Best of MI...its ALL WHITE...

Good morning!  I thought I would share another post from quite long ago...from July 2011 highlighting a favorite piece from Lonny magazine.  Its a beautiful home and I always love a white space. What are you doing this last week before Christmas? Are you done with all your shopping? I'm not!!
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I got my digital issue of Lonny a few days ago and these photos stopped me in my tracks...so dramatic, so cool and so WHITE. I love white with color, but this is just insanely gorgeous and difficult to do. I went to a show house in Maine about 3 years ago and saw a white room and bathroom in person and I couldn't believe how seriously beautiful it looked.  I particularly love the use of photos/wallpaper - it looks so dreamy - would you use this effect?

That wood bottomed coffee table is great ...

I love the mix of furniture here too...

Well that wall covering is just amazing...Jarlath apparently uses real photographs and transforms then into wallpaper - !!

Are you in a white mood too? maybe because its summer, I feel like I love 'lighter' design or maybe that's the direction I'm headed...do you decorate with a lot of white? For more inspiration go here -

OR VISIT MY WHITES & NEUTRALS PINTEREST BOARD

(images by Patrick Cline for Lonny)

(Interior Design by Jarlath Mellett)

Looking for a designer to help you transform a space? Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and I will help you create a room(s) that you love.

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The way it was...Country Living 2007...favorite house...

I have kept this issue of Country Living for one piece - the home of Theresa Smith in Kentucky, who transformed a double wide (28 x 72 foot) mobile home into a fabulous home.  Not only is the kitchen nothing like a cookie cutter kitchen, she painted the whole place white with the exception of her office done in bright red.  I love it when people take something so ordinary and turn it into extraordinary. I have photographed the best here and still love to look at this piece for inspiration. You will too -

Issue from June 2007

Who needs a McMansion?? This has 4 bedrooms
and is 2,016 square feet - Theresa ordered it with
as few walls as possible to keep it light and airy

I still can't believe this is the living room! Fabulous!
Theresa's ingenious use of wood, lino, crystal, metal and marble
is unlike anything I have seen -and the pediment is so unusual
here above the sofa instead of curtains. None of the
windows have curtains, they have metal swirly things (I
have no idea what they are called!!)
Theresa is the master mixer of textures -

This kitchen is so unique - Theresa Smith had all the standard
cabinets taken out and put in her own idea of what would work
here such as a retail shop table and antique vintage cabinets-on the
right shows her collections of white antique ironstone and the
industrial sink and faucet - notice the metal all over mixing
with the wood (note the window above the sink and
the decorative metal accent used as 'curtains')

Close up of the fab kitchen details-she also added an outdoor
wire metal table with glass top and chairs for eating

The red office and details on the left of  the sun room on the
above right; note an actual front porch here!! So cool -

The master bedroom in all white with superb use of textures here
giving the room a truly vintage feel - metal, glass, pearls, marble
crystal and her grandmother's collection of beads, pearls, hats and bags

Theresa's husband Craig makes and sells
candelabra's like this one shown - so unique

Close up of the bed and side tables

(all images photographed and edited by me)

(original images Keith Scott Morton)

(original article written by Jill Kirchner Simpson)

Would you do a transformation like this? Could you?

I would LOVE to live here - what are your thoughts?

Design DO or DON'T?

Enjoy the weekend!

Don't forget to check out my SHOP and contact

me for online styling for your home!

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What's not to love about...WHITE?

For any skeptics out there who are hesitant about using white in design, here are some examples to prove just how versatile and truly neutral white is.  White will make any color pop, white can add texture and add sheer chic to any design. I love looking at these, I find it very calming and soothing as well - great to come home to after a busy day of work.  What do you love or dislike about white? Would you design around an all white room?

Shabby chic

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Swedish

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Blue and white

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White chic

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Rustic chic

(image)

Furry chic

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Texture chic

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Which if your favorite? You can follow my Pinterest board

devoted entirely to Whites and Neutrals -

Enjoy the day!

Please visit my shop and see if there is a gift idea

you might not have thought about before -

email me for any questions: 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!!

(image)

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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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...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?

