EAMES DOTS Dopp kits promo video

If you are in need of a gift that won’t break the bank, check out these Dopp kits! I made a little video to tell you about them in under 2 minutes. ha. I have VERY LIMITED red bags….like 2 here at home and maybe 3 or 4 more out at the mall. I have a few here that have color bleed issues where the red bled into the cream material. I was not planning on selling them but giving them as gifts when someone buys a large expensive item. (yeah, I DO THAT!). So act quickly if I can send one of them. Grey bags I have loads of for the moment! Grab some while I got them especially if you need a decent quantity.

My census job is getting closer….background check is back. Hopefully I will hear from someone this week with my start date and other info. Please shop early so I can get you taken care of before my life gets totally insane. :). I promise to keep working on back stock while I am working full time but I am not sure how much I will be buying. If you need something sourced, by all means reach out! Thanks for the holiday love! xo Malissa

New project: MadModWorldVintage YOUTUBE channel

Please stop by and give me less than 5 min of your time! The first video in my educational youtube series 'Mid Century MISSconceptions’ is launched. Produced by my 14 year old daughter, this fun informative video talks about my recent visit to the Hagley Museum Library in Wilmington, DE to investigate a John Stuart Inc catalog. I did not find the chair I was looking for in it, but I did find some great info plus hope to return to peruse an amazing collection of catalogs and business records from the interior design business of William Pahlmann. Included in this collection are numerous catalogs, swatches and project documentation which will be a dream to poke through. I hope to get back there after my tax season commitment is fulfilled. Stay tuned!

My main point in the video is to talk about the resources I found, FREE for the taking. I have been to many museums to peruse catalogs and totes of documents. This is the only way to prove your item’s truth. So many lies are being spead and the IN THE MANNER OF descriptions just denotes a lazy dealer. Making an attempt to examine catalogs and historical documents is the only way to find the truth of a piece that may be unmarked. So many things were copied over the years, this is important to both buyers and to sellers. It is also a fun thing to know that guy next to you may be finishing up his doctoral dissertation.

Here is a look! I appreciate those who take the 4 min, some odd seconds to review my project. PLEASE SHARE and PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOU TUBE CHANNEL while you are there! Let me know what you think! xo Malissa

Episode 1, Malissa visits the Hagley Museum to peruse a 1957 John Stuart Inc Catalog. *Hagley Museum: https://www.hagley.org *My Website: http://www.madmodworldvintage.com *Instagram: @madmodworldvintage *Facebook: mad4modmalissa

Flokati- it's a rug, it's a throw, Vietnamese silk lanterns.

Last week, I headed out with my friend Laurie for yet another urban picking adventure. We make a day of it with the goal of heading to our favorite estate company and then thrifting and shopping the whole way home.  This trip did not disappoint and although I would say I am not really in spending mode right now, I got some great items at a relatively low cost which always is good!  The highlight of the trip is always a great view of Manhattan from NJ.  I find that shopping in this area gets me a different selection of goods that are not readily available in the more country area I typically shop.  

My favorite picks are the two Flokati rugs I bought home.  I already have one of my own, so both of these are listed for sale.  The Flokati is of Greek origin and is made of wool.  The pile is left long and it has a great shag.  They are used as a throw over a couch, bed or bench and as a rug.  They have some weight to them too.  These are both in excellent condition and have no stains or issues.  One is a larger rectangle size and the other is smaller and almost square.  Take a look and see if you can accommodate one.  They are great for MCM purists, boho and eclectic decors and more.  They add a real nice texture to a space and are a great neutral cream (natural wool) color. Both are listed in my etsy and chairish shops. Great holiday gift!

WIKI: A flokati rug is a handmade shag wool rug. Making flokatis is a long-time tradition of the Vlachs in the Pindus mountains. The natural color of a flokati rug is off-white, but they may be dyed different colors. The entire rug is wool, including the backing from which the tapered shag emerges. After the rug is woven, it is placed in the cold water of a river to fluff the shag. They continue to be handmade in the mountains of Greece and are regarded as desirable in American modern decor and children's rooms.

