Summer classic...

I love these sandals and picked up a pair of the Navajo Classic in pink a few years ago. I'm talking about the Jack Rogers sandals, which have been made since 1961 and were worn by Jackie O among others.  It is now known as a resort fashion company and recently added women's fashions along with gorgeous handbags.  The products are available in boutiques and department stores nationwide.  They now offer their Navajo classic in a platform wedge and I LOVE it - do you?

The classic now in a wedge...the Marbella Mid Espadrille (there is a Marbella that is even higher)

I have these in pink...:)

Gorgeous textured tote...Marseilles Square Jute

Easy white leather bag for the summer...Marseilles Leather Hobo

A true classic...Jackie O wearing the iconic sandal...

For more information or to purchase your pair of leather sandals, go here - I hope you all enjoy the weekend and for those in New England, the fantastic sunshine!

(images jackrogersusa.com)

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That 70's look...

Just a couple of pix of my home...specifically my bathroom with the 70's shower curtain and mirror purchased at Target on sale for $5! The mirror is a perfect match for the curtain don' you think? I also moved my IKEA chair back to the living room under a Gray Harwell painting (Amalfi print) I purchased from Anne Harwell at Annechovie. I love the new corner now as it was messy and unattractive with bad 'Feng Shui' and just needed a clear out.  Do you have corners and places with lots of stuff that needs to get cleaned? Do it! You'll feel better!!

The mirror with the curtain in the reflection...

That 70's curtain!

I have orange and purple towels to match...

IKEA chair with Gray Harwell painting above and my repainted yellow table I did last year...for more information about Gray Harwell and Anne's paintings go here - I own several prints from Anne and just love her work.

Hope you all have a great week!! I will be taking a break next weekend and getting a change of scenery for a much needed respite for the holiday. I really can't wait to get away...what are your plans for the 4th of July?

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

Need help decorating your home? Please contact me for more information about my design services and VirtualDecor at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Spaah on Sunday...

Better late than never right? I was at a family gathering and just got back so I am posting my pic of a relaxing spa.  I love this bathroom for the view, the blue ceiling, the painting, the tub and the earthy elements like the floor and baskets.  What draws you to this picture??

Can you imagine that view every day??? Aaaahhh..

Have a great week!

(image by Sophie Munro)

Need help decorating your space? I can assist you with any design dilemma from color and art selection to space planning. Contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for more information.

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Saturday in the kitchen...

So, work was ok today, not too busy and I am back home now at my little desk checking out all the blog activity, which seems to slow down on the weekends. Thought I would post this sleek and chic kitchen by the fab design team at Caldwell Flake. To see more of their beautiful work, go here. This is a mother-daughter design team and they are really talented. I love their use of color, patterns and whites in their designs.

My favorite feature of this kitchen is the 'quilted' backsplash on the walls, which reminds me of a Chanel bag!  The sleek counters and those cabinet pulls are a perfect fit too. I hope you all have a fantastic Saturday night and Sunday morning!

(image caldwellflake.com)

If you need help decorating your space and don't live in New England, I can do consultations via my VirtualDecor packages. Email me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for more information.

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Into the blue...

What draws you into this picture? For me its the blue wall, which is a soothing shade of a light navy and turquoise mix.  Then I think its the two tall white chairs in each corner and the color of the dining chairs which are a nice contrast to the blue wall.  The fluffy Moroccan carpet adds more casual chic to the room too.  The lovely white of the chandelier lamp and walls make this room a favorite color combination of blue and white? Anyone like that too?



This gorgeous room is eco-conscious as well: the beams were sanded and treated with beeswax; the paints are from Benjamin Moore's Low VOC line - the white is 'Sailcloth' and the blue is a custom mix; the chairs are from 1st Dibs. The designer is Zem Joaquin who has a website:  http://www.ecofabulous.com/ so stop by to see more of her work.

(images by Michal Venera for Traditional Home)

If you need help decorating your space and don't live in the Boston area, check out my VirtualDecor option. Email me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for more information.



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Q&A with Kellie from ADA & DARCY...

Welcome friends! Today I have a special interview with Kellie Collis from the gorgeous blog and online boutique, Ada & Darcy in Sydney, Australia. Kellie was kind enough to share some of her insights into blogging and running a business online. Enjoy!

1. When did design and decorating become apparent that it might be
a career path?


I had always been a creative type but for some reason decided at the time
that I should pursue a corporate career. After a lovely holiday I started to
think about whether I needed to do something creative and if my corporate
role was fulfilling everything I wanted. I love to decorate and also had the
business background so thought a balance of interior decorating and a retail
store would be a wonderful and complimenting choice for me. Since this idea,
I haven't looked back!

2. How did you start your online business?


I started my online business mainly through my blog which was a wonderful
platform for testing my ideas and receive honest feedback from my readers. I
spent a while thinking about what I wanted to do and what I wanted it to be
and took it from there. It was quite a challenge balancing a full time job with
the launch of the business but has been worth it all and looking back, I'm so
glad that I did it.
 
