CasaSugar

Coveted Crib: Arty in Cologne

CasaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:00:50 -0700

You'd expect nothing less than inspired décor from an artist, designer, and art director, and that's exactly what you see in Mike Meiré's early 20th-century Cologne apartment. On top of beautiful architectural bones, Meiré has used his German home as a canvas to showcase his contemporary art collection, including work by Rita Ackermann, Lutz Fezer, and Damien Hirst. Pop art brings in color throughout, and iconic designs by famous names (Jasper Morrison, Eero Saarinen, Piero Lissoni) give the place a sense of idolism. But the place isn't a museum either, this coveted crib has an eclectic spirit and a heart, with exotic pieces collected on worldly trips, family photos, and everyday items (like ladder) used in peculiar, artistic ways. Take the full tour when you read more.

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Casa Verde: schubLaden Furniture

CasaSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:00:48 -0700

What's old and alone is new and accompanied again when you throw Berlin-based furniture maker schubLaden (meaning "drawers") into the mix. The innovator creates one-of-a-kind storage pieces using vintage, unmatched drawers. Pieces range from small landing strips for around $720 to large consoles and office storage for around $4,000. Berliners can have bespoke furniture made by choosing for a large selection of drawers available in the storeroom, or bringing in their own drawers for something more personal. Recycling never looked so stunning. To get a peek at the collection, read more.

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Coveted Crib: Sommerhaus

CasaSugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:00:07 -0700

Sommerhaus, a collaboration between Patrick Frey and Björn Götte, is an extremely crave-worthy example of modern cabin living. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I want to be there now.

Erected two years ago, the Sommerhaus project consisted of three prototype prefab, high-quality log cabins that were meant to be used as lake cabins for Summer living. Erected in the Uckermark Lakes Nature Reserve in the state of Brandenburg, Germany, these chic, streamlined structures seem the perfect retreat for hip Berliners looking for a modern second residence.

For more photos of the Sommerhaus, read more.

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Coveted Crib: The Floating House

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:00:44 -0700

Living on the water is nothing new; it's been a tradition in many cultures for ages. And, of course, societies have developed by the water for logistical reasons. Naturally, many people also want to live near the water to take advantage of all the activities it has to offer, and for the view. In areas surrounded by water and in densely populated urban centers with high real-estate costs, permanently living literally on the water in a houseboat just makes sense. Unfortunately, though, traditional houseboat designs have left much to be desired. So, design label Confused Direction, based in Oldenburg, Germany (which features the most important noncoastal harbor in Lower Saxony), teamed up with carpentry company Schreinermeisterei to develop a residential boat that balances both good design and maritime romance. "Das Schwimmhaus" has the same fresh and elegant look of Confused Direction's furniture and interior designs, but departs from nature-inspired curves and waves towards a more angular look.
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Nice and New: Nymphenburg Porcelain at Rose and Radish

CasaSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:30:31 -0700

The folks at Rose and Radish recently took a trip to Munich to visit the Royal Bavarian Porcelain Manufactory Nymphenburg, which has been one of the world's finest producers of porcelain for 250 years. In the shop's journal, they wrote, "One of the greatest parts of the Munich trip was being able to use the porcelain during the entire visit. Our favorite snack was gummi bears on the Ted Muehling Bird's Wing Dish." While the thought of them eating candy off of such a delicate dish is a nice one, it doesn't do me much good! That's why I'm delighted to see that Rose and Radish has brought the German porcelain back to the shop for us to enjoy stateside. Although the prices on this porcelain tend to run high (one coffee cup is $519), they're truly magnificent sights, and definitely what I'd consider to be works of art. Take a look at the images below to see a few, and check out the shop's site to see more.

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Link Time!

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:27 -0800

A boutique hotel in a trailer park! - ShelterPop
Improvise some guest vanities. - AT:NY
When do you call in a pro? - Charles and Hudson
Make these acorn napkin rings. - Craft
Where do you store cleaning products? - Re-Nest
Find out what's missing in Germany. - Decor8
What's the best way to display CDs? - Shelterrific

Casa Verde: Pope Benedict Goes Solar

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:00:34 -0700

Still thinking about adding some renewable power to your home? Well, maybe this story will inspire you. Pope Benedict XVI recently installed photovoltaic solar panels in his home outside of Regensburg, Germany.

