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



Hang in there!

Another week, another snowstorm here in NH! And another one on the way to boot! There must be at least 50 inches of snow in my front yard. The kids haven't had a full week of school in weeks! Even my friends who love winter are hanging up the white flag (you just can't see it under all of the snow!)!  So the term, "Hang in there!" has been used a lot lately!

But what I really meant to say was "Hang it there!"...meaning hang some wallpaper! No seriously, wallpaper is cool. Way cooler than it used to be.

Many of my clients have reservations about wallpaper, and I get it. It kind of earned a bad rap a few decades ago. Most of you are worried that it's no longer in style, or that it will quickly go out of style. Some are concerned that it's difficult put up and even more difficult to get down.



West Elm
Sepulveda Mural Wallpaper - Graystone

Well, the good news is that wallpaper today is very much in fashion and with today's advances in technology and design, wallpaper is much easier to install and to remove. And for those commitment-phobes out there, you can even buy temporary wallpaper.

There are so many great companies out there making some beautiful wallpaper. There is no doubt, that there is something for everyone! And there are so many different ways incorporate wallpaper into your design.

Wallpaper can totally transform the look and feel of a room. Have you ever felt that a painted wall feels, well...."flat"? In comes some wallpaper and voila! bring on the dimension! If you are feeling a little nervous about wallpapering an entire room, try just covering an accent wall. You will still get the effect, without as much of a commitment.

Found on beachblissliving.com

Remember to choose your wallpaper carefully. These days wallpaper is made from all kinds of materials. Pick the one that's most suitable for your room. For example, you may want to use a vinyl wallpaper in the bathroom where it's moist. Consider a wallpaper with a washable finish for high-traffic areas like hallways, mudrooms, or for that matter kids room (I still have visions of hand and footprints on my kids walls!). In fact, wallpaper can be more forgiving and easier to care for than just a painted wall!

The entryway is another fun place to use wallpaper. You can apply it to the walls, or even the stairs!


Found on theboldabode.com

Found on bhg.com


Still not sure what to do?? Look no further than UP!! You betcha! Wallpaper on the ceiling is a brilliant idea! It's a dreamy touch to a nursery, or a bold statement in an office!


Found on homeadore.com



Found on projectnursery.com



Here's  something funny...I absolutely love wallpaper and yet I have none of it in my house. Stands to reason that if you loved something, you would want to have it around you, and that's exactly why I don't. See, I have such a love of wallpaper that I can't choose! Yes, it even happens to designers. I am paralyzed by all of the wonderful options;  Graphic, floral, photographs of corrugated tin siding! I have decided that the responsible thing to do is just continue to love from afar (and wait until our new studio is painted, and then...watch out!)!

Now that I've got you thinking wallpaper, be sure to check back next week, we'll be featuring my favorite wallpaper designers!

Until then, have fun imagining the possibilities!

 

What Really Counts and What Really Makes Cents.

 

Week two of our bathroom remodel brings us one of my favorite parts....the guts! I love opening up walls to find out what's inside. It speaks so much about the care that was, hopefully, taken and what needs to be done if it hasn't been done already.



Something I love to see here is that even though most of these walls are interior, you will notice that there is still insulation.

 

Insulation isn't just for temperature control, it also acts as a sound barrier, which can be a really important feature in a bath reno.



Whenever you open walls, take the opportunity to examine your insulations. Is it adequate for your interior and exterior walls? If not, now is the perfect time to beef it up! If you don't have extra room, consider spraying in some extra and don't forget to spray around those medicine cabinets.

 

If you live in an older home and open up a wall and find that the studs run all the way up the walls (balloon framing), by code, you must put horizontal blocking in to prevent the quick spread of fire. The devastating fire in Boston and the recent church in Newfields might have been aided by this life saving structural change.

Also make sure you have horizontal blocking for anything you are handing up such as towel racks, toilet paper holders, medicine cabinets and showerheads. So much nicer than trying to find those "never placed in the right place" studs later on. Also, I love to see a clean, safe place.

Make sure your contractor takes proper precautions to insure your safety and a healthy living environment. Completely covering the flooring and installing plastic zip walls cuts down on the wear and tear to walls and floors.

Another wonderful feature is the particulate removal machine that helps pull out the dust and allergens, ensuring healthier breathing.

 

So let's talk a moment about BUDGET. My husband once warned me never to tell them the budget because they will always find a way to spend it. A good contractor or designer will use your budget to help realize your dreams and your realities, and there are always realities...!

