CasaSugar

Coveted Crib: Twilight's Cullen Family House

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:30:48 -0800

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live like a vampire, let me tell you: it can be pretty sweet. That is, if you're a member of Twilight's Cullen Family. The 100-plus-year-old vampires don't live in a decaying lair, but a stunning contemporary house that would incite jealousy in any mere mortal. I actually showed you this house back in February, when I featured the 4,300-square-foot home's architect. The home was designed by Portland, OR-based Skylab Architecture - a name that very well suits the towering structure. Architect Jeff Kovel originally built the home as a spec house, but to no surprise, it sold after only two days on the market to Director of Footwear Design at Nike, John Hoke. If you caught the romantic fantasy, you'll remember that the interior is just as phenomenal as the exterior. I personally swooned more over Edward Cullen's "bedroom" than over brooding Robert Pattinson himself. But just to jog your memory, check out photos when you read more.

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Do You Have Wood Paneling?

CasaSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:27 -0800

Unless it is painted, I usually find wood paneling too dark and rustic for my taste, and sometimes it just looks too dated. But in Fall and Winter, it has a cozy effect that I enjoy, especially if there is a fire roaring nearby. Do you have wood paneling?

Photo by Maura McEvoy

Have You Ever Lived in a Victorian?

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:07 -0700

From the ornate exteriors to the charming nooks and detailing on the interiors, Victorians are definitely pretty homes. Some of the ones I've lived in, though, have been pretty drafty and needed a lot of upgrades. However, when they're refurbished, they're completely lovely.

Source: Flickr User David Paul Ohmer

Cool Idea: Garage Door Façade

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:16 -0700

When architect Bill Peterson decided to renovate his 16-foot-wide brownstone in Manhattan's East Village, he was determined not to be drastically modern. He wanted to maintain some of the circa-1869 building's history, but at the same time, wanted to use new technologies. The result? Trickery.

He built a façade for the structure's second floor, which can be raised like a garage door in just a few minutes, opening up to its modern living room. The feature offers a Manhattanite a rare thing: private outdoor space (well, semi-private). For safety, an ultra clear glass barrier was installed as a barrier. And to keep bugs and heat out, an air curtain wall system shooting high velocity air from the ceiling was used. Pretty clever, eh? Since the revealing façade is on the second floor, pedestrians can't really see in, and the trees across the street block some neighbors from seeing inside. But really, it's a living room, not a bedroom, so who really cares? See a photo of the living room with "the door" closed.

Love It or Hate It? Curvy Concrete House

CasaSugar — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:30:20 -0700

This curvaceous, concrete home in Argentina was designed with a minimal footprint and unusual lines. Do you like the look, or is it too outside-the-box for you?

Coveted Crib: Alys Beach Homes

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:00:14 -0700

I just came across Alys Beach, a community of resort homes on the Florida Panhandle, and I am completely infatuated with the place. With beautiful white stucco walls and white-ridged roofs, it's a cross between English and Spanish architecture with classic, old-world charm.

It's also outfitted with every modern convenience, and each home is built using green construction techniques. Many homes have gracious, private, and storm-resistant courtyards such as this one, but the community also has spacious central courtyards for getting to know neighbors. And with gorgeous ocean views, rooftop terraces are another luxury. As for the interiors, they're as magnificent as the exteriors with tall, vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, rich wooden ceiling beams, and a minimal, antique industrial aesthetic. Take the full tour of this house when you read more.

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Would You Want a Floating Staircase?

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:00:14 -0700

I've seen a few floating staircases in the past and they certainly look cool. But I think I'm too much of a wimp not to have a banister. And they're definitely not very safe for children or the elderly. Would you want one in your house?

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Do You Have a Corner Fireplace?

CasaSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:00:55 -0700

I spotted this image in the portfolio of Swedish stylist Sasa Antic and I thought it was peculiar, or at least unusual, to have a fireplace in the corner of a room. On the other hand, sometimes we feel forced to design a room around a fireplace that's centered on a wall. The idea of having one in a corner is actually appealing to me. It gives you the warmth and cozy effect of a crackling fire, but your focal point can be elsewhere, such as an arrangement of chairs or TV. Do you have one?

Would You Attend an Architecture Fantasy Camp?

CasaSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:15:41 -0700

Created for nonarchitects, the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Fantasy Camp takes place at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, IL, from Oct. 4-7. No architecture experience is necessary, and the designer you are paired with will help you create a cottage, remodel your kitchen, or even create a dream home. Does this sound like your idea of a fun time?

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Do You Have a Stucco Home?

CasaSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:00:05 -0700

Traditionally, stucco consists of cement mixed with water, sand, and lime. While the material became a popular finish for homes in the 20th century, stucco techniques have been around since the time of ancient Greece. Is your home stucco?

Source: Flickr User Jeremy Levine Design