CasaSugar

Open House: Jumbled Patterns

CasaSugar — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I'm a fan of this photo in theory - it reminds me of the mix of patterns employed in the interior design of my favorite San Francisco tea house, Lovejoy's. Like this photo, Lovejoy's blends jumbled textile patterns and mismatched china to create an eccentric, fun interior. This funky mix of patterns is perfect for an hour of cucumber sandwiches and Earl Gray. However, I have a hard time imagining this many patterns in my own home. I think the mix would drive me batty after awhile. What about you? Do you like to mix patterns in your home, or do you prefer to keep it simple? Let me know by commenting below. Source

Ask Casa: Post-Grad Style

CasaSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:56 -0700

Hi Casa!
I'm 22 and I just started my first job out of college. Unfortunately, I still live with my parents. But I figure that if I have to do so then I might as well have a room I enjoy coming back to after a long day of work. I've been wanting to redecorate my room for a while now. However, I don't have a lot of money to spend on new furniture or décor. Most of my furniture is mismatched, and I've had it all since college. Do you have any tips on how I can update my room on the cheap and make it a place that I enjoy spending time?
Thanks! - Kerry

To hear my suggestions for Kerry, read more.

Hi Kerry,

Congrats! I don't think you're alone in this query. Luckily, there are a few easy and affordable things you can do to perk up your bedroom. The idea is to give your room polish and a distinct style, separate from how your parents may have decorated.

First of all, shed everything! If you'd moved into your new apartment, you wouldn't bring everything you've owned since grade school that's still sitting in your parents' house. So, go through it all and recycle, donate, or toss won't you don't want or need. This will give your room a more grownup, less cluttered feel.
Next, create symmetry. The easiest way to do this is to use matching nightstands or bedside table lamps. You can find very chic, affordable lamps at places like Target and HomeGoods. A nightstand can be just a simple side table.
Get a headboard. A headboard will instantly give your room a focal point, and curb any mismatched feel your other furniture gives off. If you can't afford a headboard, try any one of these 10 cool alternatives to off-the-shelf headboards.
Paint your mismatched furniture in one color - glossy white always works - to give the space cohesion.
Create a designated sitting area for reading, having your morning coffee, or making phone calls, etc., with a chair, small accent rug, and small side table. Then you won't feel trapped on your bed or hanging with your parents.
Paint your walls. Color is an easy and cheap fix for any room!
Give your bed a grownup makeover with white bedding, and add color and pattern with throw pillows or a bedskirt.
Find cheap artwork at flea markets, garage sales, or student art sales, or create your own.
Make the space cozy with a rug.
Go "shopping" in other rooms in your home. Look around your parents' home for furnishings that might facilitate the above. With an open mind, you never know what you may find.

Source

Do You Have Mismatched Dining Chairs?

CasaSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:00:29 -0700

I love the mismatched chairs around this Saarinen table in the home of Virginia Johnson. It's quirky, but it works because there's not much going on otherwise in the way of color and pattern in the room. But, I've seen this look executed in busier, brighter rooms, and it doesn't always work. Do you have mismatched dining chairs?Source

Cool Idea: Mounting Mismatched China

CasaSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Flea markets and thrift stores can be a treasure trove of mismatched china, which could lead to trouble depending on your level of impulse control. One too many "Oh, this little dish is too cute to pass up!" and next thing you know, you've got boxes of quirky plates without coordinating mates.

That's why I was mesmerized by this wall I snapped at a Northern California diner. The quirky patterns look so serene, mounted on the seafoam-green wall. What do you think of this idea? I loved it so much I never wanted to leave. The diner did something similar with mismatched mugs on a shelf. Curious about this curiosity? Then read more.

Steal of the Day: Garnet Hill Cabana Quilt

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:30:10 -0800

The Cabana Qulit ($128-$168, on sale $74-$108) from Garnet Hill is hand-quilted and printed with bright botanicals in Pink Rose, Blue Branch, Yellow Floral, or Green Dot Paisley patterns. The matching shams are also on sale. They would work with both traditional and modern décors, and could be a cool punch of color with simple white sheets, or a creative kick along with mismatching patterned linens.