CasaSugar

Trend Alert: Advanced Etching

CasaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:30:00 -0800

Dating back to the 1500s, etching, using acid or mordant to cut into a material, is certainly a thing of the past. There's actually an old cliché that I love: in an effort to entice a woman home with him, a man will say, "Want to come up and see my etchings?" as an offer to come look at something artistic. But ladies, these days etchings are something worth taking a look at. Designers have abandoned girlish mirror and glass etchings, using new materials like acrylic and plastic, using laser to etch, or even adding color like a tattoo. And these advanced etchings aren't simply decorative. Many, like the Ghost Acrylic Candelabra ($65), make a trompe-l'œil statement. See more modern etchings.

Are You Mad For Plaid?

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:15:18 -0700

The fashion and design world has named plaid as a major trend this season. But are you behind the hype? Check out my trend alert if you need some help making up your mind about this trend.

Photo by Sharyn Cairns

Trend Alert: Pink and Orange Interiors

CasaSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:00:44 -0700

I'm a big pink fan, but I love it when the color is paired with another, unexpected shade. And what better pairing for Fall than orange? Since pink and orange share a uniting red undertone, they blend perfectly, and are a great, modern mix of colors for your home. Check out some big and little ways to add a splash of pink and orange to your home.

View Slideshow ›

Trend Alert: Updated Crewelwork

CasaSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:50 -0700

Crewelwork is a decorative form of surface embroidery that uses wool and a variety of different embroidery stitches, and dates back at least 1,000 years. The technique was trendy in the '90s (think granny tapestry) but it's been "out" for at least 10 years now. Back then, fabrics with crewelwork also tended to have a common style of pattern - see this bench - which now just looks stale. Crewelwork is back now and better than ever with fresh patterns, colors, and motifs that jive with both traditional and modern homes. From animal print rugs to peace sign tapestries to abstract botanical-inspired pillows, it's a crewel, crewel world these days. To see a range of updated crewelwork finds, read more.

Trend Alert: Asterisks

CasaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:00:02 -0700

It might seem odd that a shape could be trendy, but hearts, quatrefoil, teardrops, and circles have all made an appearance on these pages in the past. The latest in the group is the asterisk. In this Australian home, the magenta asterisk is far from subtle, but the star-like shape is popping up in more understated forms and equally bold ones as well. From ottomans to bookends and coasters to throw pillows, the asterisk is shaping up to be a very popular trend. See proof when you read more.

Trend Alert: Union Jacks

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:00:29 -0700

The Union Jack flag is the official flag of the United Kingdom, and it's also an officially hot decorating must have. Here's a little history, since most of us Yanks don't know the background on the flag. By the early 1700s the flag was called "The Union," and since it was flown from a jackstaff on Navy ships, popular legend has it that the flag got its full name, the Union Jack, from the jackstaff. When Northern Ireland became part of the United Kingdom in 1801, the St. Patrick's flag, a red diagonal cross on a white background, was added to the Union Jack, giving us the flag we have today. Check out some of my favorite uses of this fab flag, as well as some of my favorite Union Jack home accessories.
Source

View Slideshow ›

Trend Alert: Converted Barns

CasaSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Think barns are just for livestock? With outstanding renovations of existing barns, as well as new designs inspired by vernacular barn style, they're more than fit for human habitation. And while you may not have been born in a barn, after taking a look at some of these designs, I bet you'd be proud to call one home.
Source

View Slideshow ›

Trend Alert: Multi-Paned Mirrors

CasaSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:00:58 -0700

While looking for a mirror to coordinate with a friend's very graphic bedroom dresser, I noticed a developing trend: multi-paned mirrors. Some, like the CB2 Perspective Mirror ($149), have various shapes of mirrored glass, each angled differently to create a carnival "funhouse" effect. Others have varying shaped panes which sit flat on a single plane or are even overlapped. The most conservative of the bunch are made of many panes of the same size and shape, arranged symmetrically in columns and rows. But regardless of their arrangements, I'm seeing multi-paned mirrors everywhere I seem to look! See a few others when you read more.

Kyra Mirror - $399.00	Essex Mirror - $299.00
Zanotta - pablo mirror by zanotta - $3,146.00	Eagan Multipanel Mirror - $699.00
Herrion 9-pane Beveled Mirror - $199.99	Lots Mirror - $4.99

Trend Alert: Splendid Scallops

CasaSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:04 -0700

Scallop patterns are showing up all over the design world lately. I'm particularly fond of the scalloping pattern on Catherine Hammerton's Scale wallpaper. Scalloping looks like the wavy pattern found on the edge of a scallop's shell. It's most often found on textiles, but there are some other great ways to add it to your home as well. See my finds when you read more.

Source

Trend Alert: Feminine, Elegant Chairs

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:15:15 -0700

In the current issue of Vanity Fair, writer Bob Colacello interviews Nancy Reagan on everything from her late husband to stem cell research in his article "Nancy Reagan's Solo Role." While the article is full of fascinating information about the former first lady, my eyes were immediately drawn to this photo on the website. The green expanse of lawn, framed by the diminutive Reagan perched upon an elegant, feminine chair, seemed to be the perfect portrait of the quiet, composed woman. Nancy Reagan's interest in high-end fashion was one of her defining qualities during her time in the White House, and the fashionable look of this portrait's elegant chair is definitely an ongoing trend in home décor.
I decided to track down some other chairs that matched the femininity and elegance of Reagan's chair. To see my favorites, read more.

Photo courtesy of Vanity Fair

Coptic 20\"x13\" Pillow in Blue - $109.00	Modern Heraldry Rug - $78.00
Zoo Pillow Cover - $39.00	Crewel Blue Chair - $1,999.00
Vine Crewel Runner - $79.00	Ivory Crewel & Leather Chair - $2,799.00
Floral Fresco Rug - $68.00	Kenya Pillow Cover - $39.00
Lavender "Darra" Chair - $2,299.00	Suzani Sprig Cocktail Napkin - $8.00
Mango Orchard Shade - $88.00	Aniko Curtain - $228.00
Zebra Crewel Floor Cushion - $128.00	Petal Crewel Lumbar Pillow Cover - $49.00
Peace Sign Tapestry - $69.00	Medallion Crewel Rug - $595.00
Zebra Crewel Rug in Rust - $595.00	Cane Crewel Rug - $295.00

Matouk Savannah Gardens Linens - $77.00	Scalloped Mercury Glass Table Lamp - $219.00
Gustavian Vintage Bed - $90.00	Sublime Scalloped Mirror - $98.00
Sferra Alice Matelasse Linens - $35.00	Madeleine Shower Curtain - $118.00
Northbridge Sconce, Large - $299.00	Carmella Accent Chair - $1,339.00
Marlow Nailhead Counter Stool - $299.00	Scalloped Matelassé Bed Skirt - $130.00
Matouk - $130.00	Daphne Vase - $695.00
Gingham Boutis Runner, Yellow - $64.00	Georgette Mirror - $149.00

Remy Chair, Amarantha - $1,298.00	Vitra slow chair - $3,155.00
Cole Chair in Valor Jade - $749.00	Haute House - $1,739.00
Vintage Chippendale Chair - $1,395.00	"Olivia" Chair - $1,699.90
Vintage Wingback Chair - $995.00	Antwerp Chair, Asian Patchwork - $1,998.00
Pink Hairhide Chair - $1,349.00	Suede Chair - $999.00