Plush Palate

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

CHRISTMAS FOR TWO

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

At long last, a little time off for the Christmas holiday. My sweetie and I are headed to the mountains today where we'll be spending the holiday, just the two of us. We'll be skiing by day, sipping wine by night, and taking in the romance and relaxation of a white Christmas together!

Wishing you and your family all the joys of the season. I count your friendship and support amongst my greatest blessings!

Now, I'll be signing off for a bit...see you back here in the New Year!

With Love,

Crystal

*image from Neiman Marcus Holiday Book 2011 via Dustjacket

DECK THE HALLS WITH SCOT MEACHAM WOOD!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:38:00 +0000

Just in case you're not already familiar with him, let me introduce you to the design work of one of my favorite people in the whole wide world, the talented Scot Meacham Wood, aka Tartanscot.

Last holiday season we featured Scot in Issue 2 of Rue magazine, which was wildly popular with our readers, especially with the men! And you can see why. It's masculine and warm, full of amazing textures and objects, and exudes an irresistible British charm.

So when I spotted these photos from this holiday season on Scot's facebook page yesterday, I fell in love with the space all over again.

I'm endlessly fascinated by designers who can layer like this! It's wonderfully full but doesn't feel overdone. I imagine walking into Scot's home is like being enveloped in the most cozy of feelings, and during the holidays, a true festive delight!

*photography by Nicolas Smith

CHEER UP!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:40:00 +0000

With the chilly winter days, holiday shopping fatique, and a to-do list that only grows, I'm needing a little boost this morning, and these colorful interiors by the fabulous Sharon Taylor are doing the trick. You can't help but feel cheerful when looking at these!

And on that note, here's a nice reminder on doing what we have to do with a smile on our face...

DRAMA QUEEN

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Isn't she a beauty? This image stopped me dead in my tracks with its dramatic lines and curves and theatrical colors and pieces.

The tulip chair sitting under that fierce wall scones is just too perfect for words. It's all about the white silhouettes popping against that dark backdrop, which is Farrow & Balls "Hague Blue." And don't you like the play on scale? We've got a tiny little flush mount ceiling fixture masterfully holding its own against all that drama below. I love.

*image via Traditional Home

PRECIOUS MEMORIES

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:27:00 +0000

Loving the nostalgia evoked with a photo collage just like these. They're the type of thing I bet you'd find yourself standing in front of for moments on end just looking and smiling. What a perfect way to keep loved ones and favorite memories close by always.

Have a beautiful weekend! I hope it's spent in exactly the way you hope it'll be!

Crystal

P.S. Have you entered the Rugs USA giveaway yet? Today is the last day to enter!

*images via Domino, Rue Magazine, and Coco+Kelley

A MASSIVE GIVEAWAY: RUE PLAYS SANTA!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:39:00 +0000

You didn't think we could publish a holiday issue without leaving you with a few presents, did you? It is the holiday season after all and nothing makes us happier than gift giving! Plus, we've got a lot to be grateful for over at Rue and this is our way of thanking you! the. best. readers. ever.

So, we've rounded up a grand prize package with over $2,000 (!!!) in amazing products just for you! One lucky reader will win all 15 of these fabulous gifts from our sponsors! And in true Rue fashion, we've got you covered in every department!

*DwellStudio Tubular Burst Object ($373); Crate & Barrel Nord Vase ($149); CB2 Ernest White Bar Cart ($149)

*QSW Left Bank Puffy Coat ($164) ; Glamorously Gray & Golden necklace by Elva Fields ($198 one of a kind, not sold online)

*DwellStudio Draper Stripe Ash Duvet Set ($280); Perricone MD hypoallergenic line ($277 total value); Molton Brown hand wash and lotion ($50); GHD scarlet collection limited edition flat iron ($225)

* Chronicle Books Lifestyle Roundup: Decorate ($35); The Liberty Book of Home Sewing ($28); Lotta Jansdotter Open Studios ($25); It's Lonely in the Modern World ($20); Nomad ($40)

Entering is easy, here's the scoop: Head to the holiday issue right here, turn to page 76, and tell me in the comments section below what room in the Captain Fairfield Inn you would most like to spend an afternoon. Easy, huh?

