October 12, 2010

TOUR OF MY HOME!

I'm just back from a wonderful weekend in San Francisco where the sun was shinning, the time was fun, and the city was more enchanting to me than ever. I even found my future apartment and Rue offices on the trip! So, as I start to close my life here in Chicago and set sail towards my future in San Francisco, I thought I'd give my Chicago home a proper post so I could remember it always.
The windows were what sold me on the place. They're the true show stopper of my home, the feature guests always gush about, and the thing I'll miss most when I leave.
The beautifully etched stone fireplace will be hard to say goodbye to also. It's kept me warm through many cold Chicago winter nights and transported me into relaxation with its blaze.
The decidedly feminine space has served as a reminder to me of my independence. The ability to create a cozy little haven, all to my girly self, is a luxury I have cherished.
Like little pockets of delight around the home, I place flowers in every room and have candles burning always.
A makeshift project of gathering magazine tear sheets meant to stand in as a temporary solution while I searched for art, turned out to be a more permanent one.
Simple things around the place make me smile, like this modern leopard print pillow which I adore against the antique chair.
My living room is rather large and so this second sitting area has been a fun way to try out a new look. The global flair is a departure from my usual but the one thing that stays constant is my love for my little gray sofa.
Moving to the bedroom, here's an image of the perfumes I've collected from trips and stays around the world.
My bedroom is a spot I particularly savor. It was the last to get attention and so now that it's done, I appreciate it that much more. In fact, propped up on my bed is where I get most of my work done these days.
Muted blues and grays paired with soft caramels create a soothing spot to start and end my days.
I generally gravitate towards solids over patterns, but I just love the way the otomi textile on the bed pairs with the pattern of the pillow.
Flowers, a candle, and books are my nightstand staples.
A little snapshot of my kitchen. It's small but adorable and has a glorious view overlooking the building's courtyard.
And speaking of the courtyard, have you ever seen something so charming? I wake up every morning and feel I'm in Paris or Rome. What a lovely feeling to have!

And so as I wrap my head around the fact that I'm leaving, excited as can be, I'm going to savor this home for the last few weeks that I have it...

53 comments:

Unknown said...

WOW ur home is immaculate! (sp)

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Brian Kelsey said...

Are you KIDDING me? Amazing Crystal..I'm jealous!

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

your home is beautiful Crystal (that courtyard!?!?!) but I'm sure your home in SFO will be as charming, because what matters is where your heart is. xoxo

Caitlin said...

what a beautiful space you've created - such an inspiration!! moving is hard (I too just left my home- in NYC) but re-decorating a new space is always an adventure to look forward to!

Erika Ward said...

Crystal what a bittersweet post. You've created a beautiful representation of your independence (love that!). This next home will reflect yet another chapter of your life. I cannot wait to see what's in store.

Thanks for sharing.

SHOPJNSQ said...

Pristine and beautiful - impeccable taste! Think of the move as a new adventure - a clean slate to create an entirely different home decor. Can't wait to see those photos as well. Bon déménagement!

Natasha @ Northern Light Design said...

Hi Crystal,
LOVE your space, in fact I did a small write-up and link-back to Plush Palate on this House Tour Post.
I hope you have time to check it out :)

http://so-much-more-than-nl.blogspot.com/2010/10/too-pretty.html

Northern Light

Connie @ Sogni e Sorrisi said...

Beautiful photos to remember your Chicago place by. I'm so excited for you!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful home you have created here...can't wait to see the magic you whip up in your new digs!

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited you posted images of your home here. It was by far my favorite spread in Rue. Everything about it is so beautiful!

Gina said...

Oh swoon! Your place is to die for! I love that its so girlie! I keep leaning in that direction with my own decor and love it! Congrats on finding your new personal and work spaces! :)

Maureen Stevens said...

what a beautiful, beautiful home! Everything is just understated elegance! I'm sure it;s hard to leave it behind but I can't wait what you'll do with the new place. And that courtyard? You're right, it's like being in Paris or Rome...

Mise said...

I recall some of the individual scenes, Crystal, but it's great to see it all together, an elegant gracious haven. May you have as much fun doing it all again!

Kathy said...

What marvelous memories you will have of "that" time of your life...your so lucky to be able to have something new and exciting to look forward to now..best of luck

Layers and Layers said...

it was a beautiful home and served you well for the time you were there ... but now its on to new adventures and refreshing and renewing of your home and spirit. Best wishes for a bright new future :)
maybe it wrong, but i never look back ... I'm too busy looking ahead :)

Design Elements said...

lovely spaces! i like the photographs on the wall. greetings from Germany

Cara {An Urban Cottage} said...

Your place is gorgeous. As a Chicagoan, I only hope my next place will have such great bones to work with!

www.anurbancottageblog.blogspot.com

The Iconic Blog.com said...

What a gorgeous home you have created for yourself. If you've done it once, you can do it again!x

Unknown said...

loved seeing the interior and exterior of your home and how you combined the pink and brown colors. I like the tear sheet idea for temporary pics. I have been searching for art for my own apartment and haven't found anything I like. Congrats on your achievements!

Jennifer Nicole said...

Aw, it's so great you did this. I have a few pictures from past apartments and I treasure them! They bring back so many great memories. I'm sure it's going to be hard to leave (you did a fantastic job with it!), but you have an empty space just waiting for you to make it your own. Congrats and good luck!

