Plush Palate

NEW HOME

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:12:00 +0000

Plush Palate has been such a lovely place for me to build (I'll especially never forget this post and your comments that still move me today), but it's time to move. I hope you'll follow me at my new home where I'll continue to write about design and share my thoughts with you.

Love,
Crystal

IN THE BAG: JUMP INTO SPRING WITH THE PERFECT TOTE!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

What an exciting day! Not only does the new issue of Rue go live (with new iPad capabilities!), we're also continuing our work with Gap on Styld-by - their fun new online catalog. Here are a few shots of yours truly from our latest shoot with the iconic brand!

You can never have enough bags, especially big bags. I've been known to carry far too much in mine, but what can I say, I'm a gal who likes to be prepared, which is why I love my new Gap tote!

Beyond its roomy size - perfect for a day at the beach or a shopping trip around town - I'm completely enamored with the neutral meets punchy color palette.

How do you incorporate your Gap favorites into your wardrobe? For more idea, check out the looks the other Rue gals, Cassie, Anne, and Bri, created!

SEE MORE STYLES

*photography by Angela + Ithyle

YOU'RE INVITED! A RUE + GAP PARTY IN SAN FRANCISCO!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:34:00 +0000

We've been having so much fun at Rue working with Gap on our collaboration that we decided to throw a party for all of you! Come join us in celebrating this Thursday, Feb. 23rd in San Francisco!

We promise good tunes (and dancing!), delicious bites, and fun adult beverages to help get the party started. Oh and don't forget your pearly whites...we hear Smilebooth will be there ;)

See you Thursday! xo, Crystal

UNEXPECTED COLOR: TURQUOISE

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

This weekend my friend Julia had me over to her place, which proved to be a total stunner! Stealing the show were her gorgeous turquoises walls in the living room, exuding spunk and class all at once. Just like Julia :)

With turquoise on the mind, I stumbled upon this gorgeous home that helps seals the deal of my new found love of the color. Take a look...

Tell me, would you ever use turquoise or an equally bold color in your home?

*Olatz Schnabel's home as featured on T Magazine

POWER COUPLE

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:24:00 +0000

One of my favorite couples photo shoots ever is this infamous Brangelina one in W Magazine. I'm using these as inspiration for a just for fun shoot my handsome guy and I will be doing with Woodnote Photography this weekend.

Do you have a favorite couples shoot?

TWO THINGS I'M LOVING

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:41:00 +0000

An inspiring creative space with lots of natural light.

And a cozy breakfast nook to start my mornings.

*images via pinterest (please let me know if you know the exact sources, thanks!)

I LOVE YOU WITHOUT KNOWING HOW...

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:16:00 +0000

*Us, July 3rd, 2011.

BE STILL MY HEART: THE LATEST FROM DARRYL CARTER

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:24:00 +0000

In my book, Darryl Carter can do no wrong. He is, perhaps, my most favorite designer in all the world. I love him for his use of white, carefully edited furniture pieces, and the sense of serenity that his environments evoke. And so with this latest project of his, my heart skips a beat!

*Images via Country Living

RUE SPINS INTO SPRING WITH GAP!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:08:00 +0000

Forever a classic, always with a modern twist, that's Gap for you! And I'm beyond thrilled to share that us Rue girls are now teaming up with the brand on styld-by - Gap's fun new online catalog!!

When we first saw this trench coat, we just about died. How perfect is that pop of punchy yellow? And of course, Anne rocks it oh so well.

And isn't Bri looking adorable in her girly preppy ensemble? We can't get over that amazing shade of magenta in those sexy boyfriend chinos!

Check out styld-by for the full scoop and stay tuned... More shots from the Rue girls coming soon!

*photography by Angela+Ithyle

HELLO, CHANDELIER!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Despite the lightness of that airy chandelier, it sure makes a statement. I can't think of a more perfect fit for this space. What a beauty!

*image via Traditional Home

HOME TOUR: BROOKE SHIELDS

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Still loving all things AD under Margaret's new direction. Ms. BrookE sure does have style, wouldn't you say? My absolute favorite piece is that heart pretty little heart front and center in the living room. Always, a hopeless romantic I am...

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:27:00 +0000

I never tire of marveling over Emily Johnston Anderson's dreamy photography work. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, this pretty collection of intimates she shot for Zinke puts a skip in my step. Isn't it lovely?

PSST...I'M IN ITALY!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:26:00 +0000

Well, loves, I'm off to Venice for a little father/daughter trip with Dad! Work is busy, the day to day is hectic, but what I've learned in life is that it's all about collecting as many moments and memories as you can with loved ones. In the end, isn't that all that really matters?

I'm not sure if I'll have time to blog during the week, but will be staying connected via Twitter and Instagram. And just for fun, I leave you with a couple past posts from Italy:

* my most vulnerable virtual moment to date...

