CasaSugar

Open House: What Makes Your Entry Work?

CasaSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:00:35 -0700

The entry is such a massive multitasker. It has to provide room for storage, mail, putting on shoes, hanging jackets, and placing keys. It also often functions as a gallery space. Often, this happens within a very small square footage, many times in 10 square feet or less! I'm still looking for the perfect skinny console that offers adequate storage for shoes, hats, sunglasses, and letters and bills. For now I make due with various storage vessels, including a repurposed knitting caddy stand. I'm also terribly fond of the decoupaged bowl that a friend made for me, which is the perfect size for all of our various keys.

How do you organize your entry? Is there any piece of furniture that makes everything work? What kind of art do you include in your entry?

Tell me about what makes your entry work - and what you're still figuring out - when you read more.

Do you have some must haves that are essential for keeping your entry tidy and design-forward? Are they the same as my must haves shown below?

10 Degree Coat Rack - $49.95	Amy Ruppel Welcome Friend - $450.00
Channing Mirror - $299.00	"Saville" Valet Tray - $110.00
Blu Dot - Drift 2 Door/3 Drawer Console - $1,599.00	Emma Gardner - still runners by emma gardner - $525.00
Galvanized Boot Tray - $39.00	Ljusas Salbo Table Lamp - $39.99

Source

How-To: Spring Organize Your Entryway

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Spring is the perfect time to get your home clean and organized. To help you get inspired, I've whipped up a Spring Cleaning Checklist, which you can download and print out. The PDF lists cleaning and organizing duties room by room to keep things simple. Earlier today, I expanded on my PDF tips for cleaning your entry, so if you haven't read my post on cleaning, definitely do so.

To see my tips for organizing your entry, read more.

Relocate unnecessary furniture cluttering the space, as well as Winter clothing and boots you won’t need until next season. Furniture is likely unnecessary if you don't use it, or if it makes it difficult to move through the entryway.
Donate multiples of jackets, equipment, and other clothing. Choose your favorite local charity, or go with one of the bigger, national charities that does great work, such as Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul.
Recycle newspapers, magazines, junk mail. (Or, try turning it into art.) To prevent future junk mail, get your name removed from mailing lists.
Toss anything not in good enough condition to donate. But before you put it in the garbage, make sure that it's really garbage. For instance, lightweight, worn-out jackets can be cut into pieces for cleaning rags.
Add cabinets, baskets, or cubbies for jackets and shoes, a blackboard or corkboard for leaving messages, and a mirror. Check out my ideas for new organizational furniture below!

Source

How-To: Spring Clean Your Entryway

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:00:40 -0700

Have you started your Spring cleaning yet? If not, you can get inspired with my Spring Cleaning Checklist, which you can download and print out. The PDF lists cleaning and organizing duties room by room, to keep things simple. I thought I'd expand on some of those tasks to help you get the most out of your Spring cleaning routine.

To see my tips for cleaning your entry, read more.

Dust ceiling, fans, vents, closets, and light fixtures with a feather duster. Make sure your feather duster is made from ostrich feathers, though!
Wipe front door, tabletops, and door hardware with a damp rag. You can make a furniture polish to really put a shine on any of your entry tables, benches, and chairs.
Dry clean drapery and any musty communal outerwear in your coat closet. Choose a dry cleaner that uses eco-friendly practices. You can download a list of eco-friendly dry cleaners at the EPA's website.
Spray windows, mirrors, and glass tabletops with glass cleaner. Vinegar and water works great for cleaning windows, or you can whip up a batch of eco-friendly glass cleaner, too.
Tidy accessories, landing strip, and coat closet. Use a critical eye when going through your accessories, and decide if things can go in other areas, or if you really need them at all.
Shake your welcome mats outdoors. If your welcome mat has worn out its welcome, replace it with a new one for Spring!
Sweep and mop, or vacuum and spot treat floors. For a super-fresh smell in your entry, try using lavender.

Cast Iron Doormat, Red - $89.00	Lavender Ribbon Wreath - $59.95
Wood Handled Ostrich Feather Duster - $9.99	Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Cleaning Supplies - $4.99
Cherry Blossom Doormat - $14.99	Ultimate Hardwood Floor Cleaning Kit - $72.00
Casabella Contour Spray Bottle & Microfiber Cloths - $12.99	Microfiber Multi Cleaning Cloths, Set of 4 - $18.00

Source

How-To: Keep a Neat and Clean Winter Entry

CasaSugar — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:15:48 -0800

Just because your Winter routine involves boots, mittens, and lots of ice and snow doesn't mean that the front room of your home has to look cluttered and dirty. Check out my tips for keeping it clean and tidy.
Source

View Slideshow ›

Before and After: Stenciling the Entry

CasaSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:15:39 -0800

In a recent Home Library post, I reviewed Ed Roth's book Stencil101, which gave simple instructions for adding stencil fun to your home. I decided to try out his swallow stencil in my entry. First, I used painter's tape to tape down the stencil flat against the wall. Then I carefully blotted white paint over the stencil with a nearly dry brush.

