Spaaahhh on Sunday...

This bathroom really speaks to me...I love everything about it...from the checked wallpaper, plates, tub, white tiles, mirror, dark lamp and that fabulous chandelier! I really love a bathroom that is more like a room or has elements of a room like the wood dresser, mirror and framed pictures.  It seems to very British to me. I lived in a house that had a beautiful bathroom with wood floors, a big window and clawfoot tub. It had beadboard so I painted the walls a delicious pink (the beadboard was white) and it reminded me of cotton candy. I put up framed pictures, a gorgeous mirror and wicker cabinet. How I loved that bathroom!

Have a great Sunday!

(original image by Virginia Macdonald)

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Saturday in the kitchen...

Well, I saw this kitchen on House of Turquoise a couple of days ago and just couldn't resist. Not only do I love the color combination - sunny yellow and white but the floor, the kitty cat on the counter and pale blue accessories look so pretty too! The cottage is owned by photographer Stacey Haines in North Carolina and was featured here...Stacey did a total renovation of the house for under $2,300!  It is a must see!! Enjoy your weekend!

(original image by Stacey Haines)

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Budget makeover 101...

I seriously need to update my bedroom and have a few ideas...I want to do this on a budget - under $150 so this is my challenge. The bedroom is blue and white with a touch of orange...I moved the rug in the above pic to the bedroom a month ago, so it sits on top of a neutral carpet.

I would like to replace my blue checked curtains for something more geometric and modern...perhaps orange or blue??

I have a bureau I bought from a neighbor's yard sale for $3 - it is blue and white, but its kind of a mess - a mishmash of color...(not the above bureau, this is a soft shabby chic pink) -

I fell in love with the Sherwin Williams paint (Harmony 'Rejuvenate) in Tobi Fairley's green room she recently designed (I featured it last week)...so, I am thinking of painting the bureau this color...

I spotted similar lamps to these in Marshall's...:)

Or, I could paint the bureau this lovely turquoise on the desk above...I can't decide...I have Van Gogh's famous painting of his bedroom with an orange bed above my bed, so I would like to add orange elsewhere in the room...

What do you think? should the bureau be orange or turquoise? should I find some turquoise curtains for the windows? Or keep the blue and white checked curtains? I would love to hear what you all think...have a great day!

(original 3 images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

(last 3 images courtesy Traditional Home)

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Melissa Rufty of MMR Interiors...

I first saw Melissa Rufty's (of MMR Interiors) work in House Beautiful and was reminded of her work again on Courtney Barnes'  Style Court blog.  So, when I visited her website, I was blown away. Her work is so sophisticated, fresh and stylish and yet, so comfortable and livable. The living room above reminds me of one of my favorite designers who also happens to practice in New Orleans, Hal Williamson.

Where to begin - the settee, table, yellow curtains, zebra pillows or the paintings?

This fabric is delicious and the black and white pillows are an unusual color choice...

Whoa! what a treat it would be to just wash your hands in here!!

I love the sublimely sophisticated tones and fabrics here...

Another favorite...love the blue color and zebra print chair...

Beautiful mix of colors and patterns...

This room is gorgeous - the blue sofa is perfect as the focal point, with the yellow draperies and punctuation of reds and metal textures...

For more beauty and inspiration, go here - enjoy! All her rooms seem to have a touch of the exotic and global influence which makes them so interesting. I would love to have her do my whole house! Do you have a favorite room? Do you like Melissa's mix of fabrics, colors and textures?

(images courtesy mmrinteriors.com)

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Sunday in the kitchen...

I thought these yellows and golds would be a nice reflection of the autumn season here in New England...so cozy and comforting...love the metal lamp and textured shades too.  The mix of the wood and creamy colors makes it look like a kitchen I'd want to bake a pumpkin pie in, how about you? care to join me for a cup of tea and pie?? Hope you are enjoying the weekend!

(Interior Design by Kathy Smith)

(Original image for House Beautiful by John Gould Bessler)

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Fabulous Fabric Fridays...are back with...IMAN

Alexandria Scroll - Citrine

I know her collection has been out for a bit, but I have been anxious to bring back my Friday column, Fabulous Fabric Fridays, and who better to reintroduce it with, than supermodel and rock star wife, IMAN? Her collection for Calico Corners is influenced by exotic destinations that include rich colors, textures and fabrics. She also designs clothing and accessories for HSN, which are also worth a peek and a purchase!  Not to mention she is married to one of my faves, David Bowie, lucky girl.

