Happy Friday + A Fabulous Week in Review

Thank goodness it's Friday because I'm exhausted -- but in the best possible way! This has been one of those weeks where I've hardly had a moment to pause or breath. So, if you'll indulge me for a moment, I'd love to share as I met some pretty amazing people in the last few days...

Last Saturday the fantastic team at Pottery Barn invited me to a private event with the one and only Nathan Turner, legendary tastemaker to the stars! He showed us how to make beautiful tabletops for weddings and entertaining using Pottery Barn's great selection of vases, vessels, and more. Of course he was nothing but delightful and we had a blast! Miss Alaina was also there, which always makes an event that much more fun :) On Monday, she and I are partnering with Pottery Barn for a fantastic giveaway, so stay tuned for your chance to win!

Nathan Turner on Saturday? How could it get better than that? But wait, it does. I met Nate Berkus on Wednesday! Jess scored hard-to-get-your-hands-on tickets to a show test taping at Harpo Studios here in Chicago and invited Alaina and I to go! As you all know The Nate Berkus Show premieres in the fall and the design world has gone crazy with anticipation. To top it off, we somehow got hand picked to sit in the front row. Yes, that means we got to chit chat with the personable and cute Nate during takes and shake his hand a gazillion times as they kept retaping his entrance and exist from the stage. Pure bliss! Delicious Mexican food and margaritas followed with the girls :)

Then, this coming Sunday a day I've been waiting for a long time is finally here. You may remember me saying I was preparing my home for a photo shoot. Well, it's finally happening! I'm so excited I can't hardly wait! Of course I still feel like I could teak a few things, but in the world of decorating, that is a never ending process. A home is never finished in my book. I won't be able to show the pictures right away because Emily, the photographer, and I have a few ideas of what we'll be doing with them first, but I thought I'd keep you all in the loop for now!

And lastly my loves, this is just a small glimpse of what my whirlwind summer is going to be. You see, I actually have some pretty big news to share, in fact so exciting for me I'm practically bursting at the seams with desire to tell all of you. But I have to wait just a little longer before I'm able to reveal. But what I can say is you'll be the first to know!

Sending lots of love your way...

xo, Crystal

*images via Anna Williams Photography

Captured By: Anna Williams

Yesterday, Anne reignited my love for photographer Anna Williams with a beautiful post about her latest endeavor: The Voracity. Today, I'm inspired by these poetic spaces captured by Ms. Williams as seen in her portfolio.

I don't claim to know the first thing about photography, but I do know it's key when telling the story of a room through an image. If one cannot physically experience the space for themselves, then the photographer is integral in capturing its essence and bringing to light its best attributes.

A perfect dining area with balance and a sense of calm. The furniture pieces, namely those Cherner chairs, are modern and clean. But matched with the billow of a transparent tablecloth, the space folds into softness and relaxation.

A painting that says so much without saying anything at all. Monochromatic art is still among my favorites. Blended with the color of the wall, it stands out in dimension yet stays quiet with easy elegance.

A truly finished look. This living space has just the right amount of pattern and layering to make it feel full and complete. But the light colored furniture and muted palette keep the room tranquil and serene.

A charming little kitchen. I'm still in love with open shelving and this one is styled just right. I like my 'stuff' contained and keeping the varying heights and colors of the tableware displayed in one easy spot is the perfect solution.

The softness of this image, the dream like quality, captured me in this bedroom. But the little coffee cup and accompanying flowers really made me fall in love with it. I adore that 'moment.'

Oh to have a mud room! They're so country and have me daydreaming of second homes far from the bustle of the city. Two sweet pillows and wall art whose placement doesn't seem to have a rhyme or reason. But the magic is it works...in fact, it more than works.

Chests of drawers against the side of a staircase is an old trick, but a constant favorite. My favorite part of the space is the boldness of the black on the stairs piercing through a space of ethereal blues and dreamy hues.