To see how it came out, read more.

Do you like it? This little bird has become the focus of the entry, especially since the coat rack spells out the word "Flock." Pretty appropriate, I'd say!

What You're Wanting Revealed: The Pickfair Mansion

CasaSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:00:41 -0700

When the LA Times recently ran pictures of the Pickfair Mansion, which was often frequented by luminaries such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Joan Crawford, Albert Einstein, and Amelia Earhart, I was particularly taken with the grandeur of the foyer. So, for this latest What You're Wanting, I asked how you'd decorate this glamorous entry.
I was really impressed by the look that Mrs W put together. She writes, "I love the mix of organic and ornate details in the foyer of the Pickfair Mansion. If I were to redecorate the entry hall, I would want to keep the pieces light and simple so as not to detract from the beautiful architectural details in the space. I would use a round table in the center of the hall to carry through the medallion on both the ceiling and floor and accent it with fresh flowers. I would use an armoire in a light color to add storage without bogging down the space. Two chairs on either side of a small table would give a place to remove shoes, etc. I would finish the design by adding details that echo the doors and ceiling like a few ornate frames and maybe a floral accent pillow."

Mrs. W wins the CasaSugar schwag of her choice for the look. Nice going!

For another cool look, read more.
I also loved the look that Iwillmarryunick put together. When putting together her look for this Pickfair Mansion room, she decided she'd go the route of "keeping it simple with lovely accent furniture." I completely applaud this. The room's ornate ceiling, doors, and gleaming floors are all ready the main attraction. It really needs little else besides some classic accent furniture pieces to complete the look.

Source

What You're Wanting: The Pickfair Mansion

CasaSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:00:31 -0700

The LA Times recently ran pictures of the Pickfair Estate, which was originally owned by silent film actors Mary Pickford and her husband Douglas Fairbanks. This grand estate used to host parties frequented by luminaries such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Joan Crawford, Albert Einstein, and Amelia Earhart. It's now on the market for $60 million. I love the grand feel of all of the rooms, and was particularly taken with this room.

So, for this week's What You're Wanting, I want to know how you'd decorate this room. What would you pick to complement the beautiful stained glass, Deco-patterned doors? How would you accessorize with the bold architectural details? Would you leave the plants and entry table, or replace them with your own finds? Add all the finds to your ShopStyle Living stylebook, and create a look tagged with the phrase Pickfair Mansion. Private message me if you have any questions. Oh, and as extra incentive, I'll give some Sugar schwag away to my favorite look!
Source

Room Therapy: I Need Help With This Stair Railing!

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:30:35 -0700

Hi CasaSugar,

I moved into a new apartment seven months ago, and for the life of me I can't figure out what to do with this entry railing. When you enter our front door, you are greeted by a staircase that goes downstairs to our roommate's room. The staircase has this trough-like railing . . . and I have no idea what to fill it with. I don't care for fake plants, which is what I believe was its original purpose when it was built in the '60s.
For reference: the trough is barely too small to hold the width of a CD, but it wouldn't make sense to have a small collection of CDs and DVDs right by the front door. What on earth would fit in there?? Or should I cover it somehow? Any ideas from you or anyone else would be much appreciated . . .

Thanks,
Details

To see my ideas, and to add some of your own, read more.

Hi Details,

What a conundrum! My first suggestion is to try a modern take on this railing's original purpose. First, buy a bunch of small earthenware or ceramic planters that will fit in the space. My suggestion for a cheap one is the Billig, which is only $.49 for each white, earthenware pot. Since the pot is only four inches tall, though, if you decide to use this one, I would have a piece of wood cut that will raise the depth of the box by at least an inch. Then, choose low-light house plants and fill every other pot with a plant. Use the empty pots for key storage, mail, or other front-door, small-item needs.

Anyone else have other suggestions? Leave them in the comments.

Good luck,
Casa

What You're Wanting: The Entry

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:01 -0700

For this week's Casa Craving Challenge, we switched it up and had you search for home style must-haves through ShopStyle Living. I loved your entry room looks, and am excited to see more ShopStyle challenges in the future - it's so easy and fun to collect looks on ShopStyle that you might quickly become addicted to creating home looks.

Our first entry look this week is from Hippiecowgirl, who says, "Some of my wants are a bit quirky, but I like that they reflect my personality and make the first impression of the home a fun one."

