beach inspired!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009


check out The Astoria, this beautifully Unique Trunk! We think it would work nicely at the end of a bed, or as a coffee table!

This cool trunk is new in store, and has just been custom designed for your home! Very sturdy with colors of antique cream, blue & black. In addition to being an interesting accent piece, it instantly creates extra storage ... blankets & quilts ... kids toys ... sports stuff ... lots of alternatives. Its light, sophisticated, and creamy colors offset the size and lighten it up as a décor feature.

Don't forget, we specialize in furniture revamping. You can always bring in a piece of your own as well and we can charge just for the service!

All of our pieces are one-of-a kind, signed and dated.

This item is affordably priced at $250.

Give us a call with questions, or if you're in the neighborhood ... just stop by!

Joyeuses Fêtes from us to you ...

Friday, December 25, 2009


our friends, family and clients!

This is a view of our Holiday Window courtesy of merchandising intern Rebekah Carey McNall ... don't you love the snowmallows?

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a safe and productive 2010! see you soon ... xx

Johnelle and Kim

Can you believe it? Our FOURTH Annual Holiday Reception & Sale is Here!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009


Our traditional Reception & 25% Off SALE!

Be sure and stop by for ....

*A SNEAK PEEK at Mignonne's new furniture partnership with Gina Pericini ... custom order chairs designed and hand finished to your request.

* Of Course, enjoy 25% savings on everything in the store (except original artwork) ... and we have loads of great choices for unique & special items for the season, like our signature vintage glassware ... perfect for gifts or to dress up your holiday tables!

* music by djenaturalselection

* holiday raffle - win one of our great gifts!

* yummy refreshments (slurp!)

* FREE consultation on furniture projects. Get inspired ~ check out our amazing furniture selection and brainstorm with Johnelle to get a jump start on your Spring design & décor ideas.

* check out our holiday windows, freshly fashioned by our spring intern ... Rebekah Carey McNall

(friendly reminder that Mignonne currently accepts cash or checks only for purchases ... )

Please be our guest for this year's holiday reception ... we can't believe it will be our 4th year of celebrating with our friends and family! We have a lot to be thankful for ... continued success during a challenging year, enjoying a wonderful new location, seeing our furniture business blossom ... and working with an ever-growing group of terrific friends and customers to bring affordable beauty into their daily lives!

We'd love to share a toast with you ... come and enjoy some music, our traditional big savings for the event, some laughs and good cheer.

Sincerely,

Johnelle & Kim Mancha
Mignonne Décor
2447 San Pablo Avenue
X Street is Dwight
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 388-5830

Color of the Year! and one of our signature hues ...

Friday, December 11, 2009


Turquoise! Pantone just announced their 2010 Color of the Year and it is Turquoise ... of course, here at Mignonne, we ADORE turquoise. It is one of our signature colors. Our original shop had this shade on the walls and we've incorporated into our new boutique as well.

Turquoise is a calming and sophisticated shade. It blends well with many of its companions on the color wheel. It can be dressed up and modern, as when paired with chocolate. It can get down and funky, as when distressed on wood. Or it can go local and tropical ... girly and pastel ... electrically disco.

And all take beautifully to your individual design schemes. We can help you decide where and when to bring the 2010 color of the year into your décor plans. and then customize the furniture or décor item to meet your needs.

We'll be bringing you more about turquoise in future updates. For now, check out one of our newest pieces in store ... with, (of course), turquoise touches ... a neat old vanity complete with sink.

Boudoir-worthy!

Saturday, December 5, 2009



How is this for a flashy feather in your boudoir nest? Charming vanity handpainted in coral. Lots of drawers to tuck away all your secrets ... talk about sexy legs, get a gander at these curvy gams ... other treasures in the photo to accent your boudoir include an elegant candelabra and faux fur rug ... we've got loads more awaiting your perusal ...

December is upon us!

Monday, November 30, 2009


The holiday season is here ... and many of you may be thinking about those family get-togethers and tables and chairs and seating - Oh My!

well, Mignonne is here to help ... we have affordable, flexible solutions that will work for you. Whether you want to purchase one of our pieces (this is just a peek at our chair stock!!!), bring in one of your own for customizing or have us search and rescue something for you ... we can make it happen~

Time is running short however so call us soon to make your holiday décor wish list come true!

(stay tuned here to find out about our upcoming custom chair partnership with Gina Perincini ... unique, high quality custom designed fabrics paired with our beautifully hand-restored dining chairs. Sets of 4 chairs with gorgeous color combinations and 3 one-of-a-kind fabrics to choose from. New from Mignonne Décor!)

Plaid Friday!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009


Mignonne Décor is participating in the bay area's "Plaid Friday" on Friday, November 27, 2009.

