CasaSugar

Cool Idea: A Roof of Red Umbrellas

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:30:08 -0700

In a pedestrian mall in downtown Talca, Chile, a group of students created a covering from over 400 umbrellas by hanging them on lines suspended from scaffolding, creating a temporary, colorful public space. I love the ethereal look of this installation, and I think it could work wonders re-created in a smaller format, offering a bit of shade at your next garden party. While I think almost anything, if repeated enough times, can create a beautiful display, there's something about the umbrella that adapts itself well to design. Not convinced? Check out this trend of umbrella lamps.

Get the Look: Bastille Day Garden Party

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:00:48 -0700

In honor of Fête Nationale, or Bastille Day, I created a festive look for a garden party celebrating the holiday.

As France's tricolor flag wears red, white and blue, I decided to incorporate those colors, but not overly so, as many Fourth of July celebrations do. Inspired by Claude Monet's Red Poppies at Argenteuil, I chose a poppy printed tablecloth, and decided on French café chairs for seating. Of course, a cheese board is a must for any French fête, and a fleur-de-lys topped trellis makes instant royal French décor. Throw in a silver candelabra, some Diptyque candles, some appropriate reading, a red toile platter, and some blue accents and you'll be ready to storm the Bastille, figuratively. Voilà!

How-To: Decorate Outside For Halloween

CasaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:31 -0700

Halloween is nearly here and it's time to spook the trick-or-treaters! Well-decorated front lawns are always the most memorable for costumed kids. So here are a few outdoor decorating ideas to inspire you!

Source: Flickr User rachel a.k.

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Home Library: Majestic Metropolitan Living

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:10 -0800

Just a week after the fold of Metropolitan Home, I've got my hands on another city-centric design volume: Sue Hostetler's new book Majestic Metropolitan Living: Visionary Homes in the Heart of Cities. The shelter and design editor for magazines like Gotham, Hamptons, and LA Confidential, and the host of Plum Homes With Sue Hostetler on Plum TV (which "targets the most active, influential, and educated audience in the world"), Hostetler has tapped her cronies for tours of their unique and luxe urban dwellings.

The American dream of retiring to the pool and tennis courts in your countryside home is squashed by this book, which showcases a range of sprawling, real-life city homes. Each has an original sense of style, a warmth that defies traditional conceptions of "cold urban modernism," spectacular views, and in several cases, an outdoor space complete with a pool or lush garden. Many of the homes were created, not surprisingly, by converting former warehouses or other nonresidential buildings, or combining apartments.

Continue reading . . .

Open House: Do You Decorate Your Outdoor Spaces?

CasaSugar — Sat, 02 May 2009 08:30:54 -0700

As much as I love the designs of outdoor rugs these days, I feel like they're more trouble than they're worth. I know they can all be hosed off and left to dry in the sun, but that's more effort than I'd like to put in. People have been entertaining and hanging out on their hardwood decks for decades, and I've never heard any complaints - OK, I did get a splinter once.

I've seen outdoor spaces accessorized just like living rooms with accent pillows and throws, and while I appreciate the effort, it's just too much. Beyond some comfortable lounge chairs and an outdoor dining table, I don't need much to keep me happy. Sure, I wouldn't mind having an outdoor kitchen, but if I ever do, there won't be a cutesy paper towel holder in sight.
How about you? What's your limit when it comes to outdoor décor? Do you keep it simple and functional? Or do you like to decorate it more like your interiors?

Sale Alert: Up to 60% Off at West Elm

CasaSugar — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:30:43 -0800

Sixty and sexy. No, I'm not talking about your aunt Louise. I'm talking about West Elm's latest sale. The contemporary shop has carved up to 60 percent off of furniture, rugs, window decor, mirrors, wall decor, lighting, bedding and bath items, pillows and throws, accessories, and entertaining and outdoor items. Can you say "score"? S-C-O-R-E, score! Here are a few of my picks from the sale:

Cadman Spine Bookcase - $169.00	Chunky Plaited Wool Rug - $119.00
Faceted Glass Pendant Lamp - $129.00	Chunky Wall Shelves - $29.00
Organic Clover Bath Mat - $29.00	Textured White Vessels - $24.00
NEW - $119.00	Grid Tufted Headboard - $379.00

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:00:02 -0700

These printable favor boxes are too cute. - Craft.
Would you reuse materials from a demolition site? - Charles and Hudson
Decorate with pressed botanical specimens. - Design*Sponge
This outdoor living room was created from salvage. - AT:SF
I want to be rocking in this chair right now. - Wide Open Spaces
Get some tips for giving thoughtful wedding gifts. - Simply Stated

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:00:20 -0700

Are you dreaming of chevron? - ShelterPop
Get your hands on some glass lamps. - Decor8
Try these easy DIY outdoor chandeliers. - Shelterrific
Do you believe in reincarnation for furniture? - Re-Nest
Whip up this no-sew banner. - Craft
Hang a minimalist birdhouse. - PointClickHome

Get the Look: Kirsten Dunst's Outdoor Lounge

CasaSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:00:24 -0700

We've been talking a little bit about outdoor furniture lately, now that Summer is approaching. I've been grappling with whether or not I like truly "decorated" outdoor spaces. Seeing the outdoor lounge of Kirsten Dunst's Nichol Canyons home, which is on the market, I'm convinced. Dunst has used bright, solid-colored outdoor upholstery, which isn't as tiring and fleeting as patterns can be. A pair of patterned pillows are easy to switch out. Her outdoor sofa has a little flair with curved arms, but it's still understated. Like one would decorate a living room, she hasn't chosen a furniture set for this space, but thrown some white, vintage chairs in the mix to give it personality. The large, Suzani-esque jute rug is similar to one from Roost, which I've been eyeing for months; it has quiet flair. To see some finds which will help you replicate this look, read more.

Whitfield Sofa Cushions - $700.00	Roost Jute Pattern Rug - $215.60
Accent Outdoor Pillow 19 square in Orange - $59.00	Zebra Outdoor Pillow - $32.00
Veneto Sofa Sunbrella® Cushion Set - $1,100.00	Outdoor Side Table - $599.00
Cuddle Chair & Ottoman - $859.00

Source

Sale Alert: New Low Prices at Home Decorators Collection

CasaSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:59 -0700

If you're looking for Summer savings, you've come to the right place. Home Decorators Collection has lowered prices up to 20 percent off on thousands of items in store. This includes furniture and décor for every room in the house and outdoor furnishings as well. The price on the Hampton Bay Cabinet, for instance, has been lowered from $179 to $159. The shop has plenty of classics, as well as trendier pieces, but there's a lot to sift through to get the good stuff. Now get shopping!