Back in August, I decided to conduct a little Craigslist experiment in order to test a theory. Basically, my hypothesis was that a reserved and sophisticated muted teal piece would sell faster than my usual edgier and bolder color choices.

1 month in, and I had a few nibbles but no solid bites. I re-baited by lowering the price and still hadn't "hooked" anyone. Then I stumbled on a unique opportunity to test my theory even better.

No I didn't repaint the muted teal dresser. I actually found an almost identical 7 drawer dresser.

Chelsea and have been crushing on hunter greens lately. If we had our way, we'd write it in on the color-of-the-year ballot. Scratch that, we'd probably write it in for President. After Chelsea rolled out this piece in "Scholar Green" by Ralph Lauren, I think I started salivating at the thought of doing a piece of my own in such a moody shade. When I found myself with another long-and-low campaign piece, it was a no brainer.

Since the brass campaign chest was the same in size and scale, it was the perfect opportunity to pit a newer trendier color against the "safer" muted teal piece,

The second chest had brass recessed pulls and decorative T-braces indicative of a true campaign piece.

The hue is dark and moody and could be a little risky for a potential buyer. In person, it has a velvety, buttery texture.

Taking a cue from the hue, I went all equestrian with my styling.

The wall hanging was an easy vintage-inspired DIY that cost less than $10.

The camel leather "riding" boots and plaid blanket scarf were also inspired by my favorite fall weather (and hey, I'm really just looking for any occasion to break them out).

Although Chelsea and I are firm believers that dark green is the new neutral, not everyone can be so easily committed to such a strong look. For that reason, I decided to style as both a living room credenza and a bedroom dresser in hopes that it would show its versatility.

On the left, the living room credenza has a stack of books and decorative plant.

While on the right, the bedroom dresser has a makeshift vanity station on a simple tray.

So let's get to the results of my expanded experiment: last month, a potential buyer set up an appointment set up an appointment because the green piece had caught her eye, but when she arrived she realized the muted teal piece was more suited for her new home in the suburbs and purchased it instead!

The green chest sold to a fabulous inner-city couple a little over a week later. Interestingly enough, both pieces went for about the same price. Even though the muted teal sold first, it had been listed for nearly 2 months and only "accidentally" got a buyer. The hunter green was only listed for a grand total of 2 weeks. Ergo, my results are a tad inconclusive. But hey, I didn't go to school for scientific research now, did I? LOL.

Dark Green Campaign Chest
56"W x 18"D x 29.25"H
SOLD

Even though this handsome gent already sold, you can always contact me about a custom order!

Hi friends! It feels like it's been a while since I've come by with a furniture flip so it sure feels good to be sharing one today! We've been working steadily with a couple more eDesign clients, interviewing intern applications, andon a personal front, I'm getting ready to step back a bit as soon as my Colin and Shire are out of school for the summer, (6 days to go and it's reminding me of the last 4 miles of a marathon; lots of pep talks, jelly beans, running through water and praying). The piece I'm sharing today is a china cabinet I found outside the Old Lucketts Store on a rainy day.

Due to the water damage I needed to let it dry out quite a bit once I got it home, (thanks to Cate and her truck). This was one of those finds where I wasn't confident it would work out - the structure of the piece was solid, but the condition of the wood was questionable. If it was severe I was willing to dump the entire piece since we are not in the business of covering up rotting wood with a band-aid of paint. I left it in the garage to dry for several weeks and, low and behold, once I looked it over the condition of the wood was restorable!

After a lot of sanding and resealing, this piece is as good as new!

Upon first seeing this piece outside the antique shop I intended to give it a back. It had one at one time, (as well as sliding glass doors on the front as you can tell by the grooves). But my Momma, who was with me when I found this piece, encouraged leaving it backless, (so scandalous). I figured it was worth seeing how it looked before investing in materials and time, and it turns out that it's lovely all open like this! Way to go, Mom! :)

I haven't done many, (four, to be exact), but china cabinets are my favorite type of piece to refinish. I adore the idea of a piece that can tuck in seamlessly in various rooms. I've only styled this piece in our dining room and living room, but I've sold a china cabinet that went to a client's sun room, another for a study, and a third that went to a craft room! They're brilliant for storage without taking up a large footprint.

Here's our handsome friend in a living room setting - doesn't he look sharp?!

While this piece was in the garage drying over several weeks, I was hunting for hardware. These pulls were in my head long before I finally found them! I wanted these 'T' style pulls in brass and bone, but couldn't find them anywhere! Anthropologie saved the day. Of course. They're a little bit glam, a little bit bohemian, a little bit masculine, and a whole lot of perfect.

I'll tell you what, styling with all your books, even the ugly college text books you forgot to sell back, and suddenly you'll take on the presence of a prestigious professor genius. Just be ready to artfully dodge questions like, "Have you read all of these?!", "What did you think of Plunder and Deceit?", or "So, you like to read, huh?"

Open Mid-Century China Cabinet
66"H x 54"W x 18"D
$750
Please contact me at chelsea@stylemutthome if interested in this piece or a similar custom order!

Thank you so much for dropping by!