happenstance home: Spotlight on Design

A little bit more from Nicola.

The photos here are just some of my favorite Nicola images. Unlike the previous posts they don't necessarily belong to the home in the first photo.

Nicola creates such warm and inviting spaces that would be so easy to live in. Just wonderful!

Here is yet another magnificent home. Once again there is such a great mix of materials. Love the picket fence.

This table is fantastic! Noah actually has that exact pendant light in his room. I like the mix of light and dark. If I come to think about it Noah has a creamy white wood bed as well.

An antique newel post. Mixing the old and new again!

This dining room combines a great mix of elements that are both formal and fun. Can you imagine how comfortable and cozy dining by the fireside would be? Oh - and sitting around after dinner talking and being able to curl up on the sofa a bit would be nice! I love that this room is a very formal space but has been made playful with the addition of the chalkboard wall and casual table. I also like the mix of chairs along with a sofa. The beautiful artwork above the fireplace and crystal chandelier adds to the formal aspect of the room.

This bedroom is so spacious and serene. The colors are very soothing and one of my favorite things is the drapery.

Here is a look into the adjoining bath. It has a mirrored vanity and just look at the cabinet over the tub! I would have to say it is a very pretty bath.

The bench in this kitchen looks like another relaxing dining spot!

I really have just skimmed the surface on the work of this talented lady. For more of all that is Nicola visit her website here. It is loaded with more beautiful images, video tours, an online store, and a link to her blog. In the near future I really hope we will see her, once again, grace the pages of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.

Nicola also has two new lines of bedding at Garnet Hill. This is her second season of bedding. I really like the Yarmouth plaid throw and the Sunday Morning comforter cover and sham shown in this photo. Click here to go to Garnet Hill's website.

Thanks so much for reading!

(All photographs are from Nicola Manganello and Garnet Hill}

7 comments

, by Lynda @ Happenstance Home

decorating

Spotlight on Design: Nicola Manganello - Part 2

Here is another look into the work of Nicola Manganello.

Here is the house she started with.

Here is another view of the house as work is being completed. Note the large addition onto the back of the home.

Nicola appeared for a second time in the pages of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine in November of 2007. In this issue the home above is the subject. I have this article as well so here it is. Be sure to click on the pictures for a larger view.

Great simple drapery, dark wood floors, and I like the striped chairs mixed with the zebra pillow that dresses up the sofa. The blue throw adds a nice dash of color and more pattern.

A grand entrance - yet the walkway material adds a touch of informality that would make anyone feel welcome.

Nicola made the island out of an old dark farmhouse table. I like the mix of stainless with the baskets. The chair and fabric in the foreground add more warmth. I love that fabric on the chair cushion!

Well, here is my hound Guinness. I guess she wanted her picture taken. Hope you don't mind the interruption!

She is wearing her new monkey collar. It is actually the same collar she was wearing on the day we met - only a larger size! "Gigi" is a monkey!

Well, now she is settled in! I love all her pink!

Back to the story... Now this is a one of a kind fireplace full of history. It is made from granite from the homes original foundation.

You will find all kinds of little touches in this group of pictures. The pantry walls are chalkboard paint and check out the little striped shades on the pendant lighting. The desk is made from a file cabinet and a piece of wood. In the last photo an antique finial tops the newel post where the signed house plans are safely tucked inside.

A comfortable bedroom complete with old beams!

The bathroom vanity is made from an old cabinet. The glass doors add a nice touch. Nicola also hung the mirror upside down so the wall sconces would fit. Lastly, a very cheerful family room.

I had to get a closer view of that bath. Note the sinks and the floor. Thank you Better Homes and Garden's for another wonderful look at the talent that is Nicola Manganello. I still have a little more to show you so stay tuned for part 3.

{All photographs, except Guinness, are from Nicola Manganello and Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.}

9 comments

, by Lynda @ Happenstance Home

decorating

Spotlight on Design: Nicola Manganello - Part 1

I have been reading design blogs for some time now and there is one person in particular that I cannot believe isn't being talked about! This someone is Nicola Manganello and from the moment I was introduced to her through the pages of Better Homes and Gardens magazine I was more than impressed. Are there stories in your magazines that resonate with you so closely that you never forget them? For me Nicola's home was that kind of story! Nicola likes to mix old and new in her designs. She is immensely talented and not only can design and decorate the house of your dreams - she is also a contractor. If I had to pick a dream job that would be it!