* a few snapshots from the past

Ciao Ciao!

Crystal

via

SITTING PRETTY

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:34:00 +0000

Hands down, living rooms are my absolute favorite room in a home from a design and decor point of view. At the risk of sounding totally geeky, I find studying furniture placement and seating arrangements abundantly fascinating.

I love the way that sleek and modern, cut-out chair sans arms plays with that vibrantly patterned traditional armchair. Opposites truly do attract (in life and in furniture!). And then there's the use of that pretty little bench. So versatile and charming, wouldn't you say? I adore how it creates a sense of flow and ease from one side to the next...

Layered on top of all that goodness is a gorgeous use of deep, saturated color. It's moody and calming all at once ... I think I'll go live there...

*images via Vogue Living Digital

GREEN WITH ENVY

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:59:00 +0000

Isn't this home just beautiful? I'm first drawn in by the traditional elements (like the wall moldings and classic furniture silhouettes) and then my attention is retained by the blissful, earthy color palette. So serene.

The little pops of muted green here and there add a little depth of color and visual interest with out being too jarring. They gracefully and understatedly assert themselves.

But what I love most about this space is that it honors person and place more than anything. You can tell in the way it feels collected, not designed; organic, not contrived. And that, in my eyes, is beautiful.

*images via Marie Claire Maison

HELLO, JANUARY ISSUE!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:28:00 +0000

Just wanted to let you know that the new issue of Rue is live! And the theme -- small spaces --might be my favorite one yet (though our International issue from last July is a formidable contender). Hope you'll check it out and let me know what you think!

Love these girls so much. With a year under our belt and starting to operate like a well oiled machine, we're growing so close as a team. From the laughs to the tears, from the early morning starts to the late nights at the office, from the girl talk to the serious talk, I couldn't image doing it without these girls.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy creating it. And stay tuned for some Rue outtakes from the issue on the blog tomorrow!

*image via Trent Bailey for Rue Magazine

RUE ISSUE 9 SNEAK PEEK: SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:42:00 +0000

Rue Issue 9 goes live tomorrow morning, but in the meantime, I couldn't resist sharing a little sneak peek of one of the featured spaces I'm completely obsessed with.

Brian Paquette's Seattle pad is chalk full of original moments and creative details that had me oohing and ahhing over each and every image. It's unlike any home we've ever featured before and we have a feeling the guys will love it just as much as the gals!

K, now back to work for me! We've got some finishing touches to do before tomorrow!

P.S. Check out another sneak peek over on Bri's blog!

*photography by the amazing talented We Are The Rhoads

GOING GREEN

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

Want to know my little secret for livening up a space? Plants. Yes, they make everyone happy, bring in a little bit of nature, and always go with the decor.

Right now, I'm really into oversized, leafy assortments like these. They're sculptural and powerful without being overbearing. Perfection.

So next time you're feeling blah about your space, try picking up a bouquet of flowers, a cute little succulent, or a big leafy bunch. Mood lifted, guaranteed.

Happy Friday, loves! Have a beautiful weekend!

Crystal

*images via Elle Decor

TREND ALERT: FRONT AND CENTER

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:23:00 +0000

When decorating a space, doors are probably one of the last things on our mind. But as we all know, design is in the details, and each and every detail counts.

Which is why I love how these doors aren't just an after thought but actually work to be one of the most eye catching, unexpected elements in the rooms. Isn't it fun how changing a small aspect, like putting the knob front and center instead of on its side, really wakes up the eye and makes you notice it? What a clever little way to keep things interesting!

Can you think of other, simple ways to make the mundane unexpected?

*images via martha stewart living and elle decor

STYLE EPIPHANY

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:48:00 +0000

I've had a realization. Perhaps an obvious one, but one I needed to come to in my own time...

You see, I had a little design envy when it came to color and pattern, two areas that don't naturally light my fire. I was intrigued by the designers who could do both with such ease. It looked fun.

So I thought, 'I'll show myself I can do that too,' and vowed to go colorful and bold in my San Francisco apartment. Which I did, and which I love. But, I find myself yearning for white all over again and promising myself that in my next home (I tend to move a lot...) I'll go back to my true roots and first loves: neutrals, earth tones, and textural solids.

Sometimes you have to stray a little and try something totally new to realize that what you already were and what you already loved, is perfectly...YOU.

Have you had any style epiphanies too?

*images via skona hem

THE WEEKEND IS HERE!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday, loves! What fun do you have planned?

I'll be cleaning out my office this weekend. Believe it or not, I actually consider this fun. No feeling makes me happier than a pretty space and knowing all my little things are organized!

And of course, I'll be fitting in a little time for getting dressed up and having a cocktail or two out on the town. A girl's got to work on her work/life balance, no?

