What hue are you?

Remember when you were a kid and you got one of those big boxes of crayons, like the box of 64, and there were so many shades of the same color? For a girl like me, that was true bliss! Give them a little scribble on your paper and voila! you've got a new shade of purple!

And don't even get me started on the names of the colors!!  Blue is no longer just blue...you've got everything from Cornflower, to Aquamarine and Blizzard Blue...what about Indigo and Cerulean? Well isn't that true about paint color these days? It feels like there are about a million shades of the same color.

Its seems like so many of my clients are looking to incorporate some sort of blue into their design. Maybe it's because we are near the coast, or maybe it's because there are so many shades that can appeal to both men and women without feeling too feminine or too masculine. I'm not sure, but whatever the reason, I am loving the latest color combinations!

So how do you keep it fresh and current? I don't tend to try to stay on trend, but I do keep one eye on it! Understanding your clients preferences and how the colors make them feel sometimes outweighs the need to be "trendy"  I also like to get a feel for what's behind the colors my clients choose. Are they looking for a coast feel or a more of a morning in the redwoods? Knowing this helps to create a lasting mood.

I do think it's fun to pair your colors with a little bit of "unexpectedness"! Right now I am seeing, a lot of turquoise in the fabrics, wall coverings and accessories I am finding. It's been paired with everything from red  to black and even orange! Add a neutral like grey and you've got a stunning new look.


I recently used +Sherwin Williams Indigo (SW 6531) for a seaside cottage in Maine. It was love at first sight! 

I paired it with +Sherwin Williams   Scanda (6529), Passive (7064) and Ellie Gray (7650) to create a stunning backdrop for my orange and teal accent pieces! 


To mix things up a bit in another seaside cottage, I used +Sherwin Williams Kind Green (6457). This time I paired it with +Benjamin Moore Paints Soft Glow on an accent wall in one of the bedrooms.



To round out the color palette in this cottage I used +Benjamin Moore Paints Hush. It's still a coastal color palette, but a little different than sticking with just the blues and tans you often see.

I love to think outside the box and dare my clients to paint their ceiling something other than white. It's sort of like the fifth wall in your room, but often it's not even considered when selecting paint. Take a look at this dining room in an 1850's Farmhouse in New Hampshire.

Here it really highlight some of the details in this room that otherwise would have been overlooked. So don't just look at the 4 walls that surround you, look up too!

As always, I highly recommend purchasing samples and trying them out on your walls in your home. What looks great in the store may look totally different in the light of your home.

 

 

Until next week!

 

Renee

'Tis the season!

Well, not really...but believe it or not, here at +Mandeville Canyon Designs we are already thinking about the holidays! I am excited to announce that we have partnered with Womanade of Greater Squamscott to organize the first annual Exeter Area Holiday House Tour! The event is scheduled for Sunday, December 7th, 2014 from 1-4:00pm.

All proceeds from this amazing event will be given to Womanade of Greater Squamscott, and ultimately given right back into our community. This incredible organization is able to help men, women and families who are in need of short term financial assistance. Money is given without any red tape.

So, you ask, why am I writing about the holidays in June?? For many of us here in NH, it feels like Old Man Winter practically just left!  Well, my friend, we are currently in the planning phase of our event and are asking for community support. We are presently accepting applications for homes to be featured on the tour. Our goal is to find an array of house styles and designs that are as eclectic as the residents of our community. Each home will be partnered with an area designer to help the homeowners bring that "ooohh and ahhh" to their holiday décor.

We have already received lots of support from the local community and businesses in town, such as Churchill's Gardens and the Inn by the Bandstand.

In fact we already have one fabulous home that will be featured on the tour, plus one other surprise....but if I told you what it is that would sort of be like peeking at your gifts before the big day!

Think about it...Maybe it's time you opened up your doors and showcased your home? What could be better than having your home beautifully decorated and ready to receive guests weeks before the holiday hoopla begins? 

If you would like to learn more about the Exeter Area Holiday House Tour please check out our website or find us on Facebook.

It's sure to be a fun and fabulous event!

Renee

Wallpaper is back and it's better than ever!

