CasaSugar

Cool Idea: Gilt-y as Charged

CasaSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:00:51 -0700

Check out the luxe look of the interior of this credenza and the table lamp atop it, thanks to their gilded interiors. I love the idea of a secret, gold lining to a furniture or accent in your home. It lends an unexpected, glam touch. The Ikea Trollsta Sideboard ($349) seems like an obvious choice for a gilded interior; don't you think? You can add a touch of gold to your furniture with gold paint or gilt cream. Have you done this to any furniture at your house?

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Roundup: Gilt by Association

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:00:38 -0800

Gilding, which is defined as covering something thinly with gold leaf or gold paint, can add a glamorous touch to common objects. While the luxurious look of a gilt item may be specious, it's all the while beautiful, and I can't help but want one for myself. Be it a gilt twig bowl or a perfume bottle painted with gold flowers, that metallic shimmer is every bit elegant. So, I've rounded up some of the most glamorous gilt interior décor items around, and they're yours for the taking. Go for the gold when you read more.

Steal of the Day: Bianca Gilt Mirror

CasaSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:00:12 -0700

It's not too often that I find a Steal of the Day that might also qualify as a Crave Worthy. But, that is the case today, as I bring you the Pottery Barn Bianca Gilt Mirror ($299, reduced from $399). Dramatic, elegant, chic, classic, eye catching, feminine, and much more, it makes a statement without crossing boundaries. It's the kind of addition to your home that will instantly exhibit your good taste to all who see it on your foyer wall. It's also one of the few final-sale items that I can almost guarantee you won't regret purchasing. You might regret, though, not buying two; don't you love how it's used as a headboard here?

Coveted Crib: Abbijane Schifrin's Technicolor Townhouse

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:33 -0700

The Gramercy Park townhouse of the late fashion designer Abbijane Schifrin is on the market for $8.75 million, and it's truly a dream. The five-story 1855 building sits on a delightful, tree-lined street and looks quite prim from the exterior, with a pair of 21 Club-esque jockeys and a cast-iron gate. But inside the house is dressed with glitzy gilt walls, bright turquoise and pink paint, and Mediterranean-style arts and crafts tilework - a drastic deviation from what passersby see. Dramatic art-deco furniture, animal-print upholstery make the zany space a treat to tour. The style is not for everyone but definitely fun! See more photos when you read more.

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Ask Casa: How Can I Create an Old Hollywood Starlet Pad?

CasaSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:00:39 -0700

Twitter user DefDulce asked me a question which, judging from current trends, I think is on a lot of young decorators' minds: "How can you turn an ordinary apartment into an old Hollywood starlet pad?"

Without seeing her apartment, I can't offer specific, tailored changes or updates. So I thought I'd respond by offering a few key elements essential to any old Hollywood home. Choosing just a few of them will give your home that overtone of glitz and glamour so evocative of Old Hollywood style.

Lacquer your furniture! And if you can't afford to, high gloss paint will do.
Choose rich materials like silk and velvet for drapery and tablecloths.
Bring in luxe details: crystals on chandeliers, fringe on lampshades, gilt accessories.

See more of these.

Decorating Ideas to Steal From Andrew's Vegetable Stand

CasaSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:00:19 -0700

Readymade recently posted photos and an interview with recent grad Andrew Milauckus, whose aesthetically pleasing Michigan produce stand is beyond adorable. While the exterior of his stand, Summertime, has a '50s vibe, the eclectic interior is a mix of styles. Check out my favorite ideas from his shop.

Embrace a rustic look by painting exposed beamwork.
To create a focal wall, use stencils to create a pattern. This chevron wall is one of my favorites.

Check out more ideas when you read more.

Hang bare bulbs from the ceiling in multiples for an unexpected and cool look. Try these E27 Pendants for a fun, colorful take on the bare bulb.
Use apple boxes and baskets for rustic storage in your kitchen or entryway.
Repurpose a gilt frame as a chalkboard. The bigger the better!

Inspired: Ginnifer Goodwin's Updated Black

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:30:24 -0800

Ginnifer Goodwin is one of my favorite characters on Big Love, and she doesn't disappoint off the set either. I love the way that her basic black skirt and sheer top, which she wore at the Dolce and Gabbana flagship boutique opening earlier this week, is given an updated twist, thanks to these unexpected tribal beads.

