Playing with fabric

So you want to think outside of the box for your custom re-upholstery but not sure where to begin? Here are a few tips that will help you incorporate playfulness and whimsy

into your modern interior design.

1.) Go Retro! Often thriftier than more contemporary fabrics, you can really achieve a unique flair with this nostalgic alternative. You're not limited to digging through bins at your local thrift shop either, use an old blanket, curtains, that dress shoved in the back of the closet... really the sky is the limit.

2.) Think Local. We recently collaborated with local fabric designer Caroline Cecil on this lovely twosome, pairing a vintage chair with her pink hand silk screened cheetah print!

3.) Use patterns. Dots, stripes, chevrons or even your own custom patchwork! This sweet reupholstered arm chair even includes sentimental swatches of it's owners wedding veil in the patchwork, making it even more special!

4.) Last but not least... Make it POP! Inject some bright colors into your design. Yellows, pinks, chartreuse... A surprising flash of buttons or contrasting piping makes your new piece stand out.

Open your eyes to inspiration. Recognize pleasurable patterns in nature, colors that may be missing in your life or ones that bring you joy. Touch, feel, explore, appreciate those subtle details that make all the difference. Flip through magazines and start a look book. Snap photos when your vision is stimulated and translate that into your own expression!

Good luck & have fun!

'Empire' Side Tables instantly transform a space...

Every now and then I find pieces that are so unique with quirky details that I am able to design around... in this case it was these sweet pair of mahogany side tables.



I was out and about on a mini vaca & buying trip with my other half and we spotted them. The brass details were jumping out and there was a design instantly in the making. It's like finding a diamond in the ruff, pitter patter of the heart as you spot that amazing find! I love pop colors done well as we know, and wanted to do an ode to the asian details of the pieces with out being obvious... so opted no on red, and yes on salmon!

These side tables have a shelf on the inside and a vintage power strip so that you can charge your phone, plug in a lamp, clock etc..Inside cubbies are revamped in a distressed cream. A space can instantly transformed with these lovlies. Next to a bed, or in a living room, a sophisticated pop! This color was mixed with love, and can be re used in a project for a piece you may own, and are now thinking about.

18" deep, 24" wide, 23 1/4" tall

email us a pic for a free quote to
quotes@mignonnedecor.com

Thanks for looking! xoxox

All Dressed Up...

I love mixing and matching things as you'll see in the shop! I am a big believer that anything can go in design, as long as it is put together with intention... a little bit of this and that can be just the things that make your space inviting & exciting. I picked up these two different shaped tables, and wanted to create a bedside set that could live together. I started playing around with their finish.. as I often do with my pieces, never quite sure what they'll become, and they quickly became a darling his and her 'tuxedo' set. The painterly finish makes them not so obvious, and wanted them to read more as a canvas.. Staged with a bit of pop color here and there with books, lamps and jewelry, this set is sure to shine. xx

look book!

Get inspired with Mignonne's new "Look Book", a photobook featuring past projects with ideas for furniture pieces and décor for all areas of the home. This little number can help our lovely clients when choosing new colors, fabrics and designs ... ♥ Stop by to check it out and receive a free consultation on your project of the moment!

holy cow!

go mod with this retro bench transformed with charcoal denim, cow hide and linen. talk about a conversation piece! always something new and forward happening at Mignonne Décor!

revamped = one of a kind!

check out this adorable little table, reimagined and transformed with vintage wallpaper and lovely paint details. While this sweetie has sold, Mignonne Décor can customize something just as unique for you. Choose from our stock of vintage papers and fabrics, as well as a selection of beautiful colors and painting techniques.

give us a call for help with your project ... affordable and creative options await!

Mignonne Décor featured in Oakland Magazine!

The July/August issue of Oakland Magazine's "On The Way" department highlights the up and coming San Pablo Avenue shopping district. Included with Caffé Trieste, Sea Salt and Twisters is Mignonne Décor and our approach to home furnishings ... custom designed, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces restored and repurposed just for our clients.

Check out the article here, page 30 in Oakland Magazine.

avant et aprés (before & after!)

know how our readers love these ... here's recent pics and there are 4 new pieces in shop now, freshly finished and awaiting their new home!

but here you go, to whet your appetites!

trésors de France!

Rebekah Carey McNall is completing an internship in France at our sister store, The Bohemians. While there, she is scouting french treasures to bring back for Mignonne ... as well as completing window designs, interior merchandising schemes and general sightseeing and vagabondry!

We're stealing some shots to whet your appetite for all of the sweet things to come in July.

Here is an adorable porcelain coffee or tea set from Limoges ... 4 cups, saucers, sugar and creamer and tiny spoons ... depicted are a courtier romancing a young miss with his mandolin ... a charming country scene. Delicious and soon to be seen in our Berkeley shop!

more to come ...

garbage can be pretty!

look at this way cool ice bucket ... now sure, you could go ahead and use it for ice and why not? its adorable.

but we also think it would be totally fun to put it in a powder room for your wastebasket ... and the cover would be practical too! this is what we mean by reimagining everyday items with a twist.

Design Consultation

We've told you about our furniture refurbishing services and how much we love custom projects. We've set up affordable options for our customers, like layaway, to help make your vision reality.

Did you know we also offer décor consultation? Ever feel like you have all the right pieces but just can't get your décor "puzzle" to come together? Well, you'd be surprised how much you can learn with just an hour or two of advice from Johnelle, our design specialist (and proprietaire!).

For a reasonable hourly fee, Johnelle will make a personal visit to your home to review the space you're seeking help with. She can advise on a range of subjects ... including color, room layout, lighting, what to do about that 'questionable' chair ... :-)

She'll leave you with a list of actionable ideas. Steps you can take yourself and ideas that we are available to help with, if you choose to have our support. Our ongoing design services include refurbishing existing furniture, painting, selecting fabric and arranging reupholstery with our talented partners, rearranging room pieces, identifying missing or new furniture pieces to complete/augment your room and scouting them out for your review and purchase.

We have a number of satisfied clients and would love to add you to that list! Call or email us to find our more ... or to pose your design question.

creative reuse ...

We adore vintage glassware at Mignonne ... we are constantly "on the hunt" for interesting pieces, both in California and in France.

Vintage glassware definitely adds character and pizzazz to your table settings and can also be repurposed in interesting ways to bring charm to your décor.

Glasses can make lovely vases ... or when paired together you can create unusual centerpieces when entertaining. Take these vintage brandy snifters, for example. One would make a pretty vase ... line the four down the center of a rectangular table and float one beautiful flower (poppy, small rose, magnolia) in each to make a statement.

Let your imagination be your guide and add some character to your tabletop. Its fun finding new ways to express yourself! and at Mignonne, we have the inspiration ...

Plaid Friday!

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.

french treasures ...

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!

Gorgeous Hand Thrown Pottery Pieces Now at Mignonne!

We are very excited to introduce the work of ceramic artist Whitney Smith at Mignonne.

Whitney began "throwing clay" in 1994. Whitney says her design sense is primarily informed by her obsession with flowers and other forms found in nature. She has painted and drawn since she was a small child. Whitney likes the look and feel of old things and antiques, and her glaze choices have a certain look that reminds people of an different era.

She also tries to emulate the craftmanship of an earlier time. Unless otherwise noted, all of her pieces are thrown on the potter's wheel first, then carved and textured into their final shape.

We have selected some great choices that would make a lovely addition to your home or a wonderful treasured gift for the holiday season.

What's better than functional art that you and your family will admire and love with each use?

Pictured is Whitney's Cake Stand with Bird.

Weekly Peek!