CasaSugar

Roundup: Neutral Sofas

CasaSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:00:17 -0700

I adore this sofa, which is featured in The Invention of Lying. It has great, clean lines and a modern shape, but still looks cozy, and the neutral linen color makes it easy to decorate around. Neutral sofas are a great building block for a number of styles, from classic country to bohemian chic. Just add accents and textiles around the neutral sofa to bring your personality into the space.

See some of my favorite neutral sofas when you read more.

Inspired: Project Runway Winner Leanne Marshall's Collection

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:00:19 -0700

I'm totally infatuated with Project Runway season five winner Leanne Marshall's final collection. I loved how the palette was so restrained, just neutrals and a gorgeous turquoise; it really let the sculptural shape of the clothes shine. And although the collection did have an architectural quality, the pieces were still full of movement, with pleats that fluttered like a flock of birds bursting into the air.

I thought I'd see if I could capture the essence of the collection with a few home furnishings, and as usual, I was able to come up with some inspired finds. Not only did I discover a range of products in the same palette, but I also came across a handful of pieces with similar sculptural pleats, folds, and curves. To see for yourself, read more.

Source

Get the Look: Neutral With a Splash

CasaSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:00:01 -0700

There's no shortage of patterned pillows in the world to love, so where do you draw the line? As someone who is drawn to color and pattern, I've always struggled with this. But, I think the answer is simple: go neutral. This living room has a neutral backdrop: white side table, translucent lamp, beige sofa, white walls, etc. The array of patterned pillows here works because it doesn't have any competition. Beyond that, the two bolder hues - royal blue and lime - are matched by the vase and greenery on the shelf, making it look much more cohesive and composed. I thought I'd try to re-create this room for you, in case any of you dig it as much as I do. To see my finds, read more.

Source

Roundup: Gender-Neutral Nightstands

CasaSugar — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:00:07 -0700

Since we're on the topic of gender-neutral bedrooms, I decided to hunt down some nightstands for the nonpartisan rooms to help you get the look. Whether you're trying to fashion a successful cohabitation or you're just decorating a guest room or spare room, these tables are for you. The thing to remember is that your choice doesn't have to be bland to be neutral; you can still have color, ornamentation, shape, shine, and interesting materials without creating an overly feminine or masculine room. To see what I'm getting at, read more.

Belmar Black Nightstand - $249.99	Portman Pedestal Night Table Espresso - $715.00
Autoban by De La Espada Pumpkin - $2,695.00	Vitra - nesting tables by josef albers by vitra - $2,060.00
Manchester Bedside Table - $799.00	Martha Stewart with Bernhardt Bali Coast Nightstand - $1,339.00
Calvin Klein City Nightstand - $750.00	Hemnes Nightstand - $59.99
De La Espada ring table - $2,395.00	Iannone Design - Wood Stripe 3 Drawer Nightstand - $1,900.00
Kartell componibili - $117.00	Hive Side Table - $89.95
Brighton Pavillion Magazine Table - $350.00	Red Shika Cabinet - $199.99
Abaca Ottoman - $119.00	Lacquer Bunching Table - $695.00
Michael Aram - $590.00	Seagrass Accent Table - $229.00
Sasha Side Table - $399.00	Recycled Aluminum Accent Table - $299.00
Tangier Table - $1,395.00	Knoll platner side table - $662.00
Blu Dot - Barbarella Side Table - $349.00

Coveted Crib: Pink Simplicity in Tribeca

CasaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:54 -0800

In this 700-square-foot Tribeca loft designed by Ghislaine Viñas, precision and simplicity rule the roost, along with one particular: pink. The owner, a life-long pink enthusiast, wanted to give her family home some personality with her beloved bright pink and magenta hues. So the focus of the living room is this bright '70s-style corner sectional, and white and light oak give the space lightness and a neutral background to tame the vibrancy of the furnishings. The kitchen boasts a fuschia backsplash and counter stools, which make the industrial concrete countertops and steel elements seem more playful. When you move into the bedrooms, bathrooms, and children's playroom, the color palette changes, with neutral background tones still dominating but blues and greens introduced as focal points. Take the full tour when you read more.

View 6 Photos ›

Source

Casa Quickie: Warm Up Your Kitchen With Red Appliances

CasaSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:18 -0800

Not ready to take the plunge and invest in an all red kitchen? Then create a big impact with minimal color investment by using a red stove or refrigerator in your kitchen. You can paint the rest of the kitchen with more neutral colors, or, as in this Amsterdam kitchen, you can choose gorgeous natural wooden cabinets.

Wondering where you can find red appliances? Check out Big Chill for gorgeous appliances in red, orange, blue, and a number of other colors.

