“A Magic-Carpet Experience” is the expression that springs to mind when it comes to describing a visit to The Monkey’s Trunk. The moment you cross the threshold you feel transported into an Aladdin’s Cave of furniture, artworks and accessories that is, at once, dramatic, eclectic and fun. And all in the most exquisite taste — without a hint of garishness.
As the authorized dealer for Jay Strongwater™, Lynn Chase, Mariposa, Kim Seybert and Vera Bradley, John Meyers has cornered the market for style in his emporium — in the stone- and copper-roofed building that stands beside the prancing zebra on Ocean Gateway in West Ocean City.
Polished wood, gilding, metal and glass mix with rich brocades, vibrant cottons, beaded linens, statuary and framed art in Meyers’ exotic inventory that runs the gamut of fashions from period to present day. You’ll find formal and occasional tables, lacquered chests, painted hutches, kitchen islands and baker’s racks. Stone and bronze sculptures stand beside upholstered and shiny leather sofas, chairs and benches. Designer flower arrangements shimmer against polished surfaces. An eye-popping collection of the latest Vera Bradley bags and accessories bursts with color. Elegant serving pieces are perfect as gifts or for entertaining at home. Everything from candle holders to cards reflects “Monkey Magic.”
It’s no wonder homeowners, interior designers and developers from far and wide find every excuse to stop by and check out the merchandise from the store that consistently makes Metropolitan Magazine’s “Best Of” list.
Now Ron Saunders has moved sister boutique, Monkey See Monkey Two, from just down the road into a location right beside Monkey’s Trunk — adding 5,000 square feet to the original area and incorporating even more of Saunders’ discerning assortment of lighting, mirrors, garden art and “green” outdoor furniture in the displays.
“We were so glad when the space became available,” said Meyers as he opened a shipment of Jay Strongwater™ jeweled animals. “It will enable us to have a better rapport with our customers.”
As well as being the only Eastern Shore Registered Gallery for Fine Art Lamps, Saunders offers a wide array of designer chandeliers, elegant floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces by Curry & Co., Murray Feiss and many other boutique lighting companies. You will find Fanimation fans, and mirrors in styles from Baroque to mid-century and beyond.
Friends for more than 20 years, Meyers and Saunders went into business together in 2002, and have been trend-setters ever since. A “refugee” from the button-down world of the FBI, Meyers eventually found his niche there when he moved out of the purchasing department — into decorating the Bureau’s offices. It’s good to know that someone in the government had taste!
Saunders’ career path is more predictable, with a 15-year stint designing custom furniture for the style mavens of New York City, followed by two years as an associate of the famed Washington Design Center.
Seven years ago — aided and abetted by Meyers’ brother Steve as finance director, Diane Maurer as administrator, and advisor and delivery person Bruce Blottenberger — Meyers and Saunders combined their creative talents by launching The Monkey’s Trunk. The casually coined name refers to the pair’s penchant for collecting monkey items while “trunk” suggests a catch-all.
Now with the added advantage of their custom, in-home design services, Meyers’ and Saunders’ creative outreach extends all over the Shore and beyond. There is scarcely a tastefully decorated home that doesn’t reflect the pair’s unique flair. And it shows! As if to give you a clue, cheeky monkeys crouch on side tables, peer from behind sofas and clutch light fixtures. It’s rumored that Meyers’ aim is to have “a monkey in every room” — and he’s close to getting there!
The Meyers and Saunders “Experience” is fun for everyone. It brings sophisticated style, previously exclusive to cities like New York City and Washington D.C., literally into your own home, right here on the Eastern Shore! They’ve even been known to e-mail pictures from design shows — and arrive at clients’ homes bearing antique chests and other items that have caught their eye. All with no obligation to buy!
You’re never truly at home on the Eastern Shore until you’ve had the “Magic Carpet Experience” with John Meyers and Ron Saunders! 
The Monkey’s Trunk, 410-213-9303; Monkey See Monkey Two, 410-213-1248,
12216 Ocean Gtwy., Plaza at Herring Creek, West Ocean City, Md.,
www.monkeystrunk.com