The Seaman Family said...

It is immaculate! I want to live there! Haha! You have done an amazing job decorating, I'm in Indy, will you come decorate my home? ;)

Aubree
Crew & Cate
www.etsy.com/shop/crewandcate

Christina @ anora grey said...

Well done, Crystal! And no room is complete without perfectly selected fresh flowers... Spectacular!

Jo said...

Crystal, this makes me want to cry. Your home is so beautiful. I can't imagine having to leave such a gorgeous place. But I'm sure you will create an equally magical home in SF. Good luck. We are all cheering for you.

Living It At Home said...

Oh my gosh! Your home is lovely and so magazine worthy! Wonderful photographs too! I love everything about it! You are very talented. Can't believe you are moving to SF! I lived there for 8 years before moving to MA. You will love it. So visually beautiful. So excited for you! Good luck and best wishes!

~jamilyn

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

so bright and PRETTY Crystal!!! ...im curious where did you get the nigh stand table in your bedroom???????
:))))))))

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

OOPS..i meant night stand tables (white ones)

Anonymous said...

I felt so soothed reading this post. Love your place. Looking forward to what you do in your next one.

Alicia Lund said...

Crystal your place in Chicago is beautiful and seems so peaceful!!! I can't wait for a peak at what your SF place looks like once you get it furnished! PS: Was great to see you briefly at the Rue launch party!

designchic said...

Oh my, this is a stunningly beautiful home that you have created in Chicago...warm, classic and fresh. What a fantastic journey you are embarking on, and I, for one, cannot wait to follow along ~ looking forward to seeing the new SF place!!

Hazel from Hazel Loves Design said...

What a gorgeous, gorgeous home I am so completely jealous right now!!

:) Hazel

justagirlLaura said...

Such an incredible home! It doesn't even look like a Chicago apartment and what you did with it is amazing.

::levina:: said...

lovely home! so glad you shared it with us. very inspiring.

::levina:: said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Milk and Honey Home said...

Your home is so inspiring. Your pictures evoke such beauty and peace!

(my fave is that leopard pillow with the antique chair, too)

Best part is you already have some pictures ready for your realtor! Bet is sells in a blink!

Kecia S. said...

Your place is AMAZING! I used to live in Chicago and I never saw anything as nice as this!...or a courtyard like that! I can't help but wonder what neighborhood your gem is in. I can't believe you haven't posted pictures of this perfect place sooner! You did an amazing job decorating it. I could see myself here easily. Well done and good luck on the move! Can't wait to see pics of the new abode!

Greet Lefèvre said...

Crystal! Your home is BEAUTIFUL !!! I mean it! Elegant and charming! And those windows are indeed gorgeous!!!
xx
Greet

Stacey said...

I was trying to leave a comment here yesterday, but my internet connection wasn't cooperating. I loved every glimpse that you shared into your home-well ex-home. Beautiful.

LiveLikeYou said...

What a charming place. Thanks for sharing your fun life adventure on the blog. It's a great read!!

AM said...

Wow, your place is beautiful, but what an exciting move! As a Chicagoan myself, I wonder what neighborhood this building is in? I would love to find such a great place!

Daile Wilson said...

what a dream! love it love it love it! thanks for sharing!

Heather Feemster said...

Wow girl, you really walk the walk, stunning home, you are one talented gal!!

diane @ a spot of whimsy said...

your place gives me such house envy, can i just move in here when you head off to san fran?! thanks!

;)

Lone said...

Your home is beautiful! Love it - I had to blog about it :)

jenna ♥ a little blue said...

uber in love with your home! amazing style of course, but it's just perfectly put together

Hamptontoes said...

What a lovely apartment to walk away from...and Chicago...such a great city!

Amy Buehne said...

What an amazing home. The etched fireplace and the windows are wonderful. But, the couryard...wow! I live in Chicago and have not seen that. Beautiful place. Good luck with your move. I am sure your next place will be great as well!

Peggy and Fritz said...

I'm so in love with that courtyard. Where is that in Chicago? The building looks so italian - I'm jealous, I wish I could find that in LA. Where did you find your apartment in SFO? Are you going to be living in the city or outside the city? We're contemplating the move from LA to SFO. I cannot wait to see what you do with your new apartment. Best of luck on your new venture.

Brooke Hagel said...

That courtyard is to die for! And those windows and that fireplace, my goodness. (Not that I'm jealous or anything!) ;)

Can't wait to see your San Fran home!

Alison said...

Wow- where in Chicago is this gorgeous home?
It's beautiful Crystal. Best of luck in San Fran!

Paulette @ At Home in Arkansas magazine said...

Love that those magazine tears were intended to be only temporary solutions but found a permanent home on your wall. Your design aesthetic is gorgeous and inspiring!

*Dream Weaver* said...

I love your home. It is beautiful :)
Heart the courtyard with its little table and chair... I would feel like I was on holiday every time I sat there with a cup of tea and a slice of something heavenly.

It's awesome how immaculate everything looks and the patterned bed quilt and pillow does go well with the solid colours :) it adds heaps of character to the room.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love your space! Where did you find the beautiful coffee table in the living room?
M

Jae said...

LOVE your night table vignette and used it as inspiration to place silver trays all over my home.

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