Next up, to go along with my recent Asian kick, which, by the way, is TRENDING right now!  I buy what I love, but so many times I come home with stuff and start poking around or get an email and whammo, there is my new found style, already being marketed and discussed in one of my markets!  I just got a mailing from F Schumacher, fine purveyor of fabrics, wallpaper and accessories that I have a trade account with and they are launching a fabulous fabric panel line all with beautiful Asian designs.  I do pay attention to current trends in the design world as that is how I stay relevant.   So I found some beautiful Vietnamese Silk Lanterns.  In Hoi An, they celebrate every full moon with a beautiful lantern festival in which thousands of silk lanterns are hung about town all aglow.  I picked up 3 of these lanterns, all with an inner bamboo frame system that collapse for easier storage and shipping.  They are VERY large and I find them very attractive in a grouping but am pricing individually.  The smallest one needs some glue and I have not repaired it yet so have not listed it.  You can find them on etsy.  

I get lost in this beautiful painting. The black background is actually green foliage and pink accents. It was amazingly done! 

I have worked through the art and ming tables I picked up the other week and most everything is live on etsy and chairish.  I hung the paintings in my living room for safe keeping while they wait for a home and I am in love with them.  The details are lovely and it really classes up my space.  I know whomever takes them in will love them just as much.  I added everything I know about the artist, which sadly, is not much.  Most of it from observation of being in her home and not necessarily facts about her art career.  

I just accepted an offer on the Adrian Pearsall Jacks end tables.  The kidney shaped cocktail table is still available.  I will hopefully be looking to bring some of the upholstered items from this lot home shortly.  I keep going round in my head about them.  For as much as I'd love to restore them and then list them for sale or even coordinate the restoration for the buyer, I really do not have the kind of budget to invest into them without having someone lined up to fund it.  I may just offer them as is for the buyer to do their own coordination.  I have a house full of items I have a lot of money invested into and they just do not seem to find homes fast.  It makes me sad but it is what it is.  I cannot tie more money up into things that sit for a year or more.  That said, if you really love them and want me to help you get them done, I will gladly and enthusiastically take on the project.  

As the push to the holiday season approaches, I will be trying to get through some back stock to list and may even thin some of my personal collections.  I did just list an amazing tension pole lamp that I was planning on keeping but decided since I have another to restore that can replace it, I will let it go.  Keep checking my Facebook and instagram for latest additions to the inventory as I usually post it there first.  

Heading out for the weekend so any sales that come in will be shipped Monday.  Have a great weekend!  xo Malissa

Fall Lookbook- Mad Mod World Vintage STYLE!

I always try to keep up with current trends because lets face it, not all of you want a home that looks like you just stepped into the 1950's!  (Ok, I know there is a chunk of us that would like nothing more!!!!) In reality, not all of us are furnishing period homes.  The good news is mixing your furniture styles is very much IN for the fall season!  That means you can add pops of mid century in with your farmhouse or cottage décor and really pull it off.  Good news for my friends in PA that seem to always end up in farmhouse or shabby chic haven!  Good design is timeless and even if the 'experts' are saying it's tired and ready to move on, I have news for them....there are legions of folks passionate about the era and it's offerings so I do not feel they are on base with that prediction.  Only time will tell.  If you follow my shop, you will see I tend to walk the lines and will always say YES to something that I feel adds an interesting visual appeal or texture to a space, even if it is OUT of the era.  I do have many interior designer clients so having things that appeal to them is very important to me.

Color trends for this fall include BLUSH, which they tend to pair with deep dark colors or let's say my navy day bed!  I pictured this day bed in a space like a nursery or den.  Style that is functional and a great piece for a part time retreat. The cushions are brand new and very thick foam which is quite comfortable for lounging with a new baby or for an overnight guest. Day beds are trending now as well.  This one is better than new!  The beautiful velvety fabric is from Joybird's pet and kid friendly line as well.  All original details were recreated including the piping and tufting. All cushions feature zipper entry and the metal base features sexy hairpin legs.  This truly is a fabulous piece!  Swatches shown below are all fabrics from F Schumacher, which I am able to purchase for you!  Most are available in custom pillows as well if you are not crafty.  I would love to work with you and have access to everything they offer on the website.  I can order samples from them as well, and I definitely recommend that!

I have incorporated some other fabulous trends in this style sheet including VELVETS and FURS which add great texture to a space and are ON TREND for fall and honestly, they have been trending for a while. Mixing textures and patterns is a fabulous way to go and gives a great eclectic, boho or 'jungalow' style. This is another great way to jazz up the standard MCM piece.  Typically, mcm is very minimalistic and can get bland and sterile.  Your choice in popping colors, patterns and textures are really what makes it fit in with other eras and really softens the often hard, sleek lines of the design.  Accessories will really allow you to incorporate these pieces as trends change, and you know, they will!   A new coat of paint on the walls, some throw pillows and even a new area rug can give you a whole different look without spending a whole lot.  This is why investing in refinished vintage goods is the better option than say, Target's reproduction line.  Those things are made in china and not made to withstand 60 years of use.  With some love, these restored pieces will hold their value and will most likely become more valuable as the years go on. 

