Guest Post: Erin of Apartment 34

Today is a bitter sweet one for me. Last night at 10pm we wrapped our very last photo shoot for the premiere issue of Rue! I couldn't have asked for it to go any better! Believe me, I wish I could give you all the details and dish on the photographer we worked with (you know and love him), the people we met (you also know and love them) and the nature of the shoot (it's going to knock your sox off!). This summer of travel around the country has truly been the best time of my life...I can't believe it all started just 1.5 months ago in NYC! Well, soon we'll be able to share it all and even start leaking some sneak peek pics leading up to the launch...so stay tuned! But for now, here's the sweet and stylish, Mrs. Erin from Apartment #34 with what summer means to her...

There are just so many things to love about summer, it's difficult to narrow down my summer essentials. However, when forced, I'd love to say summer for me is defined by al fresco dinning with oodles of friends, an overflow of fresh flowers, at least one opportunity to sink my feet into the sand and a wardrobe driven by fabulous open-toed shoes!

*images via haute design, everything fabulous, automatism

Guest Post: Helena of A Diary of Lovely

Before I introduce today's guest...a little update on Rue! Yesterday we photographed the most beautiful home where the walls were moody and the decor, vintage with hints of modern Scandinavian accents...in short, a look right up my alley! I have a feeling you are really going to love this one! Today's shoot will be a little different in nature, so I won't share too much, but we're working with a designer I've been dying to meet! Needless to say, I'm thrilled! And now, here's the lovely Helena of A Diary of Lovely, to share what summer means to her...and some really sweet word!

Hi all, this is Helena from A Diary of Lovely and I'm beyond excited to be here covering for the gorgeous Crystal while she's in sunny Cali preparing a feast for our eyes...yes, that's the first Rue issue. I can't wait, and I bet you feel the same way! Thank you Crystal for trusting me a bit with Plush Palate. So, what does summer mean to me? Carefree moments of sun, sea, friends, and family. Good food and endless sunsets. Pink bougainvilleas and little white and blue islands with paved streets.

An incredible sandy beach, with blue water so clear, you can even see your reflection in it.

A Greek taverna to enjoy ripe tomatoe salads with views of the Acropolis in.

The old Greek dolce vita, the glamour of the titans enjoying the same way we all enjoy now.

Summer for me is the moment to live everything we can't during the rest of the year. Live to the maximum, make dreams reality, enjoy the friends and family we might not see the rest of the year. Summer is beautiful freedom. Thank you again Crystal!

Via: 1|2|3|4

Guest Post: Sarah of Haute Design!

Today we have the lovely Miss Sarah from Haute Design as our guest blogger! If you don't already know Sarah, let me tell you that, apart from her stunning and glamorous blog, she is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. Her heart is as big as her infinite talents. Today Sarah's sharing what summer means to her...

"Summer afternoon -- summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." -Henry James

To me, summer is all about taking advantage of these longer, lighter days, with a balance of fun adventure and relaxation being the ticket! It's about noticing and enjoying the little things...perfumed blooms, warm light pouring in the home, the freedom of going barefoot, doors and windows wide open, fresh slices of fruit, light, breezy dresses, and where the very word "ease" finds its true meaning...

*images via Paul Schmidt

Guest Post from Jami of Imagine!

Today Jami from Imagine is filling in for me while I'm away. Though we've never met in person, Jami has become a dear blog friend of mine. She's got a great eye for style, is filled with design knowledge, and is sweet as can be. I'll finally have the chance to meet Jami in August while on the LA leg of our Rue home tour shoots. Jami has planned a pool day for us and I can't hardly wait! Here's Jami with a glimpse into the design of one of her favorite New York designers!

"In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do..." And lucky, lucky Crystal gets to experience it firsthand this week! I'm completely jealous, as I've never had the pleasure of gracing the streets of NYC, but I'm absolutely thrilled that Crystal will be struttin' her stuff through the concrete jungle and invited me over to Plush Palate.

In her absence, I'll be sharing with you a little about one of my favorite NYC designers, Thom Filicia. You may remember him from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" or recognize him as the host on the TV program "Dress My Nest."

Thom Filicia's style is classic simplicity with an unexpected, modern flair. He is known as one who blends the worlds of mass media and interior design to create an unforgettable impression. Thom isn't afraid to mix the old with the new and I think that is why I'm drawn to his designs (plus he has great hair!). Here's a handful of my favorite Thom Filicia residential projects.