I was inspired to create a room that employed the same style strategy: basic black, with a tribal twist. In much the same way that Ginnifer has updated her classical black with tribal beads, the Jayson Gilt Kuba Chair ($2,695) is a classically shaped, antique French chair that's been upholstered in vintage African Kuba cloth. Unexpected and elegant - just like Ginnifer.

To see how this chair figures into my look, read more.

I stuck to pieces with elegant lines and luxe materials (think: velvet, wool, lacquered wood), and then added some African-inspired textiles and shapes, with everything anchored by basic black. I think Ginnifer would approve.

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How-To: Get a Boutique Hotel-Feel Bedroom

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:00:37 -0700

James Lohan, who, along with his wife, authors the Mr & Mrs Smith boutique and luxury hotel guides, knows his way around a hotel room. So it's no surprise that LivingEtc recently asked him to share some tips with readers on the topic. His mission? To help ordinary citizens like you and me create a boutique hotel feeling in our own bedrooms.

To get his tips, read more.

Here are Lohan's tips:

Mix it up. Use different patterns in complementary colors, play with scale, or contrast masculine and feminine by upholstering a pretty chair in some masculine tailoring stripes.
Add vibrancy to all-white rooms with accent colors. Introducing a simple throw, colorful cushions or a piece of painted furniture is an easy way to lift neutrals and add character.
Go for glamour. Dark color schemes create a sensual atmosphere and tactile fabrics intensify the luxurious feel.
Indulge in some "gilty" pleasures. Gilt frames have real impact, or try other metallic touches such as Tom Dixon's Copper Shade lights or Osborne & Little's metallic wallpapers.
If space permits, bring your bath into the bedroom or replace a wall with a window so that the bedroom looks into the en suite. Baths in stone, brass, or even wood make a real statement.
Create a sense of individuality by adding personal treasures, finds from your travels, or artwork to create a focus.

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Crave Worthy: Antique Ebonized and Turquoise Silk Chairs

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:00:01 -0700

I love a good plush seat, but sometimes I can't help but sacrifice comfort for good looks. And, that time is now. The Antique Ebonized and Turquoise Silk Chairs ($1,300 for pair) from Paris Hotel Boutique don't look one bit comfortable, but they're just so ravishing. I think it's the juxtaposition of the contemporary turquoise Dupioni silk with the 1900s ebonized and gilt design. I imagine the chairs were originally upholstered in a fussy floral, but the lack of pattern here really lets the chairs' beautiful shape shine. I'd set them at the heads of a dining table, paired with some basic black Louis XV chairs, or station one in a quiet hallway to provide a pop of color.

Crave Worthy: Gold-Leafed Hand-Carved Mirror With Birds

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:00:33 -0700

I thought I was over faux bois mirrors, but then some sweet little birdies chirped when I came upon this beautiful Gold-Leafed Hand-Carved Mirror (inquire for price), making me fall for them all over again. This gilt wood mirror from the late 20th century was carved by the Carvers Guild of Massachusetts, a company run by a couple recognized for their old-world craftsmanship and exceptional design. The Carver's Guild began in 1970 but they could have fooled me: this hand-carved mirror looks like it dates back to Colonial Williamsburg. It's nice to see that some designs transcend time.

Twig Bowl - $89.00	Knot Mirror - $575.00
Honeycomb Mirror - $429.00	Driftwood Lamp - $415.00
Gilded Monstera Leaves (Set of Six) by Tozai - $135.00	Michael Aram Sona Triple Heart Bowl - $265.00
Evoca Judaica By L'objet - $100.00	L'Objet Aegean Gold Charger - $250.00
Luxor Perfume Bottle - $28.00	Kartell gold gnomes - limited edition - $374.00
Marie Nightstand - $698.00	Vintage Gilt Accent Table - $1,895.00
Vintage Gilt Sofa - $4,195.00	Martha Stewart Collection with Wedgwood "Garland Moss" Accent Salad Plate, 9" - $40.00
Gilt Candle Sconce - $195.00	PB Gilt Frames - $24.00
Bond No. 9 New York Chelsea Flowers/6.4oz - $85.00	Metallic Bark Candles - $29.00
Pair of Silver-Gilt Boxes - $2,200.00