We'd all love to invest in quality furniture, but sitting down at that sleek new dining table can present some financial hurdles. Luckily, a contemporary Canadian furniture brand is setting out to change that — and at no expense to your aesthetic. By cutting out the middlemen in the industry, Bryght allows people to essentially shop directly from the factories, shedding mark-ups associated with importers, distributors, and sales people — and effectively saving them an estimated 50 percent in the process. Better yet, the brand offers a free 30-day home trial period with free shipping and returns in North America: commitment-phobes, the line starts here!

High-design and high-quality, Bryght's contemporary and transitional collection comes from top international designers who've cut their teeth at companies like Established & Sons, Habitat, and Stella McCartney. In our opinion, it competes with the Crate and Barrels and Room & Boards of the world, but see for yourself. Here are a few of our top picks from the collection.

CasaSugar Community member CourtneyOutLoud has created some of my favorite Lovely Little Vignettes in the community group. When I first saw some of his designs, I thought, I have to learn more about this man! So, ever the snoop that I am, I did some poking around and discovered his wonderful blog, Living Life Out Loud.

It turns out that Courtney is pursuing a career in design and event planning and lives in a very charmingly decorated modern condo in Oakland, CA. It wasn't hard to convince him to let us take a tour of his house, and after seeing it, I am convinced that he has very bright career ahead of him. Come along and take a look!

Photos courtesy of Philipp Striebe

If you have a fireplace in your home, your mantel is a perfect place to bring some Halloween spirit into your home. From Fall-themed displays with pumpkins and gourds to spooky arrangements with cheesecloth cobwebs, bats, and spiders, I have plenty of decorating inspiration for your Halloween mantel this year. Let's take a look!

In New Orleans, there is no shortage of beautifully restored homes. With such charming, unique architecture, it's not a city where people make a habit of tearing things down and putting McMansions in their place. That said, it's rare to see a historic restoration that incorporates contemporary design — moreover successfully so. I was lucky to tour one of these rarities firsthand during my last trip to the Crescent City.

I learned after graduating from Tulane University that my graphic design professor, Robert Gassiot, and his partner Michael Clement had purchased a 19th century New Orleans shotgun and were in the process of restoring it and giving it a modern addition. It took three architectural drawings until the plans were finalized; the scope of the project included removing an existing enclosed porch, which was added in the '20s, gutting and restoring the kitchen and laundry/bathroom, and building a modified "camelback" tower in the rear with a modern architectural style.

When I visited in February, the project was essentially finished, and I was invited to spend a day with Robert and Michael, touring the space and learning about the project. The duo have tackled five previous renovations and have a strong interest in interior design, as well as in collecting local art. Michael, a landscape designer, made use of his skills by turning the backyard into an oasis for entertaining, dining al fresco, and relaxing. Michael is also an artist and sculptor, and many of his exquisite sculptures and lighting designs can be seen throughout the house.

Come take a look. Prepare to feel a pang of envy; you are in for a treat!

Whether you're ready to tackle a time-intensive project to create something that will last for years or give a household item a basic and easy update to add a little flair, I have plenty of projects to keep you busy this weekend! Let's get crafty!

Whenever I take those "style quizzes" for fashion or interior design, no matter how hard I try to fix the answers, I'm always awarded the "whimsical" description. All right already. I'm whimsical (aka nuts!). I get it. I'm OK with it, because I'm not the only one who likes a little quirk. Take British interior designer Abigail Ahern, whose home photographer Todd Selby recently shot. Ahern's home is brimming with quirky style. Her sense of scale is so wild, touring her home feels like stepping into a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Bright or deep, she doesn't shy away from color, and there's an idiosyncratic accessory, often an animal item of some sort, on every tabletop.

Sounds looney tunes, right? Not so much. In fact, it's pretty stunning. Come take a tour of Ahern's home, and then try to tell me you don't love whimsical interiors!

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Whether you're well-read or your hardcovers are just for display, bookends are a classic accessory that every home should have. In the age of Kindles, bookends are less common than they used to be. That said, some of the most interesting ones I've seen on the market are vintage! From sailing ships to Scottie dogs, there are bookends for enthusiasts of everything out there. Check out some of my favorites that I've discovered on Etsy.

With September upon us, some of you are heading back to school or maybe you're getting your children ready for a new school year. Others may be winding down Summer vacations and may appreciate some fun desk accessories to help refocus on work. To that end, I've rounded up some of my favorite girly, pink school and office supplies! From bright, bold desk chairs to sweet note cards, here are a few feminine finds that will keep a smile on your face while you're toiling away.

If relaxation is your goal, having an in-house masseuse and a room dedicated for professional rubdowns is a bright idea. But since money doesn't grow on trees, hanging from the trees is the next best thing. Install a hammock outside or inside your home, and help yourself unwind, de-stress, and take a load off. Whether installed in the sun or the shade, the gentle motion of rocking side to side will put your mind and your body at ease. Plus, it will also bring a laid-back look to your home. Let's take a look at how some decorators have used the hammock indoors and out.

Curtains and drapery tend to be the last thing we worry about when decorating; their effect is often overlooked. If you're willing to invest in it, drapery can be the most dramatic addition to a room. Select a busy pattern, a bright trim, or a rich material, or have a bespoke valance made with an unusual shape, and your windows will have a theatrical look in no time.

Come take a peek at seven dramatic drapes for a little decorating inspiration!