Building a bathroom or kitchen is like making a small house. You have to tap into all the systems, i.e.; electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and finishes, to make it work. Sit down with your designer and talk about the non-negotiables, the nice to haves and the reaches. Kind of like applying for colleges. You also don't want to be looking at stuff that you know you simply cannot have. Take into consideration ROI. According to the +National Association of Home Builders, a new bath can increase the value of a home by 20%. On a renovation, one can expect to recoup about 60% of costs. Go to www.remodeling.hw.net to plug in your area and get resale values for the most common improvements such as kitchens, baths, even generators!

There are items to purchase at every price point. Some are fine to negotiate on such as lighting. Can we find something that looks that opulent, but for less?

Either of these stunning options gives us the look we want, but at a fraction of the cost of our original design.

 

Some things should not be compromised, such as plumbing fixtures. Look alikes from box stores can have the same name but use all plastic parts inside, hence keeping the cost down, but compromising the integrity and lifespan of the product.

 

Budgets always need to be fluid. Count on the 20/20 rule. Twenty percent more for mid-stream changes and/or things that may be encountered along the way. Also plan for it to take 20% longer. That way you can be pleasantly surprised when you are on time and on budget (and have the satisfaction of knowing you would be the first project to accomplish that!).

 

On our own project we sheetrock this week and start the pretty stuff...tiling. We will post some more pics next week on our progress. So far, so good!

 

Best,

 

Renee!

 

Ready to take your design outside?

Spring has finally sprung...I think!

I don't know about you, but for me these past few days with bright sunshine and warmer temperatures in New Hampshire have surely put a spring in my step and lifted my mood. With only a few patches of snow left to melt in my yard, I am inspired to begin designing outside!

I like to think of the outdoor spaces in my yard as an extension of my home. Here in New Hampshire, our season is pretty short so I like to be sure to make my space functional and pretty.

 However, there are so many things to consider before you head down the path (no pun intended!) to landscape design! Before I even meet with clients to discuss outdoor spaces, I ask that they do the following:

• Make a list of needs and wants. This is important to really think about. Do your children need a place to play? Perhaps they'd enjoy a fairy garden like the one I created here?

• If you have a dog, you may want to consider a special area just for your pet!

• Are you thinking of having a vegetable garden? Would you like a patio or a porch? Also think about where the sun is during different parts of the day and when you are likely to be using the patio or porch. You don't want for it to be blazing hot every time you head outside, otherwise it won't get used.

• Consider the direction of the sun and wind. Before you decide to construct a fire pit, you best know which way the wind comes from, otherwise you'll be left with a whole lot of smoke and not a lot of fire!

• It's also a good idea to write down the types of plants and trees you love, or even the ones you don't want to see in your yard.  Are there certain colors you like, or a certain feel that you want your yard to evoke?

Today we have so many wonderful choices in indoor/outdoor rugs, furniture and accessories. It's no longer just wicker or plastic. I love to create a space that will really get used. Whether it's to host a cookout on the porch or relax on the patio there are many ways to design.

So while the sun is shining on us think about how you want to use your yard and begin creating an inviting space for the outdoor space that surrounds you. Believe it or not, designers and landscapers begin to get booked out several months this time of year. So if you are hoping to share margaritas on your deck with friends for Memorial Day, you better get planning!

May the warm sun rays shine down on you today and every day!

Renee



Add some splash to your bath!

We've all heard the advice by now, updated kitchens and baths are a great investment for your home. And it's true! No one wants a dated kitchen and you certainly don't want to start your day in an ugly bathroom!

 

I love to recreate bathrooms because you can really have some fun in this (usually) smaller space. I'm not afraid to mix old and new, or to utilize some spunky colors. Take this 1850's Farmhouse bathroom I designed. The last update this bathroom had seen was in the 50's. We pulled the old Formica counter and base and replaced it with one of the homeowners cabinets. We topped it with a remnant piece of black honed granite and then placed a wonderfully hefty marble vessel sink atop. The real splurge was a  chrome faucet from +Brizo Faucet to help bring a bit of contemporary to the space.

 

 

Photos by Jared Saulnier

The walls were in bad enough shape that it gave us license to throw a splash of wallpaper up to liven up the space. Classic dot tile round out the room and keep it feeling period.

 

 

Here again I mixed the old with the new in another bathroom in this family's farmhouse. It's likely that this bathroom started out as a large closet or perhaps a birthing room. We had several hutches that seemed the perfect solution for vanities. We plated the back of the upper hutch with mirror and replaced the old wood top with a honed absolute black granite remnant.

 

The splurge was on the +Brizo Faucet fixtures and was worth every penny. Combining modern with old, two mini pendants drop from the ceiling to add extra light. Classic subway tile fit perfectly with the river rock floor and zebra stripe accent. A wall niche offers extra storage place and keeps things tidy.

