CasaSugar

Midday Muse: Indoor Furniture Outdoors

CasaSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:29 -0700

CitizenSugar recently wrote about a Nebraska town that passed a law banning indoor furniture from being used outside, likely initiated by town members who were up in arms about a large population of college students picking up the habit. Personally, I think in some cases using indoor furniture outdoors can be a favorable, aesthetically-pleasing design choice, and I've even suggested it before. But, obviously, unless it's weatherproofed, upholstery will not stay in fine form for long when used outdoors. Ratty vintage couches run rampant in the homes of college students and can make the neighborhood look untidy, so much like the Gray Ghost's opposition to graffiti in New Orleans, I can understand why townspeople would be disapprove. But, personally, I don't think it should be up to my neighbors to choose how I decorate my home, especially if I can't afford to buy genuine outdoor furniture. What are your thoughts on this? Are you against indoor furniture outdoors? Do you think it can add personal style or a relaxed vibe? Are there any types of indoor furniture that you like to see or actually use outdoors? Would you be bothered by this law if were it enacted in your town? Tell me by commenting below!
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Casa Quickie: Let's Take This Outside

CasaSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Attractive outdoor furniture is often expensive, and affordable outdoor furniture is tacky more often than not. But, if you're a country dweller with a beautiful backyard, you shouldn't let it sit unused this Summer. Considering bringing your indoor furniture outdoors when you're entertaining. Obviously, you don't want to lug your heavy dining table outdoors whenever you want to eat, so pick up a Folding Melamine Banquet Table ($42) from Staples and a Summery table cloth that you love. Then, have each of your guests bring their dining chair outdoors from your dining room. Instant chic dinner party!
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Crave Worthy: 3 Ring Table

CasaSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:30:23 -0800

I love beautiful furniture designs that embrace a sense of possibility. Such is the case with the malleable design of Um Project's 3 Ring Table ($6,000).

The table is made up of three pieces: a low table, a bench, and a play surface. These three pieces can be arranged in a number of ways to accommodate your needs, or the needs of a dinner party or unexpected guests. And of course, you can separate the components to use in different areas or different rooms altogether. This piece is made from jatoba wood, a hard, dense wood, and can be used either indoors or outdoors.

Are you craving a particularly gorgeous piece of furniture or home accent piece? Then join my group Crave Worthy Creations and post about it!

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Open House: What's Your Home's Pet Policy?

CasaSugar — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:30:02 -0700

My husband and I share our house with two dogs, which means a lot more vacuuming and dusting than nonpet people experience in their homes. We try to keep things tidier by keeping the pups off of furniture. However, they have full run of the house, hang out in every room, and even keep us company while we're cooking in the kitchen.

Since they have good manners, I don't mind having them underfoot, but I know that some families keep their dogs relegated to certain areas of the house or even crate them for much of the time that they're home.

So tell me, do you have dogs, cats, or other indoor pets? Do you let them up on your sofa or bed? What's your house's pet policy?

Source: Flickr User Emery_Way

Sale Alert: Wisteria Furniture Sale

CasaSugar — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 08:30:00 -0700

Furniture, rightly so, is one of the things I debate most over when shopping. It's definitely an investment, and something you carry between houses, and own longer than cars. But a good furniture sale has been known to cause me to shop spontaneously. The Wisteria Furniture Sale, ending today, is one of those. The shop's sophisticated, antique-inspired furniture for indoors and out has been reduced up to 65 percent. I can't foresee myself repenting for buying any of these classic and chic items, though. Check out what's on my wish list below!

Sawhorse Leg Table - $999.00	Woven Rattan Leaf Chair - $349.00
Linen European Furniture - Bleached Linen Chair - $799.00	Green Four-Drawer Chest - $1,399.00
Bistro Table Set and Four Chairs - $279.00	Moorish Chest - Pink Four Drawer - $2,999.00
Blue and White Ceramic Reindeer Stool - $179.00	Reinterpreted French Waste Bin Table - $499.00

How-To: Say Goodbye to Dust Mites

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:00:25 -0700

If you have allergies or asthma, chances are you're also sensitive to dust mites. While you can't see these icky, little bugs (they're microscopic), that doesn't mean they're not lurking in your home. Dust mites love to hang out in warm and cozy spots such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and beds.

Don't worry though: there are plenty of ways you can combat the presence of dust mites in your home. For one, you can start by not making your bed. Since dust mites need humidity levels above 50 percent in order to survive, an unmade bed is too dry for the critters to survive in.

Want more tips for decimating your home's dust mite population? Then read more.

If you live in a hot and humid climate, invest in a dehumidifier. Since dust mites, as I mentioned earlier, need humidity levels above 50 percent, a dehumidifer can suck moisture out of closets, carpets, and other damp spaces, thus reducing dust mites.
Wash bedding in hot water, and dry on high to kill dust mites. Alternately, hang your bedding to dry in the sun to zap the bugs.
Vacuum regularly, and thoroughly, with a HEPA filter vacuum.
Use a HEPA air purifier to eliminate indoor airborne allergens.
Do you have kids? Replace their nonwashable stuffed animals with hypoallergenic, washable toys.

Also, check out these products to help you out with your dust mite fight!

