I’ve been working on this on and off for a few months, and something sparked inside me on a mini-vacation I went on last month and I decided to formally take the leap and launch Monica Benavidez Home— which is my very own home decor line.
Keeping this a secret has been killing me, so I decided once I had some samples photographed, I’d share this super big news… and here we are!
Monica Benavidez Home: The Inspiration
There are many, many chinoiserie inspired fabrics, throw pillow covers, etc. and while I love many of them, I found them to be price prohibitive. I can’t afford a $280 pillow cover, and I’m sure many of you all feel the same way.
Additionally, sometimes the colorways and designs aren’t exactly what I would want/like. Using my background and knowledge in graphic design, I challenged myself to make beautiful designs that I would best describe as chinoiserie home decor with a twist.
I also would walk in to home decor boutiques and see a tea towel with a too big or too small ginger jar on a white background, and I thought to myself, “I could design a cuter and better product than that.”
Also, in my heart, I’ve always had this entrepreneurial streak in me. Every ounce of my being and existence thrives on creativity and wanting to create something special and work for myself, so this is my response to those feelings I’ve had. This is my shot at making my dreams happen.
After months and months of feeling that way, I slowly started to work on designs. There are many I scrapped because I didn’t LOVE them, so the collections below are truly a part of my heart and soul.
In addition to designing every single bit of the artwork required for this collection, I also sourced tons of product samples to ensure that you all get the best quality products for your money.
Monica Benavidez Home: The Collections
To launch, I’ve designed five unique collections (I’ll be showing you sneak peeks of each one in a moment) that embody my favorite aspects of chinoiserie chic decor: ginger jars, tobacco leaf, florals, and Staffordshire dogs.
Each collection stands on its own, but I’ve also designed them to work well with one another so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
Ginger Jars & Pink Peonies Collection
This collection features tons of watercolor type ginger jars and big pink peonies set on top of a faint blue and white fretwork inspired pattern.
My goal with this collection was to have a TON of ginger jars and florals while sticking to my very favorite color palette of crisp blue, white and pink.
In addition to chinoiserie throw pillow covers, these designs will also adorn other products for your home such as kitchen aprons.
My sister-in-law Sara was super gracious to model some of these products, so thank you Sara! xo.
Chinoiserie Dreams Collection
I managed to somehow gather all of my chinoiserie dreams into ONE design. This collection features classic chinoiserie elements: a dragon, ginger jar vase, pagodas, florals and BOLD colors.
This particular collection is also available in SIX colorways: hot pink (shown above), blush pink, royal blue, kelly green, orange and purple.
Staffordshire Dogs Collection
I adore Staffordshire Dogs, and after years and years of searching for some for my home, I finally found some for a fabulous price on that vacation I mentioned earlier in this post.
I took that as a sign that I was meant to include these cuties in my collection, so I took a photo of the ones I bought, turned them into sketch art and added tobacco leaf adornments to their body.
One of my favorite chinoiserie patterns is Greek Key, so I found a way to include a Greek Key inspired trim in this particular design.
I also included an ornate background to give this Staffordshire dog throw pillow cover a lot of movement and oomph. It’s a super fun decor piece!
Blush Argyle Tobacco Leaf Collection
Chinoiserie and preppy are kind of synonymous sometimes thanks to their Palm Beach inspired colors and vibes. For this collection, I wanted to complement my most favorite tobacco leaf pattern with a subtle and preppy blush argyle background.
If I had to pick an absolute favorite collection from my inaugural line, I’d have to pick this one. I really worked so hard on the watercolor/sketch effect for the tobacco leaf to give it enough detail to fit large pillow covers.
All of my pillow covers (just the covers so you can choose your own insert) are double sided with a concealed zipper and available in 18×18 or 20×20. All the sample photos you see here are with the 18×18 size.
Tobacco Leaf China Collection
This collection is very similar to the blush argyle tobacco leaf collection, but instead of pink and argyle, this collection features a very light blue and white pagoda, Blue Willow inspired background.
I told you, all of these collections are chinoiserie traditional with a twist. I double up the tobacco leaf to create a gorgeous kaleidoscope effect to bring new life to this classic pattern.
Monica Benavidez Home: Product Offerings
Five collections (including one of which has six colorways) means there’s a lot of product choices to manage, so for my official launch here’s my product lineup (there’s also a video at the top of this post with more sneak peeks):
- Double-sided pillow covers in 18×18 and 20×20 inch sizes (just the covers will be sold, you can use your own insert!)
