CasaSugar

Love It or Hate It? Mirror Tiled Steps

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:00:30 -0700

You all seemed to love the tiled text staircase I showed you, which makes me think you may warm up to these mirror tiled steps. I think the juxtaposition of the old, wooden banister and the small mirrored tiles makes this look work. But on a modern staircase, it might look tacky and too disco. You must admit the light reflected by the tiles is beautiful, though. It's a good thing the tiles are petite, so you can't actually see your own reflection. What do you say? Yea or nay?
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Casa Quickie: Nonslip Stairs

CasaSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:00:50 -0700

Thinking back on all the scrapes and bruises I acquired simply from falling down my stairs as an overly energetic kid, I cringe a little. But there was no stopping me, especially on the days (most) when I was late to school. If only my parents had thought to install some sort of no-slip system, I mightn't have been so black and blue. Luckily, I've found the answer to these painful falls, thanks to Martha Stewart.

Want to know the secret? Then read more.

By mixing regular paint with fine sand, you can safeguard your home against hazardous slips and falls. First, paint your stairs with regular paint. Then, tape off a striped area where you'll want
to use nonslip paint. Then mix two cups of paint with 3/4 cups of sand (from a craft or hardware store). Paint your stripes, let dry, then paint over it with a coat of regular paint. You probably won't want to use this trick on you foyer stairs, but your back or outdoor stairs will do.

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Cool Idea: Steps Side Table

CasaSugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:41:41 -0700

In Rimrock Ranch, a home near Palm Springs designed by architect Lloyd Russell, which was recently featured in the LA Times, spare modern architecture lends an urban style to the cowboy roots of the desert. Here, the steps to a kitchen set between two suites have a dual purpose. The wood planks were extended to serve as a side table for the rustic couch beside the staircase, relieving the need for additional furnishings. Rather than cluttering up the room, this clever idea keeps things minimal, and the attention on the bold desert display of antlers on the wall. Of course, it's convenient that there happens to be a couch next to the stairs, but would you like these stairs in your home if it made sense architecturally?
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DIY: Concrete Garden Steps With Glass

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Bay Area landscape architecture firm Studio Green creates gorgeous garden elements for its clients, like these patio squares that have been seeded with colored glass. I love the unexpected sparkle to these simple patio steps. Making patio stepping stones isn't too difficult, and by adding colored glass tiles, you can get the same special sparkle without all of the work of sanding down the broken glass pieces.Summer is an ideal time of the year to make these pavers, since hot, sunny weather will help them dry more quickly. This project takes a few different steps and requires a period of one to two weeks between making the steps and using them to let the concrete steps cure.

Supplies:

Concrete mix
Concrete paver mold, like these, or you can simply use shallow plastic containers that are the right size for your project
Concrete trowel
Glass tiles, in whatever size you like
Mold release product, such as canola and safflower oil
Wheelbarrow or large pail
Water
Dust mask if you are working indoors

Find out the steps when you read more.
Here are the steps:

Brush the inside of the mold surface with the mold release.
Measure out dry concrete or mortar mix in your wheelbarrow or large pail. Add water according to the instructions on your concrete bag. Mix thoroughly.
Pour the concrete into the molds. Mix the concrete to make sure all the air bubbles are out.
Now, carefully place your glass tiles the top surface of the concrete mixture. Use your trowel to lightly push the glass tiles into the concrete, which should still be wet.
Before the concrete sets, use your trowel to smooth the surface. Let the molds rest for at least 24 hours before you remove the molds.
Remember to wash the tools you use to mix the concrete immediately after use. If you don't, the concrete will harden and you won't be able to remove it.
Let the concrete steps cure for one to two weeks, then set your stepping stones out in your garden.

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Steal of the Day: Gaiam Step Basket

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:15:21 -0700

The classic Shaker style of the Gaiam Step Basket ($29, from $60) may not appeal to the modernists out there, but I think we can all appreciate its functionality. Maybe it's just me, but I think the mother of every friend I had growing up used to leave her family's things (sneakers, magazines, laundry, etc.) at the base of the stairs to be picked up. There's nothing neat about leaving things laying on the stairs, but a step basket will keep things looking tidy, and you can carry it with you on your way up. Oh, and did I mention that it's made from sustainably-grown rattan? What do you think? Would you use one of these in your own home?

