PILLOW TALK

IR: Pillows and you: the perfect power couple, no strings attached. You can add pop to a simple space using pillows with color, pattern and flare, without making big changes to more permanent features.

Having an arsenal of pillows to add accent where ever necessary can get you un-stuck from a boring décor, without all the commitment. Truly your best friend-with-benefits, pillows can be there when you want them, whether to cuddle you, to accompany your look, and to make you're place feel more homey.

The interchangeable qualities of the throw pillow makes it easy for you to alter the look of a room, spice up a basic couch, or coordinate a look. Our own creations tend to vary based on the specific design needs. Up top I've included a photo of a custom couch bolster, and a set of throw pillows upholstered in an indigenous textile, complete with fringe for extra flare. 

With a few unique and hand-made pillows, a larger, more basic bunch is transformed into an anthropology-esque mismatched collection (on a reasonable budget).

The basic idea is: We custom design some top quality pillows together with our clients, no shape or size excluded, you may even want to recycle your old pillows. Then, we put in the work making the dream come true. We also have affordable, ready-made pillow inserts, great for cutting your budget down even further.

When you take them home you can then pair them with: additional simple throw pillows, a basic couch, or a bland but unchangeable color scheme. Or you may want to coordinate them with design fixtures in your home, professionally elevating the level of design, but on the lightest of interior design budgets. Lets hook you up with some yummy arm candy... for your home!

Added bonus: whenever you have upholstery items designed with us here at Mignonne, they can be personalized with one-of-a-kind, sentimental fabric from your own collection, and in combination with custom measurements and or shapes, you'll always end up with something you couldn't get anywhere else. We know your accessories have the ability to speak worlds about you, and the unique person you are, so why settle?

Today's photo selection a combination of our custom work like the custom made bolster pillow we produced for a client with special dimensional needs, and a set of custom designed pillows made with fabric hand-picked by Johnelle, and made for the shop, plus some of our Pinterest derived inspiration, you can check the Pins out here, here, here, here, here, and here. 

As always, you can email us with any questions, project ideas, or just to show appreciation, we'd love to hear from you and hope we may be of help with your next décor undertaking!

 quotes@mignonnedecor.com

xoxo mignonne

WHAT'S IN A NAME

IR: The process of rolling out new pieces in the shop involves many fun steps, and may it be a small side table or a full sized overhauled couch in full patchwork leather, always it deserves a name!

Often, the inspiration for title name comes in a fleeting second from a spark of inspiration, like striking a match. Whether Johnelle herself does the deed, or one of us gets to dub a piece, a gut feeling is always where it begins.

And like the strike of the match, a good name can be a fire-starter, beckoning new inspiration. We like to think our furniture radiates personality, that pieces converse, and a room filled with love and design comes to life. Thus, a name can be another part in the process of making those connections.

Our 'TAHOE' ottoman is upholstered in a vintage wool blanket, accented with herringbone buttons, and a green velvet piping, along with the recycled materials that re-iderateing the 'Keep Tahoe Blue' statement, the nature of the cozy wool and color scheme on 'TAHOE' recall us of relaxing cabin stays in the local oasis of its namesake.

Let a name spark your imagination, you may find that you just can't get that flame out of your head.

As always don't hesitate to shoot us any questions about our furniture, upholstery, revamps and other interior design services! Just email us at 

quotes@mignonnedecor.com

xoxo mignonne

PULL ME!

IR: In our last post I wrote about the power of small change for big effect. We love affordable, minor revamps that posses the ability to alter style, color scheme, and essence of a space. Well, today, expanding on the subject, we're talking about another small accent yielding tremendous effect. The name of the game: drawer pulls!

From big or small, ceramic to brass to even loose rope, pulls are nearly universal, and therefore, can be an interchangeable feature as easily as earrings in your ears.

With the mid century KENSINGTON vanity in the first photo, matching pulls were affixed. But rather than finding modern pulls for this 60s classic, designer Johnelle Mancha balanced out the angular lines of the piece with a floral, provincial set of pulls. 

