"Y" I love my job.

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The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.

-DeAnn Hollis

Volunteerism and Community Outreach is deep within the heart of Mandeville Canyon Designs. There is something incredibly rewarding about having the opportunity to share your time and talent in a way that benefits the community in which you live. This is why I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of a group of people spearheading the design of the new Southern District YMCA right here in Exeter, NH!  



Amy Hage, Renee Carman, Jaye Carr and Julie LaNigra

Designing a public space that tends to the needs of just about every age group presents a very fun design challenge. It begs for function, along with a certain aesthetic. So how did we approach the project? Well, I would say the Southern District YMCA has tapped into the local community, the end users, the people who the "Y" will matter most to, and asked them for their input. This has truly been a community project.

At the same time, our design team has put careful thought into the building process. It has been wonderful to see that the Y has the same design theory as we do at Mandeville Canyon Designs, which is to design in balance with nature.

In addition, we want to utilize the neuroscience of designing a public space. Not sure what I mean? The neuroscience of interior design is simply the practice of designing a space based on how it makes you feel, or how we want it to make you feel. We are paying closer attention to the human's natural cognitive response to their surrounding environment. According to the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, everything around us; the shapes, scales, textures, materials and sounds affect our mood, decision making, health and the level of motivation at any given moment in time. Fascinating, right?

We have been able to incorporate a lot of windows to bring the feeling of outside in. The use of tactile materials that may be either warm or cool to the touch have also been thoughtfully incorporated into the building design.

At Mandeville Canyon Designs, we always consider the five earth elements and look to them for inspiration, which is exactly what we've done at the Y! We have brought in the element of fire, with the addition of a fireplace where members can gather. And we are currently looking into creative ways to bring in the element of water as well. Colors have been chosen carefully, warm and inviting in one space, colorful and playful in another. I don't want to give the entire design away, but suffice to say, it's going to be wonderful!

The Southern District YMCA has worked incredibly hard to make the building a special place within the Exeter area.  It's so exciting to see the progress week to week and I, for one, can not wait to see the final product, as I just know it's going to be fantastic!

Stay tuned for more updates on the project!

Warmly,

Renee





Are you smarter than your thermostat?

Pretty soon I think our houses are going to be smarter than we are as technology makes it way into interior design. It may take some time to convince you, but it is definitely a trend that won't be going out of style any time soon...or ever!

For some of us, the idea of technology is frightening!! I'm still trying to figure out my smart phone, and my iPad! The thought of another device makes my head spin!

While technology may not be your thing, there are some benefits you may want to consider, like safety, energy efficiency and convenience.

Photo Credit: www.freshome.com

As a mom, safety is always on my mind (even though my kids are not really kids any more!). And I am happy to say that things are smartening up in the kitchen! Take induction cooktops for example. They produce heat that only heats the cookware when the metal comes in contact with the induction cooktop surface. This means a safer kitchen to work in, and less heat being generated for comfort while cooking.

Many clients are beginning to install their tablets into the wall of their kitchen so that they can really operate it as "command central"!

Photo credit: Kohler.com

Kitchens aren't the only room in the house getting a technology overhaul. You can also find a lot of products to make your bath experience even more luxurious and comforting. Who wouldn't want to hop into a shower that is programmed with temperature, spray, steam, audio and lighting just for you?!! If you like to soak to classical music, while your husband likes to wake up to old school rock, you can program that too, all with the touch of a button!

 I also love some of the products out there like Canary that keep your family safe. You might not think you are ready for a smart phone activated security system, however, if you have kids who come home from school before you get home from work, or if you travel often, it may offer the peace of mind you've been looking for! 

Home Security System from Canary

Canary is a complete home security system packed into a single device. It adapts to your home over time, and sends intelligent notifications with HD video directly to your smartphone. That way, you’re never surprised when you walk through the door. 

Nest Learning Thermostat

Of course, energy efficiency is always top of mind for me. Anything that we can do to cut costs, and respect the environment is worth doing in my book!  And that's why I love Nest where, as they say, "Saving energy is a beautiful thing." This cute little thermostat actually learns the temperature settings that you prefer in your home, and then automatically adjusts for you! With convenient features that will save you money, this seems to be a win-win to me!

Other smart home technologies that I totally dig... how about remote control skylights? Brilliant idea, right? No need for that ugly long pole that you used have to use to crank open your skylight (which inevitably  one kid or another used it as a baseball bat and broke it...sigh!) Or showerheads that help conserve water usage, without compromising function or style...um, YES! Sign me up for that!

I do love  automatic landscape lighting and anything solar power is a YES in my book!

So you see, even for some of us "technology-adverse" folks out there, products like these offer some undeniable benefit. Plus, they are pretty cool!

For more great ideas on how to incorporate technology into your interior design, check out this article from Fresh Home.

Let's embrace home technology together!

Best,

Renee



Trendspotting in NYC!

