I ♥ Red.

Here are after and before pictures of the red table I just put in my shop. I used a basic Rustoleum red oil paint after thoroughly roughing up the laminate surface. It's a good starter oil paint that has great basic colors. Be sure to add a little paint thinner or Penetrol before using - with the EPA regulations that have been passed, oil paints are not as self-leveling as they were before.

Red is my favorite color and I love the deep glossy sheen and how it has a slightly Asian feel without being overwhelming. I think it would look great in a modern or contemporary room. It could even work in a traditional room that needs a pop of color.

Before:

Everything Changes.

My design style has changed so much over the years. I first started paying attention to home decor in the late 90's/early 2000's, when shabby chic was all the rage. I admit it, I bought a blue quilt and all the decorations. I wanted my traditional home to look like a cape cod. It didn't work.


It wasn't long before I gravitated to the more traditional look that Pottery Barn was pushing in the mid 2000's. Leather chairs, slipcovered couch, wood accents. It was comfortable and cozy but only lasted a couple years because then I discovered...... 


Crate and Barrel. Modern, sleek lines. Squared couches. High contrast colors. Z Gallerie was next door and their modern luxury pieces were sexy to my single girl sensibilities. My home was starting to look like the lobby of the W....and I loved it.


Then I got married. I had to mix two different styles of homes and furnishings into one house. Almost three years later, it's still a work in progress. If you look around you will find hints of my shabby chic past, bachelor pad remnants, traditional lines, modern lines and most definitely the influence of my beloved Pottery Barn.


Something that has recently caught my eye is French Country. I'm not sure if it's just flirtation or the real thing, but it makes me happy. I especially love taking vintage pieces that need some love and making them new. I found this beautiful side table that was in pretty pitiful shape. I updated the finish with Glass of Milk paint and glossy black hardware. I'm in love. 


If you are interested in taking her home, it's available in my shop.