Behind the Red Door: Savannah

After an 11-day marathon session of getting our new shop space open (more pics on that to come!), Jeff and I hit the road for a little R&R. Our favorite stop, by far, was Savannah. From the hanging Spanish moss to the historic Savannah Squares to cheese grits, I was in love with this city. Not to mention that it's not only legal, but highly encouraged, to walk around and drink adult beverages in the streets. Why had we not visited sooner?

It's a very walkable city and we did a ton of walking, taking in all of the historic homes and architecture (it also helped walk-off my daily dose of cheese grits and Chatham Artillery Punch). It didn't take us long to notice all of the beautiful, red doors. Obviously we had to snap pics of as many as we could!

Seeing all of these homes with red doors reminded us of how boring our front door is right now.

 

Following our stay in Savannah, we attended a blog conference and met the nice people from Modern Masters. They just happen to make a no-fade door paint. In bright red (it's called Ambitious). A week later, look what showed up at our front door:

What do you think...should we go for it?

How To: Host a Succulent Bar

Like everyone else, I've been a bit obsessed with succulents lately. I brought a few that I planted in vintage containers to Vintage Market Days last month and they were a hit. Trying to think of a fun way to bring people to the shop for some spring shopping, I came across the idea of a succulent bar. We supply the succulents, soil, rocks, containers, etc. and customers could stop in and put together their own potted plant. Leaving the mess to us!

This would also make a great addition to a birthday party or gathering. It's a fun way to get creative and plant something of your very own (without having to buy more supplies than you actually need).

Here's a few tips to get you started:

Note: If you are able, check out a wholesale nursery that sells to the public. I headed to the St. Louis Floral Market or Florist Row to pick up our succulents. It was my first time and I was completely overwhelmed. The nice folks at Baisch & Skinner helped me out and got me all set up. The selection was much better than what I would find at Home Depot or Lowe's garden centers (and better prices).

1/ Choose a selection of small, medium and large succulents. Depending on the size of containers you will be using, your guests could pick just one succulent or several. Make sure to have a good variety on-hand.



2/  Get creative with containers! I searched for a few weeks, curating a unique selection of containers. Popular planters included milk glass, vintage tea cups, vintage trays, and newer mercury glass candle holders.

 

3/ Give a little guidance. We hosted our succulent bar as a special event at the shop, so I printed up a la carte price sheets. The cheapest potted succulent went for under $10. Depending on the container, they went up to $50. I picked up some tips while I was at the floral market, and I offered those up as customers put together their plants. {hint: over watering seems to be the #1 killer of these cuties).

4/ Don't forget the details! Put out some gardening gloves, small scoops and shovels and mini watering cans! Give your guests all the tools they need to dive in!

5/ Have fun! Many of the people who stepped up to the succulent bar just happened to wander in...it was a fun surprise for them. Mother's Day was right around the corner, so alot of pots were put together with Grandma and Mom in mind. It was definitely messy, but that was the point!

 

 

DIY Succulent Bar

Succulent Bar

The succulent bar was a huge hit with kids (they loved planting in the vintage tea cups) and it was fun watching guests carefully select each item that went into their finished piece. Everyone not only left with a truly unique plant that they created, but a huge smile on their face.

Vintage Cabinet Reveal

It's what's on the inside that counts. Right?

This vintage glass-front cabinet was one of the first pieces I found for the shop. I painted it with Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in Boxwood and finished it with hemp oil. It has just minor chipping and distressing.

He's a handsome fella...but, hasn't drawn much attention since we've opened. I decided to add a little surprise to the inside (it was a little dark and dreary). I enlisted the help of our Facebook fans and got great suggestions (lots of people wanted to see the inside orange or a bold pattern). I opted for a coat of MMSMP in Grain Sack to brighten it up. I painted over a selection of vinyl arrows (I'm loving arrows right now, aren't you?).

Vintage Cabinet by Red Door Furniture Co.

I love how it turned out! Just the right bit of personality to dress him up. I gave it a light sanding to distress the back and arrows a bit.

Vintage Cabinet by Red Door Furniture Co.

He blends in more with our style and has been getting more attention. We thought about taking him home. I've got the perfect spot and think it would make for a great display for cocktails, glasses and barware.

