CasaSugar

The Card Shop: Swirls of Ivy Thank You Notes

CasaSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:00:44 -0700

These Swirls of Ivy Thank You Notes ($15) from Crane and Company are so pretty they may compel a thank you note in return for the thank you! Decorated with swirls of flowers and ivy in a rich chocolate brown, the pink "Thank You" message contrasts beautifully with the darker color. I also love the matching envelopes that feature a coordinating design on the inside flap.

Do you love these colors as much as I do?

Ask Casa: A Color Palette Query

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:47 -0800

Hi Casa,

I am moving into an apartment soon with roommates and want some help decorating. I get my own room and can style it any way I want but can't decide on the color palette.

I love dark moody lounge type colors (dark grays, reds, purples, etc.) and bright bold colors for furniture, but the room is not that big. I'm scared the dark colors would shrink it even more. Not a big fan of light pastel colors since most of my rooms in the past has been light blues and such but I love different shades of white. I'm aiming for a space where I can dim the lights and put on some music and chill but at the same time can transition into a workspace. Any suggestions? Thanks, Tiffany

To see my suggestions for Tiffany, read more.

Hi Tiffany,

What a great question for Color Theory month! If you remember my post on cool colors, the hues that range from blue-green to blue-violet, including gray, you know that cool colors tend to recede, which has a calm and relaxing effect. Warm colors, the hues from red through yellow, browns and tans included, on the other hand, advance, with a more stimulating effect. So to achieve the effect you're looking for, you should paint your walls in cool colors.

Take note, cool vs. warm is not the same as light vs. dark - it's about the actual hue. That's not to say you can't use dark colors. But if you do, just pick one that's more blue, green, or gray, or a purple that's more violet, instead of a dark red or brown.

Then, you can use lighting to turn your dark and moody bedroom into a stimulating workspace. Obviously your workspace should be bright, whether your set your desk near a window or just have proper overhead lighting. But you can actually purchase tinted bulbs, for instance soft pink, to bring warm colored (stimulating) tones to your workspace.

I like your concept of using bright bold colors on furniture. Whatever dark moody wall color you choose, just choose complementary colors (on the opposite side of the color wheel) for your bold furniture pieces.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Casa

Source and 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!

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:35 -0700

Would you want a swinging bed? - ShelterPop
Green design for Rachel Ray. - Danny Seo
Add personal style to your home. - Simply Stated
13 ways to re-purpose old clothes. - Re-Nest
The shop is open at Pink Loves Brown! - Making it Lovely
I want these funky terrariums. - PointClickHome

Get the Look: Brad Ford's Lovely Lime Living Room

CasaSugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:00:17 -0700

I'm still swooning over this living room designed by New York-based interior designer Brad Ford. It's light and airy, comfortable, great for entertaining, and well-balanced. There's also a good mix of eras here: the Saarinen side table and swivel head floor lamp are very midcentury, while the quilted white leather ottomans and exposed metal legged sofa are undoubtedly contemporary. As for color, white and lime green are the primary hues here, but touches of pink, blue, and brown give it depth. Learn how to recreate this room when you read more.

Crave Worthy: Sea Urchin Poufs

CasaSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

I think I have died and gone to heaven in the ocean. Poufs + sea urchins + yarn = three trends I love blended into one. I don't read a stitch of German, but I might have to sign up for Berlitz just to figure out how to get my hands on one of these Taschide Sea Urchin Poufs. Update: My German-speaking husband reveals that the description reads, "The pillows come in three sizes and several colors (presently: bright pink, grey, grey/brown). They are stuffed with wheat/spelt mixture, and the coverlet is hand-embroidered from wool. The coverlet may be washed. The pillows and coverlets are produced (i.e sewn, assembled and stuffed) in Germany."

The cozy creatures are utterly charming and would make sublime spare seating in my home, or even a footrest for my privileged feet. Beyond that, the palette is parfait, kind of like French macaroons - another love. Sigh.

