Who doesn't like a good "BEFORE & AFTER"?

There is nothing more exciting for a designer than to see a room transform into something fresh, new and beautiful. Sometimes though, we are so entrenched in the details that we forget how far along a room has come!

Nothing speaks volumes like a good "Before & After" shot. It's like when you finally decide to color your hair a different shade, or go for that new style, and you walk out of the salon and everyone says "Wow, you look fabulous!" It's not that you didn't look great before, it's more likely that your new 'do freshens up your look and makes you look even better.

I highly recommend that before you embark on any interior design project you take lots of "before" pictures to show your friends just how far you've come! And of course, you'll need to take lots of "after" pictures too! 

Take a look at these BEFORE pictures of a bathroom remodel I recently completed. You will be shocked at how we transformed this bath into a stunning oasis.

BEFORE

Nice shower area, just needed a little updating.





Does this remind you of a bathroom in your house?

Now take a look at our AFTER pictures and you will wonder how my clients even get out of the house in the morning! With a  bathroom like that, I'd want to stay all day....turn the fireplace on, read a good book while luxuriating in the beautiful soaking tub...but I digress..!!

AFTER

It can sometimes be shocking what new paint and flooring can do for a room! But the addition of this tub and the fireplace really make this bath something special.

I love adding a piece of furniture to a bath. It's a bit unexpected, but looks lovely while offering additional storage for the homeowner.

So long fiberglass shower! Hello, gorgeous tile! A special thanks to G & N Flooring for showing us just how fun tile can be! I love the mix of styles and colors chosen here.

All photos of the newly renovated bath were taken by Nat Rea

Talk about storage! I was lucky enough to collaborate with my good friends at PK Surroundings to design these gorgeous cabinets. They are so functional yet so beautiful at the same time!

 When it comes to bathroom renovations, the possibilities are endless. Style and function CAN work together! 

Until next week,

Renee 







Small Space, Big Design

I often hear friends and clients say they don't want to hire a designer for their small living room, or guest bath because of it's small size in comparison to the remaining rooms in the house. However, designing a small space is equally as challenging as designing a large open space.

Many homeowners don't know where to begin and find themselves buying the wrong furniture or artwork, or whatever it may be. And they are left scratching their head trying to figure out where they went wrong...the space either feels too cluttered or like the furniture just doesn't fit.

Trust me, it certainly takes practice, skill and a little leap of faith to design a small room. Just because it's small, doesn't mean that it can't be stylish, functional and serve a useful purpose!

+1 Kindesign posted 51 Inspiring small living rooms using available space. Be sure to check it out. The photos you will see will just about prove that everything you were doing to decorate your small room is all wrong! These beautifully designed rooms use all available space without making you feel claustrophobic!

Here are a few tips I like to keep in mind when designing a smaller room for my clients.

Embrace the space!
While your room may be small, it does have it's benefits too...I won't begin to mention the cost savings in heating, lighting etc. What I'm talking about is it's coziness. A room full of intimacy and charm.

Think about how you will use the space.
It's always best to plan ahead, especially in this case. Think about the functionality of the room before you begin your design. How are you going to use the space? Do you need seating areas, or is it a small bedroom? Do you need storage? If so, how much?

Furniture and Lighting.
You don't need to buy mini pieces because you are designing a mini space. But you do need to make sure your furniture is appropriately compact and that it 100% serves the function you need it to. Think of pieces that can perform double duty, like an ottoman that can also be storage. And clear furniture (i.e. coffee table) can work wonders! I used a clear table in this small cottage and I think it looks fabulous!



As for lighting....think lots of it! In a small room you really need to maximize the lighting because shadows and dark corners can work against you and make the space feel smaller. Think of multiple light sources and lots of lamps!

Paint and Color:
Don't be afraid to be "loud and proud"! Often times clients hesitate to use a bold color in a small space, but I say "Go for it!" As long as there is unity in your color scheme, a high impact color can work well. Use a glossy finish so that the light will reflect off the walls. Artwork is another way to add a statement. I tell clients that "bigger, is most often better when it comes to artwork" It will actually make the space feel bigger, where smaller pieces have the opposite effect and will tend to make your space feel smaller.

Wallpaper is another great way to make an impact and trick the eye into thinking the space is much larger than you think!

If you need more inspiration check out this post from +Style Motivation with great ideas for small bedrooms! Click here! They also did a great piece on functional and creative design for small apartments

You can also see some more of my design work for small spaces on Pinterest!

And remember small space CAN mean big design!

