CasaSugar

Coveted Crib: Sommerhaus

CasaSugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:00:07 -0700

Sommerhaus, a collaboration between Patrick Frey and Björn Götte, is an extremely crave-worthy example of modern cabin living. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I want to be there now.

Erected two years ago, the Sommerhaus project consisted of three prototype prefab, high-quality log cabins that were meant to be used as lake cabins for Summer living. Erected in the Uckermark Lakes Nature Reserve in the state of Brandenburg, Germany, these chic, streamlined structures seem the perfect retreat for hip Berliners looking for a modern second residence.

For more photos of the Sommerhaus, read more.

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Coveted Crib: A Minimalist and Sublime Summer House

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:00:47 -0700

While this is technically more of a room than a house, I'm still lusting over this remote, woodsy Norway Summer getaway. Part of its appeal is the location, of course. Situated on the 170-kilometer-long Hardanger Fjord, this area abounds in insanely beautiful landscapes, with waterfalls, glaciers, gardens, fields, and mountains to choose from. I can just imagine filling long Summer evenings with bicycle or kayak trips punctuated by a chilly dip in the fjord and followed by a glass of Aquavit on this modern deck.

Built by Saunders Architecture, which is based in Bergen, the house was self-financed as an experimental project that showcased the architects' desire to design uncompromising, original buildings that reflect their respect for the landscape.

For more stunning photos, read more.

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Home Away From Home: A Sand Hotel in Weymouth

CasaSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:30:52 -0700

The world's first sand hotel was recently constructed on Weymouth Beach in Weymouth, England. This gritty hotel features twin and double bedrooms, but don't count on reservations - rooms are strictly booked on a first-come, first-served basis. You can book a stay for a mere 10 pounds a night, and cash is the only accepted method of payment. The hotel was built with about 1,000 tons of sand over a period of eight days, with volunteers putting in 14-hour days to get the job done.

Would you stay in this open-air "hotel" if you were in Weymouth?
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Inspired: Lizzie Fortunato Jewels's Campy-Chic Style

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:00:25 -0700

I'm jonesing for Lizzie Fortunato Jewels's chic arts-and-crafty necklaces lately, which are made from a mix of new, vintage and found materials, including hand-sewn leather and fabric, precious stones, beads, and antique chains. The craftsmanship of the collection, dreamed up by a New York sister act, is unbelievable. I'm craving this Exile to Mexico II Necklace in particular. I love its nostalgic Summer-camp vibe and its balance of rustic and fine . . . it looks like something a grown-up Troop Beverly Hills girl would wear. I thought I'd use this necklace to inspire a living-room design, with a palette of natural tones, gold, turquoise, and deep orange, and materials like marble, wool, and wood. The Cavern Home Navajo Wallpaper ($155) shares the necklace's hues and that campy, outdoorsy vibe. To see other inspired products, read more.

Get the Look: Kirsten Dunst's Outdoor Lounge

CasaSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:00:24 -0700

We've been talking a little bit about outdoor furniture lately, now that Summer is approaching. I've been grappling with whether or not I like truly "decorated" outdoor spaces. Seeing the outdoor lounge of Kirsten Dunst's Nichol Canyons home, which is on the market, I'm convinced. Dunst has used bright, solid-colored outdoor upholstery, which isn't as tiring and fleeting as patterns can be. A pair of patterned pillows are easy to switch out. Her outdoor sofa has a little flair with curved arms, but it's still understated. Like one would decorate a living room, she hasn't chosen a furniture set for this space, but thrown some white, vintage chairs in the mix to give it personality. The large, Suzani-esque jute rug is similar to one from Roost, which I've been eyeing for months; it has quiet flair. To see some finds which will help you replicate this look, read more.

Whitfield Sofa Cushions - $700.00	Roost Jute Pattern Rug - $215.60
Accent Outdoor Pillow 19 square in Orange - $59.00	Zebra Outdoor Pillow - $32.00
Veneto Sofa Sunbrella® Cushion Set - $1,100.00	Outdoor Side Table - $599.00
Cuddle Chair & Ottoman - $859.00

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Roundup: Outdoor Folding Chairs

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:00:30 -0700

Summer means that we're often on the go: catching the best sunshine, the best waves, or the nearest picnic in the park. That means that we need on-the-go furniture to keep up with our Summer lifestyles. One of the best pieces of furniture you can invest in for easy seasonal living is an outdoor folding chair. To see my current favorites, read more.

Bali Club Chair or Canvas - $20.00	Tripolina Chair - $430.00
Floor Lounger + Cushion - $69.00	Gandia Blasco - picnic collection - deck chair by gandia blasco - $730.00
Wine Barrel Chair (Set of 2) - $349.00	Steamer Folding Chaise - $275.00
Veneto Adjustable Folding Chair Sunbrella® Cushion - $130.00	Set of Two Brisbane Folding Armchairs - $199.00

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Casa Quickie: Reverse Your Ceiling Fan's Direction

CasaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:27 -0800

If you live in the northern hemisphere and haven't yet switched the direction of your ceiling fan's blades, now's the time to do so. You want to make sure that the blades' direction is switched from moving in a counterclockwise direction to a clockwise direction.

To do so, just flip the switch at the base so that the blades rotate clockwise (that's when you're looking up at it from below). By switching your fan's rotation seasonally, you can save 10-15 percent on your heating bill and as much as 40 percent on your cooling bill in the Summer. Plus, it will help to make Winter feel a little bit cozier.

