Tiffany's Blue, I Love You

I can't think of a better way to start the weekend than with a perfectly feminine, wonderfully elegant, extraordinarily stylish space like this one....in Tiffany's blue no less!

Enjoy a happy and stylish weekend darlings!! xoxo, Crystal

*image via Canadian House & Home; room by Mary McDonald

A Well Framed Hallway

Wow! Right? I am one to love using lots of framed photography in my own home as a neat, tidy, and uniform way to decorate. But never have I thought to take it to this extreme. But I must say, I love the look here! Notice how the hue of the tigerwood flooring brings out the color in the sepia photography? Gorgeous!

Framed in red? Now that is something I'd have to think about. Though dynamic in color, it retains all the order and precision I gravitate towards in designs. Using the same frames throughout and neatly placing them keeps it all from getting too wild. This photo has been in my mind for months now. An unforgettable design is the mark of greatness in my opinion!

*images Andrew Pike for Canadian House & Home; Steven Gambrel for Elle Decor

Sneak Peek: Jessica's Workspace

Last Wednesday I posted about needing a little inspiration for my workspace. I asked if you'd send in pictures of your inspiring spaces to help me with some ideas. I was delighted when Jessica did just that and sent over images of her studio! You may know her from the blog, The Love List or her graphic design business Front Porch Studio (she's also the lady behind some of the best blog face lifts around), but for sure now you'll also know her for her stylish studio. Enjoy the inspiration!

You can check out the rest of her studio here. Thanks Jess!

Chalk It Up

What do you think of chalkboard walls? Currently, they're all over the design scene. I spot them most in kitchens, kid's rooms, and workspaces. Creating one is as easy as buying a can of chalkboard paint!

I can certainly see myself experimenting with this 'easy to do' idea one day. They're whimsy, creative, practical, and you can write inspirational quotes all over them (that's what I'd do!).

*images via Interior Designs & Home Ideas

Designer File: Ryan Korban

I first learned of Ryan Korban when I stumbled across his home on The Selby. It was love at first site. I fell hard for the stacks of books, brass finishes, antiques rugs, and hints of metallic. A mix of everything seemingly unrelated but somehow working so harmoniously as one.

Thumbing through his portfolio, I've fallen even deeper in love with his confidence in mixing materials and finishes. His signature look of thin metals (seen in his choice of lamps, tables, bed frames, and chairs), fur throws, exotic skins, and topiary is perfectly restrained and unabashedly bold all at once.

And guess what. He's only twentyfive! A self-taught designer with an impeccable eye and exquisite taste make him one of New York's finest.

Perfectly layered textures, finishes, and furniture - to me this space summarizes all the reasons I love him and says it all.

TGIF!

Loved this room for the little pink striped painting in the corner. Reminds me of my very own blog banner!

Thanks to all of you who stopped by this week and made it another great week with your visits and comments! Truth be told, I am so happy it's Friday. I was out last night, I'll be out tomorrow night, but tonight I am looking forward to finally having a little downtime to do my favorite thing...catch up on my blog reading ;)

Happy Weekend! xoxo, Crystal

*photography by Anson Smart

Nostalgic for Terra Cotta

Yesterday my dear friend Sarah sent over this image of a design school in Florence after discussing how important an inspiring workplace is to create your best work. I can certainly image feeling inspired here with the intricate millwork, beautiful mural ceiling, and large, sun-filled windows. But what caught my attention most was the terra cotta floor.

To me, terra cotta is synonymous with Italy and evokes fond memories of living under the warm, Roman sun. Used indoors, like in this kitchen (an all time favorite) by Vicente Wolf, it's quite a chilly material as it doesn't absorb the cold the way wood or carpet does. But that's ok, because when in Italy, you're warmed by the comforting sun. I believe that's why I love these images so much - because to use terra cotta is to know that you are somewhere lost in a warm, Mediterranean dream...or so it makes you feel.

Workspace Inspiration

One of the spaces in my apartment that's lacking is my workspace. As a design obsessed, I'm very effected by my environment and if it doesn't feel right, I just can't get work done there. So, of course I use my living room instead...but I'd like to change that. This little vignette is offering me so much inspiration right now. I love the cozy, enveloping feeling of the dark walls. The welcoming little bar cart that gives off a feeling of hospitality. And of course that perfect inspiration board with ribbons and buttons.

I'd love any suggestions you may have on where to find a similar board. And if you have a work space you're in love with and would like to send in a photo (plushpalate@gmail.com), I'd love to see it too! Maybe even share it here...

*image Tradition Home Magazine

Lately Loving...

The look of stripes...

Not too much, not too little, just perfectly tailored and clean.

*images via Dress Design Decor

A Dreamy Home

So many of you commented on your love for this bathroom last Monday, that I thought a little sneak peak of the rest of the home was fitting! I'm sure you're going to love it just as much, if not more!

One thing I'm drawn to most about this space is the soothing color palette of natural woods, whites, and muted greens.

Exposed shelving, mirrored sconces, and nailhead trim on a chair...it's all about the details in this home!