The day after Thanksgiving traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping season and is known to be one of the most popular shopping days of the year. It isn't an 'official' holiday, but because it always follows Thanksgiving Thursday, many people take this Friday off. Because lots of stores hold promotions on this day as well, the combination means lots of folks out and about.

The term associated with this day is "Black Friday" and it has negative connotations associated with the headaches it can give in terms of overcrowding, traffic, etc

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards supporting local, independent businesses in the community versus large, national (or multinational) corporations. Particularly in the SF and East Bay Area communities, local consumers celebrate and appreciate their local business owners and seek ways to provide their support.

Two local businesses, Blankspace Gallery and the Compound Gallery, have founded an alternative to Black Friday and coined "Plaid Friday" as another means for shoppers to support their local East Bay businesses and help them thrive, particularly in our recent more difficult economy.

Mignonne Décor is joining in the fun and will be offering a 20% discount on everything in our shop (except original artwork) on Plaid Friday. In addition, we will have some edible treats to share when you stop by to visit us!

To learn more about Plaid Friday 2009, including who else is participating ... JUST CLICK HERE.

more new furniture!

Thursday, November 5, 2009





This piece is named: "My Best Kept Secrets", a beautiful black vintage Hope Chest. It is new in store, and has been custom re-designed for your home! It is made of sturdy solid wood, with colors of antique cream, gold, and black. It is a very functional furniture find, and would work well in a living room because it is a great size for a petite coffee table! or at the end of a bed to store linens ... It has darling details including footed legs with hints of gold. Priced at $215.00.

Our shop specializes in furniture revamping. You can always bring in a piece of your own as well and we can charge just for the service! All of our pieces are one-of-a kind, signed and dated.


This beautiful antique craftsman secretary is also new in store! The secretary is made of solid oak. It is an unique conversation piece, and would look great in a living room, hallway, or kitchen to organize bills, and display books etc.. It is a great size for a petite area, because it is not too deep, so could work really well to optimize that small or shallow space! Priced at $425.00.

We just keep the great furniture coming!

we've just finished more incredible furniture pieces ...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009



"Ode to Marie" ... drop dead gorgeous coffee table in creams and black ... check out those sexy legs!


Above: Carving detail on Ode to Marie, be still our hearts...




"Velvet Revolution" - Stately dining table with plenty of subtly inspiring details .. carved legs, rounded edges.


Dining room table appliqué detail:

winter comforts ...

Tuesday, October 27, 2009


As the seasons begin to change and temperatures cool ... we think of cozy nights at home, relaxing in front of a fire ...

We just finished off this fun, old-fashioned rocker which would be a perfect by-the-fire addition. Just imagine a cup of cocoa and a toasty fire as you slowly rock in front of the warmth!

Mignonne has loads of cool furniture accents at affordable prices to help you feather your nest for the fall and winter season.

Welcome Rebekah Carey McNall, our newest Mignonne Intern!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Mignonne continues to extend our commitment to the East Bay Area by creating opportunities for young aspiring artists to demonstrate their creativity and gain experience in décor merchandising. We have a rotating internship program for design and art students in our local community.

We are delighted to introduce our newest intern for our fourth rotation of the program, Rebekah Carey McNall.

Rebekah is an Oregon native with Berkeley roots. She graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in theater.

Rebekah is already a familiar face at Mignonne, where she was a terrific part of our working team while Johnelle was in France. With Rebekah's new role as intern at Mignonne Décor, she will be designing the window displays and interior merchandising, as well as learning furniture restoration. She also enjoys creating hand-crafted greeting cards, repurposing furniture and general crafting.

Stay tuned to see photos of Rebekah's inspired window creations and store vignettes ... coming soon!

If you know of a local artist or student in the area that would be interestested in our program, have them contact us at Mignonne (contact details in our blog header). We'd love to have candidates in mind when we begin interviewing for our 2010 season (wow ... 2010!!!!)

we can help you shed some new light ...

Tuesday, October 20, 2009



We've been telling you about our great furniture services and how we can help restore an old piece into something new and beautiful.

Well, that service includes lighting!

We recently worked with a client who brought in an old, beat-up light fixture found at a flea market. It was grungy, cobwebby iron and the wiring was shot.

We collaborated with the client to understand the look they desired. Clean, rustic, simple ...

Here's the after-product ... after a good, restorative cleaning of the iron ... we painted it a matte black. Then, new wiring was installed by our electrician partner.

Voila! a one-of-a-kind, functional fixture, saved from the landfill and returned to practical beauty.

Also at Mignonne, you will begin to see a selection of custom designed light fixtures in a variety of themes.

Johnelle is creating unique chandeliers and lamps, using found items and industrial materials. She can also collaborate with you to bring a special collection of materials to new life.

Stay tuned here for more examples of this fun new offering at Mignonne.


a brocant'ing we did go!