 

Photos by Jared Saulnier

For anyone looking to update their bath, the possibilities are endless. Consider the style of your house and the feeling you want to evoke as you start and end your day.

It doesn't have to be boring. Go ahead, make a splash!

Renee

What does your favorite color say about you?

www.mandevillecanyondesigns.com

How many times have you been asked, "What's your favorite color?" My guess is that it's probably been quite a few times! And through the years your favorite color may have changed. As a child you may have loved the color pink or blue, but as you got older it changed to something else, like yellow or red. Why is that you wonder? Have you ever thought about what your favorite color says about you? It's really quite interesting and quite fun if you think about it!

Take a look in your closet. What color(s) do you see most repeated throughout your wardrobe? Does one certain color rise to the top of the heap? Are you colorful or very muted?

If you ask me what my favorite color is, I'd quickly respond with "red, of course!" It's the color I wear on the inside. I don't tend to decorate with it much, but it is my motivator! When it comes to decorating I lean more towards red's more playful and gregarious sister, orange!

So what does this say about me?

To find out what your favorite color says about you click here and you'll be taken to the I love color! Board on Pinterest.

When it comes to decorating are you a little bit more "color-phobic"? Or do you find yourself infusing you home with your favorite color too! Just for fun click here and take Better Homes and Garden's color personality quiz. You just might surprise yourself and learn that your favorite color to decorate with is quite different than what you'd answer the question, "What's your favorite color?" with. 

So often I hear people say that they are tired of decorating with the same old beige or off-white, but are too nervous or don't know how to add some "pops" of color without "overdoing" it, or without making an expensive mistake.

Fear no more! I am a certified Dewey Color System Design Consultant. Working together we can identify what colors are you "comfort colors". These are the hues that sooth and inspire you. From there we can mindfully select a paint, fabric and accessory color palette.

California Paints has an excellent section on their website about color theory and how colors make you feel. Take a look and see if the color of the room you are sitting in sets the mood you wanted to achieve. California Paints Color Theory.

Before I select a color for a client, I ask many questions so that I can understand how they want to feel in the room we are working on, serene in a bedroom, lively in a playroom, creative in the kitchen.

Don't be afraid of taking a walk on the wild side, or at least crossing the street to a new color scheme. And if you need someone to hold your hand and guide you through it, I'm here for you!

Colorfully yours,
Renee

A Rose by Any Other Name

 It was said that Albert Einstein gave a flower to a stranger every day. The release of endorphins created by that chance encounter were locked into his long term memory and, in his words, "Insured that he had at least one new memory ever day".

 Since I talk about the importance of emotion in my design quite frequently, and once again the temperature at ground layer has dipped below the level at which any respectable flower would even consider peaking her head through, I though it might be nice to reflect on how flowers in the home bring about a sense of peace and happiness (and perhaps a distant memory of warm destinations).

The Power of Flowers

 If you haven't been over to aboutflowers.com you are in for a treat. It's filled with insightful ideas and concise little papers on the effect that flowers have on the home, the workplace, and even on men (you guys get your own article!).
In a recent issue they discuss a wonderful study that was done by Rutgers University on the power that giving flowers has on a person. The research team was awestruck by the results. Every single one of the recipients reacted with a Duchenne smile, you know, that real heart felt smile with your eyes, and your cheeks, and your mouth. A 100% of the time kind of smile. 

 It appears that the simple act of giving someone flowers can have a profound effect on their psychological well being. The act of intimacy sparked a lingering connection, well past the moment of the gift. 

And it goes beyond giving. Even if you choose to give yourself flowers (as well you should) the effects were similar. A feeling of long lasting satisfaction and gratitude were reported as well as a drop in depression and anxious feelings.

So, what are some easy ways to elevate your mood, help you feel connected and foster intimacy?

• Flowers are a great way to bring big, luscious, I might be afraid to put these colors up on my walls, color into your life. Step out of your comfort zone and go big. Bring in bold gerberas, peonies, zinnias,  or tropical flowers such as bird of paradise.
• Place your flowers in areas of the house where you are most likely in interact with them. Greet people at the door with an arrangement in the entryway. Place a bouquet where the kids do home work or you gather for meals as a way to celebrate family. According to aboutflowers.com a low, clustered floral arrangement in shades of pink symbolize an opening of the heart. Who knows, it might just bring you more romance.
• Feel free to mix up your flowers with other natural components. Move beyond the classic glass vase and incorporate stone, galvanized steel or even a lined library catalog (ok, yes, I did make one of these).
• Spend a little time learning about what different flowers symbolize~
• Daisy symbolizes innocence
• Sunflowers beam with adoration
• Lilac is first love
• And yellow tulips are for those who are hopelessly in love 

However you choose to accessorize with flowers, go forth with the confidence that you can, scientifically, make someone's day 100 % of the time. 