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:00:46 -0700

What's not to love about a mustache napkin ring and place card?- Poppytalk
Tour an absolutely beautiful home.- Absolutely Beautiful Things
Learn to mend a broken umbrella.- Craftzine
Enjoy a maternity leave sale on stationery at Pink Loves Brown.- Making it Lovely
Gear up for April showers.- Shelterrific
Todd Oldham takes Old Navy to court.- UnBeige
Check out another leaning Italian tower.- 2Modern
Lenny Kravitz lists his Miami rock-star lair.- Luxist

The Card Shop: Ski Love

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:57 -0800

"Couples who ski together stay together." This Ski Love Card ($3.50) is woefully cute and full of good intentions and seasonal enthusiasm: it's a must have for any ski bunny couple. Its retro pink and brown diagonal stripes remind me of the ski suits my parents wore in the '70s - good thing? - and the genuine wood ski cutouts also add a charming touch of authenticity. Hoping to make a trip to the slopes this Winter? Maybe this card is just the thing to push your honey over the edge.

Ask Casa: Madeline Weinrib Rug

CasaSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Hi Casa,
I have fallen deeply in love with a beautiful Madeline Weinrib rug, The Brooke Chenille in Watermelon. The Tibetan pattern, the bright pink color . . . sigh. Unfortunately, fate is cruel and we cannot be together. It's about $2,000 for the 6-x-9 size. Eek! Do you have any suggestions for similar rugs with a more Ikea-type price?
Thank you so much!!!
Hayworthgilda
To see my response and some suggestions, read more.

Hi Hayworthgilda,
Thanks for thinking of me! Funny you should ask . . . I just wrote a Midday Muse about a rug very similar to this one, after I'd noticed that Kelly Wearstler used one the spitting image of the West Elm Taksim Rug ($69 and up). If that one's not for you, you should also check out the Pottery Barn Moorish Tile Rug ($149 and up) which comes in brown, orange, and yellow with a very similar lattice motif:

Moorish Tile Rug - Espresso - $149.00	Moorish Tile Rug - Clementine Orange - $149.00
Moorish Tile Rug - Pineapple Yellow - $599.00	Taksim Tile Rug - $599.00

Unfortunately, none of these rugs have that beautiful, hot pink color. But, they're still quite sophisticated and probably more versatile.

Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Casa

Ask Casa: Should I Buy This Furniture?

CasaSugar — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 08:17:07 -0700

Hi Casa,

I saw this chair and sofa on Craigslist today. I love the lines and they would be fun for decorating my first real apartment I got after getting my first job out of ollege. Pink is not my most favorite of colors and I can't afford to have them re-upholstered. Should I tolerate the pink (it's kind of a dusty pink, no?) and maybe re-upholster down the line when I can afford it? If it would help, i live in an apartment in a renovated 1920s hotel. It also has great "bones," with molding, hardwood, and black and white tile in the kitchen. The walls are painted a warm beige/light creamy brown color.

Thanks,
Mindbolt
To see my answer, along with a widget with my suggestions for re-upholstery fabric choices and textiles, just read more

Hi Mindbolt,

Wow, that's beautiful! I'm a big fan of the lines of those pieces as well, and, as the seller indicates, the color is more of a taupe than a pink, which I think you could minimize further by accessorizing with hip, modern throw pillows that bring out the taupe color rather than the pink. The furniture looks a little dated in the photo, but that's because it's surrounded by some kitschy elements and fabrics. Some contemporary touches would make all the difference.

Because this is classic furniture, you know that the bones are going to be solid-this is furniture that's stood the test of time. So re-upholstering it is a good option in the future if you want to spend the money down the line. Here's a link to approximate yardages for re-upholstering furniture, which you can consult when you begin to look for fabric.

What a great Craigslist find! I say go for it! I've added a widget with suggestions for throw pillows and upholstery fabrics, so check them out below.

Cheers,
Casa

Arlington Sofa - $1,599.00	Balanced Design - Flannel/Felt Color Block Pillow - $140.00
Patent Leather Cube - White - $169.00	Enzo Lamp - $398.00
Christopher Marley Shell Artwork - $450.00	Saarinen Side Table - $560.00
Green Tea Bamboo Bowl (18x7.5-in.) by Front of the House - $39.95	CLOSEOUT! Martha Stewart Collection "Chenille" Throw - $100.00
Kanist Vase - $7.99	Arielle Love Seat: Custom Colors - $1,499.00
Arielle Chaise: Custom Colors - $1,399.00	Blissliving Home Poppy Field Pillow - $75.00
Framed Letterpress Bird Prints, Set of 2 - $229.00	Wool Shag Rug in Select Sizes - $595.00
5'x7' Wool/Cotton Shag Rug, Natural - $229.00