Friday, October 16, 2009




Cool vintage decanter and digestifs just in time for holiday crowds ...







We KNOW how you love your pastis bottles!







"Nous Deux" ... "Us Two" ... sweet little pitcher for cream or a bouquet of forget-me-nots ... what a cute Christmas surprise, pair it with a packet of seeds for a charming little hostess gift!


Stay Tuned, More On The Way!

Available Now - Three Amazing Pieces!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Here are just 3 examples of unique furniture you can purchase in the store today ... Mignonne's furniture is signed and dated, one-of-a-kind. ...all beautifully refurbished and ready to become a special décor item in your home:




#1 - Petite Napoleon Salon Table

This little baby has been hand refinished in a golden ochre tone with blue and cream accents. It is solid wood and would be perfect in your living room or family area. It has a bottom display shelf. It would also work nicely as a bedside table.

The curvy legs and carving detail make it even more special. Available now for $195.




#2 - Crowd Pleaser - Antique Church Pew

Wow, what a conversation piece! Eight feet, eight inches long, repurposed in blue with light distressing. Seat a crowd in your open kitchen or dining area ... imagine it on the terrace or in your garden! If you are a restaurateur ... wouldn't this make an amazing entry bench or community table seating piece? Saved from a local bay area church, this is truly something special. Yours for $695.


#3 - The Hide-a-way! - Antique Redwood Hutch

Gorgeous revamped hutch, roomy and divine. It is solid redwood, and is an original built in from a Bay area home. Open the front door to reveal built-in, removable shelves, it retains the original paint, which is a minty/sage green. It has been sealed with a top coat, making it an easy piece to clean and wipe down. This piece would be darling in a kitchen as an additional pantry, hall/living room to hide away papers etc, or style up your home office. Could also work well in a bedroom to store additional clothing etc. Snag this treasure for $550.



As you know, Mignonne specializes in furniture revamping. You can always bring in a piece of your own and we can charge just for the custom repurposing service!

Don't forget, now you can find us at the Alameda Antique Fair as well, on the first Sunday of every month at booth V22. We will be sharing a selection of our furniture and other finds at affordable prices.

fabulous and affordable - Mignonne's Furniture

Tuesday, October 6, 2009


Here is another before and after project that represents Mignonne's custom furniture repurposing services ... we offer beginning to end support for creating a one-of-a-kind, amazing piece of furniture for your home.

Whether you already have a favorite that you want to breathe new life into ... or would like our help in finding the perfect starter piece to revamp, we can help.

This customer had an old sofa with great bones that she wanted assistance with. We met with her, helped choose style and color scheme ... sought out the perfect fabric, stripped and painted the sofa frame, consulted with our upholstering guru to have the sofa redone and then delivered her gorgeous new sofa to her home.

We think you'd agree it is a fantastic signature piece.



We can help you create yours ... give us a call!

french treasures ...

Thursday, October 1, 2009




Johnelle and I spent a wonderful few weeks together. She was able to get some much-needed rest, she inspired me in many ways in regards to our new sister boutique, The Bohemians.

We spent several days out treasure hunting and she is on her way back with bags full! Hopefully, it wasn't TOO awful lugging it all home... Soon you'll be seeing some sweet new additions at Mignonne...some pretty French barware, glasses, and serving pieces. don't want to let the cat ALL the way out of the bag, but here's a little peek to whet your appetite!


treasure hunting!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009


Johnelle and Kim have been wandering the french countryside in search of petite treasures for Mignonne. We have been lucky with beautiful weather just about the entire first week of her visit.

Johnelle is heading up to Paris today and will spend a week with friends before returning for several more days in Brantôme.

We've knocked around vide-greniers in Bourdeilles and brocantes in Perigueux and Brantôme. There are so many amazing things to see and appreciate ... every variety you could imagine.

Meanwhile, Mignonne is in good hands and has abbreviated hours for the month of September:

Wednesdays and Thursdays 3pm to 7pm

Fridays and Saturdays 11am to 7pm


Thanks for your support!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009


We had a super response to our first time at the Alameda Antiques Fair last Sunday. We had a great corner space just off the main 'route' ! Lots of folks came by to check out our furniture on offer and also some great vintage clothing on offer by East Bay Vintage ... another local business we are involved with.

Gone like a flash are four super cool retro chairs with chrome and leather. A great vintage desk was snapped up. Various side tables and chairs and the like ... POOF!!

We are looking forward to being there in the future ... so don't miss your second chance to get in on the fun!

couldn't stop at just one!

Saturday, August 29, 2009


We've shared the tahiti chair in photos but until you see the before, it is hard to imagine the transformation and loving attention involved in our repurposing process. Take a look at what we started with ...

before & after ...

