CasaSugar

Coveted Crib: Serene in Stockholm

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:30:19 -0700

This Stockholm flat was designed by lifestyle store Indori, and establishes a Scandinavia-meets-Zen vibe. Details like hung textiles soften spaces, while a restrained palette keeps the feel calm and serene. One element that I love is the bright blue tile in the bathroom, which adds a needed pop of color to the otherwise soothing, natural colors that predominate in the apartment.

To tour the entire apartment, read more.

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Coveted Crib: A Vision in White

CasaSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:30:47 -0700

A Scandinavian home's clean lines and well-chosen antiques are set against a milky white background, which makes the home's seaside locale the center of interest. In this home office, black furnishings, such as the Arne Jacobsen Egg chair, desk, and built-ins, serve as a bold focal point in contrast with the otherwise white space. To take the full tour of this house, check out this slideshow. Source

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Home Away From Home: The Maidstone in East Hampton

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:33 -0700

If you live in the New York metro area, you know very well of the Hamptons' reputation as THE place to be in the summertime. If not, you've probably caught a glimpse of the glory of the Long Island townships in movies like Something's Gotta Give and Grey Gardens. Unless you're a lucky dog who owns a home in the popular seaside locale, most visitors rent a Summer share or score a bed with a friend, as hotels in the area tend to be overpriced and lacking in looks (and personal BBQ grills). But room and maid service does have its perks, so if you are looking to stay in a Hamptons hotel, might I offer one that gets my seal of approval? The iconic Maidstone hotel was reinvented by Swedish hotelier Jenny Ljungberg who has mixed the free-spirited design of her native Scandinavia with the timeless sophistication of the Hamptons, and thrown in some arresting artwork and photography - all with a bit of a bohemian twist. One of the guest rooms is furnished with pieces designed or inspired by seminal designer Josef Frank (a favorite of mine), and features white oak flooring typical of midcentury Scandinavia, as well as modern wallpaper by up-and-coming Swedish designer Hanna Werning. Another, the Kurbits Cottage, takes a note from traditional Sweden with a wooden Jantze Brogård Asshoff table, hand-painted wall motifs, a wood-burning fireplace, and water-lily light fixtures, as well wooden clogs as décor. Hear about the hotel's eco-friendly features and see plenty of photos when you read more.

Beyond its refreshing design philosophy, the hotel has also taken every conceivable step to be the Hamptons' most eco-friendly hotel, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral. Some of its eco-friendly features include an on-site Natura water filtration system in place of bottled water; high-efficiency furnaces; state-of-the-art central a/c units; Low-E double-paned windows with insulating argon gas; organic cotton linens; water-based paints; and low-flush toilets. They also use refillable toileterie containers, recyclable carry-out containers, organic produce, organic cleaning products, and compost all of their restaurant's organic waste and donate it to local farmers. And, guests are encouraged to use their collection of Kronan bicycles as green transport free of charge.

If you arrive in a car, you'll be happy to note that each room comes with a much-coveted beach parking permit. Pets are also welcome, and WiFi throughout the hotel is free. And after a tiring afternoon at the beach, you can cozy up with a book from the library stocked with volumes about art, design, photography and the Hamptons' history, or watch a DVD from their large collection, also free. Summer rates range from $450-$995.
To see interior photos, read more.

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How-To: Steal Ideas From Mimou's Catalog

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:30:00 -0800

I recently showed you how to steal ideas from Anthropologie's catalog, and today I'm back with more impressive styling from Swedish design shop Mimou. A purveyor of bed and table linens, cushions, poufs, and wallpaper, I ache for Mimou's fantastic materials and gorgeous design. But since I have no plans to head to Scandinavia in the near future, and I'm too much of a cheapskate to pay international shipping fees, I figure I might as well use its catalog for a little inspiration. To see how you can steal ideas from Mimou's catalog, check out this slideshow. Source

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This Just In: Paris Antique Dealer Closing, Sotheby's NY to Hold Huge Auction

CasaSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 05:06:45 -0700

According to the New York Times,
one of the most prominent antiques dealers in Paris, Ariane Dandois, is going out of business after 34 years and Sotheby's New York is holding the blow-out sale of her inventory. The sale of Dandois's sleekly modern three-floor Right Bank gallery and her warehouse on the Left Bank will take place on October 25 and 26.

The stock of over 1500 pieces consists primarily of furniture and other decor from France, Italy, Russia, Scandinavia, Spain, Germany, and England, particularly the neo-classical period of the late 18th and early 19th century. She also maintains a large selection of Asian and Indian Art, and Japanese screens.

To learn more about the auction and to see a handful of magnificent antiques, read more

The sale will take place in New York because 80 percent of Dandois's business is with American collectors and decorators, and is expected to realize as much as $16 million. Whether or not your fortune is large enough to earn you a ballot, be sure to take a gander at some of the gems for auction below.

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To see more photos, check out Sotheby's Web Site.

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