CasaSugar

How To: Wash Your Sheets

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:00:42 -0700

Ask the Decorator online home-improvement and decorating show host Meghan Carter interviewed Alan Jesseman, the creative director at Anichini, to learn the right way to wash your sheets. He offered some expert tips on the task, some of which may make you realize you've been doing it all wrong! I've summarized a few for you:

Sheets should always be washed; you don't want dry-cleaning chemicals close to your body.
Use a mild detergent or soap, something that doesn't have any whiteners or brighteners, and something that has minimal fragrance or colorings to it.
Test oxygen bleaches on a corner before using to make sure it won't take the color out.

There's more where these came from and a video of the interview, so read more.

Always dissolve your detergent in the water first and let it agitate for a minute before you put the clothes in.
Everything will last longer if you use a front-loading washer; they're much more gentle because they don't have the agitator in the middle.
Hot water is very harsh on the fibers and colors, and will shorten the lifespan of your sheets. Use cool or lukewarm water.
If you line dry your sheets, the wind will blow most of the wrinkles out of them, and you won't get lint (a sign of your sheets breaking down). If you live in a city and can't line dry, use your dryer on the air tumble (fluff dry) cycle.
Take your sheets out of your dryer before they're bone dry (hot and dry) because that's hard on the fibers.
Sheets smell best if you line dry them in the snow!

Check out Ask the Decorator for more videos and tips like these!

Ask Casa: Elle Decor Black and White Striped Rug

CasaSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:00:26 -0700

Dear Casa, I was thumbing through the July/Aug 09 issue of Elle Decor last night and fell in love with Monelle Totah's striped black and white rug on page 71. Any ideas on where I can find that rug or a similar one? I love the triple-stripe look. The Ikea rug is an off-white, and looks too busy, so I've already ruled that one out. Thanks for your help!! Pookie17To hear my suggestions for Pookie17, read more.

Hi there, Thanks for thinking of me! That's a beautiful rug; I can see why you asked. My first thought was that the rug is from Williams-Sonoma Home, seeing as Tonah is the company's VP of design and owns many other W-S Home furnishings. But, I checked out the shop and it's not in their current selection of inventory - although it very well may be an older design. She also takes regular scouting trips to Europe and points beyond, so it may be an antique. Nevertheless, here are some similar rugs which you might like:

The Nate Berkus Kilim Stripe Rug ($23-159) has varying width stripes, but it's not available in black. Otherwise, Dash and Albert is my go-to place for cotton striped rugs, and you might also want to check eBay and your local antiques dealers and flea markets, as it's certainly a classic design.

Ask Casa: Decorating With White Fairy Lights

CasaSugar — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:30:27 -0800

Dear CasaSugar,

I love the white twinkle lights. But I cannot figure out a good thing to do with them in my new apartment that does not make it look like a college dorm room. Do you have any tips for me? Thank you in advance!

Liz313

Liz, I have many ideas for you! Check out the slideshow for inspiration. I hope this helps. - CasaSugar

View Slideshow ›

Ask Casa: Decorating With a Puppy in Mind

CasaSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:34 -0700

Hi Casa,

We've just recently adopted an adorable puppy, and we're having a great time with her. The only problem is she's taken over the house! We had to move and hide anything she might eat or chew, so our living room and bookcases look empty.

Our kitchen is overwhelmed by her dog bed, and her doggy toys are scattered all over. Plus there's always that dog "smell." I know we need to just find the right system of organization and storage that will be safe for her and attractive to us, but I don't even know where to start! Any suggestions or tips?

Thanks!
Alex

To see my suggestions, read more.

Hi Alex,

As it happens, I'm pretty well-versed on this one, since my husband and I adopted a puppy back in June (that's him lounging on a friend's sofa a few months ago). It's been eight years since I dealt with a puppy, and I'd forgotten how much work it is! Here are the most helpful things that I've gleaned from my experience of living with, and decorating around, a puppy.

During the day, the puppy is crated, so I usually air out his dog bed on our deck, to keep it smelling fresh. This helps cut the doggy smell.
To organize his toys, I placed a blue tin bucket in one corner. It's actually a really cute container in itself. While Haiko, our puppy, will take his toys out (and won't return them, sigh), it's easier to just toss them all in this bucket once he's abandoned one. This keeps us from tripping over bones and balls, and also keeps the house tidier.
Try to teach your puppy to enjoy one place in common areas as her spot. You can do this by placing her bed in that area, and then rewarding her with praise and treats when she stays there. Eventually, she'll settle in that spot.
I sympathize with you and your empty bookshelves, but don't worry, your puppy will grow out of the chewing stage. I'd try replacing your books little by little. Make sure to sternly tell your pup "No!" if she tries to chew on them, and give her a Kong or bone when she approaches your books. Our puppy went through a long chewing phase, but with simple reprimands and redirecting, he's now left our books and records alone.
To cut down on the doggy smell further, air out your house by opening windows. You can also try a natural air freshener or Nature's Miracle to eliminate odors.
Since doggy smells tend to stick to upholstery, keeping your pets off of furniture will reduce doggy smells as well. If you can't bear to keep your pup off the sofa or bed, you can try laying down a fleece blanket where your puppy usually rests. Make sure to regularly wash the blanket to cut down on smells.
You might also want to look into investing in a dog bed that will fit into your decorating scheme easier. Check out these dog beds on PetSugar for more ideas.