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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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Serenity now...

I am having a hard time living without my beloved little best friend and with all that is going on in this crazy world, I am seeking out calming interiors.  White is such a wonderful option and it is no wonder that it is the color of mourning in Arab countries.  Its strangely soothing quality is much needed in this frenetic and crazy life.  When in doubt, go with white - peace and prayers to everyone...

via

Happy weekend -

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Gotta have these...Cath Kidston edition...

I had the pleasure of stopping in a Cath Kidston store in Chiswick in the UK last May and got on their mailing list.  Well, 'tis the season and the online shopping is phenomenal - so many choices, so many things, so little time!  It was very difficult, but, I chose just four items that would be great for stocking stuffers.  How many of you out there shop online as opposed to driving to the mall?  Happy shopping indeed!

Christmas To-Do Diary $14.00

This is a great idea for anyone who needs organisation

and lists to get things done -

Cut Roses Mug Crush Mug $8.00 - great for 

a hot cuppa!

Kempton Rose Travel Set $20.00 - luggage tag

and belt to secure your suitcase

2013 Tea Towel $16.00

(images cathkidston.com)

For more festive fun, go here -

Don't forget my shop is open and I have some great items for sale!

Also, I am offering my design services at great prices if you need a kitchen or bathroom

refresh, give me a call - monacointeriors76@yahoo.com

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Gotta have these...Vintage Edition...

I have been remiss in posting my favorite column, but getting ready for Black Friday! Are you? The holidays will soon be upon us and it always happens so quickly and I am just barely prepared though, I don't have to buy a lot of presents, so I'm lucky.

I am including a vintage item from my new shop and the shipping is FREE! I am highlighting items from Etsy as well, so we have the option to support small businesses that are recycling great stuff for gifts this season!!

Vintage Pillow $15.00 - right here in my shop...

Vintage Cat Creamer - $32.00 Etsy shop -SeeDollyRun

Gorgeous Portugese potter - Etsy shop - CakeNumber9 - 

2 cups $38.00

Shabby chic window shutters from Etsy shop - backporchco

out of NJ for $42.00

See anything you like?? I do! Have a great week and 

thanks for stopping by!

xoxo

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The Snow White home...

I am a huge fan of the ABC hit show 'Once Upon a Time' and I have done a couple of previous posts about the fabulous sets on the show.  Since tonight is the second episode of the season, I thought I would showcase Snow White's aesthetic again via my Pinterest board.  Pinterest is a great way to put together boards (of any style or anything you want) with photos of this shabby chic aesthetic that I love.  Please comment if you like the pics too -

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photo Trevor Trondo

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Is this room perfect for Snow or what?

Photo Maria Carr 

 Flowers in Snow's house -

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via and via

Is this spectacular??

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Perfect for Snow and Charming...;-))

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Photo John Reed Forsman

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Are you hooked on this show? I love it!

Visit my Pinterest board for more Snow style -

Happy Sunday!!

and watching the show -

xo

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Dear Design Diary...

I really LOVED every room in this home featured in the new Ivy & Piper magazine of Lady Chatterley's Affair blog's house.  Have you seen the issue? There is something so comforting and cozy yet simple and chic about the colors she uses against a white background. It is an aesthetic I truly love, how about you?  Feast your eyes:

What do you love here? I love the black + white paper, the 

gingham, the chair and chair fabric 

What do you love here? I love the fab gingham window treatment,

the blue lampshades, the colorful pillows, chairs and white walls

LOVE this room! The green and blue sofas, tables, lamp, 

gingham, white table and rug

Red, white and blue never gets old - and that chair!

(photography by Stuart Parker for I&P)

Look how cute the baby is!! (and the subway tile here is wonderful) -

thank you TINA of Lady Chatterley's Affair for sharing pics

of your lovely home and the INSPIRATION! 

Visit her blog for more fun -

Read Ivy & Piper for more inspiration! 

I think I want to move to Australia, the design scene there

is so vibrant isn't it?

If you need inspiration, stop by my blog and many other

design, art and fashion blogs for your daily fix

If you need assistance decorating your home, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for rates and information. 

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