CasaSugar

Casa Quickie: Lighten Up for Spring

CasaSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:00:19 -0700

In case you haven't noticed, it's Spring! Isn't that supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!? Yes, it is. So, it's time to lose a few pounds — and I'm not suggesting you get in shape for the beach. You really need to lighten up your windows! Move that thick velvet drapery to your storage closet in favor of some airy, sheer panels or shades. Spring light is nothing to shy away from; it should be whole-heartedly embraced. Not only will switching to sheer panels let in more light, but it'll give your home a more relaxed look. And, why shouldn't your home loosen up a bit when you're already sporting shorts and flip-flops? Here are a few styles that should fit the bill.

Blue Stripe Grommetted Linen Panels - $69.00	Matine Toile Roman Shade - Select Items - $119.00
Lantern Window Panel - $39.00	Medallion Window Panel - $34.00
White Crinkle Voile Curtain Panel - $14.99	Smocked Drape - $50.00
Carlisle Drape - $19.00	Paisley Panel - $49.50
Outdoor Sheer Grommet Drape - $69.00

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Cool Idea: Fabric Panels Frame a Bed

CasaSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:45:33 -0700

Natalie of Technology Drive hung fabric panels adjacent to her bedside table "to enclose the bed area so it didn't feel like it was floating between the living room door and the open closet/hall." This small change successfully delineated bed, giving it a cozy, canopy-bed-like feeling, but is actually a really simple project. It's also a really attractive update; the cherry-blossom pattern of her fabric panel brings an interesting visual element to an otherwise simple room. This would be a great solution for those of you working on decorating a studio. To see the fabric panels from another perspective, read more.

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DIY: Canopy Headboard

CasaSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:30:15 -0700

You needn't buy a $19,000 four-poster to get the look of a romantic canopy bed. A few supplies and a spare afternoon and your bedroom will be fit for a queen, without the stuffy price tag. And, if that's not good enough for you, I'll show you how to live like a modern Marie Antoinette. This canopy headboard DIY, from Point Click Home, is easy enough for a neophyte crafter, but chic enough for the DIY maestro. Also, check out this post for another DIY headboard.

Supplies:

10" faux willow leaf wreath (or a tool wreath for the dudes)
Spray paint (white, gold, or silver)
2 yards 1" wide ribbon
Scissors
2 safety pins
2 sheer curtain panels
1 large nail
Hammer

To learn how to make this headboard, read more.

Here are the steps, from Point Click Home:

Lay the wreath down on newspaper outside.
Spray paint the wreath for an antiqued or frosted look, and let it dry.
Cut the ribbon into two separate one yard lengths (in half).
Pin a safety pin to the end of one length of ribbon, and slide it through the rod pocket of one of the curtain panel, gathering as you go.
Repeat using the other safety pin, ribbon length, and curtain panel.
Hide the ribbon from one panel between the leaves, tying it around the lower edge of the wreath.
Repeat with the other panel.
Trim off any excess ribbon.
Find the center of the wall, about four to six feet above your bed, and pencil it.
Hammer the nail into the wall.
Hang the wreath on the wall, and arrange the panels so that they wrap around the sides of your bed. Fini!

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Do You Have Wood Paneling?

CasaSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:27 -0800

Unless it is painted, I usually find wood paneling too dark and rustic for my taste, and sometimes it just looks too dated. But in Fall and Winter, it has a cozy effect that I enjoy, especially if there is a fire roaring nearby. Do you have wood paneling?

Photo by Maura McEvoy

Cool Idea: Fabric-Painted Curtain Panels

CasaSugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:15 -0700

For an accent that's often merely decorative, curtain panels are expensive. You can buy affordable ones from shops like IKEA, but that means you only get the pick of the rather generic litter - and the same ones as every other penny-pinched decorator in the world.

So I was excited to see how High-Heeled Foot in the Door personalized a set of solid white IKEA panels using fabric spray paint. Inspired by a sunny yellow skirt she'd seen at Kate Spade, this resourceful lady painted 7" wide horizontal stripes on her basic panels. Want to get a peek at the project in action and learn how to do it yourself? Then read more.

She first taped off the stripes before painting, but all the project really requires is paint, tape, a tape measure, construction paper, and scissors. Learn the steps here.

Do You Have Wood Paneling?

