This Month's Window Design!

Have you seen our bright and cheery spring windows yet?? These are some of my favorite windows we've had, if I do say so myself. I designed these displays to usher in spring; if it's not going to look like it outside at least the windows can!

I was inspired by the neons of spring that are such a big trend in fashion right now:

I wanted to make fun windows using neons to create these graphic looks. I love the angular shapes and designs the neon tape I used allowed me to create.

Johnelle created bright pieces to match the windows for a color explosion. Neon green painted farm chairs add fun to a classic design. A bright and colorful dining room table will be just the color infusion you needed. Two sweet, vibrant side tables round out this unique day-glo collection.

I also love the brightness of the windows from the street view against the sophisticated charcoal color of Mignonne.

These were such fun windows to create. I hope you like them as much as we do and stay tuned for a floral inspired window next month!

Neon fashion inspiration images: One: net-a-porter.comTwo: bellevuecollection.com Three: bloomingdales.comFour: anntaylor.com Five: jcrew.com All window photos except for the last two taken by Rebekah Carey McNall. Last two street view images taken by Andrea Balazs.

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.

Salvaged Chic of the Week: Beryessa Velveteen Couch

This week's Salvaged Chic Of The Week is Berryessa, a formerly dated and somewhat sad looking couch that now has a new rocking velvet upholstery and a timeless look that will last the ages!

Check out the before shot of Berryessa... frumpy and dated she was screaming for a makeover! We removed the dated skirt, as we wanted a more streamlined look. Part of our consultation process when you bring in a piece, will be to discuss whatever changes you want to make in addition to the new upholstery. This is the clients chance to discuss any areas that they are wanting to change, reinvent, or update. Examples such as adding tufting, buttons, different colored piping, thicker cushioning or the removal of a skirt are all details that we can address. Knowing that upholstery can be an investment, Mignonne strives to create redesigns that can be knockouts in a space!

Our client selected this rich gray velvet fabric to reupholster Beryessa with, as they wanted something durable & kid friendly, but also something that could be adorned by them and their friends. We think it turned out beautifully, and removing that dated skirt also really allows you to see the silhouette and cute feet! Beryessa has gone from blah to WOW with it's make over.

We love how velvet couches can have either a romantic look; with their warm textures and how they can also allow the shape of a piece to really be highlighted:

Or a modern look, accented by art, graphic pillows or area rugs:

Remember, we can also customize pillows with fun vintage or new fabrics that you can switch out with the seasons, or your mood! Pillows are such an easy way to update the look of your space and make sure that your newly reupholstered piece continues to evolve throughout the times and your taste. These are some of our favorite combinations of velvet couches with fun pillows:

We now sell fabrics, so your reupholstery project is even more convenient. Send us a photo of the piece you're hoping to have reupholstered and we can give you a quote. After that we can set up an in-store appointment to look at our selection of fabrics and come up with a cohesive design for your chairs or couch! Email quotes@mignonnedecor.com for more information.

Berryessa photos by Johnelle Mancha, additional images: One: sfgirlbybay.blogspot.com; Two: sweetautumnday.wordpress.com; Three: blog.designsourcect.com; Four: leftoverlemons.wordpress.com; Five: moodboard.typepad.com; Six: tumblr.com;

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.

Salvaged Chic of the Week: Isabelle

Such an amazing piece!! Meet: Isabelle.

A fantastic client project we recently completed. I love the hearty shape and weight & how it feels toned down and not as massive because of the fun pop color and slate grey detailing around the drawers and sides. Isabelle (named after her equally stylish owner) is a vintage Federal Style maple chest that turned out gorgeously. This is the one problem we have with custom projects...we fall in love with them and they're not for sale!

This is another fabulous example of how effective our design services can be. Johnelle went over to Isabelle's house for a hour long consultation and helped her client decide what she wanted the look of the room to be... what furniture and decor could stay, what needed to go, and what should be introduced. Immediately Johnelle saw the potential that this chest of drawers had. This dresser had great bones, original and interesting pulls (which isn't always the case), and a sturdy frame and drawers...but the finish was drab and lack luster. She and Isabelle talked about the transformation that the piece would have and how that would help propel the transformation of her space which was screaming for a little color.

