A Year with a View

If you are anything like me, you can't figure out how you misplaced 2014! Last winter seemed like it hung on forever and then thankfully we had a luxurious stretch of near perfect weather that seemed to slow the pace down for just a moment. That is until we tumbled head long into the holidays (which for the team on the Holiday House Tour started in February!).

I wanted to take a moment and share with you some of my favorite projects from the past year. We were fortunate enough to create luxurious master baths (when the family reptile isn't doing laps in the floating tub, that is).



All photos by Nat Rea



 

Romantic master suites complete with double sided fireplaces. 

A kitchen worth loving again.

And, our crispest little cottage yet, with a nod to Jonathan Adler and Paola Navone.

We took complete advantage of that summer sun and created some fabulous backyard adventures complete with diving rocks, 

decks made with rice hulls and olive oil (no, really!)

 and sparkling blue bottoms to spark the imagination.

We finished the year with a special gift. Months of preparation and dedication paid off in the first annual Exeter Area Holiday House Tour. 



Photos courtesy of Jaye Carr

Five stunning homes designed by five talent designers, florists, and scores of donated accessories inspired almost 300 touring guests from far and wide.



Photos courtesy of Jaye Carr



All the proceeds went to Womenade of Greater Squamscott, an extraordinary non-profit serving the needs of families throughout the Seacoast Area. 



Photos courtesy of Jaye Carr



Our committee was humbled and awed by the selflessness of all who were involved and couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity.

Stay tuned for a preview of 2015, coming soon!

We now look forward to another bountiful year filled with kitchens and baths, cabins and yet another pool. But most of all we look forward to what makes this business so much more than a business. We look forward to working with the best clients in the world. 

And if you are wondering who that might be? 

Yes, it's you!

Happiest of New Year's to all!

If you have a moment, check out our Best Of 2014 video, you might just be in it! 

Mandeville Canyon Designs Favorite Projects 2014

Cheers,

Renee

 

Christmas on the farm

This year I had the distinct pleasure of decorating a stunning farmhouse for the holidays as part of the Exeter Area Holiday House tour to benefit Womenade of Greater Squamscott. Thankfully, I had lots of talented helpers alongside to help me create a magical holiday setting. The tour was a HUGE success to say the least and my heart is filled, knowing that we raised a significant amount of money for people in need.

The original farm sign

The home itself is a beauty, sitting up on a hill, overlooking the Exeter river. It's wrapped in history, from once serving as an Angus farm, then as a Montessori school. Now it's been restored back it's original purpose, a warm and friendly family home.

A chalkboard coffee table is perfect for storytelling

I decided to treat the home to a little bit of what I call "rustic glamour". Using lots of natural elements and recycled products and then adding a touch of bling! 

A touch of sparkle!



Photo credit: Jaye Carr

We decked the halls using lots of greens and loads of twinkle lights. It smelled and looked delicious!

Photo credit: Jaye Carr

 
 
For a little out of the ordinary, recycled and rustic charm, we built a Christmas tree out of books. The stunning wall décor you see behind the book tree are paper mandala's and are handmade by Victoria of Open Book Studio. She repurposes broken books into works of art....very, cool! Click here to find her on Facebook.


Photo credit: Jaye Carr

To embellished a lonely corner under the stairs we created this one-of-a-kind piece, and filled it with holiday sparkle.

 

And of course, nothing brings the warmth of the holiday season to your home like a beautifully decorated tree!

 

 

 

For more photos from our festive farmhouse, and holiday décor inspiration, hop on over to my Pinterest page!

 

Warmly,

 

Renee

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready or not, here come the holidays!

Believe it or not, as an interior designer, it's not very often that I get to design a home for the holidays! This time of year, my time is mostly spent renovating kitchens and baths, or redesigning living spaces and bedrooms. My clients are generally in a full blown panic to get their homes spiffed up for a house full of guests during the holidays. Sound familiar?

While I love my usual projects, this year I set out to do something a little different during the holiday season. I wanted to use my interior design skills to some how give back to our community. To make a difference. So, my assistant (who is likeminded and felt the same urge to give back) and I spent one morning, many, many months ago, brainstorming ideas over cups of coffee. The idea that resonated to both of us was to put together a Holiday House tour where all the proceeds would benefit a local charity - we chose Womenade of Greater Squamscott.

After several months of planning, loads of hours of shopping, endless amounts of time designing we are now only two and a half weeks away from our event!

The 1st Annual Exeter Area Holiday House tour is set for Sunday, December 7th, 1-4:00pm in Exeter, NH!

Here's how it works. We have paired five of Exeter's finest homes with local interior designers and local florists to design and decorate for the holidays. This is not your usual holiday décor! Prepare yourself to be wowed by the beautiful and creative ideas that these designers and homeowners have come up with - I'm not talking your typical twinkle lights and a few holiday pillows on the couch - we're talkin' WOW FACTOR!

So get your tickets now before we sell out. This is an event you won't want to miss! Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 on the day of the tour. You may purchase your tickets at any of the following locations: Churchills Garden Centers, Cymbidium Floral, Trends, The Willow and G & N Flooring.

And since it's the season of giving thanks, I can't help but thank Womenade of Greater Squamscott for their support as well as all of our designers and volunteers. This event wouldn't have happened with out your time, creativity, energy and support!

Designers:
Stephanie Morrison of Morr Interiors
Carla Green of Carla Green Designs
Ethan Allan of Portsmouth, NH
Claire Abbott of Pattern No. 3
Mandeville Canyon Designs

Florists and Garden Centers:
Cymbidium Floral
The Exeter Flower Shop
Drinkwater Flowers & Design
Churchill's Garden Center
Yankee Clipper
Scamman's Home & Garden

I hope to see all of you on the tour in just a few weeks!

Enjoy the togetherness that comes with the holidays!
Renee