3. Where do you source your products?


I source my products from Australia and around the world. I have about 95%
of my cushions custom made from fabrics sourced from all different places
to create fabulous and affordable pieces for my lovely customers. I quite like
suppliers from the US as they have a similar aesthetic to what I like.

4. Do you design any of your own products?

I design the majority of all the cushions available, currently I'm designing
some textiles and furniture pieces for the store.

5. How has blogging enhanced your business?

Blogging has been a fantastic way for meeting new like minded people
and also to get a feel for what readers think of my ideas. I do spend a lot
of time and effort with my blog, I love being able to look back at things
that I have done or concepts that I have liked. Its also a wonderful
way for my readers and customers to see what I have been doing and
what new things have come into the store.

6. What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day is replying to lovely customers, packing up orders, ordering
stock, liaising with suppliers, quoting and talking to new design clients,
working on current projects, responding to PR requests, photographing
new pieces and doing posts for my blog. I also spend a bit of time seeing
what other lovely bloggers are up to....

7. Will you open a 'brick & mortar' location anytime in the future?

I'd love to open a physical store and it is definitely in my longer term plans.
Once my textiles/wholesale line is launched and up and running I'll
move on to that stage. So much to do!


8. Where do you find inspiration for yourself and your business?

I mostly find my inspiration from fabrics, magazines and the internet. I find
that I have bursts of inspiration and ideas and I always note them down.
Sometimes if I'm really excited about something I talk very quickly and
can confuse myself so I always write those things down just as they pop
into my head!

9. What is your favorite 'go-to' decorating tip?

If someone is unsure about what they like, stick with a neutral palette
on the walls and floors etc and build up the look with accessories.

10. What is your favorite color?

Sometimes aqua or lemon but mostly always pink of any tone!


11. How does living in such a vibrant city like Sydney influence your
aesthetic?

I tend to love the areas of Sydney with lots of character and charm, I
love that part of decorating - the interesting bits that make people wonder
where you found that piece etc.

12. What is a favorite memory from your childhood?


Eating bubblegum ice cream!

13. What are your goals for the business and any new plans to
expand in the future?

I'm currently designing my textile range and furniture pieces,
once its established I'll work on the physical store.


14. What advice do you have for someone who wants to start an
online business?

My advice is what ever time you allocate in the set up or what time frames
people promise you that work will be done, always double, even triple it!


15. Are there any mistakes or missteps you have made with the
business that really taught you a valuable lesson?


When things didn't go as planned, I would take it personally and it would
make me worry. I've learnt that you can't control everything and sometimes
need to just let things be what they are. Its important for you to be honest
with people but always move on quickly, its not worth spending time being
frustrated with the way things were supposed to be.

16. Any tips for the new and old bloggers out there?

Stick to what you are passionate about and be yourself. Its much
easier to be you rather than be what you think you should be.

Images around Kellie's house...

Kellie's adorable 'girls'

Flowers in her house...

I hope you have enjoyed visiting with Kellie today and find her an inspiration like I do. Have a great day and stay tuned for more interviews with blog entrepreneurs!  If you haven't visited Kellie, her gorgeous boutique and her blog yet, please go here -

Thank you so much Kellie for your insights!!

(images Ada&Darcy)

Have a great day!

If you need help decorating your space, I can assist you with my new VirtualDecor services. Contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for more information.

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Spaah on Sunday...

Because we are inching our way toward summer, I thought this shot was a lot more appropriate. It is a gorgeous and breezy spring day here in New England and I am thinking about beaches and pools.  What will you be doing? Enjoy the great day!

Geoffrey Beene's house in Hawaii...this looks perfect!

(image by Scott Frances for Veranda)

Need help with decorating a space? I can assist you with any dilemma. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Saturday in the kitchen...

Hello friends! Welcome back to my 'new' blog! Its time for a visit to another beautiful kitchen. This kitchen mixes Carrara marble with Victorian corbels next to the stove hood and is basically neutral except for the bright yellow industrial style stool and accessories, which adds a bit of color punch.  I love the drawer pulls and the black outline on the windows too. Do you like this style?

You could even paint all the black a deep turquoise couldn't you? That would look really gorgeous too.

(image by Lucas Allen)

If you need help redesigning any spaces, please contact me for assistance at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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A new look...

Welcome friends! In case you didn't notice, I had a complete blog overhaul and changed the design and look of my blog. It was time for a cleanup and new look. I worked with Smitten Blog Designs (to contact the girls, go here). I love it and hope you will stop by this weekend as I have an exciting feature to debut!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!! I'll be back tomorrow - until then, enjoy the night or day if you are in Australia!

(image by me)

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A bit of tartan...

