CasaSugar

Coveted(?) Crib: The House That $1.75 Bought

CasaSugar — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:30:44 -0700

A woman from Chicago is the proud winner of the eBay auction of an abandoned home in Saginaw, MI, according to Saginaw News. Her high bid? $1.75. Thirty-year-old Joanne Smith went up against seven other bidders to claim the house, but she has no plans to move there. "I am going to try to sell it. I don't have any plans to move to Saginaw. I don't have any plans of moving from (Chicago)," she says. This is not the story of the homes in Sicily selling for one Euro, though. The abandoned home is in disrepair and has changed hands seven times since 1999. And, as it turns out, the real cost of the house is a bit more than a buck-75. Smith must pay back taxes on the house and a trash/weed cleanup bill by March 31, setting the final price. To see this Saginaw home, read more.

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On the Market: Frank Lloyd Wright's Palmer House

CasaSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:45:16 -0700

The Palmer House - a 2,000-square-foot, one-story home in Ann Arbor, MI, designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright - is on the market for the first time since it was commissioned in 1950. The asking price is $1.5 million. The three-bedroom, two-bath Usonian-style home sits on 1.5 wooded acres, close to the University of Michigan, where its former owner worked. The house includes many free-standing pieces of Wright furniture, including tables, chairs ("Origami" chairs), and ottomans, which are "as much a part of the house as the house is of the landscape," says Brian Reis, assistant curator for the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust in Chicago. It also includes a collection of Wright documents, and a lovely teahouse is tucked neatly behind the house. It's certainly a very rare opportunity to own a piece of architectural history, and at a relatively affordable price. I'm sure there will be a lot of interest in the home, particularly from those with an interest in interior design and architecture. And, preservationists should be pleased: The deed to the house "requires any changes to be approved by the nonprofit Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy." Check out this gallery for a tour of the property and the listing for more information.

There's more to see, so read more.

View 26 Photos ›

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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!

Before and After: A Kitchen Expansion

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:00:30 -0700

While turn-of-the-century homes are often quite spacious when it comes to shared spaces and number of bedrooms, often the kitchens are cramped and ill-suited for modern-day home chef work. MainStreet Design Build, a Michigan-based renovation and build firm, came to the rescue, for this family, stepping in to add a kitchen and breakfast nook addition to the home.

Here's the home from the rear exterior, where a small entryway opens onto a large deck. To see how the firm improved the home, read more.

The kitchen and breakfast nook addition added grace to the appearance of the rear of this turn of the century home. In the kitchen, Dynasty Omega cabinetry and commercial grade Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances updated the functionality of the space.

To see the interior pictures, check out the gallery.

View 4 Photos ›

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How-To: Reduce Winter Heating Bills

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:30:51 -0700

Recently, heating expert Chris Cooper shared some advice for thrifty Winter heating. He's back, with some hints on how to cut your heating bills or to assist other families with their high heating bills. Chris notes that, "Research compiled by the National Fuel Funds Network proves that fuel poverty leads to 'heat or eat' situations, [where] families strive in vain for a safe balance between paying for food and paying for energy."

To find out how you can help out, or find assistance with your heating costs, read more.

The Low-Income Housing and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of the most effective programs in the battle against fuel poverty in the US. Since 1981, LIHEAP has provided funding to heat homes through the cold stretch from October to March, but officials there indicate that they only reach 20 percent of the population that requests their services. $5.1 billion is allocated to LIHEAP for Winter 08-09.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) addresses the fuel poverty problem from the pragmatic perspective of home conditioning, offering funds to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their property. During the last 30 years, they have served 5.6 million low-income families.
In addition to the help that federal programs provide, there are numerous organizations within close proximity of any community that reach out to Americans in need. Look for a Salvation Army, an American Red Cross, or a local advocacy center in your town or city. If you can, donate warm bedding, coats, scarves, gloves, and mittens to local community assistance organizations.
Most local electric companies offer assistance programs to their customers. The Upper Peninsula Power Company in Michigan, for example, offers a Winter Protection Plan that assures eligible elderly and low-income customers will not have their power turned off between Nov. 1 and March 31. In Massachusetts, local electric providers throughout the state contribute to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund which helps people who do not qualify for state or federal programs. Electric consumers can also contribute to the fund through donations sent in with their monthly payments.
You can engage public officials in your area regarding regional and state programs that promote affordable warmth. LIHEAP distributes a newsletter that keeps citizens informed about ways to lobby and support their campaign. The National Fuel Funds Network is organizing a Day of Action in Washington DC on Feb. 10, 2009.
Participate in home winterization initiatives in your neighborhood. Participating in initiatives that improve insulation, heating options, and living conditions for a variety of people may be the sort of grass roots movement that could reverse the terrible reality of fuel poverty in the United States.

