CasaSugar

Casa Interview: Kim Myles of Myles of Style

CasaSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:00:38 -0700

Recently, I got to chat with the lovely and talented Kim Myles of the new HGTV show Myles of Style about home decorating needs and wants. I kept my questions focused on elements of design that all of you Casa readers have been asking me about, figuring you'd appreciate a fresh take. Kim came up with some super smart and creative answers to all of my queries. Take a look!

CasaSugar You work with clients on a variety of budgets. What do you think is one of the most dramatic, cheap reno projects that home design buffs can do in their home?
Kim Myles It’s been said so many times, but paint is THE most inexpensive /big impact "reno" for any home design buff. It’s a minimal investment of time and money (and if you hate painting, buy a couple of bottles of wine and invite some friends over for a painting party), and you can’t beat the instant wow of fresh, beautifully hued paint.

CasaSugar Is there any skill that you recommend all home design buffs learn?
Kim Myles Sewing is a skill that I’ve found to be invaluable. My grandmother taught me as a child, but a Sewing 101 class will prove to be so freeing to anyone who likes to take control of a space. It opens up the world of "high-end/custom," and makes it affordable.

To see the rest of the Q&A, just read more.
CasaSugar What’s an easy DIY that most home design buffs can try?
Kim Myles Customizing a coffee or end table. I lean towards modern and eclectic design styles, so I’d start with a table, three different widths of painters tape, and two paint colors. Paint the entire top (and base if you like) of the table in color #1. Once dry, lay down strips of the tape across the top allowing for an inch or two of space (alternating the tape widths is key). Next, paint on color #2, then remove the tape. Bright, modern, fresh, and super easy.

CasaSugar What design trends are you excited about?
Kim Myles Wallpaper!!!! It’s come such a long way since I was a kid, and I can’t get enough of it. I’ve used it on the show, and I plan to keep working it in whenever I can. So many designers and companies are cranking out fantastic graphics and finishes; they’re real works of art in a space.

CasaSugar What advice do you have for people that want to make some changes to their décor, but don’t have a budget to work with? Where should they start?
Kim Myles Start by editing; it’s free! Clear your room of ALL furniture, décor, etc. Start with a fresh blank space, and then ask yourself about each item you’ve just removed, "Do I love it? Do I use it?" Unless the answer is "Yes" to both questions, the item doesn’t go back into the space. Once you’ve made your edit, plug the items left back in in a fresh configuration. Sometimes creating space is the simplest plan for a big pay off.

Source

Did You Watch Myles of Style?

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:00:32 -0700

Last week I told you that super-cutie Design Star winner Kim Myles was launching her new show Myles of Style. Did you tune in Sunday to see it? Source

This Just In: Myles of Style Starts Sunday

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:00:38 -0700

For all of you Kim Myles fans I have some good news: the Design Star winner's new HGTV show, Myles of Style, premieres this Sunday at 10 p.m.

The new show will provide beautiful design on a budget, which is something we all can use. I love Kim's classy, vibrant bohemian style, and can't wait to see the changes she'll make to the home of the first featured couple, Hector and Marina. Are you going to tune in?

To see a sneak peek of the series, just read more.

You can also check out Kim's personal site to find out more about her projects, design philosophy, and show.

Source

This Just In: SF Woman Wins Ugly Couch Contest

CasaSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:45:12 -0800

After over 10 years of living with her worn, outdated, '70s sofa, four years of determined contest entry, and 6,400 votes in her favor, San Francisco resident Julie Lee has been named the owner of America's ugliest couch, winning a $5,000 living room makeover designed by HGTV's Kim Myles. For the past four years, Lee has entered Sure Fit's Ugly Couch Contest, and now, her effort has paid off.

To hear what Lee has to say about her living room makeover plans, as well as to tell me about your own ugly couch experiences, read more.

Lee says:

Here was my chance to finally make my living space more presentable and tasteful. It's time for the couch to go. It's functional, but it really is just so ugly. It’s "loud" and screams of the '70s. It’s orange, yellow, brown and . . . greenish? It has a floral pattern all over. And the fabric is some kind of chenille or velour or something strangely fuzzy.

First things first: Lee will bury her eyesore of a sofa under a Sure Fit slipcover, and then she'll work with Myles to transform her living room with Sure Fit home accessories and other products. And finally, she'll celebrate: Lee's 38th birthday is next week, on Thanksgiving day!

I'm sure many Casa readers have dealt with funky eyesores of sofas over their lives. What's the worst sofa you've ever owned?

Source

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:11:45 -0700

Reese Witherspoon will soon call the country her crib.
Looking for a bleach alternative? I've got one.
If you didn't catch my interview with Kim Myles of Myles of Style, dooo it.
Is your silver looking a little grimy? It may be time to polish it.
ReadyMade has gone e-green.
IDoSugar launched! Be sure to check out our registry roundups.
Andy Roddick is taking his tennis whites and soon-to-be bride to Gramercy Park.
April is Good to Grow month! Ready to "soil" yourself?

Source

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:00:12 -0700

Kim Myles's show, Myles of Style, premieres this Sunday.
Dwell may have a buyer. And no, I don't have $30 million.
I showed you how to dye easter eggs naturally. Dooo it.
Y'all have a lot pillows on your beds.
You can wash dishes with dryer sheets. Or your servant can.
With just a few supplies, you can DIY a terrarium.
ShopStyle Living launched! Get shopping!
Tried my Casa Craving Challenge yet? Hunt down some cool coffee tables.

Source

"Design Star" Finale: This Sunday!

CasaSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:30:13 -0700

Have any of you Casa readers been keeping up with the HGTV series "Design Star"? I've been pretty riveted, even though the designers' drama has sometimes overpowered their designs. You just never know how a project is going to turn out and how judges Martha McCully, Cynthia Rowley, and Vern Yip are going to weigh in on the challenges.

In the season finale (airing at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT this Sunday) the contestants have been whittled down to Kim Myles and Todd Davis, who've really had to shine to beat out the other nine designers for the coveted final spots. I was really sad to see the classy, talented, and humble Will leave after Challenge 6-he has such a big heart and it really shows in the thoughtfulness of his designs.

I'm rooting for Kim, a hair stylist who describes her style as "global-urban elegance." She's just had such spirit and drive throughout the show, and I love that she doesn't have any formal design training. I'm also impressed by her understanding of color, and I think she usually marries function and style pretty successfully.

Todd has had some good designs this season, though the fact that his dream project is designing lad-mag Maxim's headquarters isn't really my idea of dreamy. And I just can't trust that my house will be properly designed by someone who dresses himself in white socks, Keen shoes, and leather pants.

To see some of these designers' work, just read more

Here's the before-and-after picture of Todd's last challenge, which was to turn an outdated Hawaii hotel room into something more contemporary and cool.

And here's Kim's take on the same challenge.

And here's a bigger image of Kim's project, just because I think it turned out so well.

Now that you know who I'm rooting for, will you let me know who you think should win?

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:00:34 -0700

AT:LA compiled a variety of household uses for lemons.
At BallerHouse a spinning wheel takes modular living to the next level.
Ask the Decorator contemplates an armoire/closet duality.
StyleHive serves you seven ways to turn your sad pad boho chic.
Design*Sponge revisits a sneak peek in France that's nothing short of a coveted crib.
Happy Mundane points out where Kim Myles may have gotten her inspiration.
YumSugar rounds up some display-worthy trifle dishes.
Sfgirlbybay nixed her pink in favor of chic silver cloud.

Source