CasaSugar

Do You Have a Stainless Steel Trash Can?

CasaSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:49 -0700

My plastic trash can is smelling not-so-fresh these days. Although I originally scoffed at the price of this VIPP Kitchen Bin ($319), the odor-reducing quality of steel is seeming more and more valuable to me - especially considering how many pricey Diptyque candles I've bought to mask the smell of my garbage can. Then again, a good hose-down would do the trick, too. Do you have a stainless steel trash can?

Do You Have Stainless Steel Appliances?

CasaSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:00:51 -0800

Back in the '70s, avocado was the color of choice for kitchen appliances. Thankfully, we've moved on to a more neutral shade. In her new home that she shares with her boyfriend, Su Casa member Lovely_1 has stainless steel appliances. How about you?

Source

Steal of the Day: Stainless Steel Soap

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:15:14 -0700

Stainless steel has magical deodorizing/odor neutralizing power that can wipe the pungent scents from things like garlic, onion, and fish away from your skin. There isn't a clear chemical explanation for this, but it's been hypothesized that sulfurous compounds are somehow catalyzed by the steel. So, some clever entrepreneur came up with a stainless steel "soap" product, essentially a block of metal in soap shape, to rid your skin of whatever stink ails you. But rubbing your hands across a stainless steel knife, spoon, or other utensil will have the same effect. Knowing that you can you use any old piece of stainless steel is certainly a deterrent from purchasing a bar of the soap, but I think it makes a good gag gift (or stocking stuffer!) for a fisherman or chef friend of yours. Luckily, the Uma Stainless Steel Soap ($8, reduced from $12.50) is on sale.

Ask Casa: Framing Fine Photography

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:13 -0800

Hi Casa,

I am adding, for the first time ever, fine photography to my apartment. However I am at a loss when it comes to framing styles and arrangement.

One set of four photographs is horizontally-oriented and black-and-white. I'd like this set in my bedroom but don't know how to arrange them so they look more interesting seeing that they're all horizontal. Tips? Regarding framing them, I'd like to know which types of frames (color, matting, etc.) you recommend for my room seeing that the walls are white but most of the accessory pieces in my room are either antique brown wood or a few wood pieces I've painted bright coral and Yves Klein blue. Are white frames my best bet? Can you frame b&w photographs in brown wood?

The other set of photographs are two color photographs, also horizontally-oriented, that will be nearly facing each other on opposite walls. Tips on framing, matting, and color? They need not match, do they?

I appreciate any tips you might be able to offer me!

Best,
Daniela

To see my suggestions for Daniela, read more.

Hi Daniela,

How exciting! First of all, I wouldn't worry too much about making them "look more interesting" - adding fine art to your home will instantly give it a face-lift regardless of how it's arranged! But, I'll give you a few tips.

As for color, I do think white frames are your best bet. They won't compete with the artwork, and they go with everything. But, you can also go with silver or stainless steel for a more contemporary look. And yes, you can definitely frame black and white photography in brown wood. Another option is to use frameless glass clip frames, which have a more contemporary, minimal look.

I'd say for the set of four photographs, keep the frames cohesive. If you want to choose two different mat colors for the set, you can do that to give it a little edge. But don't get too crazy, maybe go with a gray mat.

For the set of two color photographs, go with a white or off-white mat. For the frames themselves, you can do two different colors or finishes if you like seeing as they'll be on different walls. Select colors that will make the images pop. But make sure the two colors don't clash.

As for arrangements, one option is to use picture ledges. This style allows you to easily move around your photography when it's feeling stale. You can also add a smaller piece of artwork, or even a knickknack, to play with scale. A layering effect (setting one frame slightly in front of the other) is nice, too.

You can't go wrong with a box-shaped arrangement. Just make sure you keep them evenly spaced.

You can also hang two rows of frames a bit off-kilter from one another. It should be enough that the arrangement doesn't look like a mistake, but not too much that the bottom frame is hung between the top two. If you choose an off-kilter arrangement, make sure the distance between the top two frames and between the bottom two frames is the same.

Or, if you happen to have a really long wall, you can hang the four of them side by side. This will give you more of an art gallery effect.

Hope that helps!
Cheers, Casa

Source and Source

Former Fixer-Upper of DJ AM Is For Sale

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:30 -0800

The former Beverly Hills home of the late DJ AM has been listed for $3.8 million. The 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath midcentury home is private and gated with both canyon and city views. It boasts "rich mahogany floors, custom built-in theater, Crestron system, and flat-screen TVs throughout, two-sided fireplace, office, large kitchen with stainless steel appliances and carrerra marble countertops," according to the listing.

AM purchased the property for $1.9 million in the Spring of 2007, and made some wonderful changes to it before his death. I love how he landscaped the pool with grass and slate tiles to complement its prismatic shape and chime in on its modern aesthetic. When he bought the property there were also some awful Ionic columns out front, which were completely amiss with the midcentury architecture, and it looks like he replaced them with something simple or just covered them up with shrubbery. He also added one and one-half bathrooms. He modernized the two-sided fireplace in the living room and had a custom built-in theater built above it. And I suspect he installed a television which rises from the foot of bed. It's unfortunate that he wasn't able to see the profits of his terrific renovations.

To look at photos from before and after he renovated, read more.