Johnelle has a great eye for knowing what a piece could be, which is key when

she does in-home consultations. She can help to see what other furniture, or

art is detracting from the desired feel of the space, what you need that

you don't have, and most importantly--what do you have that could be

used in a different way or revamped to fit with your new

and improved space! Often an outside eye can help

you to better see how something you already

have could be made new again.

Sometimes it's hard to know how to continue to elevate your

space on your own, and that's when a guided buying trip with Johnelle

can be so effective! She can help you to find project pieces that she can revamp

and make to fit perfectly in your space.

We offer several different services that can custom fit to

whatever your needs may be. Our services include: "Design Me:" Johnelle has a knack for finding pieces with tons of potential--come by the store and

pick something that has yet to be redone, and come up with it's new design.

"Build Me:" Brian Hill can build a custom piece

(like the redwood farm table in the first photo below he built for a client)

that fits your space perfectly. "Revamp Me:" You can bring in furniture

you already have and come up with a design for Johnelle

to give it a new look. "Reupholster Me:" Do you have something with

great bones that's looking a little sad and old these days? Bring it in and you

and Johnelle can create a new one-of-a-kind look for your chair or

couch that will fit with your new look more and that will become a unique

conversation piece (like she did with the loveseat below).

Spaces can be beautiful, but we love them even more when there is something like Isabelle in them to give it that POP, we love creating pieces that can be showcased,

like we know this one will be!

Isabelle would also be really fun in a more boho space as well. I think she would

fit in just fine here!

If you want to schedule an in-home consultation yourself or get more info on any of our other design services don't hesitate to write! quotes@mignonnedecor.com

Isabelle and Mignonne furniture photos taken by Johnelle Mancha. Other images: One: littlebluedeer.com; Two: shorttermromance.tumblr.com; Three: designsponge.com; Four: littlebluedeer.com

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.

Salvaged Chic Of The Week: Stronghold

Welcome to this week's Salvaged Chic Of The Week! We have a stunning antique revamped chest with original mirror: Stronghold. As the name would suggest, this is a hearty piece made of quality materials that continue to last a lifetime. This chest came in with a drab and somewhat damaged finish screaming to be loved. Inspired by the stormy days here in the bay recently, the shades of silvers, grays, and charcoal leaked out in it's inspiration and new finish.

Stronghold is a favorite of mine, I love the blends of the colors, and how from a distant they can read as a solid, but up close breathe many hues with so much depth! The shape, typical of the early 1900's has such a softness...like in the curved mirror, but also feels so grounded and strong.

The detailing of the turned legs again, are ever so subtle but nonetheless gorgeous and striking! I love that the original pulls are in tact too, because sometimes...knowing that this piece is older than many of our grandmother's (ha!), has been passed down through many hands. Often times things like the pulls go missing here and there, and it's a great to see no one got it in there head that the hardware should be changed..

Because of Stronghold's neutral/cool gray tones, it could easily blend in homes on very different ends of the design spectrum. One example I could see, is below in this sparse & modern space with clean lines. Stronghold could be nestled in the mix, giving that antique flair to the more loft vibe.

I could also see Stronghold in a more rustic space, where its cool wintery color would play off of the warmth of natural wood colors.

For someone wanting to balance out a more busy and eclectic space like the ones below, Stronghold would add a calm to such a space, that could easily become chaotic with another bright furniture choice. Being in its neutral/cool tones would allow more colorful pieces to be displayed on top of Stronghold. Think bold vases vignetted, with your favorite flowers, or vintage mix match frames with your favorite photos. The choice is yours, but the piece stands true and strong with new stories and memories continuing to be made...if only the piece could talk I would love to know it's story!

Come into the shop today and fall in love with this perfect piece...and as always if you're inspired by Stronghold and she's been nabbed before you can get in remember that we do custom projects! Are you ready to turn a blah piece into a statement piece? Email us at quotes@mignonnedecor.com for more information.

