LET'S GET COZY

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

SOFT SPACES

Life has been hectic around here - in a good way! - both personally and professionally and today I'm finally catching my breathe with a cleared calendar and a day in front of the computer.

It's busy days like these that I remember why I prefer neutrals to vibrant color. There's something wonderful about coming home to a soft space, no? No matter how hard I try to inject color into my home, I always fall back to warm beiges, delicate taupes, soothing grays, and healthy doses of white.

How about you? Do you prefer color to come from the vibrant life you lead or from the within the walls of your personal space?

*images via mi casa revista

SIMPLE & SWEET

I can't get enough of this picture from the latest issue of High Gloss. I keep coming back to it again and again in my inspiration file. The venetian mirror, the soft blush pink, the simple punch of yellow in the pillow, the easy flow of the drapery...it's all just so divine.

TWINSIES

Whether contemporary and fun...

Soft and romantic...

Light and airy...

Or classic and contemporary...

I find myself dreaming of an extra guestroom just so I can have twinsie beds. Aren't they playful and adorable?

*images via Elements of Style, MyHomeIdeas.com, My Paradissi

CHARMED

It's a gloomy, stay in bed all day if you could, kinda day here in San Francisco.

And how perfect would that day in bed be with a headboard like this? A repurposed vanity mirror that couldn't be more charming.

But I'd be equally content just to wander around a place like this marveling at those arches and wooden floors as I listen to the music of the rain play outside...

*images via Patterson Maker and Do It Yourself

FASHION AS ART

Just yesterday a friend was telling me about her intimate, all white East Village bedroom without closets where she displays her clothes in open view. I came home and serendipitously found this perfect image (ever notice how that always happens?).

For the style minded individual, I love the concept of using fashion as art. Why hide those beautiful frocks when you can admire them daily? Arrange your garb monochormatically or mix it haphazardally to create a statement wall that's sure to be a conversation starter.

And speaking of conversation starters, I'm loving everything about these gold hangers. A little extra dose of glitz in the closet never hurt anybody.

Have a beautiful weekend, my dears. Until Monday....

xo,

Crystal

*images via pinterest

And the Winner Is...

I arrived home after 8 days of travel this morning at about 2am. As much as I love a good hotel or being hosted by a friend, there's truly no place like home. Exhausted from a six hour road trip, I walked through the front door and dove right into my comfy new bed.

Last week I announced a giveaway for one lucky reader to recieve the same Select Comfort Sleep Number bed I own and the time has come to announce a winner!

Congratulations to Deanna! We'll be in touch with you via email to coordinate the delivery of your new bed! To everyone else, thanks so much for entering and if you're in the market for a new mattress, don't forget to considering a Sleep Number. I've truly never slept better!

And a great big thanks to Select Comfort for generously hosting the giveaway!

*images via pinterest

ROMANCING IN THE BEDROOM

Is there anything more lovely than a cozy bedroom with a little touch of romance? These days - when rest is a bit harder to come by - I'd have to say no. But we often neglect our bedrooms when decorating and concentrate instead on the public spaces in our homes.

This bedroom, simple and romantic, shows me that it doesn't take a lot to create that serene oasis we all deserve: a warm coat of paint, black and white photographs in simple frames, a beautiful chandelier, uncomplicated bedding, and a soothing color palette.

And to seal the deal on this being my new favorite bedroom are the drapey curtains hanging from above. I can imagine enclosing myself in them at night, feeling enveloped in rest and calm. Aww...

*images via Domino via Dress Design Decor

Bedside Manners

As you've probably noticed, a lot of my time and talk revolves around Rue these days. It's all consuming and the long list of things to do before our September launch is never ending. Last night I took to studying bedroom shots in preparation for a photo shoot I'm styling tomorrow where the bedroom is of particular important. And I'd actually love to get your feedback on something that will help me decide on my styling direction:

Do you prefer seeing up close and personal shots where more bedside table and bedding detail are seen?

Or shots that are slightly pulled back to give you a more complete view of the space and floor?

Your input is much appreciated!! :)

*images via Lonny

The Alternative Nightstand

Don't have a dedicated office space in your place? Cringe at the thought of having your desk in the living room? Not to worry, there's a stylish and practical solution to love!

Let your nightstand work double duty and serve as your office area too! It's the perfect flank to any bed and gets the most out of your space.

Since bedrooms are a private area you won't have to worry if it gets a little messy or scurry to conceal your work when friends come over.

Personally, I'm thinking of trying it in my own place and moving my office from the living room couch to the bedroom.

On a different note, I'm featured in a movie today ;)

Thank you for another fun week in blogging! I've so enjoyed your comments and hearing your thoughts. Any fun plans this weekend? I'm headed to a showroom grand opening tonight with Jess, Bailey, and Alaina tonight! Pictures to follow, I'm sure...

Happy Friday!!!

xo,

Crystal

P.S. Congratulations to our giveaway winner Anu and a huge thanks to Pottery Barn for providing!

*images via Elle Decor, Habitually Chic, and Lonny

Bedroom Eyes

Right now in my home all eyes are on the bedroom. Not because it's great -- the opposite in fact -- but because it needs some major help. Having just finished the living room, the bedroom's 'okay for now' quality screams in comparison. It's time to remedy that.