With this said, another great trend is woven and wicker goods!  I can see why!  As I worked on reweaving my Italian Ladder Back chairs I can tell you that I fell in love with the look.  The modernist shape of these chairs and cartoon exaggerated backs was almost humorous and because they have the same farmhouse chic style as a traditional chair, they can morph into a lot of different dining rooms and be accepted.  I left the black chippy finish alone but did add a clear coat over all the wood.  I felt that this aged finish was perfect for today's shabby trends and by all means, I am not an advocate of faux finishes.  In fact, I will be the first one to say there is nothing durable about a chalk paint finish at all!  Before you spend money on this, know that every woodworker I work with thinks it is a crap finish and will definitely cause you strife in the long run.  I made a set of 6 incorporating 2 natural chairs with the 4 black.  I think it also adds interest to the set! 

Woven accents also include textiles!  Just so happens I have been acquiring some fabulous pieces!  My new obsession is rugs....Persian, Turkish.  All hand woven, a bit shabby from age and in fabulous bright hues, they will add an exotic air to your space.  These pieces have been a mystery to me and if you have been following along, can have some maintenance involved.  Of all the things I have bought and sold, I will say that a good rug will cost you. The good thing is, they are heirloom pieces (just like any decent mcm treasure!) so if it is taken care of, it will provide your family with years of use and grace your floors with excitement!  I always here BLOND is OUT! Well, let me tell you, this fall's trends look fabulous with light wood and many natural and light finished pieces are showing in this fall's trends!  A great time to snatch up some Heywood Wakefield, that always presents well in a social setting!  Sleek, curvy and smart, it truly ebbs and flows in and out over the years but one thing is for certain, it is well made and a joy to refinish!  Most pieces found 'in the wild' have issues, but it can almost always be saved!  This collection of end tables were all trashed when I found them and now they are gorgeous!  I collect this brand myself so if you want to know more about it, I would love to help you along.  It is addicting and reminds me of school furniture, perhaps because they did make the old wooden school chairs we remember from our youth!  With all the darks coming back en vogue for wall treatments and accessories, now is a great time to add some lighter woods to your décor! They also look great with exotic designs, textures and bright colors!

Adding a fun bright pop of color to an otherwise neutral room is so much fun! I have selected some swatches from F Schumacher's collection of wall coverings to show you how fun this can be. Featuring some dark shades as the trends are calling for and also some basic neutrals.  We built our home in 2004 and the whole living room is tan and brown.  For me, accenting with bright colors makes my room feel pulled together instead of bland.  Throw pillows, curtains and chairs are my relief!  I choose bright colors for these beautiful Heywood Wakefield side chairs because I know there are many boring rooms that needs some color.  Because I also collect Heywood Wakefield myself, I can assure you I put much care into my restorations.  They are fabulous and fun and I cannot believe they are still here!  The blue pair has well over 100 <3s on chairish!  Because they are smaller, I can totally pack these for the bus and each chair would probably ship for around $60 cross country! 

No matter what your style, color and texture is universal to bringing it all together!  Have fun with it!  I would love to help you along in your decorating either with some new furniture or help you select some wallpapers or fabrics!  I represent Joybird and F Schumacher and can be your go to gal for anything you need!  Reach out anytime to discuss!   xo Malissa

A quick note to the locals!  My furniture featured at Fleetwood Antique Mall is now 50% off!  Come on out and grab them!  Cash and Carry please!  I would love to find them homes and redecorate the space for fall!  Send your friends! WED-SUN 10-6 14129 Kutztown Rd (Route 222), Fleetwood, PA 19522ots of new listings in the etsy shop too! 

This pair of late 1800's Empire side chairs are mahogany and have red velvet covered seats.  That can be swapped out and I would gladly help you with that! Reach out with any requests! 

Seek and Ye Shall Find, MCM Style: How Custom Shopping Works.