Mayara also created a great entry look. She writes, "This combination feels a little eclectic, surprising, and fun to me. The curtain panel is simple, but not plain, to add interest without competing/detracting from the other fun details. The honeycomb lanterns and "dragon garden seat" bring a little color and variety; they also add a world-traveler feel, as they have obvious eastern influence, while the overall look is not an East Asian one. The clock and lantern bring some old-school steampunk-ish vibes, and the bookcase and bench don't fight this historical feel. And the table brings some whimsy; I like a touch of whimsy."

For two more great looks (and lots of entry room inspiration), read more.

I love that Lukal put a lot of thought into her rear entry look, even down to the candy-colored doorknob.

For another look, read more.

Another favorite was Rosedilla's entry look. I'm so impressed with the price and the look of the kimono print jute rug she found. I might have to get one myself!

Ajara Foyer Table - $189.99	Kimono Print Micro Jute Rug - $49.99
philippe starck Francois Ghost Mirror - $333.00	Potted Onion Grass - $59.95
Rwanda "Thousand Hills" Large Bowl, 16" - $50.00	Printer's Block Coat Rack - $68.00
Windham Storage Tote - $24.95

What You're Wanting: The Entry

CasaSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:00:11 -0700

Ah, the entry. It's the first interior space that guests will see, and it's the first place you step when you enter your home after a long day at work or play. The entry room is asked to do so many things: provide storage for jackets and shoes, display mementos, file mail, and store outdoor and pet equipment. It's hard to coordinate all of those needs with an honest-to-goodness good-looking space. So, I want to know what entry furnishings are on your wish list. I'd like you to hunt all of the things you covet for your perfect entry room, be it furniture, accessories, lighting, etc. Add them to your ShopStyle Living stylebook, and create a look tagged with the phrase entry room wants. Private message me if you have any questions. I'll return next week to show you my favorite looks from this little challenge. To give you some inspiration, here's the look I created for this assignment:

Source

Barrel Stave Blackboard - $195.00	10 Degree Coat Rack - $49.95
Barrel Stave Coat Rack - $99.00	Barrelhead Mirror - $229.00
Ceres Console - $299.00	Flora Fabric Storage Boxes - $12.99
Wood Storage Box - $149.99	Village Black Armless Bench/Natural Cushion - $79.95
modernlink - Ryder Entryway Table - $3,450.00	Samantha Entryway Collection - Charlotte Blue - $299.00
OFFI - Perf Boxes Storage/Shelves - $299.00	Belhaven Corkboard - $149.00

Varanese Rug - $179.95	Urn Burlap Curtain Panel - $69.00
Astrolabe Outdoor Clock - $129.95	Belfort Large 3-Light Outdoor Lantern - $579.95
Honeycomb Lanterns - $15.00	Million Rings Side Table - $448.00
Decorative Porcelain Dragon Garden Seat - $250.00	Taka Trunk - $499.00
Bombé Bookcase - $599.00	Manor Bench - $3,695.00

Clear Magnetic Memo Center with Hooks - $8.99	Miro Magnetic Hooks - $4.49
Traditional Amber Glass Knob - $9.00	Take It Outside! Doorstops - $19.00
Peacock Toile Hook Rack - $24.00	Vanilla Scented Pot-pourri - $5.00
Nordstrom Small Flared Hurricane - $38.00	Italian Garden - Small - $59.00
Farmhouse Dining Chairs - $74.00	Sunroom Side Table - $349.00
Farmhouse Buffet - $1,599.00	Vintage 3 Drawer Garde-Manger - 5477 - $1,299.00
CLOSEOUT! Lauren Ralph Lauren Terracotta Pottery Lamp - $250.00	Café Du Parc Clock - $169.00
Corsica Ceiling Mount - $109.00	Cheetah Bordered Indoor/Outdoor Rug - $359.95
Lapallise Mirror -Small - $499.95

Thomas Paul Damask in Ebony Linen Pillow - $100.00	Thomas Paul Flock Silk Twill Pillow - 22 X 22 - $80.00
Flower of the Month: White Amaryllis - $44.00	Amenity Trail Wall Prints - Cream & Moss - $99.00
Thomas Paul Goldfinch in Plum Luxe Silk Pillow - $70.00	Pussy Willows in White and Celery - $70.00
Amenity - Cove Stretched Fabric Print - $99.00	Stella Mirror -Small - $249.00
Leaf Trellis Chenille Rugs-Pebble/Iris - $169.00	Artecnica tranSglass - Set of 8 - $352.00
Wola Nani Shweshwe Bowl - $78.00	San Martino Bench - $699.95
My Best China Hook, Blue - $18.00	My Best China Hook, Coral - $18.00
My Best China Hook, Lemon - $18.00	Architect's Table - $1,995.00