Showing posts with label country style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label country style. Show all posts

December 27, 2013

Fabulous Fabric Friday...Ralph Lauren...


I hope everyone had a great week celebrating Christmas.  I had a pang of nostalgia for my old column (Fabulous Fabric Fridays) which I ran faithfully for a couple of years.  I have been blogging so long now, it all seems a blur.  

I stopped in a Calico store yesterday and saw these Ralph Lauren fabrics up close and immediately wanted to design a room around them. Preferably in an English country house or in a suburban New Jersey home - who cares?  Of course dark wood, fireplaces, brandy snifters, velvet, Wellies, deer heads, tigers and tweed come to mind and it takes me away to the Scottish Highlands or Devon (my favorite).  The quintessential library or game room would be the best place for this style.  This could all be equally fabulous in a bedroom or living room without all that ambiance don't you think?  Super inspiring fabrics! I added some furniture to the mix.  Have a great weekend!


For the English Country house, I have added some furniture from Home Decorators Collection to complement the fabrics:: 






Maldives Coffee Table $399.00


Maharaja Nesting Tables $199.00




Custom Greenwich Sofa $1299.00

Porter Armchair $699.00


The English Country House fabrics to cover the chairs, sofas and windows:

Hillcliff Plaid Moss $200.20/yd

Serengeti Linen Zebra Mahogany $116/yd

Kingsbridge Original $255.20/yd

Aragon Original $261.80/yd

Leighton Hunt Olive $81.40/yd

Maya Silk Original $123.20/yd





Do you like the English style? 
Which is your fave?



I will do a digital moodboard for you that won't cost
the earth. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com
for more information.





December 7, 2013

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!



January 2, 2013

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?








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.


November 29, 2012

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




October 7, 2012

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 -


photo Trevor Trondo
Is this room perfect for Snow or what?

Photo Maria Carr 
 Flowers in Snow's house -

via and via

Is this spectacular??



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


Photo John Reed Forsman

Are you hooked on this show? I love it!

Visit my Pinterest board for more Snow style -

Happy Sunday!!

and watching the show -

xo

December 28, 2011

Wish I was here...

Well, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and you are now gearing up for the new year! My computer has some kind of virus and it will have to go in the shop, so I am using another one temporarily so I can keep up with my virtual world!!!  I really wouldn't mind being in this setting below about now...I will be planning a trip abroad soon, and I'm very excited about it! I hope all your wishes and dreams come true in 2012...or at least if you get halfway there, you will be happy ;-))



Until we meet again!! Enjoy the day!


For information about my decorating services, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.




August 20, 2011

Saturday in the kitchen...

I had to go out of town this week so I am late posting this today.  This is a truly original country kitchen in a primary color. This tomato red kitchen with vintage appliances is so refreshing to me - no fancy appliances, gleaming white surfaces and granite counters, but a useful and efficient kitchen that is also nice to look at.  It belongs to the photographers, Gridley + Graves. What do you think? Are you ready to go country?


Love that unusual countertop too...

Have a great weekend!

(image Gridley + Graves for Country Living)


If you need help decorating your space, contact me for rates at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

March 27, 2011

Spaah on Sunday...

This caught my eye because it has a cool retro vintage vibe and is also Shabby Chic. Sporting Cath Kidston prints and a gorgeous roll-top tub right in the middle of the room, this wins for where I'd like to be on this lazy Sunday. The sparkly chandelier lends a bit of glamour and the rustic chair keeps it down to earth at the same time. What a great bath!


Have a great Sunday!

(original image in Ideal Home UK)
(chandelier by Laura Ashley)

Need help decorating? Check out my VirtualDecor services and contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

March 26, 2011

Saturday in the kitchen...

Another spectacular country kitchen coming to us from England with gorgeous slate tiles from Fired Earth which give this space an up-to-date and fresh look.  The stools perched at the island look very modern amidst the country look which helps give this kitchen a unique perspective.

The lovely wooden beams and country cooker complete this English country charmer. I would love to sit down and have a cup of tea at that island...the floor is the showstopper for me!
Hope everyone has a great Saturday!! Off to work...

(original image for idealhome.com.uk)
(image by Brent Darby)

Have you seen my new VirtualDecor? You can contact me to assist you with a space online. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

March 12, 2011

Saturday in the kitchen...

Sorry I am so late posting this, but I had to work today and didn't have time this morning...anyway, today we are in France again as this kitchen is in Provence and has rustic written all over it.  I love the poured concrete counters and the 'crown molding' around the top of the room...how unique and creative! This was first seen on  Joni's 'Cote de Texas' blog (here) and I loved it so much I wanted to feature it here.


Note also the copper pots, basket and green glass bottle. Do you love this look or is it not your style?

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend and I will see you back here tomorrow!!

(image cotedetexas.blogspot.com)

If you need help decorating your home, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and we can discuss how I can assist you with space, fabric, furniture, kitchen and bath consultations.

February 19, 2011

Saturday in the kitchen...

Sorry I'm late with this post, I had to work today and then took a knitting class! I will show you my progress in the next couple of days...anyway, I love this kitchen for its totally rustic, earthy appearance and colors. It is so different than what most people expect from a kitchen so it is worth a look...

The floor is actually acid washed cement to give it a leathery appearance...very unique. The island and the walls are so rustic too. But, still quite sophisticated as you can see with recessed lighting. This looks like it should be in Montana or out west somewhere, but it would be more interesting if it was in, say, Ohio or Connecticut. Maybe a big beer is in order rather than tea, what do you think??

Have a great weekend!!

(original image for Country Living by Aimee Herring)

February 12, 2011

Saturday in the kitchen...

I have to go to work shortly but wanted to post this kitchen that was seen earlier this week on Cote de Texas. Joni featured houses for rent in Provence and I couldn't resist this, because I love a kitchen that looks more like a room than a regular kitchen:

Love the curtains, wood, metal and wicker...the farmhouse sink!!

...and the little dog dish!

For more pictures go here - have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!!

(images cotedetexas)

Need help making your home beautiful? Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and we can discuss your vision and ideas.

January 16, 2011

Spaaah on Sunday...

This is an interesting little British bathroom in an attic...but I like that it looks more like a room than a bathroom. I have a bad cold and cough and would love to lounge in this tub for awhile!  Note the blue and white china on the cabinet, the stone wall, wood beams and cozy little mirror. I'm not feeling the sink and tub bases at all. I would have had a totally different style - perhaps a pedestal sink and claw foot tub instead? It is not my style, but it looks homey and relaxing. Do you like this style? or do you prefer a 'hotel' or traditional style bath?


Happy Sunday everyone! I'm hoping my illness is on its way out!

(image courtesy Ideal Home UK)

January 12, 2011

Blizzard!...

We are snowed in here in New England, so I took a couple of pictures to show you the scene...its a winter wonderland again!

The view out my back door...

My little Canon Powershot A400 does a good job...

Love the red with the white...

The snow is a-falling...

Hope you are having a great day where you are...happy Wednesday!

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)