CasaSugar

Open House: How Do You Feel About Televisions in the Bedroom?

CasaSugar — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:30:36 -0800

Studies show that keeping a television in the bedroom isn't healthy. For couples, a television in the bedroom can cut their sex life in half. Teenagers with TVs in their bedrooms participate in less physical activity, fewer social engagements, and often have lower grades, according to the journal Pediatrics.

Despite these findings, televisions are a popular feature in many bedrooms. Some couples find that their differing tastes in television shows often make a second TV a welcome way to avoid fighting over the remote (especially on Super Bowl weekend). Some couples also enjoy relaxing with a favorite show or movie before falling asleep.

Do you have a television in your bedroom? How do you feel about televisions in bedrooms? Tell me all of the reasons for keeping the television in your bedroom, and why you think it works in the space. Or, if you're not a fan of having a TV in the bedroom, tell me your reasons for that as well!

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Roundup: Curvy, White Table Lamps

CasaSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:15:05 -0700

Every time I watch Modern Family, I always pay attention to the decor choices used throughout the three families' homes. It's no big surprise that Cameron and Mitchell's home is my favorite, since I featured it the other week.

I really love this curvy, white table lamp that they've placed on the credenza, which you can spot in the right of this photo. The feminine lines and alabaster surface manage to blend in perfectly with the decor, yet also stand out at the same time.

To see where you can get a close match to this lamp, as well as find many more curvy, white table lamps, read more.
This Jonathan Adler Table Lamp in Capri White (on sale for $225) is a close match to Cameron and Mitchell's lamp. I love its lustrous shade and curvy glass base. Unlike the lamp in the show, Adler's lamp has a polished nickel base, which adds contrast.

Check out my other favorite white, curvy table lamps below.

Do You Hide Your Television?

CasaSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:00:10 -0700

While some people display their flatscreens proudly, others opt to hide the television behind a cabinet or panel. How's the television situation in your home?

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Metropolitan Home's Showtime House Returns For Season Two

CasaSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:30:00 -0700

The popularity of Showtime's original series is no secret - just ask BuzzSugar. But the opportunity for pulling design inspiration from the network's hot shows is something only Metropolitan Home has jumped on. Do you remember this morbidly chic Coveted Crib inspired by Dexter in last year's showhouse?Well, the modern decorating mag is at it again, teaming up with Showtime and a stable of over a dozen notable designers to give new meaning to the word "showhouse" with Metropolitan Home's Showtime House. This year, they've upped the ante with twice as much space in twin TriBeCa penthouses, allowing two rooms for each show. The featured shows will include Dexter, Californication, Nurse Jackie, The United States of Tara, The Tudors, and Weeds.

I've covered set design often in the past, and you'll note that many sets are influenced by the work of prominent interior designers. So what's interesting to me about this event is that the roles have flip-flopped, with designers finding inspiration in television instead. Better yet, we can all visit the home, which is open to the public on weekends between Sept. 19 and Oct. 18 in New York. Find more details here, and stay tuned for photos!

Cool Idea: An Easel as TV Stand

CasaSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Since I don't watch much TV, updating my hefty idiot box to an ultra slim HD flatscreen is not very high on my list of priorities. But if I did own the latest and greatest in television technology, I would love to use an artist's easel as a stand, like this one featured in House Beautiful. Tech gadgets are always difficult to coordinate with décor, but that's especially true when your design scheme is earthy and traditional. The wood construction of the easel makes for a near seamless integration. And better yet, it allows you to change the height and angle of your TV - something that few standard media centers can do. Would you try this in your home?

Inspired: Autumnal Tones From Life on Mars

CasaSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:30:58 -0800

I've recently gotten hooked on the bizarre detective/sci-fi hybrid show Life on Mars. The show follows NYPD Detective Sam Tyler's trials and travails when he's transported back to 1973 after being hit by a car in present-day New York. Yeah, I know it sounds odd, but it's pretty compelling prime-time television.

I'm also taken with the show's '70s interiors. Detective Tyler's apartment is particularly groovy, but I was also drawn to the very seasonally appropriate interior shown in this photo. I love the russets, avocados, burnt umbers, and rust colors shown here. (And didn't everyone's parents or grandparents have that Corelle set?)

I thought it would be fun and Fall-like to maintain the color palette, but update the look. Oh, and to keep it beautiful on a budget, I used a lot of sale items!

