It's A Wonderful Life

As we settle in for the evening, the streets of NYC is quieting down just a little. Snow if falling. As my husband and I snuggle in for the night, for the first time we actually sat down to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" from beginning to end. We really enjoyed this movie.

 

 

While, I sit and think about how blessed I am and many of you...Let's not forget to keep the families of Newtown, CT in prayer. Many of those families have gifts under their trees that their children didn't live to play with. Let's keep these families in prayer and remember to appreciate all that we have.

 

 

  Merry Christmas to All!

Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Are you a last minute shopper? No time? Here are a few gift ideas to make sure you get your gifts out on time. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, check out their shop.  All of these items were under $60.00. If, you're a member, you'll purchase it for 10% cheaper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arethusa Coin Link Bracelet - $45.00

Antique Revival Carnelian Ring - $55.00

 

 

Cloisters Mustard Herb Bracelet - $50.00

 

Peacock Feathered Scarf - $48.75

Another place to shop and seen as one of "Oprah's Favorite Things," and just recently on the Ellen Show is The Container Store. They have tons of stuff that you can purchase. The first place you can start is their office or just a place for them to store everyday things. And the cool thing is if you walk into the store, they have a shopping system called, "Shop & Go."  You use a little hand scanner and click on everything you want to purchase (without having to stand on a long line). It's the best. And they have same day shipping up until 8pm as long as there's a store in your town. Here are a few ideas that will work. Hey? It's a great way to get someone on the road to organization for the New Year!

 

 

Lacquered Boxes - $17.99 ea.

 

 

Stockholm Office Storage Boxes &Files

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Happy Shopping!

 

  

Rugs - The Foundation

Any great design starts with a foundation. When decorating, most people paint first, buy their furniture and accessories. They save the rug for last. This is very hard to do. Sometimes, the hardest piece to the puzzle is the rug. This is why the rug should be the first thing you purchase. Find something that speaks to you. A rug with colors you can live with. Then, everything else will flow smoothly. Here's a fun rug. Then, I will show you how to layer your look.

 

 

Florin Rug - Green

 

 

 

 

 

If you're a little afraid of color, take the loudest color and make it your accent color. Like the green lamps and one accent wall in green. Add pillows and you're set.

 

Pantone Color of the Year 2013 - Emerald

Green with envy? I don't think so. Every year us design fanatics patiently wait for Pantone to announce the new color for the year. Well, this is it. Emerald Green! Whether, it's beautiful items for the home or hot fashions. You're sure to find something that you catches your eye.

 

 

Emerald Green Water Glasses by Baccarat

Emerald Flatware by Aladdin

Kitchen Design: David Kaihoi

Tema Home - Green Handle Stool

 

 

 

 

 



Trend - Menswear Style

This fall's trend is menswear! This is a look that never really disappears. From season to season, the cut may change but any well fitted suit will last for years. For those of you who love blazers and suits, here are a couple of my favorite pieces.

 

Well, if you know anything about me, there always has to be a cheaper version. And remember, you can have the same look as the higher end fashions. It's all about fit. Here are my alternative finds for a smaller budget.

Looks Like Rain

What's going on with this weather? It's early December and we're seeing 50-60 degree weather here in NYC. On top of that, looks like rain most of next week. I actually love walking in the rain.

Well, why not do it in style? Here are some beautiful umbrellas that you might want to put on your list for Santa. Take note of the beautiful detail in the handles. And yes, they are adorned with Swarovski elements.

 

Three umbrellas above can be found at, http://www.pasottiombrelli.com/index.asp

 

 

If bling is not your thing, here are some other finds. They're very dainty and you can find them on:

http://www.powder-blue.co.uk/index.html

 

 

Until next time. Stay Dry!



My High Low Project

When, it comes to decorating, it doesn't matter whether you live in a studio space or a large home. Everyone, deserves a beautiful space that they love coming home to.

If any of you are die-hard HGTV fans, you're familiar with Saturday night's "The High Low Project" hosted by Sabrina Soto. High end rooms from $20K and up have been re-created for a fraction of the cost without sacrificing beauty.

Below is a picture I found online of a room on the high end.

 

Photo: Courtesy of Calico Corners

 

 

Now, here is Couture Interior's lower end version of the space above. Here are the individual pieces needed to create a room with the same feel.  All you have to do is add a few personalized pieces to make this room your own.

 

The tone-on-tone rug

 

Curtains with a print you love

 

A little fringe to give that high-end look (you can hot glue to inner length of your panels like in our high end room)

 

A simple leather or upholstered chair with a print

 

A natural finish desk

 

Two lamps (one for your desk and the other for your side table next to the loveseat) 

 

 Two armless chairs (great for conversational area)

 

A comfy loveseat to balance off the two chairs (p.s. you can purchase a couple yards of fabric of your choice to recover those pillows to coordinate with the room). Remember, if your space is small, you may want to go with a loveseat as opposed to a larger sofa.

 

 

 

Add 2 side tables (one to anchor the sofa and the other between your chairs)

 

 

Accessories are a personal choice. You can create a theme or use items purchased during your travels. The possibilities are endless.

 

Just add a splash of paint on the walls (if you so choose) and a few pictures on the wall and you're done!

 

Until the next time.............stay warm!

 

Monica 



 



It's all in the presentation

I'm sure you've spent time around some pretty creative people.  It may be you. With Thanksgiving just a day away, I'm sure everyone is preparing their shopping lists. As, I browsed the web, I found a number of beautiful table settings and decor for the holidays. Here are a few that caught my eye.

 (Love the linens)

Such beautiful colors

Very inviting and festive 

 

 I Absolutely Love This!

Decor is all about personal style and those little things that catch your eye. Whether, you're setting a table for two or twelve, the idea is to decide on a theme and express that theme the way you see fit. Remember, no two ideas are alike.

I love this time of year. Whether, my husband and I are spending Thanksgiving with our family or we decide to have our own little quiet dinner. I'm thankful for so many things. With hurricane Sandy in our rear view mirrors, remember, there are families still living with no heat and electricity or they lost their homes. In some instances, lives were lost. If, you knnow a family who lost everything or someone spending the holidays alone, invite them over for a warm dinner and share your blessings.

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Bright Nail Colours - Not Just For Summer

Just because the Summer's over, that doesn't mean you can't continue enjoying bright colors.  Loreal's Colour Riche has the most fabulous colors.

As I always say, "Fashion and Interior Design goes hand-in-hand."  Check out this fabulous sofa used to model this latest shade of blue from Loreal:

 

Color: Now You Sea Me

 

Check out http://laselection.lorealparisusa.com/colour-scope.php

for all of the beautiful colors. I'm sure you'll find something that compliments your personality.

Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators (Season 2)

Well, the cast is back! From left to right (Kathryn Ireland, Mary McDonald, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Jeffrey Alan Marks).

They seem to be up to their fabulous design challenges. But, the one thing I love about this show is the fact that they show all the work involved in a design project.  It's not as glamourous as it may seem but the end results are wonderful.

Take a moment to check out some of last night's video clips at:
http://www.bravotv.com/million-dollar-decorators/videos

I hope you enjoy this program as much as I do.