Best of MI...Ruthie Sommers...

Good morning!! Happy Fourth of July to all of you!  I have the day off and will be lounging.  I am watching Wimbledon right now and can't wait for the women's single and men's single finals this weekend.  I used to do a regular column called 'The Green Scene' and decided to run this with one of my favorite designers - Ruthie Sommers.  I highlighted her ability to recycle furniture that she sold in her now-defunct store in Hollywood.  Her design is timeless and looks just as great as it did in June 2010 when I did this post.  Do you like her designs?  Any favorites here? 

One reason I think Ruthie Sommers' design aesthetic is so popular is that she recycles and reuses furniture that she use to sell in her now-closed store in Hollywood,Chapman Radcliffe Home, and in her clients' homes too...here is a house in Hollywood she designed...

Notice the bedside table, which looks like a piece you would see in any consignment shop or Goodwill store repainted to look glamorous!...

 This room has an antique desk in the corner...looks lovely...

The kitchen has several recycled items...the chandelier is vintage, the Saarinen table by Knoll is a classic and the vintage chairs are reupholstered in candy colors...yummy...

This chair looks like it came from a consignment shop, redone with new upholstery...the sconces on the wall are vintage too...

Ruthie made this home more personal with items already owned and used...not brand new...it is a great way for the client to save money and own something unique...you can use organic fabrics too that don't cost a lot (more on that later)...I'll be back on Friday with the Fabulous Fabrics series - see you then!

Visit Ruthie Sommers website: http://www.ruthiesommers.com/

(original images for Traditional Home by Grey Crawford)

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Did you know I have a shop?

Hello fellow bloggers out there in blogland.  Happy Friday! I didn't know whether anyone out there knows I have a rather modest shop on my blog, aptly called 'The Shop' - I know, very creative! 

Well, I have some items that you might find interesting including a couple of pillows and some clothing that is virtually brand new.  I am moving soon and need to clean out stuff and as you know, when you get rid of stuff, you end up buying more stuff! (George Carlin said it, not me).  I just don't have enough followers to make any kind of impact, so I thought I would post and tweet about it. I have PayPal set up, so if you are interested in an item, send me an email (monacointeriors76@yahoo.com) and I will send you an invoice. Its simple! And you don't have to leave your house - even better!  I have posted a few items below to tempt you - I hope you will stop by and check it out and have a great weekend!!

Did you see Kate Middleton in her Topshop Polka Dot
Dress?? Dots are hot!  $10.00 + $3.00 shipping
(Petite Medium)

Hot, hot, hot dots!! $10.00 + $3.00 shipping
(Petite Medium)

Vintage Tray Table - Set of two $40.00 + $10 shipping or
one table for $20.00 + $5.00 shipping

Sweet yellow + white pillow $10.00 + $3.00 shipping

(images by me)
(image of Kate Middleton AP/INGphoto.com)


There are more items in the shop and I live in a
smoke free home!!

Check it out!

Thanks and don't forget you can follow
me on TWITTER
and on PINTEREST 

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Thinking outside the...house...

My posts are so sporadic these days, I must apologize. I wish I could post every day, but, I just don't find the inspiration lately. Does this happen to you? Well, let's start the weekend here with some thoughts for the patio, backyard, front porch etc...we are always talking and posting about interior design, but how about exterior design for a change?

I am still on the hunt for a sweet and small table and chair set for my cottage.  It is for the front of the house where I used to have my picnic table (that rotted and I had removed late last summer). This year I am going to rent my house, hopefully from June-November, possibly longer. I am looking for long term tenants that will take care of the house.  Is this possible? I hope so! Anyone out there who might want to live for six (6) months in the lakes region in Maine?  Please send me a note (monacointeriors76@yahoo.com) if you or someone you know does!!

Here are some affordable and great ideas from IKEA - who doesn't LOVE their quality and pricing??

OUTDOOR RUGS IN GREAT COLORS -SPRINGKORN $39.99

JONELLA TABLE RUNNER $9.99

BARBAR TRAYS $5.99 EACH

ROXO TABLE + 2 CHAIRS $69.99 (WERE $89.99 LAST YEAR!)

SPRINGKORN INNER CUSHION $7.98 EACH!!

SOCKER GREENHOUSE $19.99

SOLVINDEN SOLAR POWERED LIGHT CHAIN WITH 5 BIRD
LIGHTS $14.99


(images by IKEA)


For more inspiration go to IKEA

GOT A FAVORITE? I LOVE ALL THESE!

REMEMBER TO STOP BY MY SHOP AS I HAVE ADDED SOME
CLOTHING FOR SALE - AND I HAVE SOME OTHER ITEMS -
ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS EMAIL ME AND I WILL SEND YOU
A PAYPAL INVOICE!! YOUR ITEM WILL BE IN THE MAIL TO YOU
WITHIN 2 DAYS  OF ORDERING!!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! 

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