The typical tropical Miami bold and bright color palette is subdued in this space, creating a clean, simple and inviting room to relax, lounge and enjoy the natural light beaming through the expansive windows. I'm in love with the soft white ceiling-to-floor wall drapery.

Oversized wild horse art, bird cage lighting and these yellow chairs with nail head trim are right up my alley! I'm also enjoying the underlying circle theme he's got going with the round table, round rug, circle sculpture and the balls sitting in the corner.

The horizontal lines and slate grey color palette convey a serene and calming effect in this bedroom. In this room, there is a mastered mixture of old and new; the antique dresser, the contemporary accessories, the traditional four-poster bed with a modern twist, the classic sunburst mirror and quatrafoil pattern. Love it!

I just thought this was fun! What a unique idea to bring into play oversized rope as a handrail. The size and color palette work, so why not? Nice touch. I also love the cut-out-trim mirroring the stairway and the bold stripe right up the center. This staircase is not just a path of travel, but Thom was creative in crafting a focal point with a space that is at times overlooked.

The room certainly had my gears turning the first time I laid eyes on it! What a show stopper. You can tell that Thom had fun playing with scale and proportion in this room. I appreciate the unexpected whimsy that the gears generate. Sitting in that loft area would provide me with much inspiration and put my imagination to work!

Thom not only designs residential homes, but his portfolio includes spaces such as multiple W Hotels, The World's Fair, dressing rooms at The View, and windows at Christie's. This year, Thom launched his multifaceted retail home collection, "Thom Filicia Home," which includes furniture, textiles, floor covering, broadloom, lighting and more.

A big 'thank you,' to Crystal for having me over! Crystal has always been such an inspiration and my "go-to" person when it comes to all my blog questions! I hope, Crystal, "Now that you're in New York, the streets will make you feel brand new and the lights will inspire you!" I'm looking forward to our LA meet-up later this summer!

*images via Thom Filicia

Guest Post from Amy of ABCD Designs!

First and foremost...I love you guys! The Rue team has been floored by all your kind comments, well wishes, and support for the magazine. Yesterday was a really special day for us - thank you for being part of it. Really and truly, I am honored to be part of such an inspiring community of bloggers, designers, and design enthusiasts!

As you know, Anne and I are in New York all week shooting home tours for the premiere issue of Rue. So, I've lined up some of my friends to keep us company while I'm away. In honor of being in the city that never sleeps, I've asked them to share their favorite NYC designers with us! And I'm thrilled to have Amy from ABCD Designs here with us today!

True story: The other day I received a beautiful card in the mail from a friend. It was so pretty that I had to ask, "You did this stationery?!" And it turned out, it was Amy! Of course...when you want the best, who else? So, take it away, Mrs. D (P.S. Her favorite NYC designer also happens to be mine!):

It's so great to have Crystal in NYC with us this week! I couldn't be happier that she asked me (a designer in NYC to write a post in honor of her trip to the City that never sleeps. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo (ABCD!) and I write a blog called ABCD Design.

As a topic for this post, Crystal asked me: Who is your favorite designer in NYC? I had to think on it for 0.001 seconds before Vicente Wolf came to mind! Who can't embrace the man responsible for being the first designer to "do" the all white room?

Vicente has worked as a designer in NYC for more than three decades. While he doesn't hold a degree in interior design, you'd never call him "just a decorator." Vicente's interior design work is incredibly complex. Layers and layers of texture, light, and form go into the spaces that he creates.

The palette is always neutral in tone, allowing the artwork and artifacts to stand on their own and tell a story. One of the key points in his design aesthetic is the composition that he creates with furniture. He always manages as interesting visual dialogue between pieces.

In regards to furniture placement Vicente says, "They are placed to create different balances, without being symmetrical, in a way they neutralize each other, and this produces calmness."

Using a dinner party analogy, he explains his furniture placement theory further, "How do you seat guests at a dining table? You do not put a talkative person besides a talkative person. Each one fills in the gaps. Not too much of the same thing next to each other."

Vicente is a multidimensional artist - he designs furniture, a line of crystal for Baccarat, he is a talented photographer, a collector, a theatre buff, and a world traveller. I adore his aesthetic, it truly speaks to me. I hope you take a moment to check out his website and his blog.