He's going to stay in the shop a bit longer...hopefully someone will walk in and fall in love with him like I have!

Vintage Cabinet by Red Door Furniture Co.

Milk Paint Makeover: Goodwill Dresser

During the week, I have two mornings I dedicate to picking, thrifting and stocking up on items for the shop. I usually make the same route, making about 5-7 stops. (Not counting picking up lunch at Starbucks). Some days I score big (today I was able to stock up on a ton of cute containers for a DIY event I'm planning).

A couple weeks ago, I made a last minute stop at a local thrift store and spotted this guy:

Some would say, "Yuck." Obviously that's what the previous owner thought. I, however, immediately grabbed the price tag and sprinted up to the cashier. (Keeping an eye on my dresser while I waited in line). "That's a good find you have there," said the guy behind me. Back off buddy. It's mine!

When possible, I like to leave some unpainted wood on a piece of furniture. All-over color is too much for me sometimes. If I'm able to show off the top, I prefer to leave it alone. Usually with cast-offs, the top has some sort of damage. Nothing a quick sanding and restaining can't cure.

I chose Miss Mustard Seed's Kitchen Scale milk paint for this piece. Because the front had more feminine curves, I didn't want it to be chippy. To be on the safe side, I added bonding agent and finished it with antiquing wax.

Dresser in Kitchen Scale Milk Paint

Dresser in Kitchen Scale Milk Paint

The top cleaned up beautifully! After I sanded and restained, I finished it with a coat of hemp oil. No traces of the scratches and water marks!

Dresser in Kitchen Scale Milk Paint

I scraped the paint out of the top carving a bit, to make it stand out more.

Edges were lightly distressed and new knobs from World Market were added.

Dresser in Kitchen Scale Milk Paint

What was someone's cast-off will make for a beautiful dresser, buffet or bar for someone else. It's what I love most about restyling furniture!

 This dresser is now available in the shop, as well as all the materials I used for this makeover. Stop in!

Linking to:

Shop Envy: Seabold Vintage Market

I've had a serious case of Shop Envy for years. Eight years ago I walked into a local, popular home decor shop and thought, "Now, THIS is the type of store I would like to own. Someday." 

What started as a fleeting thought eight years ago is now a reality. As we were getting our brick & mortar ready, we scoured photos of our fave shops for inspiration. Having a little Shop Envy is what pushed & molded our business. It gives us the inspiration to step outside our boundaries and grow creatively and professionally. Until we started this journey, I didn't realize just how much work it was. We have a long way to go, but it's been exciting, stressful, crazy, and exhilarating so far. 

Whether you are hoping to start your own business, or currently have a small shop, or love to travel and visit unique, small boutiques...this series is for you:

Our little shop has changed so much in just the few months we've been open. Here's what it looked like when we signed the lease:

And this is what it looked like 30 days later:

We like to think of it as our starter home. We opened small, with our own savings and no loans. There's alot of our ultimate vision we've had to put on hold. As we grow, we hope to make our shop bigger and better for our customers. (And, hopefully a separate space for Jeff to build tables. Dust has taken over my life.)

One of the very first shops I started following was Seabold Vintage Market from Bainbridge Island, Washington. We are eyeing the Pacific NW for retirement, so I think I happened upon SVM while looking for retirement homes (yes, I know that's like 35 years away. It's never too early to start looking). They offer clean, fresh vintage finds.

Seabold Vintage Market

They also have a love for the red cross (not to mention ironstone, antlers, vintage grainsacks and cutting boards). It's on my top 5 shops to visit. Maybe top 2. (Technically, they do markets and online vintage sales. So, my goal is to visit a Pac NW vintage market they are apart of).

Seabold Vintage Market

Seabold Vintage Market

Editor's Note: A certain someone's birthday is coming up. The necklace above would make an excellent present. If that certain someone's husband (and business partner) happens to read this, you can follow the links provided in this post for more information.

I don't know why I'm drawn to the red cross...I just am. The red is so bold against the bright white. I love it. SVM inspired me to do these pieces.

 

Red Cross Suitcase

The dresser sold quickly and after two years, the suitcase is finally for sale (I've had a hard time parting with it). It's hand painted on a vintage Amelia Earhart suitcase. Love it!

Let me know...what are some of your favorite small home decor boutiques to visit?