CasaSugar

Do You Have Café Curtains?

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:00:51 -0700

A café curtain is a style of curtain that only covers the bottom half of the window. It basically offers a bit of privacy while still allowing you to enjoy your view. I normally find them too country and kitschy for my tastes, but this chic and simple white linen one is making me reconsider. Do you have one?

Photo by Simon Brown

Cool Idea: BloomFrame Balcony

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:00:22 -0700

BloomFrame, designed by Amsterdam-based Hofman Dujardin Architects, is the coolest thing since slicest bread. Essentially it is a window frame that transforms into a balcony with a flip of a switch. In addition to at least five other awards, the design won the Wallpaper* Design Award 2009 in the most life-enhancing category, which is well deserved. If you live in a compact city apartment, it allows you to step outside and enjoy your own private outdoor space. It's available in a range of sizes, materials, and colors to be customized to your builiding. The only problem I see with it is that when the balcony opens, it lets outdoor air (and bugs) into your apartment. Watch the video! The music is pretty funny!

Do You Keep Potted Plants on Your Windowsill?

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:00:28 -0700

From a plant's perspective, a sunny window is an ideal place to live. But setting a few potted plants on your windowsill can also liven up an otherwise dull surface. Do you keep potted plants on your windowsill?Photo by Todd Selby

Casa Quickie: Paint the Frame

CasaSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:30:24 -0700

Save the acres of tabletop and wall space we have indoors, there's only so much space to personalize on the exterior of our homes. Landscaping demands upkeep and time. Beyond that, there are limited places to use accessories and hardware outside. Painting, on the other hand, is a simple way to make your home stand out from its neighbors - especially now that you know how to paint your home's exterior. I recommend choosing a neutral color for your home's siding, and using color on your shutters. One way to make the most of this is to paint the frame of your window. That additional sliver of color anchors your shutters, making them a focal point rather than an accent. Have you tried this trick on your home?

Photo by Tara Donne

How Would You . . .

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:00:15 -0800

This ornate pair of cypress wood Chinese Window Panels ($3,750) originally had an architectural (yet decorative) purpose in 19th century China. But, their greek key pattern, which is very popular these days, certainly gives the screen a sort of à la mode flair. I'd love to see them used in a home's interior, rather than its structure, and I'm wondering what ideas you have for them. I'm thinking they'd look quite unique used as a great headboard, coffee-table top, mirror frame, or even a hanging pot rack. The possibilities are endless. What are your thoughts? Tell me by commenting below!

Casa Query: Do You Leave the Windows Open?

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:15:28 -0700

I love to leave my windows and doors wide open, so I can enjoy the breeze when I'm indoors and out. That is, if lovely Spring or Summer weather is in full effect, and it's not frostbite-temperature time. But, I recently had some house guests who did not share my sentiment, and I realized the house can feel a bit claustrophobic when it's sealed completely shut! It's also nice just to have air circulation, which I suppose otherwise you can just get with a fan.
Tell me, do you leave your windows and doors open? Or, do you live behind closed doors?
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Casa Quickie: Window Streaks

CasaSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:00:01 -0700

Got streaks? Use horizontal strokes when cleaning your windows inside, and vertical strokes outside. That way, if you wind up with streaks on your windows, you'll know automatically which side of the window they're coming from. You can also use household vinegar to get outdoor windows sparkling clean. But, don't wash them when it's really sunny; they'll streak if they dry too quickly. It's these little things that make life so much easier . . .
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Sale Alert: The Company Store Home Décor and More Sale

CasaSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:06 -0700

The Company Store, a great resource for basic home décor items, is currently offering significant discounts on window, furniture, rug, accessory, organic bed and bath, and custom items. Whether you're in the market for a mod Flokati, a classic sisal, a simple side table, a fresh set of organic towels, or a custom storage bench, they're bound to have something for you. Or, feel free to snatch up all of the above, just make sure you save something for me. Here are a few things I wouldn't mind calling my own.

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Recipe For Clean: Window Cleaner

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:00:23 -0700

Have you assembled your home cleaning kit yet? If you have, you're in luck, because I have a great Recipe For Clean for getting your windows sparkling. Use it on glass surfaces, windows, and mirrors to get all of these reflective surfaces so fresh and so clean.

Supplies

1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle

To find out the steps for this DIY, just read more

Carefully pour all of the ingredients into a spray bottle.
Put the bottle top on, and give the mixture a good shake.
Use just as you would a regular glass cleaner!

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Casa Quickie: Security Bar Makeover

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:50 -0700

If you live in a city rental with security bars on your windows, I don't blame you for wanting to tear them off. But that wouldn't be safe, would it? You can kick the penitentiary look and perk up those windows by hanging photos and souvenirs on them with some cute, decorative magnets or super strong and tiny Mighties magnets. Don't try to fight them; embrace them! You'll never be happier behind bars.
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