GOTTA HAVE THESE!!! Its back with ETSY...

Hello blog world! Well, no luck with trying to sell my fabric...I'm disappointed and hope that someone somewhere will need this fabric for a refresh or brand new pillow or curtain...on another note, I am thrilled to bring back my favorite column that enables me to scour the web for cool deals. Hope you have a great week!
 
No need to look anywhere but ETSY for your decorating (and other!) needs...I love my daily Etsy updates.  Check out my three choices:

I know this is a little unusual, but if you want your feline to 

look THIS chic, get this KoogaTree Natural British

Sheepskin for that special cat in your life for about

$73.00 - 

How cute and cozy does this cat look?? Love it -

I adore this Scottish style cozy pillow - I can't resist 

plaid can you? Go here for this pillow - $42.00

From the same store, check this out - I love black and white-

always classic and it mimics animal spots - $40.00

WhitlockandCo

If you need a moodboard, suggestions or help with decorating a room,

bathroom or kitchen, please contact me for assistance - I have reasonable

rates and can help via email.

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Fabric for sale...Eric Cohler 'Antlers'...

Hello and Happy Sunday! I have four yards of this gorgeous fabric, never used in a smoke-free home that I would like to sell quickly.  It can by yours for $100.  This is very elegant fabric and would make a couple of great throw pillows, curtain or framed as a decoration on a wall.  It is a true deep teal green, the pictures were taken outside in the sun and it looks a bit faded but it is not.  Please email me if you would like to purchase, shipping will be free! Thanks for stopping by! 

EMAIL: MONACOINTERIORS76@YAHOO.COM

This stunning fabric, Antlers in teal by Eric Cohler for Lee Jofa is a classic that will look great in a mountain cabin, log home or for the fabric lover. Whether you are buying for yourself or for someone else, this will make the perfect gift for the fabric lover.  Priced competitively with fabric stores and online stores, brand new in excellent condition. From a non-smoking home and exclusive four yards only available!

************Please note 10 yards on ebay are for sale for $1,259.99*****************


Colorway:  Teal, Cream, Brown
Repeats:   V 31.5",  H 27"
59& Linen, 41% Cotton,
Width is 54 inches.
Fabric is new and unused. 
Excellent Quality suitable for all home decor.

FREE SHIPPING -

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BEST of MI...Kitchen before + after...

BEST OF MI...from Sept 2011:


Just a quick post this morning...some of you may remember that little magazine called Domino...well, here is a before and after  that I love. Designed by Juliette Hohnen, who is married to one of my fave actors, Steven Weber, who played Brian Hackett on 'Wings' for years, she is in real estate and flips houses.  This is a beach house in Malibu that she redesigned to perfectly fit the California aesthetic. Take a look - here is the before:

And here is the after below:

Juliette used the IKEA freestanding units, poured concrete floors and an all white palette to bring this kitchen up to date. Do you like the look? She did the whole place on an impressive budget as well. For more Domino fun go here -

Have a great weekend!!

(images Mikkel Vang)

For information about my online design services, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Best of MI...Organizing the closet 101...

BEST OF MI - FROM 2010-

January is a great time to clean out, organize, throw out, reorganize and putter around when its cold outside.  I used to work for a closet company and learned the right way to organize my closet - if you are at wit's end, keep reading and get organized once and for all!! 

Ok, here's the deal...I cleaned my linen closet yesterday and then decided to clean out my clothes closet and...um...3 hours later my back and feet were killing me because I went crazy and ended up getting rid of most of my clothes and then some!! Sooo, I thought these pictures were fabulous of what I would REALLY like my closet to look like, but, doesn't even resemble.

I used to design and sell closets for a local company and the first thing we did on a consultation was advise the client to throw out what they haven't worn in a year or less and basically just chuck out everything else not being used. That includes the 'I'll keep this skirt just in case I wear it in the future' - well, that happened to me and I realized 5 years went by and guess what??? I NEVER WORE IT!!!

Next step is, once the closet is cleaned out, its time to arrange the clothing by style for easy dressing in the morning. So, I have all my blouses together, slacks, short sleeved shirts, jackets and so on...it really makes life easier to have everything hanging together.

I highly recommend wooden hangers - they are great for keeping shirts shapes (try saying that 3 times fast)...also, the slim velvet hangers that allow you to hang more clothes in a tighter space...plus you can buy so many pretty fabric boxes now to keep all your extras in...

This closet is a good example of using space efficiently...by having the double hung areas, it allows you to have more clothes in a small space instead of one long bar along a closet.

I try to keep moth repellent handy as well - I lived in a house where I had an infestation and it was a nightmare, so its always good to store woolens in an airtight container or bag. I just bought travel bags that don't allow any mildew, mold or pests on your fabrics. Love these! I'm going back to buy a few more...

