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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.

Wintergreen Progress Update: All done! Introducing Haven's Ridge...

A year and four months we signed on the dotted line to purchase a rocky lot with a questionable view in the Wintergreen Resort, much to our delight we finally have a house! We were originally told that the process should take about 9 months. Due to weather and major foundation issues, the building process was extensively delayed. I really wanted to spend Christmas in the house, but we received the certificate of occupancy on the Friday before so it just wasn't feasible. We we

More Progress! Construction Update in Wintergreen

Last weekend, we made the 3 hour drive from DC to Wintergreen, VA to meet with our contractors and do our own low voltage electrical wiring. It was a really full weekend with more work than leisure but my daughter and I managed a girls-only dinner where we talked about boys and school and a movie on the lawn where we cuddled in a blanket on what ended up being a really chilly summer night in the mountains. It was one of the highlights of our trip and one of the reasons why I

4 Key Elements for an Awesome Digital Design Board

I wish we all had free access to the awesome software that Joanna Gaines uses in Fixer Upper. It would be amazing to see 3D images of a space before making any changes or buying furniture. But, that's just not an option for design enthusiasts like me. I'll bet it isn't for you either! I have loved design forever. I didn't want to choose it as a career but I've taken my fair share of classes. Many years ago, I moved into a hip, newly renovated condo in Atlanta on the famed Pea

Interview with Charleston International Floorcoverings

I recently had the great fortune to be featured as part of Floor Coverings International of Charleston's Designer Influencer Interview Series. It was such a delight to share my perspective on a wide variety of design related topics! I've taken a short excerpt from the interview here but you have to visit the site to read it for yourself! Tell us about yourself. From as far back as I can remember I have always had at least one creative outlet. I love to paint, draw, craft, de

#RusticRoundUp #2 Fireplaces

Nothing says rustic glam or mountain modern like a statement making fireplace. Anchoring the living room, recreation room or the master suite, fireplaces are essential for vacation homes in cold locales. It's a practical and beautiful addition to any mountain home. Right now, I am in the process of designing my own fireplace for our vacation rental. It's going to cover an entire wall in the main living area. So, it needs several key features like mixed materials, rustic but m

#RusticRoundUp #1 - Kitchens

The 10 Most Beautiful Rustic Kitchens Ever New feature! On the blog each week, I am introducing a new feature #RusticRoundUp! I am also happy to introduce you to my new hashtag #IAmRusticChic. The new feature gathers the best 10ish examples of rustic decor in a given category Iike kitchens, baths, exteriors, etc. Those images will be featured in a collage and posted on the blog. I will include the photo, source if I have it, and one or two things that I love! So, let's go! Th

My Field Trip to the Lumber Yard | How to Get the Best Deal on Wood

Do you love reclaimed wood, but not the prices? Go with me on a field trip to the lumber yard to explore the alternatives. Also, learn why w

Get Ready, Set, Go! The 1st HUGE Design Choices You Make When Building Or Renovating

Are you building or renovating a home? Well, me, too! If you're anything at all like me, it feels just a bit overwhelming. Once you've found the contractor, the lot, the plans (not necessarily in that order) and the building process has started...then what?! Most of us are not onsite swinging a hammer so it feels a little abstract. I am not one to sit on the sidelines and wait for the contractor to give me a week to make an important design decision. Nope. Not gonna happen. I

When New Home Construction Delays Are a Good Thing!

I used to go to church a lot more than I do now. Over the years, I have heard one of my favorite sermons preached on 2 separate occasions by 2 different preachers. While it makes me wonder if the sermon is downloadable on the internet somewhere, I have to give credit where credit is due. It's a heck of a message. The title, in both cases (he he!), was "Thank God for Closed Doors." The premise was simple. There is a reason why we don't get what we want in the world. Because yo

Choose a Location for your Vacation Rental in 4 Easy Steps

What an exciting time! Many families dream of a second home by the water, in the mountains, on a farm or a location that is simply away from it all. However, a second home is a major investment of both time and money. To make owning a second home more affordable, many homeowners, like me, buy or build a vacation home with rental income as a secondary priority. If you fall into that category, here are 4 easy steps to improve your income and secure your investment. 1 - Choose a

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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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