CasaSugar

Get the Look: Casual, Glamorous Living Room

CasaSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:00:00 -0700

Growing up, I used the word "den" to describe my family's hangout room with a TV and a fireplace, and "living room" to describe our parlor-like room, which was used rarely, and when it was, for cocktail parties. It always seemed insensible to me to have a room you never use, and I vouched to make the most of my space when I had the option. This owner of this North London living room seems to really get it. With its George Sherlock-style sofas and leather wingback chair, the seating looks supremely comfortable - ideal as an everyday hangout. But, the space is polished and fit for entertaining thanks to glamorous accessories like a gilded, Federal-style mirror, a demur double sconce, a tailored, mercury glass floor lamp, and a turned wood console table used as a bar with elegant glass decanters. To get the look of this room, read more.

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Midday Muse: Do Glamour and Relaxation Mix?

CasaSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:00:36 -0800

The Neisha Crosland shimmering aluminum Hollywood Grape wallpaper adds an instant dose of glamour to this petite bathroom from House to Home, and the dark wood vanity conjures 1930s film, ushering you into the alluring Art Deco era, whilst making the most of a small space. As much as I swoon over this glam salle de bains, I think the style should be reserved for powder rooms and half bathrooms.
When the day winds down, and it's time to freshen up with a long bath or hot shower, I want a tranquil, serene space that's a retreat from blinding colors and extroverted patterns. You can introduce small spoonfuls of luxury into your bathing space with accessories like an antique perfume bottle or a Venetian mirror, which will add glam while maintaining a relaxed design scheme.

Do you like glamour in your relaxed spaces, such as a bathing area? Or do you prefer something more relaxing?
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Inspired: Jean Harlow

CasaSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:00:59 -0700

Film actress Jean Harlow was America's sex symbol of the 1930s. Also known as the "Platinum Blonde" and the "Blonde Bombshell," this glamorous, gorgeous woman embodied Hollywood glamour. Starring in such films as Red Dust and Platinum Blonde, she appeared onscreen beside leading men Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, and James Cagney.

This actress, whose personal life was marked by tragedy, was absolutely magnetic onstage and onscreen, and the immense force of her personality is still evident today, with stars such as Gwen Stefani emulating her look (Stefani, in fact, played Harlow in The Aviator). And of course, we know what Nicole Ritchie named her little girl. As a small homage to this glamorous woman, I thought I'd put together a Hollywood-Harlow-worthy look.

To see my room, read more.

I kept the color palette simple, emphasizing whites and silvers, while laying down a cool, deep blue wool rug, which would ground the room. With a splash of teal in the pillows, which picks up on the soothing blue tone, the rest of the room is left to shine with mirrors, chandelier, silver, and white tufted leather sofa and ottoman. I also added a few elements from the animal world, including an elephant side table and a silver stag antler wall hanging. Jean Harlow was nothing if not a fighter, and I wanted these more "wild" elements to translate her amazing spirit.

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How-To: Make Your Bedroom Glamorous

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:45:16 -0700

I enjoy the imperfections in my life, and I don't have any illusions of grandeur. But sometimes I feel like I should be entitled to a little glamour in my life, even if I'm not making appearances at red carpet events. Amy Adams's character, Delysia, in Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day has it right: a knock-out Art Deco apartment with the style, fashion, and flair of the days of the greats like Carole Lombard and Clark Gable. To fully execute this look in my home would require a major overhaul, and ditching some of my favorite mid-century modern pieces. But, I can still have a little slice of glitz by completing a glamourous bedroom makeover, and House to Home knows exactly how to do so. To hear some of the Brit glossie's tips for living like Delysia for a day (or longer), read more.

Make a wall frieze.
Opt for pink bedlinen.
Update your lamp with ribbon.
Add mirrored pieces.
Buy shimmery cushions and a throw.