The rumors are true, wallpaper is back!! It's better than ever and it's here to stay.

With today's technology, the possibilities are endless. There once was a time when you were limited to floral prints or very traditional patterns, but now you will see everything from graphic patterns and bold prints to nature inspired designs and even a more industrial look, like cement and steel.


Right now, I am loving the resort collection from Thibaut.  It's  bold and bright. And it practically makes you feel the warmth of sunshine radiating off your walls. It's fun, fashionable and totally sophisticated. You can even coordinate your fabrics, if you so choose! This particular print is called "Shore Thing". It comes in several different colors. How fun would it be to design a room using Shore Thing in Turquoise with red and white accents to create a fresh take on Red, White, and Blue?

If artistry is what you're looking for, then search no farther than Martha Armatige. She may be in her 80's but that hasn't stopped her! Her wallpaper designs, as seen in these images, are works of art, timeless and stunning. It's hard to believe, but she actually draws these custom papers! I admire her tenacity and it's never too late attitude as well as her beautiful artwork.

 

+Serena & Lily make their own wallpaper designs and they coordinate beautifully with their signature fabrics. Use their patterns to incorporate color, pattern and style into your room.

Carvern Home has sweet, low key prints in lots of pastel that don't intimidate a first timer, although of course my favorite is "Casa de Millagros".

Not only has wallpaper come along way with its design, but now it is much easier to apply, and more affordable than ever. Now you can use wallpaper to add a little "wow factor" without breaking the bank. And if you grow tired of your look, it's easy to change in a few years.

Many companies like +Sherwin Williams  are now offering removable wallpaper. It's the perfect solution for someone who likes to redecorate or change things up often! Check out these designs that you can find at +Target!

All you need to do is peel and stick. It's simple to apply, reposition and remove...Amen!

Try it on a door, an accent wall or inside a bookcase.

They offer everything from a modern zigzag to a more traditional Damask. Perfect for a front entry, bathroom, a book case or a nursery!

I am happy to report that there even are some Eco-friendly companies that are on the rise. Recycled paper, non-toxic paste and PVC free and most companies are here is the US! Check out what Twenty2 Handprint has to offer. I especially love their grass cloth collection. +Eskayel also has a nice offering of eco-friendly and fashionable wall coverings.

+Spoonflower is one of the eco-friendly companies that is now offering removable/repositionable wallpaper which is great for apartments or those that just want a quick infusion. They can also design anything you can imagine.

 

For those timid about committing to an entire wall, think about just one focal wall, or trim out a wall in molding.  Try a splash above or below a chair rail. In this picture I used a touch of wallpaper inside a china hutch.

Also love the idea of running it up a flight of stairs. Wouldn't this put an extra zing in your step every time you have to run upstairs (for the millionth time that day!)?!!

You can't go wrong with a touch of wallpaper from Osborne & Little, F. Schumacher Co., Lee Jofa or York. +Anthropologie always has fun retro patterns that put the H in Hip.

Wallpaper in 2014 gives us more design possibility than we could've imagined.

Your walls have never looked so good! 

Renee

Show your true colors!

So, last week I played hooky from our blog, but for good reason. My son had the opportunity to play in the D3 Baseball World Series Championships in Appleton, Wisconsin, for the second time in a row.

Now, being the mom of a pitcher, you hear all sorts of things being yelled from the stands. One that has stuck out over the years though as been, "Paint the corners, kid". This means move your ball around the strike zone and keep 'em guessing. Very easy to yell as a spectator.
 

Appleton, Wisconsin is about the best place to hold this tournament as they are just one big mid-west basket of kindness. You can't walk down the street without engaging in full conversations with complete strangers. The architecture also displays this generosity of spirit as they are not shy in displaying their love for detail and color.
 

'Paint the corners, kid' got me thinking. As I was soaking in the diversity of style and palette, it might be a good idea to post a little something on exterior colors. Whatever your material, there will come a time when it has to be addressed and a little thought and prep work can go a long way both esthetically and practically.

Mother Nature hit us with a long winter, whose effects on your house have surely come to light as you have come out of hibernation, and started spending more time outdoors.

