Press: Huron Village Project Published in New England Home magazine

May 6, 2013

Thrilled and honored that our Huron Village, Cambridge project was published in the current issue of New England Home magazine.  Click the images posted here to enlarge and read the article or pick up the May/June issue of New England Home.  Thank you to the NEH editors, photographer Ben Gebo and our wonderful clients!  Update: Article now on NEH website here.

-Amanda

Some thoughts on 2013’s interior design trends: is an interior designer a social activist?

April 25, 2013

If you are an interior designer, it is imperative to keep up with trends. Much of the profession involves satisfying people’s tastes, and tastes are hardly consistent. While each interior designer has his or her strengths – areas of expertise, let’s say – he or she must be able adapt. Artistic integrity and adaptability are the foundations of any interior designer. You must have one foot in the present and the other in the future. In a way, an effective interior designer is a bit of a time traveler.

Each year, there are new trends in interior design, just like any industry really. Analysts pool over data, interviewing designers and breaking down design projects. By accumulating this information, some are able to “predict” trends. In the article, “Top 10 Most Talked About Interior Design Trends for 2013,” Fresh Home breaks down some of 2013’s hottest trends.

The 10 trends are as follows: A New Relationship Between Men and Interior Design, Group Dynamics, DIY projects, Texture and Touch, Embroidery and knitting, Stripes, Floral patterns with a white background, Hand sketching and wall writing, Green walls and garden rooftops and African influences.

These are, of course, some diverse trends and reflect a changing time, in both the home, business and the family. More men, for example, stay at home to help with children and do housework. As a result, many designers are reworking homes according to a more masculine aesthetic and interior design, as a whole, is leaning more towards masculinity than ever before. Fresh Home writes, “Sober furniture details, less flashy colors and functionality over “cuteness” are just some of the features expected in a home with male dominance.” Fresh Home suggests that this may create more of a balance at home between partners. At the very least, an increase in male-dominated households opens up a completely new world of possibilities for interior designers. It is an exciting time to be an interior designer.

This change in the aesthetic dynamics of the household has got me thinking: interior design mirrors social progress. An interior designer must be able to adapt and embrace change – lifestyles, habits and so forth. Most people probably don’t associate interior designers with social activism, but they should. After all, the interior designer is sweating it out in the trenches – the home and business. Social change first starts in someone’s household and moves outward. In other words, the interior designer mirrors change in society by creating it in the home. By designing the inside of someone’s home, we create a certain kind of atmosphere that inspires the homeowner to go and re-design the world by bucking tradition.

An interior designer bucks tradition and embraces change. What do you think? If you are in the Boston, MA area, and in need of an interior designer, contact Mandarina Studio!

For the Fresh Home article, look here.

-Amanda

The future of interior design is user experience

March 29, 2013

In the article, “The Next Wave in Branding: Merging Experiences Across Markets,” Frog’s Fabio Sergio writes, “User experience – also known as UX – is often referred to as the sum of all interactions with a brand’s products and services. In today’s connected marketplace, having a successful UX is often understood as a natural complement to a strong brand.” What does this have to do with interior design? It all has to do with branding…

In an earlier write-up, I touched upon branding, how important it is to a company and how an interior designer is essential in helping to create a brand. A business’s brand (and in turn, the UX) involves many factors – website, logo, storefronts and so forth. An interior designer is responsible for the physical body of a business and therefore responsible for the visceral and tangible UX.

Branding, and what it represents, is always evolving. User experience is an extension of branding. While user experience focuses primarily on human-computer interaction, I believe interior design should also be an essential part of UX. After all, the world is connected. There is not much separating the physical world from the cyber. They go hand-in-hand. Like branding, interior design should always be evolving. This way, it will grow with homeowners, business owners and customers. Personalities change.

In other words, UX deals with a person’s feelings about using a product or service. Are they happy? Moved? Relaxed? What are the highlights? How is it meaningful? Is it valuable? These questions form the backbone of the user experience, and are ultimately the mission of the interior designer. As we race into the future, user experience will shape interior design. What do you think?

Mandarina Studio will grow with the times! If you are in the New England or Cambridge area and have any commercial and interior design questions, please contact us!

For more information on Sergio’s article, look here.

-Amanda

Project Announcement: Residential Design

March 22, 2013

DESIGN BOARD for Avon Hill Residence Guest Room

Thrilled to be working on residential design for some new and previous clients.  Projects include homes in the most charming areas of Cambridge, including several in Avon Hill and Huron Village.  Above is a Design Board for a Guest Room that will be installed this month.  Check back here for progress shots and updates.

