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Todd Oldham Introduces Charley Harper to Old Navy

casasugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:30:55 -0800

It's no secret that Todd Oldham is a big fan of the work of wildlife illustrator Charley Harper, considering that he co-authored a book with Harper. It's also no secret Todd Oldham is the creative director of Old Navy. Thus, welcome Charley Harper to Old Navy! A collection of Charley Harper books, games, and tees for children under $15 is now available at Old Navy and is part of the retailer's effort to target young moms on a budget. I'd call that budget beautiful! Although most of these trix are for kids, there's a great Charley Harper Coloring Book ($9.50) and a Memory Game ($14.50) that would both make easy, affordable artwork for your home. Stocking stuffers?

Top Design, Episode One: "Impress the Best"

casasugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you've been reading my interviews, you know that I'm excited about this second season of Top Design, so I was pleased to tune in last night for the first episode. First off, I was surprised by the amount of star power in the contestant pool (well, for reality television at least), including one interior designer, Preston Lee, who I'd already featured on CasaSugar. Also in the mix was a Martha Stewart Living senior style editor (Eddie) and actor Ricky Schroder's wife (Andrea), among other talented contestants.

For the first challenge, the designers had to furnish an entire apartment in two days, with the designers divided into four teams, working on four loft space apartments for four-star clients.

To find out who the star clients were and to see photos from the episode,

Cool Idea: A Colander As a Vase

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:44 -0700

I recently polled you on your love for Todd Oldham's ice cream cone carnation floral arrangement, and you were pretty split on it. I on the other hand was not a fan; although in general, I feel that the world-renowned designer can do no wrong. Today is no exception to that notion, though. Oldham has created another arrangement for FTD, the Todd Oldham Green Salad ($79.99), this time using a colander as a vase. I adore this innovative use of a colander, not only for its good looks but because it is something everyone can achieve. Of course, it helps to have a vibrant, kelly green colander to perk things up, but I love it regardless of color. It's also a great housewarming gift, as the colander can be used in the kitchen once the arrangement falls by the wayside. Love it?

Interview: Todd Oldham on Top Design

casasugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:15:25 -0700

As you may know, Bravo’s series Top Design will be back for its second season on Wednesday, Sept. 3, with a new look, new producers, and a new host. Lucky me, I recently had the chance to participate in a conference call with the new host, celebrated fashion model and design aficionado India Hicks, as well as world-renowned designer Todd Oldham, who has moved over to a new role as the contestant's mentor. It was really a blast to hear from both of them, and I can't wait for the season to begin.

Here are some of the highlights:

On designing on a budget:

It’s an old-fashioned notion to think that style has anything to do with money. Top Design, this season especially, has a great evidence of that because many of the challenges had . . . don’t have anything to do with money but have to do with ingenuity. I’ve seen very, very rich affairs that look pretty awful. So I’ve never been too confused what money gets you.

On common design mistakes that people fall into:

I always find that one of the worst disasters I see is just people having someone else decide what they need around themselves. No matter how beautiful [something] is, if it doesn’t really suit the person I think that’s a much bigger disconnect than maybe having some tastes that everyone might not like.

To hear more of what Todd had to say during the call,

Love It or Hate It? Todd Oldham Ice Cream Party

casasugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:00:14 -0700

I'm normally of the persuasion that Todd Oldham can do no wrong. But today? Not so much. The colorful designer has now slapped his name on a collection of floral arrangements for FTD, including this Todd Oldham Ice Cream Party ($39). If I'm feeling simpatico, I suppose I might say a genuine ice cream cone could make a cute arrangement for a kid's birthday, filled with some wildflowers. But a ceramic ice cream dish? Filled with carnations (yuck!) in "vanilla" or "strawberry," and a "red cherry" carnation? Come on, Todd!

Love It or Hate It? Todd Oldham Ice Cream Party

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

This Just In: Todd Oldham Releases Carpet Series For Durkan

casasugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Todd Oldham has released a new series of flexible, versatile, carpet designs for Durkan, a division of the Mohawk Group, which will feel right at home in hospitality interiors. TODD: Todd Oldham Designs Durkan, launched at the Hospitality Design Expo 2008 in Las Vegas this month. The Haberdashery Collection pays tribute to menswear by updating classics patterns like argyle, corduroy, plaid, herringbone, hounds-tooth, and checks with contemporary colors and pattern directions, dressing hospitality interiors with design elements that will never go out of style. The Facets Collection was inspired by jewels and chains, sometimes layered or highlighted by texture and color, adding an element of luxury and cohesive distinction. According to Oldham, "These accents effectively and cost efficiently bring an added richness and dimension to the designs that might have previously only been achieved in woven carpet." The Concentrics Collection experiments, "with scale and turning the design elements in different angles," taking "concentric squares in a new direction that can be appreciated and enjoyed by designers looking to achieve any style — from modern contemporary to rustic." I'm really digging some of these designs; I may just have to buy a hotel so I can cover my floors in TODD — dream. Until then, we can keep a look out for these designs the next time we travel to a Home Away From Home!

