CasaSugar

Top Design, Finale: "House Challenge"

CasaSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:00:33 -0800

At long last, we're down to the final three contestants on Top Design: Ondine, Nathan, and Preston. I actually really like each of these contestants, and would be happy to see any of them win the grand prize of $100,000 to expand their design business, as well as a feature in Elle Decor. (Though of course I have my favorite, as I'm sure you do.) For the second half of the finale, the three contestants must finish decorating the rest of their townhouses, which they started decorating in Episode Nine.

The contestants start off the finale on a shopping spree sure to make any Casa reader green with envy, hopping from wallpaper shops to antique stores to warehouses stocked with gorgeous furniture. When the contestants meet up with India, they get a surprise: Natalie, Eddie, and Andrea are back to help the designers on their homes. Uh-oh: Eddie's matched up with Preston, and we all know from previous episodes that Eddie completely hates Preston. Poor Preston.

Ondine's concept for her home is retro glam, while Preston's back with his concept of traditional modern (which Eddie seems to hate, incidentally). Nathan's concept is a little more conceptual (at one point he describes his hall wallpaper as "Golden Girls disco"). Eddie's still up to his douchey antics; he shirks his duties and, at one point, leaves his phone on the stairs when Preston is trying to give him instructions. The designers all seem really stressed out by the time line, and the many projects which seem to be nowhere near completed.

To find out who won Top Design, read more.

After a grueling two days of work, stress, and worry, the contestants' rooms all look beautiful. I loved Nathan's self-painted dining room art, as well as his office's collection of eclectic, tightly grouped framed art and photos. Preston's monochromatic molding in the guest room was wonderful, though I wish he had shown a little more personality in his styling. And Ondine's little girl's bedroom, with its circus-bright yellow-striped walls, was bright, fun, and perfectly designed.

In the end though, there can only be one winner, and that winner is . . . Nathan! I have to say, I wasn't expecting them to go with the eclectic, wildly creative Nathan, but I'm so pleased that he won. He showed the most individuality of all of the designers, and I'm glad that he was rewarded for his imaginative designs. (Oh, and now that it's all over, I can tell you that he's been my favorite for the past several episodes.) Congrats, Nathan!

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Photos courtesy of Bravo

Who Do You Think Will Win Top Design?

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:00:53 -0800

Photos courtesy of Bravo

Top Design, Episode Nine, "House Challenge"

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:15:18 -0700

For last night's Top Design, which is the first of a two-part finale, the remaining contestants face a daunting challenge. Instead of a single room, Eddie (who celebrated his birthday on this episode), Ondine, Nathan, and Preston are responsible for styling an entire house in two days. For the first half of this finale episode, each designer is given one room for improvement in each house. The designers also have $20,000 per room to work with; the twist is that only three of the four designers will be coming back for the second half of the finale to finish their homes.

Nathan and Eddie both chose to work in the master bedrooms, while Preston chose a dining room, and Ondine one of the tiny bedrooms as an office space. I loved the backstory we got about each contestant, as well as the photos of their homes, in this episode. (Though, did anyone else notice that we didn't get to see any photos of Eddie's home?)

To see who won this challenge and who's out, read more.

I was disappointed with Eddie's use of latticework on the wall of his bedroom, which made his traditional bedroom look positively elderly. Ondine's abandonment of her curtains seemed like a cop out, and I wished that Nathan had pushed the envelope in his design; it just felt dull. On the other hand, I loved Preston's use of color and pattern, and his room was both soothing and easy on the eye (just like Preston).

Flipping Out personality Jeff Lewis guest judged the episode in Kelly Wearstler's place, and all of the judges were notably more difficult in quizzing the contestants for their design decisions. Overall, I wasn't too impressed with most of the designs; the designers didn't seem to do much more in this episode but arrange nice furniture on a generous budget. I missed the creativity of the previous episodes.

At judging, Preston, Ondine, and Nathan were sent on to finish their houses, and Eddie was sent home.

Did you think Eddie deserved to go home? Whose room was your favorite? Did you love the contestants' use of wallpaper this week? Tell me in the comments!

