Manola Ballerio Brings Magic to Monaco’s Youngest Residents

Manola Ballerio transformed Sabrina Monte-Carlo Kids into Monaco’s go-to destination for magical children’s interiors. Now, with the launch of Sabrina Monte-Carlo Babies, she’s extending that charm to newborns and young families with beautifully designed nurseries and curated baby essentials.

Born and raised in Monaco, Manola is the daughter of renowned interior designer Sabrina Monteleone-Oeino. For the past five years, she has led the children’s division of the family’s design empire.

Sabrina Kids

What inspired you to open a kids’ store?

“Within our family business, we always offered full-service interior design — from outdoor spaces to curtains, tableware, and entire homes. Some clients began asking us to create special spaces for their children, and I discovered how much I enjoyed it. Every project is entirely custom made to create a magical world,” – says Manola.

Known for her playful spirit and love of color, Manola found herself captivated by the joyful elements of kids’ interiors. When the opportunity arose to open a new showroom, she thought: why not showcase their know-how in children’s design? What started as a purely decoration and furniture showroom, quickly became the signature children store of the Principality of Monaco.

“I started by sourcing a few toys I loved from France, Belgium,the Netherlands or Germany. I noticed a real demand in Monaco for quality toys — especially plush animals. Now we attend toy salons each year to find the best artisans.”

Leading the children’s interior projects is Manola, who alongside a skilled team of architects, guides parents through the entire journey — from initial design to installation.

Manola leads the children’s interior projects alongside a skilled team of architects, guiding families through the entire process — from concept to installation.

You grew up in Monaco, where space can be limited. What’s most important when designing a small child’s room?

“Luckily, our background includes yacht design, where every centimeter counts. The same principle of small spaces that need to be optimised applies to children’s rooms. Storage is key — beds with drawers, desks that double as bookcases with pull-out trays. We combine functions wherever we can.”

What’s the most important part of a child’s room?

“I always recommend creating zones first: a sleeping corner with a bed and nightstand, a study corner with a desk and books, and a play corner with storage and toys.”

The showroom features beds shaped like helicopters, ships, even castles. What’s your favorite design element?

“I adore dollhouses — it’s a theme I’m drawn to. One of our bestsellers is the Princess Castle bed with wall décor that brings it to life.”

But those beds can take up a lot of space…

“Yes, while airplane or helicopter beds are showstoppers in our stores, they take up a lot of spaces. That is why I recommend wallpapers or magical headboards with a theme (castle, car, firetruck…). Families can pair it with a classic bed that lasts for years, and simply update the decorative elements of the rooms as their child grows.”

Sabrina Monte-Carlo Kids has become part of the community — a store full of magic and joy.

“It’s not just mothers who visit — friends, grandparents, clients, uncles… there’s something for everyone,” – says Manola.

Sabrina Babies

As Manola and her team grew into the universe of children’s toys, she realised that space became tight. So this year, the family business launched its newest venture: Sabrina Monte-Carlo Babies, a dedicated interior design studio and boutique showroom tailored for newborns and growing families.

Sabrina Babies responds to the desire for nurseries that are not only visually stunning but also deeply functional and comforting; and the new space meets a clear need. Last year, there were 900 babies that were born in Monaco.

“At Sabrina Babies, we offer everything from birth registries to essentials like cribs, changing tables, bibs, milk bottles, sterilizers, even nursing bras. Every product is sourced from the best manufacturer in each category,” – says Manola.

Carefully sourcing pieces from top European brands across Paris, London, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium, the studio features refined collections of nursery furniture, lighting, strollers, linens, and baby essentials. Every element is chosen with love and care, making it easier for future parents to create a nurturing space before the baby arrives.

What’s the most popular essential item?

“Definetely Cybex e-priam strollers. They are the Rolls of Royce of prams.”

Do you offer full-room refurbishments?

“Yes, over the past give years, we’ve completed more than 200 children’s bedrooms in Monaco — for babies, toddlers, teenagers,  as well as traditional or even video gaming playrooms.”

Do parents request customisation?

“Almost every room is bespoke. We design carpets, wallpapers, furniture, lampshades, cushions. We love embroidery — many parents include their child’s name or initials in the fabrics. It helps the child feel ownership of their space.”

How do you stand out from the average shopping experience?

“We want everything to feel intentional. It’s not just about buying furniture — we aim to create an entire world.”

Are there any toy trends right now?

“High-quality wooden toys are in demand — both locals and tourists love them as souvenirs.”

And what interior design trends are you seeing?

“Right now, cottagecore is big, rustic countryside vibes with gingham, rattan, cute prints. Embroidery, crochet, strawberries, and cherries are everywhere.”

Is pink still dominant for girls and blue for boys?

“I would say mint green is one of the top trends, often paired with sand tones and works for both genders.”

What was the trendiest item in your own childhood room?

“My mother always had so much taste and talent. I think, I was the first kid in the South of France to have a Plexiglas crib!”

Do you personally oversee the projects?

“I oversee most of them alongside my great team of architects and interior designers.”

How do you balance creativity with functionality?

“We always begin with the floor plan. A stunning bed is useless if it doesn’t fit. From there, we focus on storage, materials, and layout — functionality is always key.”

What are the must-haves for kids aged 8–14?

“A bed, a desk, plenty of storage, bookcases, and a rug to play on.”

And for newborns?

“A crib, changing table, a sofa for the nanny or parent, and a rocking chair.”

What began as a few bespoke children’s rooms for clients of the family-run interior design firm has grown into Monaco’s most enchanting destination for kids’ decor. With a deep love for colour, creativity, and the magic of childhood, Manola Ballerio founded Sabrina Monte-Carlo Kids — a whimsical showroom dedicated to stylish and functional children’s spaces. 

Today, her vision has expanded with Sabrina Monte-Carlo Babies, a thoughtfully curated boutique and design studio for newborns and young families, offering everything from cribs to baptism gifts. Blending design expertise with heartfelt attention to detail, Manola is redefining what it means to grow up in Monaco — one dreamy bedroom at a time.