FASHION, FUNCTION, COMMUNICATION

IR: At Mignonne we've always looked at fashion and décor as hand in hand. Ex Disney artist Justin Jorgenson articulated this sentiment perfectly in a recent presentation he gave on his dandy dress up event, Dapper Day. He described how dress and decorum can elevate one another, and about age old the tradition of dressing with to respect your surroundings.

When pondering this concept in respects to one’s decorum, it reminds one of how looking great can make one feel great as well, and we say the background setting makes all the difference. As our favorite Men’s Warehouse spokesperson likes to say about a great outfit “You’ll love the way you look, I guarantee it.” To those of us at Mignonne, 'the way you look' doesn't just pertain to the clothes on your back. The enjoyable challenge, as we see it, is in creating an environment that perpetuates good feelings and your own unique flare. Combing function with style is what great interior design is all about.

We love working with clients with interests and taste, helping them to accentuate their style, and get even more enjoyment out of seeing the pieces they love, living up to their full potential. Yes we have our look, and that's one of the things people return to us for, but we're not the center of our own universe. Helping someone make their ideal living space is about collaborating, our interior design process focuses on needs of the client, in conjunction with elevating an overall look. We don't want to create a museum space you can't communicate with, we want to create beautiful living spaces, to flourish in.

All of the pictures above are residential storage and decor solutions by designer Johnelle Mancha and the Mignonne team based on the needs, the intended use of the space, and the style of the clients, including a hidden TV set, floating and built in shelves, and styling of new and existing pieces in combination. These kind of solutions alleviate the need for ugly shelving units and other unsightly storage areas. Just like your pants aren't only there to cover up your bum, your decor solutions should provide use as well as a place to express your style!

Dress up your home for fashion and for function, and just see how good it makes you feel.

We're always available to start a conversation about interior design solutions with you, to help you get the most out of the things you love. If you'd like to reach us, shoot us an email at
quotes@mignonnedecor.com

xoxo mignonne

PATCHWORK AND PAINTS; THE HAND-WORKER'S CHAIR

So as some of you may know, we've done some pretty funky designs in the past, like our chairs and couches upholstered in blankets and rugs, as well as our patchwork style of upholstery which allows for the use of small amounts of fabric and salvaged materials. But when Mignonne Decor lead designer and owner, Johnelle Mancha decided to make a piece that really said something about the shop, she knew just what to do: design a chair upholstered in her old, paint spattered, work pants!

IR: Our 'PAINTER'S PANTS' shop chair is a statement unto its own, and we love how it not only shows what we can do, but also embodies the personality of the shop. This chair displays how we can make use of small our patchwork upholstering, as well making use of remnant materials. Made with scraps of paint spattered jeans (casualties of the job), Johnelle put together a design that not only gave her denim a third life, but also displayed some of the contemporary design ideas that make Mignonne what it is. 

Often a sentimental value is attached to heirloom items, like the blankets and rugs you've inherited or acquired throughout the years. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and we have an interest in helping you to preserve the things you love.

When you upholster a piece in this unique style, you have an opportunity to tell a story, whether it be about your family's history, your interests and passions, or even your lost and forgotten loves, like Johnelle did with her beloved paint spattered pants. Without covering you with paint splatters of your own, she can tell say something about her process, her life, and what matters to her.

So, consider the plethora of upholstery ideas, like splatter paint, before you banish your furniture to the basement or sidewalk! This chair found on HGTV's Emily Henderson's blog is sure to make a splash, but why not let us help you create something uniquely yours, with a story to tell?

There's nothing like a statement piece with a story behind it, and nothing like a display piece with great usability!

Blankets and Textiles at the Alameda Flea Market, photo curtosy of makezine.com

All in all, an outrageous look often expands our minds to the possibilities in design and aesthetic. We love finding unique ways to repurpose all kinds of textiles, often saving them from total degradation, and giving them an new life and use. On top of items upholstered with old clothing, we've done reupholstering with old upholstery remnants, blankets, and even rugs. We're always looking for new ideas in upholstery, so bring us your projects and we can help you to design a statement piece of your own!

xoxo mignonne

Salvaged Chic of the Week: Custom Reclaimed Counter Keter Salon

This week's Salvaged Chic Of The Week is just...so cool. Johnelle and Brian have done it again with the latest addition to the commercial design project they've been working on for Keter Salon, on 4th st Berkeley. Nestled on the second floor above Molly B, and next to Bette's Diner, Keter Salon has open & airy vibe...loft feel that Johnelle and Brian have had the pleasure of transforming! Johnelle's inspiration for the redesign of the salon was to create a well curated rustic modern design that you can see in their latest creation:

This amazing revamped counter is sure to wow new, and returning clients when they see it. The new reclaimed doug fir counter is a reimagining of their formerly somewhat dated counter (see pic below, and also note the old carpet which was removed as well in the remodel and revamped with herringbone flooring custom done by Brian Hill). With the remodel, the counter became even more of an eyesore, as it felt out of place and did not fit with the rest of the updated space. Johnelle knows that good redesign means a cohesive redesign. Leaving such details out can make you question the intention of a remodel, if all parts of a space don't tell a story! Yet again, this small detail can be amazing inspiration to show you what an eye for potential Johnelle has. She and Brian saw the old counter and knew they could remake it into something incredible. Here you see the "before:"

How perfectly is the reclaimed Doug fir counter balanced with the mural behind it?! Johnelle did that too...I know, she is JUST that talented! I have to admit that it doesn't end there either...Johnelle and Brian designed and built the mirror behind the counter (reclaimed wood frame built around custom cut mirror) AND designed and installed the custom hand-milled reclaimed wood herringbone floors too...hey guys, want to stop by my place later??

Not only is this a project that could be done in your own home on top of laminate or old tile you're sick of looking at, but knowing that they're available for commercial projects is huge. The interior and furniture design Johnelle does is so impressive, and now it doesn't have to end there. Commercial projects are one of the greatest spaces to revamp because they're so dramatic and customers remember that!

I've loved having been in Keter last year before our renovations began and coming again; it's just incredible how much a new design elevates a business. Showing how you feel and think of yourselves on the inside (but on the outside) will impress your current clients/customers and wow the new ones you're hoping to pull in!

She's good and she know's it! Here's Johnelle in front of the AMAZING vintage lockers she scouted for the Keter dressing room, so perfect. Bringing in new furniture pieces adds character and a story to your space. We offer guided scouting services where we accompany you to find the perfect furniture or decor your space needs, or we can scout for you if you don't have the time or you know exactly what you're looking for.

One of the best parts about our work with Keter, and an important one for you to remember, is that this wasn't all done at once! The custom hand-milled floors, vintage decor, custom upholstered bench seat and pillows, light fixtures, new mirrors and workstations, mural and counter were all done in phases! Often as a business owner it's hard to think about committing to such a big overhaul, but that's what's so great about working with Johnelle--she understands what being a small business owner is like and she will help you to create a cohesive design with a plan that works for you and hits all the major updates in phases so that it isn't overwhelming.

If you have a commercial project, or you've been inspired by some of Johnelle's creations for your home, please feel free to email us at quotes@mignonnedecor.com to get more information and to get the ball rolling on your new and improved space in 2012!

All photos taken by Johnelle Mancha.

Rebekah is a member of the Mignonne family and former Mignonne assistant. She now freelances and owns the company A & B Creative, read her blog.