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Casa Craving Recap: A Home Away From Home

CasaSugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:22 -0800

Last week I asked you to design a hotel room. The challenge was a little reminiscent of the final Design Star challenge. I also suggested that you take a look at the Home Away From Home posts, or take inspiration from some of the favorite hotel rooms you've stayed at over the years.

You can see all of the Home Away From Home Casa Cravings here, as well as the great lists users created. (TeamSugar has a great tutorial on listmaking if you're not sure how.)

Here are my favorite looks:

Look #1 was designed by htiduj, who writes, "I like to mix different styles, colors, and textures. The base of my hotel room is off white, but the ceiling is more of a creamy, golden white. The floor is the ocean-colored carpet. I love sleigh beds, and so I chose one whose modern shape and upholstery is really interesting to me, especially when you mix the upholstery's texture with the linen and carpet textures. The linen is a mix of the Marimekko Tree print (in both black and gray colorways, with the pleated linen and duvet cover in white. I added the Marimekko Poppy Print in pink as some of the throw pillows, as well as a Marimekko print of red/orange/blue poppy with gray, black, and blue dots to tie the bedding together with the floor. The pleated linen comes with pleated shams and a pleated throw pillow, as does the Marimekko forest print. (I like lots of pillows.) The side tables are off white, with crystal knobs. They match the dresser drawers. I like how they are traditional with a more streamlined modern curve. I would place the leaf lamp on each of the tables - so that the square shape of the lamps and hard stone texture balances out their curve - also adding more interest to the room. In a corner of the room, I would place the club chair and the striped chair. I like the bursts of color that they bring to the room, and they tie in all the color of the carpet and the throw pillows. Between them I would put the metal round side table - another classic shape but with a modern texture, and on top of that I would place the rounded flower-like lamp. Over the dresser I would place the shell mirror, bringing another texture and curve into the room. As for artwork, I would put the cutout print as well as the upholstered prints (but not the green one) on the walls, and add the Jonathan Adler "face" vases on the dresser top. All together, I think the room has character, openness, and a real fun and lively quality to it."

There are some other excellent rooms, so read more

Look #2 was designed by katherynn, who said: "I saw a photograph by Aimee Herring that really inspired my hotel room. I picture my hotel room to be in an upscale, boutique hotel on the shores of Greece, with the warm, golden sun and the soft, cool blues and aquas of the sea. I designed my hotel-room suite with a living and dining area as well as a sleeping area. The bathroom is a luxurious one with access off the main area, as well as from the sleeping area. Keeping the whole area open was my main goal. I wanted to provide a room separation that divides the sleeping area from the rest of the space, but still have that open airy feeling. I want to be able to come into the space and have the eye travel all the way through the space to the back windows that look out onto the sea. I wanted to incorporate the gold and aqua into the space as well, so at night you still get the drama, and the feeling of being in Greece! When designing this space, I thought, 'This is a fantasy scenario . . . why not go all out?' So I did!"

Look #3 was also designed by toby321, who says, "For me, the dream hotel room is about comfort and cleanliness. The top priority is fresh, clean, and comfy bed linens . . . in other words, the Heavenly Bed (from Westin). To keep the crisp and fresh vibe, I've chosen lots of whites and creams and glass accessories. The walls should be subdued, so a pale stone color like Benjamin Moore's Hazy Skies in both the bedroom and bathroom. All metal should be silver toned, i.e. pewters and nickels. Otherwise, everything luxurious is best: the thickest white towels, the best skincare and candles, and fresh fresh fresh in appearance. A room that soothes and doesn't offend any tastes. Relaxing touches like wine and cheese, and good coffee-table books, are always a plus!"

Ask Casa: A Home Office for Two

CasaSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Hi CasaSugar,
My boyfriend and I are moving into a small one bedroom, but luckily the living room is quite spacious. As children of the digital age, we always have our laptops out for work or school. Is there some sort of space-saving desk that allows for two workstations at a time? It would be easy to just get a long folding table, but I was hoping there was something more stylish. Thanks! SaranoemiTo hear my suggestion for Saranoemi, read more.

Hello!
Funny you should ask. A home office for two that was featured in the now-defunct Blueprint magazine is one of my favorites. Two simple Parsons-style desks were pressed up back-to-back with a sheet of colorful Plexiglass in the middle.The arrangement offers a bit of privacy for each person, and the Plexiglass can be use to hang paperwork and stick Post-its, etc. You'll essentially have two work zones, but you won't break up the room physically or visually, since the sheet is transparent. And, it doesn't require as much wall space as a long table or two desks set length-wise against the wall.

Depending on how much space you have to work with, you can re-create this with either the West Elm Parsons Desk or Parsons Mini Desk. Contact your local plastics supplier for the sheet of Plexiglass.

