WELCOME to CAROLINA PANACHE! I believe our homes should be a haven, a place of beauty and peace that reflect who we are and what's important to us. I'm on a journey to add personality and panache to every corner of my house. For me, good design evolves, grows and changes with the needs of one's lifestyle. I want my home to be creative, to be stylish, to be entertaining, to be real. I hope you will join me on my journey. It's always more fun to travel together.
This blog is all about bringing style and elegance to the home. The art of dressing your home goes beyond hanging a few items on the wall and arranging furniture. Much like a fabulous set of earrings or a new stylish handbag may take your little black dress from fine to fabulous, home accesories and key furnishings can take your rooms from ho-hum to singing the Halleluiah Chorus! Join with me as we discover new ways to add panache to every room of the house.

Stylish Decorating with Monograms

MONOGRAMS! They are making a big comeback! For me, nothing is more stylish or sophisticated than monogrammed bath towels and bed linens. Done right, monograms can lend an air of elegance to a room like none other. Done wrong or overdone, monograms can be tacky. I recently learned of a Monogram Party being given for a Bride-to-Be. What a fresh twist on the traditional Bridal Shower! What young women isn't enthralled with her new married name and initials? I remember when Mr. Panache and I were married. I would spend what seemed like hours scrawling my "new" name on sheets of plain paper. A friend gave me stationary of ivory linen with my newly wed monogram. For the longest time I wouldn't even use it. It was too beautiful for use or at least that's what I thought at the time. Years have past and I have learned to appreciate such fine, personal gifts and the joy you get from indulging in such a luxury. Monograms always add such lovely touches. They are almost as personal as our signature for very few of us have the same three initials as those in our circle of family and friends. When you think of the array of products that may be monogrammed, the list seems endless. Silver is always a great choice but my very favorite is linens. Imagine being able to pass them down through the generations - how soft and supple quality linens become with tender care and gentle use. The pictures that follow are some from my IDEA file. Enjoy browsing around. I hope you are inspired to add a monorgram or two to your personal space. This is may favorite! I LOVE monogrammed pillowcases or shams. This is DONE RIGHT! White bed linens with just a touch of subdued color and the monogram kept elegantly to the pillows.

Here's a great idea. If you want the look of a monogram but don't have the time nor the talent to embroider it yourself, try using fabric paint and a stencil. This wooden bench features decorative linen pillows that have been stenciled. You can pick up stencils, paint, and even fabric at Hobby Lobby to make your own.

I adore this idea! Rather than adding your initial, try something different and fresh - number your dinning chairs. How fun!


Notice the big letter "B" on the shower curtain? What an elegant touch and great accent to the black and white damask wallpaper. The monogrammed shower curtain doesn't compete with the pattern on the wall, but compliments it perfectly and with personal flair.

Here is another fabulous way to personalize your dining room. Tone on tone monograms in the center of the chair's backrest. For me, anything white or ivory can be decked out with a monogram in the same tone.


This glass canister is properly dressed with a family monogram on frosted glass. Understated but elegant.

Here is another one of my favorites - a black lamp shade embroidered with a white initial. Sophisticated and personal - the perfect touch in the Master Suite.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday I will be starting a new bathroom project. During the packing up of my Mother's things, we found an antique chandelier decked out with 8 arms and dozens of dangling tear drops. It's an Old Gold finish presently but the plan is to refinish it in a Hammered Silver and hang it above my Jucuzzi garden tub. I'll share pictures along the way. Another little master bath project is a mini-makeover on my maple vanities. Yeah, I know! You are going to think I'm crazy but I am painting them a deep, rich espresso and installing new brushed nickle hardware. A small change but it will make a huge difference. Stay tuned.....
Until then,
Happy Decorating!
Alisa









15 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

The monogram pictures are all just gorgeous. I really love the subtle tone on tone. I can't wait to see your bathroom. Hugs, Marty

Victoria Hayden said...

I too love Monograms and thinks it can add so much whimsy to a room! I have been wanting too and hopefullly will have some time soon to add some letters and numbers to chairs and barstools in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing a great post and love all the photos!

Hugs to you,
~Victoria~

Melissa said...

I adore monograms too. I must have missed something somewhere though, I never knew they went out to begin with. Monograms have been around in abundance for this Georgia girls entire life, lol.

Sandra said...

Wonderful idea. I do not have anything with monograms on it so i'd love to make something. :)
Thank you for all the great pictures. So many great ideas.
Blessings,
Sandra

xinex said...

I like all the monogram pictures and my fave is also the black lampshade...Christine

The Stylish House said...

You found some wonderful monogram inspiration! Wishing you a nice weekend.
Cathy

Tammy518 said...

I can't wait to see what you come up with for your bathroom. I think the espresso sounds so pretty.

Have a great week!

Designs on 47th Street said...

Oh my! I couldn't agree with you more about monograms. They just speak CLASS to me.

So tell me....as much as I love them, why do I only have some footed drinking glasses I purchased at a thrift store (for heaven's sake) that have my monogram on them??? I must do something about that.

I especially love the bedding, shower curtain and the lamp shade.

GREAT post!! :)

Jolyn said...

Hello, glad to have you back. I know what you are going thru we are in transition to makeing an in-law suite for my parents now. I also love to have the monagramed sheets, and the lamp shade was nice. I am looking forward to seeing your new chandaliar in your bath. I have been following your blog for a couple monthes and I now figuared how to set mine up.LOL
Have a blessed day,
Jolyn

Melissa Miller said...

~GORGEOUS! I too love anything monogrammed. ;)

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