Saturday in the kitchen...

Well, my God, its been ages and ages since I've visited my space here.  I started working full time and have been so busy, my little blog has taken a (way) back seat in my life.  I have been blogging for years and its had its ups and downs, so this must be a down phase. I was so committed to it in the beginning, but when it didn't really 'grow' too much, I lost interest. There is so much competition and I just don't dig that at all so, oh well. I so wanted my space to become something, but, I guess its just not part of the plan for me.  I find social media is a way of life now, as I'm sure you all do too. I am on facebook a lot, and with two accounts, that's enough.  I love instagram and take a lot of pics for facebook, but haven't figured out how the heck to link it to both accounts. 

The interior design is on the back burner as well.  I am disappointed as I spent $10,000 to go back to school for interior design only to find retail jobs working 24/7 that you don't need a bloody degree for.  Any design firms want experience, which if you don't have any, how is this possible? And they all want CAD, which I don't do.  However, I am open to and available for design services online. Please check out my VirtualDecor pricing and information.  Sorry, I am venting and damn, it feels good. 

So, back to my 'Saturday in the kitchen' column, which I always enjoyed. It is very hot here today in the New York city area....finally...after a rather brutal winter.  I was in Los Angeles last week for work which was great fun as I got to see a couple of friends I haven't seen in YEARS!!  Spent some time on the Queen Mary in Long Beach as well. My mother sailed over on her from the UK in the early 1950's, and I love ships so it was great to be back there. 

Hope you all have a fantastic Mother's Day wherever you are!

What do you love about this kitchen?  The wall? lighting? island? floor?  I love the whole room!! Especially the wall - gorgeous -

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I am available for design services via email with VirtualDecor-

please email me for information - monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Design services available for you...

Hello blog world!  I wanted to post a friendly reminder (which I have never done) that I do offer design services by email as does the whole design world!  I have named my service, 'VirtualDecor' instead of e-design.

Its a new year, so, if you are feeling the need to refresh your kitchen or bath or just need some help redesigning a room, I can help.  I will be working on a bathroom project soon, but, would like to keep busy and help someone make a beautiful space.  This service allows you to go at your own pace while making decisions and planning your shopping.

Please note if you are in the New York/New Jersey area, you can contact me for a face to face consultation.  Please email me for info and pricing.

If you or anyone you know, may be interested, please send them my way!! 

Thanks and have a great rest of the week! 


Here is how I can help you design a new space with the services (the information is from my 'Services' page):

Monaco Interiors can assist with any decorating dilemma for your home or business from space, color and fabric consultation to closet reorganization and green design - consultation with me on the phone or via email. With VirtualDecor, I can provide design services whether you live in the US, Europe or anywhere in the world. 

Simply email me and I will send you a Paypal invoice for your convenience:

My email address: monacointeriors76@yahoo.com


Monaco Interiors offers affordable rates for your budget - 
New pricing!

Virtual Decor Design Services - One Room - $300



Office design 

Space planning

Fabric selection

Color consultation

Accessories 

Artwork selection

Furniture selection

Green ideas 

Organization 

Flooring selection

Carpet and rug selection

Design board will come with product recommendations, samples and space plan for your new room. 

*******************************************************



Bathroom Refresh - $225



Design board with new vanity/pedestal, faucets, shower, tub, sconces, medicine cabinet, flooring, walls, paint colors, accessories.

I worked in a kitchen and bath showroom and can provide suggestions
for the best way to purchase products with discounts!


********************************************************

Kitchen Refresh - $250



Design board with new countertops, kitchen sink, bar sink, faucets, 
pot filler, flooring, knobs, cabinets, backsplash, paint colors, wallpaper, 
appliances and accessories

I worked in a kitchen and bath showroom and can provide suggestions for the best way to purchase products with discounts!

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Entryway - $175



The entrance to your house is the most important impression for guests! Make yours stylish and on trend with a design board to redesign or start 
from scratch. Furniture, rugs, wallpaper, paint, accessories, lighting, 
art and any other item you want to add or incorporate to make it
unique will be included on your board. 

Stay on budget and make the change now!

Email me with any questions or concerns before we begin.

You will receive your moodboard similar to these:

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Saturday in the kitchen...

Hello blog world! How are you? I have been nursing the cold (or flu) from HELL for the past two weeks and I'm still not 100%!  I will do some yoga today and try to get back into my fitness routine, as I haven't exercised for the better part of two weeks and I'm used to moving or walking every day.  

I haven't had much inspiration lately either for blogging, so when the notion strikes me, I will post.  How are you?  Any new ideas or things going on you would like to share here? Please feel free and thanks for stopping by!

