CasaSugar

Cool Idea: Flatpack Antiques

CasaSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:30:26 -0700

When you think flatpack, the first thing to come to mind is Ikea, right? Well, StudioBility is trying to change that with its unbelievably cool flatpack antiques. With lines that mimic turned wood mixed with modern silhouettes, this furniture seems to successfully blend the best of both worlds. I can see one of these pieces fitting into a number of interiors seamlessly. It also reminds me quite a bit of the Stanislav Katz bookshelf, yes?

Love It or Hate It? Flatpack Holiday Tree

CasaSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:17:56 -0800

Oh, I wish I could love this thing, but I just don't. I applaud the fact that Australian design firm Buro North's flatpack holiday tree (full-size tree $1,418.50, US) is 80 percent more environmentally sound than a traditional tree, based on its production process, flat shipping, and reuse factor. But shipping from Australia? I can't imagine how that's more "green" than buying a cut tree from a local tree farm. And at such a steep price, you'd have to be sure that you'll reuse this tree for the rest of your modern-design obsessed lifespan.

Nice and New: Folding Bird House

CasaSugar — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:15:51 -0700

I just noticed this Folding Bird House ($50) new at the MoMA store, and I'm completely smitten. If you haven't already caught that I adore birds, I do. And, obviously, I'm a design fiend. So what better way to combine my two loves than with a sharp, contemporary bird feeder? This one comes flat-packed and easily folds upright, meaning more compact and eco-friendly shipping. It includes a wooden perch and a metal string for hanging, so all you'll need is some bird seeds to feed your little gentille Alouette. Oh, and did I mention it's white-painted steel? You know how I crave white furniture . . .

Nice and New: Ikea's 2009 Catalog Is Online

CasaSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

It's about that time again. Ikea's new 2009 catalog arrived in my mailbox last week and I spent a good 40 minutes gawking at all of the beautifully styled and photographed rooms, and now it's available for you to flip through online.
The big-box retailer may sell mostly flat-pack, assembly-required MDF furniture that's not the sturdiest I've ever owned, and they may charge an arm and a leg for shipping, but I will give it to Ikea for consistently emerging with eye-catching designs and photography styled to the nines. I'm at a point where I'm honestly trying only to bring home timeless, durable furniture that I can pass on to my kids one day, but when it comes to some accents, and textiles especially, Ikea never fails to win me over -
without breaking the bank. If I'd never seen their products in person, they could have fooled me: their new inventory is quite photogenic, appearing luxe, vivid, and perhaps most importantly, inspiring, on all 300-some pages.

View 14 Photos ›

Source

Cool Idea: Ikea Furniture Name Generator

CasaSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:30:46 -0700

Ever wonder what your Ikea name and furniture type might be if you were, well, an inanimate flat-packed object? I hadn't either, until I was directed to this great Ikea name generator.

Yeah, you're curious. I can tell! Find out your own fabulous Ikea name here.

Source

Casa Verde: Ikea's Going to the Bicycles

CasaSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:30:12 -0700

Great news: You can now carry your flatpacked Ikea goods home on your bicycle - at least if you live in Denmark.
According to Inhabitat, Ikea has partnered with the Danish bicycle company Velorbis to provide Danish customers with bikes outfitted with special trailers. Ikea decided to do so after discovering that about 20 percent of its Danish customers already ride bikes to Ikea stores. Now, customers can borrow a trailer and bike for a small deposit fee and load up their wool rugs, bookshelves, and other products in the trailer. Since I've been seeing more and more folks in the Bay Area transporting goods on bike trailers, this seems like a logical next step for eco-minded retailers. I would love to have this option at my local Ikea. Would you?

View 4 Photos ›

Source

Casa Verde: Ikea's in the Housebuilding Biz

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:00:11 -0800

Thanks to a heads-up from Tdamji, I was reminded of the smartly affordable housebuilding business, BoKlok. BoKlok (pronounced "book-look"), means ’live smart." Based on the idea that everyone should be able to afford quality and attractive homes that are roomy, safe, and have access to green space, the homes have an open layout, lots of light, high ceilings, and a modern look. And yes - these homes are made by Ikea.

To find out more about these homes, and to see a gallery of photos, just read more.
Ikea has teamed up with construction firm Skanska to construct these modern, flat-pack homes. The homes, which are available for sale in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and England, all come with the same package and features, including Ikea kitchens, solar panels, and energy-efficient heating. Available in either terrace-style buildings or flats, the two- to three-bedroom homes use natural materials and make smart use of space. Aimed at first-time homebuyers and young families, the homes offer an alternative to the crowded, over-expensive housing market. While the final product is yes, a little generic and overwhelmingly Ikea-like, I do like the company's commitment to green building and affordable homes. What do you think of these homes?

View 14 Photos ›

Source

Nice and New: Ikea's 2008 Catalog Is Online

CasaSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:15:17 -0700

I have a love-hate relationship with Ikea, as I'm sure many of you do, too. But not even my worst Ikea-shopping flashbacks can dampen my enthusiasm for the Swedish retailer's new catalogs. Ikea just posted its 2008 catalog online in an easy flip-through format that lets you peruse all 372 pages.

The store has some great new textile patterns with huge doses of color, not to mention some sleek furniture offerings. To see a few of my first-glance favorites, read more

Blues and seafoam green abound. I'm digging this graphic pillow (at center) and these soft-looking oceanic rugs.

This innovative flat-pack chair snaps together without any screws, and it looks like a very comfy little rocker.

Don't you love these new fabric rolls? The pop-floral pattern on the black is really eye-catching.