Another example in the mid-century realm, is our ever glamourous, black and gold LAURENT side tables, the last photo. Johnelle took two great pairs of pulls, and combined them, giving the tables each the same mismatched set, brass on the one side and a pop of pink on the other! 

Similarly, pictured top right, is one of the DECO TWINS (still available, I might add) side tables, another of a mid-century origin, which have been accented with comparable, yet mismatched pulls. We love vintage, but there's no rule that says a look is set in stone, we like to bring our vintage darlings into the now with some contemporary flare.

Lastly is our HAMPTONS side table set to the bottom left; darling basic tables jazzed up with a New England kitsch. The simple design of this table allows for flexibility with the color choices and hardware. Logically the anchor pulls seemed the perfect fit for these cuties. It just had to be done.  

Really, we love how, by styling with pulls, you can transform a chest of drawers or side table from static to rustic, or from stale, to a sleek modern. From years in the interior design world, those of us at Mignonne have learned how drastically the details like hardware can truly define a piece.

Any questions about revamps, remodels, reupholstery, custom pieces or interior design services we'd love to answer. For a prompt response, just shoot us an email at 

quotes@mignonnedecor.com

xoxo mignonne

PROJECT: WELLS RESIDENCE

IR: We're always proud of our budget projects, for a number of reasons. Being able to do a lot with less is an accomplishment on its own, but being able to all sorts of help people love their homes without hurting their pocketbooks is retribution of the best kind. For the Wells interior design project, Johnelle used her design expertise in revamping this living room, and the best part is, the clients had a big hand in making it happen. Upon Johnelle's advice, they took it upon themselves to do painting, installations, and buying, while Mignonne handled the design vision, including some of the expert tasks we do best, like scouting, furniture revamping, and staging. By working with the client along the way, they were able to do a DIY home makeover, with a professional lead.

With designer Johnelle Mancha's advice and expertise, the clients were able to do a lot of the work on their interior themselves. The Wells' had a color consult with Johnelle, for paint work they were able to execute, as well as direction in window treatments, and styling accents, which they were able to purchase and install. While they were putting in the time at home, the shop was busy revamping clients own coffee table, scouting for hard to find decor features, like the stunning kilim rug. With direction and assistance by Mignonne, the clients were able to accomplish a professional level finished product, with more self satisfaction, not to mention a lesser budget.

If you're interested in our help getting the ball rolling on your next interior project including our services from custom upholstery to large scale installations and nearly everything in between, shoot us an email! 

quotes@mignonnedecor.com 

xoxo mignonne

ART WORKS

IR: We love statement pieces. In fact, we love them so much we spend our days designing, building them, styling them, and putting them to market. And here's why: though design isn't always synonymous with art, we see the art in every piece we put our hearts into.

Owner and designer, Johnelle, personally has a major role in every design, artistically leading all projects undertaken here, and started her business designing and restoring furniture for the love of it, in addition to, of course, her uncommon knack, a talent and eye for it. Her artistic aesthetic is where the Mignonne brand came from, and with a background in fine arts, she creates pieces with acute attention to detail, as well as designing broad and cohesive interiors.

Our dazzling 'LA PAZ' chair, upholstered in hand-picked, one-of-a-kind textiles, like the Bolivian aguayo cloth and the well worn leather of a vintage jacket, is a stand alone piece, and a shinning example of furniture as art. Or is it art as furniture?

The upholstery, a collage in a color palette of Kahlo-esque vibrancy. The pink, effervescent, double-welt piping draws the eye around the hand-carved, art nouveau wood frame with stark contrast, while the smooth and daring ebony leather simultaneously compliments it.

'LA PAZ's charisma lies not just in the bright colors that she dons, but in the combination of class and spice. She's outstanding, maybe even a bit shocking, but never is she offensive. Evoking emotion with soft and hard sides, this chair is a piece that can converse with all the ages. And I don't just mean by the appeal to the nubile, and those who've seen a few more seasons alike. In a classic room or a modern one, she's one chica who knows just what to do. All together empathetic and inspirational, and we just can't get over her and her show-stealing charm.