Project Sneak Peek: Elizabeth Clark Photography Studio Office

March 5, 2013

Excited to share before and after images of Elizabeth Clark Photography’s studio office in Huron Village, Cambridge.  Paint, moulding, wood floors and lighting are complete, furniture and fixtures to be installed this week.  Stay posted for the opening announcement soon!

Press: Evelyn & Angels in Improper Bostonian

February 13, 2013

E&A_Improper Bostonian

Congrats to our client Yalonda Howze, owner of Evelyn & Angels candy store, on the great press and portrait in the Improper Bostonian!

Project Announcement: Studio Office for Photographer

February 12, 2013

Studio Office Storefront, Progress shot

Excited to be working on the design of a new Studio Office for a photography business, Elizabeth Clark Photography.  It’s a storefront space in the charming Huron Village area of Cambridge and expected opening is in March.

Interior design is the body of any brand

February 4, 2013

We live in a “branded” world.  If you run a business, no matter the size or type, it is very important to have a brand.  In today’s world, it is the beating bloody heart of any business.  At Mandarina Studio, we help with the business’s look to create a brand space, utilizing unique approaches to retail design.

Walking with a big group of friends down a busy street on a Saturday night, you will undoubtedly see successful branding in action.  Does the following dialogue sound familiar?

“Want a drink?”

“Across the street.  My parents met at that bar.  It’s set up like a living room.”

You will pick the bar that draws your attention and seems familiar.  Restaurants are the same.

“You hungry?  That restaurant has a hypnotic logo.  The storefront looks interesting.  My boss talks about that place.  Let’s go there.”

We have all experienced that.  Brand spaces influence decisions and shopping habits.

Calista

Seth Godin, marketing guru, defines brand as “the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a customer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.  If the consumer (whether it’s a business, a buyer, a voter or a donor) doesn’t pay a premium, make a selection or spread the word, then no brand value exists for that customer.”

In other words, if a customer does not talk about the business, there is no value and the brand is weak.  The business is not swimming in the customer’s consciousness.  If the space is unimpressive – it does not matter how good the service is – the brand will still suffer.  Every business needs a brand space.

Godin suggests that effective branding affects the consciousness.  Branding builds up a storehouse of positive and warmhearted feelings.  It sets you apart from your competition and instills confidence in customers that they should do business with you.  An effective brand will deliver your business’s message and sets you up as an authority.  It builds loyalty among customers.  An effective brand space finalizes the deal.

It is important for stores, cafes and restaurants to use design – the layout of the building, the aesthetic appeal – to reinforce or establish branding.  At Mandarina Studio, our retail and restaurant projects include: Brahmin, Evelyn & Angels candy store, Lulabelle lingerie boutique,  Calista Superfoods, among many others.  If you are in the Boston/Cambridge area, give us a call.  After all, store design is our passion, so let us make over your business’s body!

-Amanda

Press: Included in ‘Houzz: Best of 2012′

January 25, 2013

Honored to be included among the winners for the Houzz: Best of 2012 in the Boston interior design and renovation category for the second year running!  Thank you Houzz & Houzz.com users!

Press: Huron Village Residence to be Published in New England Home

January 11, 2013

Excited to announce that one of our residential projects will be published in the May/June issue of New England Home magazine!  Many thanks to our fabulous clients for making the project fun and a success.

Project Update: Evelyn & Angels Candy shop is OPEN!

December 18, 2012

Evelyn & Angels, Cambridge

So excited to announce the opening of Evelyn & Angels Candy Shop in Cambridge!  Congrats and best wishes for much success to our client, Yalonda Howze.  Check out some more images, including a before photo, on our Facebook page.  Professional photography coming soon.

Project Announcements: Residential Design

October 29, 2012

We are excited to be working with several new residential clients this fall.  Projects include interior design for homes in New York, New Hampshire as well as a few near our studio in Cambridge, MA.  Check back for project updates and progress soon!

Project Update: Lulabelle Boutique Opens @ Derby Street Shoppes

September 30, 2012

LULABELLE,  a hi-end lingerie boutique designed by MANDARINA STUDIO opened at Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham, MA on Friday.  Congrats to our client and owner of Lulabelle, Donna Morton!  We wish you much success with the new store.  If you live in the greater Boston area, be sure to check out the store at Derby Street.   More photos coming soon.

