CasaSugar

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.

Have You Ever Been Fooled Into Renting a Bad Apartment?

CasaSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:47 -0700

Last night, in the first episode of this season's Ugly Betty, Betty moves into an apartment of her own in Manhattan. Unfortunately, she gives in to the realtor's pressure and signs a lease for the apartment sight unseen. When the Realtor assures her that the other apartment is just as charming as the one Betty doesn't get, Betty innocently believes her.

And as you can plainly see, Betty was duped. While I've never had anything this extreme happen, I've had my share of bad rental experiences. Before I bought my house, I did have to deal with everything from dirty apartments to bizarre landlords (one actually stole some of my furniture while I was living in the house). Have you had any bad rental experiences?

Inspired: Betty's Fresh Pink and Orange

CasaSugar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:00:11 -0800

Say what you will about Ugly Betty's sartorial sense. She and fellow fierce dresser Sasha Obama both know that orange and pink look fabulous together. And not only does this style work on the feminine figure, it also looks smashing in the feminine home.

I love the Tord Boontje Midsummer Night Light ($105), even in the middle of Winter. It looks really gorgeous in that fuchsia shade, and pairs beautifully with the Mandarin Sofa ($4800) from 1st Dibs. The sleek lines of this sexy '60s Swede would look perfectly home in Daniel Meade's office.

For some other pink and orange finds for your home, read more.

Found It! Daniel Meade's Desk Lamp

CasaSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:30:24 -0800

I'm a huge fan of Ugly Betty. I've been told that I even have an extra-loud belly laugh during the show. Besides admiring the great writing, acting, and physical comedy on the show, I've also been impressed with the thoughtful set design. While watching the show, I'd seen quite a few elements that seemed familiar, such as this orange lamp. I knew that I'd seen Betty's boss Daniel Meade's desk lamp before, but I couldn't quite remember where.

To find out where to buy this lamp, just read more.

This saffron-shaded mushroom lamp is the Nesso Lamp ($339). Also available in white, it was designed by Giancarlo Mattioli in 1967, and is made in Italy by Artemide. You can also find this cool little table lamp (which can also be wall mounted), in the Twentieth Century Design Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Photos copyright 2007 ABC, Inc. and Source

Do You Have an Umbrella Stand?

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:00:24 -0700

Here in the Bay Area, we've had Winters where it rained every day for nearly four months, so umbrella stands are a necessity. Do you have one in your home (or, like Betty Suarez, outside your front door)?

This Just In: America Ferrera Scores a Frugal Fixer Upper

CasaSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:00:29 -0700

If anyone knows how to take a sow's ear and turn it into a silk purse, it's got to be America Ferrera, star of one of my all-time-favorite TV shows, Ugly Betty. America's house purchase seems to echo the philosophy of her show: beauty isn't skin deep, and depth is much more important than superficial bling.

Indeed, the LA home looks like it will need a bit of tweaking, from bringing in more elegant furnishings to seriously reconsidering the purple palette on the home's exterior. However, I've got to praise America Ferrera for her shrewdness in the real estate market: This home, which was originally on the market for $2.19 million, was snatched up for a mere $1.415 million. A pretty sweet deal, and one that can afford her the ability to rip out ugly carpets, rethink the pool's look, and maybe figure out some better fenestration choices than sliding glass doors.

To see more pictures of this home, just read more.

The 3,523-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home features vaulted ceilings, an open floor plan, a heated pool and spa, a separate gym, and a two-car garage. I would love to see "after" photos of this pad after America works her magic on it.

View 7 Photos ›

Source and
Pacific Coast News Online

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:30:34 -0800

Would you use these wordy wall stickers in your house?
Please, if you have a moment, take my reader survey.
Kimpossible shows off her corner of family favorites.
Take a closer look at White House decorator Michael S. Smith's portfolio.
Do you like this interpretation of Ugly Betty's outfit?
I tracked down Christian Lacroix's chairs.
A Craftsman home gets a pretty and practical remodel.
Check out this cute new eco housewares shop.

Source

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:30:43 -0700

Accompany me on a California tropical garden tour.
Find out how to live green like Jessica Alba.
Experiment with Mad Men's haute hotel palette.
Ugly Betty has a beautiful apartment.
Would you use succulents as a centerpiece?
I want to know what projects you're working on.
This Amy Butler quilt is a great DIY.

Emma Gardner - pink block rugs by emma gardner - $7,000.00	avalisa - 100 Stretched Print - $59.00
Emile Octagonal Orange Box - $185.00	Tie Dye Pillow - $24.95
Artemide Nesso Table Lamp - $441.00	Emma Gardner - peony rugs by emma gardner - $5,100.00
Pablo - Tube Top Color Lamp - $110.00	Cherner Chair Side Chair Orange - $659.00
Lanai Quilt & Sham - Clementine Orange - $39.00	Emma Gardner - flowers on water rugs by emma gardner - $4,875.00
Pink Oh! Chair by Karim Rashid for Umbra - $49.00	Luján + Sicilia Twister Drop Pendant Light - $348.00