Parsons Desk with Drawers - $329.00

Parsons Mini Desk - $249.00

Hope that helps!
Casa

Source and Source

Casa Verde: Weekend Green Home Tours in LA

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:00:53 -0700

I wanted to give a heads-up to any Casa readers in Los Angeles about a series of events coming up in the next three weekends. These events, which will showcase the newest in green building, will take place at project7ten in Venice.

A joint project between builder Tom Schey and environmentalist Kelly Meyer, the recently completed LEED Platinum-certified project7ten is one of the most environmentally friendly homes in California. It will open its doors for three weekends in October to educate and raise awareness about simple everyday choices and green products that can create a healthier environment.

These open houses cost $20, and sales from the tickets will benefit Healthy Child Healthy World, the nation’s leading non-profit in the area of children’s environmental health. Each weekend, a random drawing will award winners thousands of dollars in eco-friendly prizes, including Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kits ($150 value), a Naturpedic Organic Baby Mattress ($300 value), Magic Bullett sets ($60 value), or Going Green Consultations ($500 value).

If any LA Casa readers are planning on going, please let me know (and take some pictures while you're there)!

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Casa Shops: Janus Home

CasaSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:00:18 -0800

If you're a fan of mid-century modern design, then you'll want to make a stop at Janus Home, a showroom located in downtown Portland, Oregon. The store stocks a variety of high-quality restored mid-century furnishings and decorative arts. They are available for design consultations and custom uphostery consultations as well. So, if you're passing through Portland, or are a permanent resident who hasn't discovered this store yet, stop in in person to check it out.

To see some of my fave finds from this store, just read more.
Have any Casa readers already checked out Janus Home? What's your take?

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Ask Casa: Brocade Home-Esque Linens?

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:00:04 -0700

Dear Casa,

I am very much into brocade, Victorian-inspired prints, and anything with a fleur-de-lys on it! I'm looking for a new duvet cover, and was wondering where good online stores would be to find these types of prints? I love pretty much everything at Brocade Home, that is exactly my style, however their bedding selection is quite small and nothing really strikes me. Any stores you could recommend similar to Brocade Home would be great!

Thanks,
Kalliefornia

To see my answer, just read more.

Dear Kalliefornia,

I did a little background research on Victorian patterns, and discovered that, as you might have guessed, floral patterns were popular in the Victorian era, as were lace details. In the early and middle years of the 19th century, rich colors and strong patterns were popular, though by the 1870s, lighter colors and more delicate patterns became popular.

There are actually a lot of choices for bedding that adapt this Victorian-inspired use of color and pattern, and I found pretty possibilities everywhere from Anthropologie to Pottery Barn. I rounded up a variety of choices for you, as well as some matching throw pillows to complete the look. I hope one of these strikes your fancy, and if your heart is set on a fleur-de-lys duvet cover, I found a lovely option in that pattern as well!

DwellStudio Camellia Bedding - $253.00	Lilac Valley Quilt, 100% Cotton - $99.99
Matine Toile Duvet Cover & Sham - Cranberry - $39.00	Damask Print Duvet - Amethyst - $149.00
Wallpaper Print Duvet - Pear - $149.00	Satin Shams- Peony - $29.00
Cocoa Collection - $19.00	DwellStudio Hedgerow Shams - Saffron - $99.00
Ink Duvet Cover - $495.00	Anthology Blossom 4 Piece Comforter Set - $19.99
Cable Diamond Quilt & Shams - $39.00	Nate Berkus Maharani - $39.99
Abstract Floral Print Duvet - Mist - $49.00	Company C® Damask Quilts & Shams - $30.00
Pine Cone Hill® Pine Cone Hill Cottage Toile Linens - $46.00	Haya Bedding - $88.00
Sferra Phoebe Sheeting - $248.00	DwellStudio Hedgerow Duvet Set - Persimmon - $308.00
"Giata" Bed Linens - $80.00	Wallter Swoop bedspread & shams - $204.00
DwellStudio Thicket Shams - $99.00	Viceroy Garden Quilt - $228.00
Manuel Canovas Botanical Bedding - $95.00	Marimekko ® kikku bed linens - $99.95
Foulard Print Duvet - Silver - $149.00	DwellStudio Hedgerow Persimmon Duvet and Cases - $99.00
Windermere Sham - $68.00	Wallter - Onion Wool Bedspread King - $530.00
Floral Velvet Burnout Sham - $39.00	Wallpaper Medallion Bedding - $58.00
Ribbon Quilt - White - $199.00	Nordstrom Toile Duvet Cover - $230.00
Chinoiserie Bedding - $98.00	Lanai Quilt & Sham - Black - $149.00
DwellStudio Talon Bedding - $242.00	Abrielle Duvet - $228.00
Sweet Shrub Bedding - $48.00	Walnut Duvet Cover - $495.00
Organic Cotton Vintage Paisley Bedding - $69.00	Brighton Floral Quilt - $29.00
Victorian-Scallop Bedding - $58.00	Chantilly Chenille Bedspread - $79.99
Scenes de Peche Bed Linens - $41.00

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Casa Shops: Sprout Home

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:00:51 -0700

Sprout Home - with boutiques online and in Chicago and Brooklyn - is the rare store with a hip selection of both house and garden goodies. Its earth-friendly enthusiasm extends from gardening gifts to goods like soy-based candles and furniture made from sustainable Brazilian wood. Sprout also sells garden design services, and the Chicago shop even offers a service where customers get a box of organically grown produce every month.