Alexandria Scroll - Luna

Java Moon - Radicchio

Persia Diamond - Luna

Riviera in Flight - Luna

Sultana Lattice - Noir

Zahra Leaf - Topaz

Zebra Oasis - Cypress

Istanbul Sunset - Luna

I hope you have enjoyed this little look into the world of the super-talented IMAN. For more of her designs go here and for her clothing and accessories go here. 

Which fabric is calling your name? and for which piece of furniture? or curtains? Have a fabulous friday everyone!! thank you for visiting me this week...I have loved having you!!!

(images of fabrics by Calico Corners)

If you would like your home to reflect your unique vision, Monaco Interiors can assist with everything from fabrics to furniture to space layout.  Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to make your home, your castle.

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What time is it?

I just love these by the clock master, George Nelson, that apparently never made it into production until now...he designed these little timepieces in the early '50's for office desks...they are ceramic and will set you back about $200...but, the holidays are fast approaching and they would make a great gift wouldn't they?? Go here for more information and more great gift ideas...hope you are all enjoying your week!!

(image by Dwell)

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Tobi Fairley's green room...

Sherwin Williams Harmony "Rejuvenate" paint

This month's Traditional Home featured this article about a room Tobi Fairley designed as a 'green' and eco-conscious room. All the paints used were low VOC and some of the furniture was purchased at a consignment store and simply painted with fresh colors. This is the kind of makeover I love to see...and the turquoise and orange has me inspired to do a makeover of my own bedroom, which already has plenty of blue and a smattering of orange. I love this color combination and the colors Tobi used are delicious!

Organic upholstery from Lee Industries...

Flea market lamps revived with new linen shades...

Fabric for curtains and settee are from Rubie Green - "Patsy" in blue...vintage chair and plates on wall...notice the turquoise legs on the orange chair...

Sherwin Williams low-VOC paints were used - "Lark Green" on desk...

How about you - do you like the orange and turquoise scheme? Do you like to buy vintage pieces and refresh them with either paint or fabrics?? 

(images by Nancy Nolan for Traditional Home)

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Saturday in the kitchen...

Designer Lindsey Bond turned this simple '50's cottage into a modern sanctuary...see for yourself --this is a lovely sleek kitchen.

Gorgeous marble countertops and chrome hardware...(Blanco Undermount Sinks)

I LOVE the teal color on the screen with the crisp white bench and animal skin rug...not to mention the fabric on the back of the chairs...perfection! (Benjamin Moore Jade Garden; Kelly Wearstler's Fern Tree fabric, table at CB2).

(original image by Jonny Valiant for House Beautiful)

(Interior Design by Lindsey Bond)

If you would like to turn your living space into a place you love and can't wait to get home to each and every day, contact Monaco Interiors for assistance. Just a few of the areas we can assist with, include space layout, fabric and paint selection, furniture selection and kitchen and bath design. Contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for more information. 

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And now for something completely different...

After some unsettling news today, I immediately thought of my favorite expression...and decided to have some fun with it...well, with Picnik anyway.  It covers just about anything and I love the British resignation to get through tough times with a 'stiff upper lip.'

So go on, have a great weekend!

(image by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

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Swedish clogs...

Do you ever buy shoes that you are completely obsessed with? well, I have and these clogs do it for me! I bought them from here and just can't get over how completely comfortable and stylish they are. You could say they are classic, because the Scandinavians have been wearing them for years, if not centuries! I had clogs in high school but recently, some co-workers have raved about them. Well, they have been raving about them for a long time. One friend spent a week walking around Rome in clogs...and felt no pain. Now that I am working in a showroom 3 days a week, I need comfort and style. These aren't for everybody, but those who wear them know how great they are. Do you own a pair? If you do, do you love them?

Have a great Friday!

(image by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

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Retro modern...

I love it when a designer takes a simple home like a 1950's ranch and turns it into a spectacular design showcase! Taking something and turning it into something so unexpected...that is what this month's Elle Decor features with designer Mikhail Dantes. He took a 50's Denver ranch and made it into a completely different home...So inspiring and unbelievable!

