Photo Credit: Monique Valeris Are you ready for your daily dose of fab? I’m here with Monique Valeris, the writer behind Decor Musings …one of my go-to sources for inspiration in the world of home decor! Robin Baron: Welcome Monique! Tell me about Decor Musings. Monique Valeris: Decor Musings is my outlet for documenting all that I love about the world of decorating. From sharing my experiences at flea markets to interviewing accomplished interior designers like Martyn Lawrence-Bullard , it’s full of decorating inspiration. RB: What inspired you to start your blog? MV: I was spending so much time reworking the decor in my pad and browsing through stores like West Elm , and I always enjoyed writing very much. Decor Musings was a way to merge both passions. Also, I became a bit frustrated looking through all these shelter magazines that had well-styled homes with super expensive furnishings that seemed a bit out of touch with the way the average person lives. I just longed for some form of media outlet that was a little more down to earth and that’s how my blog was born. RB: When you’re not blogging, what are you up to? MV: Outside of blogging, I’m such a foodie. I’m forever meeting someone for brunch or dinner, and being in New York, it’s so hard not to dine out. There’s so much good food everywhere. I also love to travel, and years ago, I made a rule that I’d go out of the country at least once a year. The year is winding down, and I’ve yet to fulfill my obligation, so I’m planning a trip asap.
Monique at Laduree in Paris RB: If you could hop on a plane and go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? MV: Santorini in Greece. Need I say more? RB: What are your top three guilty pleasure foods? MV: Macaroni and cheese, guacamole and creme brulee. A weird combination, I know. RB: What’s your favorite New York spot? MV: I always have a blast when visiting Governors Island . I spent the day there a few times this past summer and had the time of my life bike riding along the waterfront with a few friends. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Every time I visit, I never want to leave. RB: What’s your go-to girls night out outfit? MV: I can’t go wrong with a dress in an eye-catching color. And I wouldn’t be seen without some kind of jewelry that makes a statement, whether it’s a bold necklace, earrings or a cocktail ring. Oh, and I can’t forget a red lip and smoky eyes. RB: How would you describe your own personal home décor style? MV: It’s very relaxed, pretty and most importantly—comfortable. I have a few pieces of furniture from chain stores that are classic, but the fun is really in the more unique things I’ve found at places like Brimfield and flea markets in my neighborhood. I like having different textures in a room. For instance, my sofa is in brown leather, but there’s a plush throw across one arm and tons of throw pillows in all kinds of fabrics, like cotton and linen, in colors like tangerine and purple. RB: What piece of your home are you most proud of? MV: My living room because I didn’t rush to decorate it. The best spaces are those that are decorated over time and have special details that prove some thought was put behind them. My living room has this Dash & Albert rug that I’m absolutely in love with. It took a while for me to find the perfect rug, but when I saw this one, I knew it was a winner. Then there are tons of gold accessories like picture frames and other items, wooden boxes snagged from vacations and other keepsakes that just make it feel like home. This is the space that gets used the most in my home.
One of Monique’s favorite living rooms. Photo Credit: Domino magazine, James Merrell RB: How would you define “fabulous”? MV: Fabulous is knowing your worth and not compromising it for anyone or anything. It’s about being confident in who are and making sure that shines through in both your professional and personal life. There’s good energy associated with the term fabulous.Please feel free to e-mail Monique at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter via @decormusings .