Would you like to stop in and have a cup of coffee or tea in this bright, beautiful Scandinavian kitchen?  I love the fact there is NO clutter here at all.  It looks so fresh and appealing to me.  Would you like a kitchen like this or would you add more - more color, texture or stuff?  Do share...

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Architect Katrien van Doren

(VIA)

Enjoy your weekend! 

For more inspiration go HERE!

AND 

Please visit my PINTEREST BOARDS for 

more FUN!!

If you are so inclined, please visit my shop

for some silverware or curtains or 

you can contact me if you need help with 

your interior space.

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Best of MI...5 Tips for a Kitchen Facelift...

How much snow did you get if you are in the Northeast?  We got about 5" in the New York metro area, and I understand parts of New England got a foot.  Well, on this snowy Sunday, I thought I would share a post from August 2012 giving you some great tips for a kitchen facelift.  If this is something you need to do in the new year or are just starting to think about, go for it.  Your kitchen will not only look better, but, if you plan on selling your home, it will boost its overall value.  
Have a great Sunday!! 

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Time to give your kitchen a face lift instead of an all out reno? Well, you can do a few relatively easy things to make it look pretty again. Here, I will share 5 great tips to give that kitchen a face lift, as well as suggesting popular products that are selling over and over again in the showroom. Not only are they functional and pretty, but, they will give you the updated and fresh look you want in your space.

Kohler has a great faucet in Vibrant Stainless that has a pause button and two different sprays. The single hole on your counter will give you more room, a less cluttered appearance and its easy to keep clean.  This is a great choice if your appliances are all stainless.

I know I have featured the Bellera before, but what a great faucet and 

its under $300!

Kohler Bellera

For the sink: this is a really beautiful and functional undermount sink that is a standard 33x22 size for your cooking and cleaning needs - it has a pretty 'v' detail on the bottom and looks like a commercial sink without the price tag:

For about $600 this can be yours - it is available smaller and

as a drop-in -

Kohler Vault

For a great looking counter that you don't need to do anything with, such as treat it with sealant, look no further than Caesarstone Quartz - I chose a pretty neutral that is also recycled material to help keep your living environment clean and toxic-free:

Oyster 9601 - a gorgeous neutral to go with light or dark cabinets -

Caesarstone Quartz

Need an island but don't have the space or money for a large size? Check out Ikea's Bekvam mobile cart - I had this and it was really useful. You can stain or paint it any color to match your decor and at less than $60.00 its a steal!

Great for storage, moving around and extra space for cutting or cleaning veggies -

Ikea Bekvam Cart

Last but not least, the paint color to give the kitchen some added 'oomph' right? I like Benjamin Moore's VOC-free Aura collection. Tons of colors to choose from so you can go light or dark. I chose a pastel green and to keep the environment clean, this paint is non-toxic so its safe and won't harm you or your kids:

Benjamin Moore Parkside Dunes 568

Benjamin Moore

I hope this gives you some inspiration for the kitchen project you've been thinking about doing but didn't want to spend a fortune. You can do one of the tips, two or all five!! You don't have to do all of them. 

Have a great Sunday! What is your favorite go-to tip for fixing the kitchen? Paint? new faucet? sink?


If you need help decorating your kitchen or bath or just need a face lift with a mood board, please contact me!! I can help - email me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com. ;-))


(images courtesy kohler, ikea, caesarstone and benjamin moore)

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Saturday in the kitchen...

The snow is falling now in the metro New York city area, the temperature is cold so its a great time to invite you in to have a cuppa tea or coffee in this gorgeous kitchen.  The mix of textures in this kitchen...the stone floor, metal, wood, wicker and fur are a fabulous combo making this more like a room than a kitchen.  And it has my favorite AGA cooker, even better.  I love the fur literally 'warming' up the space - do you like it?  Have a great weekend!

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Contact me for online consultations for styling your own home-
monacointeriors76@yahoo.com

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit
me on PINTEREST!!

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Top 3 Criteria when building your own home...

Hello blog world!  Please welcome a guest post today all the way from Down Under!  Sarah Q. Grey handles all the digital marketing for Today's Homes in Canberra, Australia, a  custom home builder, that also takes into account sustainable options for creating the home of your dreams.  Their beautiful website is worth a visit and when it comes to building your own home, there is no substitute for speaking with the experts.  Here are three (3) excellent tips to consider when you decide to build:

3 Things To Consider When Engaging With A Home Building Company.

If you’re looking for a home building company to build the home of your dreams, then there are a few things you should consider. Finding the right builder is not as easy as you might assume. There are countless options out on the market and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. To help you choose the best home building company for you and your family, here are 3 suggestions to help ensure you find the best company for the job.

