CasaSugar

Casa Quickie: Scotchguard Your Whites

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:15:39 -0800

Keeping your whites white is a never-ending task, whether you're talking teeth, tennis, or anything, really. When upholstery is the task at hand, Scotchguard can be your saving grace. The product repels liquids and blocks stains, pushing spills away from your fabric so that marks come out easily when washed. It's a great product to use on high-traffic spots like your sofa and chair cushions and arm rests. In most cases, you'll just have to vacuum the dirt off, and give it an occasional wash or spot clean if you've had a big spill. But before you spray it, make sure your upholstery fabric is cotton, wool, silk, polyester or nylon - it can cause bleeding on materials like suede, plastic, or vinyl. If you own a plastic sofa though, I think you've got bigger problems on your hands!

Source: Flickr User Stewf

Desire/Acquire: Ferm Living Treebomb Pillow

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:54 -0800

I absolutely love the Ferm Living Silk Treebomb Pillow ($110). It's really eye-catching and has an ethereal, wintry quality that's just plain dreamy. But, as much as I think sometimes it's worth it to spend upwards of $100 on a pillow, I'm still wary of it because I've seen so many equally arresting designs at more palatable prices. Turns out, there's a pillow that's a near twin to this one, that'll require much less penny pinching. Want to see it?

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.

Coveted Crib: Lovely and Light Near London

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:00:32 -0700

Sometimes we get so caught up with trendy accessories and of-the-moment palettes that we forget to consider the feel of the homes we're creating. It's no secret that all-white rooms have a relaxing effect. But throw natural materials, well-loved hardwood floors, worn upholstery, and a collection of vintage and antique accessories and furnishings into the mix, and what you have is a home that's not concerned with the latest and greatest, but is simply content as is. No shopping list, nothing dated, everything is timeless. This lovely and light Victorian home near London is a wonderful example of that. You'll breathe a sigh of relief when you see it. To take the full tour, read more.

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Get the Look: Casa Angelina on the Amalfi Coast

CasaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:00:01 -0700

Although I've only recently been introduced to Hotel Casa Angelina, a pristine white oasis on the Amalfi Coast, I've already fallen head over heels in love with the place.

Nearly every room is doused in warm white, with the exception of some steel accessories and a natural fiber rug here or there. Rather than appearing sterile or uninspired, it's downright relaxing (even just to look at), and would be the perfect place for a Summer respite. Top that with the coastal views of this cliff-side getaway and you're in heaven. Sadly, a trip to Praiano, Italy, is not in my sights anytime soon, so I thought I'd re-create the look of this Zen space for my own home. See my finds when you read more.

The key to re-creating this room is restraint. Keep it all white, aside from light fixtures and steel chair. And, make sure to use lighting to add warmth to the room. Check out Chez Larsson to learn how to install a built-in desk such as this one in front of a window your home.

Get the Look: A Sunroom Bathed in White

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Browsing through Swedish shelter magazine Sköna Hem, I caught myself daydreaming about dozing off to a scandalous Philippa Gregory novel in this sun-drenched indoor porch. Everything about the space facilitates a three o'clock siesta. The double doors close off the outside world. The cozy, ruffled settee tucks you right into sleep. The nearly all white décor has a visually cleansing effect. The lush green view is dreamlike. And the glamorous crystal chandelier and mirrored sconce give you the royal illusion that you deserve to take naps whenever you feel moved to. Are you convinced yet? See a few finds that will help you replicate this look when you read more.

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Casa Verde: Paint It White

CasaSugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:30:00 -0700

If you've ever read Robert Fulghum's All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, you know that some of life's most important lessons were learned when we were young. One of them might save the world, sort of. As a kid you learned that light-colored surfaces reflect the sun's rays, while dark surfaces absorb them and warm up. Well, have you ever considered applying this simple technology to your home? Obama's energy secretary Steven Chu is pitching painting all rooftops white to curb global warming, saying that, "it’s the equivalent of reducing the carbon emissions due to all the cars on the road for 11 years," if not more. If that's not reason enough for you to paint it white (what do the Stones know?), consider that a reflective rooftop will reduce your air-conditioning costs this Summer, which in turn will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cha-ching! The folks who built New Orleans's Superdome know what I'm talking about.
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Coveted Crib: Black and White and Modern All Over

CasaSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:00:03 -0700

I love too many colors and styles to ever go only black, white, and modern, but I applaud he who has the restraint (and the balls) to do it. I spotted this large Georgian house in Tetbury, a small town in - believe it or not - the Cotswolds, and was blown away. Short of a dab of yellow paint in some artwork and its plush green lawn, the house is all black, white, and gray, and each room is essentially either entirely black or white. This makes matching oh so easy! Is that a cop-out? Beyond that, low-slung, stream-lined furnishings rule, and some modern classics like cowhide rugs and Arne Jacobsen Egg Chairs and glitzy elements like crystal chandeliers and tufted furniture are spattered throughout. It's a very powerful space that's not necessarily what I would personally create for my own home, but I'd kill to stay over a few nights. See more photos and chime in when you read more.

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Etsy Find: PJ Designs Coffee Table

CasaSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:30:19 -0700

Ordering furniture online from an individual seller (eBay, Craigslist, Etsy, etc.) rather than a major retailer is kind of a hassle where shipping is concerned. There aren't necessarily any guarantees, refunds, or other conveniences, and there's certainly no white glove service. But, when you come across a piece like the PJ Designs Coffee Table ($125), which oozes Hollywood Regency style in glossy white paint with a nailhead trim, how can you resist? And, at $125, the table is quite affordable, even if arranging shipping costs you an arm, a leg, and a bottle of Advil.

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Coveted Crib: A Vision in White

CasaSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:30:47 -0700

A Scandinavian home's clean lines and well-chosen antiques are set against a milky white background, which makes the home's seaside locale the center of interest. In this home office, black furnishings, such as the Arne Jacobsen Egg chair, desk, and built-ins, serve as a bold focal point in contrast with the otherwise white space. To take the full tour of this house, check out this slideshow. Source

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