CasaSugar

Cool Idea: Toadstool

CasaSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:15:07 -0700

I know the line goes, "Four legs good, two legs bad," but one leg never got a bad rap, did it? Joe Nunn's Toadstool (inquire for price), which rests on a single, stake-like leg, makes me wonder why the phrase doesn't start off with "One or four . . ." The teak stool is driven into the ground with a supplied white rubber mallet, and incorporates the consistency of your garden's soil into the design. Seeing as gardening can be hard work, I'd love to take a break on this beauty.

Good, Better, Best: Rectangular Wooden Outdoor Dining Tables

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:00:26 -0700

If you haven't dusted off your barbecue yet, pull out that Weber and start grilling! It's Spring! While you're at it, you'll need to find a place to eat. Lucky for you, I've done the work for you and chosen my top three picks for rectangular wooden outdoor dining tables.

The first in the trio (Good) is this Crate & Barrel Arbor Large Rectangular Dining Table ($499). It's made from plantation-grown eucalyptus, a fast-growing and easily replenished hardwood, and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The table seats up to eight and has an umbrella opening. To see two more choices, read more.

Better: The Restoration Hardware Santa Monica Rectangular Dining Table ($1,185- $1,715) is made from sustainably harvested, premium grade A Indonesian teak. It has mortise-and-tenon joinery, making it very strong and simple to assemble. It's available as a six-seater table or as an extension table that seats six unextended and eight extended, making it quite versatile. It also has an umbrella hole.

Best: Last but certainly not least is the Smith & Hawken Avignon Extending Table ($2,299). It's made from the finest-quality premium teak, which is environmentally harvested. It seats eight unextended and 12 extended, and leaves store under the table's surface, making it ideal for both an intimate dinner and big backyard barbecue.

Steal of the Day: Teak Planters

CasaSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:31 -0700

Aside from the occasional crack, I certainly have no complaints about classic, terracotta planters; they'll never go out of style. But, who says you shouldn't mix it up a bit? The Smith & Hawken Teak Planters ($13.99- $18.99) will add a new visual element to your indoor herb garden, without overwhelming your wallet. I love the beautiful woodgrain of teak, and also the fact that these planters' watertight aluminum liners will trap water to prevent staining your floors and tabletops. I say this steal is good to grow in!

Definition: Teak

CasaSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:32:16 -0700

Teak is a type of hardwood harvested from a tall tropical tree found in Indonesia and other parts of Asia. But despite its Eastern roots, teak is well-known for its popularity in Scandinavian-style furniture. The smooth, golden-brown wood is incredibly durable and weather-resistant, and it won't cause rust when it comes into contact with metal. For that reason, teak is often used to make outdoor furniture, decks, and boats.

Source

Desire/Acquire: Teak Chaise Lounge

CasaSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:00:27 -0700

As the temperature rises, so does the need for sleek, welcoming outdoor furniture. The Teak Chaise Lounge ($1,340) by Maku Furnishings has a minimalist modern look that's warmed up by the teak wood used in its construction. The Maku Chaise features Häfele hardware, custom bracing, dovetail joinery, and wheels for easy transportation. However, at well over $1,000, it's not the type of splurge most of us will be making this Summer. For a more affordable alternative, read more.

The Del Mar Chaise ($489) from Smith and Hawken is a definite steal. Like the Maku Furnishings lounge, it's also crafted from teak, which means that it will hold up to the elements, as will its corrosion-resistant hardware. It has a similar modern look, and its rubber-coated wheels will let you wheel it around poolside to catch the best rays.

Crave Worthy: Rustic Teak Double Chaise

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:15:50 -0700

I don't know what I'm craving more: this Bali Rustic Teak Double Chaise ($1,548), or the idea of lounging on it with my honey in a tropical location. I love the generous size of this chaise; it would be perfect for reading to your nieces or nephews poolside, or for cuddling up with your true love and some cocktails. The dark-stained teak is extremely weather resistant, and the water-repellant, fade-resistant cushions will hold up over many seasons of outdoor recreation.

