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:

Inventory and Inspiration.

I've been pretty busy this weekend picking up some new furniture to add to the shop! Thankfully, my husband has indulged me and has driven around town as my own personal moving service. His support for my hobby means so much to me.


One thing that he always mentions when looking at furniture is that he has a difficult time picturing what a piece will look like when it's done....that it's hard to see the potential. Imagining what it could look like is part creativity and part research. I love vintage furniture with a modern, chic aesthetic - glossy, rich paints....lacquered looks. I can create shabby chic all day long (and many people do!), but it's not my true love. If I am going to do distressed, it's probably going to look more Anthropologie/Restoration Hardware than Rachel Ashwell.


Now for the fun part! I've taken some pictures of the "before" inventory that I have and then some inspiration for where it may end up. Let me know what you think!


(Enjoy the inspiration below! For a listing of all custom order inventory CLICK HERE)


Vintage Side Table:

Dresser with Carved Flower Detail:Could also be used as a tv console, sideboard or buffet. (Pic was taken while the dresser was on its side!)

French Provincial Dresser:

Vintage Headboard:

Vintage Corner China Cabinet (this one is for my kitchen!):

80's Modern Side Table: (I love the glossy, lacquered red of the Bali Hai dresser)

Vintage Rocking Chair: 

Vintage Folding Table and Six Chairs: (this would be lovely in black or white with reupholstered chairs - which I can do!)

Queen Anne Coffee Table: (I'm still brainstorming for the right color. And I plan to remove the seashells.)

Thank you to Natalie at Natty By Design for all the beautiful inspiration. She is truly my "virtual mentor".

Ok, I'm throwing it out there if anyone is interested in purchasing anything before it's painted and put up for sale in the shop.  You pick the color and finish for the existing hardware.  Do you have furniture you would like refinished? I can do that too!

If you're interested, send me an email at modernmilliedesigns@gmail.com

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.