Until next week,

Renee

Doing Good With Wood

I was lucky (and I don't believe in luck).  A canyon filled with dirt, eucalyptus, and assorted reptiles. An unobstructed view of the city of angels and a home filled with wood...wood floors, wood walls, and wood ceilings. Growing up here I was fairly sure that if God had a vacation home, it would be mine. 
Still am.

Like most people, I had no idea why it made me feel so comfortable, it was just home. I didn't know it could lower my blood pressure (what blood pressure?), reduce my resting heart rate (that sounds boring!), or relax my prefrontal cortex (can't relax something that isn't even developed yet, right?).
 But thanks to some nifty neuroscientific discoveries, what we knew all along was probably good for us, actually is.

Photo courtesy of theberry.com

Photo courtesy of bloodandchampagne.com

Ester Sternberg in her inspiring book, Healing Spaces, The Science of Health and Well-being, speaks about the importance of bringing this essential element into public spaces such as hospitals and other places of care to help speed healing and promote cognitive health. 
In their book, Your Brain on Nature, Selhub and Logan engage in the dialogue about the importance that nature and, in specific, forests have on the psyche. Shinrin-yoku, known as Forest Bathing, has taken on international importance in places like Japan where down time is at a premium, but stress is at an all time high.

Photo courtesy of midcenturymodernfreak.tumblr.com

Now, no one is saying we should replace the health benefits that are derived from being outdoors. The healing properties of cypress, the benefits of negative ions at the beach, the vitamin D of sunshine, but what can we do to supplement this in our own home? 
Well, it's easier than you think!

~Warm to the touch. When thinking about additions to your home, opt for natural wood table tops for dining and desks. The energy from the wood helps with focus and peace of mind. Tabletops (like people) only get better and softer to the touch with age (provided that they get loved regularly). Consider replacing your breakfast bar with a piece of live edge reclaimed wood. No better way to start your morning!

Photo courtesy of www.remodelwest.com

~Look around and take stock of what already exists in your home. Chances are the answer might be right underfoot.
Don't discount the warmth, comfort, and convenience of wood floors. 

Photo courtesy of renohardwoodfloors.com

Aim for a wood with the most natural elements and the least amount of chemical applications. Think water based poly for your top coat. Recycled and reclaimed woods are a wonderful option to keep wood out of the landfill and extend the history. 
We are currently remodeling our mudroom and using old barn wood for our shelving. When we bought our siding the vendor warned us that it might be troublesome wood because it had been removed from a barn that was thought to be haunted. We are pleased to report that our wood has been nothing but cooperative, and we do enjoy the idea of it having a life beyond the current.

~Surround yourself. Gone are the days of faux wood paneling, but very in is the idea of using wood on your walls. I have a client right now that is using horizontal plank barnwood loosely place so to allow Ben Moore's Van Deusen Blue to peek through beneath. The effect is stunning.
Here is the staggered look used on one of our favorite local cafe's, Good Karma

Photo courtesy of Good Karma Cafe, Exeter, NH

Ben Moore Historical HC 156

~And don't forget to look up. There is nothing as comforting as wood on the ceiling. I was at a house that a realtor was showing recently and she remarked what a joy it was to show this house. She had no idea what it was, but she would go out of her way to show it. She just couldn't help but want to be within it's walls. The moment I walked in, I knew what it was. The ceilings and beams were blanketed with the most beautiful, natural pine. You could smell the sweetness. It was like a big hug, the kind where you can rest your head into someone's chest and get a little rub on the back kind of hug.

For my barn reno, we knew the importance of maintaining the integrity and history of the space. It also just made sense that this family room would have that safe and protected feeling by keeping the surrounding wood.

photo courtesy of www.mandevillecanyondesigns.com

 

And who wouldn't believe that this bedroom is absolutely dreamy with the natural wood canopy and truly inspired LED lighting nestled within.

Photo courtesy of decorist.com

 Get outside, bath yourself in a forest or two and then bring the woods indoors. It'll seem natural.

For more inspiration, click here to link up to my Pinterest board and take dip in some truly soothing designs.

In good design health,

Renee

 

 

Tips for a stylish and functional Mudroom and Laundry

So, I have to admit my cleaning spree has continued into a second week, which for those that know me, realize this is a big deal. I have a small attention span for repeated tasks that seem to bring no lasting value, i.e; the kids just mess it up again.
We (read: my husband) has taken over the task of remodeling our mudroom/laundry room complete with tiling, barnwood shelving, and mega organizational items. This, I am convinced, will change our lives and certainly put us on the path to whole house organization, and at the very least has allowed us (again read: husband) to hone our formerly non-existent tiling skills.
I took the advise I would give my clients and made a list of: Must haves, Would Like to Have, and Dreams (this is where the indoor/outdoor shower complete with rainforest foliage fit it).
I figured it might be good to pass this list along and also take it as an opportunity to get it out of my head and onto paper!

