Betsy of The Estate of Things, who chose the Harriet lamp, and Champagne of Crush Party, who chose the Garden City sconce! Congratulations, ladies! Please email us at info[at]ruemag[dot]com with your address so we can get your lamps off to you as soon as possible! Thank you to everyone who entered and to Lamps Plus for sponsoring a fantastic giveaway!

First up is Mary Larez. Don’t you love this light-filled interior?

1.  Take hues from nature to foster an atmosphere of serenity.

2.  When in doubt, revert to basic symmetry.

3.  “Less is more” — Architect Mies van der Rohe’s motto and a sound principle for designers everywhere!

4.  Wallpaper adds visual interest to even the smallest space.

5.  Splashes of color breathe new life into a neutral interior.

6.  Mix classic and modern elements to make the space your own.

7.  Use elegant classics as your focal point.

8.  Asian accents add sophistication and style.

Next up is Rhonda Frey, who has some great advice about matching your style to your personality.

1. Pay attention to proportion and scale.

2. Take the time to define your personal style preference. Client work should not necessarily be based on the latest trends!

3. “There is one fundamental fact about lighting. Where there is no light, there is no beauty.” — Ruby Koss.

4. Create a home that reflects your interests and grows with you.

5. Use common elements throughout your home to allow rooms to harmonize with one another.

6. “Form follows function.” Design must be functional in order to be beautiful.

7. Start with one signature piece and build the room around that inspiration.

8. Appeal to clients’ hearts as well as their minds and budgets.

9. Buy quality pieces from the start, even if you have to invest in one piece at a time.

10. Never underestimate the impact of accessorizing.

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Thank you for sharing your advice today! What did you all take away from Mary and Rhonda’s principles?

The first lamp is the Harriet white glass table lamp seen to the right of the couch. We love its traditional silhouette and modern finish!

The second is this Garden City polished nickel sconce. What room doesn’t need shiny task lighting?

Interested in winning one of these lamps? It couldn’t be easier!

1. Leave a comment below letting us know which lamp you would choose and which feature from Issue Five shined the brightest for you!

2. For a second entry, tweet the giveaway including @LampsPlus and come back to let us know you did!

Each winner will receive the lamp of his or her choice and we’ll be announcing the winners next Monday, June 13. Good luck!

Is anyone celebrating Earth Day tomorrow with a back-to-nature get-together in the sunshine (or under the stars?) Camille Styles here, and today I’ve culled together a few earthy pieces for the table in shades inspired by sea, land and sky. Recycled glass votives cast flickering light, seagrass tumblers add natural elegance, and pots of herbs make the greenest centerpieces…snip a few leaves to sprinkle right over bowls of pasta on the table!

{clockwise from top} basil kit, nested napkins, recycled glass votives, sapling utensils, seagrass tumbler

We get lots of emails from bloggers requesting permission to use screenshots from Rue in their posts. The answer is two-fold: 1) we would love for you to blog your favorite interiors and parties from Rue so long as you provide proper credit and a link to our site and 2) there’s no need for pesky screenshots! We have an extensive online gallery divided by room with all the photographs from all our issues. These lovely little vignettes are just a few of my favorites. What are yours? Blog away!

can’t go wrong with fresh peas & asparagus

these lovely radishes are just begging for a dab of butter & salt…the perfect British-inspired snack!

beauties that make you want to dive right in.  strawberry & goat cheese salad drizzled with balsamic glaze anyone?

rhubarb, one of my personal springtime favorite.  check out my recipe for a brilliant strawberry rhubarb tart here.

bright and lively lemons make a wonderful pairing with ramps, the kings of spring!  olive oil, lemon juice, s&p & grilled ramps — perfect with shrimp, chicken or steak

fresh artichokes and linguine for a fast, simple meal

images via: White on Rice Couple, Etsy, Tiny White Daisies, Cannelle et Vanille, Pinterest, Souvlaki for the Soul

Hi there! I’m Mackenzie from Design Darling and today I’m featuring my favorite color combination from Rue’s fourth issue. I love the dog print wallpaper in Bailey McCarthy’s powder room and the contrast of poppy brights against the black, white, and gold. Bonnee Sharp’s foyer — and coordinating outfit, for that matter! — employ a similar palette. Both spaces remind us that whatever your accent colors, you can never go wrong with black, white, and a dash of glamour.

While we may be stuck at home {working away on Rue!} it doesn’t mean our packing list isn’t ready to go.

Twenty8Twelve dress | threadsense sandal | missioni bikini | anya hindmarch tote |nina nyugen kingston bracelet | need supply belt | asos ring | oliver peoples shades |  madewell fedora 

Now all that’s missing is our plane tickets!

As well as the macrame installation in the lobby of the Ace Hotel (where we spent one fabulous weekend last fall!). So… in case you didn’t get enough in Issue #4 – a few more suggestions for your home and wardrobe as we get ready for summer!

1. michael stars fishnet clutch 2. alexander wang cardigan 3. west elm woven chair 4. thomas eyck bowl 5. kris nations bracelet 6. west elm pendant 7. vince camuto sandal 8. amenity home pillow 9. anthropologie woven necklace 10. urban outfitters fedora 11. basketweave stool at plantation

Still want more? Head over to coco+kelley where I’m sharing a behind the scenes look at the color trends page and more resources to shop!

*runway looks by gucci, cavalli and malandrino

{clockwise from top} wine basket, la versha chair, seersucker placemats, sea glass carafe, moroccan lanterns.