"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





Hey! Where'd you get that?

It seems like all of the buzz lately is focused around our food and where it comes from. There's a definite shift back towards locally grown food. While it may be true that it's more expensive to eat "farm to table" all of the time; it's also true that it's better for us, and quite frankly, better tasting! So why don't we do it 100% of the time? Well, convenience is one reason, but cost is another. But if the old saying is true, "You get what you pay for.", then why are we selling ourselves short?

Just like my food, I like to know where my furnishings come from as well! There's a different kind of connection; a different feeling you get when there's a personal connection that comes along with it.

I'm talking about something deeper than just knowing a product is American made. Don't get me wrong, American made furnishings are my favorite! But I like to go farther than that...It's creating a personal connection with the company I purchase from. It's when you dial the number and actually get to speak with the owner! It's where you'll find that the custom work and craftsmanship is of much better quality.

One such company whom I adore is J. Redmond Design Furnishings. The products I order from them are each beautifully handcrafted with an incredible attention to detail. Custom work at just a little more than the mass produced.

Transitional Living Room by High Point Furniture & Accessories j.redmond designs

Working closely with our business partners has other benefits too.

* The quality of work and craftsmanship is much better.
* You can create a custom look that reflects only your style, not that of everyone else ordering from those popular catalogs!
*  If it's an artist you are working with, you walk away with a one-of-a-kind piece!

While you may end up paying slightly more, the reward is worth the money!

There are too many business partners whom I adore working with, so we decided we would feature one or two of them every so often.

In addition to J. Redmond Designs, I also admire the works of Tracy Glover. Her lighting and hardware are interchangeable so that you can literally design your own unique piece. And she works with her clients to create something special, just for their own home.

So, the next time you are about to buy something for your home, ask yourself, "How am I connected to this? Or am I connected to it at all?". Why would you want something in your life that doesn't have meaning, doesn't speak to you and reflect on who you are?

Stay tuned for lots of other featured business whom I feel have a high level of customer service and go way out of their way to make their clients feel like royalty and to ensure that what their clients purchase is special to them!

Be well,

Renee

Beam Me Up Scotty!

I feel at home in an old barn!

I love it when, what's old is suddenly new again! It dawned on me recently that I have been incorporating lots of reclaimed wood into my designs these days. I am an advocate for using green materials and for bringing new life to old pieces. This is especially true when it comes to wood. Because reclaimed wood was once live, it has a story to tell from it's previous life before dawning it's skin and becoming something new. I often sense that you can still feel the old energy that wood once had. All of the markings, dents, color variations shows a life already lived. Bringing that extra vibe into the home can work wonders!

The beautiful thing about reclaimed wood is that it's style is so flexible. It doesn't necessarily mean that you live in a barn, or a farmhouse. Or that your style falls into the "country" category. I love the warmth it can bring to a modern design. It adds a uniqueness that you can't buy or get anywhere else. And let's face it....it's timeless. Using reclaimed wood never goes out of style. Very often I find that the juxtaposition of old beams in an updated décor is just what a room needed.

Mandeville Canyon Design

Believe it or not, old wood is actually stronger than new wood. It doesn't split, swell or warp like new wood does.

Using reclaimed wood from old barns, log posts and beams or wherever you may stumble upon, often transforms a room and quietly becomes the focal point. It's a way to connect the past with the present.

Indystar.com

If this mantel could talk, what would it say. The timber mantel is made from salvaged beams from a barn in Sunman, Ind., where Abraham Lincoln once gave a speech. Not to sound like a teenager, but that is so TOTALLY COOL!                      

Mandeville Canyon Design

I just found a beautiful heart pine with a live edge that I am going to use for one of my clients...I loved it so much that I bought extra to use in my house (sorry honey, I did it again!). There are lots of ways you can bring wood into your home. Shelves, beams on the ceiling, use it as a kitchen counter, highlight an accent wall or a fireplace with it.

Lushome.com

 

 

Designsponge.com

 

Lushome.com

A piece of reclaimed wood is as unique as you are! That's why I love to bring such pieces into a home! It gives the house personality without having to say a word.

For lots more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board, Doing Good With Wood.

Warmly,

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





Tempted to try a little wallpaper?

 

Welcome to Part 2 of our wallpaper series. If last weeks blog wasn't convincing enough that wallpaper is in, this weeks surely will. It's no surprise that there are possibilities galore! No matter what your personality or taste, there is a wallpaper design out there for you!

Because I am such a visual person (think picture books!), I thought it'd be fun to share with you some of my favorite wallpaper designs. These are just a few, because let's face it, I could spend all day doing this! But it's a good start and hopefully a bit of inspiration for you!


For the non-committal type:
Listen, I get it. You're still not sure you want to do this wallpaper thing. Well, I've got the answer for you! Retailers have smartened up and realized that there are lots and lots of people like you out there, who love the idea of trying something new with wallpaper, but don't want to be stuck with it for the next decade (or longer...gasp!). Voila! Along comes temporary wallpaper! And trust me, you won't be sacrificing design or quality by going with removable paper. It's just as lovely...it just may not stick around as long (no pun intended!).



www.designyourwall.com

www.tempaper.com

 

www.westelm.com

www.westelm.com

P.S. I love this temporary chalkboard wallpaper...thinking I might have to put this in my new office!



www.wallsneedlove.com

My son would never have left his room if I put this paper on the walls....hhmmm, why didn't I think of that years ago?!



www.wallsneedlove.com

www.swagpaper.com

If you're looking for a funky, industrial vibe: Check out what Deborah Bowness has to offer. www.deborahbowness.com.  Whether it's faux bookshelves or a bit of swag to draw your eye up, or maybe something more subtle, like a faux tile print...whatever it is Deborah has got it! Her one of a kind wallpaper are beautiful and function pieces of art.



www.deborahbowness.com

www.deborahbowness.com



www.deborahbowness.com





www.paperscissorsglue.com

Tricked ya! This isn't tile! It's wallpaper! You can get a faux tile, wood, brick, concrete...whatever you can imagine...in wallpaper! (same look as the real stuff, minus the huge expense)

Graham & Brown brick wallpaper found at Urban Outfitters

www.spoonflower.com

For the artist in you: For those of you out there who posses your own talent and vision, guess what?! You can actually design and create your own custom wallpaper! Check out www.spoonflower.com!



The only challenge I have now (at least when it comes to wallpaper) is containing my excitement! Be sure to also check out my Pinterest page! You'll find lots and lots of inspiration there! Click here to check it out!

Warmly,

Renee