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Photos courtesy of Bravo

Top Design, Episode Five: "Triathlon of Decorating"

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:30:25 -0700

Finally! After four episodes of group projects, in this latest episode of Top Design, the designers get to decorate individually. In this challenge, the designers must show off their creative vision, styling ability, and versatility as a decorator. Their first challenge was to transform chairs, in two hours, into something unique and design forward, using paint, stain, and textiles. I loved the over-the-top, Betsey-Johnson-inspired chair that Ondine styled. And Wisit's subdued, batik-look fabric on his chair (which he painted by hand!) was impressive as well. Nathan won the first leg of the triathlon (guess his smokelete training paid off) for his iconic, gessoed, glamorous chair.

To find out who was the overall winner, and who went home, read more.

In the second leg of the triathlete, the designers were challenged to create a table setting that was tasteful, unique, and expressed their design sense. My favorite table settings were Eddie's (his flower arrangement was incredible) and Nathan's unconventional, deconstructed seaside table. Oh, and the judges made Wisit sing opera!

Finally, in the third leg of the challenge, the designers were asked to create a nature-inspired room. And while the winner will get the opportunity to be published in Elle Decor, the designers were limited to shopping in only a garden center. My favorites in this leg of the challenge were Ondine's way-bright '60s pop room and Eddie's Hudson River-inspired garden (loved the use of sod), though in all honesty, none of the designs were very impressive. Natalie won for her trellised garden room.

In the end, Nathan was declared the overall winner, and Teresa went home. Do you think Teresa deserved to go home? What stood out for you in this week's episode?

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Photos courtesy of Bravo

Don't Miss the Premiere of Bravo's "Flipping Out" Tonight!

CasaSugar — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:44:14 -0700

There's a new house-flipping show on the market, and this one sounds particularly rich. You may have noticed the ads across the Sugar Network the past few days for "Flipping Out," which premieres tonight at 10PM ET/PT on Bravo. "Flipping Out" follows the trials and tribulations of Jeff Lewis, appropriately billed as "one of Los Angeles' most colorful real estate speculators." Sure, the guy might be a little crazy, but that's probably a prerequisite when you're flipping six multimillion-dollar homes at once. In fact, the obsessive-compulsive businessman manages to turn a six-figure profit on every property.

The series is full of compelling real-life characters, including an assistant who moonlights as a voice-over actor, a housekeeper, Lewis's business partner/ex-boyfriend, and assorted spiritual advisors. Perhaps quirkiness is a prerequisite for house flipping? See how your Flipping IQ measures up with this fun quiz on the show's web site, and get to know the cast before tonight's premiere.

Whitney Houston Lists Her Round House

CasaSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:57:15 -0700

Whitney Houston has put her 12,561-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-and-one-half-bath Mendham, NJ, house on the market for $2.5 million. The most notable element of the house, which was featured on her short-lived reality show Being Bobby Brown, is that it's entirely round. It also has soaring ceilings and beautiful natural light, but if you have a thing for angles, this house won't do. According to the listing, it was built in 1992, while Real Estalker says Houston snapped up the mansion at the height of her fame in 1987. But regardless, it looks pretty '80s to me! I do like her Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired glass panes, but the vertical blinds, peach-colored décor, and drapey window valances are beyond tacky. Take a look at the photos, and tell me what you think when you read more.

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Casa Interview, Part I: Domino Founding Editor Deborah Needleman (and an Awesome Giveaway!)

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:54 -0700

We design enthusiasts will admit that Domino will always hold a special place in our hearts - and bookshelves. But it was the stable of talented, creative people that truly made the beloved magazine an influence and an inspiration. So I was so delighted to have the chance to catch up with the founding editor-in-chief of Domino and co-author of Domino: The Book of Decorating, Deborah Needleman. It should come as no surprise that she hasn't lost her knack and passion for design.

Deborah's latest project is an exciting, interactive tool that she's created for HomeGoods, called StyleScope, which helps you find your own interior design style and learn to navigate the vast world of décor options. Home Goods, I hope you know, is a wonderful place to find designer home décor at prices 20 to 60 percent lower than department stores, and is also one of my favorite resources for stylish accessories. Deborah was kind enough to share some of her thoughts and tips on design and curating a stylish home that's uniquely you, and give us the lowdown on her life these days!

