CasaSugar

Eco Chic: ReVision Furniture

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:30:35 -0700

Artists For Humanity (AFH) is a Boston-based group whose mission is to "bridge economic, racial, and social divisions by providing urban youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts," essentially offering youth apprenticeships. A group of teen artists working with AFH were inspired by the AFH's EpiCenter, Boston's only LEED Platinum building (the highest designation of the US Green Building Council) and in response, decided to create a green furniture line, as they'd noticed a need in the market for innovative sustainable design. After months of research and development, the teens and their mentors launched ReVision Tables, a collection of small tables constructed from reclaimed junk mail and magazines, finished with a water-resistant , no-VOC, eco-friendly resin, which is also easy to clean with other eco-friendly products. The tables range from $300 to $650, and are available for purchase online here. Although they may not quite be my style, I certainly find the collection innovative and a great example of sustainable, eco-chic design. I can see them in a coffee shop or lobby-type setting, or perhaps a modern, urban loft. What do you think?

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CB2, Please Dip Your Brush Into a New Paint Bucket

CasaSugar — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:00:12 -0800

My recent post on CB2's new green knitted pouf got me thinking about the retailer's color palette in general. If you browse through CB2's 700-some-odd products, you'll find plenty of charcoal, dark wood, and white. But you'll be hard-pressed to find a single furnishing or accessory in any color but sunny yellow, avocado, or the brand's signature lobster orange - all bright, warm colors. This one-trick-pony color scheme is really limiting. Unless you can integrate this vibrant tricolored scheme into your home - and run the risk of having it look like a CB2 showroom - there's not much for you. Looking for neutrals or cool colors? Take a hike!

Beyond that, CB2's been pushing this "trendy" palette for at least two years now, if not more. So at this point, the colors already seem dated to me. I really think it's time the creative directors over there revise, or at least throw some new hues into the mix. How about Pantone's pick for 2010, turquoise? From the looks of it, new hues are not on the horizon; head to the brand's landing page and you'll see the slogan "bright new decade" beside a yellow sofa. As a leading retailer of affordable modern furnishings, CB2 makes the rules. But can it break them?

Before and After: Spectacular Kitchen Revisions

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:00:54 -0800

I've featured the fabulous renovation work of Laughing Sun Renovations before, and for good reason: the company's work is impeccable.

In this latest project, Laughing Sun was hired to improve a home's kitchen and bathroom. The company moved around windows and doors, improved upon cabinetry, repainted the interior surfaces, and improved the space with a variety of trims. To see the improvement, read more.

The new space is a modern take on a farmhouse kitchen, with its white custom cabinetry, lovely open shelving, oak floors, butcherblock countertops, and natural stonework. I also love how the stainless steel appliances and pendant lamp tone down the earthiness that would otherwise dominate the room.

It's generally agreed that improving the kitchen is one of the top ways to increase a home's value, especially if you're interested in selling your home. While the owners of this 1930s home could probably fetch a pretty penny for their improved kitchen space, I wouldn't sell this home if I were them. It's simply too lovely to give up!

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Before and After: A Kitchen Revision

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:45:29 -0700

This kitchen, which I spotted on This Old House, was cramped, uninspired, and outdated. The overhead shelving units proved to be more of a liability than a spacesaver, given the way they crowded the room.

To see what it looked like after a reno, read more.

Inspiring, huh? This is definitely a case where bright, white cabinets and open shelving help to expand a small space and really make it vibrant (those yellow and blue accents help as well). To find out all of the details, along with more photos, check out the slideshow over at TOH.

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Eco Chic: Hee Seating

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:30:13 -0700

When Danish designer Hee Welling opened his refrigerator he didn't find a rotten science project or dozens of beers, but he discovered a chair. Three chairs, to be exact. Looking to design furniture using only one material, he was inspired to recycle refrigerator shelves to make his Hee Bar Stool ($98, reduced from $200), Chair ($98, reduced from $200), and Lounge ($250). He later revised the triptych, adding only a powder coating, which made them suitable for outdoor use. Hee can be yours in green, white, or yellow, on sale at Design With Reach. If they're too steep for you, maybe you should take a look at what's holding up the five jars of mustard in your refrigerator.