How-To: Turn Pumpkins Into Candleholders

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:36 -0800

Your jack-o'-lantern may be rotting on your back porch like mine (oops!), but that's no reason to shun pumpkins altogether. You can make seasonal candle holders that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table from some inexpensive, mini pumpkins from your grocery store or local farmers market. I noticed this little trick within a DIY for making a mini pumpkin centerpiece on Martha Stewart, but I'm not so keen on the entire centerpiece idea. So, to make just the candle holders, you'll need a utility knife, a melon baller, tapered candles, and mini pumpkins. To learn the steps, read more.

Here's how to do it, according to Martha:

First, cut a round hole in the pumpkin's center with a utility knife, enough to hold a candle but not all the way through. You may want to trace the circumference of your taper onto the pumpkin first to make sure your hole isn't too wide.
Then, make space for your tapers by carving the inside out with a melon baller.
Then, slip your taper in.
You can also stack your pumpkin candle holders for a different look. If you do this, you'll want to use two pumpkins about the same size. Carve the top pumpkin all the way through, but leave a base on the bottom one.
Fini! So easy.

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DIY: CB2 Ornament Wreath

CasaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:21 -0800

The super stylists at CB2 DIY'd a stunning, colorful holiday wreath using ornaments from their holiday collection. The wreath can definitely be re-created with any standard ornaments, but I love the nontraditional colors and various shapes on this wreath. To make it, you'll need strong stiff wire to bend into a ring (like aluminum wire gauge 20 or a wire hanger), 30-90 ornaments depending on the size you want, strong tape or pliers, and ribbon. To check out the instructions, read more.

Here are the steps from CB2:

String one ornament at a time onto the wire ring, alternating colors, using smaller ones to fill in the gaps.
When the ring is completely covered in ornaments, fasten the ends together.
Use a ribbon to cover the spot where the ends are fastened together, and hang!

Tip: Best not to go too large in diameter as the wreath could become too heavy and stretch out.

Open House: What Was Your Most Successful DIY?

CasaSugar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:30:31 -0800

For crafters and DIYers, a few failures are par for the course. That's part of the reason why successful DIY projects are such a coup. I've had my share of successes and failures, and I'm currently in the middle of one of my more ambitious projects ever. I find myself fretting over it, since I'm not sure if it's going to completely work out yet, and there are still several steps to complete.

One of my favorite DIY projects was refurbishing a wood and canvas canoe with my father. It was a project that took a long time to complete, but the end result was absolutely amazing. I loved paddling around the lake in the canoe, knowing that we'd made that moment possible thanks to our hard work.

This table, shown above, was also a collaboration between a parent and grown child. You can read more about it here. But before you do, tell me a little about your most successful DIY project. Was it quick and easy? Or did it take lots of love, elbow grease, and patience?

Source: Flickr User Sporkist

How-To: Get the Red Out

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:36 -0800

As we get closer to the holiday season, you can virtually guarantee that all of the festivities and merry making will lead to a red wine stain or two. But don't worry, you can usually combat that stain, especially if you act fast. Learn how to get the red out when you read more.

First, make sure to blot (not rub or scrub) the stain with paper towels. However, if the fabric is "dry clean only," skip this step and get it to the cleaners posthaste.
Position a dry washcloth between the layers of the fabric (such as the front and back of a blouse) to prevent staining on the back of the material.
Mix one teaspoon of laundry soap or dish soap and one cup hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Dip a sponge in the bowl, and gently blot the stain.
Review and follow any special washing directions for the type of fabric.
If the fabric is machine washable, wash in cool water and air dry.
If not, wash by hand with a mild detergent.

Modesty Is the Policy For Colin Hanks's Los Angeles Purchase

CasaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:30 -0700

You might expect the son of a renowned star like Tom Hanks to swoop up a sprawling Hollywood mansion at first chance, courtesy of Dad. But Colin Hanks is determined to be an actor in his own right and has his priorities straight. Thus, he's quietly purchased a modest two-bedroom, 1.75-bath home in Los Angeles for just over $1 million. While not opulent by any means, the property, designed by distinguished architect Paul R. Williams, does have historical value. It features a large open living room with high ceilings, a fireplace, and a bank of windows, a full dining room, and a sunny kitchen. The home's two bedrooms are raised a few steps and each have en-suite baths and a library. The house has wonderful city views and lush landscaping that I imagine offers lots of privacy for the budding star. I think it's a really sharp house, and elements like marble countertops, beautiful hardwood floors, and rich ceiling beams are great selling points. Take a tour when you read more.

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