March 29, 2011

Bathroom walls...what would you do?...

Here is my dilemma: I rent my home so I can't wallpaper or paint my bathroom (which is not to say I can't get creative!). I have a long countertop that had too much stuff on it and a lovely little wicker shelf on the wall that, although pretty, just collected horrible amounts of dust. I decided to 'feng shui' the room and get rid of unnecessary stuff and change my storage (for loads of toiletry items) from a three drawer plastic cheapo thing to a pretty box. Maybe you know the feeling of looking at something the same way over time and just accepting it as part of the scenery (no, not your husband...but...).  I now have a blank space on the wall where the wicker shelf was and I'm wondering what to put up there, if anything at all.  Here are five bathrooms with great ideas for the walls - what would you hang in its place? a mirror? artwork?

I like the look of the symmetrical frames on the wall...
Design: Paolo Moschino; image Simon Upton

Love the blue & white of course, the frame and sconce...
Design: Joe Nye; image Luca Trovato

Fabulous bathroom and bird art...
Design: Kelley McDowell; image Victoria Pearson

LOVE this room...it doesn't look like a bathroom and the symmetrical arrangement of art on the wall is beautifully done...
Design: Robin Bell; image Christopher Baker

Dig this wallpaper and the hats - that's different huh?
Design: Tom Scheerer; image Francesco Lagnese

I thought these were great examples of what to hang on your bathroom walls...what do you think? any suggestions for something unique or should I leave the wall blank?

Hope you have a great week!! Thanks for stopping by to visit, I love hearing from you!!


Did you know I offer online design? Check out my VirtualDecor page and contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to find out how I can assist you with your decorating in any room of your house.

March 28, 2011

Fabulous Fabric...Monday...Blue & White...

This room is a great example of using more than three to five fabrics in a space. In fact, I count eight different patterns! This variety of fabrics definitely give this room its personality, though, I probably would have just used three. The classic blue and white never seems to go out of style does it? It is a country look, but you could do the same in a space with more modern bold and graphic fabrics. Would you?


I love this color combination, as I know many of you do as well. It looks like the fabrics are all a cotton or cotton mix. Check out the floor too (no pun intended...!) Hope you have a great Monday!!

(images for Country Living)
(original image by Keith Scott Morton)

Have you seen my new page 'VirtualDecor' yet? I can assist you with any project online - please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

March 27, 2011

Spaah on Sunday...

This caught my eye because it has a cool retro vintage vibe and is also Shabby Chic. Sporting Cath Kidston prints and a gorgeous roll-top tub right in the middle of the room, this wins for where I'd like to be on this lazy Sunday. The sparkly chandelier lends a bit of glamour and the rustic chair keeps it down to earth at the same time. What a great bath!


Have a great Sunday!

(original image in Ideal Home UK)
(chandelier by Laura Ashley)

Need help decorating? Check out my VirtualDecor services and contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

March 26, 2011

Saturday in the kitchen...

Another spectacular country kitchen coming to us from England with gorgeous slate tiles from Fired Earth which give this space an up-to-date and fresh look.  The stools perched at the island look very modern amidst the country look which helps give this kitchen a unique perspective.

The lovely wooden beams and country cooker complete this English country charmer. I would love to sit down and have a cup of tea at that island...the floor is the showstopper for me!
Hope everyone has a great Saturday!! Off to work...

(original image for idealhome.com.uk)
(image by Brent Darby)

Have you seen my new VirtualDecor? You can contact me to assist you with a space online. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

March 22, 2011

Fabulous Fabric...Tuesday...William Morris...

I have missed my Friday column, 'Fabulous Fabric Friday' as I'm finding it a challenge to put together a post after two days working 10 hours back to back. Soooo, instead, I am reconsidering writing this column for Mondays or Tuesdays. I have long admired William Morris, his aesthetic, his leading the Arts and Crafts movement in England in the 1800's and his artistry that was so beautifully made into fabrics and wallpaper.  His work was inspired by nature, fruits and flowers and is still used today in interiors long after his death in 1896. The patterns look so fresh even now, and can be adapted to many different styles of homes, especially the Arts and Crafts home. For information and to learn more about the history of William Morris, go here and to purchase any of the fabrics or wallpapers, go here. I have featured just a few of my favorite patterns.

