CasaSugar

Do You Use a Chest For a Coffee Table?

CasaSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:09 -0700

I love the idea of using a chest instead of a simple table in the living room. Not only does it add an unexpected element to the room, but it also provides great, hidden storage for games, blankets, CDs, or DVDs. This particular chest (which I love - is that a checkers board pattern embedded in the top?) is from Lovely_1's new home, which you can tour here.

Ask Casa: Best Ways to Store Vinyl?

CasaSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:00:39 -0700

Hi Casa,

I recently had the idea to start a record collection because I found some old vinyl albums that belonged to my parents and I live near a record store, and I also have a few CDs as well.

I was keeping one of my favorite vinyls in my bedroom but for some reason when I took it out of the cover it had cracked, now I'm wondering what is the best way to store vinyl records so this does not happen again as well as possible ways to store my CDs.

Do you have any design or organization tips? I've checked out Ikea or the Container Store but I don't want a bunch of separate containers scattered all over my room and I live with my parents so I can't just put a music collection in another room. Any ideas?

Thank you,
Peachy

To hear my suggestions for Peachy, read more.

Hi Peachy,

Between my husband and me, we probably have around 1,000 vinyl records at our house (at a minimum), so I understand your concerns! We used custom-made shelves that we bought inexpensively and stained (you can see them on the right side of this photo). Check out our other music storage solutions here.

Another great, inexpensive way to store records is by heading to Ikea and picking up some Expedit shelves. Record geeks note that each space holds 90-100 albums, so that should easily accommodate your needs (and the need to grow your collection).

I also love the solution that Gemma Ahern used in her apartment, which you can see in the top photo. She simply used a floating wall shelf from Ikea that she hung at a height about an inch above the height of a record, and then painted the shelf to blend in to the wall. This created instant storage, as well as space for books, a turntable, and sculptural objects.

As far as keeping your records in tip-top shape, always store them upright (not stacked) encased in the sleeve and a plastic or paper insert. Keep them out of direct sunlight, and if your record happens to warp, place it between two pieces of heavy glass, and lay it in mild sunshine for several hours, until the record lies flat.

Does anyone else have a brilliant storage solution? Tell Peachy about it in the comments!

Cheers,
Casa

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Casa Quickie: Roll With It

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:00:47 -0700

There's only so much we can do to make our storage look pretty without calling in California Closets for a pricey custom mahogany masterpiece - like Debi Mazar's shoe paradise. But just because you gotta work with what you got doesn't mean you're at a loss. When it comes to storing towels, roll them and stack them instead of folding them. This is not only the tightest way to store them, but the prettiest. And if, like me, you care about things like wrinkles, you'll be happy to know that "rolling with it" prevents those pesky creases and folds.

Source: Flickr User the_amanda

Cool Idea: Lockers as Wine Storage

CasaSugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:00:23 -0700

I recently made a stop by the Roshambo Winery tasting room in Sonoma and noticed a peculiar thing. Keeping with the winery's offbeat aesthetic, a gang of vintage school lockers had been used as vino storage to create a retro, industrial feel. As it turns out, the lockers are the ideal depth to house a stack of wine bottles. Better yet, each shelf and locker allows for compartmentalization, so you can keep your sauv blanc separate from your cabernet. And if you'd like to keep the good stuff safe from the kids, you can always use a lock and key. Try salvage shops and 1st Dibs for vintage lockers. Or stop by your local school and see if they've got any to spare.

How-To: Store Your Household Batteries

CasaSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:00:17 -0700

Like humans, batteries are perishable products that deteriorate from the start of their lives. But, like eating well and using SPF, there are a few things you can do to slow their aging. Following an old wives' tale, my grandmother always kept her batteries in the freezer. As it turns out, that's not an ideal place to store them. Learn how to store your batteries when you read more.

Batteries should be kept in a cool, dry place - ideally around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Contrary to my grandmother's practice, Duracell and Kodak agree that batteries should not be kept in the freezer. You can store them in a refrigerator, but to prevent condensation you should keep in them a sealed plastic bag. Definitely do not store them in a warm place; this will inhibit their performance.
Whenever possible, keep your batteries in their original packaging.
Store batteries with their negative and positive terminals AWAY from each other, so that they're not conducting idly.
Keep lithium and nickel-based batteries stored at a 40 percent charge.
Store new and old batteries separately. If you store them together, power will be drawn from the new one, shortening its life.
Leave any plastic caps on your batteries (like the 9V ones) on until you need to use them.
If you are not going to be using any battery-operated appliance for a month, remove the appliance's batteries and make sure to store them as stated above.

Love It or Hate It? Lectus Pile of Books

CasaSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:15:20 -0700

Lectus Pile of Books ($811), a side table by Swedish designer Josefin Hellström-Olsson, offers storage in each of its stacked books. It's a little "out there" but I can see it making a statement in a modern home. What do you think?

Casa Verde: schubLaden Furniture

CasaSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:00:48 -0700

What's old and alone is new and accompanied again when you throw Berlin-based furniture maker schubLaden (meaning "drawers") into the mix. The innovator creates one-of-a-kind storage pieces using vintage, unmatched drawers. Pieces range from small landing strips for around $720 to large consoles and office storage for around $4,000. Berliners can have bespoke furniture made by choosing for a large selection of drawers available in the storeroom, or bringing in their own drawers for something more personal. Recycling never looked so stunning. To get a peek at the collection, read more.

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Nice and New: Blu Dot For Urban Outfitters

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:30:00 -0700

The two-architect, one-sculptor trio behind contemporary furniture company Blu Dot has done it again. This time, making their streamlined, mid-century-inspired designs available to the younger, broker set. Blu Dot has debuted an exclusive collection of small modern furniture exclusively for Urban Outfitters. As it stands, the line includes a set of white and yellow Alvar Aalto-esque stools/side tables; a powder-coated steel sling chair; an asymmetric, architectural side table; a three-tiered, lily pad-esque white metal and faux bois side table; a sleek console with baby blue and yellow sliding doors; and a low, pared-down, grownup futon of a sofa.

Aesthetically, the collection stays true to Blu Dot's roots, with the same sense of utility, modernity, and nostalgia you see in other products. But the MDF used to make every piece but the seating is not to be overlooked. Although it may be more affordable than other Blu Dot items, $548 for an MDF console is not what I call a bargain. Pretty, though!

Do You Store Your Books on Chairs?

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:23 -0700

It's a trade secret for interior designers to set coffee table books on side chairs, creating an instant, elegant little vignette. You'll often see a small bowl or objet d'art set on top of the books as well. Although this is mostly a decorative trick, it's also a good place to store your coffee table books, instead of allowing them to hog your cocktail space. I personally like to switch my coffee table books out every now and then, to keep my guests interested with new material. Do you store your books on chairs?
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Do You Use Fabric Hangers?

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:00:26 -0700

Fabric hangers, in my mind, conjure up knitting grannies and stale, musty closets in country cottages. But they're actually great for protecting delicate materials like silk, expensive lingerie, and fancy dresses. I personally don't own any, but then again my closet may be in need of a hanger update.

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