The Scottish Fashion Awards (who knew?) were held last night in Glasgow and since I love anything tartan, I thought these pictures of singer Dame Shirley Bassey were fantastic.  She looks so happy to be wearing this special dress designed by Scots designer Graeme Black.  The winner of the top award went to St. Martin's graduate, Jonathan Saunders.  Tartan always reminds me of the popular Scottish BBC show, 'Monarch of the Glen' ( I have the whole series on DVD). And since my mother was Scottish (born near Glasgow), I always had to have a kilt (usually red) when I was a little girl (they were so itchy!!!)- she loved me dressed up in this particular Scottish favorite. Mom had a long red and white wool kilt, which was so in style during the '70's - it was so great looking and would probably be stylish again now...

(image Reuters)

(image Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Images via UK Daily Mail

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Have a great rest of the week!!

Thanks for visiting me, I appreciate your support!!!

xxxx

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Yellow...love...

I painted my little table awhile ago, but thought I would post pics again because I love it. It looks great in my living room now with my blue scheme, where previously red was featured.  It is such a happy color, and looks great with just about any other colors and decor.

Priming the table for the yellow paint...

Voila! transformed...

In the new scheme, though I have made changes since this was taken...

The more traditional red and yellow...table in the foreground...

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

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If you need help decorating your spaces, I can assist you with space planning, furniture and fabric selection. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for my rates and process.

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Saturday in the kitchen...

It is raining here in New England and kind of gloomy, so I thought a bright, sunny kitchen with a view is just the thing to brighten the mood! Have a great weekend!!

The view is great, but so is that unusual French table being used as an island...very quirky. 

(image by Deborah Whitlaw for Coastal Living)

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If you need help decorating your space, I can assist with any project large or small. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Dear design diary...

I got the new Ballard catalog yesterday and saw a few things that are on my wish/to do list, i.e., replacing some items and doing some new projects. Hence, they are:

Pretty pastels - I just love these bags, so pretty and chic for summer...

French market town bag that should have fresh veggies & flowers in it!

Need to re-cover a wooden chair with some fresh fabric...I like this...

I've been dreaming about using burlap for quite some time...hmmm...

A new lampshade - love the burlap...again!

Or I could add texture to the room with seagrass...

Or go with a soft linen in spa blue...beautiful...

Been eyeing these rugs for a little while...I'm particularly interested in the blue one...

For more inspiration, go here -

Any design wishes on your list? DO TELL...have a great weekend!!

(images ballarddesigns.com)

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If you need help decorating a space, I can assist you with any project large or small. Please email me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for more information.

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Colorful jewelry...

I just bought a couple of pieces of jewelry I wanted to share since they are so beautiful and I think you will like them...I love turquoise, but wanted something a bit different. I am still drawn to blues and greens...for more of these pieces, which are handmade right here in New England, go here. The colors are so inspirational and I would love to see a room in these colors wouldn't you??

Diane, the artist, uses sea glass, exotic stones, silver, beads and glass beads to make her funky creations.  If you are interested in seeing more of her work and want to contact her, please visit her website, funky findings. Diane does home parties, business functions and showcases her jewelry with other local artists at regional events .

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

Don't forget to FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK!!!

If you need help sprucing up or decorating a space, I can assist you with any project large or small. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Blue & white...

These simple dishes remind me how much I love blue and white in all its different forms. I bought these vintage plates at a cool little store in Maine and love to use them everyday.  I have a thing for mismatched vintage dishes...I think I first realized I could mix my plates and dishes when I read Rachel Ashwell's first Shabby Chic book.  Do you like to use mismatched vintage dishes every day?

Pretty blue flowers on a creamy white plate...

I especially love the blues on this gorgeous plate...

Have a great Monday!

(image by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

Don't forget to FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER and FACEBOOK!!!

If you need help decorating your space, please contact me for assistance at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com. I can help you with any project large or small.

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Spaah on Sunday...

Here is a great little tub with an even better view. I love that the homeowner added plants to blend in with the scenery outdoors. Watching the French Open as I type and hoping that Rafa will win...enjoy your Sunday!

I could relax here for awhile with a nice cup of hot tea and a design mag...you?

(looks like the roofs of English houses...)

Have a great weekend!

(image via Country Living; Digital Vision/Getty Images)

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If you would like a spa bathroom, I can assist you with the design process. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to discuss.

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Saturday in the kitchen...

A quick post before I go to work with my new laptop. I spilled a cup of hot tea on my laptop last weekend and watched it wash over the keyboard while I heard a sizzling and then crackling sound. It was hideous! But, back to fabulous kitchens and this house in Maine is nothing short of spectacular. The colors, the rustic design and the glass ceiling.

What a gorgeous space!

...and view with the iconic Adirondack chairs...

...and home on the water...

Have a great weekend! thanks for visiting me this week and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow! :))

(images Trent Bell in Mainehomedesign.com)

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Need help decorating a space? Contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for assistance. I can assist you with any space large or small.

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