 ~ Define the purpose. A mudroom is only as good as it's easiest entrance. The best laid mudrooms have become pantries because the kids had to pass easier entrances like the front door to get to them. Make sure this much needed room is attached to your garage or as close to the bus stop is geographically possible.

 

This bright and functional space is right off the garage. It practically requests you to hang up your coat and boots, especially if they color coordinate.

~A Place for Everything and Everything in it's Place. Your grandmother was on to something (and probably tired of picking up your stuff). Take an inventory of what you have and where it should go. Whenever we design a kitchen or bath, we have the client empty everything out before we design. They end up needed about a 1/3 less than they thought because it turns out stuff like the gardening tools don't need to be in the spice drawer.

This great system from Pottery Barn gives even the most hopeless of organizers a fighting chance!

~Everyone Accounted For? How many family members will be using the space? How much room do they need? Make sure you take into consideration that your 5 year old will someday be bigger than you (trust me it happens!) and a cute little bench now will have them eating their knees years to come. Plus the size of backpacks doubles from year to year.
Are there room for guests?
This dream mudroom from Peace Design respects both present and future company.

And don't forget the four footed friends. It's great to at least have a hook or two for our companions, but here are some fun ideas that are on my Dream List.

 Whether you just have a corner to devote or a room the size of a Manhattan apt (my current mudroom reno is the size of my first Manhattan apt), devoting some time to planning and organizing will keep you ahead of the clutter ahead.
There are some great inspirational ideas on both Houzz.com and Pinterest to help get you started on your own road to organizational paradise. Just click here to check out my inspirational board and get more fun tips! 


Happy Organizing!

Best,
Renee 

So long summer...

While it certainly feels like summer today, for many of us on the east coast, our kids have already started back at school. If you are like me, there's a part of you that's just not ready to give up the playfulness of long summer days. However, I must admit, the other side of my brain takes a bit of comfort in the new, more predictable schedule that back to school brings.


For many years, I have sort of viewed back to school as a "New Years" celebration of sorts...new beginnings, a fresh start, a new season, you name it! It also makes me feel like it's time to get a bit more organized. Having just returned from vacation I found myself cleaning out my fridge, calling the carpet cleaner, then realizing it just can't be saved...so I called the carpet installer. You get my point, it's time to do a little "spring cleaning" in the fall! Take advantage of the good weather and get your deep cleaning done now. That way you can face Old Man Winter in the comfort of your clean and organized home. 

Since I'm a girl who loves a check list, just so I can cross stuff off as I go, I loved this handy "Fall Cleaning Checklist" from +Real Simple . Click here to see the list!

Or, if you are a real go-getter, check out the very thorough checklist from +Lil Blue Boo ...it's the "Mother of All Checklists" Click here to check it out!

Plan to use the days with cooler temps to take care of your outdoor chores. Soon you won't need your hoses or outdoor furniture (insert sad face here).

If the task of deep cleaning your home seems a little daunting, do what my assistant is planning on doing. Pick one day per week to be your "deep clean" day. Then pick a room or an area to focus on and get it done!

And don't forget to take care of your car. Vacuum out all the beach sand, get an oil change, fill the windshield fluid, etc. You want your wheels to be clean and ready for all of your fall decorating finds!

Good luck with your fall cleaning! Check back next week for more design tips from +Mandeville Canyon Designs!

Best,

Renee

Pool rules!

I have been lucky enough to get to work on several outdoor projects over the years. These are often times my favorite projects because I love the feel of the sunshine, but I also love the natural beauty and energy that surrounds us outdoors.

 

This summer I have had the opportunity to work on a pool and landscaping project which has been nothing short of exciting. Installing a pool is a daunting project and there is so much to take into consideration. Take a look at these before pictures and wait 'til you discover how we transformed this yard into an oasis!

 

Pool project "before" pictures:

 

Because of the pool construction and prior home construction, the soil was seriously depleted, so something I was equally excited about was bringing back nutrients to the soil. We brought in 14 yards of loam and organic compost and spread that under the sod and tiled it into all the beds.

 

 

I then hand fertilized all the plants and used root stimulator to help with the shock of some of the transplanted items. It was important for us to use what was already in the garden both with plants and boulders first and then augment from there. This helps cut down on costs and one can presume if it's there and it's alive, it must like it. 

 

Beautiful stone work at our recent pool project

I'm a little obsessive about the stone work. I believe that everything has an energy, especially stone due to it's ancestry. I spend a long time working with my clients to choose the stonework for a garden. I love to start with what exists on the land and then work outward, trying to mimic what might be found on the site. In this way we marry the old with, well, the old, but you get the idea.