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." William Morris from 'The Beauty of Life' 1880










Love this...

...and this...

I think this is my favorite...



This is gorgeous too...I can't decide, I love them all!!

William Morris was also a rug designer, typographist and artist who loved to paint. He was also asked to be England's Poet Laureate by Queen Victoria, but declined this honor.  Most importantly, his work has NEVER been out of production for over a century.

Do you have a favorite here that you would like in your home or choose for a client?

(images historicstyle.com)

Have you seen my new page 'VirtualDecor?'  If you need help with decorating, please check it out and contact me for more information including my rates at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

March 21, 2011

My home in CocoMale's blog...

Happy Monday! I wanted to thank Katie and Emily from the CocoMale blog for including my home in their fab series 'At Home With...' - the other day.  To see the post, please go here  and scroll down- have a great day!


(image by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

If you need help decorating a space, I am offering e-design services. Please email me for a consultation at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

March 20, 2011

Spaah on Sunday...

Well, its Sunday again and my first day off for the week...relaxing baths are something that I want and try to visualize when I choose photos for this column.  So, I go to England again for inspiration...no one does bathrooms like the British and this copper tub is a showstopper! What a spectacular looking room with the ceiling, the window, the chandelier, the brick and the copper sink to match!!


Wouldn't you love to bathe in this tub?? Have a wonderful Sunday!! By the way, I finally saw 'The King's Speech' last night and LOVED it...if you haven't seen it already, do go, its great!

(image for housetohome.co.uk)

If you need help with any decorating scheme, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to discuss what changes you would like to see happen in your space.

March 19, 2011

Saturday in the kitchen...

I am off to work now but love this kitchen top to bottom...the gothic door, beautiful granite counters, wooden ceiling and the chandelier for a bit of sparkle. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend - today is my birthday so I will be going out for a nice meal and then I will finally get to see 'The King's Speech!!'


Anything in this kitchen you love? dislike? want to copy?

(image in housetohome.co.uk)

Need help with your decorating scheme? Contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and I can help you plan your ideal space!

March 17, 2011

Do you like the design of this room?...

I would LOVE your feedback on the design of this room in a house in Maine that is featured in the new House Beautiful...I am not sure I like the mix of furniture and styles in this room - it somehow doesn't seem to work for me. The Moroccan rug, the Saarinen table and the wicker chairs (which I love). Now, what also bothers me, are the floral curtains that really clash with the rather hideous Victorian settee. HB states that the designer Tom Scheerer "deftly put together a disparate mix in the living room of a coastal Maine house." Hmmm, just because its in this magazine, doesn't mean its true either right??  Do you think this mixes well?


The other rooms in the house are lovely...I would love to read your comments on this room...thanks for visiting me and I hope everyone has a great Friday!!

(Interior Design by Tom Scheerer)
(original photo for House Beautiful by Francesco Lagnese)


Need help with your decorating dilemma? Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and we can discuss your plan and incorporate your unique vision and ideas.

March 15, 2011

Pretty plates...

I snapped these photos last summer of some pretty plates I bought at a great little store that sells vintage goodies, towels, furniture, shabby chic stuff and vintage tablecloths. I LOVE collecting these plates to use every day and can't resist buying them...I have more vintage china and used to have a set (not complete) of the blue and white Italian Spode (I miss it!) and the beautiful Portmeirion Botanical Collection, both of which belonged to Lady Somerset in southern England.  Herewith, some photos -




LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this china...



For more information about Italian Spode, go here and for the Portmeirion collection go here -

Do you have a favorite china pattern you love to use or display? 

(images from blueandwhite.com and portmeirion.co.uk)


Need help decorating your home? Contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and we can assist with your design dilemma.


March 14, 2011

Stunning room...

I LOVE this design firm...if you don't know them, you must see their portfolio...Caldwell Flake here - they have done rooms that are just stunning...just thought I would post this for inspiration...

The colors, the symmetry, the patterns...everything...just beautiful!

Do you like it? love it?