And guess what, you can enter up to four times, once on each of the four Rue editors' blogs to up your chances.

So head over and visit Cassandra, Bri, and Anne and enter again and again! Oh and if you're on twitter, tweet for ONE extra entry this phrase: "I wanna win the $2k @RueMagazine holiday giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/76u2dd9"

Easy as pie, right? Our winner will be chosen Wednesday, December 21st at 10am PST (US only).

Good luck and happy holidays!

Crystal

NOTE TO SELF

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:11:00 +0000

Do you ever feel this way? You've got your to-do list staring you don't, but you just can't find the energy to do something about it? Well, let's not be hard on ourselves those days. It happens to the best of us, dontcha think?

Plus, tomorrow's a new day.

*image via Note to Self

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:16:00 +0000

There's a cute new girl in town and she wants a little guidance and inspiration, she is The Everygirl. Big congrats to my good friends Danielle and Alaina on the announcement about their new online resource site. They'll be asking the questions nobody else does from young women who live inspiring lives and helping us live our best lives. I don't know about you, but I can't wait for the official launch in February!

LATELY I'VE BEEN . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:32:00 +0000

Waking up to the smell of our first Christmas tree. Sunday night we decorated, using gold and red as our theme, and sipped on wine in a living room lit with candlelight. It was perfect.

Finding the time to pick up books once again. Currently on my bedside: The Help (because I must read the book before I can watch the film) and Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (because this classic teaches me something new every time).

Trying to collect as many memories as I can..like waking up early just to watch the sunrise.

Falling deeper in love each day with an extraordinary (and extraordinarily handsome) man.

Capturing life with my new Canon PowerShot SX230HS. A picture is forever.

*images via flickr, pinterst, etsy

GOLDEN DAYS

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but these gold-brushed bowls are going on my kitchen wishlist. They're wonderful for serving dry foods -- like nuts and chips -- from for your next party. And lets not forget the pretty little gold-finished coffee spoon, the perfect accompaniment to my morning cup of joe!

SWEDISH WINTER

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Forget the furniture snobs, these shots are gorgeous and Ikea, once again, shows us that stylish can be affordable. Of course I love high end design as much as the next, but thank goodness for places like this when searching for the "low" in high-low style.

Plus, I think I'll be borrowing the last image for my holiday tabletop inspiration!

RUE'S HOLIDAY ISSUE IS HERE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:11:00 +0000

May we present, our most festive and sparkly issue yet...

In case you didn't hear, Rue's holiday issue dropped yesterday on virtual newsstands and the response makes our hearts melt with excitement and gratitude!

My favorites this issue? Our Dolly Parton inspired cover story is definitely at the top of the list. The talented Ms. Sage must have been feeling a bit nostalgic so she reached into the past to produce this one...and she kicked it out of the park, as usual (click here for outtakes and inspiration).

And then, there's our very own Bri Emery's downtown LA loft. Our Art Director is pretty much the coolest person I know and I think you'll agree, her home is just as stylish, fun, and colorful as she is!

And what would a holiday issue be without the gift guides. Our market editor, Cassandra killed it this issue. We've got something for every style, budget, and loved one in your life so hurry over and happy reading!

*images: Dolly via Lara Rossignol; Bri's Loft via Bonnie Tasang

ASHLEY STARK'S MANHATTAN PAD

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal @ Plush Palate) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:33:00 +0000

How fabulous is Ashley Stark's Upper East Side apartment? I'm in love with her paint choices for the walls and all that fun, colorful art. It's the perfect balance of paying reverence to its prewar heritage (hello beautiful architecture!) and modernizing it with contemporary pieces. I'm pretty sure it'll make it into my favorite home tours folder asap!

P.S. Rue's Holiday issue goes live tomorrow morning, but until then, a sneak peek here and here!