It's likely that you already know that repainting your entire house is going to cost you a good chunk of change. And since it's not necessary to do it all that often (thankfully!), it's a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. You're going to have to look at it and love it for years to come!

I saw these two houses in Appleton, WI and had to stop and pause for a moment (...something designers do a lot when we see something that inspires us!) What


I fell in love with while gazing at these two lovelies, was that they had that iconic Victorian sort of Painted Lady look but on a classic craftsman style house! And it works so beautifully!

There are plenty of historical palettes to choose from and they don't need to be used for just that period. I think it's fun to mix up the period colors with different architectural style. I particularly love this brick house for bringing in some color detail without distracting from the brick. The matching chairs out front are a nice touch too!

In order to narrow your decision down, there are some a few things to consider; such as the color of your roof, chimney, walkways, front steps and even your driveway. While you won't be painting these elements they still certainly play a role in what color you choose.

Take this house for example, I particularly like the use of the stone and mustard color. Here they found a color that they liked within the stone and chose to call that out in the overall color scheme. It would have been equally dramatic to go with a gray, it's just a matter of personal taste.

Study your surroundings and take some queues from nature. Trees and lots of leafy green foundation plantings may suggest an earthy palette of greens and browns. If you have lots of spring blooms in vibrant colors, choose a paint color that will compliment them. A beach setting might suggest vivid blues, turquoises, and coral colors.

You may also want take into consideration your neighbors house(s). You don't have to imitate their palette, and certainly you have the freedom to put your own spin on your color scheme, but it might be nice to compliment each other!

Many paint companies like +Benjamin Moore Paints and +Valspar Paint will provide you with color palettes that work together. I like how creative they've become with the color wheel. Some palettes use opposite colors, such as red and yellow, while others stay on the same side of the wheel, analogous, and play off the architecture with more subtlety.

We learn so many important lessons from the past, therefore it's important to honor your homes history. If you are looking to preserve the past, you will probably want to use a color scheme that is historically true. Refer to a historic color chart too select something to reflect on the past. Or, if you are looking to update the look of your house, while highlighting some of the architectural details, go for it! It can often result in a very dramatic façade! Just be sure that your house still honors it's surroundings.

I'd be lying if I told you that choosing your exterior paint color was going to be easy, but hopefully I've given you some insight and tips to help narrow down the choices!

Good luck and remember, "Paint the corners, kid!"

Renee

Psst...there's a package on your front porch!

No, not really. There isn't a package on your front porch. But seriously, when was the last time you went out there? Once upon a time front porches were designed and built for the purpose of extending the living area of the home. It was a place to cool off from long hot days spent in the fields, or to share a glass of lemonade with your neighbors. Think about it....when was the last time you actually enjoyed your front porch? Maybe it's time to stop pulling into your garage and heading straight inside! Pretend you are a visitor and head to the front door! Take a moment to figure out what's missing!

Life has become so complicated and fast-paced that we hardly pay attention to our porches! Unless you are lucky enough to have a beautiful view from your porch it's unlikely you've sat and relaxed on yours recently. They are still quite popular in home designs, but not many homeowners know what to do with them!

With a little bit of attention, you'll get a lot of reward! I recommend starting with a walkway. What says, "Come on over!" or "Welcome to our home." more than a walkway to your front porch? Make your walkway nice and wide, and think about adding some interest. Even a slight curve can change the look & feel of your entryway. Consider using some lighting along the way.

 Now that I've got you on my porch, what's next? A fun and creative way to add some style to your porch is by adding some interesting trim pieces like the ones seen here. There are many different varieties available to suit your taste or your needs. It can add a little bit of privacy or just a beautiful design element.

Lighting is also a key element to your front porch. While your lights need to be functional, keep in mind that they set the mood for the entire house. So often I see houses with outdoor lighting that is just too small. Keep in mind the size and scale of your home when choosing your lights. I love this front porch ~ the scale and design of the lanterns are just perfect!

You don't have to spend a ton of money to make your front entry way look like it hasn't been forgotten. Simply giving your front door a new coat of paint in a splashy color will do the trick!

Break away from the traditional black and try one of these fun colors! Pair it with a stand out door knocker or mix it up with diamond shaped mullions on the door.


