December - 2016

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Q. Monique Allen

Have you ever felt like there is something really special that brings you joy that you simply don't do enough of? I'm not sure what that might be for you, but for me, it's feeding my passion for interior design, furniture and the arts (all of them - visual, performing, culinary...). With a full time career in financial services in Washington, DC, a bustling family, a demanding schedule (and the list goes on), it's tough to find time for things that you love! But, I've committed to MORE. More inspiration...more hands on expression of my own creativity...and more beauty in my world. As I explore and expand my own space and fill it with chic "mountain modern" design, experiences, and ideas, I look forward to using this lifestyle and design blog to share them with you.

The Design Home Game My Latest Obsession

Confession. I'm not a gamer. I've never played Candy Crush or Angry Birds. Actually, I can't remember the last time I played any sort of phone based video game. Design Home has changed all of that! The way it works is that you are given a room design challenge. Some challenges require specific items. As you design each room, you use diamonds and cash to buy furniture. You earn more of both when you complete a new challenge. The "game" part comes in as each room is judged by u

A Proper Foundation: A Custom Vacation Home in Wintergreen, VA

This holiday season I have devoured photos of mountain and lake retreats all decked out for the holidays. Most homes were decorated in a minimal but tasteful style. This makes perfect sense to me because I can't imagine having to haul holiday decorations to a second location or attempt to store boxes upon boxes of bulbs, lights and bows. Nope. Simple is best. The team that is working on the house just updated me on its (somewhat) slow process. Apparently, the engineers made a

Square Flush Mount Light Fixtures! Which Will Crown the Closet?

The home makeover continues! While I wonder if it will ever be done, I'm not complaining because it offers an endless array of fun design choices. This week, my husband and I are trying to find the perfect light fixture for our master bedroom custom closet makeover. He has created a custom closet design with shelving, hanging storage, and drawers (we checked and this closet would retail for nearly $10,000 - thankful for a handy hubby!!). The finish is a gorgeous walnut with g

How to Make the Best Design Choices for a House Flip

While homeowners, and the designers who work for them, are focused on designing spaces that they love, real estate investors have completely different goals in mind. Our latest project is a full gut renovation of a 3 story row house in Columbia Heights in Washington, DC. My husband and I are serving as design consultants on the project as well as investors. The general contractor and investment group have done a fantastic job of buying the home "right" with lots of room for i

The No-Gift Guide for the Holiday Season

A holiday gift giving guide for kids, teens, partners, friends and everyone else who you want to celebrate with something other than a store

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Q. Monique Allen is a Washington, D.C. based residential interior design and lifestyle blog dedicated to capturing and chronicling my experience as a first time custom home builder, consultant on design projects, and consumer of all things "mountain modern" including furniture, fabric, accessories, lighting, and more.

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