Neon || 2018 Flip List Item No.7

Guys!  I made a thing.  Well technically I made two.  Besides a new dresser, I've got another 2018 Flip List item to reveal:

Item No.7: Experiment with Neon

You were expecting me to do a neon paint treatment werentcha?  Well I'm not ruling that out just yet, but when I set this goal in mind I actually really wanted to DIY a neon sign.

I started researching my options and I found out there are actual kits for the stuff!  I decided to order this super affordable one from Urban Outfitters.

The kit instruction were very easy to follow and basically just involved lashing the neon rope to wire which I twisted into the word "Mutt" for obvious reasons.  It does have a very subtle hum when it's turned on (like the kind you can only hear if you're under 30 years) so it's a good thing I'm creeping up on the big 3-0.  HA!

Switch gears with me really quick and let's talk about the other new kid in the room: this white and walnut dresser.

The drawer fronts were in great shape so I really did debate highlighting the wood grain, but I was seeing a very specific vision for it in my mind so everything but the legs got painted a glassy white.

The original dresser did have some damage to fix - the big undertaking being the mystery gnaw marks in the left front leg.  Normally, I would putty that in and slap on some paint but I really reeeeeeeeally wanted to keep the base wood so I had to hand paint the filler with some acrylic paint to match the rest of the wood grain in the leg.

Can you tell?

I love the contrast of the dark legs against the white enameled body - a luxury finish!

You might actually recognize the unusual pulls on this piece from another StyleMutt refinishing project.  That's because this long-and-low is actually from the same line as that tallboy I did last spring.  Just like I did with that piece, I kept the original brass pulls as is 'cuz I mean, they are just. that. yummy.

As for the styling, I wanted to punctuate the bright neon sign with some bright-colored art like that enchanting Laura Gunn gallery-wrapped canvas print (cue all the heart eyes!).  Accenting with my usual quirky décor also seemed like a natural fit.

And if you're looking for a beautiful dresser to anchor your space, drop me a line (aka just shoot me an email) to discuss our pick-up or shipping options. 

White + Walnut Sideboard
Now Available for Sale
60"W x 18"D x 30.5"H
$595

If you are interested in this piece or a custom order like it, email me at cate@stylemutthome.com to ask about availability and our shipping policy.

Two down, five to go.  Catch up on the 2018 Furniture Flip Bucket List:

2018 Furniture Flip Bucket List

The start of the new year usually means one thing around here:

Every January, I like to do something brazen.  I like to issue my declaration of intent for the year - ideas I want to tinker with, projects I want to tackle, personal challenges that make me nervous and excited  all at the same time.  I let it all hang out...

There are some successes:

2017 Flip List

Item No.5: Play with Leather

Some failures:

2016 Flip List

Item No.1: Build a Baker's Rack

Some experiments:

2015 Flip List

Item No.5: Vintage Educational Chart Hacks

Some personal victories:

2016 Flip List

Item No.3: Build a Chandelier

And some redemptions:

2017 Flip List

Item No.7: Build Something (well) 
see 2016 Item No.1

So without further ado, may I present to you the 2018 Furniture Flip Bucket List:

No.1: Miter Corners

This past year I finally figured out how to do a good basic butt joint, this year I'll like to figure out how to miter corners (click for source).

No.2: 3-Tiered Table

I've been eyeing this clover coffee table by West Elm for a while now (click for source).  I'd like to find out if I can actually one of my own.

No.3: Cane Slipper Chairs

I was drawn to these citrine chairs like a sailor to a siren, but the sorry state of the seat fabric means I'm going to have to find new worthy upholstery...

No.4: Stupid (late) Hardware

I ordered some brass hardware for a custom order with a tight timeline, but it arrived two minutes too late.  After I found an unconventional solution that my client loved (click to see what I mean) I still had these pulls to do something epic with...

No.5: Hanging Planter

I'm a sucker for a proper forum to show-off my recovering black thumb like these hanging planters by Sonadora Studio (click for source).  Here's to fashioning my own metal hanging planter!

No.6: Wall Task Lamp

Mod task lamps like this AllModern find are taking the décor world by STORM (click for source).  I'm thinkin' it might be time to Frankenstein some more lamp parts into a chic hack of my own.

No.7: Experiment with Neon

Now I don't know if I'll be experimenting with a neon paint treatment or actual neon lights like this DIY sign (click for source), but either way I'm pumped to play!

I will be tackling these items in no particular order throughout the year so be sure to check back in every once and a while to see where I'm at.  In the meantime, catch up on how 2015, 2016, and 2017 turned out.

Hey!  And if you're also thinking of shaking things up in 2018, we have some good news!  On January 10th, Chelsea is offering design advice over on Room Hints for a fraction of our regular eDesign packages (only $49!).  Simply register here, upload pics of your space with any of your nagging questions (don't worry, they walk you through it) and she'll get back to you with 5 tips, tricks, products, or ideas!  Spaces are limited so don't miss out!

Quatrefoil Credenza ||A Collaboration with Modern South||

Today I have the privileged of debuting not only a fresh piece but also a fellow creative!  Posts like these are some of my favorites - when two creatives join forces to make something together.  I connected with Cory of Modern South via Instagram and jumped at the chance to work with her on a juicy collaboration.

Modern South Studio

Original Artwork by Cory McBee
Charleston, SC

Cory and I share a mutual love of color and abstract art.  When we were looking for an excuse to work together, I had the perfect piece in mind to show off her ethereal landscapes art.  I found this four door credenza without a leg to stand on and the sweet quatrefoil detailing was so endearing that I couldn't pass it up. 

Plus I was jonesing to do something in a buttery gray again.

The classic lines of this piece called for a feminine and glam look - something a little softer than I normally debut in the garage shop.  

The paint color I went with was Hailstorm Gray by Behr Marquee.  In person, it's almost blue, almost purple, almost green and therefore an all-around very mysterious neutral.

It actually did pain me a bit to paint the burled wood inserts on the doors but there were too many areas of damage that needed repair and I just couldn't picture a two-toned look.  I think because the two-tone is more indicative of a modern streamlined piece that wouldn't fit a piece like this with more decorative details.  

For her new gams, I found these metal 7" legs.  Their sleek lines help modernize the credenza so it can appeal to a wider variety of home decor styles. 

The piece's original floret-ed knobs complimented the quatrefoil design on the doors too perfectly to give up so I gave the legs our favorite faux-gold finish to match.

Inside is a cabinet on the left

and a set of drawers on the right.

Any one of her prints would have been the perfect compliment, but Cory's "Blue Fever" and "Dreaming in Orange" make such a lovely couple. 

Blue Fever by Cory McBee, Modern South Studio

Dreaming in Orange by Cory McBee, Modern South Studio

The navy and blush paired with the gray and gold of their piece reminds me of a quiet sunrise.  

I kept a relatively neutral color scheme with the rest of my decorative items: dried eucalyptus in a white ceramic vase, a couple stacks of books, white picture frames and touches of glass and gold.

Cory's prints are the precise soft/ feminine accents I was picturing when I finished this piece.  If you want a set of your own, you can shop Modern South Studio or email Cory for customize print sizes.  And if you're local to the DC Metro area, this gray quatrefoil beauty could also be yours.

Gray Quatrefoil Dresser
Now Available for Sale
72"L x 20"D x 30.5"H
$685

If you are interested in this piece or a custom order like it, email me at cate@stylemutthome.com.