- Makeup and pencil bags (zippered pouches) in small and large sizes
- Acrylic (lucite) trays with interchangeable designs in 11×17 and 12×12 sizes
- Hand towels (super soft and absorbent)
- Kitchen aprons
- Tote bags and weekender bags
- Smartphone cases and pet bandanas for both tobacco leaf china collections
Chinoiserie Throw Pillow Covers
Makeup & Pencil Bags (Zippered Pouches)
Acrylic (Lucite) Interchangeable Trays
Hand Towels (Super Soft & Absorbent!)
Chinoiserie Kitchen & Cooking Aprons
Chinoiserie Tote & Weekender Bags
Pet Bandanas
Launch Date for Monica Benavidez Home
I’m still working on wrapping up a few loose ends with launching, and I am feverishly working on my e-commerce site behind the scenes to prep. My goal is to open in late July 2019!
My store will be at www.monicabenavidez.com (or just click “Shop” in my blog menu bar), and if you head there now you’ll be greeted with a coming soon page and an email sign-up form.
I will say that I am going to offer some huge promo codes for my July 2019 launch, and I’ve decided to offer my biggest and best grand opening to my blog subscribers. Without all of you amazing people, none of this would be possible.
Even though my inaugural collection is just about done and ready to go, I will be launching a fall inspired collection (think of chinoiserie chic meets pumpkin) in late August 2019 that will also add in cloth placemats, cloth dinner and cocktail napkins, and table runners!
In October 2019, I will launch my holiday collection which will usher in chinoiserie chic gifts, women’s apparel, blankets and of course holiday themed chinoiserie decor.
I know this was a beast of a post to get through, so if you did read all of this THANK YOU SO MUCH! Let me know which product you most look forward to in the comments (or if there’s a product you’d love to see offered!)
Melissa says
Yay, congratulations! I really love the bright and whimsical patterns!! I am a long time lurker and finally had to comment and express my admiration and enthusiasm for your work. Love your blog and writing. I wish you success in this exciting new endeavor!!
Shari Brooke says
Week! Cant wait!
I’d love to see coordinating window treatments!!
Christy Wilson says
This is so amazing, I’m so proud of you! I love each collection and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for fall/holiday!
Monica Benavidez says
You’re so kind, thanks Christy!
Jessica says
I can’t wait to get some of the Stafforshire dogs and the blush argyle tobacco leaf. Even my husband loved it!!! I also would love to buy an apron for work! Your designs are absolutely stunning girl!!
Monica Benavidez says
Yay! I love when stuff is husband approved. 🙂
Ginny Evans says
Love💓 Love💓Love it all! Congrats!💐 Can’t wait to get some things for my new house!!💖😍
angela says
i have always loved your style . you have excellent taste and a beautiful home. i am so proud of you, and excited to see what is to come. the fabrics are all lovely. i especially like the tobacco leaf prints. i can’t wait for some ginger jars, candlesticks, knickknacks and even furniture some day. i know you can do it. you are super talented and i support you 100%
you have a bright future and i wish all the luck and love i have.
Linda says
I have my eye on some of those towels when you open!
Teresa says
Beautiful! Looking forward to the launch 🙂
Amy says
Love it all but I NEED the weekend bag😉 I’ve been following your blog for years and I’m so happy for you that you are taking this big step! Can’t wait to see the fall and Christmas items…
Sandy says
All of it is gorgeous! Kudos to you for making all of this happen. Amazing work!
Hollie @ Stuck on Hue pillows says
How exciting, Monica! Huge congratulations!
Pam says
Please consider making these in table clothes and placemats. Beautiful.
Jackie says
ALL THE HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS!!!! I’ve loved your house decorating every holiday. It’s there without clashing; soft but warming. Can’t wait!
Janie says
Congratulations
Can’t wait to see it all
Janet Cole says
I can’t wait to get one of everything! My favorite would have to be the Staffordshire dog pillow ❤️
Teri Cross says
What beautiful designs! My favorite is the tobacco leaf, but they are all gorgeous. My home is very western (hair on cowhide, leather and antlers), but I will definitely be buying something from your line, just for the color and beauty. Congratulations Monica – well done and good luck!
