CasaSugar

Ask Casa: What to Do About Burgundy

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:14 -0700

Su Casa member Pretty Little Things got this overstuffed burgundy chenille burgundy chair at a garage sale for only $50. She wants to integrate it into her awesome new apartment, but her "theoretical color scheme involves grays, golds, whites, neutrals, dark wood, no burgundy!" And aside from the color, she also finds the chair bulky. So she asks, "Can someone suggest a nice color palette that would match with burgundy (in keeping with the other colors I had in mind, or something like them) or should I just give up and get a slipcover?"

To hear my suggestions for Pretty Little Things, read more.

Hi there-

Good question!

First of all, is the chair in good condition? If not, I wouldn't invest any money in even a slipcover. While $50 seems like a bargain for a chair, with some more garage sale trolling and Craigslist, I think you can find another used chair in good condition that may eliminate the burgundy issue.

Next, do you mind the shape? Personally, that overstuffed look is not my style, but if you like it, keep it. If you don't like the bulky shape and you're just keeping it because it was cheap, I think you should just sell it. Don't bring anything into your home that you don't love, or that you can't alter (to be loved).

That said, I think it's a good decision to get a slipcover for the chair, or have one made. Your theoretical palette sounds beautiful and I would love to see how you put it all together. While the burgundy wouldn't exactly clash, I think it might stand out as more of an eyesore than anything else. And, if we're talking aesthetics, I've never been a fan of burgundy furnishings, either!

I suggest getting a white or off-white slipcover that's NOT fitted - and even wrinkly if you can find one. I'm thinking of the chairs in Stockholm's Hotel J, which I think are cool and relaxed. This look works really well with overstuffed chairs, and will give yours a modern-meets-shabby-chic vibe.

Hope this helps! Let me know what you decide!

Cheers,

Casa

Home Library: Found Style

CasaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:30:10 -0700

Sometimes I like to revisit books that may be oldies but are definitely goodies, like Amy and David Butler's Found Style, published back in 2003. Since it's also prime season for antiquing and garage sales, it seemed only appropriate to introduce you all to a book that offers sensible, inspired advice on integrating "found" objects into your home. Amy Butler, whose fabric designs I love, brilliantly combines garage sale $1 finds with midcentury furniture, Pottery Barn accessories, and practical, Ikea pieces in this book.

Using simple guidelines, such as buying pieces that serve a purpose, taking your time to integrate your new finds, and focusing your design on your personality and needs for your home, Butler, along with her husband, document rooms in various houses (and gardens) that are both elegant and practical. With full-color photographs by Colin McGuire, the book is absolute eye candy for design junkies, and with the Butlers' sensible advice woven throughout the text, rather guilt-free candy at that.

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This Just In: Pamela Anderson's Estate Sale

CasaSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:16:39 -0700

Think that holding estate and garage sales are just for regular folks like you and me? Think again! Blond bombshell Pamela Anderson is setting up shop, too, and if you're lucky enough to live in Malibu, you could snap up some of her goods. As you can see from the sign, the sale starts today, so if you're reading this and you're in Malibu, you better get in your car and get over there - oh wait, that's not quite right. You must get in your car, drive to the shuttle, and then take the shuttle to the sale. No walk ups or parking at the sale is allowed!
To see what Pamela is selling, read more.

It seems like she's selling everything. The list includes

5,000 square feet of beautiful vintage country French furniture, decorative items, chandeliers, lamps of all sorts. China, silver, crystal and depression glass. Beautiful old linens. Designer bedding and window treatments. Jewelry, loads of designer clothing, jeans, shoes and accessories. Pool side and garden furniture, clay and iron pots, antique and recent baskets. Old and collectible toys. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, fishing and snow equipment. Off-road equipment, tools and electronics, full kitchen, new jacuzzi tub and bathroom fixtures. Architectural pieces. Six passenger Gem Global Electric Motor Car by Chrysler.

While I don't know why Ms. Anderson's selling everything (including the kitchen sink apparently), I've heard that the former Baywatch babe has stunning taste, so if you're in the area, get down to the sale, take some photos, and then send them back to me. I'd love to see what this sale looks like. To find out how to get there check out these directions.

Getting the Most from a Garage Sale

CasaSugar — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 11:22:29 -0700

Garage sales and yard sales are a great way to get rid of stuff you don't want. But when shoppers are expecting prices in cents rather than dollars, it's tough to make any money off of them. But if you're going to all the trouble, why not try to turn a profit too? Check out this list of tips on how to make money off of your garage or yard sale (via Charles and Hudson).

