CasaSugar

Etsy Finds: Orchid Oasis

CasaSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:23 -0700

Orchids are some of my favorite flowers and make beautiful houseplants. But their delicate shapes and colors also translate really well to housewares and artwork, making an ideal purchase for those lacking a green thumb. From orchid pillows and paintings to orchids made from felt and recycled materials, check out my slideshow to see orchids in every form.

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Love It or Hate It? Orchid Urinals

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:00:54 -0700

After seeing the two person toilet and the toilet/washing machine, and even Leonardo DiCaprio's eco-fabulous toilet, I didn't think there could be any more innovation in the bathroom. But, that's just silly, right? Of course there could be. San Francisco artist Clark Sorensen's Orchid Urinal Sculptures ($7500) are innovative, one-of-a-kind, beautiful, and fully-functional! Beat that.

Do You Decorate With Cut Orchids?

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:00:02 -0700

When it comes to floral arrangements, i rarely think about buying cut orchids. My potted orchids usually last for months (and I've been lucky enough to have one blooming continuously for 16 months!). Still, the blooms are absolutely gorgeous, and I can see the appeal of cut orchids.

Source: Photo by Andrew Grinton

Love It or Hate It? Orchid Chair

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:15:35 -0700

Design Milk posted a photo of the Orchid Chair (contact company for price and availability) on her site last week. I love its sleek lines and bright finish, but I can't help but think I'd topple it over, given my grace issues.

Walt Disney Launches a Wallpaper Collection

CasaSugar — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0700

From silent films and gloved mice to Arabian nights and amusement parks, the Walt Disney Company has covered a lot of bases. But never ever did I think the media conglomerate would get its feet wet in the world of wallpaper. I was wrong. York Wallcoverings and the lifestyle brand Walt Disney Signature have teamed up to debut an upscale wallpaper collection inspired by original artwork from the Disney archives of the 1940 classic Fantasia. The collection includes 12 prints with graphic and botanical motifs derived from specific scenes in the animated film, such as the dancing thistles and orchids, frost fairies, and milkweed ballerinas in "The Nutcracker Suite."

The verdict? I am really impressed. When wallpaper samples arrived at my desk and I saw the words "Disney" and "wallpaper," all I could think was, "Oh no." But the designs are sophisticated, modern, and hip! My two favorites are Allegro, a Moroccan-style fretwork pattern, and Shimmer, a grasscloth that's very subtly woven with metallic gold, but there are a few others I'd definitely use, too. The only downfall of the collection are two wallpapers, Pixie and Sparkle (at left), which have glass beading and sparkly sand on them; from a tactile perspective, they are cool, but the shimmer is just tacky.

See the other wallpapers in the collection when you read more.

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What do you think? Would you like to use any of these in your home?

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 10:37:45 -0700

This week's Casa Craving Challenge asks you to design a room of your choice around this preppy striped Danish bench.
Our ferm LIVING wallpaper contest is running till the 29th of October, but you might want to get your photos in ASAP!
Speaking of which, check out the first featured entry from the ferm contest.
Have I gone contest crazy? Because I'm also giving away a Nikki McClure print.
Have you tried the Less or More game? Bet you don't know which one is more expensive!
If you're looking for a good resource for online art, you can't go wrong with Jen Bekman's 20x200.
Live in LA? Got spare time this weekend? Then get down to the green home tour.
I really want to know: Which room is your personal haven?
This week you and I both had rather mixed feelings about the orchid chair.

Steal of the Day: Kiwi Orchid Napkin Rings

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:00:59 -0800

It's not hard to take your dinner table from blah to glam with these Kiwi Orchid Napkin Rings ($6) from Hazelnut, my favorite home shop in New Orleans. No need for fancy patterned table linens: these beauties will do the trick on a simple white table cloth, with white cloth napkins and some simple tea light votives. Just add a romantic homemade dinner and you'll be set (literally).

Would You Want a Nontraditional Christmas Tree?

CasaSugar — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:30:56 -0800

One of London's grand, historical hotels, Claridge's, has commissioned Christian Dior creative director John Galliano to create a custom Christmas tree for its lobby, to debut Dec. 1. He'll create a papier-mâché tree dripping with with crystals, sparkling leaves, and orchids in a shimmering white and blue palette. "I hope to bring a twist to the traditional tree," he said. "I want to combine the festive with the innovative, the spirit of Dior with the beauty of Claridge's, and create something spectacular that will inspire the perfect start to the season!"

While the tree certainly sounds glamorous - it looks it from the sketch - and will no doubt make a statement in Claridge's luxurious lobby, I think I might be too traditional to forgo a classic red-and-green palette. Would you want a nontraditional Christmas tree?

Do You Have a Foyer Console Table?

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:15:15 -0800

A console table in your foyer can make a great landing strip for your keys, purse, and other daily essentials. But it can also just be pretty and fill an otherwise dead space. I love this foyer by interior designer Anne Coyle. Orchids, check. Cherry blossoms, check. Ornate mirror, check. White furniture, check. Soft lighting, check!

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:30:17 -0700

Try upcycling objects for flower displays.
Learn how to organize out in the open.
Check out these orchid-themed Etsy finds.
Get the look of Roxie's bedroom in Eastwick.
Ikea is celebrating the 30th b-day of the Billy bookcase.
An old home in France goes from scary to shabby chic.