CasaSugar

Get the Look: Eclectic Open Plan Dining Room

CasaSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:00:59 -0700

This open plan dining room is so eclectic, it's almost silly. But I love it! The mish-mash of the Victorian fireplace with the retro table and lime-green chairs, along with the quirky accents like the oversize letters, baby carriage, and glass dome, create the impression that someone really artsy lives here. But, it doesn't have that messy, bipolar look of some artist studios: it's polished. You can see people entertaining here, especially considering the extra chairs stacked in the corner. I could go on, but I thought I'd just help you get the look in your home, if you dig it as much as I do. To see my finds for re-creating this room, read more.

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Coveted Crib: Laurel's Rainbow Bright Home (Part One)

CasaSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:19:32 -0700

When I knocked on the door of Laurel's home, I knew I was in for a treat. Laurel, a visual artist who works in low-relief wall pieces, bought her two-bedroom, one-bath 1928 Craftsman home from her grandparents five years ago. Since then, the space has been extensively renovated and personalized. Laurel says, "I want people with really different aesthetics and visions to find some humor in my home and to be inspired by it." To come along on a colorful home tour, check out the slideshow. Here, I'll take you through Laurel's amazing collections of furniture and art finds showcased in her living room, dining room, and kitchen.

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Room Therapy: Mixing Styles With Success

CasaSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:45:35 -0700

Hi, Casa!

A friend and I are moving into an apartment together, and we're facing the challenge of decorating and furnishing it. We'd both like to figure out how we can mix vintage, Ikea, and new decorations and furnishings and still make things look good. We have a color palette picked (light green, white, light gray, hints of yellow, and light wood). Any ideas or tips you could give would be great! Thanks!

Tee0206

To see my suggestion, and to leave a suggestion of your own, read more.

Hi Tee,

My house is definitely furnished and decorated with an eclectic mix of pieces as well (we have Ikea chairs around a beautiful, expensive Parsons table, for instance), and I think that most enthusiastic home designers use this same strategy.

I also love the color palette you and your friend are using in your new home. It seems like it will be simultaneously cheerful and meditative, which is a nice combination.

I'm going to direct you to three books that I think are really helpful in mixing styles. The first, though meant for couples, also works great for housemates. The Nest Home Design Handbook has great advice for mixing styles, as well as ways to balance two people's ideas on style and home layout.

Another great resource is written by one of my favorite interior stylists, Selina Lake. Bazaar Style is the perfect inspiration for integrating thrift store finds and flea market furniture into your home. Combine Lake's advice with the inspiration and ideas offered in Found Style, and you'll be well on your way to sorting out your and your friend's combined styles.

Cheers,
Casa

Anyone else have advice for Tee?

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Get the Look: Mary Portas's Brilliant Living Room

CasaSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:30:41 -0700

One of my favorite shelter mags, LivingEtc, recently shot UK retail queen Mary Portas's London home. Her bright, enthusiastic take on color and her eclectic mixing of styles is refreshing. When LivingEtc asked her about her use of bright shades, she responded, "Neutrals just don't make my heart leap." A woman after my own heart!

To find out more about this home, as well as to see some similar pieces that I've rounded up for you, read more.

Mary Portas's show, Mary Queen of Shops, a six-part series broadcast on BBC Two, is currently broadcasting its second season. The show focuses on struggling fashion boutiques that, with a little help from Portas, attempt to turn their businesses around.

Portas's innovation and think-outside-the-box mentality is obvious not only in this show, but in her house as well. I'm absolutely in love with her living room's graceful, teardrop-shaped amber chandelier, which reminds me of a very high-end version of this steal of the day. I found some similar products to those seen in Portas's living room, including that Noguchi lamp. If you're interested in checking out more of this beautiful, eclectic home, see the entire slideshow here.

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Get the Look: A Mix of Styles

CasaSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:15:54 -0700

This living room, from Living Etc, mixes a variety of styles in a recipe that is one part eclectic, one part modern, and one part traditional, creating a look that doesn't seem to follow trends, but is certainly ornate overall. Each piece, be it embroidered, tufted, furry, or antique, but certainly not simple, works well with the others when surrounded by the minimalist white wall. Since this image caught my eye, I figured I'd show you how to Get the Look in your own home. To learn how, read more

When mixing styles like this, it's important not to go overboard. Start with a Chesterfield sofa, in leather perhaps, in a reserved color. Toss a trio of throw pillows on it, each bold in pattern and color, maybe with some embroidery; since the sofa is monochrome, you can get away with busy accent pillows. Throw down a natural toned Flokati rug to add texture and comfort to the room. Lay a Moroccan pouf in a bright color next to use as extra seating or as a footstool. Top the Flokati with a traditional coffee table, an antique in dark wood that's seen a thing or two, if you can find one; this will balance out the mid-century shag of the rug, and the squeaky clean look of the leather couch.

