“Passivhaus”: A Home that Heats and Cools itse...

In this age of increased concern for how our building choices affect environment , the German concept of a passivhaus becomes incredibly relevant. But what in the world is a passivhaus, you ask? Literally translating to mean “passive house,” this German design includes a comfortable home interior climate maintained with no active heating or cooling systems. The house is constructed to actually heat and cool...

Cool Idea: Bookmark Bookshelf...

If you saw the makeshift side table I created using a candleholder and a stack of books , you know I don’t ask much of my nightstand: a small surface to set my jewelry, reading material, and iPhone will do. That said, while I may be minimalist, there are still some who require much less. If all you need is a place to stash your nightly reading material, perhaps the ES Collection Book Mark ($26) is right up...

Pick Up Your Marbles and Go Home...

My sister is renovating her master bathroom with Carrara marble flooring, and I’m green with envy. It’s silly, I know, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the hard material. I’ve been longing to put the  CB2 Smart Round Marble Coffee Table ($300) in my living room for ages, but I’m not convinced the round shape is a right fit. Of course, there are plenty of other options. Adding a...

Corocotta Table by Jason Phillips Design...

Designed by Jason Phillips Design the Corocotta Table is a concept that employs solid wood end cuts from furniture production and links them together in a twisting configuration that accepts a glass top and can be used as a cocktail table. Measuring 54x30x17”h, the piece is supported by a steel armature that is threaded through the cubes, providing a structurally sound form that defies gravity. The piece was influenced...

Decorating Ideas to Steal From Going the Distance...

I’m a total sucker for any movie starring Drew Barrymore . I thought she was brilliant in Grey Gardens , and while I’m quite sure that her new rom-com Going the Distance won’t require nearly the acting chops that her previous role did, I’ll be heading to the theaters on Friday to see it anyway. Of course, I won’t only be scoping out the chemistry between Barrymore and on-again, off-again...

Mind-blowing Houseboat Living in the Middle of Ham...

Living on water is so exotic and so unusual that more and more people are willing to give it a try. This mind-blowing residence comes from Rost Niderehe Architects and combines the comfort of a modern home with the shape and eccentricity of living on a boat. We think the most fascinating aspect of this project is its location. This boat house lies in the middle of Hamburg and it is surrounded by the Eilbek-canal. When its...

Get the Look: Refreshing Scandinavian Sitting Roo...

There’s something about Scandinavian interiors that makes me feel as if I’ve just taken a deep breath of clean, crisp air. This whitewashed sitting room that I found in the pages of Sköna Hem is no exception. From its comfortable reading chair to its easy access to the great outdoors, this room looks like a perfect place for relaxing and regrouping. To get the look, start with a crisp white paint –...

Does Your Bedroom Do Double Duty?...

Last year, my husband and I had a fairly spacious, single-use bedroom. Then, when baby made three, we had to make a decision about how to divide the space in our two-bedroom bungalow. Would we move the baby into the second bedroom right away, or try to reserve that room as a guest room and study for as long as possible? Well, our guests won out, and our little one’s crib has been in our room since he was born....

Beam Light, the Upside-Down Table Lamp...

As we were looking over some fresh ideas to share with you, this Beam Light created by Swedish designer Johan Carpner caught our attention. After all, it isn’t every day that you see an upside-down table lamp suspended from the ceiling. This unusual looking pendant lamp features a functional hinge that allows its user to twist the spot at will and create the right amount of light wherever it is needed. This is a...

Cool Idea: Pretty, Easy Postcard Display...

Last week, I posted a request from Carrothead in the CasaSugar community group Assisted Living . She was looking for a good way to display some pictures of Paris, which were rather small. CasaSugar readers came through for her with some great suggestions, and community member Bunnyhorse linked to a photo of her own display of small artwork. Isn’t it true that sometimes the simplest solution is the best? I love how...