CasaSugar

Casa Quickie: Nate Berkus Gets the Hang of It

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0800

Tap, tap, tap. Too high, too low, or off center? I can't count the number of times I've put a nail in the wall only to pull it out and try it again. I've turned freshly painted walls into ones more suitable for a garage pegwall. Thank goodness for spackle, paint, and wall hangings. I have, however, found one way, aside from using a ruler and level, to make placing framed works on the walls a wee bit easier. The always talented Nate Berkus recently shared a tip that is so simple I don't know why I didn't think of it first. Instead of imagining your decorated wall and going straight to the hammer, cut out pieces of paper the size of your hangings. Then tape them to the wall and observe. When you're pleased with the visual, use a push pin to mark the spot where the nail should go. This is especially useful when placing more than one object. Your wall and future owners will thank you.

Steal of the Day: Nate Berkus Linen Chain Pillow

CasaSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:38 -0700

One look at this sophisticated linen hand-stitched chain pillow, and I bet you'd never guess it's from HSN. Well, it is. And better yet, this Nate Berkus Linen Chain Pillow ($14.95, reduced from $39.95) is unbelievably affordable. Judging the quality of online products is difficult, but considering that this one is made of 100 percent linen, I feel reassured. Moreover, I just love its chain detailing. The zig-zag patterned chain has a great graphic quality and juxtaposes in a fresh way with the natural quality of the linen.

Roundup: Stylish Finds at HSN

CasaSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:00:54 -0700

The Home Shopping Network has bewildered me since the '90s. I never understood the phenomenon, why people get so attached to it . . . and more importantly, why people would buy all that crap. But, as it turns out, HSN does actually sell some stylish items, particularly in the home décor department. Interior designer Nate Berkus, beloved by Oprah Winfrey, carries an exclusive home collection with the retailer-cum-television-network, as well as textile designer John Robshaw and party planner to the stars Colin Cowie. HSN actually also has a handful of both classic and trendy pieces that are quite stylish, I must say, but not necessarily by a recognizable brand.

Curious if HSN's home items could fit into your casa? Then read more.
Source

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:34 -0800

This house looks like it's straight out of an Anthropologie catalog shoot. - AT:Boston
Do you have plans for installing a bidet? - Charles and Hudson
Nate Berkus is getting his own show, thanks to Oprah. - ShelterPop
Who are you tipping this holiday season? - Simply Stated
Try decorating for the holidays with burlap. - Re-Nest
This wooden stool has some adorable granny style. - PoppyTalk
Get the look of this Santa Barbara kitchen garden. - Remodelista

Ask Casa: Elle Decor Black and White Striped Rug

CasaSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:00:26 -0700

Dear Casa, I was thumbing through the July/Aug 09 issue of Elle Decor last night and fell in love with Monelle Totah's striped black and white rug on page 71. Any ideas on where I can find that rug or a similar one? I love the triple-stripe look. The Ikea rug is an off-white, and looks too busy, so I've already ruled that one out. Thanks for your help!! Pookie17To hear my suggestions for Pookie17, read more.

Hi there, Thanks for thinking of me! That's a beautiful rug; I can see why you asked. My first thought was that the rug is from Williams-Sonoma Home, seeing as Tonah is the company's VP of design and owns many other W-S Home furnishings. But, I checked out the shop and it's not in their current selection of inventory - although it very well may be an older design. She also takes regular scouting trips to Europe and points beyond, so it may be an antique. Nevertheless, here are some similar rugs which you might like:

The Nate Berkus Kilim Stripe Rug ($23-159) has varying width stripes, but it's not available in black. Otherwise, Dash and Albert is my go-to place for cotton striped rugs, and you might also want to check eBay and your local antiques dealers and flea markets, as it's certainly a classic design.

Steal of the Day: John Robshaw Pondicherry Duvet

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:00:35 -0700

Back in October, I rounded up some stylish finds at HSN, and was surprised to see designs by Nate Berkus, John Robshaw, and Colin Cowie in store. Well, I just revisited and found a slew of stylish finds on sale, and I couldn't help but pass the word along. I'm loving this John Robshaw Pondicherry Duvet ($99.95, reduced from $200). Its soft, teal, hand-blocked medallion print is light and beachy - great for a Summer house. The duvet has a button closure, hand-stitched detailing, and is made from 400 thread count Egyptian cotton. It's definitely a steal if I ever saw one.

Get the Look: Oscar Party Lounge

CasaSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:00:09 -0800

Considering that the Oscars are less than a week away, it's about time to start prepping your house for your own Sunday night Oscar party. Since YumSugar shared images with me of her preview tour of the Governors Ball, I figured I'd put 'em to use and show you how to get the look of an Oscar party lounge, making your digs worthy of an award — or at the very least, a nomination.

While I'll never endorse this color scheme, I do appreciate its inspiration. Special events producer Cheryl Cecchetto spoke to the influences saying, "The inspiration this year was really drawn from the gold of the Oscar and the red of the red carpet." To learn how to get this inspired look for your Oscar party, or any other, read more

The Palette: As I said, the palette for this party is simply red and gold. But, you can bring in some other tones by using reflective materials like mirror, glass, and pailettes. If red and gold isn't your thing, I don't blame you. Use a similar arrangement in the colors that suit your home best.

The Furniture: The first item on the furniture list is the center piece of a modular seating set or sectional, or an armless loveseat. If you're using the color scheme, you can still get the look with the sofa you already own, but the armless seating is really what gives it that clubby/lounge feel. Try the Brocade Home Horizontal Tufted Loveseat ($1199), the West Elm Tillary Modular Seating ($799), or the EQ3 SALEMA Armless Loveseat ($549). You'll also need a pair of West Elm Mirror Side Tables ($249) for that reflective ritzy glow, and of course, as a place to stash your cocktails.

The Accents: The accents are pretty minimal - just a pair of vases and accent pillows — but they pack a Hollywood glam punch. You'll want to save room for your warm-bodied guests and libations. The accent pillows will be glitzy, with paillettes or sequins of some sort. Try the Nate Berkus Gold Sequin Toss Pillow ($34.99), the West Elm Peacock Pillow Covers ($39), or these Fun and Funky Sequined Pillows ($29.99). Pick up a duo of slim crystal or glass vases, like the Plum Party Honiton Glass Vases ($42 for five) or the CB2 Lisbon Vases ($9.95). Then, fill the vase with a single, top-heavy flower, like a red rose or a fiery-red begonia.

The Lighting: Go with dimmed overhead lighting, or pick up a pale luster from a nearby table lamp.