If space allows, I always like to add seating for at least two people. Of course you can't go wrong with the traditional rocking chairs, but there are also so many updated designs available today, all in weather resistant materials. Even a simple painted bench, like this one from +Pottery Barn can spruce up the look of your front entryway.

Change the pillows with the seasons and voila! Everyone will want to sit with you! Or, bring back the porch swing. This one by The Porch Store is just perfect for that afternoon nap!

I'm not going to lie, I love the idea of a daybed swing and outdoor window treatments. It's just so romantic! Here are some of my favorites.

 

 

 

Porch design can range from simple to outrageous. Peaceful to useful, budget conscious to expensive. Whatever your taste or budget may be, it's a part of our home that should not be overlooked. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

Cheers,

Renee

Nature never goes out of style

My love for nature started at an early age. I simply love the colors, texture, sights and sounds of the outdoors. That's why I LOVE the opportunity to take my design outside this time of year. I'm able to use nature's beauty to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space for families to enjoy. Over the years some great new products and outdoor designs have popped up, but I still love to integrate natural products whenever and wherever possible.

+Freshome recently published an article on some of this years hottest outdoor design trends. I have to admit, I love them all! A yard is an extension of our living space. It doesn't have to be big to be useful. Having a smart, beautiful design outside is just as important as having one on the inside. Your exterior is the first impression of your home. It should reflect your personality.

So where do you begin?

You can never go wrong with a fire pit. There is nothing better than sitting around a fire with family or friends and looking up at the stars. A fire pit can serve you well through many seasons, make s'mores in the summer or chase the chills away in the fall.
 

Enjoying the evening outside, possible with a fire pit – Rick O’donnell Architect

I am just loving the shape and placement of this firepit! 

I'll take the view that goes with this firepit too please!

I love to take any opportunity I can to use natural materials and there's no more fitting place to do so than in your yard. I am not going to lie to you...it's more costly upfront to use stone, or real wood materials but they will last longer and in the end, you'll actually come out ahead.

Beautiful natural stone bench from Finnerty LLC

 If you are short on space but want to be big on style, try installing a wall garden like this one by Debora Carl

Wonderful example of a neat wall garden – Debora Carl



We installed this wall garden at the York Decorators Showhouse. Instead of looking at a blank wall of siding this wall stands out as if there's a beautiful piece of artwork hanging there! Much easier on the eyes!

You should also remember to use plantings that are native to your region. No sense in planting something pretty, only to find out it won't survive long in your local climate. Native plants will be happier in your garden and thus thrive.

 

Most importantly, we should all remember to unplug and go outside. Breathe in the fresh air, soak up some sunshine, listen to the birds.

 

Best,

Renee

Home is where your mom is...

Homes are like moms, reliable, strong and beautiful. That said, your home should be that place that wraps you in a warm hug, it's always there for you when you need it, it holds you quietly when need be, or let's you be loud when the spirit moves you. It loves you even when you aren't loving it back (for the moment).  And just like your mother, your home can sometimes get overlooked, because it's so reliable and you know it (or she) will always be there for you. Sometimes we simply forget to stop and give it a little love.

Maybe this weekend, for Mother's Day, it's time to show your mom, and your home how much they are loved and appreciated!

After you've celebrated mom, how about a little something for your own home? Perhaps an inexpensive refresh!?

Here are a few of my latest, and greatest favorite finds.

I'm loving this beautiful fabric by Duralee. The orange creates a great pop of color & Mr. Octopus is just so cool!

If orange is not your thing, these pillows from +West Elm have a softer tone, but will work well with pretty much any color décor and they still feel fresh & summery.

Pair them with this cool daybed from +West Elm and you've got yourself a cozy place to relax with a good book...or a nap!

If you're looking to add some POP! of color, these should do the trick for you!

A knitted yellow pouf from +CB2 

 I love how this rug from Surya pulls together so many colors. The possibilities are endless!

 

Add some artwork, also from Surya, and a pretty blue lamp from +angelo:HOME Store and you've got a fresh new look!






So here's to celebrating all those strong, reliable moms and homes who are all so beautiful on the inside and out!

Best,

Renee