Some of the advice is a bit too cheap even for my bargain-hunting self; I'm sorry, but I just don't see myself buying box lots at auction so I can sell the individual items at a garage sale. But there are also some good pointers here, so read more

Sell things whose value has appreciated since you bought them. By selling older furniture and accent pieces that could almost be classified as antique, you can charge higher prices than people expect to pay for new furniture and make money in the process.
Add value before selling. Don't just toss your junk out on a table; instead, make it more user-friendly. For instance, if you have a bolt of fabric, cut it up and sell it as tablecloths, and you'll get more money for it.
Do your own yard-sale shopping. This will give you a good sense of how people are pricing things in your city. If you see something that seems underpriced, snatch it up to sell at your next event. If you can use something for a year and resell it at the same price, you're coming out ahead.

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Do You Shop at Garage and/or Yard Sales?

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 05:15:32 -0700

This weekend I gave you some tips on maximizing your garage sale, but I like shopping at yard sales even more than hosting them. How about you?

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Before and After: A Pretty Change For These Tables

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:00:37 -0700

I love searching garage sales for furniture finds, and these bedside tables are a great example of the kind of diamond-in-the-rough treasure you're likely to find at a sale. While these bedside tables are pleasant, they're definitely not spectacular - at least not yet. They do, however, have clean, modern lines, and definitely show potential.

To see how these tables were updated, read more.

To update the tables, Sunset first removed the drawer handles, cleaned and sanded the tables, and applied primer and several coats of paint. If you like the color, try Benjamin Moore’s high-gloss Bunny Gray paint. I particularly love how the tabletops are decorated with a chevron pattern. The entire cost of the project was less than $40, and took a weekend to finish. Inspired? Try making them yourself, including that awesome chevron pattern on the tabletops, with these instructions.

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Ask Casa: Post-Grad Style

CasaSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:56 -0700

Hi Casa!
I'm 22 and I just started my first job out of college. Unfortunately, I still live with my parents. But I figure that if I have to do so then I might as well have a room I enjoy coming back to after a long day of work. I've been wanting to redecorate my room for a while now. However, I don't have a lot of money to spend on new furniture or décor. Most of my furniture is mismatched, and I've had it all since college. Do you have any tips on how I can update my room on the cheap and make it a place that I enjoy spending time?
Thanks! - Kerry

To hear my suggestions for Kerry, read more.

Hi Kerry,

Congrats! I don't think you're alone in this query. Luckily, there are a few easy and affordable things you can do to perk up your bedroom. The idea is to give your room polish and a distinct style, separate from how your parents may have decorated.

First of all, shed everything! If you'd moved into your new apartment, you wouldn't bring everything you've owned since grade school that's still sitting in your parents' house. So, go through it all and recycle, donate, or toss won't you don't want or need. This will give your room a more grownup, less cluttered feel.
Next, create symmetry. The easiest way to do this is to use matching nightstands or bedside table lamps. You can find very chic, affordable lamps at places like Target and HomeGoods. A nightstand can be just a simple side table.
Get a headboard. A headboard will instantly give your room a focal point, and curb any mismatched feel your other furniture gives off. If you can't afford a headboard, try any one of these 10 cool alternatives to off-the-shelf headboards.
Paint your mismatched furniture in one color - glossy white always works - to give the space cohesion.
Create a designated sitting area for reading, having your morning coffee, or making phone calls, etc., with a chair, small accent rug, and small side table. Then you won't feel trapped on your bed or hanging with your parents.
Paint your walls. Color is an easy and cheap fix for any room!
Give your bed a grownup makeover with white bedding, and add color and pattern with throw pillows or a bedskirt.
Find cheap artwork at flea markets, garage sales, or student art sales, or create your own.
Make the space cozy with a rug.
Go "shopping" in other rooms in your home. Look around your parents' home for furnishings that might facilitate the above. With an open mind, you never know what you may find.

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How-To: 10 Ways to Decorate With Thrifted Goods

CasaSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Are you tempted to add some thrifted décor to your home, but don't know how to get started? If you're worried about integrating thrifted finds into your casa, take a deep breath and relax. There are definitely ways to add thrifted goods to your home that look great. Better yet, thrifted goods are an eco way to decorate, since reusing these products keeps them out of landfills. To find out how to decorate and renovate 10 thrifted goods, check out the slideshow.

View Slideshow ›

How-To: Create a Craft Corner

CasaSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:42 -0700

A good friend of mine just sent me photos of her new house in Los Angeles, and I was excited to see that she made room for a craft corner. My pal loves to craft and sew, and now she has an established space for her handiwork (which is more than I can say for my own house).

There are many advantages to maintaining a permanent space for your crafting or sewing hobby. For one, you won't have to haul everything in and out of a closet or cupboard every time you want to work on a project. Additionally, you won't have to clean up your crafting area and put it away once you have guests over. And perhaps most importantly, having a craft corner will help you to get motivated and actually finish all of those projects you've started!

For all of my tips on creating a craft corner, read more.