Before:

View 4 Photos ›

After:

View 5 Photos ›

Love It or Hate It? Droog Milk Bottle Lamp

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:15:56 -0700

Those out-of-the-box designers at Droog are back with an interesting idea in lighting: milk bottles. The Droog Milk Bottle Lamp ($207) is made from a milk bottle, stainless steel, and a 15 watt bulb. Minimalist, cheeky, and unusual. But would you want it in your house?

Alan Jackson Lists His Sprawling Sweetbriar Estate

CasaSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:00:22 -0700

Country Billboard chart-topper Alan Jackson has put his 19,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, seven-and-two-half bath "Sweetbriar Estate" in Franklin, TN, on the market for $38 million. The 135-acre property is the most expansive, indulgent celebrity home I have seen to date. It is bordered by the Harpeth River, one of the largest streams in the area and surrounded by equestrian estates. The property also boasts a "stocked and aerated" 10-acre lake, boat house, and three ponds. As for the buildings, Jackson is the proud owner of a 20-car (!) garage, gymnasium, swimming pool, jacuzzi, two-bedroom log cabin overlooking the river, barn with a two-bedroom apartment above, a pole barn, and more. As for the indoor amenities, it's got the works: granite countertops, central a/c, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, etc., etc.

Why on earth would the singer-songwriter want to leave such a magnificent spread? Find out and see dozens and dozens of photos when you read more.

Well, Jackson told the Nashville Scene, "It's just like a Disney World out here. But we realized, as our girls got older, that they don't really use the property much. Once they get to be teenagers, they're mostly hanging out with their friends and on the iPod and cell phones in their rooms. If I'd had three boys instead of girls, they might be out here fishing and riding four-wheelers or something." So, instead, the family plans to rebuild on a smaller lot nearby. While Franklin does have a long list of notable (i.e. wealthy) residents, including Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, I have a feeling that Jackson is going to have a tough time getting the $38 million digs off of his hands.

View 71 Photos ›

Source

Cool Idea: Fire Design Extinguishers

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:30:25 -0700

We build our homes - and fill them to the brim - through design. So, it only makes sense that we should save them, and salvage all of our beloved possessions, through good design as well. French company Fire Design has created a range of embellished fire extinguishers to make the most of a necessity that's long been hidden under the kitchen sink.Depending on your preferences, you can choose an extinguisher that will blend in with your decor, or one that will become a focal point - in a good way. Would you prefer stainless steel to match your new Viking kitchen appliances? A flower motif to lighten the mood? A cow pattern to give your guests a laugh? Or would a taxi-cab yellow I ♥ NY motif show your solidarity? It's up to you! Think of Fire Design as the SIGG bottle of the security apparatus industry. Get yours online here for $133.

Ask Casa: Kitchen Renovation Suggestions

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:00:06 -0800

Su Casa member Hihowareya is looking for suggestions on updating her kitchen. She is taking down the wallpaper and trying to decide on paint colors. The cabinets, she says, will have to stay, but she is considering new hardware. New flooring is also an option, but she needs something pet-friendly; she's considering cork. And, she's putting in a new island with a stainless steel bar sink and a butcher block countertop. I have a few suggestions for Hihowareya, and I'm sure she'd love to hear yours, so read more.

Hi hihowareya,
It looks you have a big project on your hands! First of all, I'm glad we're on the same page about the wallpaper. It has to go.

Since you can't replace the cabinets, I recommend painting them. Remove all the doors and the hardware. Then paint the frame and the doors in a semi-gloss white; you can't go wrong with something like Benjamin Moore's Decorator's White. This will brighten and update the room at the same time. And, kitchen messes wipe clean quite easily on semi-gloss.

I do suggest that you replace the hardware; the brass is pretty dated. Something like the Rock Candy handles used by Su Casa member Citygal would look fantastic. But I understand that the cost of new hardware can add up quickly, especially with so many cabinets. So, hunt for hardware in bulk, on eBay, and at architectural salvage shops first. You might even ask a local contractor if he can salvage any hardware for you. Also head to your local hardware store and check out the prices on basic handles in a more contemporary finish like stainless steel. If all else fails, spray paint or have your handles powdercoated.

Your blue countertops are definitely dated as well. I'd recommend replacing them with granite or quartz. It's an investment, but it's a change (unlike paint) that will increase the value of your house. So, it's worth it. Butcher block or concrete countertops are also great options that are more affordable but also contemporary.

Installing cork flooring is a wonderful idea because it's a sustainable material. You might also try bamboo flooring. You can save big bucks by doing all the installation work yourself. You can also install hardwood floors and take extra steps to protect them with additional layers of varnish and/or an area rug.

With all of this said and done, you'll have a lot of flexibility with your paint colors. White cabinets in particular go with anything. I recommend choosing your paint color to complement the colors in the adjoining rooms, or if you're stuck, you can't go wrong with an all-white kitchen! Or, you might try some contemporary wallpaper in the kitchen. Just don't worry about trying to match the colors to your appliances, because once they're on their last legs (which they may be) you'll have to replace them anyway.

Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Casa

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

CasaSugar — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:30:00 -0700

. . . would you hang this new work by Tel Aviv native and artist Ron Arad in your home? "Oh, the farmer & the cowman should be friends" will soon be on exhibit at the Timothy Taylor Gallery in London. It's made of stainless and Cor-Ten steel and forms the shape of the United States - if you hadn't noticed.Source