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hey there! I'm monica 

I pride myself on making amazing style and design accessible for everyone, regardless of location, budget, or ability! My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity + attainability - If I can do it, you can too! My work has been featured in countless publications, but I take the most pride in homeowners that have been personally inspired by my DIY ideas and have tried something in their own homes!

learn more about ME + MY BIZ

Well peeps, today is the big day- You get to come on in and get a peek at our house all decked out for Christmas!   If you’re visiting from DIY Showoff – welcome, we’re so glad you chose to come check us out!  And a big thanks to the always sweet and majorly talented Lindsay for hosting the tour today!  Here’s how it’s going to work… I’m going to give you the grand tour and then you can hop over to Finding Home to see Laura’s beautiful home!

BSHT-Christmas-Graphic-copy

This year, my tour is going to be concentrated on my newly renovated kids’ playroom, my piano room, and foyer.  We just got back from vacation in Disney, so I only decorated 1/2 the house before we went away.  I’ll do a mini peek of the other trees and rooms next week, but these rooms are where I put all my creative juices!

I’m calling this style Mid-Century-Monica

It’s got a bit of a mid-century influence and lots of color and fun (that’s the Monica part-ha!)

DIYChristmasIdeas_0104

Perhaps my favorite thing in this room is the light fixture I made.  A tutorial is coming next week- you won’t believe how simple it was to make!!

DIYChristmasIdeas_0145

DIY light fixture

The fireplace didn’t always look like this- you can check out the makeover here.

Fireplace Makeover Before and After

I paint dipped some plastic ornaments and created a garland to add a little color on the stone.

DIY ornament garland

DIYChristmasIdeas_0093

My two favorite Christmas projects this year is a tie! It’s between the Santa Beard Silhouettes and the Fabric Tree.

No Shave November

Modern Christmas Tree

Tree Wall Hanging

Christmas Garland

Plain white boxes, tags from Michael’s and a little washi made wrapping my faux presents a breeze.  I’m a huge fan of faux presents leading up to Christmas.  I’m the type that does’t like the real ones to come out until Christmas eve (at least the kids’ gifts from us)

Modern Tree

Christmas Presents

Both the beards and tree add so much fun to the room!  I could honestly hang out there all day!

DIYChristmasIdeas_0106

On the mantle, I used two mini trees from IKEA with plain wood planters.  I added some washi to them and then accented them with one of my string art ornaments.

Rustic Modern Christmas

DIY Christmas Decorations

And I guess it would only make sense to mention Mr. Christmas there on the mantle…

Santa Man

So, I had this head sitting around (what? don’t you have styrofoam heads around the house?), so I spray painted him gold, popped a hat on him and he instantly became Mr. Christmas!  I almost took him down because I thought “people” might think he’s creepy, but then Jess reminded me that it’s “so me” and not to worry about “people.”  It’s times like that, that I’m thankful for an awesome BFF!

The kids’ playroom connects directly to my dining room and piano room- this shot gives you an idea of the layout…

And it just happens to be the one spot in my house where things feel “just right”

MyDesignStyle

DIYChristmasIdeas_0230

My green piano and wood shim wall already has a lot of color, so I just added a simple garland and some primary balls.  I love the selection Target had on colors this year!

DIYChristmasIdeas_0179

Another IKEA score were these Santa treat bags.  I used them on the wall as a kind of a specimen art.

Bag Art

DIYChristmasIdeas_0194

The foyer got a little decor. What’s Christmas without some faux taxidermy right?  This Ram had to replace the awesome deer head that fell off it’s nail and crashed into a million pieces. It was a sad, sad, day friends.

I usually put a tree in the foyer, but I liked this little vignette so much, that I think I found a new place for it. (Check back next week to see!)

DIYChristmasIdeas_0208

I have a lot more decorating to do this week, so check back and I’ll be sure to update ya!

We haven’t tackled the front door for Christmas yet this year, but if you’re looking for something a little playful check out my tutorial on Mr. Grinch from last year…

DIY Grinch Door-001

Also, this feels like Christmas #2, since we already decorated and filmed our Christmas Episode of “Knock It Off“.

You can watch the full episode online HERE, but in the meantime, here are some of the fun projects we did…

DIY CHRISTMAS IDEAS

pallet christmas tree

You can see more of how we put together this rustic little pallet Christmas Tree here 

Fabric Wallpaper 2

Switch up your style for the holidays with our temporary fabric wallpaper tutorial .