Anyone else have a great puppy strategy? Tell Alex about it when you leave a comment.

Hope this helps!
Casa

Come Party With Me: Half-Birthday Housewarming - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:15:07 -0700

The decorations for my half-birthday housewarming will be kept to a minimum because it's a time for friends to check out my new living space. I don't want to clutter it with gaudy balloons and flowing streamers. Instead, I'll create a party atmosphere with glowing lights, lots of candles, and fresh Spring flowers arranged in low vases. I'll serve the feast of Italian appetizers on different-shaped white plates and wooden boards.

The cupcakes will go in my cupcake tower and the cocktail will be poured in my collection of Champagne coupes. The walls are bare, but I've made an inspiration board. To encourage guests to add their ideas, I'll cover a large portion of an accessible wall with butcher paper. A bowl full of good markers will sit next to the paper and I'll ask everyone to tell me how I should decorate!

Have you recently hosted a housewarming? What special touches made your party memorable?

Money Tip: Try These 5 Savvy Weekend Saving Tips

SavvySugar — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:00:23 -0800

Another weekend rolls around, and it's our cue to unwind and enjoy some free time with friends. One thing that shouldn't be on your weekend agenda is letting your financial smarts fly out the window. Instead, keep your budget balanced and stay in control of your cash, even while you're making plans to see friends, shop, and catch some weekend entertainment - there's a way to do it all without surrendering your savvy resolve.

Become a Mix Master - To avoid going over budget this weekend, let the rules of mixing high- and low-end purchases guide you. If you've splurged on a great bottle of wine, then do dinner at home to balance out your expenses, and keep from overspending.
Question Your Purchases - Don't forbid yourself from shopping altogether - we all know strict deprivation can pave the way for binging, so don't go there. Instead, be smart about the way you shop, and to prevent going overboard on your purchases, ask yourself these four important questions to see if the item is really worth it.
Learn to Do Something New - Take the focus off of spending when you learn how to DIY your own home accessories or repair your own clothing. Mastering these kinds of helpful tasks at home means you won't have to spend extra money on home decor or on a seamstress.

Learn more ways to save after the jump

Ask Casa: How Can I Create an Old Hollywood Starlet Pad?

CasaSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:00:39 -0700

Twitter user DefDulce asked me a question which, judging from current trends, I think is on a lot of young decorators' minds: "How can you turn an ordinary apartment into an old Hollywood starlet pad?"

Without seeing her apartment, I can't offer specific, tailored changes or updates. So I thought I'd respond by offering a few key elements essential to any old Hollywood home. Choosing just a few of them will give your home that overtone of glitz and glamour so evocative of Old Hollywood style.

Lacquer your furniture! And if you can't afford to, high gloss paint will do.
Choose rich materials like silk and velvet for drapery and tablecloths.
Bring in luxe details: crystals on chandeliers, fringe on lampshades, gilt accessories.

See more of these.

How-To: Decorate Your Fireplace Mantel

CasaSugar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 -0800

I can't tell you how many friends have come to me asking one thing: "How should I decorate my mantel?" They either have too many options or don't know where to start. Or, they're worried that without investing in art, it won't look finished. Well, friends, let me tell you . . . styling your fireplace mantel is one of the most fun decorating tasks - and you don't need a penny to do it! Come along and take a few tips from me on dressing that little ledge to the nines.

Source: Flickr User megrje

View Slideshow ›

Assisted Living: Decorating PartySugar's New Digs

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0800

PartySugar asked the Assisted Living group for help decorating her new place:

Hey readers! I just moved and need to start decorating my new place. I have tons of white walls and am open to affordable and creative ideas. The bad news is, I can't paint because I don't own the place. I took a bunch of photos of the space now. It's a studio. I'm going with brown as a base color and pink, turqioise, and green as accents. I've also included photos of my inspiration board. Think Moroccan-inspired prints, leopard, and lots of textures. How should I decorate?

With her inspiration board and limited budget in mind, I've rounded up a few products that might help PartySugar achieve the look she's going for. I also have a few suggestions for her to keep in mind while she's shopping. Want to see my thoughts and offer your own?

Get Jeff Leatham's Look For the Ultimate Oscar Party

partysugar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:50:52 -0800

If you're hosting an Oscars viewing party this Sunday, chances are you've already thought about the food and drinks. Thus, it's time to figure out the decorations! With a few simple steps you can transform your everyday living room into a set worthy of the stars. I asked celebrity floral designer Jeff Leatham for his tips on creating the ultimate Oscars look. Jeff is the artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and stars on TLC's Flowers Uncut. He's arranged flowers for everyone from Eva Longoria to Kylie Minogue, and now I've got his secrets to share with you, after the break.