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April 3, 2015

It's all about the brass, 'bout the brass, 'bout the brass. No silver!

Move over silver and polished nickel!

Brass is back...FOR REAL!

I know, the idea of it may give you flashbacks to a few decades ago, when every home had inexpensive shiny "faux" brass chandeliers and door knobs. Yuck! But brass has changed...and it's for the better!

Brass has actually been quietly making a comeback for a couple of years. It's just taken a little time for it to lose it's former bad reputation. The new brass has class and is one of the hottest trends in design right now.

Why the new love affair with brass? Well, it could be because it's so versatile. It's modern yet classic, plays well with other metals and works with just about any color. Brass is warm and luxurious. It can be bold or subtle. Glamorous yet down-to-earth.

While it's taken a little convincing, I have some brave clients who have taken the plunge! One of the best features about using brass in design is how well it plays with others. Look how well it mixed with other metals, like iron!

Wall Sconce from Wisteria.com

As I often say, "It's all about the details". One place this certainly rings true is in your kitchen! Using brass details can create a very hip, yet classic space. Use it confidently, knowing that brass is here to stay! (hence the comeback!). Try installing a set of unexpected shiny brass pendants. If that's too much, start with brass knobs, handles or brass faucets. Keep in mind that brass comes in different finishes, so if shiny is not the look you had in mind, try something a little more subtle like the look of aged brass. Either way, you can't go wrong and your neighbors will be surprised at what a trend setter you are!

Proof that brass mixes well with other metals!

Two-toned flatware from West Elm

These brass cabinets are SOOOOOO cool! I want them for my house!!!

Oooh, shiny! Found on Stylecarrot.com

Martha Stewart

Today's designers are more creative and daring than ever. It seems like all rules have been thrown out the window (yay!) and creativity and unexpectedness is the key to good design. That's why I’m loving the way that designers are introducing brass in both big and small ways. And I of course love how designers are mixing metals like brass, copper, and silver for a modern, cool vibe.

As seen on bhg.com

Not sure if brass will work in your home? Think of it as a new "neutral". It plays a key role in your home décor without distracting from your other elements of design.

Seen on BetterHomesandGardens.com

Look at these fabulous brass frames! Found on decorpad.com

Totally brassy chandelier found at West Elm

Who would've thunk that brass could be so cool? For lots and lots more inspiring, totally brassy design check out my Pinterest board, Brass is Back!

Keep on shining!
Renee

Transformations Worth Sharing

Clients who have experienced the transformative power of healthy interior design

Renee possesses a rare combination of artistic creativity and intuitive design. Her warmth and compassion extended beyond working with us to understanding the style and feel of our home and how we live in it. We felt fortunate to work with and get to know Renee and absolutely love the updates she made to our home- from windows and walls to artwork and furniture!

Jim P.

Renee is an absolutely wonderful designer. Very talented and easy to work with! She will transform your room or outdoor space into exactly what you want, only better!

Karen S.

Talented, creative, dedicated, great communicator. Renee is such a special person.

Marla W.

We have worked with Renee Carman at this company for almost 2 years. Renee is professional, personable, and a pleasure to know. She is very helpful and will go the extra mile to please her clients. Renee has excellent expertise and knowledge of interior design. We have a beautiful home and highly recommend her.

Lisa W.

Renee possesses a rare combination of artistic creativity and intuitive design.  Her warmth and compassion extended beyond working with us to understanding the style and feel of our home and how we live in it.  We felt fortunate to work with and get to know Renee and absolutely love the updates she made to our home- from windows and walls to artwork and furniture!

Kate S.

Renee was a pleasure to work with and has great vision. We were doing a total rehab of a recently purchased property and she was able to look at a gutted out '50s cottage and turn it into a beautiful mid-century modern home. She understood our budget and timeline and was good about narrowing all our options down to just a few choices. This expedited the process, made it less difficult and more enjoyable. Once the rehab is done, we look forward to working with her again and finish the rest of the rooms.

Bill H.

Renee at Mandeville Canyon Interior Design was simply wonderful to work with. She was able to understand what we were looking for in terms of color, function and design from the moment we first spoke. She's easy to work with, goes above and beyond and delivers an outstanding design.

I highly recommend Renee and Mandeville Canyon Interior Design. I don't think I will attempt to decorate another room in my house without the help of Renee!

Pam O.

Love working with Renee and Mandeville Canyon Interior Design ! I had the opportunity to collaborate on a large scale design project recently and the results were fantastic! Creative, resourceful and one of kind design ideas made this design opportunity with Renee "one of a kind" Have a large or small project? You won't be disappointed!!

Mary S.

Renee not only has an amazingly creative eye, she also directed a massive renovation for us this past year that included the challenges of operating during the pandemic. She put together a team that had an incredible work ethic and brought the project in on-time and on-budget. She's a great listener. When we threw ideas at her, she was never dismissive; quite the contrary, she made them better. Her patience, attention to detail combined with her whacky sense of humor meant we were all able to smile while producing a home that we love. A great talent and a great lady.

Ann R.

Rene is amazing!  Great customer care and wonderful attention to detail.

Holly M.