A while back, one of my clients asked me to keep an eye open for a nice walnut low dresser for her.  It's been on my mind overtime I am out sourcing.  Finally, I found a fabulous piece that was in great condition and I thought she may love it.  I sent a pic, and my initial thoughts on condition which I call a once over.  Meanwhile, my brain is going crazy processing the issues and trying to determine a strategy to repair and blend in the issues.  My initial pics were in the shop it was found and of course, these items do not last long so it was imperative that I pounce on it to secure it for my client.  I am lucky that she is easily accessible and we went back and forth via text for a little bit as I answered her questions, checked the dresser for smells, drawers work, structural issues and finish issues....plus the ever important dimensions!  She quickly decided this piece was for her (and I agree, that it is a totally stellar piece!).  There was a matching dresser and night stand and for as much as we hated to leave them behind.....I saw today they were already sold so no going back!  As soon as I had her blessing, I purchased the dresser and got it home to spend the rest of the day cleaning, touching up and filling a large gash on the left front corner.  As I worked, I really fell in love with this piece!  It was totally not the average low dresser and wow was it cleaning up fabulously!  I kept her posted with pics of my progress and she is totally excited to meet it!  Delivery is this Friday and I am so excited to see it in her home.  I love to get to clients homes since most of my customers are around the country, it's not always possible.  This lovely lady has quite the eye for design and it is a treat to see my awesome finds displayed in her amazing space.  Her color choices are bold and stunning.  The home is a sprawling MCM ranch in a charming neighborhood close to where I went to college. I always enjoy the visit! 

As I finished cleaning up this piece, I was contacted by a shopper on Etsy about a pair of dressers I had listed.  She was interested in both pieces.  (Yea!  I hate separating sets!!!!)  Would I deliver to Maryland outside of Washington DC?  Sure would for these pretties!  We set the delivery up for the following day and I get them ready and packed my car. The family and I headed down and delivered these gorgeous chests and we got them all moved in.  They were perfect!  My client sent us on our way with the most delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies I ever ate!  As we talked and she said she was interested in some more dressers for the other bedroom, I showed her a pic of another set that was for sale and I just loved so much.  She loved it too!  So today I got all the specs and did my run down on condition plus checked how much dirt was really on it and how it would clean up.  Well, this set is amazing in a kitchy and fun way.  I am happy to report I will be purchasing this set and getting it ready for delivery in early July!

Seriously shopping?  I get around!  I am always out looking and some things I choose not to invest in for various reasons including size, price and budget.  If i know you are looking for something, I would totally shop for you.  My goal is to get you a great price so that I can still price the final product under street value in my markets.  This means I will purchase on your behalf, go over it with a fine tooth comb trying to clean, erase imperfections as best as I can and tend to any structural issues that it may have.  Your freshly cleaned and touched up item will be shipped or delivered with the same care I take with the inventory I invest in.  You will get my honest opinion on condition and what I think I can do to get it up to snuff. I do not buy stinky or smelly stuff!  You can trust me to shop for quality items!  In most cases, I will ask for a deposit when I make the purchase with the balance due upon shipping/delivery.  If we have worked together in the past, however, you will have my trust on this. My services are offered in good faith that you will purchase the items secured for you.  Please reach out!  I will do all I can to help you find the piece of your dreams!  Good things take time, so do not expect an instant score and especially so if you give me a very specific list!  Walnut low dresser was easier to locate than say a Broyhill Brasilia 9 drawer dresser.  So the more flexible you are, the quicker this may go. 

Stock update:

Both Frank Lloyd Wright stretched fabric frames are complete and listed.  I can make more but have 4 of the smaller 'Design 107' pattern and 3 of the larger St Marks Print pattern ready to ship! They are very simple, fabric stretched over an artists canvas.  Please see them in the etsy shop.  Reach out if you would like me to order yardage from this line for you.  Even if you only want a yard, I would split the minimum order with you as they seem to require a 2 yard purchase.  They are also selling pillows made to order.  They are not cheap, but if you are interested, please check the schumacher.com website for available prints (search Frank Lloyd Wright and they come up) and I can work up a quote for you.  All pillows are 2 sided with the print you select. Expect to pay around $200 per pillow and most are 18" square but I saw they had the velvet in 16" square, most likely because the velvet is crazy expensive.  Reach out!

We are shoving off on vacation in a few weeks.  I will be totally off the grid for most of it.  I will probably put my online shops on vacation mode so I don't have any mad shoppers.  Although I expect to get into town every few days and access wifi, I am positive we will not have internet out in the Adirondacks where we are primitive camping.  If you need something, please reach out to me before Jun 22nd.  I will most likely not be coordinating any deliveries that week either or large furniture shipments. Hit me up now if there is something you love so I can get it shipped out or delivered for you in the next week or 2.  I will be crazy packing as we will be living in our VW Vanagon for 10 days or so which takes a lot of planning!! haha  

Special thanks to Darcie and Debbie who have been the most gracious clients and I just adore working with you! xo Malissa