CasaSugar

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?

Love It or Hate It? Spool Side Table

CasaSugar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0800

Ballard Designs' new Spool Side Table ($199) was inspired by actual spools used by French rope makers to display and sell their natural fiber manila rope. Crafted of mango wood and authentic manila rope, it's not the bulky side table it appears to be: its top lifts off for storage. While this design is quite clever to me, with an antiquey meets nautical vibe, I think I'd rather own the real thing. If you read about my drum side table, you know how I love to turn unusual finds into furniture. How about you?

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 Originally made in 1960 for the Time Life Building in New York, the steep price tag is more reflective of modern times.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.

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?

Etsy Finds: Step Right Up

CasaSugar — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:00:18 -0800

Need an extra few inches to reach something on a top shelf? Or perhaps you need some pretty auxiliary seating for a bedroom or study? Then check out some of my favorite stools that I've found on Etsy.

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Love It or Hate It? This Is Not a Lamp

CasaSugar — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:30:51 -0800

German designer Florian Kallus's This Is Not a Lamp is, well, not a lamp. Instead, it functions as a cheeky stool or coffee table. Just don't look for a light switch.

Found It! Blair Waldorf's Silver Ottoman

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:30:01 -0700

In last week's episode of Gossip Girl, Blair Waldorf's silver ottoman cube caught my eye. It's a bit glitzy for my taste, but I think it's fun for a young co-ed like Blair and I love its quilted upholstery. Wondering where it's from? Then read more.

It's the Brocade Home Silver Metallic Cube ($199). What do you think? Do you like it? To be honest, I'm really swooning over her artwork!

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.

Guess Who Designed This Gnome Stool?

CasaSugar — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:30:31 -0700

This funky little stool was created by a famous designer. Can you name him?