1. Previous Examples

When looking for a high-quality builder it’s essential to begin by asking about previous projects. Most experienced home building companies are able to provide a portfolio of completed projects to demonstrate their competence and quality in building homes. And it’s important that you check these past projects out as a way of gauging whether a particular home building company is right for you. As we all know, building a home is a huge decision, and can be taxing both emotionally and financially. That’s why one needs to put in substantial time with their research in order to find the right builder. Canberra home building experts Today’s Homes always provide clients with past work examples, and it’s important that whoever you choose to build your home does the same. When looking at previous examples, it’s vital that you inspect these properties in-person (if possible) as this is the only way of making sure the portfolio being presented is not falsified to woo the client in.

2. Communication

Meeting and talking with a prospective home building company is doubly important. When it comes to such a substantial investment, it’s important that both parties can communicate effectively. This is to ensure that both client and contractor are on the same page in regards to the planning and implementation of the home building project. Make sure you speak with prospective builders face-to-face, and not just over the phone. Sure, you can’t expect to meet with them all the time (after all, builders are generally pretty busy people!), but you need to have had at least one face-to-face meeting to ensure that both parties are a good fit for each other.

3. Pricing terms

Building a home is a huge investment, and sometimes we can go over budget in the pursuit of our very own dream home. That’s why it’s important that you talk with any prospective building company and ensure that you agree on a final, fixed price for the project. Sure, things change during the construction phase, and you’ll have to foot the bill for any changes you make to the original plan. But it’s essential that both parties are clear on just what is included in the final price. Unfortunately there have been many cases in the past where a client was left in legal trouble when a builder decided to up the rates during construction. Get everything in writing, and make sure all important documents are signed. That’s the best way to ensure that the job is done properly and within budget.

Finding the best home building company to build your home can take some time. But stick with it. In the end, having a home you can be proud of is worth it. Consider the above tips and suggestions when hunting for a builder, and no doubt you’ll soon be on your own way to owning a home you can be proud of.

((images courtesy of todayshomes.com.au)

Are you ready to move forward with your dream home?

If you live in the Canberra area, contact Today's Homes

for expert tips, experience, design and build.

Thank you to Sarah Q. Grey and Today's Homes for this 

informative information!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Please contact me for an online design collaboration

at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Sunday in the kitchen...

Care to join me for a scone and some strong Vanilla Spice Chai tea??  Ok, so what don't I LOVE about this kitchen? Its definitely colorful and I really love the happy yellow juxtaposed to the black + white.
The floor is lovely as well - so clean and the yellow lamps - love.  Notice the black and white details above the cabinets and against the wall near the window.  It looks like every detail was very planned and executed just right.




What are you loving?  Do tell -

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Enjoy the rest of your day!

Please visit my Pinterest boards for lots more inspiration!!

Need assistance with decorating your home for Christmas?

I can help with holiday, art selection and decoration, room

refresh, color consultation, organizing, textile selection,

office redesign, bath fixture selection, kitchen fixture

selection and space planning.  

Please email me

for more details at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Olivia Newton John's kitchen...

Hello bloggers! Hope you are all doing well!  I am taking some time off for myself after moving and am always looking for inspiration.  I came across one of my favorite celeb's house for sale and really love the kitchen and had to share it with you.  

The kitchen is light with natural wood - the cabinets are stunning

Another view with furniture and lots of glass

I love this bathroom with the vintage style tub, glass and light

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I also added the picture of the bathroom as I love the look as well.
I could definitely live here, could you?

Thanks for visiting!
Have a great rest of the week!

Please contact me for interior styling, staging or assisting
with choosing fixtures for kitchen or bath.

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Saturday in the kitchen...all white...

How is your Saturday going? It is a bit cloudy here in Maine, so I am relaxing surfing the net and blogging.  It is a great time for me to catch up on all my favorite blogs and news.  Since I love Swedish design, I was in the mood for a super beautiful white and neutral kitchen today.  I am seeing a lot of customers choosing white for their kitchens, though not white floors.  This is a much more European choice, whereas we go for wood here in the US.  

I love the way the light reflects off of this floor and seems to bounce back around the room creating a really bright space.  The deer head adds a nice touch as does the patterned tile.  The mix of the wood and metal gives this space a rustic touch.  What is your favorite part of this kitchen?  Would you paint your floors white?  

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(image)

Don't forget to visit my Pinterest board Whites and Neutrals 

for more inspiration!!

Enjoy the weekend!

For interior styling, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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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:

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Kohler's fabulous Vault undermount sink 33x22

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Kohler's sleek Bellera faucet in Vibrant Stainless

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Why not add an AGA stove?? Perfect!!

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Sleek white floors are a must like these...

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White counters keep it clean and simple...

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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.

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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!


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You can follow me on PINTEREST and TWITTER too -

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

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Sunday in the kitchen...

