CasaSugar

Get the Look: A Mix of Styles

CasaSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:15:54 -0700

This living room, from Living Etc, mixes a variety of styles in a recipe that is one part eclectic, one part modern, and one part traditional, creating a look that doesn't seem to follow trends, but is certainly ornate overall. Each piece, be it embroidered, tufted, furry, or antique, but certainly not simple, works well with the others when surrounded by the minimalist white wall. Since this image caught my eye, I figured I'd show you how to Get the Look in your own home. To learn how, read more

When mixing styles like this, it's important not to go overboard. Start with a Chesterfield sofa, in leather perhaps, in a reserved color. Toss a trio of throw pillows on it, each bold in pattern and color, maybe with some embroidery; since the sofa is monochrome, you can get away with busy accent pillows. Throw down a natural toned Flokati rug to add texture and comfort to the room. Lay a Moroccan pouf in a bright color next to use as extra seating or as a footstool. Top the Flokati with a traditional coffee table, an antique in dark wood that's seen a thing or two, if you can find one; this will balance out the mid-century shag of the rug, and the squeaky clean look of the leather couch.

On top of the coffee table, choose a simple bud vase, and a chic box filled with old love letters or your postcard collection — something to keep the guests entertained. Then, for a bit more modernity, pick up an Eames shell chair in white; vintage ones aren't hard to find. Continue the ornate look with a Venetian mirror, stood up against the wall. Stack some art books next to the sofa, and top them with a glass vase filled with some fresh flowers. And last but not least, for the wall behind the sofa hunt down an interesting architectural element to hang, perhaps some sort of salvaged wood or a jigsaw porch bracket from a Victorian home. If you've got space to spare, paint a duo of stretched canvases in a color in your accent pillows that brings the room together. Check out this widget for some furnishings that will help you to Get the Look in your own home.

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Found It! Bella's New Moon Ornate Floor Mirror

CasaSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:18 -0700

In behind-the-scenes photos from the upcoming and highly buzzed New Moon, Bella Swan's bedroom boasts a fancy ornate wooden floor mirror, in addition to beautiful flocked bedding. Another photo from the set suggests that it may actually be a mirror that attaches to a dresser. But for the sake of the illusion, I hunted down a similar ornate wooden floor mirror for you. Want to see where you can buy it? Then read more.

The Isabella White Cheval Floor Mirror ($749) is nearly an exact replica with a turned wood base and filigree at the top. If you'd prefer something more affordable, the PBteen Lilac Floor Mirror ($199) is similar in style, although it is rounded.

Photo courtesy of David Strick/Los Angeles Times

Trend Alert: Updated Ornate Chandeliers

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:00:00 -0700

If you think ornate chandeliers look best hanging in your grandmother's house, then allow me to shed some light on a hot trend. Lately, an endless array of modern home stores and edgy designers are giving the old-fashioned chandelier a modern update. Depending on the look, these fixtures work just as well in traditional decor as they do in modern homes.

All of the new chandeliers follow traditional forms but offer clever variations on the theme: I especially love this printed Nicolette Brunklaus Ceiling Lamp Chandelier ($395, above left). Other designers are mixing it up with unlikely materials, including rubber and acrylic, or bold color, as with this Design Within Reach Murano Glass Chandelier ($2,900, above right). For the rest of my finds, click on the photos below.

Su Casa: Art For Joke's Sake

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:15:45 -0800

In my post about the new Hygge & West shop, TeamSugar member KateDavis commented, saying that the illustrated frames in the shop's graphic reminded her of one she'd drawn herself as part of a gag on her husband. Of course, I told her I'd love to see her frame, and she posted a photo to the Su Casa group. While her husband was at work, KateDavis hung one of her husband's paintings on their wall and drew an ornate frame around it with a Sharpie. Check out KateDavis's post to learn why her husband may have been less than thrilled to see his work so prominently displayed. It's hard to see the markered pièce de résistance very well in this photo, but it looks like KateDavis has some artistic talent of her own! It also reminds me a lot of Graham & Brown's Frames wallpaper, don't you think?

Found It! Trompe-l'œil Grandfather Clock

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:50 -0800

I spotted this photo in the portfolio of photographer Joanna Henderson and I'm absolutely in love with it. Not only is the light beautiful, but the space couldn't be any more understatedly elegant. The trompe-l'œil grandfather clock is simply great for that white wall, and it pairs perfectly with those bentwood chairs. The little floor lantern gives this antiquey corner a bit of Eastern flair, and the horse print is so sweetly styled. But back to the clock - it looks familiar, doesn't it? Wondering where you can buy it?

Love It or Hate It? Cardboard Fireplace

CasaSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:50 -0800

I spotted this Cardboard Fireplace ($24) at Urban Outfitters and I kind of love it. For one, the bricks remind me of the cardboard bricks I used to play with when I was a kid. And two, I love a good faux fireplace - my "crackling fire" DVD plays on repeat in the Winter. But I do wish this fireplace had a prettier mantel, like a white one with ornate moldings. What do you think?

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!

How-To: Decorating With an Ornate Vase

CasaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:57 -0700

Sometimes an ornate vase is just what an interior is asking for. The beautiful colors and patterns of this Tuscia d'Arte Vase ($165) from Emilia Ceramics are stunning on their own. But what's the best way to accessorize with such a complex ceramic object? Take a look at some of my suggestions.

Choose one accent color from the vase and pick a bouquet made up of a single color that reflects that color palette. For instance, the orange accents on this vase suggest tiger lilies as an appropriate choice.
Forgo the flowers and choose peacock feathers instead.

To see some other suggestions, and to leave one of your own, read more.

Cutting from a deciduous tree, with their simple, green leaves, would also be an excellent complement to a more ornate vase.
If you do decide to decorate with flowers, make sure to only use one variety of flower. A mixed bouquet would add too much busyness when combined with the vase.
Keep it at its most simple and allow the vase to stand on its own.

What would you do to decorate with this vase? Tell me in the comments below!

Before and After: An Old Sideboard Gets a Hip Makeover

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:00:23 -0700

Aside from its missing drawer handle, there's nothing really wrong with this old sideboard. It has a rich color and a beautiful glossy finish. But, sad as it may be, this style of wood furniture is not very of-the-moment. Everyone wants to paint, paint, paint these days. And wallpaper. Paint and wallpaper, paint and wallpaper. I think there should be a balance of both. You've got to mix some wood pieces in with your painted, metal, and plastic ones.

Want to see the transformation this sideboard received? Then read more.

I think it looks great! The marine paint really makes the sideboard's ornate shape stand out, and the two papered drawers add a whimsical touch. Lately, the trend is to paint furniture in high-gloss, but I really like the matte finish of this piece. It seems less frivolous and more timeless than glossy pieces. What do you think?

Source

Have You Ever Lived in a Victorian?

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:07 -0700

From the ornate exteriors to the charming nooks and detailing on the interiors, Victorians are definitely pretty homes. Some of the ones I've lived in, though, have been pretty drafty and needed a lot of upgrades. However, when they're refurbished, they're completely lovely.

Source: Flickr User David Paul Ohmer