1-IMG_4961

2-IMG_4962

rustic Christmas Mantle

I also shared some parenting advice – and I suppose I should warn you, I got a lot of feedback that it made readers cry.  I’m not the crying type, so I was bit surprised, but you’ve been warned 🙂

Talking about Santa

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little peek into my Mid-Century-Monica Christmas.  I love decorating for the holiday, but the very best part for us is celebrating the birth of our Savior.  I hope that this Christmas is one that reminds you of the hope and promise we were given on Christmas!

Now head on over and check out Laura’s house and give her some EC2 LOVE!  Thanks guys!!

PS: A big Thank You to photographer Stacy Salvatori for taking our beautiful home tour photos, check out her page if you’re looking for someone to take your family portraits, wedding  or baby photos, etc….she’s amazing!

Oh and here are a few other bloggers on the tour who posted today, stay tuned all week for more homes that will be joining us!

Brittany @ Brittany Makes

 

The comments +

  1. I’m so excited to be in these home tours with you two. I’m pinching myself 😉 I don’t live too far from you either.
    Loved your colorful home tour. The string art ornaments rule and so does the rest of your gorgeous decor.
    (East Coast United 😉

    • Monica says:

      Thanks so much Julia! So excited to be part of such an amazing group!! I just got home from today’s makeover for KIO and am so excited to look at all the houses on the tour today!!

      Where are you located in PA?

  2. I LOVE everything. Both of you ladies are so talented and your home is so fun and creative. I’m so honored you joined the tour! And so glad we’ve become e-friends 🙂 Thanks for sharing your colorful, beautiful home!

    • Monica says:

      Thanks Lindsay! We’re so excited to be a part of such an amazing group of bloggers! You’ve done an amazing job organizing this!! I’m just getting home from set and plan to spend all night looking at all the homes on the tour today!!

  3. Monica…you are a rock star, lady! I cannot believe that you got all of this done and Disney?!!? Do you sleep? 😉 It’s so fun and unique…I love the paint filled ornaments and the fabric tree is awesome. Love it all! Jesse 😉

    • Monica says:

      Aww Thanks so much Jesse!! You’re way too nice! Here I thought I’d get to relax in Disney after getting this stuff ready, but I forgot how exhausting 4 kids in Disney can be. HA!! It was still a really fun week! Thanks so much for visiting today!! Merry Christmas!

  4. I love your home and all your colorful, unique decor! Your piano is a favorite of mine!

    • Monica says:

      Hey Bethany! Thanks for your super kind comment! That green piano is one of my favorite “risks” to date! Some people thought I was insane, but in the end I loved it! Thanks for swinging by today! Merry Christmas!

  5. I just love your wood slice ornaments! so cute! xo Kristin

    • Monica says:

      Thanks Kristin! I love wood slice anything, so the string art was so much fun! Thanks for reading!! Merry Christmas!

  6. That pendant is awesome – looking forward to hearing more! Love all of your Christmasy touches!!

    • Monica says:

      Thanks Sarah! The pendant is my favorite project in a long time and you won’t believe how easy it was. Honestly took me under 30 minutes! Hope you’re enjoying Christmas in Ohio!!

  7. cassie says:

    love your living room so much! i bought that tree panel from ikea and then didn’t have room for it anywhere…. maybe next year! love all the bold colors and graphics in your home!

    • Monica says:

      Thanks Cassie! I’m a color junkie. Sometimes I think I want to go all neutral, but it never, ever happens! The IKEA tree is enormous, I wasn’t sure if I was going to have a place for it either! I’d love to see what you do with yours next year! Merry Christmas!

  8. I love how colorful your home is! Those nail art ornaments and the Santa silhouettes are so awesome! Definitely going to have to file those away for later 🙂

    • Monica says:

      Thanks Caitlin! I’m definitely a big fan of color- lol. The nail art ornaments were so simple to make! The options are endless with them! Merry Christmas!

  9. I love that fabric tree and your faux gift wrapping!

    • Monica says:

      Thanks Michelle! The plain, white box trick saved me so much time!! Thank heavens for washi tape right?? Thanks for reading! Merry Christmas!

  10. Kate says:

    Love the large Christmas tree canvas. Where did you find it?

    • Monica says:

      Hey Kate! It’s from IKEA, but I can’t find it online. It was in the seasonal decor by the checkout area. I think it was supposed to be a table cloth. Merry Christmas!