Hello friends! Happy Sunday!  I am house-sitting this week for a friend and taking care of her adorable cat, Fluff.  So, I am adjusting to the new schedule and surroundings.  I have been so remiss in posting because I am in a new living situation and am not spending as much time on the computer.  This is a good and not so good thing right?  I thought I would post a kitchen for you to dissect and decide what you like or don't like about it.

Let me know what you think!

I love the IKEA units and yellow walls - the whole look

is so sweet.

For more kitchens go here -

Go HERE for my kitchen board on Pinterest -

and HERE for all my boards.

What are you up to today?

Please contact me for interior styling, refreshing a kitchen

or bath, living areas or staging a room  - monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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

Happy weekend!  Thought I would post from my archives today...this was from 6/19/10 three years ago. What a great kitchen and very patriotic don't you think?

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend and Father's Day!





From July 2010:

Inspired by this cottage kitchen with a beautiful red wall and stainless units...IKEA no less! It has a camp-like look and I love the lamps and chairs (made for the US Navy in the 1940's) -



Design by Amanda Kyser...

(original image by Ngoc Minh Ngo for House Beautiful)

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Saturday in the kitchen...

What do you love about this kitchen? What don't you love? The sun is finally shining here in Maine so I will be out and about today. After all the snow, its going to be refreshing to feel warmer air and sunshine, I am so ready to kick old man winter to the curb!  I want to know what you might do differently in this kitchen or if you would leave it as is.

What do I love? The blue color is fabulous and I love it mixed with the black

and white. The yellow is also a punchy addition as is the tile backsplash in 

the same blue, black and white. I also like the darker cabinets and the mix of

textures in the room. Anything you would change or keep? Do tell! 

Have a great day!

(image)

If you would like my online services to help you with your decor, please contact 

me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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What do you love about this kitchen?

Hello blog world, its Sunday and I'm resting at home trying to get rid of this nasty old cold.  I thought I would pose a question today for this picture of a lovely kitchen. What do you like about it? What draws you to it, if anything?  What is the first thing you notice? What words would you use to describe it? Just some things to think about as you decide what you may or may like about this kitchen.  Have a great Sunday!

What do I like? Well, the rustic cabinets with the metal, white,

baskets and blackboards all seem to mix together so well in 

combination with the dark floor.  I love the whitewashed look of

the cabinets as well as the regular stove, not some fancy

Wolf range. Its a very down to earth kitchen don't you think? I also

love that the island is a simple table, not an overdone, fancy 

cabinet that seems to be in every renovated kitchen with granite

countertops.  It is a bit French country no? Original, quirky, unique are what 

come to mind to describe this kitchen. Whew! What do you think?? 

I would love

to hear from you!!

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I can work with you to refresh your kitchen or bath or decorate any room

in your home - contact me here: monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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5 Room Details You Can Live With...

Hello blog world!  Its a blizzard outside and I am sitting comfortably under my electric blanket blogging, drinking tea and getting inspiration from Pinterest, how about you? What are you up to today? As the snow continues to fall here in Downeast Maine I thought I would give you something to ponder with my top 5 room details that you can add to your home, a client's home or to a future project. Have fun  and enjoy the day!

1.  Black + White 

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2. DEER HEADS:

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3. GOLD:

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4. CHANDELIERS:

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5. CHEVRON PRINT:

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WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ROOM DETAILS?

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR DESIGN AND STYLING SERVICES AT MONACOINTERIORS76@YAHOO.COM - I CAN ASSIST YOU WITH 

CHOOSING ROOM DETAILS, PAINT COLOR, FURNITURE PLACEMENT

AND BATHROOM AND KITCHEN REFRESH. 

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Saturday in the kitchen...

Waiting for spring will take awhile as we are waiting for yet another snowstorm here on the East Coast tomorrow...when I see anything yellow, I love it because its such a happy color, not to mention it makes me think of spring! So, here's to a happy Saturday and Sunday. Anyone else looking forward to the Red Carpet at tomorrow's Academy Awards?? I will be watching!

(image by Max Kim-Bee)

(Interior Design by Julie Hayes)

Contact me if you need help decorating your space! monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Saturday in the kitchen...and more faucets...

Here we are, another weekend, more snow - but mostly in New York and Boston. We have had some flurries here in Downeast Maine, but that's about it.  I'm back to my regular post today but because the photo is a farmhouse sink, I thought I would add some more ideas for faucets for this grand old sink.  Since I just got back from Kohler, all the faucets are of course, Kohler...

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The fabulous new Sensate touchless faucet, for easy cooking

and cleaning etc.

How to use the faucet!

The new Sensate Touchless

The Antique

The Parq

The Vinnata

The Revival

(images courtesy Kohler)

Faucet information here

Which one do you like best? 

Hope you are having a great weekend!

If you need help refreshing your kitchen, please contact me! 

monacointeriors76@yahoo.com

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