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 — *Blue Fever* by Cory McBee, Modern South Studio

Dreaming in Orange 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.

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!