CasaSugar

Su Casa: Minka's Updated Living Room

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Su Casa member Minka has made some updates her living room, and I am thoroughly impressed! Here's what she said about the changes:

I rearranged the pictures on my wall salon-style, so there's room for more. Lots of my friends are photographers, so I'm always snagging work from them. I just got new pillows for my Crate and Barrel couch. The old ones were the same fabric as the couch. I also picked up some John Robshaw pillows on sale and mixed in some white IKEA ones. I covered the couch with a blue sheet to match the color scheme and to protect it from cat hair (I have two kitties that shed a lot).

I think it's a beautiful room. The salon-style arrangement of artwork really creates a strong focal point, and the architecture of the room is ideal. I'm loving her coffee table (great shape!) and chrome armchair, and you know how I love Moroccan poufs. I love the color pairing of her red throw and greenish blue chair as well. Good work, Minka!

Has your home seen any minimakeovers lately? Be sure to add photos and descriptions of your changes to our Su Casa group!
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Steal of the Day: John Robshaw Pondicherry Duvet

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:00:35 -0700

Back in October, I rounded up some stylish finds at HSN, and was surprised to see designs by Nate Berkus, John Robshaw, and Colin Cowie in store. Well, I just revisited and found a slew of stylish finds on sale, and I couldn't help but pass the word along. I'm loving this John Robshaw Pondicherry Duvet ($99.95, reduced from $200). Its soft, teal, hand-blocked medallion print is light and beachy - great for a Summer house. The duvet has a button closure, hand-stitched detailing, and is made from 400 thread count Egyptian cotton. It's definitely a steal if I ever saw one.

Nice and New: John Robshaw Christmas Stocking

CasaSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:30:54 -0800

Not to be a brat or anything, but my family has been using the same gigantic Christmas stockings for more than 20 years, always filled to the brim with lots of goodies. So, at 12" x 21", the John Robshaw Block Printed Holly Stockings ($70 each) won't do for me, but they're certainly stylish enough to hang on the mantel simply as décor in my home. Available with a mistletoe, candy cane, or peppermint pattern, they're quite festive and would also make a wonderful gift for anyone you know who's building up their collection of holiday décor. What do you think?

Roundup: Stylish Finds at HSN

CasaSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:00:54 -0700

The Home Shopping Network has bewildered me since the '90s. I never understood the phenomenon, why people get so attached to it . . . and more importantly, why people would buy all that crap. But, as it turns out, HSN does actually sell some stylish items, particularly in the home décor department. Interior designer Nate Berkus, beloved by Oprah Winfrey, carries an exclusive home collection with the retailer-cum-television-network, as well as textile designer John Robshaw and party planner to the stars Colin Cowie. HSN actually also has a handful of both classic and trendy pieces that are quite stylish, I must say, but not necessarily by a recognizable brand.

Curious if HSN's home items could fit into your casa? Then read more.
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Casa Shops: John Robshaw Online

CasaSugar — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 10:36:57 -0800

John Robshaw, who uses traditional printing, dying and weaving techniques to create his beautiful textiles, just opened an online storefront. I've seen his wonderful rouge floral quilts everywhere lately, including on Design*Sponge's bed. His e-commerce site sells bedding, duvets, shams, quilts, throws, pillows, pillowcases, sheets, tablecloths, crib sets, and even clothing. The inventory is still in its pre-order phase now, but most items are expected to ship by next week. I personally would love to have one of his patterned throw pillows for my solid-colored sofa. Wish list!

Sale Alert: Garnet Hill's Winter Clearance Sale

CasaSugar — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:30:41 -0800

From now through Jan. 12, save big on everything from bedding to rugs and more at Garnet Hill in the store's Winter Clearance Sale.

There are plenty of great deals. I love these John Robshaw Trellis Percale Sheets (originally $168, now on sale for $114). These Bamboo Bath Accessories (originally $28 to $68, now on sale for $18 to $44) would also be great for organizing your bathroom. Be sure to check out the whole sale for deals on rugs, quilts, and much more!

Casa Interview, Part I: Domino Founding Editor Deborah Needleman (and an Awesome Giveaway!)

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:54 -0700

We design enthusiasts will admit that Domino will always hold a special place in our hearts - and bookshelves. But it was the stable of talented, creative people that truly made the beloved magazine an influence and an inspiration. So I was so delighted to have the chance to catch up with the founding editor-in-chief of Domino and co-author of Domino: The Book of Decorating, Deborah Needleman. It should come as no surprise that she hasn't lost her knack and passion for design.

Deborah's latest project is an exciting, interactive tool that she's created for HomeGoods, called StyleScope, which helps you find your own interior design style and learn to navigate the vast world of décor options. Home Goods, I hope you know, is a wonderful place to find designer home décor at prices 20 to 60 percent lower than department stores, and is also one of my favorite resources for stylish accessories. Deborah was kind enough to share some of her thoughts and tips on design and curating a stylish home that's uniquely you, and give us the lowdown on her life these days!