(image caldwellflake.com)

Do you need help decorating your space? Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to discuss how I can assist you with organizing your space as well as fabric and furniture selection.

March 13, 2011

Spaah on Sunday...with a twist...

I came across the artwork of Shann Spishak on Etsy and thought this was the perfect image for a lazy Sunday. Since claw foot tubs are my favorite, this beautiful painting conveys the relaxation and colors that are great for a day when we had to turn the clocks ahead. I just love the details, including the painting by Monet, the rug, the towels, the little vase with a flower and the glass of cognac. For more of Shann's work (which includes pillows) or to purchase this little mini-canvas, go here - you will love her paintings!


Have a great Sunday everyone!!

(original painting by Shann Spishak Art Studio on Etsy.com)


If you need help turning your bathroom into a sanctuary, I can assist with your space including floor, walls, paint, fabrics, fixtures and furniture. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and we can discuss details.

March 12, 2011

Saturday in the kitchen...

Sorry I am so late posting this, but I had to work today and didn't have time this morning...anyway, today we are in France again as this kitchen is in Provence and has rustic written all over it.  I love the poured concrete counters and the 'crown molding' around the top of the room...how unique and creative! This was first seen on  Joni's 'Cote de Texas' blog (here) and I loved it so much I wanted to feature it here.


Note also the copper pots, basket and green glass bottle. Do you love this look or is it not your style?

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend and I will see you back here tomorrow!!

(image cotedetexas.blogspot.com)

If you need help decorating your home, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and we can discuss how I can assist you with space, fabric, furniture, kitchen and bath consultations.

March 8, 2011

Indikoi sinks...made in New Hampshire...

Are you looking for a bathroom sink that is truly unique and a showstopper? Check out Indikoi Sinks that are hand-made in New Hampshire in a 6,000 square foot facility. If you want a gorgeous vessel or undermount sink for your home or commercial facility, you can choose from four distinctive styles and colors. Whether you choose the Classic or Metro, the sinks in all of the series are especially beautiful as each is so unique because of the glazing process and will add the 'wow' factor to any bath design. I have highlighted some of the sinks here, but, for more information about how the sinks are created and to inquire about purchases, please visit here or send inquiries to sales@indikoisinks.com. The pictures will speak for themselves...



Classic Ivory Crystal

Classic Patina Crystal

Classic Sky Crystal


Metro Sky Crystal

A Metro sink highlighted on a shabby chic style dresser


U Style Indigo


U Style Patina Crystal

A selection of sinks

The Indikoi Sinks facility in the hills of New Hampshire

David Pellerin, the owner and artist at work creating one of his beautiful sinks

David and his wife Brandi run Indikoi Sinks and offer four distinct styles: the Classic, U Style, Modern and Metro - all are versatile, unique and appropriate for both residential and commercial projects. 

Thanks for visiting me - please check out Indikoi Sinks for your home, office or restaurant project today!!

(images indikoisinks.com)
(faucets by kohler faucets)


Do you need help decorating your house? Please inquire at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and I will work with you to create a comfortable home that reflects your unique taste. I am accepting projects both large and small.

March 7, 2011

Crane & Co...the art of writing...

I was lucky enough to have Crane & Co. wedding invitations, which are absolutely beautiful and I have since loved all their correspondence cards. My mother also got me monogrammed cards to send thank you notes for my wedding gifts (I still have them). My favorites are the folded note cards and I have chosen a few to show here...do you still write cards? In this age of email, taking the time to write a message on a beautiful card speaks volumes.  Which is your favorite??


I love the little Dachsund but am partial to the animal print cards too...

For more information and to purchase any Crane & Co. cards, go here -

(images crane.com)

March 6, 2011

Spaah on Sunday...

I guess I am in the mood for spring and flowers, so this dressing room/bath combination is just the ticket. The lovely rug and floral screen for privacy mixed with the velvet chaise and metal tub look so inviting on this lazy Sunday don't you think? I love the idea of the bath in a dressing room or bedroom. So cozy and relaxing.


(original image in Ideal Home)

Does your bath need sprucing up? Contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and I can assist with updating your bathroom or an entire remodel.