Best of MI...Dear Design Diary...design match

BEST OF MI...January 2011

Welcome!  How are you doing on this winter Saturday?  Still doing my Best of series and today I want to know if you like matching wallpaper to curtains and fabrics? Would you do this in your home? Do you like the look or do you prefer different patterns? Lots of questions so please take a look and let me know!! Have a great weekend!

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////




What do you think about matching patterns of wallpaper and curtains or furniture fabrics and wallpaper? Do you like it? I rounded up some photos to see the effect and I think it can be quite stunning depending on the patterns or colors.  A couple of the pictures you have seen here recently by Windsor Smith...

I love this bedroom - it gives this room importance to a stunning effect...

I quite like this as well...the pretty pattern in soft gray adds drama to the dining room...

(images Victoria Pearson; Design Windsor Smith)

The curtains match the bedspread here...

(image Thomas Loof; Design Susan Ferrier)

The curtain blends in with the wallpaper...

(image Jonny Valiant; Design Allison Caccoma)

The bed fabrics blend here with the wallpaper...

(image Frances Janisch; Designer Meg Braff)

Is this something you have done in your own home or for clients? Do share! and has the client been happy with the result?

(images and designs as noted above)

Do you love the way your home looks? If not, contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to create new space that makes you happy.  I am accepting online projects both large and small.

❤ Read More

Gotta have these...

Hi folks!! I am moving to the beach tomorrow and am beyond excited! I am a Pisces, so the closer to water, the better.  Here are this week's choices for home decor, but, its not super-budgeted, so take your pick. I love all three and hope you do too!! I will keep you posted on my new adventure, which includes a furnished cottage that I will share with you. Have a super weekend and enjoy the autumnal colors if you are here in the northeast!

I decorated with Urban Walls and loved the stickers on 

my walls - you will too - this lovely phrase is $58.00 + s+h

Yellow fever!! LOVE this Marimekko from 

Crate & Barrel - what a beautiful addition to

any room -

Do you love these?? How sweet! A gold pig to keep your

books organized from CB2 for $29.95 + s+h

Have a great weekend!! 

If you need help decorating your abode, please contact me for rates at 

monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

❤ Read More

Gotta have these...

I have been a bit remiss in posting this week, but I am finding time a precious commodity.  Here are three innovative items I came across this week that I wanted to share with you.  If you are thinking of renovating a bathroom, adding to a kitchen or just looking for some fresh new wallpaper, look no further.  

Lacava is an Italian luxury brand of kitchen and bath

fixtures and vanities - gorgeous, modern and innovative, these

pieces will bring glamour to your home - a bit pricey, but 

worth the investment.

Sierra in Aubergine by Kimberly Lewis Home

is a beautiful update to the classic Chevron we

see everywhere these days - $155.00

Kimberly Lewis Home Striped Wallpaper 

in Yellow/Gray will bring any room up-to-date -

Finally, while flipping channels, I came across this great folding

cart for a kitchen by HSN - versatile, good looking and just

what you need for extra counter space.  Plus, it folds up for

quick and easy hiding! There are other pieces in this collection 

worth checking out.  Its only $139.95 ~

(images lacava.com, kimberlylewishome.com, hsn.com)

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!

If you need help renovating a kitchen or bathroom, please contact me for my decorating services. My rates are reasonable and you don't have to live in my local area - monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

❤ Read More

Wanted: Wallpapers that WOW...

I came across this fantastic website today while rambling around looking at vintage enamel sink tops...well, I can't resist great wallpaper and these patterns are a must-see. Art Deco, Mod, Vintage and Arts & Crafts never really look 'out' to me...but, maybe to some. These papers are so beautifully unique and the names really set them apart - how can you resist a paper called 'Googieland?' These all come in different colorways, so the website is definitely worth a visit. What do you think? Still in style, totally gauche or cool? For more fun, visit here.

Zenith Periwinkle

Stardust Midnight (my favorite)

Grete Sea of Green

Hi-Fi Moody Blue

Daisy Kooky Coral

Mellotron Ginchy Green

Googieland Ivory

Atomic Doodle Pink

Cyclos Golden Light

Platinum Volute

If I could paper a room, I would choose one of these retro looks...but alas, since I rent, I can't.  Thanks for visiting me and I look forward to seeing you here again tomorrow! Don't forget to follow me on TWITTER and FACEBOOK!!!

(images bradbury.com)

Need help decorating? I can assist you with any project large or small. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for rates and processes with my VirtualDecor for those of you who don't live in New England.

❤ Read More

New wall treatment...!

Yesterday, as I had "Nights in Rodanthe" playing on the TV with Richard Gere and Diane Lane, I decided to get cracking on my new wall treatment from "Urban Walls."  Because I rent my house, I can't put up wallpaper but wanted to make one wall in my bedroom a focal point. So, here is my project in steps:

First, I dusted the wall; excuse the mess in the pictures, I had emptied out a drawer in my bedside table, which is another project in progress that I will show you another day...

Clean wall to the right of the bed...

And clean wall to the left of the bed...

I cut out all the shapes (24 of the large and 36 small, I think) so I could prep them with tape on the wall...

I pretty much randomly decided where they would go. I didn't have as many of the larger shapes, so I decided to put the smaller shapes all over in between - if that makes sense, but you will see...

Here is the right wall with the shapes taped on temporarily.

Another shot of the temporary shapes taped to the walls...

So, during the movie I removed the backing carefully, stuck it on the wall, and then gently pulled the top piece off after smoothing with a credit card...

Voila!! the finished product! Once the backing is removed, the dark turquoise blue really stands out against the pale wall (which is not white, but more of a creamy white) -

I LOVE the way it looks! like wallpaper!

Fuzzy shot...

I decided to put the "Keep Calm" poster back and love the way it looks surrounded by the 'stars' -

I have more work to do in here...I need new lamps and I'm in the process of painting some furniture that will remain in the room. I also need a new comforter and new curtains - IKEA has the curtains I am lusting after...but, it may be a week or two before I can get there - by the way, I liked the movie and love how my wall looks!! Best of all, these can come off the wall with no damage whatsoever. I found 'Urban Walls' on Etsy through Jen's blog, Made by Girl.  I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend!!

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

Do you need help making your home look fantastic?? Contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to discuss what you need done. Whether you live in the Boston area or in another country, my VirtualDecor services can help.

❤ Read More

Like wallpaper for walls...

Since I rent my house, I am unable to put wallpaper on my walls. So, the next best thing is 'Urban Walls' on Etsy...I found this cool site and bought a pattern to highlight a bedroom wall. If you are looking for something totally unique, easy to apply and easy to take off (a huge bonus for renters!), then look no further - head over to Etsy.com and check it out. Great for any room, kids rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, TV room etc.

Aren't they cool? Any favorites?

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

(images urban walls on etsy.com)

If you need help decorating your space, contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com to assist you with your decorating needs.

❤ Read More