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Trend Alert: Feminine, Elegant Chairs

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:15:15 -0700

In the current issue of Vanity Fair, writer Bob Colacello interviews Nancy Reagan on everything from her late husband to stem cell research in his article "Nancy Reagan's Solo Role." While the article is full of fascinating information about the former first lady, my eyes were immediately drawn to this photo on the website. The green expanse of lawn, framed by the diminutive Reagan perched upon an elegant, feminine chair, seemed to be the perfect portrait of the quiet, composed woman. Nancy Reagan's interest in high-end fashion was one of her defining qualities during her time in the White House, and the fashionable look of this portrait's elegant chair is definitely an ongoing trend in home décor.
I decided to track down some other chairs that matched the femininity and elegance of Reagan's chair. To see my favorites, read more.

Photo courtesy of Vanity Fair

Trend Alert: Nomadic Elegance

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:00:40 -0800

While the Matthew Williamson Fall 2009 fashion show is full of crave-worthy, gorgeous pieces. I'm most attracted to this fluid, champagne-colored dress, whose mandala accent reminds me of Morocco. Nomadic elegance is all over the home map this season, including at the newly opened West Elm store. To see my picks for home looks that combine the same nomadic elegance found at the Matthew Williamson show, check out the slideshow. Source

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Teach Savings With an Elegant Baby Bank

LilSugar — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:00:00 -0700

There's no better time to teach your children that a penny saved is a penny earned than a recession. We might as well use the opportunity to foster a love of down-to-earth entertainment, innovative DIY projects and saving for an even rainier day. This Elegant Baby Piggy Bank ($32) offers a mod approach to coin savings that will look pretty on the dresser without costing you a fortune.

Home Library: Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:15:04 -0700

If you've ever dreamed about building a backyard escape, then Debra Prinzing's book Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways is a must-read. The book highlights 28 crave-worthy backyard or backwoods spaces across the US. Whether it's a modest suburban shed that's been turned into a writing space or an elegant gallery created from a renovated boathouse, this book offers much in the way of inspiration to its readers.

To see some gorgeous photos from the book, and to hear more about it, read more.

The gorgeous full-color photos were shot by William Wright, who lavishly documents both small nooks and the overall structures. The book also contains sample plans for building a shed as well as practical ideas for building and design. I, for one, am inspired, and have already begun envisioning what our backyard would look like with a 100-square-foot structure in the far corner. If you're prone to hatching similar plans, I recommend picking up a copy of Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways.

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Source

Love It or Hate It? Elegant Mayhem Bedding Set

CasaSugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:53:09 -0700

This Elegant Mayhem Designer Bedding Set ($255) by Luxury Lab Linens just caught my eye, and it kind of makes me want to cover that eye with some sunglasses. The product description says it's a blend of "fierce and feminine black skull and crossbones," but I personally feel like there's too much going on in this photo.

I like turquoise, florals, chandeliers, and even skull and crossbones, but not all in one sitting. And the faux gerbera flowers, filing cabinet side tables, and guitar-as-decor in the corner? Yuck. There has got to be a better way to pull off this girly rock-and-roll look without making my eyes hurt. I challenge you to show me a bedding set that does so in the comments below. What do you think? Does anyone like this?
Source

Trend Alert: Black and White Elegance

CasaSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 06:00:07 -0700

From black-and-white ball gowns to checkerboard floor tiles, this classic color combination just oozes simple sophistication. Add a few feminine flourishes, curves, and floral patterns, and you've got a major home-decorating trend for fall and winter.

These furniture pieces and home accents are unfussy but just ornate enough to look elegant and not the slightest bit masculine. They're also very versatile, since the black-and-white palette makes even more traditional-looking pieces fit right into a modern room. For examples of the trend, click on the photos below.

Good, Better, Best: Elegant Fire Pits

CasaSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:25:11 -0700

It's already August, but that doesn't mean you have to stop entertaining in the backyard. All you need to transition from hot Summer days to cooling-off nights is a good outdoor fire pit. These have become incredibly popular in recent years, but some of them are a bit too tacky and down-home looking for my taste. Here, I've rounded up three sleek and elegant fire pits to fit any budget.