Tamra says
Oh my gosh, Monica, I am so excited about this! I just love your style and am looking forward to shopping!!
Eliesa @ a Pinterest addict blog says
This is amazing!! I’m so psyched for you! Loving the colors and patterns.
Shannon says
Ah-mazing!! So excited for you & these collections. Your designs are beautiful. I’d love to see the Staffordshire dog pillow in kelly green. Best wishes for a highly successful endeavor!
Emily L says
absolutely amazing! I’m so excited for you and your business dreams, and of course, to have a little piece of your unique and stunning style in my own home!!!
Alex says
Absolutely gorgeous! Already thinking what fabulous gifts these will make!
Kelly says
These are amazing designs. Congrats for seeing a need, developing a line, and bringing it to production. 🎉🍾👏🏻 Can’t wait to hit the “buy” button!
Kassi Mortensen says
That is so stinking exciting! Good for you girl!!!!!
ANNA Louise says
Love it all! Your talents are truly showcased in this line and I can’t wait to buy some!!! I’m already eager for fall! You go girl!
Sandie says
I’m so excited for you! I love It all and will be waiting for the the July launch!
Monica Benavidez says
Thank you so much, Sandie! I can’t wait to see all these pretty things in people’s homes.
Melissa says
Congratulations!!!!! I love it all, can’t wait for it to officially launch so I can buy some towels and pillow covers!!! You are amazing and have a great eye for design.
Maria says
I am so freaking excited for these!! I cannot wait to get my hands on some throw pillows and tea towels. Heck, I want one of each please!! Congratulations on the stunning collection!
Monica Benavidez says
Hi Maria, I so appreciate the kind words! I’m a pillow cover and tea towel fanatic myself. 🙂
Benita Flores says
I’m loving the orange chinoiserie pillow covers! Are you considering bed linens at all?
Monica Benavidez says
Hi Benita! I am sourcing samples for standard/king pillow shams, comforters and duvet covers. I definitely want to see the quality before putting it in the store, so hopefully all works out and I can offer those options. 🙂
Amanda says
Stunning! So excited to add many of the pieces to my home!
Monica Benavidez says
Thanks for the support, Amanda!
Jamala says
Im seriously jumping for joy for you.. this collection is absolutely beautiful!! I see exactly what I want.. not only in design are you an inspiration but also as a business woman.. you set your goals and you achieve them!! Wishing you many continued blessings in your new business adventure!!
Monica Benavidez says
Thank you, Jamala! I’m so thrilled you think it’s beautiful.
Christina Makri says
Congratulations!!! All of them look stunning!!!! They are so “Monica” and I think this is the key for the success!!!
Monica Benavidez says
They definitely are very “Monica” but I do hope many will love the fun designs and incorporate them into their decor.
Sharon says
Congratulations!!! I love the designs, especially the ginger jars and pink flowers. Best of luck on your launch and I couldn’t be happier for you!
Monica Benavidez says
Thanks, Sharon! 🙂
Lexi says
MONICA! Your collections are STUNNING! I am in awe of how beautiful and unique each one of your patterns is. I seriously can’t wait for your launch. 💕💕💕
kat says
congrats! I’ve enjoyed following your blog for a long time and this new direction is gorgeous!
Monica Benavidez says
Thank you, Katrina! I’ll definitely still be blogging, but keeping this new site up and fresh will be a fun adventure, too.
Tiffany Caro-Sanchez says
Absolutely stunning collection! #shebuiltalifesheloved
Zan says
EEEEEEKKKKKKK! SO👏EXCITED 👏FOR👏YOU👏👏👏👏!!! They are ALL insanely beautiful, and I have long felt like you, that someone has to make cuter stuff. And YOU DID IT! Signing up now! Congratulations, and I can’t believe you just went out and did all the things. So proud.
Monica Benavidez says
Thanks so much, my sweet Instagram friend!! xo.
Shelley says
Monica, these are beautiful! Looking forward to owning a piece or two in the future!
Monica Benavidez says
I’d be so honored to have a tiny spot in your home via this collection! Thanks, Shelley! 🙂
Alex says
I need that blue ginger jar and pink peonies apron in my life!!! 😍
Monica Benavidez says
It is super cute! My sister-in-law looked adorbs in it and I love how nice the fabric is. 🙂
Marty says
I love them all. Can’t wait to see the entire collection launched. Good luck.