Designs by Monica expands to offer kitchen design

By Claudia Caramiello
VERNON — Dressed in smart black slacks, a crisp white jacket, and accessorized with a flowy polka dotted scarf, Monica McGuire, owner of Designs by Monica, runs her manicured hands over a pale sage and cream colored pillow. The pillow, soft and suede in texture, is made of recycled milk bottles and bamboo. Both pleasing to the eye, and the environment, this is only one of the many elements that McGuire offers in her exquisitely decorated, Leed certified business located in Vernon. McGuire, originally from Argentina, has built a thriving business, and has turned not only her client's dreams into reality, but her own.

"Since I can remember, I never looked at a window as just a window, but as a blank canvas," says McGuire, who has a background in computer science but has taken many courses in window and fashion design.

In 1999, at the urging of friends, McGuire began Designs by Monica, and in 2005 opened the doors at her Vernon location. Choosing Vernon as a location made perfect sense since it was only a mile from her home and her children's school. Since then, she has been developing lasting relationships with her clients, relying on excellent customer service, her ability to listen, and her gift of design.

"I grew up in Argentina and people there really didn't focus on their homes," she says. "I want everyone to have a pretty home, I truly believe that people get depressed if their home is drab. Color influences your mood, it is a proven fact."

Turning homes into a happy and cohesive environment and helping people realize their dreams is what drives McGuire and has earned her a 98 percent repeat business record. She is quick to point out that she is able to work within any budget, and that hiring a decorator need not break the bank.

"People may be afraid to walk in because they think it's going to be so expensive, but we have a budget for everyone," McGuire says. "We have worked on everything from trailer parks to mansions and are able to reach a large variety of clients and incorporate existing meaningful items into your own design."

Business expands offerings
Despite her thriving business, McGuire always felt there was just one thing missing; kitchen design. About a year ago, McGuire partnered with kitchen designer Kathy Duffy, who began her career as a stylist for a photo studio. Duffy's meticulous hand-sketched work impressed McGuire so much and now Designs by Monica is proud to offer kitchen design and renovations as well as vanities, closets and wall units. McGuire also welcomed contractor Chris Ball, who is a Vernon High School graduate and highly skilled in doing custom mill work. Both Duffy and Ball live in Vernon and McGuire is proud to say that her business is not a corporation, yet an organically put together close knit clan.

In fact, as the three stand around an impressive cement top kitchen island, chatting about Ball's recent wedding, Duffy smiles and jokes that she thought McGuire would surely rearrange the floral centerpieces at the reception.

"No, I didn't need to do that," McGuire laughs. "They were actually quite nice."

Partnering with a kitchen designer and a licensed general contractor has given McGuire, as she calls it, the missing link. Designs by Monica is now able to come into a clients home, sit down with them and delve into how to best turn a vision into reality. With McGuire's eye for aesthetics, teamed with Duffy's precise sketch work and Ball's custom painting, the trio provides a personal experience for the client, and incorporates green products such as recycled glass into the kitchen's design.

"I am honest and don't sugarcoat it if I feel something is not going to work," she says. "I always ask, 'what made you want to do this', and then I show them a better way to put it together."

McGuire feels she has an eye for color and a gift for being able to read people's taste and then pick out a look that will suit them. For a business that started as a hobby and now can accommodates a client's need for windows, wallpaper, carpet, tile, counter tops and custom kitchen design, McGuire feels hard work, and a primary desire to help people achieve an appealing and comfortable home, is what has made Designs by Monica such a success.

"We are very busy here," says McGuire, "and very blessed."

Designs by Monica can be found online at www.designsbymonica.com.