 

We used a variety of plants in this design that add both visual interest, seasonal interest and year around color and texture. Two of my favorites are the Pinus densiflora 'Occulus Draconis' Dragon's Eye Pine



Dragon's Eye Pine

and the Maple Sango Kaku

 




Maple Sango Kaku

 

Always take into consideration your soil, your site. This site had more all day sun than I have seen in a long time. Add to that a nearly flat grade and it was just begging for a pool, drainage, and native opportunities.

 

 

Pool project "after" pictures:

Also, don't overestimate your interest. If gardening really isn't your thing, stick with the basics. Both you and the flora will thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've worked on several landscape and pool projects and am often asked about how to keep the plantings around the pool looking lovely longer. For that, I always recommend that you ask an expert, which is what I always do!

So, I have tapped into one of my favorite local garden centers, Churchill's Gardens.  If you live near Exeter and haven't yet visited them, you absolutely need to get there!

Here is some fantastic advice from Linda at Churchill's Gardens:

Now that it is later summer, people are often thinking that their gardens are looking tired. Often they are, but there are some things that you can do to keep them looking fresher. 

Tips for Perennials

• Make sure they are watered if we do not get steady rain. When you water perennials, or trees and shrubs you want to make sure you are deeply watering so that the roots are really getting wet. This year we have had steadier rains and not the extreme heat, so plants are not so stressed as some years, but some rain has come down so hard and fast this year, that it has not soaked in. 
• You do not want to be fertilizing perennials, roses, or shrubs at this point, as you do not want to push lush new growth that will not be hardy for the winter. 
• What you can do though is go through your gardens and deadhead any gone by blooms, remove those gone by daylily stalks, etc. by cleaning up your garden it will not look so tired.

 Tips for Annuals

• As far as annuals go, keep regularly watering them and most importantly feeding them. There is plenty of summer left and you will be surprised that they often make a resurgence as the days get cooler if you are still feeding them.
• Use a liquid fertilizer at least once a week for plants in containers, and it does not hurt to feed several times a week.
• Keep them deadheaded and cleaned up and they will keep going for many more weeks.

Keep in mind that even if we have been a bit cooler, we have had some 100% sunny days that are just as drying for the soil and plants, so they need water and fertilizer to keep looking happy.

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer, before school starts and fall brings us new energy. Soak in the sunshine and enjoy your yard!

Best,

Renee

 

 

 

Color combos that are safe but not boring

I can honestly say, the most common interior design question I get from clients, friends, family (even strangers in the paint store!) is how to choose paint colors. No surprise here, but I am a visual person, so I thought I'd share some of the color schemes I have used recently. Hopefully it provides you with a bit of inspiration!  

Sherwin Williams Scandia, Indigo, Cosmos & Icelandic

I used these colors in a recent cottage by the beach that I designed. Since the cottage is rather small (less than 700 sq. ft.), I decided to use a monochromatic theme and then give each room a hit of color from the "other side". What do I mean by "the other side"? Well, I'm talking about the other side of the color wheel! Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered complementary colors. I love to use this treatment in a room when I really want something to stand out. The high contrast of colors creates a vibrant look, which I think fills a room with great energy! For this cottage, I chose orange to be my complementary color and I could not have been more pleased. Take a look at how wonderfully the blues & oranges play together!

I used the same technique in another home I designed. This time I used very neutral browns with a hit of red. This suited my client well because they were able to take a few chances with the brightly colored accessories, but could also change them up quite easily and guilt free!



Sherwin Williams Craft Paper, Believable Buff, & Cardboard

Sherwin Williams Paint

Of course, you can't go wrong with these colors either. It's a great color combination for staging your home. A touch of color without going too crazy! The colors I chose were all +Sherwin Williams paint; Copen Blue, Agreeable Grey, Toque White, Calico and Warm Stone. The paint color names alone sound soothing and peaceful!

And finally, here's a sneak peak at the colors I am using in a home by the beach. Once again, I stay somewhat "safe" with the paint color choice and then had fun with some wallpaper and fabric. The colors here are +California Paints in Steamy Spring, +Benjamin Moore Paints  in Rattan and Soft Glow. Then a used Shore Thing wallpaper and  Thibaut Luzon fabric in Aqua and Coral. Beachy, but not boring!

If you aren't sure where colors fall on the color wheel and which ones may complement each other, I recommend you hop on over to TigerColor.com and see what they have to say. There's a terrific post about color schemes, complete with pictures to help explain it all!