'LA PAZ' is available now in our West Berkeley storefront!

Along with shop pieces, we relish our collaborations with customers. Designing something that can bring you joy is why we do what we do! We even offer a free one-hour design meeting for clients upholstering with us. To schedule a consultation in upholstery, revamping or for help with any of your miscellaneous interior design needs, shoot us an email at:

quotes@mignonnedecor.com

xoxo mignonne

OUR FRENCH SISTER

You may or may not know of our sister shop in Brantôme, France. Regardless, you're about to learn more! 

Kim Mancha (seen in the bottom right photo, standing to the left of Johnelle) owner and proprietor of The Bohemians. She has been living and working in Brantôme since 2007 when she upheaved her life, leaving behind hometown and a career, but not her two darling pups. 

She's been inspired by french culture all her life, and beginning with her school days, dreamed of, as one could say, a bohemian life in France. After years of dreaming, sending her children (Mignonne owner and lead designer, Johnelle Mancha and her brother) to Berkeley's French American school, Ecole Bilengue, and eventually making numerous trips (only after both her children had a chance to go, she adds) she began searching for a vacation property. With the help of Johnelle, Kim found what would turn out to be her year-round home, in no less than her favorite area.

Her shop there specializes in all things beautiful, from home decor to hand-made clothing lines. She sponsors young artists and craftspeople locally and internationally, and takes pleasure in fostering creativity in all people, hosting monthly workshops in furniture restoration and design guidance. Kim especially loves supporting female owned and operated companies, and carries a clothing line as well as a artisan paint line owned and run by inspiring and talented women; La Fiancee Du Mekong of France, and Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan out of England.

Unfortunately, so far, I only make it to the South of France every 15 or so years, and won't be due again, by that logic, for a long while. So, although it would have been [much] better to chat in person, alas, I was left only to communicate with my interviewee over long distance. Nevertheless... I had the opportunity to correspond with Kim, and had such a fun time listening to her take on life, art, culture and business, in the South of France. 

IR: So Kim, as an American transplant living in the town of Brantôme, France, can you tell me where that is, and a little about that area?

KM: Brantôme is in the Dordogne, which is a department (kind of like county) in the Southwest of France.  France is kind of funny in that an area can have more than one name/ designation... so while it is in the Dordogne, it is also in the Aquitaine Region and also part of the Perigord (divided into four parts... confused yet?! I still am). The area is dripping in history; the Dorgone and Aquitaine has been fought over between France and england for centuries. It is an area with rich agricultural activities and known for all of its many delicacies such as truffles, cepes (mushrooms), nuts, wine, duck and everything associated. The cuisine is rustic and delicious. Normally, we have four distinct seasons, which I really like and is very different from the California Bay Area where I was born. 

IR: How often do get to explore the area with daughter, and owner of Mignonne, Johnelle?

KM: Johnelle has come every year since I moved here and usually manages to stay 3-4 weeks. We always find time for a new adventure when she is here. 

IR: When packing for a traipse throughout Southern France, what items would you say, are essential to your quest?

KM: Mostly just an empty suitcase, to bring back all of my treasures acquired on the road, and a camera to capture and share it all. And the odd little black dress never hurts for those spontaneous special soirees.

IR: Are there any do-not-miss sights that compel you during your periods of traveling and antiquing? 

KM: France is chock full of amazing markets, both food and antiques/vintage treasures. I especially love the old covered markets, which are not only beautiful (usually with lots of light and glass), but remain the same from years gone by, with specialists in meats, cheeses, fish, bread, fresh vegetables, spices, pastries, on and on! And they are always beautifully presented.

IR: When scouting, often there are special indicators of value or unique attributes in a piece that make it compelling, what kinds of qualities details do you, Kim, and Johnelle keep an eye out for when looking for décor items?

KM: I watch for intentional details that make an item stand apart, whether that's unique embellishments on a piece of furniture, some extra details, or special touches on a clothing item. What is the back story or inspiration to a handmade piece of art? 

I am big on color, so when looking at a furniture piece: does it offer enough interesting form or detail that I can highlight with color? Paint is transformational, but I still need the bones to make it happen!