Crystal, thanks again for having me at Plush Palate - I can't wait to meet you in "real life" on Thursday!

xoxABCD

*images via Vicente Wolf portfolio

Guest Post: Julieann of CreateGirl

Julieann and I have never met in person but we've become fast friends nonetheless - a kindred spirit for sure!! Apart from sending each other long emails about life's ups and downs, we've also bonded over Italy and Italian food. So, it goes without saying....I'm in love with this post!!

Hi All, I am Julieann and blog over at CreateGirl. One of the many topics that have drawn me to Crystal is our mutual love for Italy and the culture. So it was only appropriate that I share some of my favorite rooms and the feeling I get when I think about Italy and my own family traditions! One of Italy's most endearing traits is the way it marries land and sea and how those colors seep into their interiors. I constantly find myself drawn to the warmer tones of yellow, brown, oranges, reds and greens. As you can see another strong element is the use of natural textures, the stone, wood and brick are constantly incorporated into its designs.

Italy is full of amazing food whose colors influence the space they are served in. Dining tables which are casual, welcoming and full of natural tones that feel as if they have a story to share themselves are essential.

Thanks Crystal for inviting me to guest post today, I hope you are having one spectacular vacation!

Images from: fuori Borgo, Ms Adventures in Italy, Piedmont Pur, Laudomia Puccis House Florence, Adriano Bacchella, Desire to inspire

Guest Post: Jane of Ill Seen, Ill Said

In today's guest post, it's almost as if Jane from Ill Seen, Ill Said read my mind and wrote my very own travel dreams. I'm still on one vacation and already she's got me dreaming of the next!

Hi everyone! Jane here from Ill Seen, Ill Said. Unlike Crystal, I don't get to travel a lot these days. But I have done a fair bit in my time. And the more I think about the places that I've traveled to and lived in, as well as the places I still want to go, the more I can see certain trends emerging; some country-specific and others more thematic.

1. Ireland
I have to start with my homeland. I don't live in Ireland any more, so it's officially my favourite place to travel to. And, having lived there for 20-something years, who can doubt the permanent affect it had on my design sensibility. There's a rugged charm to everything from home. And just as the country is richly layered with history and patina, so the homes are too.

2. Sweden

In stark contrast, my minimal side finds Swedish homes very appealing. The clean slate gives leaves space to breathe, as well as inherent charm and cheerfulness, which is exactly what I'm looking for from a vacation destination as well as an abode. I haven't been to Sweden, but I'm hoping to go some day. In the meantime, this is a country that's very much influencing my design sensibility from afar.

3. History

I like stories. And I like antiques and eclectic, highly personal collections too. So, a sense of history is important to me both in travel and decor. The idea of going to a newly-built luxury resort does not appeal. Give me an old hotel with creaky floors and oil paintings, a town with old museums and churches with crypts and windy streets instead! In decor, I like to tell stories too. Perhaps with a little more restraint, but there's always a mix of new and old and prominent, personal collections and objects.

4. The Sea

Because I grew up on an island, the sea plays a leading role in my holiday fantasies. I love homes that conjure that beach-like feeling. The thought of throwing open a door or window and hearing or smelling the ocean is the very epitome of relaxation for me. Even though I'm a neutral kind of girl, greens and blues seem to sneak into my decor schemes. And I didn't realize until a friend pointed out that I've managed to scatter shells around my apartment too. Even when I'm not aware of it, I'm secretly yearning to be by the sea.

And there you have it! My ideal vacation and my dream home in one package. I'm not sure how it all goes together, but that's the fun of a decorating challenge! Thanks for coming on this little tour with me. And a huge thanks to Crystal for inviting me to take this virtual holiday on Plush Palate!

Jane

xx

Image credits: Ireland: 1. From my Flickr 2. From Rathmullan Cottages, via my blog 3. From World of Interiors, via my blog 4. From my Flickr Sweden: 1. From Chelsea's Flickr 2. From The Crown, via Decorology 3. From KML Design, via Stuart McIntyre, via Hugh Stewart, via Hugh Stewart, via Katy Elliott's Flickr 4. From Pony Tail's Flickr The Sea: 1. From Skona Hem 3. From Domino via Automatism 4. From Eros Turannos' Flickr

Guest Post: Lynne of Tea for Joy

We can learn so much about a person by the way they travel and the places they choose to stay. Today Lynne of Tea for Joy lets us in on what makes her truly happy while traveling. I love her appreciation for details and attraction to unusual locations. I think Lynne and I would definitely make good travel buddies!