Thursday, August 27, 2009



a picture is worth a thousand words ... two thousand, coming right up! Here's an example of a recent repurposing project ... this is our passion, we have many great pieces in the store or you can come by to discuss one of your own!



Mignonne Décor featured in SF Apartment Therapy!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009



We were delighted to have SF's Apartment Therapy visit our shop and feature an article concerning our new location. Some great photos of our new digs were included ,,, and a discussion of our furniture design and repurposing services.

Just CLICK HERE to read the article!

Thanks for the support, we appreciated the great response!

let the anticipation begin!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009



you can start to get excited now ... Johnelle just booked her ticket for France in September ... and she's bringing an extra suitcase ... empty!!!

let the treasure hunting begin ...

refinishing furniture is recycling, don't ya know?!

Friday, August 14, 2009


as you can probably tell by now, Mignonne is a big fan of refinishing and repurposing furniture. not only is it a wonderful creative outlet for Johnelle, it serves a purpose in the community - supporting sustainability efforts.

choosing vintage, repurposed furniture for your décor needs helps by ...

* reducing the amount of trees harvested for new furniture ... this conserves natural resources and energy!

* reusing existing furniture means one less item in a dump or landfill somewhere!

* recycling by refinishing a piece, transforming it into something new and usable again!

okay, those are all worthwhile contributions. but when you purchase a vintage piece at Mignonne, you can also satisfy your desire for beauty and chic in your living space. Johnelle's art background and flair for customizing furniture means you will have a uniquely beautiful décor piece for your home.

Johnelle can do a custom project for you, whether it is on a furniture element you already have, seeking out a special piece for you, or personalizing something we already have in stock.

Give us a call or stop by the store to discuss further ... and get on board for doing your part to green up our world!

totally tahiti!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009


We've named this adorable chair "Tahiti" ... you can take a seat and be transported to a tropical paradise ... with its mango arms and gorgeous linen fabric ... it is the perfect spot to while away some time daydreaming of your favorite island getaway ...

In french this is called a 'fateuil', take note of the casters on the legs ...

And at $195, a heck of a lot cheaper than the vacation!

butternut ... butternut

Sunday, August 2, 2009


More repurposed deliciousness! This darling petite shelf has been revamped to be a perfect addition to almost any room! Johnelle named it "Butternut " for its tones of olive and yellow. It would look darling in a bathroom mounted to a wall for extra shelving or in a kitchen for books, liquor bottles, spices etc.. This piece however, could work in almost any room for a little bit of extra style... Hand refinished means this multi-dimensional unit is absolutely one-of-a-kind.

Stop by 2447 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley to get a 'real-life' view!

Expanding our chandelier offering

Friday, July 31, 2009

We will be bringing in more hanging chandeliers on offer, and we now have the means to display them. In Oakland, chandeliers were permanent fixtures, which made it difficult to offer them for sale. Or, when we did have them for sale, we were unable to light them.

Our new shop is all set to hang and display chandeliers for sale. We already have a couple up for sale, and will be rotating more of a selection in for you to consider.


Here's a recent example. This wrought-iron chandelier has been completely rewired. It reflects old world elegance with a beautiful, aged patina in delicious greens and browns. Ready to hang out in the perfect spot you're saving. Come by this week-end and check it out.

another custom beauty from Mignonne!

Monday, July 27, 2009



You can purchase a beautiful repurposed furniture piece at Mignonne for far less than you'd pay for new. AND you'll have a one-of-a-kind décor item in your home ... instead of something you'll also find at your neighbor's house! OR bring your own item in for Johnelle to transform for you.

Stop by 2447 San Pablo Avenue (our new location) in Berkeley to see more wonderful furniture, as well as loads of other cool décor items.


Everything old can be new again ... at Mignonne!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Mignonne is your custom furniture repurposing depot. (Phew, that's not easy to say! :P)

Johnelle delights in transforming funky old castoffs into something beautiful and divine. Her art and design background shines through in every hand-done piece she creates.

These aren't run-of-the-mill repainted tables and chests. Each piece is reimagined and redone into a conversation starter. In fact, they are so individual ... they have names! Yes, as each item is 'reborn', it is christened with a name that fits its new personality!

How's this for a before and after?





More Custom Designs from Brian Hill

Friday, July 17, 2009


Brian Hill is a local craftsman and carpenter. He has designed many custom fixtures at Mignonne's new location, using reclaimed woods and unique design elements.

We recently began offering some of Brian's handmade vases, crafted from reclaimed, 100 year old redwood siding.

We now have side tables, hand designed by Brian, in the store as well. These little babies have Cedar tops, with 100 year old redwood legs. These tables would look great in so many set ups. They could be darling matching bedside tables for a low bed or great outside on a deck! Of course, indoors as a design accent would work too!

 

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