La Foofaraw

Mona Crider didn’t know what she was in for when she purchased an old 1896 brick building in downtown Plano in 2010. After a decades-long career in interior design, Mona felt life was leading her toward setting up shop, having a base of operations if you will, to offer clients unique products along with her design services. Having had a helping hand in the restoration of historic downtown Plano area, Mona figured her building would turn out to be similar to nearby buildings once the layers were peeled back. What she ended up with instead helped inspire the name for her store.

La Foofaraw // photos Tim Sporcic

What does foofaraw mean? If you ask Mr. Webster, he says it means “frills and flashy finery.” Turns out Mona’s building had been renovated sometime during the 1920s, and underneath a layer of plaster was the original Art Deco design. Knowing what a rare find it was for our area, Mona fought for and won the right to restore her building to its former Art Deco-era glory and make it the colorful destination that it is now.

Mona Crider

She’s quite proud her little shop is the only one in downtown that is allowed to have neon lights, just like it would have had back in the day. Mona painstakingly restored it as best she could with authentic colors, tile and architectural design. She admits there are a few places where creative interpretation was needed as there were no photos or records available to consult.

 

With her business partners Michael Hamilton and Julie Higgenbotham, the flashy corner shop has been open since July 2010. Walking into La Foofaraw is a feast for the senses. Furniture, lighting, art and rugs are just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to featured home decor. The store is transformed almost monthly to bring customers a glance at what is new and trendy.

La Foofaraw is a popular stop at the monthly Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walks presented by Plano Magazine // photo Jennifer Shertzer

In accordance with its name, La Foofaraw also carries a plethora of fun gifts and knick knacks. Boutique bath and beauty products, jewelry and adult slushy mixes (yes, there is such a thing, and they are glorious) are always on hand if you need to run by and grab something for a friend.

 

When it comes to interior design services, Mona insists that she can utilize any budget or time frame to refresh a space. She’s run the gamut with projects — everything from small, tightly budgeted spaces to large renovations given carte blanche. With an absolute love for all things old, Mona is also an accredited appraiser who works with clients to incorporate vintage or heirloom pieces into their designs.

 

Of her design partner Michael Hamilton, Mona says in her sweet Southern accent, “We have worked together now for over 25 years, and in that time we have just come to complement each other so thoroughly. We know what the other will think or do, and it certainly leads to some beautiful design.” The pair have been featured in several national publications for their work. Mona recently had a design featured in House Beautiful magazine, and Michael decked out the Dallas Arboretum’s DeGolyer House in holiday floral décor this past December.

Mona’s interior designs have recently been featured in House Beautiful magazine

La Foofaraw also sets itself apart with stellar customer service, including layaway and a concierge shopping service. Anyone can drop in and create a wish list of sorts that the store will keep on file. In a pinch, your bestie can give the shop a ring and say, “Help, I need to find Kaci a gift she will love for less than $50!” La Foofaraw’s team will find something amazing, gift wrap it and deliver it to your friend’s waiting car outside. After all, La Foofaraw is all about helping find that element of flash that is just right for you.

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2 Comments

  1. says: Brenda McGinnis

    Mona Crider is a rock star!! She helped me decorate my new home on the island of Kauai and it is beautiful!!! When people tell me they love my taste, I tell them I have no taste. It’s MONA’s taste, and it is fabulous!!!

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