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Casa Interview: Trish Beaudet From Design Star

CasaSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:00:14 -0700

If you've been watching Design Star, you know that we're down to the last two contestants. Last week's episode was a great challenge, with Matt, Trish, and Jen designing rooms for their family members. I thought that Trish's room was a perfect space for her parents, and definitely took their needs into consideration. Even so, she was the latest designer to leave the show.

Trish was kind enough to chat with me about her experience on the show, and to fill me in on her future plans.

CasaSugar: What was your favorite challenge?

Trish: My favorite challenge was the Sara Evans Suite Challenge.

CasaSugar: Who was one of your favorite designers to work with?

Trish: Hands down Mikey V. Mikey is a great designer. I love his work ethic and his ability to get the job done. Mikey and I approach projects in the same manner. We instantly know what we want to do, make a plan, and quickly get it done.

To see what else Trish has to say, including her future design plans, read more.

CasaSugar: I loved the redesign of your parents’ home. It seemed perfect for them! Did you find that decorating for your clients’ expectations sometimes made it difficult to fulfill the judges’ criteria? What did you think was the most important part of the design, ultimately?

Trish: Thank you so much!! I found it very difficult to create a room that my parents would love and please the judges at the same time. I love creating modern-glam spaces, and I knew that this was something that the judges really wanted to see from me. I knew though that my parents would not have liked that type of design since they are very traditional. I knew that the right thing to do was to follow my heart and give my parents the room that they would truly love, even knowing that it would cause me to be eliminated. I would have liked to change the layout in the space, but I know too well how my parents use their room and the current layout really fits their needs. I tried different layouts, but it always compromised my dad and how he uses the room. I feel that installing the manufactured hardwood and encasing the fireplace really changed the look of the space. The most important part of the design, besides these two elements, was creating a room that my parents love. I think that as a designer, it's our job to inspire our clients with our designs. My parents love the room so much, they are continuing the design inspiration throughout the rest of their home.

CasaSugar: You are, as the judges have said, great on camera. Who else on the show (eliminated or not) did you think had a great camera/screen presence?

Trish: Thanks again! I would have to say that both Jen and Matt are very comfortable in front of the camera.

CasaSugar: If there was one design element from one of the challenges that you could go back and change, what would it be?

Trish: I try not to live my life in what ifs or should haves, but if I had the chance, I would make my room in the Oaklawn Challenge modern. I think it would have shown the judges just how versatile I am and that I can rock a mod room.

CasaSugar: Whose designs do you think were undervalued in the show?

Trish: I personally think that Mikey V wasn't give the credit for some of the amazing ideas he had during the challenges. I think that most people think that Mikey just builds, but he has an amazing eye for design.

CasaSugar: What are your future design plans?

Trish: My business partner Shannon and I have been very busy lately working with our existing clients and new clients here in Michigan. We have been expanding our design into the commercial area as well. I would love to explore the possibilities of doing something on TV. I would love to have a show with Mikey V one day. I envision a show where Mod Man meets Glam Girl.

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Weird Furniture: Modern Pipe Coffee Table

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:30:03 -0800

Timothy Adams, a self-taught metal artist hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, designed this Modern Pipe Coffee Table, which moonlights as a bench "in the right setting." It's made from steel pipes that were hand-cut and welded and finished with a clear coat to prevent rusting. Personally, I feel that a little rust could do this tabench good. What about you? Would you lay your November ELLE Décor on this?

Do You Live in a Healthy Green City?

CasaSugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:58:38 -0700

Why should a city go green? Well, for one thing, a green, healthy city means that the air and water will be cleaner, which means that the residents will be healthier and less likely to suffer from conditions like asthma. There's also a rapidly growing green economy, which means that there will be better job security in a green city. And cities that have more parks and access to green space are just nicer to live in. My hometown of Berkeley, California, made it on the recently released list of the United States' top green cities, thanks in part to its park systems, biking and public transit use, and environmental organizations.

To see if your city made the cut, just read more

Austin, Texas, makes the list for its green energy plan, among other great green features this city can boast.
Charlottesville, Virginia, makes the list for its vast parks and its Environmental Sustainability policy.
Over 85% of Eugene, Oregon's power comes from hydroelectric and wind sources.
The beautiful midwestern city of St. Paul, Minnesota, has preserved t25% of its land as green space. To meet C02 level goals by 2020, the city is completing a light rail system and working to achieve 25% renewable energy.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, made the cut for its residents' commitment to public transit as well as its huge network of parks.

There are 22 more cities on the list. To see if your city is one of them, check here for the full list of green cities.

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