July 28, 2013

6 details to recreate Saturday's kitchen...

If you loved the kitchen I posted yesterday and were thinking about how to recreate the look, I have gathered images from Pinterest.  This is a timeless and classic look for a kitchen:and I would try to include the following six (6) details:



Kohler's fabulous Vault undermount sink 33x22


Kohler's sleek Bellera faucet in Vibrant Stainless


Why not add an AGA stove?? Perfect!!


Sleek white floors are a must like these...

White counters keep it clean and simple...


Ironstone dishes make the perfect addition to this kitchen


I love an all white kitchen and more clients are doing this
instead of colors and finishes in bronze or brushed
gold.  White with chrome will never look dated and 
the vibrant stainless will make it classic as well.

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Sunday!!

Please email me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for
information about my interior styling packages.

July 27, 2013

Saturday in the kitchen...


Good morning! Its a gorgeous day here in Maine and I will be going for a walk soon.  I'm in the mood to look at a Swedish influenced kitchen design how about you? I love the white floors, subway tile and simple counters.  The pale gray paint lends a certain sophistication as well. The light fixture, checkered floor and framed photos in the background in black and white add some depth.  I could live here, could you? I hope you have some great plans today!


Simple + chic=

(image)


You can follow me on PINTEREST and TWITTER too -

Please contact me for interior styling at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com

July 21, 2013

Dear Design Diary...bedroom love...

I have to admit I LOVE lounging around on Sunday mornings and if it goes into the afternoon, oh well right?  Love having my coffee while I blog and surf the net.  Now its time to actually get some things done ,so before I shower and go off shopping and hit the beach for a much needed long walk, here is a beautiful bedroom I wouldn't mind hanging out in.  LOVE the pinks and florals - do you? And please feel free to check out all my Pinterest boards here.

What are you doing today??

gorgeous pinks!

(image Pinterest)


Need help refreshing a bedroom? Contact me for interior styling at
monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

Green Design notebook...Velux blinds and windows...

I have often wondered why we are not tapping in to the power of the sun.  On walks I notice how many houses are right in the sun all day and why the builders didn't add solar panels or windows to harness all this energy. I understand its not an option yet, but going forward I would love to see most houses built with these options so we are not so dependent upon oil, gas and electricity.  So, if you had the chance to replace windows or add some windows at the top of your house, would you?  Not only can you let natural light in the house, but, you can control the amount of light coming in with blinds.  How practical would this be? I personally love a house that gets tons of natural light and it would be a sticking point for renting or buying a home. I need curtains and blinds opened in the morning to let in as much light as possible don't you?  I don't know, the curtains drawn all the time seems a bit depressing. 

So, if you had the chance, would you add more windows or better yet, add windows on top of the house? I would!  I could open up the whole roof if I had my way. So, if you did this there is a company that caters to this need and it would add style and practicality to the home. 

VELUX blinds is a company that includes both solar panels, windows and blinds in a one stop shop. So, for those of you with a house that has an attic or room at the top of the house that you would love to open up and add a whole new look, this is a place you should shop. If you want windows that offer more ventilation and sunlight, check, if you want windows that save energy, check, if you want electronic blinds to control the light coming in to your house, check.  VELUX blinds has you covered, literally, for all your needs. 

 

Blinds available in a variety of different colors to match your
decor;




Electronic operation for your light filtering and black out needs;





Blinds in different positions on the windows;




Solar powered skylights with all the fantastic advantages;


Curb mounted VCM/VCE

Great idea for ventilation in the bathroom;


Pan-flashed fixed, QPF

Let the light in!!


(all images VELUX blinds (UK) and VELUX blinds (USA))
Sponsored post by Velux Blinds


Can you decide which you would prefer?  I love all the options and would really 
like the solar powered windows with electronic blinds.  With different colors
and options to fit your budget.  

Thanks for stopping by and have a GREAT day and week!! 



July 18, 2013

Happy summer...scenes from July.....


I have to apologize for my absence...I have been so busy and don't seem to have the time I used to for my blog.  What have you been up to?  It is very hot here in Maine, so staying inside has been a good idea.  I have posted pics of some things I have done this month.  I don't usually post too much personal stuff, but, a change of pace is always good right?  I looked after a friend's cat for a week which was fun, went to a lake here in Maine for July 4th and was THRILLED that Andy Murray won Wimbledon! I am a big tennis fan and have gone to Wimbledon and a couple of other smaller tournaments when I lived in England.  I have been exploring Maine and spent last Saturday visiting an island and Sunday at the beach.  I hope you are enjoying the summer, staying cool and having fun even if you have to work! 




Fluff, my little charge for a week in late June...


Lake view on July 4th weekend...

A friend's cat, Bailey...

The lake...

Enjoyed Andy Murray's Wimbledon win for the UK...

The Union Jack...

(all images by me)

What are you doing this summer?? 

See you soon!









July 5, 2013

Best of MI...Ruthie Sommers...

Good morning!! Happy Fourth of July to all of you!  I have the day off and will be lounging.  I am watching Wimbledon right now and can't wait for the women's single and men's single finals this weekend.  I used to do a regular column called 'The Green Scene' and decided to run this with one of my favorite designers - Ruthie Sommers.  I highlighted her ability to recycle furniture that she sold in her now-defunct store in Hollywood.  Her design is timeless and looks just as great as it did in June 2010 when I did this post.  Do you like her designs?  Any favorites here? 



One reason I think Ruthie Sommers' design aesthetic is so popular is that she recycles and reuses furniture that she use to sell in her now-closed store in Hollywood,Chapman Radcliffe Home, and in her clients' homes too...here is a house in Hollywood she designed...

Notice the bedside table, which looks like a piece you would see in any consignment shop or Goodwill store repainted to look glamorous!...

 This room has an antique desk in the corner...looks lovely...

The kitchen has several recycled items...the chandelier is vintage, the Saarinen table by Knoll is a classic and the vintage chairs are reupholstered in candy colors...yummy...


This chair looks like it came from a consignment shop, redone with new upholstery...the sconces on the wall are vintage too...

Ruthie made this home more personal with items already owned and used...not brand new...it is a great way for the client to save money and own something unique...you can use organic fabrics too that don't cost a lot (more on that later)...I'll be back on Friday with the Fabulous Fabrics series - see you then!

Visit Ruthie Sommers website: http://www.ruthiesommers.com/

(original images for Traditional Home by Grey Crawford)