Introducing. . . . Mrs. Monica Templeton {Head Harlot}
Wife of sweet man & mom of 3 lovelies.
Prop-stylist, Interior rehab & Decor junque~y,
Up-cycling & Re-styling Furniture,
God lovin, Jill of all Trades-Mistress of none.
Hates shopping. Loves junque-ing.
Coffee Talk with Mo.....
1. What is your earliest memory of knowing you had an itch for design?
Being the youngest of 6, raised by a single mom who worked long days during the summer months, I would sometimes hop on my bike & ride all around the South Bay.
I was always intrigued by neighborhood homes & would ride for hours through various communities such as Japan town or near the university admiring craftsman-style bungalows, victorians, ranch-style, or English tudors. I remember loving the way the light played on these houses, while riding home as the sun set, to get home before dark. I would imagine interiors & draw constantly during these long summer days as a kid.
2. Food/drink nourishment of choice when in design mode?
Coffee. Adding cream makes it a meal.
3. Favorite designers? Fashion, interiors, jewelry, Art, Architecture? a few will do...
Ralph Lauren for his classic clothing & interiors.
Alphonse Mucha for his gorgeous
Art Nouveau paintings.
Nancy Meyers for her beautiful set designs.
4. What is your mantra/motto?
Have nothing in your house that you
do not know to be useful
or believe to be beautiful.
~William Morris.
5. How you you define a Burlap Harlot?
A Burlap Harlot has taste... But not always the money.
Not to be confused with cheap.
Burlap is an inexpensive textile.
But given enough pizazz, & a little ingenuity,
Burlap can look like a million bucks.
That's what a Burlap Harlot does.
She creates beauty from discarded or unloved objects.
Salvaging, restoring, altering...
Breathing a new life into abandoned goods & creating beauty for all to enjoy!
6. As a designer what moves you? Where do you find inspiration?
Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. My husband's warmth.
My childrens' chatter & laughter.
Fresh coffee. Good wine. Sunday dinner.
I find inspiration in pretty much everything;
Classic movies, music, farmers markets, flea markets,
thrift shops, coffee shops, cafes,
restaurants, art, images, & nature.
(I do love certain movies for their set designs)...
Thanks Mo.