Press: Amanda Reid’s Residence in Boston Home Magazine

September 30, 2012

Founder + Principal of MANDARINA STUDIO, Amanda L. Reid‘s residence published in Boston Home magazine.  Check out the three page spread in the ‘Living Small’ feature of the Fall issue, p42-46.  Read the article on-line here.

Project Update: BRAHMIN ‘Soft Shops’ @ Macy*s & Belk

September 18, 2012

BRAHMIN Soft-Shop

So excited to share this snapshot and announce that BRAHMIN  ’Soft-Shops’ were installed in 21 Macy*s and 3 Belk stores across the country in August!  Congrats and thanks to BRAHMIN and the whole team, they are a great client and a pleasure to work with!  Custom fixture design and layouts by MANDARINA STUDIO.  Fixture fabrication and installation by VDI Inc.   More photos coming soon!

Press: HGTV Magazine

September 17, 2012

MANDARINA STUDIO in HGTV Magazine

Thrilled to have this project image included in the “Wow, what color is that?” feature in the October/November issue of HGTV magazine.

Press: Boston Home Magazine

August 8, 2012

Flowers for shoot with Boston Home

Preparing for a photoshoot with Boston Home magazine today.  Principal, Amanda Reid’s residence to be featured in the fall issue!

Project Announcement: Lulabelle Boutique @ Derby Street Shoppes

May 15, 2012

We are excited to be working on the design for the new Lulabelle boutique at Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham, MA.  Lulabelle is a retailer of high-end European lingerie and loungewear, currently based in Sciute, MA.  The design concept of the new space is to create a clean, contemporary and airy space that is inviting and conducive to the intimate fitting experience.

Project Sneak Peek: Cambridge Residence

April 30, 2012

Check out our facebook page where we shared an image of this project which was shot by the awesome photographer Ben Gebo.

Congrats to our client, CALISTA Superfoods

April 16, 2012

Congratulations to our clients, CALISTA Superfoods, a healthy fast food restaurant with two locations in Manhattan, for being rated among the Top 5 Best Healthy Eating!

Project Update: BRAHMIN Soft Shops @ Macy*s

April 5, 2012

Our designs for the BRAHMIN Soft Shop’s to be installed in 21 Macy*s stores across the country this summer!

Press: Houzz.com

March 22, 2012

Honored to be included in Houzz: “Best of 2012″ in the design category. Thank you!

Project Announcement: Contemporary Home in Cambridge

March 15, 2012

Nice change of pace to be working on a very contemporary home in Cambridge, featuring high vaulted ceilings and flooded with natural light.

Project Announcement: 1930′s Colonial Home in Cambridge

March 1, 2012

We are delighted to be working on the interior design for this beautiful home in Cambridge.  Inspired by the clients’ eclectic taste and the period architectural details of the house, the concept is an artful combination of contemporary and traditional elements.

Press: Design New England

January 6, 2012

Check out some of Amanda Reid’s favorite pieces for a Master Bedroom under the Perspectives feature in the Jan/Feb issue of New England Home magazine!

Project Announcement: BRAHMIN Soft-Shops

October 15, 2011

Thrilled to be working again with our client Brahmin, a fine leather goods company based in MA, as they continue to build their brand and expand into Soft-Shops at very well 

Project Sneak Peek: Evelyn & Angels candy store

September 28, 2011

Shared some progress shots of the design here & here on the MANDARINA STUDIO facebook page.

Design Event: NYC Trip & NY Gift Show

August 3, 2011

Designer Summit: GE Monogram

July 19, 2011

Project Announcement: Brighton Residence

July 1, 2011

Project Announcement: Newton Residence

June 10, 2011

Beginning an interiors project for a residence in Newton, MA; inspired by the historic architecure and the young family’s wonderful collection of modern art.

Design Events: International Contemporary Furniture Fair

May 12, 2011

Excited to discover new talent and sources for fabulous furniture this year at the ICFF 2011 at The Javits Center in NY.

Press: Nate Burkus Show

April 28, 2011

Thanks to the Nate Burkus Show for contacting us about showing one our projects on an upcoming episode on inspiring home offices.

Project Announcement: Cambridgeport Residence

April 1, 2011

Excited to be working on a very contemporary bath design incorporating a curbless shower and European style fixtures and fittings.

