Every meal starts with the humble chopping board, and for Adelaide mum Crystal Jagger, this simple kitchen essential sparked the idea behind her stylish new brand, Maison Apprêt.
“I was cooking dinner and reached for a chopping board,” Crystal recalls. “They were ugly and plastic and destined for the bin. I’d been slowly replacing toxic items in our home, but finding a good-quality, non-toxic board was really hard. That’s when I decided to make something beautiful and practical; without the nasties.”
A family trip to Paris soon after added a splash of inspiration. “We visited the galleries, markets, boutiques and restaurants, it was impossible not to be inspired by the colours and textures,” she says. “I wanted the boards to feel luxurious and beautiful.”
Today, Maison Apprêt’s boards are crafted from eco-friendly materials, plastic-free and BPA-free, combining style and sustainability for the heart of your kitchen. Crystal believes everyday tools should be more than just functional; they should be a statement.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home,” she says. “It’s time for your chopping board to be seen. It’s not just a background utility; it’s a functional centrepiece.”
As a busy mum of three (with new baby Fleur arriving in June), Crystal knows mealtime can be hectic. Her go-to quick meal? A platter of fruit, veggies, cheese and biscuits. Easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing.
With a passion for good food and design, Crystal and her husband Callum mix classic French and Italian flavours with creative kitchen chaos, involving the kids, of course. “They definitely know how to make a mess, but they have a lot of fun,” she laughs.
When it’s time to entertain, Crystal keeps it simple yet stylish. “A generous cheeseboard, drinks in an ice bucket, a fun playlist and your favourite candle, that’s a perfect low-fuss gathering.”
From local Adelaide Hills gems to markets stocked with South Australia’s best produce, Crystal and her family live and breathe food culture. And as for relaxing after a busy day? “Definitely wine and cheese on the balcony. Our kids love a good cheese platter too, they’re right there with us.”