Ugh, this shower is fab...do you like simple homes turned into chic retreats? I think it really showcases a designer's creativity...making the designer work within some limitations and really coming up with great ideas...thinking outside the box - and that is always inspiring...

(original images for Elle Decor by Emily Minton Redfield)

(Interior Design by Mikhail Dantes)

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Serenity now...

Its Sunday and I would love to sink into this large tub for a long soak with a nice hot cup of tea...but, I must run errands...oh well...how about you? are you busy or is it a slow day for you?

(image house beautiful)

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Saturday in the kitchen...

This lovely kitchen designed by Chad Eisner has the of-the-moment color, gray on the cabinets...but, the tiles and rustic table as an island and simple window treatment make this little kitchen a real sparkler.  Love it, do you? do you like the gray cabinets? the table? Do share! Hope you are enjoying the weekend...I'm thinking about having another cup of tea and a nap...:)

(interior design by Chad Eisner)

(original image housebeautiful.com)

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The Apron front sink...

Ok, first of all its Friday - whew! and I have not been able to do my 'Fabulous Fabric Fridays' column as I'm working late on Thursday nights and am a bit challenged with time. So, I will continue the column, but probably only once a month. I decided to do the same with 'The Green Scene.'  Please let me know any thoughts on this. Soooo, I am now working in a kitchen/bath showroom and work with so many beautiful products that I find myself planning what I will use in my dream kitchen and bath. On that note, I dream of owning one of these babies...but they cost about $1400 - this is the 'Cursive' on the Alcott sink above - I love this look with the cabinetry, the marble (!), pretty little knobs and that gorgeous faucet!!

This is the 'Evenweave' on the Alcott and again the whole scenario is gorgeous and I love the choice of faucet in the matte black (or possibly the oil rubbed bronze, I can't tell) - any favorite? do you have an apron front sink? do you like them as well? would you choose this for your kitchen?? DO SHARE! I would love to hear your opinions. See you back here tomorrow and have a great weekend!

(images courtesy kohler.com)

If you need assistance with planning or remodeling a new kitchen or bath, Monaco Interiors can work with you, whether its choosing paint, accessories or new fixtures. Monaco Interiors will help you achieve your dreams. Please feel free to contact me via email: monacointeriors76@yahoo.com 

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That de Cardenas touch...

Love at first sight...again...I just got my October Elle Decor issue with the Rafael de Cardenas-designed apartment of Anthony Edwards and Jeanine Lobell (of Stila Cosmetics) and well, I'm speechless.  Anne Harwell recently featured some of these pics on her blog 'Annechovie' and I just had to post these as well, including his previous work (which I posted last spring) for model Jessica Stam. His work is so creative, fun and incredibly vibrant. I love his use of purple as we will see...above is the living room with the signature purple and vintage chairs...oh and don't miss that translucent pale green glass chandelier - it is a perfect punctuation mark for the entire room -

The Dining Room features wallpaper by Secondhand Rose, which the designer used in the Stam apartment as seen below...

The entry foyer with Venetian plaster walls in hot pink! wow! what a way to enter a home! and I love the mid-century modern looking 60's Brazilian credenza...its easy to see that Rafael used to be a fashion and production designer...he mixes styles and colors so effortlessly.

Wow! do you like these green cabinets? I'm still debating, but they are painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Bright Lime'

I think this is my favorite area...the pale green rug paired with the gorgeous chairs upholstered in Designers Guild fabric.  The rugs are Chinese Art Deco...love it all!

Here is the Jessica Stam apartment I featured a few months ago that I fell in love with...here is more wallpaper from 'Secondhand Rose' with another glass chandelier - gorgeous -

This photo is a little dark, but it is mostly purple, like the Edwards' living room with vintage chairs again...I loved the way Rafael used purple curtains to match the wall color...

A vintage chaise with gorgeous the wallpaper again...

I hope you have enjoyed these pics - do you have a favorite? do you like de Cardenas' style? or is it all too much with colors you couldn't live with? or do you LOVE it???

(images for Elle Decor by William Waldron)

(Interior Design by Rafael de Cardenas)

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