In pondering the colors I'd like to use, I can't think of a more soothing hue than grey. It's like a soft midnight sky signaling time for relaxation and sleep. I'd pair the grey with crisp whites to keep it bright enough for daytime and prevent it from feeling too heavy.

I'm also dreaming of a beautiful headboard for the bedroom. Right now I have mirrors filling in for one, but I'd love to soften the room with some fabric and get an upholstered one. It might also be fun to experiment with a fun shape like this, too! A single gorgeous pillow to take center stage on the bed wouldn't hurt either.

Realizing I don't have enough pattern in my home, I'd like to change that and incorporate some in the bedroom. If not on the bed itself than perhaps in an upholstered chair or bench at the foot of the bed. Something soft and romantic like this would be perfect for that soothing, feminine feel I'm after!

What are your bedroom must-haves and wants?

*1. Martha Stewart Living via The City Sage 2. Lonny 3. Homes & Gardens via Delight by Design

Tiny Touch, Big Impact

Convex mirrors are trendier than ever and still going strong! But lately it seems like the little ones are popping up everywhere and leading the pack.

In all their tinyness, they command big impact and really punctuate a space. I love how this one can hold its own on the wall and stand alone against all that white.

Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy the glorious weekend and I'll see you on Monday! xo, Crystal

*images via La Dolce Vita and From the Right Bank

Floral Inspiration

I'm running with the floral thing from yesterday, so bare with me for one more flowery post!

If I had a second home somewhere in the country, I'd certainly experiment with romantic floral wallpaper just like this. It's been in my recent rotation of favorite bedrooms for that perfect blend of bold and calm. I love all the white offsetting that busy wall pattern. The little curtain hanging from the bedpost, the transparent lamp base on the nightstand, and the pops of unexpected blue on the bed also give me something to swoon over.

And this one is going straight into my 'dream office' inspiration file! It's sophisticated and calming, neutral but not boring, and romantic while staying professional. My favorite part is the pretty chevron pattern in the rug and the black in the fabric - both bring so much depth to this charming space!

*images from Domino via The City Sage and Dress Design Decor

Happy Friday!

TGIF, my dears! It's Friday and the weekend is here! A final thank you for all the birthday love earlier this week and for making it another wonderful week in blogging. As always, hugs and kisses to my daily readers and welcome newcomers. Be sure to have some fun this weekend. I plan to sleep in...

See you back here on Monday with details and pictures of a fabulous little event I attended last night!

xo,

Crystal

*image Lonny

Tented Love

I love the feeling of being envoloped and enclosed when I sleep for the warmth and safety it evokes. In fact, I dream of purchasing a four poster bed and hanging drapery on all four sides that I can open during the day and close at night to create that feelig. But until then, something like this will have to do.

Hanging a little patch of fabric or your favorite scarf, sari, or sarong like these creates a similar feeling of envelopment that I adore. It's an unexpected way to bring pattern into your bedroom and close the gap between you and your ceiling.

What do you think? Would you try it?

*images via Domino

The Perfect Mix

Let's set aside the light and breezy springtime palettes for just a moment! This cozy, little bedroom is speaking to me. It's delicious in all its warmth, layers, and textures, whatever the season may be. Wood, fur, and metallic...how about that for a mix?!

*image via House & Garden Australia via MadeByGirl

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.

* images: 1. a Miles Redd design 2. Italian Country Living via Dress Design Decor

Veiled Beauties

Waiting for my morning coffee to kick in, I wake up dreaming of going back to bed, slipping under a warm duvet, and stealing a few more hours of precious sleep. A soft veil of luxury and romance enclosing me safety back into sweet dreams...yes, that would be nice!

*bedrooms via Marie Claire Maison

Inspirational Space: a Statement Piece

Does this bed make a statement or what?! The space really need nothing else as the intricate silhouette and detailed painting truly steal the show. When you find that one 'wow factor' piece, pair it with whites for a neutral backdrop from which it can really shine and speak for itself. Imagine if this bed was in a colorful, filled up room. Somehow I think it's beauty would get lost in the busyness. Instead, the neutrals ground it and take away none of it's gorgeousness!

*image via {this is glamorous}

I'm Back + The Pencil Post Bed

Hello lovelies! The move was a success and I'm finally up and running with internet in the new place. Oh, how I've missed the blog and visiting all of you! I want to thank everyone for the well wishes over the past week. To be honest, Saturday was nothing short of a hell day (since I decided not to hire movers to save a little $$ - hopefully, I'll never make the same mistake again). But thank goodness for my helper! After twelve hours of hard labor, with bruises and sore muscle to prove it, we finally called it a night at around 8pm...and promplty crashed!

Now, it's on to the fun part....decorating! And first on my list is a new bed. I was super set on a tufted headboard for the longest time, but have found myself falling in love with pencil post beds lately. I have an appointment to check one out today after work at a great price. It looks a lot like these, what do you think?

*images via emmas designblogg, reed davis photography, Nuevo Estilo, unknown, Elle Decor, unknown, Busy Being Fabulous, unknown, Skona Hem