March 31, 2010

Fit for a Queen: Louis XIV Beds

I have a thing for statement beds. The more eye catching and daring the better. In the bedroom, I want to feel like a queen and these Louis XIV style beds allow me to imagine I am!

Breathtaking, isn't it? It's been awhile since I've seen a room as poetic as this. I love the way the beds curve into space, and cut the empty air with their elegant, statuesque silhouettes.

March 30, 2010

Amelioratic: Sponsor Spotlight & GIVEAWAY!!!

Please allow me introduce you to Plush Palate's newest sponsor! Amy is the talented designer behind Amelioratic, a creative line of beautiful handmade jewelry.
The name had me curious, so when Amy explained the meaning of Amelioratic - the quality of making better - I instantly loved it! Her shop truly is dedicated to giving you a make-better experience through affordable pieces and classic designs.
Amy's latest collection 'Whimsy' (featured here) is romantic, earthy, and the perfect complement to the warmer days of spring and the call of summer forthcoming.

To enter the giveaway for one of these necklaces, all you have to do is let us know which of the four is your favorite by leaving a comment below. The winner will be drawn on Friday! In the meantime, be sure to check out Amy's newly launched etsy shop of other jewelry (I'm smitten with this ring), hair accessories, stationary, and photography. Good luck!

*If you are interested in being a sponsor on Plush Palate, please email me at plushpalate@gmail.com for my very affordable rates. I keep small businesses in mind!

March 29, 2010

Blissfully White

Is your heart ready to melt at the sight of all this blissful white? Here's a house that had me gasping when I saw it!
Style at Home design editor Ann Marie Favot waited until she knew exactly what she wanted, saved the money, and then had it all custom made. The result is a beautiful home with intention.
Two low shelves from Ikea create the illusion of a mantel and add an architectural element that wasn't already there.
What I love most about the kitchen is the Carrara marble backslash. It's much more affordable than a slab, but creates the the same look.
A midcentury modern dining nook with beautiful silhouettes and sculptures in the form of those chairs and the bubble lamp.
What a sweet little mud room! Porcelain tile floors softened by Barbara Barry damask print wallpaper.
The key to warmth with whites is mixing various shades and textures of the color as done here in the bedroom.

A perfectly styled dresser and vanity. The furniture is Ikea, but the signature touch is definitely Ann Marie's!

*discovered via Escapade

March 26, 2010

Double Take Interiors

Delicious, right? That's the first word that comes to mind when I see this room. It's light and airy yet bold and confident all at once. When I stop to look closer, I take note of the white table, black chairs, and colorful chandelier. A memorable formula that most of you will recognize:

Sarah Jessica Parker's East Hampton vacation home as feature in Elle Decor! Same point of view with similar results. I love it when that happens!

Happy weekend friends! It's finally Friday! Thank you for coming along with me for another week in blogging! Can't wait to see you back here on Monday! xo, Crystal

March 25, 2010

Spring Cleaning: Closet Inspiration

I know what I'll be doing this weekend. Spring cleaning my closets! Time to rotate the winter clothes out and the spring clothes in. These five gorgeous are getting me motivated for the job!
Beautifully organized built-ins, elegant chandeliers, and a glossy white dresser... this is my dream space! But I'd switch out that Louis for a Bottega Veneta...
But perhaps this one is more attainable for the moment. It looks like they converted a small nook in the house into a walk-in. My favorite part is the wallpaper. Closets are a perfectly safe place to add a little graphic punch to the walls.

If you need more storage than your closet provides, why not supplement with an armoire? It's functional and a beautiful piece of furniture. I'd gladly take the Madeline Weinrib rug too!

A table in the middle of a walk-in is a fabulous idea, don't you think? Perfect for setting down all the clothes you try on before finding the perfect outfit!

Maybe a little too much 'organized chaos' for my streamlined taste, but it's fun nonetheless! I love that they've brought a painting into the room and spent the time to decorate it like it was a public space in the house. It reminds me that even our privates spaces deserve a little TLC.

March 24, 2010

This or That?

This room is utter visual perfection in my book. Well, kind of. The scale is just right, the horizontal and vertical lines are in perfect balance. It's palette is soothing, the textures are warm, and that glossy black vase with flowers makes me swoon. But then, when I ask myself if I'd be content living here, something tells me no (can those chairs actually be comfortable?).

Perhaps something a little more like this. The colors are the same, the point of view not too dissimilar, but the feeling is so much more livable. It's the curve of the English roll arm chairs, the plushness of the blankets, and the slightly more relaxed layout that invite me to come in, relax and make myself at home!

So, what do you think? Is it just me? Which one would you rather live in?

*images via Nuevo Estilo

March 23, 2010

The Skirted Roundtable: Join the Conversation!