What are you working on these days? Any exciting projects on the horizon for you?
I am really enjoying the idea of just doing projects, consulting, writing, gardening - I probably shouldn't admit it, but it's quite a good relief to not be working so hard and to have a break from the pressure. I am considering on a couple book projects - one on table settings, another on decorators' gardens, and a more personal book on growing vegetables and flowers.

Before Domino, I was a garden writer - and it's nice to have time to garden like mad again. I'm also talking to people and companies about designing furniture and accessories and starting up new businesses. Sometimes I feel like I'm a professional meeting-taker. Last night the former creative director of Domino [Sara Ruffin Costello] and I hatched a plan to try to redesign all the ugly products at Duane Reade like Kleenex boxes, toothpaste, and shaving cream!

To read the rest of the interview, read more.

For the Summer, I'm just hanging out with my children, gardening, and being as lazy as possible. I've loved working with HomeGoods because oddly the store is a well-kept secret among design snobs - and I love spreading the word about great design sources. That was what Domino was about: sharing ideas and resources. And creating a style quiz was something we wanted to do but never got around to at Domino.

What current trends do you think have staying power?

Decorating that has personality and a sense of reality rather than rooms that are too matchy or too perfect. Rooms that are stiff and lifeless really depress me!! Mixing high and low design and price points will remain chic, and not simply for economic reasons - it shows personality and confidence. Also, now that nearly everyone is interested in design, there is no going back. It's a better decorated world than it used to be, and that is so nice!

What are your favorite go-to resources for furniture? How about accessories?

I am decorating my house upstate (well, really former Domino editor Rita Konig is!) and I can't get enough of the fabrics, rugs, cushions, and accessories from John Robshaw, Madeleine Weinrib, and John Derian.

What’s your number one tip for finding great bargains?
I am married to a man who will buy something truly awful because he "saved so much." Something is only a great bargain if you would want it even if it cost more. I learned from Domino editor Dara Caponigro to never let anything in my house I don't love. Even free stuff is not a bargain if you don't need or love it - it is junk, clutter. Also, you must know your own style more if you're wading through a flea market or garage sale than if you're in a boutique where the owner has done all the taste-editing for you already!

What types of furnishings should one splurge on/invest in? Any to cut back on?

It's so personal. It really only matters what matters to you. I believe in expensive sheets. I like sleeping, and good sheets are a wonderful indulgence.

How did working at Domino influence your own decorating habits or design choices?
As a reader, I craved a magazine like Domino because I was a person who I felt had good taste, but not great style, if you know what I mean. I could never make a decision because I could never decide who I was stylistically or how to express myself!! I surrounded myself at the magazine with people who I thought had great taste and great style (and all rather different style sensibilities actually), and who were all also really smart and nice - so they could teach me and the readers simultaneously. I learned to edit! I learned I could have a lot of different styles I like but just not all at once!!! And I learned to both be braver and to loosen up more. You can't avoid making some mistakes. But truthfully, I also learned that there is a lot to learn, that decorating well isn't easy, and that there are people way better at it than me - and that I still want their help! I love the advice of experts. Sadly, for me, the more I know, the more I know I don't know! Domino also made me realize how important decorating can be to the life of a home, and the life of a family.

This interview will be continued, so stay tuned for more. And we have a special giveaway for you CasaSugar readers on the way! One of you lucky readers will win a $500 gift card to HomeGoods. Check back for the rest of the interview and details about the giveaway tomorrow!

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:00:02 -0700

Settle into rusty and cozy elegance.- Desire to Inspire
See Renaissance paintings and contemporary architecture fused.- Art Is Everywhere
Recycled sweaters become beautiful bouquets.- Daily Danny
This is the best thing since sliced bread.- Design Milk
Want to be a design reality TV show host?- UnBeige
Is cohousing the new commune?- Shelterrific
One artist painted this New Yorker cover with an iPhone.- SwissMiss
A little interview with sfgirlbybay.- Shiny Squirrel

How-To: Replace a Doorknob

CasaSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:00:14 -0700

A broken doorknob may be the culprit in many a poorly written sitcom scene, but it is actually a reality that many of us are likely to face at some point in time. Luckily, it's not the most difficult DIY, and you yourself can rise to the challenge. Since it is Home Schooling month, I figured that now is the time to show you how. All you'll need is a screwdriver, a hex key set, a new doorknob, and the appropriate hardware to go with it. To learn the steps, read more.

