After we had been back in the States for a while, we knew God was calling us to plant in Orlando. We were reluctant to say the least. Orlando? We began house hunting at the very bottom of the housing-bust. We were shocked by how cheap housing prices were, especially knowing what some co-workers had paid three years ago. Seems dreamy, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, we weren’t the only ones looking to buy a house. Because the market was so great, investors were sweeping into the area in droves. We made offers on NINE different homes and were outbid on all of them.

When we found a new home being built and discovered we could simply tell them we wanted the house, instead of going into a bidding war, we took it. In many ways, it is perfect for our family. Lots of room to grow, space in the rooms we value most, a kitchen that feels beyond extravagant. I am incredibly thankful. But there is definitely something missing. The house just doesn’t feel like. . .us. Part of it is the housing style in Florida. We’re just not Floridians. Part of it is that we doubled the square footage we had been living in for the past four years. We have way more space than we have things to fill it with.

As has been the case since we got married, we started inheriting pieces to fill our home. My parents downsizing into their retirement came at a convenient time! We were careful with what we took, but there was one piece we needed more than we loved. My parents had it built to put by the front door to store our book bags and coats from school. We desperately needed the same type of storage. Unfortunately, my mom had been in a huge “country” phase when the piece was built, which is definitely not my style.

I have been itching to refurbish it since it arrived by my front door. On a recent trip to NYC, my friend Sharon told me about the new rage in furniture refurbishment–milk paint and chalk paint. Paints that instantly make furniture look shabby chic.

Milk Paint

Chalk Paint

My friend couldn’t say enough about these paints. Milk paint is VOC free. Chalk paint is virtually so. They require no priming and only look better with wear. My cabinet is calling! But what do I go with? Milk or chalk? And where the heck do I find these magic makeover products?

Apparently, Miss Mustard Seed is the go-to gal for milk paint. Her blog is delightful in every way. She markets her own line of milk paint, and I’m trying to track down a local distributor. Annie Sloan seems to be the chalk paint expert. Chalk paint has been around a little longer, so it’s a little more distributed. None the less, I can’t get it at Home Depot.

Stay tuned for the great refurbishment journey! I am a reluctant DIYer. I know I can do it, but I love closure so much, I can’t seem to get started. Three little ones will definitely make this a multi-day project. 🙂 My desire for change is weighing heavier than my need for closure though. Oh, it’s going to look so cool!