This is a picture of one of Nicola's homes. The use of so many materials makes the exterior interesting and welcoming. Even the roof material varies from the house to the garage. Oh - I could move right in! Since I am a keeper of "things" I actually have that first article where I "met" this very talented girl. Here is a look at the Better Homes and Gardens story from February 2006 that takes us inside this treasure of a home! Click on the photo's and you'll be able to read about all the details.

Do you see that lovely aged wooden bracket!!! I also love the front door.

Brown walls long before many people were daring enough to make that choice.

Here it is. Have I mentioned that I think it is perfect?

This old farmhouse table is so substantial and can you imagine all the meals it has sat at! If only it could talk - the stories it could tell!

"Someday" if we remodel our kitchen I'd like some cabinets like the one's above. I like the narrower glass fronted cabinets that sit atop the base cabinets. Mine would be painted either a creamy white or creamy white on top with maybe a swedish gray or sage green on the lower cabinets. Just maybe...

I don't know if you can see the lamp in the far room. The base is wire and it has a fantastic striped shade. Check out the vintage watering cans that sit on top of the armoire. I like that you can see this very welcoming family space from the formal dining room.

Here is her daughter Maeve's room. Isn't that an adorable name? I like it so much I added it to my list of favorite girls names.

That is just a little introduction. I'll be back soon to share more!

{All photographs are from Nicola Manganello and Better Homes and Gardens Magazine}

5 comments

, by Lynda @ Happenstance Home

Spotlight on Design

Spotlight on Design: Michael Coyne

I was first introduced to the work of the very talented Michael Coyne when my mom and I visited the 2008 Birmingham Showhouse.

Here is the exterior of this beautiful Arts and Crafts style home. The home itself was designed from a woman's perspective of what her ideal home would encompass. The one idea I wish I could make magically appear in my home would be a children's study. They located theirs right off of the kitchen. Here the kids can study, craft, use the computer, or play. This type of room would be so convenient to have close by when you are trying to get dinner ready! It would also be nice to be able to shut the door and conceal any messes.

Many designers worked very hard at transforming this 4,580 square foot home into a showstopper, but for me Michael Coyne's rooms really stood out! All the work on this home was done in the name of charity with proceeds benefitting the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Now, back to my subject - Michael Coyne. First, a little background. It surprised me that before starting his design firm in 2006 he had a successful career in the automotive industry. I would never have guessed that! Michael has won many design awards and also volunteers his time and design talent to many charitable events. I have heard Michael speak at the Michigan Design Center and he was very calm and kind. If I could I would have him at my house in a heartbeat for a little design advice.

The first thing that made me instantly enjoy Michael Coyne's areas were the softness in the colors. His rooms had such a clean and tranquil feeling. Just the aesthetic I feel very comfortable in and relate to! The areas in this home that he designed were the ladies study, mudroom, and powder room. This is a picture of the ladies study. It is stunning in the photo but does not even compare to being there. There are so many little details you don't see. The linen drapery has tiny round mirrors embroidered all over the panels. The walls are covered in linen. The rug is made from a diamond patterned sisal and bordered in white leather. I also love that he shared with everyone his Grandmothers writing desk and mirror.

This is a view of the room from the hallway near the powder room. The bold egg prints make such a statement. If you could see the placement of the items on the corner side table you would be sure to swoon. Unlike other rooms in the house I felt that this room really looked like someone lived in it and loved it! Each and every accessory was perfectly placed. Such attention to detail!

Here is a picture of the mudroom. Michael used "limed" oak to build the storage areas. Drapery encloses each space instead of doors. At the very end of the hall is a message center complete with chalk and cork boards and a charging center. The door at the end of the hall that leads to the drive adds even more charm to the space.

Lastly, we have the powder room. Finished with more "limed" oak and a limestone vanity it is beautiful in it's simplicity.

I could see myself spending quiet time in this ladies study and hope you enjoyed is as well! To see more of Michael Coyne's work click here. Also, for a little more detail of the ladies study he has a couple of pictures in his gallery under details.

{All photos from The Michigan Design Center}