Here's how, from Barbara K!:

First things first. You'll need to remove the old doorknob before you can replace it! Start by removing the trim surrounding the doorknob by unscrewing it or gently prying off the plate.
Then, take off the two long screws underneath the trim that hold the two sides of the knob together.
Detach the two doorknobs from each other, and remove them.
Then, unscrew the screws holding the strike bolt, and take out the strike bolt, leaving an empty hole in the door.
Screw your new strike bolt into place, so that the slanted side faces the direction the door opens.
Put the trim piece between the door and new knob, and then the doorknob through the hole.
Ensure that the doorknob fits the strike bolt's locking mechanism.
Put the other piece of trim and other doorknob on the opposite side of the door.
Align the two knobs and tighten the screws. Fini!

Source

Top Design, Episode One: "Impress the Best"

CasaSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you've been reading my interviews, you know that I'm excited about this second season of Top Design, so I was pleased to tune in last night for the first episode. First off, I was surprised by the amount of star power in the contestant pool (well, for reality television at least), including one interior designer, Preston Lee, who I'd already featured on CasaSugar. Also in the mix was a Martha Stewart Living senior style editor (Eddie) and actor Ricky Schroder's wife (Andrea), among other talented contestants.

For the first challenge, the designers had to furnish an entire apartment in two days, with the designers divided into four teams, working on four loft space apartments for four-star clients.

To find out who the star clients were and to see photos from the episode, read more.

Each team had to design for one of the show's judges or hosts, including India Hicks, Margaret Russell, Jonathan Adler, and Kelly Wearstler. I love that one of Jonathan Adler's design requirements was "very dog-friendly." Cute! Kelly Wearstler gave a strict no-television edict (I wonder how the Top Design producers reacted to that) and a place for displaying her flea market finds. Margaret Russell requested color and asked her team to stay away from beiges and neutrals. India Hicks asked for an apartment with a "Caribbean plantation feel to it."

Oh, and if this wasn't enough of a challenge, the designers had only $2,000 to work with to furnish and decorate the entire apartment! I actually loved the money limitation, since the designers were forced to use unusual sources, such as a salvage store and thrift shops, to create their spaces. Not only did this take their designs out of the usual retail box, it provided incentive to repurpose old, potentially tired pieces into something new.

Just as things were getting interesting, the designers were interrupted for a "pop design quiz," where they had to make individual shadow boxes out of everyday objects found in their rooms. I loved Wisit's shadow box, as well as Jennifer's, Eddie's, Kerry's, and Robert's pop designs. In the end, Wisit, Ondine, Eddie, and Kerry were all granted immunity, guaranteeing that they couldn't be eliminated in this challenge.

There were some incredibly silly mistakes made over the course of the episode, including ordering the wrong color of wallpaper, forgetting to turn off faucets, and seeping paint all over the floors. Some of the teams had a very difficult time cooperating, and already it seems as if there is some cattiness brewing between contestants. I loved the redesign of Kelly Wearstler's loft and thought Jonathan Adler's loft looked nice, too However there were some straight-up ugly additions to Margaret and India's loft spaces, with some truly incongruous choices. (Serge's akimbo mirror in the corner? Just. Weird.)

Kelly's team was granted the top design, which was well deserved, with Jonathan's team coming in second. India and Margaret's teams were in the bottom two. Ultimately, Serge was sent home, which I think was more than fair.

I think that this season is off to a promising start, and I love the low-budget limitation, which I hope will be carried throughout the season. I'm also grateful that the judge's deliberation process seems to be significantly shorter, with more time spent on the process of creating the spaces. All in all, a good introduction to season two.

What did you think of this episode? Did it leave you excited to see more?

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Photos courtesy of Bravo