Lastly, durability and functionality. Here in my little corner of France, I have to keep a sharp eye on pricing, because pockets aren't that deep, everything I sell must offer quality and usability as well as beauty. My customers have high expectations when they shop with their limited disposable income. 

IR: Do you have a favorite story from your and Johnelle's travels in the country you now call home?

KM: Oh gosh, I am sure I have forgotten more than I remember. I could share more than a few related to getting stuck somewhere because I forgot that on this certain day or time, the store or bank or gas station was closed. Adjusting to a more balanced style of life where everything isn't open 24/7 just in case you might want to buy a donut at 3 am. One time, I had tickets for a Sunday concert and all the gas stations that accepted cash were closed and my American card didn't work in the machines. So there I was out in the middle of the French Countryside, driving on fumes because I decided to risk it, when putt putt putt... and then nothing. Luckily it was summer so sleeping in my car, until it could be sorted the next day, was an option. 

Needless to say, I got better at planning and anticipating, and realizing that life would go on if I couldn't shop for whatever silly thing it was at 10:30 pm.  

Folks here work to live, not live to work. Family, friends and quality of life vs. things, are their essentials. They work to have enough, and enjoy sharing the richness of their life with others. 

IR: And to finish off: When someone you know is visiting France, what is it you believe they absolutely must enjoy before they leave?

KM: Stop by and see me for the list! Slow paced hunting for whatever your 'treasure' might be, good food, good wine, good music, history buffs, flea market finds... more than happy to help you do it. 

If you have any questions about Mignonne's services, including but not limited to upholstery, restoration, and interior design, please feel free to email us at

quotes@mignonnedecor.com

xoxo mignonne

INERTIA

IR: A body in motion stays in motion, and a body in rest stays in rest unless acted on by external force, or so Newton says. Change leads to inspiration, productivity, and a healthy lifestyle. We know the concept well.

Any interior designer will tell you how cathartic it can be to put new life into your surroundings, may it be at home or at work. It's the kick in the butt to get you moving, changing and growing.

Stagnation can be dangerously contagious, like mold in the fruit bowl. We like to live by this idea, by keeping things moving, literally and figuratively, the Mignonne team is a body in motion.

Decorating your space shouldn’t just be a reward for your success. The creation of a healthy living and working environment can be a tool for productivity. Think of your environment as an extension of your state of mind. They say that a clean, organized and lovely home leads to a clear mind, they don't mention the act of doing it is what really pushes you forward. The changes take place when you disrupt the norm, and stop stagnating.

Images courtesy of imgfave and ULTRALINX.

Need some help? Shoot us an email at quotes@mignonnedecor.com, we don't need much to work with, and we can help you liven up your space with little (or big) re-arrange.

xoxo mignonne 

PICK A COLOR...

IR: ...any color. Want to have some things painted but you don't really know where to start?

There are many methods to picking a color, but the method in discussion today is picking colors by scheme. And we are here to help you create a palette.

The images on top were some of the inspiration photos sent to us by a client of ours. With this starting off point, Johnelle created a concept and color palette just for her, in a range of rich, New Orleans blues. The upholstered chair and bedside table are just two examples of the collection we re-vamped, inspired by the monochrome and French Provincial, New Orleans style seen in the photos up top.

Want to get started yourself at home/ arrive prepared?  Try using a color tool to pull colors from images that you love. There's an app for that! It's for the color challenged and it's called Adobe Küler. What it does is help pinpoint a few exact colors in an image, arranging them neatly in a palette for you, on the go. Narrowing your color scheme can open your eyes to color ideas you hadn't thought of, and help you get the ball rolling with project and renovation ideas. During this stage of the process, you've got nothing to lose, so play around!

Why is finding a color palette helpful? With a color palette you can create a coordinated collection of furniture. You can draw inspiration from whatever it is you like, and we can help create a palette and custom mix colors from your favorite color schemes!

To start a conversation about re-vamping your furniture, shoot us an email at
quotes@mignonnedecor.com

xoxo mignonne

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