I also want to buy a nice handbag hanger this week - it keeps all your handbags in one place...I have been keeping mine inside another big bag!!! I know you all have probably heard or read about closet organization before so I hope you don't mind me blathering about it.  Oh, and I took control of the linen closet by labeling all the towel piles because I have people (um, hubby and sons) who keep grabbing any old towel - usually a swim towel to dry off.  It just makes more laundry right?

Hope you have a great week and please visit again and say hi!!

(images California Closets)

If you need help with organization in your home, making a space pretty or just not sure about what furniture, fabric or paint to use...contact me and I can turn your space into an inviting place. Contact me @monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Best of MI...Rafael de Cardenas...

I absolutely love this designer's work and was so taken with the purple in this design, I think you will be too, even if its not your favorite. He used textures, sparkles and glamour to up the beauty quotient in this spectacular New York apartment.  What do you like? Do you love the purple? Would you use it or would you use a different color?  Happy Sunday!! 

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BEST OF MI FROM 2010:


When I first saw this designer featured in the October 2008 Elle Decor, I couldn't believe how beautiful purple could look. Never my favorite color, that all changed upon viewing this gorgeous apartment in New York. I was blown away by the colors, mid-century modern furniture, vintage wallpaper and unusual accessories. I studied the pictures for every detail. Take a look at these photos and tell me which one is your favorite!


Vintage wallpaper and a 60's vintage Italian lamp above...

The living room features a vintage sofa found on eBay, vintage '50's armchairs with Donghia fabric, vintage lucite and glass coffee table (LOVE!) and a '50's floor lamp. What a wonderful mix of fabrics in here too.

More vintage wallpaper and chaise and a stool by Marcel Wanders for Kartell.

For me, the foyer sets the tone of the apartment with the designer's own mural, a Dorothy Draper lamp and mid-century side table. The chair is circa 1940's. Look at that fabric!

For something completely different as far as color goes, the master bedroom features more vintage wallpaper from Secondhand Rose in New York, a vintage Florence Knoll bench and quilts from Calypso Home.

Do you like purple in a scheme? Do you like the way the designer used wallpaper?

(images by Roger Davies in Elle Decor, October 2008)


Let me know if you need help with your home, I can assist you with the design and decoration. Please email me for information: monacointeriors76@yahoo.com. 

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Best of MI...Dear Design Diary...design match

BEST OF MI...January 2011

Welcome!  How are you doing on this winter Saturday?  Still doing my Best of series and today I want to know if you like matching wallpaper to curtains and fabrics? Would you do this in your home? Do you like the look or do you prefer different patterns? Lots of questions so please take a look and let me know!! Have a great weekend!

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What do you think about matching patterns of wallpaper and curtains or furniture fabrics and wallpaper? Do you like it? I rounded up some photos to see the effect and I think it can be quite stunning depending on the patterns or colors.  A couple of the pictures you have seen here recently by Windsor Smith...

I love this bedroom - it gives this room importance to a stunning effect...

I quite like this as well...the pretty pattern in soft gray adds drama to the dining room...

(images Victoria Pearson; Design Windsor Smith)

The curtains match the bedspread here...

(image Thomas Loof; Design Susan Ferrier)

The curtain blends in with the wallpaper...

(image Jonny Valiant; Design Allison Caccoma)

The bed fabrics blend here with the wallpaper...

(image Frances Janisch; Designer Meg Braff)

Is this something you have done in your own home or for clients? Do share! and has the client been happy with the result?

(images and designs as noted above)

Do you love the way your home looks? If not, contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to create new space that makes you happy.  I am accepting online projects both large and small.

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

Best of MI series...March 2011

Its been a few days, but I'm back with another Best of series from two years ago. This was a great article in House Beautiful and I wanted your opinions. We have had lots of snow here in Downeast Maine and driving to work was treacherous this morning.  Have a great rest of the week!

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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.

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Best of MI...Saturday in the kitchen favorite...

BEST OF MI series...from January 2012 -Spotlight on Designer Krista Ewart 

I absolutely LOVE Krista Ewart and guess who she started out working with? The fabulous Ruthie Sommers! You can see Ruthie's influence in this great little California kitchen Krista designed for her sister.  The colors, the whimsical touches and materials are just stunning. In her other rooms, she always includes animals in the form of statues, and Ruthie adds this touch to rooms as well.  Happy Saturday!!





While it has started snowing here and I have to head to work soon, this little kitchen by Krista Ewart is too pretty to pass for posting. It is in a sunny little California cottage that was featured in HB a couple of years ago. Some of you may know, Krista used to work alongside Ruthie Sommers, and you can see her influence in Krista's work.

Perfectly pink on a wintry day, the fridge is probably my favorite feature, as well as the 'Keep Calm' poster and the wood detail. The colors are so fresh with the always-fabulous white.