Even without the earth-friendly elements, Sprout would be notable for its selection of nature-inspired designs that appeal to chic tastes. It carries everything from lighting and tableware to herbs and gardening tools. I'm dying to get this Treehugger Plate ($6.75) so I can stop using paper plates at the office. To see my other picks, just click on the photos below.

Casa Beta: Home Decorators Annandale Jute Area Rug

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:00:52 -0700

Jute/natural fiber rugs are a great versatile, nondescript choice for every room in the house when you're not trying to make a statement but rather just pull a space together. I'd been looking for one for a sitting area in my home, and found that the prices really ran the gamut. I've seen super-simple 5-x-8-foot sisal rugs for only $50, and thicker jute rugs like Pottery Barn's Flat-Braided Jute Rugs for $300. For such a faceless style, I really wouldn't spend more than $200. I like the thick cushioning of the more expensive jutes, but I've also found that some designs are too rough underfoot. So I'm definitely particular about them.

Home Decorators Collection recently sent me the 5'6-"x8'6" Annandale Jute Rug ($159, reduced $199) in Natural to review. Wondering what I think of it? Then read more.

I've found the Annandale to be a really high-quality rug. It's thick and durable, like anything you'd find at Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel - always my comparison. But this one in particular is woven with both jute and chenille, making it softer than a 100 percent jute rug. This is definitely a plus.

I've given myself some time with the rug, and found that it stays in good form with foot traffic and vacuuming, both things that can cause many rugs to lose their luster. It also has a latex backing which keeps it from slipping and stabilizes the weave, so you don't have the added expense of a rug pad.

The rug also gives the space the casual look I was looking for, and instantly pulled the seating area together. So I would definitely recommend the rug to any of you on the hunt for that same effect.

My beef with the rug, though, is that it really doesn't resemble the product image on Home Decorators site - at all. The natural color is much, much lighter online than in person. Luckily, it seems to work in the room. But also the rug's weave looks only vaguely like the product image. Home Decorator's site does disclaim, "The digital images on our website are as accurate as possible. However, different monitors may cause colors to vary slightly." But really I think that's no excuse. Capturing candid photographs is no mystery anymore, and plenty of retailers seem to have it down.

Before and After: A Traditional Swedish Clock Gets an Update

CasaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:10 -0800

Su Casa member dezignerwannabe recently decided to update her traditional Swedish Mora clock. In case you didn't know, these Scandinavian floor clocks were created near the town of Mora, Sweden, around 1750, after bad farming seasons forced the Mora farmers to find another way to earn income. Many of the clocks were decorated with painted faces, but now, hardly any of the original artwork remains on the clocks, and most have been painted over with inferior, rosemaling-type designs.

Since dezignerwannabe wanted to update the look and color of her traditional clock, she decided to go for it, and, as she wrote in the title of her post, "I hope I don't regret it but after so many years it needed an update."

To see the update, read more.

I, for one, can't see how dezignerwannabe would have any regrets over this update. The teal-and-gold paint combination with rosemaling designs was really holding this piece back, and while it stood out, it didn't do so in a positive manner. The real beauty in this piece is its gorgeous shape, and the simple, white paint update that dezignerwannabe gave it allows its beautiful curves to really stand out.

Have you made any updates to any home accents, like a clock, credenza, or cupboard? If so, then share it in the Su Casa group.

Casa Verde: The Greenest Home in Chicago Opens Thursday

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:00:49 -0700

If you live in the Chicago area, I have plans for you this week. The greenest home in Chicago, the redesigned "2009 Smart Home: Green + Wired," a 2,500-square-foot modular home at the Museum of Science and Industry, opens to the public on Thursday. The house features an eco-friendly baby nursery, a DIY "green" garage workshop, countertops made from recycled glass, a recyclable steel dining table, and "art developed with the power of the sun" - interesting! The building was designed by Michelle Kaufmann to exhibit big and small ways people can reuse resources, choose eco-friendly décor, consume energy smartly, and landscape efficiently. Wired magazine has also outfitted it with new and unique home technologies, including a home automation system with voice updates and room occupancy sensors. Go here for more information, and be sure to let us all know if you're able to make your way there. I'll have to live vicariously through you Chicagoans.
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Casa Verde: A Handmade Home Gets Some TLC

CasaSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:15:18 -0700

Last year, I told you about my brother's handmade home, which he built in an eco fashion for a surprisingly small amount of money. However, nothing much had been done with the home's interior. This year, he and his wife made a lot of interior changes in the home to spruce it up. To see what this previously unfinished home looks like now, check out the slideshow.

View Slideshow ›