To see my finds, read more.

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Before and After: Betty's Ugly Apartment

CasaSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:45:29 -0700

I have a soft spot for makeovers, even ones on television sitcoms. Remember when I asked you if you'd ever been tricked about an apartment? Betty Suarez, one of my favorite characters on television today, certainly was. Here's what her apartment looked like upon move-in.

To see how Betty infused the apartment with her unique style (and cleaned it up!), read more.

I love the use of the sunshine shades of yellow in Betty's apartment. The exposed brickwork, which was previously covered up with a muddled pea-soup-like paint color, is also totally charming. That bubbly, bright yellow chandelier is also perfectly poppy, and as sunny as Betty's personality. Say what you will about Betty's crazy outfits; I think her eclecticism lends itself well to her home decorating, if not her wardrobe. Are you a fan?
Photos copyright 2008 ABC, Inc.

Top Design, Episode Three: "Window Display"

CasaSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:00:38 -0700

In the third episode of Top Design, the designers switched from outfitting bunkers to backdropping high fashion. Working in teams of two, the designers were challenged to create window displays for gorgeous fashions designed by Jeffrey, Sweet P, Daniel, Andrae, and Santino, contestants from prior seasons of Project Runway.

It was definitely fun to see each of the fashion designers' looks, from Santino's macabre, black-swathed mannequin to Sweet P's bright, color-drunk mannequin. But beyond the fashion, there was also the complication of egos. There are bossy, opinionated egos (Jeffrey, though I love him), diva-esque egos (Andrae), and then there's Daniel. While his dress was beyond fabulous (it's shown here), Daniel is beyond hilarious. To express his vision for the window display, Daniel read the designers a poem he'd written. I always felt as if he was a blowhard on the two seasons of Project Runway, and this high-school-journal-worthy poem only confirmed this feeling. He's the kind of guy who, on a first date, would try to feed you strawberries in front of a roaring fire while playing Mariah Carey records and find nothing off about it. Or maybe I'm just the anti-romantic.

To find out who won and who got kicked off, read more.

I thought Ondine and Natalie's design for Sweet P's dress was lovely and would definitely sell to the ladies, and Preston and Andrea's design for Daniel's dress (OK, maybe that poem was a good idea) hit it out of the park, too. In the end, Ondine and Natalie were awarded for their efforts with the win. Sadly, Kerry was sent home, which made me very sad. I will miss his presence on the show!

Highlights for me? Jeffrey's nickname for Kerry ("Big Daddy"); Wisit's inability to stop saying "Rococo,"; Kerry's awesome turns of phrase ("I was about to drop kick you into Jesus right there on the spot, but I smiled, like a true Southerner"). And, of course, Kelly Wearstler's fabulous ensemble (where can I get a purple sequined hat?).

What did you love (or hate) about this episode?

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Photos courtesy of Bravo

This Just In: TLC Premieres Over Designed Sept. 20

CasaSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:30:34 -0700

Saturday, Sept. 20, TLC will premiere another new series, Over Designed, hosted by design expert Kenneth Brown. Brown will help overzealous homeowners who have taken a motif to the extreme, by enlisting the help of their family and friends to create more livable and inviting spaces. Think palm trees, penguins galore, all things Africa, or an extremely played-out Hawaiian theme. "The series will strive to celebrate each person’s unique design sense of style, but will help streamline their look and offer ways to better celebrate their collections," explains Kenneth. The show airs at 8:30 p.m. EST/PDT, so be sure to tune in. I can't wait to see these magical transformations!
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Nice and New: Martha, Martha, Martha!

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:00:16 -0700

I love all things Martha. I love her magazine, her old magazine (RIP, Blueprint), her mind-boggling multitasking abilities, her droll conversational style, and, yes, those who model themselves as the antithesis of Martha (such as Not Martha). So, imagine my delight when I found out that there was going to be a new Martha Stewart show on the telly. However, this is Martha with a twist. Premiering next Tuesday on the Fine Living Network, Whatever, Martha features Stewart's daughter, Alexis, and friend Jennifer Koppelman Hutt poking gentle fun at the domestic diva.

To find out about this new show, and to see a video clip, read more.

Framed as something of a roast, cohosts Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt share their own ideas about Martha through television clips, commentary, and surprise guests. It premieres Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 9 p.m. on the Fine Living Network. Do you love Martha too much to stand watching the ribbing, or is this your idea of fun?

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