  11. That fabric tree and vignette are TO DIE FOR! Looove! 🙂

  12. Wow you’ve been busy!!! I know the foyer is great for a tree, but I love the vingette you came up with! Merry Christmas!

    • Monica says:

      Thanks Anneke! I’m keeping the vignette, and put my other tree in the piano room. It has lights, but no ornaments yet. Hopefully I’ll get to it this week!! Thanks for your encouragement! Merry Christmas!

  13. Such a cheerful, happy home! I am seriously impressed that you got ANYTHING done with your trip, let alone this much festivity. Nice work 🙂

    • Monica says:

      Thanks Jennifer! It felt weird having a 1/2 a decorated house, but now that we’re back from Disney I’ve made some progress! Thanks for visiting and Merry Christmas!!

  14. […] -The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel -DIY Showoff Jess & Monica -East Coast Creative Laura -Finding Home Jesse -Scout & Nimble Sarah -Sarah M. Dorsey […]

  15. Gorgeous! I’m loving that dipped ornament garland!

  16. I had to LOL at your Mr. Christmas, I don’t think it is creepy at all! When I first saw it, I was thinking what was it originally used for… haha! I really love the tree panel, it is much easier than a whole extra tree to decorate (and then have to un-decorate). Love all the little touches too, really makes a difference!

    • Monica says:

      Thanks so much Heather and I’m glad you don’t think I’m creepy for Mr. Christmas! lol. He makes me laugh a little each time I see him! Merry Christmas!

  17. […] Lindsay – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela – Number […]

  18. Oh my goodness, that light fixture! I love all of the projects you included, beautiful tour!

  19. LOVED the tour! The Tree Art is so super cute! Life to the full! Melissa

  20. Your home is so ridiculously fun! The modern bright colors lend themselves so perfectly to fun, funky Christmas decor! Love that Ikea tree and pom pom garland!

  21. […] Lindsay – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela […]

  22. Tanya says:

    Monica everything looks amazing! I love it all, and the DIY wood geometric wall above the fireplace is gorgeous too- xo

  23. […] Lindsay – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela – Number […]

  24. Laura says:

    Yes, that light fixture!! We are all ready to make one out of an old wire tree basket I got at Junk Bonanza in Minnesota. But where did you get those big light bulbs? I cannot wait for the tutorial!

    I hope it’s soon because the new chandelier is supposed to be my Christmas present.

    Thanks for the tour. My fave thing remains the green piano.

    Not sure about the styrofoam head though…..it would scare me if I walked into that room on a dark and stormy night. ;o)

    L.

  25. […] – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela – Number […]

  26. […] – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela – Number […]

  27. […] tour (check it out here if you missed it) didn’t include a real tree, because we were headed to Disney, so I created a […]

  28. […] – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela – Number […]

  29. […] Lindsay – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela – Number […]

  30. Summer says:

    Love your mantel, the Christmas tree art and of course your lime green piano!!! Great tour!

  31. […] you saw my Christmas Home Tour on Monday- if not, check it out here.  We have a real tree all decked out in the family room, we […]

  32. […] Monday: Lindsay – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela – Number […]

  33. […]   Lindsay – The White Buffalo Styilng Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout & Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Angela – Number […]

  34. Monica, LOVE seeing all the fun and color and whimsy you threw in for Xmas! I fell in love with those Ikea bags too and used them as our advent calendar… hanging on your same Christmas tree fabric. 🙂 I feel wildly validated as a blogger! xx Charlotte

    • Monica says:

      Hi Charlotte,

      Thanks for returning to our blog and for all of your great comments! I love the idea of using the Ikea bags as an advent calendar, thanks for sharing! 🙂

  35. […] Monica shared her Christmas home tour that had so much holiday goodness in every […]

  36. […] If you missed my playroom all decked out for Christmas- you can check it out HERE. If you want to see how I created the hex fireplace click HERE.  And one of these days I’ll […]

  37. […] The White Buffalo Styilng Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff  Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home  Jesse – Scout & Nimble Sarah […]

  38. […] Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative […]

  39. […] – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs Angela […]

  40. […] Rizzo’s holiday house walk this week. If you missed what I did last year check it out here. My kids are still neighborhood rockstars because of our Grinch […]

  41. […] – The White Buffalo Styling Co. Roeshel – DIY Showoff Jess and Monica – East Coast Creative Laura – Finding Home Jesse – Scout and Nimble Sarah – Sarah M. Dorsey Designs […]

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