies are blowing up in the design world these days. Not only is there a doily motif trend, but the crocheted mats are being used in modern and alternative ways, such as hung in frames and stitched onto bedding. But a doily's life as an ornamental napkin is not over yet. You may remember I recommended dyeing your doilies to give them a quick update. Well if you need proof from a true tastemaker, see how Eddie Ross kicked the dated look of his Salvation Army doily finds by dyeing them with charcoal Rit dye. I love how the dark doilies dress up his simple table setting and really make his white linens pop. Beautiful. Do you have any doilies lying around in need of revival?

Let's Go Trend Hunting: Wordy Furniture and Graffitied Home Finds

CasaSugar — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:00:03 -0700

This month, at Paris's trade interior design show Maison & Objet, UK designer Andrew Martin, who's known for his Union Jack motif furniture, showed off some other, bold prints, including this chair upholstered in designer Martin Waller’s new God Bless America fabric.

Martin and Waller aren't the first (or the last) designers to jump on the typography and graffiti bandwagon. There are a lot of really great interior design finds out there right now that display words, graffiti, or a combination of both. So, let's go Trend Hunting!

Here's how it works. First, join my group Trend Hunting. Then, when you track down a cool graffiti or typography product, bookmark it and tag it with the phrase Wordy Home Finds, and then save it in the Trend Hunting group. You can read this post for full directions on how to start your Trend Hunting mission, and here's a detailed explanation of bookmarks from GeekSugar.

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Crave Worthy: Bennett Bean Rugs For Museum of Art & Design

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:13 -0700

New York's Museum of Art and Design has commissioned American ceramic artist Bennett Bean to transfer the same breathtaking design and color sensibility found in his vessels to 100-knot Tibetan silk and wool. Obligingly, he has designed “9 for ‘09," a limited-edition rug series, which is available exclusively in the museum's store and online shop. The inventory online includes three 5-x-7 rugs available in several colorways, but I'm partial to Feldspar ($5,200), with its decorative design motifs and moody reds and pinks. Want something larger? Custom sizes are available - that is, if you can afford it. See other designs below.

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Home Away From Home: The Maidstone in East Hampton

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:33 -0700

If you live in the New York metro area, you know very well of the Hamptons' reputation as THE place to be in the summertime. If not, you've probably caught a glimpse of the glory of the Long Island townships in movies like Something's Gotta Give and Grey Gardens. Unless you're a lucky dog who owns a home in the popular seaside locale, most visitors rent a Summer share or score a bed with a friend, as hotels in the area tend to be overpriced and lacking in looks (and personal BBQ grills). But room and maid service does have its perks, so if you are looking to stay in a Hamptons hotel, might I offer one that gets my seal of approval? The iconic Maidstone hotel was reinvented by Swedish hotelier Jenny Ljungberg who has mixed the free-spirited design of her native Scandinavia with the timeless sophistication of the Hamptons, and thrown in some arresting artwork and photography - all with a bit of a bohemian twist. One of the guest rooms is furnished with pieces designed or inspired by seminal designer Josef Frank (a favorite of mine), and features white oak flooring typical of midcentury Scandinavia, as well as modern wallpaper by up-and-coming Swedish designer Hanna Werning. Another, the Kurbits Cottage, takes a note from traditional Sweden with a wooden Jantze Brogård Asshoff table, hand-painted wall motifs, a wood-burning fireplace, and water-lily light fixtures, as well wooden clogs as décor. Hear about the hotel's eco-friendly features and see plenty of photos when you read more.

Beyond its refreshing design philosophy, the hotel has also taken every conceivable step to be the Hamptons' most eco-friendly hotel, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral. Some of its eco-friendly features include an on-site Natura water filtration system in place of bottled water; high-efficiency furnaces; state-of-the-art central a/c units; Low-E double-paned windows with insulating argon gas; organic cotton linens; water-based paints; and low-flush toilets. They also use refillable toileterie containers, recyclable carry-out containers, organic produce, organic cleaning products, and compost all of their restaurant's organic waste and donate it to local farmers. And, guests are encouraged to use their collection of Kronan bicycles as green transport free of charge.

If you arrive in a car, you'll be happy to note that each room comes with a much-coveted beach parking permit. Pets are also welcome, and WiFi throughout the hotel is free. And after a tiring afternoon at the beach, you can cozy up with a book from the library stocked with volumes about art, design, photography and the Hamptons' history, or watch a DVD from their large collection, also free. Summer rates range from $450-$995.
To see interior photos, read more.

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