Hoover® WindTunnel Bagless Upright Vacuum Anniversary Edition - $169.99	Vicks Nursery True Hepa Air Purifier - $59.99
Dyson Ball DC25 Animal Vacuum - $650.00	Kaz Inc Permanent True HEPA Air Purifier with Germ Reduction - $189.99
Graco HEPA Grade Air Purifier - $54.98	Miele 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum - $429.00
Kaz Inc Honeywell True Hepa Air Purifier - $149.99	Dream Baby® Dehumidifying Egg - $22.99

Source: Flickr User stacy michelle

Roundup: Element-Withstanding Outdoor Furniture

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:30:28 -0700

If you're going to invest in outdoor furniture this Summer, you want to know that it will withstand the elements. Choosing furniture made from teak is always a good idea, since this wood is highly resistant to the wear and tear of sun and rain. In addition, look for outdoor fabrics from Sunbrella. For over 45 years, Sunbrella has made outdoor fabrics that resist the elements. It's even earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation for its fabric's ability to filter out the sun's harmful rays. You'll find Sunbrella fabric on everything from boat cushions to outdoor pillows to shade structures.

Just remember, even if outdoor furniture is weather-resistant, it will still need to be cared for. While it's definitely made to take more damage than indoor furniture, it still needs some TLC at the end of the Summer season. I'll give you more tips for caring for your outdoor furniture as we get closer to the end of August, but for now, see some of my favorite element-withstanding outdoor furniture when you read more.

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Nice and New: James Perse Furniture

CasaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:00:12 -0700

If you're a fan of James Perse's cozy tees and casual California aesthetic, you'll be pleased to hear that the contemporary knitwear designer has extended his brand to interiors. He has debuted four collections of furniture for indoors and out to give your home that same simple and timeless style as your wardrobe. I love the no-frills, refined-yet-relaxed vibe of the Sonoma Sofa (inquire for price) from his upholstered NorCal Collection. It recalls Paolo Navone's Ghost Sofa, offering a lived-in, laundered look with only a comfortable attitude. It would work well with wood floors and neutral interiors. His collections also include some classic outdoor pieces upholstered with Sunbrella fabrics and made from sustainable teak. I particularly love the director's chair. The pieces are sold exclusively at James Perse boutiques. See more designs.

John Krasinski Gets a New Office

CasaSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:00:45 -0700

John Krasinski is making a habit of saying "Away We Go" lately - this time to a new 2,640-square-foot, three-bedroom, four-bath gated mid-century home in LA. His $1.9 million purchase sits high above Hollywood's legendary Chateau Marmont hotel on what real estate agents deem a "celebrity cul-de-sac." So, Krasinski should feel right at home among his VIP cronies.
I dig the home's architecture from the outside, but I'm not too keen on the contemporary updates indoors, the kitchen and bathroom in particular. I'm also liking the lush tropical plants on the patio, but there doesn't seem to be much space to entertain around the pool - I guess that's what you get for only about a third of an acre of land. I'll give this crib three stars, and that's assuming he'll toss the bachelor pad furniture. What do you think? See photos when you read more.

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Summer Style: Sam's Wine Country Shack

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:06 -0700

While I wanted to love Bottle Shock, the film about California's vineyards featuring the blind Paris wine tasting of 1976, I had mixed feelings about the movie. However, I had nothing but love for the decidedly rustic digs that Sam (Rachel Taylor) inhabited on the Chateau Montelena vineyard.

While I can't imagine anyone actually living this exposed to the elements (at the very least some mosquito netting would've helped), I do love the overall effect of the building.

For some of my favorite decorating ideas from Sam's wine country shack, read more.

I loved the use of antique furniture in Sam's digs, especially the rocking chair and the iron bed frame. The al fresco wine tasting, shown below, also inspired me to eat out of doors on every sunny evening this Summer. The lack of rugs or busy textiles emphasizes the austere, uncomplicated look of this old, dilapidated building, putting the emphasis on the outdoors. In your own home, cut back on heavy Winter rugs and blankets, and take a cue from Sam by covering your bed with a white or light-colored blanket or duvet cover.

Try also moving some indoor furniture out of doors for an impromptu dinner or gathering. There's something absolutely magical about seeing a table normally reserved for the dining room out on a lawn or a porch.
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Sunbrella® Cane-Stitch Outdoor Pililow - $79.00	Royal Botania - mixt series outdoor seating by royal botania - $789.00
"Relax" Teak Chair - $169.00	Montego Lounge Chair Cushions in White - $300.00
Ventana Sunbrella Cushion Collection - $120.00	Overlapping-Squares Metal Side Chair + Cushion - $30.00
Barlow Tyrie Dune Daybed And Ottoman - $4,713.00	Customized St. Tropez Indoor/Outdoor Rugs -Pattern - $129.00
Sunbrella Outdoor Drapery - $159.00	Montauk Rocking Chair - $499.00
Northshore Outdoor Lounge Chair - $949.00	Carlisle Sofa/Trovata Rectangular Coffee Table - $399.00
Sunbrella® Striped Throw - $198.00	Ballard Indoor/Outdoor Curtains - $64.99
Valencia Bench - $899.00	Corsica Outdoor Ottoman - $599.00
Trovata Chaise/Cushion - $999.00	Tufted Outdoor Chair Cushion - $24.00