Press: Home Portfolio

March 18, 2011

Our design selected for inclusion in Home Portfolio’s “Fresh & Fabulous Spring Interiors” feature. Thanks @homeportfolio !

Project Announcement: Lexington Residence

March 12, 2011

Design consulting for an extensive renovatition project of a 3,500 sf home in Lexington, MA including a new kitchen and mulitple bathrooms.

Press: Elle Decor

March 7, 2011

Thrilled to announce that Founder & Princpal, Amanda Reid, was selected by Elle Decor editors as a featured designer.

Project Announcement: Design for New Candy Store

March 6, 2011

We are just beginning the design for a new candy store that will have an upscale vibe that will appeal to adults. The design may evoke vintage and contemporary styles.

High Point Market

February 24, 2011

Tickets are booked and plans are set to attend Market in April – we’re excited to source fab new merchandise for our clients! Will post news about our favorites.

Project Announcement: Cambridge Residence

February 18, 2011

We are excited to be working on the design for the 3,000 sf, 100 year old home located betwen the the historic neighborhood of Avon Hill and Heron Village. The project scope includes a bath renovation as well as furniture and fixtures for the entire home.

Project Announcement: Mandarin Oriental Condo, Boston

January 15, 2011

Mandarina Studio has been retained to provide design services for a residence in the Mandarin Oriental property in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.

Project Announcement: Downtown Manhattan Residence

December 20, 2010

Working on an eclectic design for a couple’s apartment in downtown Manhattan. Always a fun challenge trying to meet his and her tastes.

Project Announcement: South End Boutique

September 3, 2010

Just finished the design for a new boutiqe in Boston’s South End neighborhood. The design was inspired by the wondeful collection of jewelry, glass, natural products and other hand-crafted wares to be carried exclusively at the boutique. Opening soon!

Blog Post: Buenos Aires Roundup

August 16, 2010

p>Buenos Aires has been on my list of places to go for a while so I was beyond thrilled when we decided to go last minute and booked a trip about a week before our departure date. As most of my family and friends know, I LOVE to plan and spend a lot of time.

Project Update: BRAHMIN Handbags

May 4, 2010

I’m really excited to finally be able to share some photos and design drawings of this retail design project that has recently completed. The client is BRAHMIN, a family-owned handbag company with design. Contine reading

Project Update: Calista Superfoods (formerly Spark)

April 12, 2010

So excited to share a few snapshots that I took of a recently completed project in Manhattan, a design for a new healthy fast food restaurant called CALISTA. The design is fresh, modern and uses sustainable materials to evoke.

Blog Post: Gray + Gold

March 23, 2010

A gray + gold color palette for an interior is sophisticated and timeless. I can envision an entire home in this palette—of course, varying the values and combined with rich textures. Continue reading

Blog Post: A Little Girl’s Room

January 31, 2010

I’ve been so busy with some exciting projects and traveling A LOT between NYC + Boston which I will tell more about on upcoming posts. For this post, however, I thought it would be fun to share some details of a current project: the bedroom design for my youngest client. Continue reading

Project Announcement: Manhattan Restaurant

December 20, 2009

MANDARINASTUDIO is excited to announce that we have been retained to conceptualize and design the prototype for a new, upscale healthy fast food restaurant chain in Manhattan. Expect a fresh design that is modern and stylish yet evokes a feeling of warmth and well-being.

Project Announcement: Retail Stores for a Premier Handbag Company

December 2, 2009

MANDARINASTUDIO is thrilled to announce that we have been retained to design two retail stores for a premier handbag company. The concept is to create an elegant space that blends modern lines with traditional European elements and rich materials. The new design will establish a standard for the brand and set the tone for future stores. The first two locations in Dallas and Altanta will be under construction soon and are slated to open in April 2010.

Project Update: Before And After Plus Color Tip!

November 12, 2009

I’d share “Before” and “After” shots here as well as a brief description of this recently completed residence on Long Island. (Be sure to read my tip about color tip. Contine Reading

Article: 10 Tips on How to Hire an Interior Designer

November 2, 2009

MANDARINASTUDIO Founder + Principal, Amanda L. Reid was honored to be asked by Mr. Calvin Cox, Style Apple Founder, to write an article that would help the public find and hire an Interior Designer. The article was published on styleapple.com and you can read her Top 10 Tips.

