CasaSugar

Cool Idea: A Roof of Red Umbrellas

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:30:08 -0700

In a pedestrian mall in downtown Talca, Chile, a group of students created a covering from over 400 umbrellas by hanging them on lines suspended from scaffolding, creating a temporary, colorful public space. I love the ethereal look of this installation, and I think it could work wonders re-created in a smaller format, offering a bit of shade at your next garden party. While I think almost anything, if repeated enough times, can create a beautiful display, there's something about the umbrella that adapts itself well to design. Not convinced? Check out this trend of umbrella lamps.

Trend Alert: Umbrella Lamps

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Umbrellas are popular when it rains, but there's also a shower of lighting inspired by the rainy day accessories in the interior design world these days. When I spotted these Come Rain or Shine In light prototypes designed by Marie-Louise Gustafsson and Daniel Franzen, I couldn't help but remember some other umbrella-inspired lamps I'd seen. The hemisphere shape of an umbrella is quite akin to many lampshade styles, so it's natural that designers would gravitate toward this design. Don't believe me? Check out this slideshow to see for yourself. Source

View Slideshow ›

Love It or Hate It? Smoon Ombrella

CasaSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

The Beau & Bien Smoon Ombrella ($1854) is a wireless and rechargable "light sculpture" for your indoor or outdoor space that acts a parasol in the day, and a lantern at night. But, to be honest, it looks more to me like an alien starship from It Came From Outer Space . . . kinda creepy! What do you think?

Casa Verde: The Brelli

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:30:00 -0700

If Rihanna didn't make umbrellas cool, The Brelli ($28-$38) mos def does. The Brelli is made from bamboo, which is sustainable and a clear, biodegradable canopy, so the entire umbrella will completely biodegrade within five years when discarded. Considering how many nylon and plastic umbrellas I lose track of, and which probably make their way to a landfill somewhere, I think this is a great idea. But, the Brelli elli elli is so chic and functional looking, the thought of it decomposing kind of makes me sad, in a way. Aside from being the world's first 100 percent biodegradable umbrella, it's probably the only umbrella I'd be able to hold onto 'cause it's so darn striking.

Good, Better, Best: Not Your Average Umbrella Stand

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:27:22 -0800

Unless you're a character in The Notebook, or Rupert Holmes, most of you don't like getting caught in the rain. And personally, what I find worse, is bringing that soggy drip into my house. I wouldn't mind it though, if I were the proud owner of one of these fly umbrella stands. Better yet, this Stand Umbrella ($60) has three little feet that allow it to stand on its own, so it doesn't even require a stand!

Good: This Aki Umbrella Stand ($150), designed by former jazz drummer
Rodolfo Bonetto, is simple, minimalist, and comes in a handful of iridescent and solid colors. It's a sharp alternative to the bulky umbrella stands we see in foyers across the country. That is, if your guests can recognize what it is when they arrive wet.

To see two other picks for not-your-average umbrella stands, read more

Better: Eva Schildt's Umbrella Stand ($155) has a lifelike faux sea sponge holding its light blue metal frame and is ready to soak up any itinerant drips. It's also easy on the eyes.

Best: Sebastian Bergne's Rain Bowl ($180) is a little industrial looking and may not be as pretty as the others. But, it has the compact form of the Aki stand and like Schildt's stand, its aluminum dish collects rainwater as it runs off the umbrella. So, it takes up minimal space, and there'll be no sopping up the surrounding floor.

Good, Better, Best: Modern Patio Umbrellas

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:48:03 -0700

As outdoor dining goes more and more upscale, patio umbrellas are also getting a high-design upgrade. Forget the floral-patterned parasols of your youth. Now, it's easy to find sophisticated sun shades that will make any patio look sleeker and chicer. Here are my picks for modern patio umbrellas to suit frugal and frivolous budgets.

Good: With its aluminum pole and elegant taupe shade, the 9-foot Hampton Bay Dana Point Market Umbrella ($111.75) will give your outdoor table a modern makeover without breaking the bank.

For two even better picks, read more

Better: The Room & Board Waikiki Umbrella ($299) pivots on its base, so you can adjust it as the sun moves; available in blue, white, and orange fabric.

Best: Along the same lines as the Waikiki, this super-versatile Design Within Reach Tuuci Razor Shade Platform and Mobile Stand ($1,500) rotates a full 360 degrees and looks stunning, too. It comes in white or silver, but I love the electric green.

Crave Worthy: Kyouei Design Umbrella Pot

CasaSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 07:30:52 -0700

Since I usually just throw my umbrella on the entryway floor, I've been thinking I should invest in a nice umbrella stand. Can you imagine one more delightful than this Kyouei Design Umbrella Pot? The ceramic vessel has a planter at the bottom, allowing excess rainwater to trickle down and water the plant. On top of that, I think it's quite stunning. Unfortunately, I can't figure out where to buy one, so this may only be a prototype, but the idea is so great, it's definitely worth keeping an eye out for.

via Shak in Style

Steal of the Day: Trovata Round Umbrella Cover

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:15 -0700

I'm sure your mother told you to lather on your SPF so you don't get skin cancer, but sometimes it's just a smart move to stay in the shade. There's nothing nerdy about being pale — especially when you're hanging under this stylish Crate & Barrel Trovata Round Umbrella Cover ($99, reduced from $169), which blocks out 98% of the sun's UV rays. Its seaglass and khaki colored stripes will show all of your patio guests what a true sophisticate you are. More importantly, its Sunbrella fabric will stand up to the elements (unless maybe you encounter a natural disaster), so there'll be no need to replace it next season. Now all you need is some outdoor dinnerware and a good margarita recipe, and you'll be set for the season.

Desire/Acquire: Pillar Umbrella Stand

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:00:22 -0700

This Aaron Thomas Hand Screen Printed Pillar Umbrella Stand ($389) was designed specifically for design fiend and international hotshot Kanye West. But, after Thomas carefully hand-illustrated the Roman-style pillar, burnt screens, and laid out the design, West ended up not purchasing them! It's made of acrylic and measures 10x 24 inches. If I had the dough, I'd snatch one up in a second. But, I doubt there are many folks out there who'd spend so much on, essentially, a waste basket. For those who dig the trompe-l'œil effect of this stand, and the monochrome palette, I've found a much more affordable alternative. To see it, read more.

The Umbra Loft Vazo Vase ($16.99) may not have a pillar design, but it is a very similar one. At 5.8-x-5.8-x-12.8 inches, it's about half the size of the pillar stand, so it'll certainly hold a smaller, purse-size umbrella. Or, you can use it as a vase! What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Fornasetti Umbrella Stand

CasaSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:15:27 -0800

Since it's rainy and cold right now in the Bay Area, I've been craving a dry, stylish place to keep my umbrella. These umbrella stands ($985) feature Piero Fornasetti motifs. Do they fit the bill?