A small desk is perfect for your craft corner. Look at garage sales or flea markets for a solid wood desk. You'll want something that's sturdy and not overly precious.
Organize with pretty tins and boxes to keep everything in its place.
If you need additional shelving, try hanging shelves on walls to maximize space.
Positioning your craft corner close to a window will help you to take advantage of natural light. Otherwise, use a task lamp so you're able to see everything you're working on.
Keep all of your tools accessible. Use a large tin can or vase to hold your glue gun, scissors, and other needed tools.
Keep things pretty! As long as you keep your space organized and pretty, it will be a joy to work in this space, as well as to look at when you're not crafting away. Since your corner will be integrated into a bedroom, living room, or study, you want the space to flow. Organization is the key to keeping things looking their best.

Casa Interview, Part I: Domino Founding Editor Deborah Needleman (and an Awesome Giveaway!)

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:54 -0700

We design enthusiasts will admit that Domino will always hold a special place in our hearts - and bookshelves. But it was the stable of talented, creative people that truly made the beloved magazine an influence and an inspiration. So I was so delighted to have the chance to catch up with the founding editor-in-chief of Domino and co-author of Domino: The Book of Decorating, Deborah Needleman. It should come as no surprise that she hasn't lost her knack and passion for design.

Deborah's latest project is an exciting, interactive tool that she's created for HomeGoods, called StyleScope, which helps you find your own interior design style and learn to navigate the vast world of décor options. Home Goods, I hope you know, is a wonderful place to find designer home décor at prices 20 to 60 percent lower than department stores, and is also one of my favorite resources for stylish accessories. Deborah was kind enough to share some of her thoughts and tips on design and curating a stylish home that's uniquely you, and give us the lowdown on her life these days!

What are you working on these days? Any exciting projects on the horizon for you?
I am really enjoying the idea of just doing projects, consulting, writing, gardening - I probably shouldn't admit it, but it's quite a good relief to not be working so hard and to have a break from the pressure. I am considering on a couple book projects - one on table settings, another on decorators' gardens, and a more personal book on growing vegetables and flowers.

Before Domino, I was a garden writer - and it's nice to have time to garden like mad again. I'm also talking to people and companies about designing furniture and accessories and starting up new businesses. Sometimes I feel like I'm a professional meeting-taker. Last night the former creative director of Domino [Sara Ruffin Costello] and I hatched a plan to try to redesign all the ugly products at Duane Reade like Kleenex boxes, toothpaste, and shaving cream!

To read the rest of the interview, read more.

For the Summer, I'm just hanging out with my children, gardening, and being as lazy as possible. I've loved working with HomeGoods because oddly the store is a well-kept secret among design snobs - and I love spreading the word about great design sources. That was what Domino was about: sharing ideas and resources. And creating a style quiz was something we wanted to do but never got around to at Domino.

What current trends do you think have staying power?

Decorating that has personality and a sense of reality rather than rooms that are too matchy or too perfect. Rooms that are stiff and lifeless really depress me!! Mixing high and low design and price points will remain chic, and not simply for economic reasons - it shows personality and confidence. Also, now that nearly everyone is interested in design, there is no going back. It's a better decorated world than it used to be, and that is so nice!

What are your favorite go-to resources for furniture? How about accessories?

I am decorating my house upstate (well, really former Domino editor Rita Konig is!) and I can't get enough of the fabrics, rugs, cushions, and accessories from John Robshaw, Madeleine Weinrib, and John Derian.

What’s your number one tip for finding great bargains?
I am married to a man who will buy something truly awful because he "saved so much." Something is only a great bargain if you would want it even if it cost more. I learned from Domino editor Dara Caponigro to never let anything in my house I don't love. Even free stuff is not a bargain if you don't need or love it - it is junk, clutter. Also, you must know your own style more if you're wading through a flea market or garage sale than if you're in a boutique where the owner has done all the taste-editing for you already!

What types of furnishings should one splurge on/invest in? Any to cut back on?

It's so personal. It really only matters what matters to you. I believe in expensive sheets. I like sleeping, and good sheets are a wonderful indulgence.

How did working at Domino influence your own decorating habits or design choices?
As a reader, I craved a magazine like Domino because I was a person who I felt had good taste, but not great style, if you know what I mean. I could never make a decision because I could never decide who I was stylistically or how to express myself!! I surrounded myself at the magazine with people who I thought had great taste and great style (and all rather different style sensibilities actually), and who were all also really smart and nice - so they could teach me and the readers simultaneously. I learned to edit! I learned I could have a lot of different styles I like but just not all at once!!! And I learned to both be braver and to loosen up more. You can't avoid making some mistakes. But truthfully, I also learned that there is a lot to learn, that decorating well isn't easy, and that there are people way better at it than me - and that I still want their help! I love the advice of experts. Sadly, for me, the more I know, the more I know I don't know! Domino also made me realize how important decorating can be to the life of a home, and the life of a family.

This interview will be continued, so stay tuned for more. And we have a special giveaway for you CasaSugar readers on the way! One of you lucky readers will win a $500 gift card to HomeGoods. Check back for the rest of the interview and details about the giveaway tomorrow!