CasaSugar — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0800

If it's done right, wood paneling can add a sense of intimacy to a room; however, I think that its reputation has been compromised by the cheap paneling prevalent in homes in the '70s. Have you ever lived in a house with wood paneling? Source

Love It or Hate It? Painted Paneling

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:30:00 -0700

One way of dealing with outdated wooden paneling is by painting or staining it. I kind of like the sleek, ebony appearance of this paneling, but I can see how it might get to feel oppressive over time. What's your impression?

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Casa Verde: Pope Benedict Goes Solar

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:00:34 -0700

Still thinking about adding some renewable power to your home? Well, maybe this story will inspire you. Pope Benedict XVI recently installed photovoltaic solar panels in his home outside of Regensburg, Germany.

The panels are estimated to generate as much as 5,800 kilowatt hours per year, the equivalent of $3,500 worth of surplus electricity, which will be routed back to the German power grid. Any profits from the panels will be donated to job- and skill-training programs for disadvantaged youth.

To hear what the pope has to say about energy use, and to find out about tax credits for renewable energy, read more.

“Technologically advanced societies can and must lower their energy consumption, either through an evolution of manufacturing methods or through greater ecological sensitivity among their citizens. It should be added that at present it is possible to achieve improved energy efficiency while at the same time encouraging research into alternative forms of energy,” said Pope Benedict in a prepared statement.

The Vatican's roof was also covered with solar panels, beginning last Winter. Pope Benedict was also instrumental in the Vatican's plan to install a $600 million solar plant. A 6,000-seat hall's heating, cooling, and natural light needs will be supplied through 2,700 solar panels. When the hall is not in use, the energy will be used to power the Vatican.

If you live in the United States, you can find about renewable energy tax credits here.

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Casa Verde: Jon and Kate Plus 8 Go Green

CasaSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:30:00 -0700

This Sunday, the Gosselin clan of Jon and Kate Plus 8 will welcome Planet Green's Renovation Nation host Steve Thomas into their home to retrofit it with some eco-friendly upgrades. Steve and his crew will help install electric solar panels and solar thermal panels onto the house, as well as solar powered lights along the driveway. They'll also build a picnic table for the family using reclaimed wood. Of course, the kids will also lend a hand (or 16) with the projects, and learn a few things about being green. Unfortunately, the hefty needs of the large household are not helping the family's carbon footprint! Catch the special at 9 p.m. EDT this Sunday, April 19, on TLC.
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Ask Casa: I Have a Problem Room!

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:30:58 -0700

Hi Casa,

I love reading your posts! I'm getting some great ideas, and implementing them in my very first house. My home is an older brick house, and my style tends toward warm colors, sort of a rustic look - the living room has beautiful wood floors and a brick fireplace. The house is really in need of many updates, but I'm completely stumped on one room. It's the smallest bedroom (9 feet by 12 feet), but I teach music lessons from my home, and that room is my studio/office. I'm in there a lot, but I don't enjoy being in there because I have no idea what to do with that room. The walls are the old fashioned knotty pine paneling (nice wood, but how to decorate!), and the floor has carpeting over the original hardwoods which don't exactly match the color of the paneling.

I don't know whether to rip out the paneling, paint it, leave it and try to make it work for me? And of course, I want to do whatever will add the most to the resale value of the home.

I know it's a long explanation, but if you have time, I'd love some help!

Thanks!
SC Cutie

To see my response, read more

Hi SC Cutie,

Your home sounds so lovely! I think that your solution is pretty straightforward, though it will take some work. Since wood paneling has fallen out of vogue, the best thing you can do in the short term is to paint it. I really think that white will make your room seem both modern and more expansive. The picture here is what the room from the earlier picture looked like after the wood paneling was painted white. Isn't it an amazing change? You'll definitely need to use primer - perhaps several coats of it - and at least two coats of paint to make sure the color is even, but I think that the change is well worth it.

The second change I'd make is pulling up the carpets. Hardwood floors are coveted by buyers, and they also increase your home's resale value. Beyond these monetary benefits, hardwood floors are also easier to clean than carpets, and help to improve your home's indoor air quality because wood doesn't collect dander, pollen, and dirt the way that carpets tend to do. Because the size of the room is limited, this won't be a very difficult job. Even if the wood floors need refinishing, this change is well worth the time and money. I think that it will make your music lessons much more enjoyable as well!

Cheers,
Casa

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