What are you working on these days? Any exciting projects on the horizon for you?
I am really enjoying the idea of just doing projects, consulting, writing, gardening - I probably shouldn't admit it, but it's quite a good relief to not be working so hard and to have a break from the pressure. I am considering on a couple book projects - one on table settings, another on decorators' gardens, and a more personal book on growing vegetables and flowers.

Before Domino, I was a garden writer - and it's nice to have time to garden like mad again. I'm also talking to people and companies about designing furniture and accessories and starting up new businesses. Sometimes I feel like I'm a professional meeting-taker. Last night the former creative director of Domino [Sara Ruffin Costello] and I hatched a plan to try to redesign all the ugly products at Duane Reade like Kleenex boxes, toothpaste, and shaving cream!

To read the rest of the interview, read more.

For the Summer, I'm just hanging out with my children, gardening, and being as lazy as possible. I've loved working with HomeGoods because oddly the store is a well-kept secret among design snobs - and I love spreading the word about great design sources. That was what Domino was about: sharing ideas and resources. And creating a style quiz was something we wanted to do but never got around to at Domino.

What current trends do you think have staying power?

Decorating that has personality and a sense of reality rather than rooms that are too matchy or too perfect. Rooms that are stiff and lifeless really depress me!! Mixing high and low design and price points will remain chic, and not simply for economic reasons - it shows personality and confidence. Also, now that nearly everyone is interested in design, there is no going back. It's a better decorated world than it used to be, and that is so nice!

What are your favorite go-to resources for furniture? How about accessories?

I am decorating my house upstate (well, really former Domino editor Rita Konig is!) and I can't get enough of the fabrics, rugs, cushions, and accessories from John Robshaw, Madeleine Weinrib, and John Derian.

What’s your number one tip for finding great bargains?
I am married to a man who will buy something truly awful because he "saved so much." Something is only a great bargain if you would want it even if it cost more. I learned from Domino editor Dara Caponigro to never let anything in my house I don't love. Even free stuff is not a bargain if you don't need or love it - it is junk, clutter. Also, you must know your own style more if you're wading through a flea market or garage sale than if you're in a boutique where the owner has done all the taste-editing for you already!

What types of furnishings should one splurge on/invest in? Any to cut back on?

It's so personal. It really only matters what matters to you. I believe in expensive sheets. I like sleeping, and good sheets are a wonderful indulgence.

How did working at Domino influence your own decorating habits or design choices?
As a reader, I craved a magazine like Domino because I was a person who I felt had good taste, but not great style, if you know what I mean. I could never make a decision because I could never decide who I was stylistically or how to express myself!! I surrounded myself at the magazine with people who I thought had great taste and great style (and all rather different style sensibilities actually), and who were all also really smart and nice - so they could teach me and the readers simultaneously. I learned to edit! I learned I could have a lot of different styles I like but just not all at once!!! And I learned to both be braver and to loosen up more. You can't avoid making some mistakes. But truthfully, I also learned that there is a lot to learn, that decorating well isn't easy, and that there are people way better at it than me - and that I still want their help! I love the advice of experts. Sadly, for me, the more I know, the more I know I don't know! Domino also made me realize how important decorating can be to the life of a home, and the life of a family.

This interview will be continued, so stay tuned for more. And we have a special giveaway for you CasaSugar readers on the way! One of you lucky readers will win a $500 gift card to HomeGoods. Check back for the rest of the interview and details about the giveaway tomorrow!

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00:47 -0800

You'll flip over this fabulous dining room.- Sfgirlbybay
Create your own custom holiday card with Dwell.- Design Milk
Parsons is offering an MFA program in Interior Design.- UnBeige
John Robshaw is having a NYC sample sale this weekend.- Style Court
Find a perfect pie pan for your Thanksgiving party.- YumSugar
Hey boozehound! Need a bar stool? Here's a few dozen.- Design*Sponge
It's almost 2009. What you need is a wall calendar to blissfully live with.- Shelterrific
When it rains it pours. Make sure you know how to repair and install your gutter.- Charles and Hudson

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Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

AT:Chicago gives us a sneak peek at Target's new homewares for Fall.
2Modern discovers Wis Design's ultrachic upcycling.
Design*Sponge tours Nancy Lendved's romantic and rustic Georgia home.
YumSugar rounds up some fabulous fruit bowls.
Re-Nest finds a futon frame transformed into a gate.
Decor8 lights up our life with a serious selection of pendant lamps.
More Ways to Waste Time introduces us to the divine designs of Feinedinge Porcelain.
Daily Dose tells us about John Robshaw's new blog, Chai Talk.

Photographer to Watch: Ellie Miller

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:00:15 -0700

Brooklyn-based photographer Ellie Miller shoots food, interiors, and kids for a wealth of notable editorial clients, including Bon Appétit, ELLE Decor, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, and Real Simple, as well as home décor clients like John Robshaw Textiles. Not only does she have an impressive client list, but her photographs are magnificent — filled with natural light and conveniently, beautifully styled décor. To see a gallery of her work, read more.

View 14 Photos ›

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