Happy Friday! xx, Crystal

*images via here and here

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! HIGH POINT MARKET IS NEAR!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Have you experienced High Point Market yet, affectionately referred to as "Market" by those in the know? If not, you haven't fully experienced the wonderful world of interior design until you do!

It's the biggest designer trade show in the country and happens twice a year (once in October and the other in April) with thousands and thousands of designers, buyers, manufacturers, magazine editors and more in attendance. It's a heck of a good time so as you all run to register for spring Market (April 21-26) with me, I thought I'd give you a little glimpse into some of the fun of last fall!

Meet my "Market" partners in crime: The hilarious Christian of Maison 21 and the glamorous Ashlina of The Decorista. Seriously, it should be a crime to have as much fun as we did while "working," which reminds me of insider tip #1: find a friend to walk the floors with! It's always fun to discuss different trends, products, and showrooms with another person.

One of our first stops was checking out the 220 Elm building. A lot of people overlook this place because they spend most of their time in the main IHFC building, but what a gem this was. For the modern furniture lover, you'll adore 220 Elm!

Ash and me walking the floors of 220 Elm.

One of the best parts of 220 Elm is Heinz, the dapper gentleman in the center and our lovely tour guide, which reminds me of inside tip #2: make appointments with the showrooms you want to see in advance so you're sure to get dedicated attention from a showroom manager (or similar) when you go.

One showroom in the 220 Elm building we had a particularly good time in was Palliser, which spraws across the entire 4th floor and is Canada's largest furniture manufacture.

Coincidentally enough, we hit up Palliser right after a delicious (and big!) lunch with Heinz and so the big comfy recliners were just perfect for our post-lunch food coma.

As hard as we tried, Christian and I could not get Ashlina out of this recliner for the life of us. We had to actually leave her there. No joke. :)

Who loves an ejector recliner? Christian does!

We ended the tour of Palliser with a little pick-me-up at their cute little bar, which reminds me of insider tip #3: Market takes a lot out of you so rest up, eat right, and warm comfy shoes (says the girls who's never caught seen without 4 inch heels...).

Another memorable visit was to the beautiful and colorful Duralee showroom, one of my all time favorite fabric sources!

And the cherry on the top? We got to chat and hang out with the fabulous Eileen Kathryn Boyd who recently created a collection for Duralee. (Check out the cute video interview Ash did with Eileen here).

I loved the Hermes orange piping on this chair!

Ooing and aahing over all the gorgeous fabrics.

And now, some snapshots of a few fun memories:

Goofing off in 220 Elm.

A moment of rest in the press room with Julieann, Katie, and Ashlina.

All smiles after another successful day of showroom tours and lots of laughs!

Walk by day, party by night. With friends at the Halo party.

More fun at Halo.

And last but not least, a perfect end of Market dinner with our High Point friends. Good food, good wine, and good company, what more could a girl ask for?

Hope to see you all there in April!!!

LET'S GET COZY

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:49:00 +0000

Even though my home was featured in Rue and should therefore technically be "done," I'm still finding ways to make it even more "finished." And one goal is to cozy up my bedroom a little.

My bedroom is pretty right now, but it could definitely be more plush. This photo of Ivanka Trump's bedroom caught my eye because though it's simple it exudes a certain, irresistible warmth. The same warmth I'm after in my own space. What do you think makes it feel this way? Would love to hear your thoughts and tips!

*image source

PERFECT PLACEMENT

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000

Can we talk about how perfect this room is? So many parts caught my eye (that pretty brass wall hook, the itty bitty cocktail table between the windows, the beautiful crown moldings), but what really drew me in was the impossibly perfect furniture placement. It's simply divine!

I love how the perpendicular lines are working with the diagonals here. That gorgeous fainting sofa perched on an angle is so so perfect (an element repeated in the horizontal lay of the rug). The result is an intimate seating area that's not at all predictable!

And here it is from a different angle. Equally irresistible!

*images: Elle Decor via Habitually Chic

CLEAN SLATE

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:52:00 +0000

I'm back! And the little time away was just wonderful. I feel rested, motivated, and excited to tackle a new year with my 2012 goals, mission statement, and future letter to myself all ready to go. Which, by the way, is exactly why I love a new year. It's the gift of new beginnings and fresh starts. And these rooms of clean white capture my mood perfectly:

A marbletop dinning table, fabulous bubble lamp, and envious herringbone wood floors. Yes please.

I love the single edison bulb hanging here. When in doubt, simple is always the best route.

Who doesn't love a four post bed? And even more so when draped with a touch of feminine tulle. Dreamy!

Cheers to a happy new year my loves. May all your 2012 goals, hopes, and dreams come true!

Crystal

*images via Kristen Grove's pinterest