CasaSugar

Cool Idea: Danny Seo's Rock Photography

CasaSugar — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:00:46 -0800

No, Danny Seo hasn't added rock and roll photographer to his impressive resume. Instead, he's back with a new craft project that takes common materials and turns them into something beautiful.

This latest project provides a simple way to display photographs using rocks, florist wire, and either photos or postcards. Danny writes, "You can create a whole gallery of rock frames in minutes by simply twisting the florist wire around the rock rightly and then making a quick 'curl' at the top to hold onto the picture. That’s it. The rocks are heavy enough to keep everything weighted (so if dog runs by, the wind won’t knock them over) and the florist wire is stiff enough to keep everything neat and straight."

The project will be featured in Danny's new book, which I can't wait to get my hands on! For a full write-up of the project, check out Danny's blog.

Home Library: Cheap Chic

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:00:08 -0800

Interior stylist, author, and owner of London shop Caravan, Emily Chalmers has made a career out of finding beauty in objects that require more ingenuity than income. Cheap Chic ($20), which was originally published in 2003 in hardcover, will be released at the end of this month in paperback, and is a perfect example of her talent at transforming overlooked secondhand objects into things of beauty.

I was lucky enough to take a peek at the book thanks to a review copy from the publishers. While I'm definitely a fan of Emily's philosophy to use "more dash than cash to create inspirational interiors," it's often hard to know how to style the thrifted, flea marketed, and found objects and furniture that many of us pick up on weekends and on vacations. If you've ever been stumped by how to integrate that dinged-up antique dresser into your home, then Cheap Chic is definitely a book to add to your home library.

The photos in the book come courtesy of Debi Treloar, who also partnered with Chalmers on her books Flea Market Style and Contemporary Country. The photos themselves are often shot with natural sunlight, and are imbued with a fresh, buoyant feel. While the book provides plenty of practical tips, exploring flooring choices, building materials, and sourcing furniture and accessories, it's truly the beautifully styled photos that bring this book to life.

For some of my favorite advice from the book, read more.

Check out five of my favorite tips from Emily, and then pre-order a copy of Cheap Chic.

Funky functional objects can easily be made to double as decoration - all they need is a showcase.
When it comes to furniture, it pays to acquire a few key items that have been chosen for their quality, particularly a proper bed.
Fabulous fabrics may have unlikely origins - your grandmother's shawls or your latest cast-offs, for example.
Old wrought-iron bedsteads from scrapyards and antique shops make romantic headboards and footboards for basic beds, while scaffolding poles can be turned into industrial-style curtain rods.
Decoration can cost no more than a walk on the beach. Collect objects such as striped pebbles, speckled seashells, and sculptural driftwood and put them on display.
Whatever you choose, ensure it is classic, since fashion fads are a waste of time and money.

Ask Casa: Decorating With White Fairy Lights

CasaSugar — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:30:27 -0800

Dear CasaSugar,

I love the white twinkle lights. But I cannot figure out a good thing to do with them in my new apartment that does not make it look like a college dorm room. Do you have any tips for me? Thank you in advance!

Liz313

Liz, I have many ideas for you! Check out the slideshow for inspiration. I hope this helps. - CasaSugar

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How-To: Decorate With Scarves

CasaSugar — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:00:26 -0800

Don't relegate your scarf collection to a drawer in your dresser. When they're not wrapped around your neck or holding back your hair, they can do double duty as chic accents in your home. Check out these ideas for integrating them into your home decor.

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My Favorite Finds From Etsy's Reader Picks

CasaSugar — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:30:00 -0800

To celebrate New Year's Eve, I wrote a post for Etsy rounding up decor items that I thought might fit with one of my coveted cribs. The fabulous Swedish home, formerly a slaughterhouse, really blew me away with its impressively curated mix of furniture and accessories from various decades and far-off places, as well as an extensive collection of artwork. Responding to the challenge to find home decor items on Etsy that would fit in this space, or add extra quirky coolness to the home, readers nominated different items, and these items were then voted on. See which item won here, and read on to see five items that I also really loved from readers' nominations.

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10 Ways To Decorate With Your Flatscreen

CasaSugar — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:00:11 -0800

Flatscreens are a great way to save space in your home, but you don't have to make them the center of attention in the room. Get inspired to decorate with - instead of around - your flatscreen with this slideshow.
Source

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Etsy Finds: Bustin' Out

CasaSugar — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:00:52 -0800

Busts are back in a big way. Kelly Wearstler loves them, and I even showed you where to find three busts under $250. If you want to start with something smaller scale, or less expensive, there are definitely some options to be found on Etsy. Or, if you want to look for original art featuring busts, I've got that covered as well. Come and see what I've found - this is definitely one occasion when you won't mind getting busted.

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Color Theory: In the Pink

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:14 -0800

If you're not ready to go overly bold with pink, why not try a softer shade? There are other ways to add this color to your home without going over the top, too. To find out how, check out the slideshow.

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Love It or Hate It? Ladies' Garments as Wall Décor

CasaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:04 -0800

I love the look of glam party dresses hung on the wall, but these gloves and vintage corsets seem a little risqué to me. Still, there's a vintage, feminine feel to this room, and the ladies' garments used here certainly contribute to that particular ambiance.

Source

Get the Look: Demetri and Zoey's Apartment in FlashForward

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:39 -0800

Newly engaged couple Demetri and Zoey, from ABC's new series Flash Forward, share a totally covetable LA loft. The style, which is decidedly modern, is tempered by accents that reflect their heritage - African and Asian elements are seen throughout the space. Overall, though, the space is eclectic, modern, and gorgeous. Take a tour, and see how you, too, can get the look.

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