CasaSugar

Steal of the Day: PBteen Convertible Couch

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:15:24 -0700

I wouldn't normally recommend a futon-esque furnishing, but the PBteen Convertible Couch ($799, reduced from $899) is actually quite handsome. Its midcentury lines and button tufting give it a mature look — a significant departure from what the words "convertible couch" bring to mind. But, it's true, it does convert to a full-size bed in a couple of clicks. If you're a midcentury modern fan, and you can work with the coffee or shoreline-stripe color options, this one might be for you. And if you're working on decorating your studio, it's an ideal space saver.

Nice and New: Blu Dot For Urban Outfitters

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:30:00 -0700

The two-architect, one-sculptor trio behind contemporary furniture company Blu Dot has done it again. This time, making their streamlined, mid-century-inspired designs available to the younger, broker set. Blu Dot has debuted an exclusive collection of small modern furniture exclusively for Urban Outfitters. As it stands, the line includes a set of white and yellow Alvar Aalto-esque stools/side tables; a powder-coated steel sling chair; an asymmetric, architectural side table; a three-tiered, lily pad-esque white metal and faux bois side table; a sleek console with baby blue and yellow sliding doors; and a low, pared-down, grownup futon of a sofa.

Aesthetically, the collection stays true to Blu Dot's roots, with the same sense of utility, modernity, and nostalgia you see in other products. But the MDF used to make every piece but the seating is not to be overlooked. Although it may be more affordable than other Blu Dot items, $548 for an MDF console is not what I call a bargain. Pretty, though!

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

AT:Chicago gives us a sneak peek at Target's new homewares for Fall.
2Modern discovers Wis Design's ultrachic upcycling.
Design*Sponge tours Nancy Lendved's romantic and rustic Georgia home.
YumSugar rounds up some fabulous fruit bowls.
Re-Nest finds a futon frame transformed into a gate.
Decor8 lights up our life with a serious selection of pendant lamps.
More Ways to Waste Time introduces us to the divine designs of Feinedinge Porcelain.
Daily Dose tells us about John Robshaw's new blog, Chai Talk.

Room Therapy: A Bed For Our Guests

CasaSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:00:31 -0700

Hi, Casa!

I am at a loss, and I'm hoping you or other Sugar readers can help me out. I recently moved from a spacious apartment to a tiny townhouse. My husband and I decided to make the larger of the two bedrooms into a joint guest bedroom/office. The only problem is our guest bed is a queen! We are definitely tight for space in this room, and a pull-out sofa or futon seems like the ideal solution. We've started our search, but everything seems so expensive (after moving expenses, we really can't afford to go over $200 or so on an "optional" piece of furniture). What can we do? We crave our office space and I definitely cannot give up my bookshelves, but we still want friends and family to be able to visit and stay with us. Please advise!

Thanks,
Bethany21

To see my suggestion, and to leave a suggestion of your own, just read more.

Hi Bethany21,

I can totally empathize with you! Moving costs are often exorbitant, and it's so nice of you to already be turning your attention to your guests' comfort. I'm sure that you're a popular household for friends and family to visit, given your outlook on entertaining.

First of all, I'd suggest donating or selling your current guest bed. A queen bed is huge, and it likely dominates the guest room/office. Since you say that you're also attached to your bookshelves, why not set up this second bedroom primarily as an office? For years I put guests up comfortably on a pillow-top full-size aerobed in a room that was primarily an office, and I think that this might be a good option for you as well. I recently slept on one for four nights when I visited a friend, and didn't have an ache or pain anywhere upon waking, so I can wholeheartedly recommend this product. And more importantly, you can deflate, roll up, and store this bed in a closet when you're not entertaining overnight guests. That way you and your husband can optimize the space as an office when guests aren't visiting, rather than as a huge bed-dominated second bedroom/office. I also spotted a Aerobed Peremier Pillowtop Inflatable Bed on sale for $124.95 at Sierra Traders, so that's well within your budget. And if you're absolutely opposed to an Aerobed, check out this morning's Good, Better, Best post for a wrought-iron daybed that's also in your budget.

Anyone else have a suggestion?

Source

Casa Craving Recap: Dorm Room Digs

CasaSugar — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:30:50 -0700

Even if you haven't lived in a dorm in ages, it's fun to think about decorating them. So before back-to-school time, I asked you guys to help our dorm dwellers dress their new digs for last week's Casa Craving challenge. Thanks to everyone who played along!

Some of you had some excellent, practical advice for college students: Lintacious recommends "one good desk lamp that you can have on while your roommate sleeps." Other Casa Cravers chose products that were way more luxurious than any dorm I've ever seen, but I loved those too.

You can see all of the dorm room Casa Cravings here, as well as the lists users created with their items. (Learn how to create your own lists here.) Here are a few of my favorites.

Look #1, designed by Lintacious, who had a great selection of practical storage containers and fun knick-knacks, like a potato-shaped planter.

Two more looks, so read more

Look #2, designed by Glam Sugar, who lived up to her screen name with fancy finds like a mod futon and a white MacBook.

Look #3, designed by Ellewing, whose more practical booty - which includes a first aid kit - would make a great shopping list for anyone starting school this year.

Bed Bath & Beyond Product	Target : Natural Soft-Side Underbed Chest
Bed Bath & Beyond Product	Oxford Cotton Bedding from Lands' End
Pottery Barn \| Shop	Van Gogh Art Prints, Van Gogh Prints, Vincent Van Gogh Art, Van Gogh Posters, Van Gogh Art Posters
Companion 1 and 2 First Aid Kits by Fieldtex	STAPLES Business Depot \| BUREAU EN GROS	iPod Alarm Clock Radio at Hammacher Schlemmer