Crave Worthy: Hans Wegner Teak Dining Chairs

CasaSugar — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:02:27 -0700

I am a sucker for mid-century modern Danish wood furniture, and these Hans Wegner teak chairs ($6,000 for set of 4) have absolutely captivated me. Since that type of money is going to have to be saved and spent on other, more pressing needs (such as property taxes), I'll have to satisfy my mid-century hankering through observation alone. Chicago readers with mad cash to spend can pick up these beauties at Andrew Hollingsworth.

via AT: Chicago

Nice and New: James Perse Furniture

CasaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:00:12 -0700

If you're a fan of James Perse's cozy tees and casual California aesthetic, you'll be pleased to hear that the contemporary knitwear designer has extended his brand to interiors. He has debuted four collections of furniture for indoors and out to give your home that same simple and timeless style as your wardrobe. I love the no-frills, refined-yet-relaxed vibe of the Sonoma Sofa (inquire for price) from his upholstered NorCal Collection. It recalls Paolo Navone's Ghost Sofa, offering a lived-in, laundered look with only a comfortable attitude. It would work well with wood floors and neutral interiors. His collections also include some classic outdoor pieces upholstered with Sunbrella fabrics and made from sustainable teak. I particularly love the director's chair. The pieces are sold exclusively at James Perse boutiques. See more designs.

Sale Alert: 50 Percent Off Sale Items at Urban Outfitters

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:00:20 -0700

I love a sale that makes me get out of the house. Through July 19, Urban Outfitters is chopping an extra 50 percent off already-reduced sale items in-store only. I'm sure there are plenty of jumpers and fedoras for you hip children, but what I'm interested in is the décor, obviously!

Unfortunately, UO does have a few online exclusives that you might be after, and larger pieces like sofas and chairs might not be in stock in every store. But, I expect plenty of accessories to go around. A few of my faves right now are the Handmade Patchwork Bench ($59.95, reduced from $180); the Teak Root Stool ($59.95, reduced from $180); the Berry Branch Velvet Curtain ($14.95, reduced from $48); the Heart Pillow by Alyssa Zukas ($14.95, reduced from $48); and the Bird Vases by Joanna Mendicino ($19.99, reduced from $64). There are also some great kitchen wares and books! So, run run and get to your local UO before it's all gone.

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Roundup: Element-Withstanding Outdoor Furniture

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:30:28 -0700

If you're going to invest in outdoor furniture this Summer, you want to know that it will withstand the elements. Choosing furniture made from teak is always a good idea, since this wood is highly resistant to the wear and tear of sun and rain. In addition, look for outdoor fabrics from Sunbrella. For over 45 years, Sunbrella has made outdoor fabrics that resist the elements. It's even earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation for its fabric's ability to filter out the sun's harmful rays. You'll find Sunbrella fabric on everything from boat cushions to outdoor pillows to shade structures.

Just remember, even if outdoor furniture is weather-resistant, it will still need to be cared for. While it's definitely made to take more damage than indoor furniture, it still needs some TLC at the end of the Summer season. I'll give you more tips for caring for your outdoor furniture as we get closer to the end of August, but for now, see some of my favorite element-withstanding outdoor furniture when you read more.

Source

Sunbrella® Cane-Stitch Outdoor Pililow - $79.00	Royal Botania - mixt series outdoor seating by royal botania - $789.00
"Relax" Teak Chair - $169.00	Montego Lounge Chair Cushions in White - $300.00
Ventana Sunbrella Cushion Collection - $120.00	Overlapping-Squares Metal Side Chair + Cushion - $30.00
Barlow Tyrie Dune Daybed And Ottoman - $4,713.00	Customized St. Tropez Indoor/Outdoor Rugs -Pattern - $129.00
Sunbrella Outdoor Drapery - $159.00	Montauk Rocking Chair - $499.00
Northshore Outdoor Lounge Chair - $949.00	Carlisle Sofa/Trovata Rectangular Coffee Table - $399.00
Sunbrella® Striped Throw - $198.00	Ballard Indoor/Outdoor Curtains - $64.99
Valencia Bench - $899.00	Corsica Outdoor Ottoman - $599.00
Trovata Chaise/Cushion - $999.00	Tufted Outdoor Chair Cushion - $24.00