How Much Do You Know About Todd Oldham?

casasugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:15:11 -0700

Todd Oldham. You've seen him all over the map for 20 years now, and you love him on Top Design . . . so much so that you named him your favorite male interior designer of 2007. But how much do you really know about the man? Take this quiz to find out!
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This Just In: India Hicks to Host Top Design

casasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:00:07 -0700

I just heard from BuzzSugar, that "Top Design will return in the Fall with new host India Hicks," and Todd Oldham will stick around to mentor the designers, as well as all the judges from the first season, including Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, and editor in chief of Elle Decor, Margaret Russell. If you're not familiar with India Hicks, she is the daughter of "famed interior decorator, David Hicks, and Lady Pamela Hicks," as well as the god-daughter of Prince Charles. But, Hicks is not without a keen eye for design and notable skillset herself, she is a celebrated fashion model and design aficionado, and has published interior design books on island living. Possibly not coincidental, India Hicks' breezy Bahamas home was just featured in Domino. For more details, go here.
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How To: Make a Decoupaged Accent Table

casasugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:15:59 -0800

I'm a big fan of both Todd Oldham and Amy Sedaris, and when those two join forces there's no way I can avert my eyes from all the good advice and funny banter. In this video, they show you how to decoupage a cute accent table, though the lesson is served up with a side of cheeky commentary — and I wouldn't want it any other way!

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Best of 2007: Male Interior Designer

casasugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:00:51 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 polls, you named Todd Oldham as your favorite male interior designer. I couldn't agree more. I love Todd's playful sense of interior design as well as his great book Handmade Modern. I'd let him redesign my digs any day of the week!

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Good, Better, Best: Square Lacquer Trays

casasugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:10:26 -0800

Since I'm on the hunt for the perfect lacquer tray to set atop my Nelson Platform Bench (coffee table), I thought I'd share with you my top picks, in case you're in the market too. I was originally hoping for two white-square lacquer trays, but now I'm thinking that a little color couldn't hurt. Here are the ones in the running:

Good: West Elm's Square Trays ($19–$24) are colorful "catch-alls for jewels, watches, pencils, and whatnots." They currently come in red, antique gold, and a black-graffiti print, but I've seem them for sale in other colors during different seasons. I love the perfect square shape and round handles, but I'd have to hold out for something that goes with my color scheme.

Better:
These Two Tone Lacquer Serving Tray ($44.50) comes in orange, white, red, aqua, or copper with a brown trim, or fuschia or blue with a green trim. They're very similar in shape to West Elm's but have a better color selection.

Best: These wooden Lacquer Trays (price unlisted) were designed by Todd Oldham for La-Z-Boy. I love the varying sizes and the cool green color tones. They would go perfectly in my living room. That is, if I could track them down.
*Unfortunately, these trays were recently removed from La-Z-Boy's site, so if any of you can find them, be sure to comment about where I can get my hands on them.

Nice and New: The Curiosity Shoppe

casasugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:37:19 -0700

YumSugar told me about The Curosity Shoppe awhile ago, and I've been loving their online store. Last week the physical store opened in San Franciso's Mission District, and Yum stopped in and saw Todd Oldham. The Curiosity Shoppe is helmed by Lauren Smith (who used to work for Oldham) and Derek Fagerstrom, who's the projects editor for ReadyMade magazine, one of our favorites. The twosome also will create DIY projects over on Design*Sponge every Wednesday.

The online store has been up for about a year, and stocks a lovely mix of practical and fanciful household goods. They also offer free shipping on all orders over $200. To see some of my favorites, just check the widget below.

Designer Spotlight: Todd Oldham

casasugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:16:54 -0700

Todd Oldham got his start stitching dresses together from pillowcases at age 15, and progressed to designing elaborate gowns for Hollywood stars like Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. He was, for 15-some-odd years, a fixture in fashion, even hosting a segment called "Todd Time" on MTV's House of Style in the '90s, which focused on America's growing fascination with fashion and the lives of supermodels. Oldham made his segue from the runway to the living room by creating a home and dorm room collection for Target in 2003, and also a line of furniture and accessories for the messiah of recliners, La-Z-Boy, both of which reflect his desire to make smart design accessible to a mass market.

Nowadays, you can see Oldham on Bravo TV as a host of Top Design, delivering challenges and inspiring the designers to be the most creative and original, and he was named the creative director of Old Navy last month. Oldham has also taken his pen to the page, sharing his passion for mid-century modern homes with over 52 do-it-yourself projects, as the author of Handmade Modern. He also designed The Hotel and The Fairfax Hotel in South Beach, Miami. As you can see, Oldham's career has developed to include all areas of design, from interior design, film, and photography, to furniture and graphic art. I can't imagine what's next!

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