I was like a kid in a candy shop, walking through the 2015 +Architectural Digest Home Design Show last week! More than 300 companies exhibit and over 40,000 people attend. My "amateur" photos below don't do justice as to how brilliant the show was, but it is a sneak peak into some of my favorite things!

It is simply amazing to me that year after year more and more creative designs are presented. This is what makes me love my job so much...it's never boring!
 
It comes as no surprise to me that much of what I saw reinforced the theme of organic earthy elements with lots of reclaimed wood materials. It's still super hot, especially in the kitchen.

If you are loving the reclaimed wood trend, then I think you will absolutely drool over anything by Palo Samko.

www.palosamko.com

 

www.palosamko.com

 

Next on my list of hot trends is anything by Brizo. They are always ahead of the curve in design and ease of use. This kitchen faucet, Artesso, is ergonomic genius with an almost Sherlock Holmes industrial vibe. I can't help myself...totally getting one!


Brizo Artesso faucet



Wonderwall Studios is a fun take on the traditional tile and is no more expensive! Organic and warm to the touch, it has limitless applications.
Below are some stunning samples using Wonderwall Studios tiles to add warmth to a room with some unexpected applications.

 



As seen on Wonderwallstudios.com

As seen on Wonderwallstudios.com

 

One of the most exciting booths I visited was that of JM Lifestyles. They are a leader in concrete fabrication and creates out of this world designs for kitchens and bath, indoor and outdoor. It's warm and sensual and ecofriendly.  Believe it or not, this table is not even wood...but I dare you to tell the difference!

JM Lifetyles

Look for our collaboration later this year!

And who doesn't want an acrylic ping pong table like this one??  With looks this good, the game room no longer has to be an eyesore!



 

Another hot trend that struck a chord with me was the appearance of smarter technology in everyday items. I am always impressed at the technological smarty-pants of the world...and their creations certainly made a bold appearance at the show this year. Voice activation and multitasking appliances are taking the market by storm. With some of these advances you will literally be able to turn down the heat on your oven while you relax in your backyard with guests! Imagine the luxury in that!

As for multitasking appliances, we're talking about ranges that you can grill, griddle, boil water, use the conventional oven, which can be switched to steam-enhanced for the baker in you....or use the convection oven all while keeping your plates warm in the warming compartment! Whew! And I thought I could multitask! This thing does it all! If only it could prepare the food itself....

Stay tuned to see how we incorporate these hot new design trends into our clients' designs!

We can't wait!

Best,
Renee



It's all about the brass, 'bout the brass, 'bout the brass. No silver!



Move over silver and polished nickel!
Brass is back...FOR REAL!

I know, the idea of it may give you flashbacks to a few decades ago, when every home had inexpensive shiny "faux" brass chandeliers and door knobs. Yuck! But brass has changed...and it's for the better!

Brass has actually been quietly making a comeback for a couple of years. It's just taken a little time for it to lose it's former bad reputation. The new brass has class and is one of the hottest trends in design right now.

Why the new love affair with brass? Well, it could be because it's so versatile. It's modern yet classic, plays well with other metals and works with just about any color. Brass is warm and luxurious. It can be bold or subtle. Glamorous yet down-to-earth.

While it's taken a little convincing, I have some brave clients who have taken the plunge! One of the best features about using brass in design is how well it plays with others. Look how well it mixed with other metals, like iron!


Wall Sconce from Wisteria.com



As I often say, "It's all about the details". One place this certainly rings true is in your kitchen! Using brass details can create a very hip, yet classic space. Use it confidently, knowing that brass is here to stay! (hence the comeback!). Try installing a set of unexpected shiny brass pendants. If that's too much, start with brass knobs, handles or brass faucets. Keep in mind that brass comes in different finishes, so if shiny is not the look you had in mind, try something a little more subtle like the look of aged brass. Either way, you can't go wrong and your neighbors will be surprised at what a trend setter you are!

Proof that brass mixes well with other metals!

Two-toned flatware from West Elm

 

These brass cabinets are SOOOOOO cool! I want them for my house!!!

Oooh, shiny! Found on Stylecarrot.com

Martha Stewart

Today's designers are more creative and daring than ever. It seems like all rules have been thrown out the window (yay!) and creativity and unexpectedness is the key to good design. That's why I’m loving the way that designers are introducing brass in both big and small ways. And I of course love how designers are mixing metals like brass, copper, and silver for a modern, cool vibe.


As seen on bhg.com

Not sure if brass will work in your home? Think of it as a new "neutral". It plays a key role in your home décor without distracting from your other elements of design.

Seen on BetterHomesandGardens.com

Look at these fabulous brass frames! Found on decorpad.com

 

Totally brassy chandelier found at West Elm



Who would've thunk that brass could be so cool? For lots and lots more inspiring, totally brassy design check out my Pinterest board, Brass is Back!

Keep on shining!

Renee