CasaSugar

Do You Decorate With Duck Decoys?

CasaSugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

In an episode of Sex and the City, Trey's mother Bunny MacDougal festoons his Park Avenue apartment with duck decoys and plaid curtains, in a begrudging attempt to wield control over her son; Charlotte was less than pleased. All in-law issues aside, if it were me, I'd opt out of the duck decoys regardless, unless I'd spray painted them in glossy white to be cheeky or ironic. How about you? Do you decorate with duck decoys?

Kirstie Alley's Decorating Dos and Don'ts

CasaSugar — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0800

Kirstie Alley, a former interior designer, and Oprah have teamed up for a fun contest awarding one of Oprah's fans with a room in their home decorated by Alley herself. As proof of Alley's skills, there's a video interview with the actress on Oprah's site, asking what her biggest decorating dos and don'ts are. Aside from "holiday slipcovers" (you'll see), I'd say it sounds like she definitely knows what she's talking about. Here they are:

One of my big decorating don'ts is, well, I hate faux finishes. So, I'm like, don't do the faux finish. If you want a finish that's legitimate and Italian, then do Venetian plaster - and have someone who knows what they're doing do it.

The second one is nothing crafty. Don't decorate with ducks, k? No ducks, no . . . I don't know. I just can't go crafty.

My primary thing with interior design is this: design your house in a way that in 30 years, you're gonna love it still. And it has a timeless quality. That doesn't mean you can't refresh things.

See two more of her dos and don'ts when you read more.

More than don'ts, my other do is if you've got children or animals, always slipcover. Always, always, always. And they're beautiful anyway. And then you can have a holiday slipcover and an everyday slipcover.

This is the big don't: do not carpet bathrooms!

Nice and New: Designers Guild Spring 2010

CasaSugar — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:00:23 -0800

Punxsutawney Phil may have given us a few more weeks of Winter, but Designers Guild just debuted its Spring 2010 collection, so now the season is really here! The collection features exquisitely drawn florals along strong geometrics with an architectural influence. As always, the palette is fresh and feminine - lots of chartreuse, citrus, duck egg, pistachio, and pink peony, plus neutrals with energizing shots of vibrant hues. Designers Guild's strong suit is certainly textiles, and the new collection has showstopping bedding, rugs, and throws, but I was also blown away by the brand's new Lacquered Glass Tableware ($15-$38). Check out this slideshow to see my favorites from the collection.

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Cool Idea: Duck Wing Quill Place Cards

CasaSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:00:50 -0800

I recently passed on a leaves place card idea to you from Another Shade of Grey that would be great for your upcoming Thanksgiving party. A couple of you liked the idea, but I didn't get a huge response. So, I figured I'd give it another shot. Instead of painting your guests names onto leaves, try feathers! According to Another Shade of Grey, you can buy a pack of 20 duck wing quills for about $1.99 (10 cents a quill). But, I'm really loving the look of these Pheasant Feathers ($.99/each). Whichever feather you fancy, paint each guest's name using a fine tipped brush and some acrylic craft paint.
Source

Nice and New: Graham and Brown's Essence Collection

CasaSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:30:00 -0700

I still love the Tempting Wallpaper by Linda Barker in my foyer, but were I in the market for a new design, I'd definitely consider Graham & Brown's new Essence collection. The new line's seven designs feature delicate, meandering botanicals, and bold, graphic stripes. The palettes are subtle but sharp, including crimsons, charcoals, duck eggs, and creams. And my favorite element: the wallpapers have faint metallic accents (just like my own wallpaper), which adds depth and looks beautiful in the sunlight. I love this Alium wallpaper with its long-stemmed florals and seeded flower heads. It's available in several colorways: damson and gold, duck egg, taupe and sand. The collection doesn't seem to be available online yet, so take a peek at the other papers below.

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Desire/Acquire: Ceramic White Animal Napkin Rings

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:15:38 -0700

Jonathan Adler's new Animal Napkin Rings ($18 each) are irresistibly adorable. But, a whole set of four will cost you $72 smackers! I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to spend those dollars on a good bottle of wine or an indulgent menu. Luckily, I've found a similar set of barnyard napkin rings for much less! To see them, read more.

These Vintage Animal Napkin Rings ($24 for four) on Etsy will save you $48 on your dinner table décor, and are equally cute. The chicken, piggy, rabbit, and duck have country flair and are more true to form than Adler's modern napkin rings, but they're too sweet not to love!

Nice and New: Lisa Stickley Tablecloths

CasaSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:15:01 -0700

I just came across the Lisa Stickley Custard Cream Tablecloth ($287 and up) and Duck Plates Tablecloth ($287 and up) at Rose & Radish, and I'm completely smitten. Stickley has incorporated a trompe-l'œil effect onto her printed textiles, giving the illusion that her tablecloths are topped with traditional British tea plates. The Custard Cream Tablecloth is printed with floral china patterns with painted rims, and the Duck Plates Tablecloth is based on her own grandfather's duck-themed tea service. I love this twist on vintage British style, and think it's the perfect fit for a tea party among modern girls.

Nice and New: Hable Construction Cayenne Birds Pillow

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:15:53 -0800

There's not a thing about Hable Construction's new Cayenne Birds Wheat Linen Pillow ($130) that I don't adore. From the Thomas Paul-esque pattern to the hand-printed and hand-sewn material to the organically inspired colors, it's utterly charming. Its smart bird pattern is simple enough for a modern home but exhibits enough folksy flair for a country cottage as well. Its stuffer is made of feather and duck down too, making it a comfy accessory for an oft-used reading chair. And, you know I can't resist a good bird . . .

Would You Use a Shower Timer?

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:45:38 -0700

If you're eco conscious, you know that water use is a big issue, especially in the western United States, where water is more scarce. And we all know that Australia's suffering one of the worst droughts in that country's history. Would you try to make a tiny dent in water woes by using a shower timer like this Yellow Duck Digital Shower Timer ($16) to keep your bath time on track?

Crave Worthy: George Sherlock Extended Two-Seater Sofa

CasaSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:00:45 -0700

Cranberry may not be my favorite color, but I'm still ga-ga for this George Sherlock Extended Two-Seater Sofa (inquire for price), which can be custom upholstered in a range of fabrics. I first laid eyes on a George Sherlock in the December/January issue of Domino, which showcased one in Amanda Peet's home, and immediately fell hard for its super soft cushions. The duck-feather-filled sofas look simply to die for, and their turned wood legs add a delicate, feminine touch. I don't imagine these sofas are cheap by any means, but I do think such a well-constructed piece would be a good investment, even if it needs to be reupholstered down the line. The English company George Sherlock has been making their traditional furniture for over 30 years, and sells exclusively through Ruby Beets in the US.