So happy to FINALLY be posting these DIY projects we did in the fall for our loft. For months we had been hunting for a mid-century modern teak or walnut credenza to use as our tv stand. We didn’t want to buy anything that was in excellent condition because we knew we’d be drilling vent holes in the back to hide our entertainment equipment. It goes against our design morals to de-value a great vintage piece, who’s with us on this…? (Don’t all raise your hand at once now). So when our friend Chelsea (an avid Craig’s lister by night) emailed us snapshots of a piece her husband picked up, we literally dropped what we were doing & hightailed over to check it out. Another perk to being your own boss. To our surprise she had two different sized (but matching) units. They had the sexy lines + simple details we were looking for and with a little elbow grease they’d be stylin’ in no time. SCORE!

Larger unit – ‘BEFORE’ shot.

See… we told ya they had great bones! We classified these as the ‘Sam Levitz’ of mid-century furniture. Meaning not the $4K kind, but awesome none the less.



Smaller unit – ‘BEFORE’ shot.



Found this GEM inside (we fo-sure kept it).


Old water ring stains = character!


The tools needed to complete the job…


Complete all steps in a well vented area or outside, NOT WHEN WINDY!!! (Do I really have to tell you this?)

Step 1: Sand ever so lightly with a super fine 150 grit to remove old wax.

Step 2: Wipe dust off with non-linting towel or cheese cloth.

Step 3: Clean surface of wood with Murphy’s Oil Soap, go with the grain!!!

Step 4: Brush on Watco Teak Oil Finish, go with the grain!!!
(Side note, if you have the time please order Pure Raw Tung Oil from the Real Milk Paint Co., non-toxic and doesn’t require a cancer warning).

Step 5: Let dry (30 mins or so) and repeat step 4 to achieve desired color.

Step 6: Let dry for at least 2 full days before placing anything on top surface.

Step 7: Apply Feed-N-Wax wood polishing conditioner to shine/protect. (We have yet to complete this step and honestly not sure we want to).  

Eric applying the first coat of Teak oil. (Holy hair!!!)



The wood was so thirsty that the teak oil went on like a wood stain. After drying it lightened up a bit.


Extra bonus with these pieces… removable feet!


Smaller unit ‘AFTER’ shot – three coats of teak oil. Look at the killer legs on her!!!


Eric decided to paint the interior shelf white to give it a modern, clean feel – SCHWING!  


For some reason I never photographed the larger piece? Very odd. But hang tight cause in a few days you’ll see the lovely lady inside the loft.



Next up, we found these salvaged store front metal letters (up in Phoenix of course) @ Modern Manor. Guys, if you’re local and haven’t been there yet, shame on you. Totally missing out! We actually went back twice for these irresistible guys because I had non-buyers remorse… I HAD TO HAVE EM’.

Maybe this is a good time to clarify our home decor style. WE love all things modern, mid-century, industrial, salvaged and/or handmade.

We call it COZY MOD. Ok good, moving on…

HEY (hopefully it’s obvious what we wanted to spell out). Boy these things were filthy. But after mama gave them a bath they shined right up. Nothing a lil grease remover couldn’t handle.

All ‘BEFORE’ shots. Removed heavy-ass-transformer-thingy inside the ‘h’. Cussing was had.


Left – ‘E’ front, Right – ‘E’ back


Red ‘Y’ front, White ‘Y’ back.


Maybe I’ll get the next post up (sooner rather than later) showcasing where and what we did with these suckas! Crossing fingers tightly…