The panels are estimated to generate as much as 5,800 kilowatt hours per year, the equivalent of $3,500 worth of surplus electricity, which will be routed back to the German power grid. Any profits from the panels will be donated to job- and skill-training programs for disadvantaged youth.

To hear what the pope has to say about energy use, and to find out about tax credits for renewable energy, read more.

“Technologically advanced societies can and must lower their energy consumption, either through an evolution of manufacturing methods or through greater ecological sensitivity among their citizens. It should be added that at present it is possible to achieve improved energy efficiency while at the same time encouraging research into alternative forms of energy,” said Pope Benedict in a prepared statement.

The Vatican's roof was also covered with solar panels, beginning last Winter. Pope Benedict was also instrumental in the Vatican's plan to install a $600 million solar plant. A 6,000-seat hall's heating, cooling, and natural light needs will be supplied through 2,700 solar panels. When the hall is not in use, the energy will be used to power the Vatican.

If you live in the United States, you can find about renewable energy tax credits here.

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Ikea's Democratic Design Through the Decades

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:00:00 -0700

The International Design Museum in Munich, Pinakothek der Moderne, just launched a debut exhibition dedicated to democratic design, which features the work of Swedish furniture giant Ikea. The themes of the exhibit include design process, the DIY principle of Ikea, and sustainability and ecology. Furniture from the 1950s through present day is on display. According to Ikea, furniture design has to "be beautiful, good, and well-priced. Design must not be elitist; rather it must be affordable for everyone." Take a virtual museum tour and check out some of the featured designs in the slideshow.
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Study Reveals That Men Who Tidy Make the Ladies Happy

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:00:39 -0700

In another case of researching the obvious, an Oxford University study shows that women are more attracted to men if they believe they will help out with household chores and contribute equally with childcare. As a lucky woman whose husband does half the housework (and as a woman who has been in the opposite situation with boyfriends and housemates in the past), all I can say is: duh!

The study, which was reported in the Telegraph, examined heterosexual relationships in 13 countries, questioning 13,500 men and women between the ages of 20 and 45 from each country about gender, housework, and childcare responsibilities. Those sexy Swedes and Norwegians came out on top, with British men following in third place. The article notes:

Australian men – stereotyped for their love of beer, sport, and the great outdoors – came in last, rated as the least attractive in terms of pulling their weight around the house.

For the complete list, from best to worst, read more.

Sweden
Norway
Great Britain
United States
Northern Ireland
Netherlands
Republic of Ireland
Spain
New Zealand
Japan
Germany
Austria
Australia

Inspired: Big, Bold Florals

CasaSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:00:43 -0700

I love this informal painting from artist Cy Twombly, which was featured during the preview of the newly built Brandhorst Museum in Munich, Germany. Inspired by the big, messy floral pattern in the painting, I thought I'd see if I could find anything similarly inspiring in the home decor world.

One favorite that instantly came to mind was the Terai Folding Chair ($198) from Anthropologie. While I was skeptical of this chair when I saw it in the catalog, after checking it out in person, I have to say that I'm crushing a little on the design and textile patterns used in the Terai. It's also surprisingly sturdy.

To see my other favorite florals, read more.

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Pucker Kimono Throw - $198.00	Mum 18\" Square Pillow in Orange - $119.00
Merida Meridian Geometric Florals Hydrangea Red Star Modern Modern Rug - $609.00	Essenze Floral Pendant - $500.00
Thomas Paul Lighting Medium Drum Pendant Lamp - Botany - $230.00	Teal Floral Block Print Micro Jute Rug - $99.00
Merida Meridian Geometric Florals Dandelion Breeze Modern Modern Rug - $609.00	"Fashion Floral" Rug - $149.00
Effektiv Door - $55.00	Thomaspaul - Parasol Orange Floor Lamp - $416.00
Quarter to Pink Outdoor Print - $159.00	Terai Folding Chair, Floral Stripe - $198.00