That's good enough for me!

Best,

Renee



*The beautiful flowers posted here can be found at our own local outlet of happiness~
Cymbidium Floral in Exeter, NH

How to prepare for your first meeting with an interior designer.

 

Hiring an interior designer is a big decision for most people. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration before you sign a contract and begin work. Recently I wrote about some questions YOU may want to ask your designer, but equally important are the questions your DESIGNER may ask you! If you have never used the services of an interior designer, you maybe a little intimidated at your first meeting. Keep reading for some helpful tips to prepare you and enable to feel comfortable and prepared for your meeting.

1. What's the overall look you want to give your home?

There are many ways to answer this question....are you looking for a casual look or more formal? Is your style Contemporary, Traditional or somewhere in between? Are you looking to create a coastal look or a vintage or cottage look? Do you like soft, muted colors or are you more bold? These are all things you need to consider and communicate to your interior designer.

If you have trouble putting into words what you are trying to create (as many of us do!) start by creating a notebook full of magazine pages you have ripped out that you like. Go to the paint store and grab some paint chips that you like.

If you are more computer savvy, check out Houzz.com and Pinterest and start putting together "Idea Books" with pictures that you like. Take a look at my Houzz profile Mandeville Canyon Designs on Houzz

2. How will the space be used? 

This is where I encourage you to do some deep thinking. There are certain ways we many want our space to be used or how we may want it to look, but the reality is we are all busy and have families. So, what we may picture in our mind may not actually be realistic.

Give this some deep thought. Does an office need to couple as a guest room from time to time? Do you entertain a lot? Do you need your dining room to also function as a homework station for the kids?

These are very important things to think about and discuss with your designer so that the end result is not only beautiful, but it's functional too!


3. What is your budget?  This may be the hardest question to answer, as you really may have no idea. My husband once warned me to never give them a budget because they will always spend it! The truth is, a good designer will use this as a valuable tool in determining your overall design. Even a ballpark figure allows for everyone to stay on the same track as far as materials and labor, and helps to prioritize. Thus allowing you to get the most bang for your buck!

 

 

Working with a designer is sort of like courting someone. Being honest and upfront about what you want and what you are trying to create will ensure a healthy relationship. Sometimes you yourself don't even know the answers to the questions a designer may ask until you really spend the time thinking about it!

Falling into Design

Welcome back to all our visitors! No better time to start back with our blog than in the fall. So many wonderful textures and colors and holidays just around the corner give us plenty to chat about.








I have lots of news on the horizon.... It was a wonderful summer full of design inspiration and plenty of projects. For our latest project I had he chance to work with the wonderful textile artist, Bridget Bleckmann of Penumbra Textiles on the 2011 York Decorators Showhouse in York, Maine.
Bridget invited me to work as the outdoor stylist for the stunning Emerson House. We wanted to really
take advantage of the outdoor living room concept, so Bridget worked her magic with a amazing collection of vibrant fabrics that were all suitable for casual outdoor living.
We then had the wonderful fortune of working with Knoll Furniture of Boston who graciously supplied us with many of our contemporary outdoor furnishings. Using a clean modern esthetic was a big risk in an ultra-traditional 1700's home, but we felt we needed something light and refreshing as visitors left the home. By pairing it with lush plantings and unusual displays of greener, such as our living wall from Wentworth Greenhouses, we managed to capture the perfect balance of color, texture, and whimsy. For more photos from the Showhouse, we invite you to visit our website:
Mandeville Canyon Designs.

Other exciting news this fall is the launch of the new website. Months in the preparation, I am very excited to present this new interactive site that I hope you will find easy to navigate and a pleasure to peruse.
One of my favorite features on the website is the addition of the marketplace. Here you will be able to find some my very favorite items from the residential, commercial, and outdoor installations.




I will feature such designers as Tracy Glover and Penumbra Textiles, plus sustainable designs by Martha's Vineyard Furniture Company along with one of a kind accessories from around the world. I do hope you will take the time to pop over to the website and click on Marketplace. You will also receive 10% off your opening order as a grateful thank you for your support.
We would also love your feedback on all the updates. Please feel free to comment here or like Mandeville Canyon Designs on Facebook. I would love to hear from all of you!

Look for the holiday shopping blog in October full of ideas and sustainable holiday gift giving ideas!

Enjoy fall's beautiful display!

Warm regards,

Renee