Project Update: NYC Kitchen Renovation

September 17, 2009

I am so excited to share one of my recently completed projects, the kitchen of a Manhattan Loft Apartment. I designed the entire residence and still need to have professional photography done for my website but thought I would post this snapshot in the meantime to show a Before & After. Continue reading

Project Update: NYC Loft Kitchen

August 14, 2009

Installation is nearly complete for the loft’s new kitchen featuring contemporary European cabinetry. Progress photos will be posted soon on the Mandarina Studio blog.

Blog Post: Sustainable Recycled Glass Countertops

August 10, 2009

Clients often ask about alternatives to the ubiquitous granite countertop material and one option is to use a recycled glass product. Typically made of recycled glass and cement, glass slab countertops are attractive, available in many colorways and have a much fresher look than granite in my opinion. They are also a sustainable material. Continue reading

Blog Post: Brooklyn Home Decor Shopping

August 2, 2009

This past week, I have been back home in New York for both work and fun. Of course, my trip would not be complete without a visit to my old neighborhood in Brooklyn. Here are some shopping spots that are worth checking out if you are in DUMBO or Boerum Hill on Atlantic Avenue. Continue reading

Blog Post: Green Product KIREI BOARD

July 29, 2009

As an interior designer and LEED AP (Accredited Professional), I feel a responsibility to my clients and our planet to share and educate on issues of green design and sustainability. In an effort to accomplish this, I am going to start adding posts that feature a cool green product, material or innovative sustainable design solution. Continue reading

Blog Post: Home Office, Before And After

July 21, 2009

The ‘Home Office’ has become a necessity as many people either work full time from home or at least bring work home with them on occasion. Though many folks live in cities where space is at a premium, there are many innovative ways to create functional work spaces at home—even in a tight space and small budget! So, I thought I would share some “Before” and “After” photos of my own Home Office. Continue reading

Blog Post: A Good Deal on Chandeliers

July 14, 2009

I confess to having an obsession with chandeliers and cool lighting fixtures. Lighting is just so important to a space, whether it be a home, retail boutique, restaurant, bar, work space or office. Lighting must be functional, attractive and flexible. Planning for separate switching is key in a commercial space and, in my opinion, dimmers are an absolute essential in a residential interior. This is why I thought my next post for “A Good Deal”, my weekly post on affordable design, should focus on some stylish chandeliers. Continue reading

Blog Post: Master Baths and Home Spas

July 10, 2009

Who doesn’t love the idea of a luxurious master bath or an inviting home spa for relaxation and some well deserved pampering? Come on—we all work so hard! Here are some of the best that I have come across recently. Continue reading

Blog Post: Antiquing in Raleigh, North Carolina

July 1, 2009

I love eclectic interiors and mixing antiques with contemporary pieces or architecture; it is just more interesting, antique and unexpected. Just got back from a long weekend antiquing in Raleigh, North Carolina. While great deal of American furniture is manufactured in North Carolina, it may still seem an unlikely place for antiques. However, I have discovered that a great resource is the NC State Fairgrounds, particularly Patricia’s Antiques. Some real treasures can be found for much less than you’d pay in cities such as New York or Boston. Continue reading

MandarinaStudio launches new website

June 26, 2009

We are proud to announce the launch of our new site and welcome all potential clients to contact us with inquiries. We hope you enjoy viewing the site and our projects as much as we do crafting them!

Blog Post: Rugs!

June 23, 2009

This past weekend included a shopping excursion north of Boston to the Landry & Arcari Annual Rug Sale near Salem where I was lucky enough to find the perfect Persian style rug for a client’s dining room. It is an elegant Haji Jalili design on an ivory background with a center medallion and boarder of pale pink with pops of deep aubergine. 8′ x 10′ hand woven rug that retails for $4,960 was a total steal for…$750! Yes, that’s right $750! Ok, while we know that no one ever pays the retail price on a rug, this is still quite a steal. Continue reading

Project Announcement: Long Island Residence

June 6, 2009

MandarinaStudio is pleased to announce that we have been retained to provide interior design services for a historic residence in the beautiful town of Brightwaters, New York. Located on Long Island’s Great South Bay, the original wing of the home was built in 1908 as a summer retreat and was once the home of the film star actress Zsa Zsa Gabor. The

Project Announcement: Manhattan Penthouse

June 3, 2009

With the design phase complete, Amanda Reid, Principal, has been traveling regularly to NYC to implement and oversee the renovation of this loft style apartment that includes a new kitchen and bath. Located on the west side of Manhattan, the open plan main level is connected by a spiral stair to a second level that includes a bedroom with private