Monograms For the Home

While monograms have a rich history going all the way back to the sixth century BC, they're anything but outdated. Luscious photography and Whitman's expressive writing peppered with quotes from etiquette experts shows that monogramming is still very much in vogue. From linens, lamps and chairs to silver, china, desk accessories and more, here are exquisite examples of how to use monograms as your "personal logo" in stylish, elegant ways in any part of your home.

KIMBERLY SCHLEGEL WHITMAN, author of six previous books on entertaining and event planning, is Editor-At-Large for Southern Living magazine. She resides in Dallas.

While monograms have a rich history going all the way back to the sixth century B.C., they are anything but outdated. Luscious photography and Kimberly Whitman’s personal, expressive writing, peppered with quotes from style and etiquette experts, shows that monogramming is an in-vogue way to customize every area of the home―the entry, living room, table, kitchen, bedroom and beyond.

Whitman also instructs on the etiquette of monogramming for marrieds and singles, for incorporating two or three initials or many more. From vintage and fancy to contemporary and edgy, monograms are suitable to every décor and style. From linens, lamps and chairs to silver, china, crystal, desk accessories, headboards and more, here are exquisite examples of using monograms as a “personal logo” in stylish, elegant ways.

KIMBERLY SCHLEGEL WHITMAN is a lifestyle expert, TV and radio personality, blogger, party planner and social media aficionado, as well as a media spokesperson for high-profile commercial companies. She has appeared on numerous TV shows, including Today and Access Hollywood. She is the author of six previous books on entertaining―Tablescapes: Setting the Table with Style; The Pleasure of Your Company: Entertaining in High Style; and Wedding Inspiration, among others. She is an editor-at-large for Southern Living.

Kimberly Whitman is a lifestyle and entertaining expert. She has published seven books on entertaining, done countless television appearances, and a daily radio segment on Dallas’s number one morning show. She is an editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine. Kimberly and calligraphy artist Jen O’Neal have created the Halo Home line of monogrammable linens and popular emoji cocktail napkins, which are found in over 85 stores nationwide. 

In this book, we will take a look at both the history of monograms, duograms and ciphers and the way they can be incorporated into our lives today. For many, an introduction to monograms rapidly becomes a new passion. For others, it is a lifelong tradition that honors generations. Whether you’re into the hip and modern or prefer more formal styles, a monogram can enhance your home and lifestyle. From entertaining to interior design, monograms play a role in both decoration and personalization. Setting yourself apart with a monogram is a statement of your individual sensibilities and style.

Aside from being a personal logo and advertising ownership, a monogram’s touch can help us feel confident and centered. Etiquette expert, Peggy Post, who is a greatgrand-daughter-in-law of Emily Post and current director of the Emily Post Institute, says they can give us a “sense of place.” One of the beautiful things about technology today is that it has made the goods we need for our homes so affordable and accessible The downside to this accessibility is that it’s hard to feel that something is truly our own. When we add a personalized touch, such as a monogram, to any item, whatever the quality or craftsmanship, we instantly make it more special.