Source: Flickr User Maricel Cruz

What You're Wanting, Revealed: A Summer Porch

CasaSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:00:40 -0700

For this latest What You're Wanting, I wanted to know how you'd create a stylish Summer porch.

As usual, your creativity and thoughtful choices left me impressed. Now I wish our house had a porch! Thanks for the inspiration!

I loved the look that Tdamji put together. She writes that, "Hot Summer evenings can be spent relaxing here on this porch. The cool blues and greens juxtapose the deep browns and crisp whites in this fun, Summer porch decor." I love the muted colors in her look, as well as the relaxing, comfortable furniture she's chosen.

Tdamji wins the CasaSugar schwag of her choice for the look she put together. Congratulations!

To see another lovely look, read more.
I also loved the reading nook look put together by Samischo, who designed a "bohemian/Indian themed porch, with tons of colorful pillows to lounge around on." Her picks look like they would make a great lounge area for balmy evenings, don't you agree?

Fun in the Sun Folding Table, Red - $299.00	Andros Bistro Chair Cushion - $19.00
Rattan Meditation Chair - $299.00	Gazebo-Style Lantern - $115.00
Souk Hanging Candleholder - $98.00	Hindu Goddess Star Paper Lantern - $6.99
Orange Star Paper Lantern - $6.99	Black and White 9-Point Star Paper Lantern - $6.99
Bahari Covent Garden Candleholder- WOOD - $38.00	Bahari Mayfair Candleholder- WOOD - $28.00
Mango Wood Vase Medium - $148.00	Chinoiserie Mirror Set - $1,499.00
Nur Jahan Rice Bag Pillow - $24.95	India Gate Rice Bag Pillow - $24.95
Pillow Seabloom Red-Cream - $195.00	Square Lotus Lace Pillow, Red - $78.00
Thomas Paul Bali in Red Cotton Pillow - $44.00	Kerala Floor Pillow - $128.00
Maharam China Shop Gold - $150.00	Thomas Paul Flora Orange Silk Twill Pillow - $70.00
Java Embroidered Floor Cushion - $29.99	Diamond Pattern Floor Cushion - $39.99
Michael Aram "Daisy" Enameled Basket - $165.00	Lotus Flower Dish - $24.00
Mirrored Stars - $99.00	Market Basket - $34.00
Sumatra Tall Basket - $59.95

Nice work ladies! And for the rest of you, check in tomorrow for our next ShopStyle Living challenge!
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Summer Style Contest Entry: Visual Vamp's NOLA Living Room

CasaSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:30:54 -0700

We've seen some beautiful outdoor spaces that have been entered as part of the CasaSugar Summer Style contest. Today, though, I have a great entry that shows a warm weather-friendly interior space. TeamSugar member Visual Vamp writes, "I live in New Orleans, and part of Summer style here is to take up all the rugs and live with bare floors, and cover the furniture in Summer white slipcovers. It's a fast and easy way to get an instant Summer look. Here's my version in my living room."

I love the crisp look of Visual Vamp's living room, as well as the antique-look fan. I have to admit that I'm also already a bit in love with her pup. What a cutie!

Have you entered the contest yet? It's simple: just send a photo illustrating your Summer style at home to my TeamSugar inbox, or post it to the Su Casa group for a chance to win one of two $500 gift cards to Crate & Barrel.

Roundup: Fab Outdoor Finds Under $25

CasaSugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:00:47 -0700

Whenever Summer comes around, I'm überexcited over all of the great outdoor items on the market, with grand visions of hosting colorful weekend barbecues. I have to stop myself, though, and remember that the season is fleeting. It's silly to spend excessively on décor that might be compromised by the weather and the playfulness of outdoor parties and that will only be used for a short time. But that doesn't mean I'll go without. There is plenty of stylish, affordable outdoor décor out there. For a few under $25, read more.

Tovolo Placemat - $8.95	notNeutral - Melamine Tray - $17.00
Natural Tribeca Stacking Table - $49.99	Lantern - $14.95
Cherry Blossom Doormat - $14.99	Capetown Stripe All-Weather Indoor/Outdoor Rug - $19.95
Clear String Lights - $14.99	Yoko Red Square Paper Lantern - $19.99
Hexagon White Paper Lantern - $7.99	Basketweave Placemats - $2.95
Cutting Board Set (2-pc.) by Magic Slice - $19.95	Island Stripe Outdoor Tablecloth - $29.99
Miramar Pillows Topaz - $32.00	River Stones - $5.95
Flower Arranger - $8.95	Frog or Daisy Watering Cans - $14.99
Astro Balls - $3.95	Verona Oil Lamps Polished Steel - $10.00
Palisade Torri Indoor-Outdoor Pillow - $24.95	Tonal Stripe Outdoor Pillow - $29.00
Citronella Bucket Candle - $6.95	Wire and Glass Candleholder - $11.95
Solar LED Candle - $24.00	Recycled Lantern - $29.95
Topiary Wall Art - $49.95

Cavern Home Navajo Wallpaper - $155.00	Steele Sofa - $1,699.00
Orange Nadu Wool Rug or Runner - $149.00	Gold Ceramic Stool - $250.00
Genova Table - $998.00	Tunis Chair - $798.00
Book Boxes - Turquoise Two-Stack - $44.00	Fluted-Glass Table Lamp - $149.00
Cape Cod Lantern - $425.00	Lacquer Bunching Table - $695.00
Umbra U+ Collection Triplo Side Table - $180.00