Check out House to Home for more of their thoughts on going glam in the bedroom.
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Love It or Hate It? Ivanka Trump's Decorating Skills

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:20:53 -0700

Heiress and Apprentess Ivanka Trump recently made over the "dump" of her assistant out of her own good will and PR motive and shared the process with Glamour, offering up her "expert" decorating tips to their readers. To furnish the apartment, she used "antiques, flea-market finds, and lots of patterns." To me, it looks like she picked up every trendy dècor piece she could find, and barfed it all over the poor girl's pad. John Robshaw ikat comforter? Check. West Elm overlapping squares daybed? Check. Zebra rugs? Check. Lucite? Check. Ornate chandelier? Check. Then, she topped it off with some metallic Flavor Paper wallpaper, clashing reds and pinks, and big bold stripes. What I find funniest is that the article suggests that readers get one "statement" piece "that's totally whimsical and conversation-worthy," but she herself combined numerous statement pieces, creating a room that for me brings up more gag reflex than conversation. But then again, I am blogging about it, so that counts as conversation, right? What do you think? Am I totally off base here, do you love it?
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Casa Craving Recap: Golden Glamour

CasaSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:30:51 -0800

Last week, I concentrated the Casa Craving Challenge on finding gold-colored home décor. I asked you to bookmark lamps, vases, rugs, and whatever else you found that was gold toned. You found some majestic metallic accents and stunning textiles. I was definitely impressed by the variety and quality of the objects you found. Nice work!

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Desire/Acquire: Luna Chandelier

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:30:30 -0700

If you're into dark glamour, run, don't walk to the Luna Chandelier ($1200). With gothically elegant charm, this chandelier balances its dark exterior shade with a cluster of clear crystals. However, even if you absolutely adore this piece, your pace might be slowed down a bit thanks to the chandelier's tragic price tag.

To find a more upbeat price for a similar chandelier, read more.

For a quarter of the price, you can pick up a near match in the Artcraft Lighting Claremont Chandelier ($317.55). Granted, there are fewer crystal, but you could add your own by buying some chandelier crystals on eBay. Do you like the cheaper option? Or is the original worth the higher price tag?

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.

Love It or Hate It? Twinkle Living Glamour Girl Rug

CasaSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:45 -0700

This Twinkle Living Glamour Girl Rug ($167) from Wenlan Chia has a bit of a Betty Boop charm to it, don't you think?

Casa Craving Challenge: Golden Glamour

CasaSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:00:40 -0800

With the Golden Globe Awards coming up this Sunday, I have the color gold on my brain.

With that in mind, I'm concentrating this week's Casa Craving Challenge on finding gold-colored home décor. So for this challenge, I'd like you to bookmark lamps, vases, rugs, and whatever else you find, that's gold-toned. You can find metallic accents or textiles that are simply gold-colored, but whatever you find, make sure it's something stunning. Show me all of your fabulous finds by creating Casa Cravings and tagging them with the phrase golden globe glamour. I'll feature the results next Wednesday, Jan.16. Please let me know if you have any questions. For a list of online home stores to try, read more

Amazon Home
Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Crate & Barrel
Design Within Reach
Gump's
Ikea
Jonathan Adler
Lekker Home
Linens and Things
Macy's Home
Pottery Barn
Restoration Hardware
Room & Board
Target
Urban Outfitters
Unica Home
West Elm
World Market

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Tracy Kilim Rug - $299.00	English Roll Arm Upholstered Sleeper Sofa - $3,450.00
Swedish Stripe Curved Sofa - $1,399.00	Crown Mirror - $364.90
Sienna Chair - $3,995.00	McKenzie Leather Wing Chair - $1,229.00
Ivanna Floor Lamp - $379.00	Handcarved Gustavian Console - $1,249.00
Waterford "Mondavi" Mission Tower Decanter - $95.00	"Victoria" Crystal Wine Decanter by William Yeoward - $452.00
Felix Crystal Decanter - $495.00	Caine Coffee Table - $399.00
Thomas O'brien Vendome Double Sconce - $210.00	Maharam Chenille Stripe Pillow In Silver - $150.00
Sofia Cashmere Fringed Cashmere Throw - $300.00	Cameron Cotton Drape - $19.00