Stronghold photos taken by Johnelle Mancha. Other images: One: classy-in-the-city.tumblr.com; Two: imgspark.com; Three: designed-for-life.tumblr.com; Four: sundayinbed.tumblr.com; Five: ctmarchitects.com; Six: vintagehome.tumblr.com; Seven: web.mac.com/tyler.thigpen; Eight: completelytotallymadly.blogspot.com

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.

Salvaged Chic Of The Week: Chocolat

This week's Salvaged Chic Of The Week is such a sweet piece; it's nutty brown color and feminine shape make it perfect for a multitude of spaces.

I love the curves of "Chocolat" and its warm hue, which makes it the perfect neutral piece with personality!

French Chic ... it would look gorgeous among other similarly styled silhouettes , or as that unexpected pop in a modern setting.

Can't you imagine 'Chocolat' it nestled among these spaces?

I could also see her being perfect in a bathroom as well... not taking up too much room, but to still offer a good amount of storage.

Come see this sweet side table for yourself in the shop. As always, remember if you've got a piece like this at home Johnelle could always revamp it to have a similar look, or any other one you've got in mind! Email us at quotes@mignonnedecor.com for more information.

Images of Chocolat were taken by Johnelle Mancha, other images: Image One:Photography by Magnus Anesund; Image Two: anthropologie.com; Image Three: hgtv.com; Image Four: apartmenttherapy.com; Image Five: littlebluedeer.com; Image Six: housetohome.co.uk;

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.

Telling A Story With Furniture...

One of the biggest forms of flattery is gaining the trust of a client, to the point that they hand me over a piece of furniture, and say "Do what you want, I trust you, I want to be surprised!". In this case the trust was gained from a lovely client, who is now a repeat. After coming into the shop and seeing a previous couch we had done and sold, she got to re thinking her own pieces, and how we could transform them! She dug into her own collection and pulled together textiles that had meaning to her in many ways...batiks from her travels to Africa while working as a nurse for HIV treatment. I don't take this task lightly, and quite honestly feel both a huge rush of excitement to have the freedom to play with colors, but also feel loads of lovely responsibility to execute to the fullest.

We started with a wingback chair she found on craigslist:



What can I say? Yes, hideous...but great bones to be transformed, and what more is that this is a way to keep the overall cost down in customizing a piece with us at Mignonne, don't invest too much on the piece to begin with! I was able to take this chair to a new level of pop! We pulled out a lovely rich blue batik, and honestly I had to know more about these textiles after seeing my clients collection. African Batiks are so earthy and beautiful in my opinion, and after reading a bit more about them I learned that the colors are made from a paste that is most often made from cassava (a root plant) flour, rice, alum or copper sulphate that is then boiled together to make a smooth thick paste. The paste is applied in two different ways. A lot of these batiks are made by using freehand drawing of traditional designs using a feather, thin stick, piece of fine bone or a metal or wooden comb-like tool, done by women which is then forced through a thin metal stencil with a flexible metal or wooden tool, enabling accurate repeat patterns...this is done by men.

And below is the transformation...



Next on our agenda was our clients couch, this piece was an absolute treasure to work on, and it was here that I was given more freedom to shine! Having completed her wingback, I was able to feel assured that my client truly wanted me to deliver a one of a kind piece. Check out the before shot of her couch...



Totally drab, and on it's last limbs, this piece was screaming for a makeover. We opted to change the design of the back cushions...yes, this is something we can easily do! Now the couch would have a more polished, and crisp feel.



I pulled complimentary earthy marigolds, soft black brown fabrics mixing petite corduroys, velvets, and the lovely pop orange piping.



The back of the couch, and pillow bands are patched together with batik, and all together this piece is truly something. It tells a story like no other for this client. Forget keeping her keepsake fabrics in a drawer...she now can enjoy them every day!



Email us at quotes@mignonnedecor.com to talk about revamping a piece of your own! xoox