This weekend I was out of commission with the flu so I spent a lot of time in bed with my books, magazines, and laptop. With all that free time on my hands, I finally jumped on the Skirted Roundtable bandwagon - something that I had heard about but never checked out for myself.
For those of you not yet familiar with the SRT, it's a weekly one-hour radio show (in the form of podcasts) where Megan from Beach Bungalow 8, Linda from Surroundings, and Joni from Cote de Texas discuss blogging and interior design with a distinguished guest.
Let me tell you, these podcasts are my new obsession! These three ladies have recruited the industry's best as their guests (Charlotte Moss, Margaret Russell, Vicente Wolf, etc.)! For an hour you get an uncensored glimpse into the minds' of the greats of our time. They talk about the ways in which they run their firms, how to handle tricky clients, client budgets (and in some cases not being able to afford their own design fees), what has informed their aesthetic, the relationship between magazines and blogs, how they landed a magazine cover or a NYT write up, and so much more!
The SRT girls ask all the juicy stuff you always wanted to know about our industry's leaders. I found myself sucking up all that information and knowledge like a sponge who couldn't get enough (I listened to 5 in one day). You get the feeling that you're sitting down to a private conversation and hearing all their secrets.
So, my dears, if you are an interior designer or aspiring to be one and haven't hopped on the Skirted Roundtable bandwagon, I implore you to do so. You'll be so happy you did! Be sure to listen to all the past podcasts, too. You can download them to your iPhones and iPods and listen as you drive to work, hop on a plane, or in bed like I did. Happy listening!

March 22, 2010

Tabletop Inspiration: Casual Chic

This could by my very favorite tabletop of the moment. Apart from the dominant white (which I adore), I loved the idea of a long plank of wood anchoring the center pieces. What a great idea!
Another great idea: rustic, distressed wood with shiny, sparkling silver - an unexpected pairing that says, "causal chic."
Oh and then those feathers! Feathers are popping up everywhere in floral arrangements these days. At first, I resisted them but now I can't seem to get enough of them!
Simple plates, silverware, and napkins are the perfect undistracting background that let the beautiful florals and feathers truly steal the shows.

And of course, the menu! What a fun and easy DIY project to do for your next dinner party!

*photography by Karen Mordechai for Sunday Suppers

March 19, 2010

A Touch Of Sun & A Winner!


I don't know about you, but the rise of temperature, blossoming of the flowers, and brightness of the days, has put a skip in my step! This soft and geometric space captures the energy and happiness spring lays upon me. I hope you enjoy the visual eye candy as much as I do. Happy weekend and I'll see you on Monday! xoxo, Crystal

P.S. Congratulations to Lola's Journey To and From - our winner of the Pretty Chic SF giveaway. And a huge thank you to Richelle for sponsoring it!

*image via Nuevo Estilo

March 18, 2010

Olivia Palermo's Tribeca Apartment

I know photos of her apartment have made the rounds before, but sifting through my inspiration file, I realized it's an oldie but goodie I'm happy to share.
Plus, it's fitting my aesthetic mood today: chic, sophisticated, and playful, with a touch of Hollywood glam.
I adore this regency tufted chair, as well as the Jennifer Convertibles sofa, white leather coffee table with nailhead, vintage Hermés tray, and those pillows - which I hunted down at Jayson Home & Garden.
I think we can agree - just as her outfits and clothes, her stylish home is impeccable!

*images via The New York Post

March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


"May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand." - Irish saying

*images via This is Glamorous, The City Sage, unknown, Coco + Kelley, unknown

March 16, 2010

SWEET, SWEET SANCTUARY

The sun is starting to shine more frequently here these days and I find myself opening the windows to the crisp breeze, sounds of outside, and smell of fresh air.
This home is the perfect setting to my spring time dreams! A light and breezy palette of corals and soothing grays. Tactile elements of linens and cotton. Bright whites, clean walls, and sprinkles of flower blossoms.
Can you imagine it? Coming home after a run in the sun, or picnic in the park...
To the feeling of being equal parts energized and relaxed as you tuck in for the night in this sweet sanctuary?

*images via mi casa

March 15, 2010

GIVEAWAY: Notebook & Planner from Pretty Chic SF

I'm so excited to introduce Richelle to you today! She's the lovely designer behind Pretty Chic SF and these fun, function, and affordable notebooks and planners.
What I love most is the variety of her designs. There's a style for everyone. I personally chose the houndstooth planner to keep myself organized and just love it.
They're portable enough to tote around in your purse and durable enough to get you through the year. But my favorite part of all? Each week comes with a happy little quote to get your week started off right!

Richelle and I are excited to be teaming up today in the form of a giveaway! Simply stop by the Pretty Chic SF shop, check out the fun designs, and let us know which one is your favorite by leaving a comment below. The winner will be drawn on Friday and will receive a notebook and planner of their choice. Good luck!

March 12, 2010

Plush (Color) Palette: Moody & Dramatic


In a last nod to the colder months of winter and before velvets are switched out for linens, I'm feeling inspired by the depth and drama of this moody blue room. If it weren't for the hints of gilded accents and a splash of violet, this room would be a little too monochromatic for my taste. But instead it's a deliciousness of perfection!
A beautiful linear blue sofa is a statement pieces I'm dying to afford. Of course, owning these gorgeous 1950s Italian blue ceramic lamps with brass bases wouldn't hurt either! I'd pull in the gilded tones of the lamps with a beautiful and modern Vivre lava vase with just the right twist of white and gold. Then, I'd finish off the walls in a coat of Farrow & Ball's Chinese Blue and sprinkle the room with violet throws pillows. What do you think, would you use this color palette?

TGIF my dears! Have fun and be sure to stop by on Monday - I'll be announcing a fabulous giveaway!!! xoxo, Crystal

*image is David Collins' London apartment via Dress Design Decor

March 11, 2010

Cute & Quirky Kitchens




How adorable are these?! While I love a modern, high-end kitchen, these are so endearing! Packed with personality and creativity, they make for so much inspiration.

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