I'm not that adventurous when it comes to holidays, and don't need to stay anywhere glamorous. My favourite place to stay ever is the Seafarer's hostel in New York - very basic, inexpensive for Manhattan, but clean, always the right temperature, and in a brilliant location. However, I have been lucky enough to stay in some amazing hotels, and these are the things which impress me.

1. Simple, but effective, touches. This hotel, Casa Camper in Barcelona, has simple rooms, with minimal fittings but bold red walls which make the rooms look expensive and warm.

2. Attention to small details. I've always wanted to stay at the Zetter Hotel in London, and now I've found out that their rooms have matching hot water bottles (perfect for a perennially cold Irish person), I'm even more convinced. Last year Young House Love posted this cute video on using small details they’ve seen in hotels in our homes.

3. An unusual location. I've always loved lighthouses, such as this one near Belfast Lough in Northern Ireland, which I think is associated with 'Maskew's Match' in my favourite childhood book, Moonfleet. (If anyone knows what that means, we should be friends!) Quirky locations make me happy, such as the Cley Windmill in Norfolk, or these vintage Airstream trailers on the Isle of Wight. I'm such a fan of unusual spaces in any form (I'm still unbelievably excited about this sewing shed), but I don't think a converted chapel, school or railway station will ever be in my budget!

Thanks, Crystal, for letting me guest blog while you are on your travels. I hope you are having an amazing trip!

Guest Post: Samantha of Pretty Lovely

While I tend to look to other countries for travel and cultural inspiration, today's guest reminds me that there's so much to appreciate right here in the good ol' U.S. of A.! Samantha of Pretty Lovely is taking us on a cross-country tour of great American design! And let me tell you, she completely spoils us with eye candy and inspiration (thanks Sam!). Here she is...

I am so glad to be guest posting for Plush Palate while Crystal is away on her uber-amazing vacation. The best thing about traveling is that not only do you get the chance to take it easy and relax - enjoying the face that you are far removed from the daily grind - but, you also have the unique opportunity to be inspired. Although there are many places in the world that inspire me, both those I have visited and others that I have only dreamt of, nothing beats what you can find in your own backyard. So, from the bright lights of the big city to the peach trees found down south - this is how I am aesthetically inspired by the USA.

Palm Springs is an oasis for mid-century modern architecture and design. With the minimalism and clean lines of Richard Neutra and his epic Kaufman Desert House to the old Hollywood glamour of E. Stewart Williams' house for Frank Sinatra, I bet you would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't been inspired by this city.

In Miami it is all about bringing the heat. Best known for its spicy and colorful interiors with an excessive twist, MiMo is definitely here to stay. I also appreciate the fact that an entire neighborhood is solely dedicated to the preservation of the creative arts.

Cape Cod was easily a shoo-in for this list, mostly because an entire architectural style is dedicated to this very city. However, this Colonial town was also once home to the Kennedy Compound - and, well to me, nothing is more luxurious or elegant than Jackie O. I truly love the classic and timeless 'look' of a Cape Cod inspired home.

In New York anything goes, which is why how this city inspires me can't really be summed up into one tiny paragraph. However, whether it is the 19th century row houses of the Upper East Side with their black and white marble foyers or the seemingly white tiles found in the subway, I am always guaranteed to find something that catches my eye.

I am a southern girl. And in the South, it's all about that understated elegance - making a home feel both ritzy and comfortable so that your guests feel welcomed, yet are still left impressed. I am constantly inspired by how a historic home in Savannah can combine the best of both worlds by mixing the old with the new. There is nothing like walking into a house that can have a dining room where its original oak millwork is flanking a custom farmhouse table with Louis Ghost armchairs.

Images via Architectural Digest (1 & 3), Interior Design, Dethjunkie, The Epic Miami, Sacramento Street, Architectural Digest, Le Blog de Betty, House Beautiful (9 & 11), Like a Bird to the Sky, Life, Home Sweet Home, Door Sixteen, Decor8, Sebastian, Home Sweet Home, Fairytale Style and Inspiration, Domino, and William Eggleston