On top of the coffee table, choose a simple bud vase, and a chic box filled with old love letters or your postcard collection — something to keep the guests entertained. Then, for a bit more modernity, pick up an Eames shell chair in white; vintage ones aren't hard to find. Continue the ornate look with a Venetian mirror, stood up against the wall. Stack some art books next to the sofa, and top them with a glass vase filled with some fresh flowers. And last but not least, for the wall behind the sofa hunt down an interesting architectural element to hang, perhaps some sort of salvaged wood or a jigsaw porch bracket from a Victorian home. If you've got space to spare, paint a duo of stretched canvases in a color in your accent pillows that brings the room together. Check out this widget for some furnishings that will help you to Get the Look in your own home.

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What Adjective Best Describes Your Decorating Style?

CasaSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 04:11:00 -0700

Most of us incorporate many styles into our home decor, but if you had to choose one adjective to describe your overall vision, what would it be?

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Desire/Acquire: Eames Walnut Stool

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:00:00 -0800

Charles and Ray Eames have won over my heart but not necessarily my paycheck. Even still, I've had my eye on the duo's iconic Walnut Stools ($829) from the day I spotted them in the corner at Room & Board. Originally made in 1960 for the Time Life Building in New York, the steep price tag is more reflective of modern times. I can't stomach spending nearly a thousand dollars on the splendid stool even if it does double-duty as a foot rest, side table, and extra seating. Fortunately I stumbled upon a similar design but at less than a third of the price. To see the budget-friendly option just read more.
House Eclectic's Spool Stool ($305) is strikingly similar in design and nearly the same exact size as the walnut stools. While it does lack the famous label, beautiful finish, and solid wood construction, it makes up for it with color - the Spool is available in 10 different color choices! The options are endless with this fun replica, but I especially love that a trio of the economical furnishings cost less than just one of the Eames's famed stool.

Which Leigh Lezark Paris Fashion Week Look Is Most Fab?

FabSugar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:00:22 -0800

For those who don't know Leigh Lezark, allow me to introduce the model/famous MisShapes DJ. Not only is she cute and talented, she also has mad styling chops. During Paris Fashion Week, the American beauty made her rounds to runway shows showing off her unique flavor. For the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac show, she mixed black and white prints, giving off the ultimate eclectic vibe. At Christian Dior, she opted for a girly, moody print dress. However, it was John Galliano who brought out her fiery side with a flaming red coat and super fresh heels. She then changed into a black fringed Chanel frock for Karl. At the Kenzo show, Leigh paired a gray jumper with gold brocade jacket. Each outfit had its own quirky cool touch - which was your fave?

Oh Happy Day! Lady Gaga Is Coming to Rock Band

GeekSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:30:57 -0800

Yes, yes, YES! My favorite eclectic, tech-loving music artist, Lady Gaga, is coming to Rock Band. A four-song pack will be released next month including hits "Monster," "Just Dance," "Poker Face," and my absolute favorite sing-along jam, "Bad Romance." Users will be able to download all four songs for $7 and individual songs for $2 each. No word on if the pop star will ever offer a dress-up edition of the game - but if she did, I would be all over that disco bra.

In other Gaga news, she's also rumored to be gearing up to perform an ambitious 3D concert and, of course, releasing a 3D DVD of the performance. I'm guessing these rumors are true considering the deluxe edition of Fame Monster contained a pair of 3D glasses and a promise of "things happening soon."

Get the Look: Feminine, Flirty Dining Room

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0800

This flirty, feminine dining room looks like it belongs to someone who has a great sense of whimsy and fun. I can just imagine how entertaining a Sunday brunch at her home would be, can't you? From the pink walls to the eclectic furniture and accents, it's a look that's both happenstance and perfectly put together.

To get the look, don't be afraid to go girly! This means using pastels, floral patterns, and some grandma-style furniture. Just make sure to break up the effect with some more eccentric accents like imported cushions, kitschy artwork, dried flowers, vintage lamps, and some cool blue and green accessories. To see a few products that'll help you get the look, read more.

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