CasaSugar

Guess What This Chair Is Made From?

CasaSugar — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:30:00 -0700

Spanish design studio Bel & Bel has created an exclusive, limited-edition series of chairs made from old parts found in a scrap yard. After being restored and set on castors, now the chairs can move, but not as fast as the original. Can you guess what these chairs are made from? Parts from an old _________?

Name This Patina!

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700

This Hollywood Regency Vintage Metal Stool ($450) from Bond & Bowery has a turquoise-y green patina that's appropriate for its age, seeing as it was built in the 1940s. There's a common name for this sort of coating that forms when copper, brass, or bronze are exposed to air or seawater over a period of time. Do you know the word that describes this patina?

Nice and New: Pottery Barn Woven Cafe Chair

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0700

One of the greatest things about eating at an outdoor café is being one of the lucky ones who scores a seat in the sun. But on those perfect Spring days when the café chairs at your favorite boulange have all been scooped up, you're not completely at a loss. Head home with a baguette in hand and re-create the look of that sunny sidewalk station at your home with Pottery Barn's new Woven Cafe Chair ($199). Crafted from all-weather synthetic, the chair has the look of woven rattan without all the hassle. Just add lemonade, and you'll be set through the Summer.

Desire/Acquire: Eames La Chaise

CasaSugar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:00 -0800

It's no secret that I adore most everything, OK everything, that has the Eames label attached to it. Unfortunately, I can't afford one bit of it . . . until now. The Eames La Chaise ($9,475) has had me drooling for a while, especially the red-hot one used by Ben Affleck. But for that price, I'd rather something with doors, four wheels, and a gas tank. Alas, someone has knocked the design right off and given us not-so-flush folks the opportunity to pretend we live like royalty. To see the impressive copycat lounger, read more.
Can't tell the difference? Neither could I. The Alphaville Design Deco Chaise is about what the taxes would be on the authentic version - $1,149! It's still not cheap but it beats the original asking price. That is, unless you want the real deal. Which one would you buy?

Would You Wear Your Favorite Chair Around Your Neck?

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0800

Montreal-based Bruxe Design has created a line of pendants inspired by iconic midcentury modern chairs, such as Eero Saarinen's Tulip Chair and Charles and Ray Eames's DCW chair. The miniature furniture necklaces, appropriately called Tiny Little Chairs ($140-$1,600) and available in sterling silver, bronze, and 10K gold, allow you to show the world your love for design, whether you're sitting in your living room or not. Would you wear one?

How-To: Drum Up a Side Table

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0800

A sunny Sunday and a rockin' antique fair make for one happy salvage queen. Inspired by the musical coffee table I spotted recently, I saw a few skins at a local flea market that caught my attention. While I don't need a coffee table, the size of these green guys had me thinking hmmm . . . side table!

Since I don't live in Smurf village, I realized I would need give it some height somehow. I could add pegs but knew that would take some time and effort. I didn't want this project to end up in my basement never to be seen again. So I started hunting for the perfect sized stool. An hour later, I had it! For a few more bills, an old, beat-up four-legged seat was in my hands and perfectly suited for the little snare.

While it needs some cleaning and potentially a paint job, it looks quite charming as is. Another idea is to add a burlap skirt to the bottom of the drum and cover the stool all together. Until then, I'm liking the ability to tap away when I need a refill on my wine glass.

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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.

10 Choice Chairs to Reupholster

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0800

What's old is new, or at least it can be. Some aged chairs are charming in their vintage fabrics and scuffed up legs, but there are some that are just begging for a makeover. On a mission to find a killer chandelier, I took a trip to a local vintage shop called Past Perfect. I didn't find the light of my life, but I did come across some sweet little chairs. The time I should have spent staring at the ceiling was instead wasted dreaming of what prints would look divine on these shapes. Tell me which one you desire most.

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Pimp Your Crib: Nursery Seating For Mod Tots

babysugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:00:17 -0800

Modern designers have set their sights on your tot's bottom and created miniature seats that will not only entice your wee one to stay seated for a few minutes, but they look great too. Check out our favorite alternatives to the standard chairs that are found in too many nurseries.

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Guess What This Stool Is Upholstered With?

CasaSugar — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:30:28 -0800

This gorgeous stool, inspired by haute couture, hats, and accessories, is upholstered with something you'd find on clothing or even a gift. Can you name it?