(image by Victoria Pearson)


If you need help decorating your space, choosing fixtures for your bathroom or kitchen, please send email me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Best of MI...That touch of pink...oh yea...

Hello bloggers! I'm back with another edition of my 'Best of' series and I love this simply because it is all about pink!  I love pink and these images are so great and that cupcake, well, I just had dinner and wish I could eat one right now! Hope you are all having a great week - thanks for stopping by and enjoy the images - ;-)) oh, and as always you can view my inspiration here -


It started with the gorgeous pink cupcake which led to all different views of pink in all its glory. Pastel, bright, soft...pink is fine in any form, don't you agree??

image

image

image

image
Everyone looks fabulous in pink!!

Pink + white = perfection
image

I know this room has been seen before, but its one of my all time faves!
image


All images are from my new OBSESSION...PINTEREST!!  


If you want to decorate or redecorate but aren't sure where to start, I can help! Please send me an email at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for more information.  

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Best of MI...Traveling in style indeed...

Happy Weekend bloggers! Well, I have to go to work tomorrow for inventory so I will not have a full day off...but, this cold weather here in downeast Maine has me dreaming of warm climates and sandy beaches or European cities, I'm not picky!   Please join me for another post from my 'Best of' series about traveling and looking oh-so-stylish. I would LOVE to look this chic all the time...oh well, a little dreaming is ok right? 


Best of MI from April 2012:

Well, I was supposed to be in London this week but got a cold and was unable to fly. I won't bore you with the details, but, I have had four ear operations and flying with any congestion is just not possible. So, I was thinking...a long time ago I lived in Great Britain and flying back home regularly introduced me to looking more like a grown up rather than a student, since I was a few years out of college: looking great while making the skip across the pond. I used to make a real effort because I didn't want to look like a typical American in a nylon jogging suit that made a loud swishing sound when walking. I was determined to stand out from the crowd. I remember one outfit of leggings, a beautiful pair of brown boots and my mother's big brown faux fur coat. I thought I looked pretty good and I probably did!! It was better than sweats...so, from my favorite pin board take a look at these:

OMG, who wouldn't want these gorgeous bags to fly with???

I would love to step off the plane wearing this, preferably on the tarmac 

where the paparazzi are waiting...;-)

Yes, I will take those sunglasses and I want my hair like that too...

Ok, Kelly Ripa doppelganger (I think)...but the pearls and glasses make the

statement...hello love, I'm here...

I would like to carry this bag on the plane with me, but, with white gloves on too...

I secretly wish I could dress like its the 1950's all the time...I would love

to wear this for travel...or to work...

Back to reality...I love this chic and colorful outfit and it 

would look right in London...

Or polka dots...I would love to wear this while pulling my 

suitcase behind me at Heathrow...

The more casual travel look, but still paparazzi-effective with the scarf...

This looks so comfortable - the bag isn't too big,

the leopard scarf, Birkin like bag and smile just 

screams 'I'm cool' -

Now, my grandparents used to drive one hour home from their lake house and 

would dress up - suit, tie, dress, patent handbag...the works.  They might

stop for dinner and run into people they knew. But, full disclosure, my grandfather was a former Congressman so he could be recognized and always wanted to look his best. 

I think we have lost the art of dressing up everyday and I wish we could go back to a time when everyone made an effort to look presentable whether at the grocery store or dropping the kids off at school.

When you look good, you feel good and people will treat others differently based on appearance. 

Do you like to stand out from the crown when you travel or go to the store? Do tell!

Have a great week, welcome and thank you to my new followers!

(images via)

Please email me for help with styling your home at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com - 

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Best of MI...shabby + chic = GORGEOUS!

Hello fellow bloggers! How are things in your new 2013 world today? I hope you are well! Continuing with my 'Best of' series, I wanted to include a post on the lovely shabby chic aesthetic and Pinterest is a fabulous place for constant inspiration for this and many, many other fashion, design, art etc. aesthetics.   This was a post from 2011 so grab a cup of tea, glass of wine or water and enjoy!  ;-))



Are you at a loss as to where to put that shabby and worn out dresser, table, chair or bureau?  Well, look no further than these pics showing a piece of shabby furniture in rooms with different aesthetics. The look of these worn items mixed in with other pieces is fabulous and timeless. Its such a classic look that you can experiment with and see how it fits. These pics are from one of my favorite boards on PINTEREST - are you following me there yet? Do you love?

(images)

Each piece is unique and looks so right - I especially love this

kitchen cupboard - just the right amount of paint is gone.

Have a great rest of the weekend! Hope you are inspired to 

start a new project!

Is your home exactly how you like it?

As fall is quickly approaching, I am offering my decorating services. If

you are thinking about changing things up in your house, I can help if its

new artwork, fabrics, pillows or a whole room redesign. We can work via

email with consultation, then a mood board with suggested stores and sources. Please

contact me for info at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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