Good: The Frontgate 40" Copper Fire Pit ($299) keeps things simple and traditional, with a broad shallow bowl for firewood and a wrought-iron stand.

For two even better options, read more

Better: A bit more modern is the Blomus Stainless Steel Fire Basket ($638), which is about half the size of Frontgate's but twice as sassy.

Best: Finally, this Conmoto Outdoor Fire Pit ($1,000) is a design and outdoor-dining junkie's dream, with a 27-inch bowl perched atop geometric legs.

Roundup: Gifts For the Dark and Elegant Decorator

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:30:16 -0800

I'm a huge fan of decorating with bright colors, but some of the most elegant women I know love to decorate with a more stark color scheme, including lots of black. It's an elegant and chic way to decorate, and as long as you add a few pops of color, it doesn't feel too dark and gloomy.

So, for all of you who have gal pals out there who love to decorate with lots of black, I've rounded up a few of the prettiest black accents that I could find online. Pass them on to a girlfriend this holiday season (or keep one for yourself!).

Source

Come Party With Me: Last Minute Thanksgiving - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:30:15 -0800

There's still time to make an impressive and elegant Thanksgiving dessert. Surprise guests with a cool and light treat that doesn't involve pumpkin, but rather Thursday's other starring fruit, cranberry. This fluffy cranberry mousse takes only 20 minutes to come together. Cream cheese is combined with cranberry juice concentrate, cranberry sauce, and whipped cream to create a refreshing dish that's perfect for serving after a heavy meal. Spoon the tart-sweet fresh cranberry sauce on the mousse at the table. To check out this easy and fast recipe, read more.

Fluffy Cranberry Mousse
From Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cranberries
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 an 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
1 16-oz. can whole cranberry sauce
1-1/2 cups whipping cream

Directions

In a medium skillet combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and the water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and cranberries just begin to pop. Remove from heat. Cover and chill until serving time.
In a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Slowly add cranberry concentrate, beating until very smooth. In a small bowl stir the whole cranberry sauce to remove any large lumps; set aside.
In a chilled large mixing bowl beat whipping cream with an electric mixer on low to medium speed until soft peaks form. Fold about half the cranberry sauce and half the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined. Fold in the remaining cranberry sauce and whipped cream.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours (stir before serving if chilled). To serve, spoon fluff into a large serving bowl, 24 chilled demitasse cups, or 12 chilled small dessert dishes. Spoon sweetened cranberries on top just before serving.

Makes 24 (1/4-cup) servings or 12 (1/2-cup) servings.

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Etsy Finds: Porcelain Vases

CasaSugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:00:03 -0800

Porcelain is ideal for use in household objects such as vases, sculpture, and other decorations, since it's the hardest of all ceramic products. It's also, in my opinion, one of the most elegant. While porcelain is often thought of as a traditional look for vases, I've found plenty of artisans on Etsy who've added a modern twist to traditional porcelain.

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Remy Chair, Amarantha - $1,298.00	Vitra slow chair - $3,155.00
Cole Chair in Valor Jade - $749.00	Haute House - $1,739.00
Vintage Chippendale Chair - $1,395.00	"Olivia" Chair - $1,699.90
Vintage Wingback Chair - $995.00	Antwerp Chair, Asian Patchwork - $1,998.00
Pink Hairhide Chair - $1,349.00	Suede Chair - $999.00

Artecnica Garland Light - Black - $95.00	Bear Doorstop - $24.00
Diptyque Baies Noir Candle - $68.00	Marimekko ® Taikamylly wall hanging - $24.95
Vintage Poster Cognac Wall Art - $24.99	Raised Number Wall Clock - $39.95
A di Alessi Dozi, Magnetic paper clip holder - $24.00	notNeutral - Links Black Vase Set - $22.00
Ljusas Uvas Table Lamp - $39.99	Plush Living - Nook Daisy Silk Pillow - $64.00
looolo Can Can Linen Cushions - $146.00	CB2 one of a find palace portrait painting - $24.95
Black Paisley Serving Platter (14-in.) by Nautica - $29.95	Bjorkefall Candlestick - $5.99
Chilewich Dots Placemats - $6.99	Plush Living - Athena Black Label Pillow - $64.00