Source

Color Theory: Mix Pink and Red

CasaSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

When you're talking fashion, there are a lot of rules about color. No white after Labor Day. Black and brown clash. A lot of these rules have fallen by the wayside now that people dress a bit more bohemian, but for interior design, they've never really applied. You can be more liberal with the colors in your home. There's no doubt about it that red and pink clash, but if you mix them purposefully, it works!

I love the color pairing of these photos from stylist Olga Naiman. The solid red corner headboard and solid magenta bedspread on the left were very clearly designed to be used together, and it looks chic in a bold way. On the right, patterned and textured pinks and reds were mixed in a very playful manner. Since it's a low, lounge-y space, there's no need for those formal rules to apply. You'll see in both images that neutral colors were used on the walls and furniture; this tames the palette a bit. Mixing these colors also gives them a new association. On their own, pink is girly, while red is seductive. Together, they are lighthearted and fun. Try this at home!

Steal of the Day: Blue Circuit Vase

CasaSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:30:04 -0800

On its own or paired with other vases, the simple stripes of this notNeutral Blue Circuit Vase ($6), based on the pattern of a printed circuit board, create big impact. To see my suggestions on where to put these pretty vases, just read more.

Placed on your bedside table, the vase has an interesting and modern look that's casual enough to wake up to every day. It also seems to be a bit of a tribute to Pantone — a gift for your graphic-designer friends, perhaps? I'd suggest grouping a trio of them together with similarly-hued flowers in each; you certainly can afford to buy three. Or, put one in your kitchen near your stove top to hold spatulas, etc. Oh, and get one for me while you're at it.

Sale Alert: 15% Off Select Design Public Items

CasaSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:05:14 -0800

Through Nov. 30 at Design Public, you can save 15 percent on on all dwell table linens and notNeutral products by entering the coupon code SAVE15NOV into the promotions field at checkout. I'm totally digging these chinoiserie placemats ($88, $74 on sale). I'm thinking: Christmas gift?

Ask Casa: What to Do About Burgundy

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:14 -0700

Su Casa member Pretty Little Things got this overstuffed burgundy chenille burgundy chair at a garage sale for only $50. She wants to integrate it into her awesome new apartment, but her "theoretical color scheme involves grays, golds, whites, neutrals, dark wood, no burgundy!" And aside from the color, she also finds the chair bulky. So she asks, "Can someone suggest a nice color palette that would match with burgundy (in keeping with the other colors I had in mind, or something like them) or should I just give up and get a slipcover?"

To hear my suggestions for Pretty Little Things, read more.

Hi there-

Good question!

First of all, is the chair in good condition? If not, I wouldn't invest any money in even a slipcover. While $50 seems like a bargain for a chair, with some more garage sale trolling and Craigslist, I think you can find another used chair in good condition that may eliminate the burgundy issue.

Next, do you mind the shape? Personally, that overstuffed look is not my style, but if you like it, keep it. If you don't like the bulky shape and you're just keeping it because it was cheap, I think you should just sell it. Don't bring anything into your home that you don't love, or that you can't alter (to be loved).

That said, I think it's a good decision to get a slipcover for the chair, or have one made. Your theoretical palette sounds beautiful and I would love to see how you put it all together. While the burgundy wouldn't exactly clash, I think it might stand out as more of an eyesore than anything else. And, if we're talking aesthetics, I've never been a fan of burgundy furnishings, either!

I suggest getting a white or off-white slipcover that's NOT fitted - and even wrinkly if you can find one. I'm thinking of the chairs in Stockholm's Hotel J, which I think are cool and relaxed. This look works really well with overstuffed chairs, and will give yours a modern-meets-shabby-chic vibe.

Hope this helps! Let me know what you decide!

Cheers,

Casa

Petrie Sofa - $1,499.00	TrueModern - Luna Sofa by Edgar Blazona - $1,499.00
Carmel Sofa - $1,999.00	Bennet Sofa - $2,550.00
TrueModern - Lift Sofa by Edgar Blazona - $1,399.00	De La Espada box sofa compact-oak - $6,445.00
Olivia Sofette - $1,149.00	Greenwich Sofa - $1,399.00
Vintage Vogue Sofa -Body Only - $899.00	Hovas Sofa - $699.00
Presidio Settee - $1,950.00	Chatelet Sofa - $2,950.00

Kartell bourgie - $362.00	Thomas Paul Swallows Silk Twill Pillow - $80.00
Dervish Linen Pillow by Thomas Paul - $100.00	English Roll Arm Slipcovered Studio Sofa - $2,545.00
Daisy Chainstitch Embroidered Boudoir Pillow Cover - $29.00	Fern Jacquard Lumbar Pillow Cover - $39.00
Fritz Hansen little friend table - $892.00	Crow Bottle Opener - $25.00
Klein/Reid - klein-reid c-thru vases - $68.00	Esque Slump Vase - $350.00
White Tchotchke Shelves - $24.99