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Decorating Ideas to Steal From Season Three of Mad Men

CasaSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:00:50 -0700

While I didn't think it was possible, this season of Mad Men is proving to be even better than the last two. Of course, the fabulous decor is always a plus. See some of my favorite finds from the first six episodes of season three, and find out how you can get the look in your own casa. (Don Draper not included, sigh.) Photo courtesy of AMC

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Stylish or Silly? Robert Picault Ceramic Bird Table Lamp

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0800

I like a dose of whimsy in my home, a little cheek here and there. This 1950s Robert Picault Ceramic Bird Table Lamp (inquire for price) reminds me of the Jonathan Adler Giraffe Lamps; both have shades incorporated into the animal-theme design. It's definitely not your average table lamp, that's for sure! Do you like it? Or is it for the birds?

Etsy Find: Argyle Midcentury Shelving Unit

CasaSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:00:34 -0700

I'm not much of a prepster, but I've always appreciated the graphic goodness of argyle. The diamond checkerboard pattern has a unique three-dimensional quality that's simply eye-catching. But, don't get any ideas: I won't be sporting an argyle sweater vest any time soon. I'd certainly integrate the Lunar Lounge Argyle Midcentury Shelving Unit into my apartment, though! The multifunctional storage system can store all types of media and decorative items and also serve as a room divider (great for a studio), allowing privacy without adding a visual heaviness to the space. Although it's a midcentury design, I think it still looks modern and fresh.

In the News: The Midcentury Anti-Garden

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:30:29 -0700

LA Times' More Stark Than the Desert Around Them takes an alarming note of the growing trend of "extending the spareness of home interiors into the garden, and wiping out natural habitat in the process," by midcentury modern homeowners in Palm Springs. These midcentury mod enthusiasts have begun to replace the natural and/or traditional landscapes surrounding their homes with minimalist "gardens" made simply of gravel, lawn, or geometrically-shaped arrangements of cacti and grass, or shaved palm trees. This new terrain is quite the departure from those surrounding well-known designs by 1950s architects like Albert Frey and William Krisel.
On one hand, it's nice to see homeowners realizing the relationship between the architecture of their home and their landscaping, and putting extra thought into it rather than accepting what already exists or what's "the norm" for homes of different architectural styles. But it's also sad to hear that "fig and lemon trees planted there 40 years before by the original owner" are being ripped out. I'm all for designing appropriately for architecture and climate, but this type of starkness will lead to erosion and desertification; a little tasteful xeriscaping, much more appropriate and eco-friendly for the Palm Springs climate, seems to be the perfect compromise. To see more images, check out the gallery.

Desire/Acquire: Midcentury Studio Stool

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:51 -0700

I love the look of the Sundance Catalog's Midcentury Studio Stool ($245). The varnished raw steel has an understated, industrial look that seems as fitting for a bistro or bar counter as a kitchen or home office. At 27 inches tall and 17 inches wide, they're also a great size - big enough but not too hefty. Unfortunately, if you want someone else to sit at your countertop with you, it'll cost you five Benjamins. Ouch. See a more affordable alternative when you read more.

With the same industrial look and practically exact form, the Set of Two Tabouret 24" Metal Counter Stools ($99.95) is a steal! You can get yourself four for less than the price of one of Sundance's stools.

Are You Bored With the Mid-Century Look?

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 03:35:19 -0800

Reader vunder says, "I'm kind of bored with the mid century look. I am surprised it is still so trendy." Do you agree?

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Shia LaBeouf Moves to Sherman Oaks

CasaSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:00:19 -0700

It seems as if Transformers star Shia LeBeouf is moving on to bigger and better digs. According to RealEstalker, Shia has moved into a stunning 1958 modern home in Sherman Oaks, CA, which he snapped up for $1.825 million.

This is a beautiful piece of real estate, and while I may question Shia's taste in movie roles, I'm not arguing with his taste in midcentury homes. With massive expanses of glass throughout, the 2,463-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom home makes up in charm what it lacks in ostentation.

To take the full tour, read more.

While I'm not so sure about the saltillo tile floors throughout much of the living space, I'm a fan of almost everything else about this home. I covet the L-shaped pool, the expansive kitchen, and the paneled ceilings. I can't wait to see how Shia dresses this place up - hopefully he'll restrain from hanging framed posters from Transformers.

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Su Casa: A Cool and Modern Sunroom

CasaSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:00:16 -0700

Su Casa member Nikolem2 recently posted photos of her gorgeous sunroom, and I love her mix of furnishings, as well as the color palette she used.

She writes, "These are photos of the sunroom in my 1920s bungalow. After living in this house for almost two years and working on collecting furniture and making it our own, this is our first truly completed room! It has a mix of truly vintage furniture, new furniture with a vintage feel, and some modern touches."

There's so much I love about this room, from the restrained use of color to the pop of turquoise thanks to the Eames rocker in the corner. I'm also coveting her midcentury-modern stereo cabinet. For more photos of the room, read more.

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On the Market: A Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Central California

CasaSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:00:51 -0700

If you have a love for midcentury architecture and $2.7 million to spare, then consider moving to California's Central Valley to live in the beautiful, wonderfully maintained Fawcett House. This 3,700-square-foot home was designed by the famous modern architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1955, and it was completed in 1961, two years after Wright died. The six-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home is situated on 80 acres, and hunkers down into the farming landscape, with a low-pitched roof and angular wings that reach out into the fields.

The home was owned by Randall and Harriet Fawcett, who raised four children lived, worked, and died within its walls. The couple were ardent lovers of Wright's architecture, and even though the home's construction was delayed by a few years, they were always enthusiastic about their house.

To see interior and exterior photos of the Fawcett house, read more.

Designed in a modified U-shape, the home's rooms feature Wright's signature designs, including stained glass windows, concrete walls, built-ins, and expansive walls of glass that look out onto the home's swimming pool and gardens. The impressively large living room fireplace dominates the room, at six feet tall by twelve feet wide. The home also features woodwork from George Nakashima, as well as gorgeous Japanese garden design from Fresno-based landscape architect Jim Kamimato.

A recent San Francisco Chronicle article notes that

The building, while not among Wright's best known, is an articulate expression of his design philosophy at the latter stage of his career. He was attempting to create a uniquely North American architectural lexicon, free from classical and European influences, that also eliminated unnecessary elements to ensure homes were within reach of the middle (or at least upper-middle) class.

Interested? Contact the Fawcett House for information on touring or purchasing the house.

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Nice and New: Fresh Finds at Ferm Living

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:00:33 -0800

One of my favorite wallpaper retailers, Ferm Living, has a few new things in store that I'm really loving. First of all, I think the way this Sewing Kit Wall Sticker ($57.50) is staged is absolutely hilarious. I think it would be clever to use it around a window or doorway in your home, especially one that doesn't have a lot of molding. See a few other new things when you read more.

I'm really digging the graphic, prismatic pattern of the new Monroe Wallpaper ($126.50). The black and gold have a really midcentury vibe, so I'd like to see it in other colors. But I think this would look great in a man's home office or small powder room with a statement-making chandelier.

I also absolutely adore the pattern and the palette of the new Peacock Pillow ($110). I only wish it complemented the colors in my home.

And last but certainly not least, the Tree Bomb Thermo Mug ($33) is so glam and hip. I'd use it to store jewelry or knickknacks, or as a votive holder.