I think it goes without saying that I love love love the floors. Throw in that curved stairway and arched ceiling and I'm in heaven!

A chandelier while you bathe? Of course! To see the rest of this home, including my favorite feature of all - the living room fireplace! - check out photographer Ashlee Raubach's site. You'll be happy you did!

*discovered via Beautiful Things to Share & House of Turquoise

Happy *Lovely* Weekend

Wishing you all a lovely weekend, whatever it is you're doing! Whether you're toasting champagne with your sweetie, laughing the night away with your friends, or enjoying a quiet evening in, I'm sending you lots of love this Valentines weekend...

xoxo, Crystal

P.S. All you single ladies, have you seen this post yet? I couldn't agree more!

*image via Le Love

I Love It...

For its dreamy blues.

For the statement art piece.

For the unexpected kitchen mirror.

For the dramatic chandelier.

*images via Apartment #34, This Is Glamorous, Dress Design Decor

A Charming Little Place

I'm completely charmed by this quaint NYC apartment recently featured in the pages of Traditional Home. Lately, I can't get enough of striped loveseats, and have fallen in love with this Mitchell Gold "Odette Sofette" upholstered in classic ticking. The two dainty Swedish occasional tables in front are its perfect complement.

I love the way designer Suzanne Grua McGrath managed to take a small space and infuse it with so much style. The pops of yellow really do it for me, as well as the repeating element of black accents and lines. It gives bone and structure to the space.

I was delighted to read that both of these pieces, the chest of drawers and the chair, were vintage finds brought back to life with a little paint, upholstering, and hardware update.

And a sweet, little breakfast nook. Dainty, functional, and irresistibly cute!

*you can read the full article and get the resources right here.

Blogger Meet-up with Jess of Makeunder My Life

Jess and I have been email and twitter friends for about a year now and finally met for the first time this weekend! You may know her from her jewelry business Jess LC or her inspiring blog Makeunder My Life. I first 'discovered' her when I came across one of her gorgeous necklaces featured on another blog. I quickly headed to her site and not only did I fall in love with her jewelry, but I became completey smitten by her story too! A born entrepreneur, she launched Jess LC right after college, taking a courageous leap towards her dreams and has never looked back! I got a little sneak peek of some very new things to come for Jess, and let me tell you....beautiful!

P.S. In lieu of creating a FAQ page, I've decided to let you ask me anything.

Utterly Gorgeous

When I saw this image, I sort of gasped at its beauty. Yes, it's just a stove in a kitchen, but to me it's so much more! It's a perfect color palette, it's elegance at its best, and it's an example of beautiful styling.

The glistening of copper on the stove is perfectly exquisite against the seafoam green of the backsplash. The bottles to the left tie the colors in so beautifully and have me dreaming of old-fashioned kitchens with touches of femininity!

*image via House of Turquoise

Something Blue

Why do I love this room so much? Because it goes against the grain! When doing a neutral space like this one the tendency is to go with muted furniture, adding touches of color only through the accessories. But homeowner and Style At Home editor Erin McLaughlin turns that inclination on its head and I love it! Instead, she went bold with her beautiful blue sofa and neutral with those fantastic little pillows. The effect is a gorgeous space that's perfectly dramatic and soothing all at once!

Thanks everyone for yet another wonderful week here on the blog, enjoy the weekend! xo, Crystal

P.S. Head over to City Girl Chicago where I'm a guest today and tell Cara I say hi!

New Online Magazine: Nonpareil

On the heels of others like Lonny and Nesting Newbies, another fabulous online magazine just popped up! Nonpareil is the new online darling of DIY wedding projects and I'm already smitten. Just take a look at this gorgeous tabletop and you'll know what I mean. (By the way, isn't it refreshing to see a chair other than the chiavari used at a wedding for once?)

Not getting married? No problem! Thumbing through the first issue last night, I picked up tons of entertaining and styling ideas! So much inspiration at my fingertips, of course the only natural thing to do now is throw a party!

West Elm in Chicago!

For all you Chicagoans out there, we have our very first West Elm in The Windy City! Today, the Lincoln Park location (1000 W. North Ave.) officially opens its doors to the public! I have long turned to West Elm when in need for something fresh and modern, but up until now my purchases (this, these, and these) have come via the website. I'm thrilled I can now shop the collections in person! Here's a look at some of my favorites from West Elm:

I have been dreaming of sectionals lately. They are so versatile and perfect for big parties or movie night lounging! The Blake Sectional is my top pick!

White ceramics. I can't get enough of them! I have my own personal collection building and can't wait to add these to the group!

Though definitely a departure from my usual style, I am drawn to these Wrap Dining Chairs. I adore the modern wingback silhouette for something unexpected.

Round mirrors are definitely on trend right now, and this one makes a great statement! I love the multicolored rim in rich hues for a strong outline.

Every room needs a rug and West Elm's selection does not disappoint. I'm thinking of trading in my sisal one for something with a strong graphic pattern like this. I could look at that beautiful beautiful motif day after day...

*Click here to find a West Elm near you or shop their website