Design Trend: Blue Hues in Home Decor

Boy oh boy, do I have the case of the blues (not the boo-hoo blues)!! Shades of blue were introduced at High Point Market this Spring. In the fashion industry, Pantone may have announced "Marsala" to be the fashion color of the year but blue is the color of the year in furniture, accessories, and home decor as well. Today I will be sharing my inspiration and home decor in bright blues that you can add to your home and reinvent your space.

If you follow me on Instagram, I shared my inspiration of a vignette with vibrant blue plantation shutters and moroccan tile around it. Pigmented blue hues ranging from royal to indigo to watery azure are trending for this season on the runway and in home decor.

Introduce shades of blue to any decorating palette in doses or as the main focus. Blue plays well off of primary colors such as yellow or red for a bold impact. Pair blue with orange for a energetic color combo. On the contrary, couple blue hues with purple or green for soothing and cool palette. Blue could also serve as an accent color when paired with neutrals like the room featured below.

 (Photo via 6th Street Design School)

Whether you choose to add vibrant blue tones in big way or subtle way, I have found a few options that will suit your decor needs. Here are some blue decor ideas that you can incorporate into your home.

1. Silk Pillow // 2. Cobalt Table Lamp // 3. Porcelain Chinoiserie Vase // 4. Indigo Scarf // 5. Tufted Sofa // 6. Botanical Watercolor Art // 7. Hall Chest // 8. Ikat Rug

Did you find something you liked? Pin this image to your Pinterest board so you can shop later. Are you following me on Pinterest? Let's be friends :)

http://pinterest.com/byamadesigns/

For current photos of my work and progress photos, follow AMA Designs on Facebook or Instagram.

Want more design tips? Join "The Designed Life" monthly e-magazine, filled with tons of inspiration for the home and life. Also, receive a free Home Design Checklist to make your next shopping trip for your home easier.

How to Create a Beautiful and Functional Closet

Since I am in the "Spring Cleaning" spirit, it is only necessary that I discuss closet organization. I wanted to dedicate an entire post to making your closet both beautiful and functional. Let's start by discussing function.

Our closet is never big enough to house all our shoes and clothes. Ladies, the struggle is real! I can't begin to break down the thought process that goes behind my organizing because it involves lots of doodling and pondering in front of my closet... BUT I can give you the major points to create a functional closet.

After much doodling and pondering.. I remove everything from my closet. Designate an area of your floor or bed to create piles of clothing.

The next step is sort clothing into piles. Sort clothing by type; tee's, tanks, sweaters, etc. If you don't have enough room to store everything in your closet, I divide my wardrobe by season and store away the clothes that I won't be using that current season. As time consuming as it is, it's actually easier for me to switch out my closet twice a year instead of trying to shove all my clothes on one tiny space (not functional at all).

After you have organized your clothing by type, it's time to put everything back (woo). Depending on the layout of your closet, double hung rods offer optimal storage. Shelves are great for folding delicate sweaters so they don't lose their shape. Cubbies are good for storing accessories such as purses, scarves, hats, etc. I like to keep my belts rolled up in a basket on a shelf. These are a just a few ideas that have worked for me. If you have a specific question, please comment below!

Now that you have figured out the layout of your closet, it's time to make it beautiful with 10 tips!

1. New Hangers - My number #1 peeve in a closet is mismatched hangers (ah!!). Update your wardrobe and hang your clothing on the right hanger for each item. I use black felt hangers for majority of my wardrobe. However for delicate shirts, a thicker hanger is better so it does not leave a crease on the shoulder.

2. Storage Baskets - If you would like to add color in your closet, add canvas or wicker baskets to store all your accessories on a shelf inside your closet.

3. Accent Seating - Add a stylish accent chair or ottoman for a place to sit and put shoes on.

4. Lighting - Every luxurious closet needs a great ceiling light. If you don't have a walk-in closet, opt for better lighting inside your closet so it is easier to find items of clothing.

5. Metallic Accents - Metallic or mirrored furniture bounce light around the room to make your space feel larger and a touch of glamour.

6. Glam Hardware - Replace drawer pulls and knobs with decorative hardware. My favorite is the lucite or crystal knobs.

7. Acrylic Storage - Clear storage containers work wonders in closets for shoes and accessories. It is easy to see what is inside the boxes and protects items from getting dusty or tarnishing.

8. Hooks - Hooks can be used universally anywhere. Place hooks behind doors and on walls for additional storage. I even add hooks on my wall to hang necklaces.

9. Replace Closet Doors - Do you have sliding closet doors? Consider replacing sliding doors with curtains for a soft and luxurious look. It is also easier to see what is in your closet at first glance when curtains are open.

10. Textured Rugs - Layer texture on your floor with faux fur or shaggy area rugs. I love stepping on a fuzzy carpet as I pick out my clothes in the morning. It's the little things that I enjoy! :)

I hope that my tips on closet function and style has inspired you to redo your own closet! For more closet inspiration, check out my Pinterest board, "Closet Chic."

https://www.pinterest.com/byamadesigns/closet-chic/

Leave a comment and share what bothers you most about your closet? Do you have a specific problem that you need help with? Comment below, I would love to help you!

Want more design tips? Join "The Designed Life" monthly e-magazine, filled with tons of inspiration for the home and life. Also, receive a free Home Design Checklist to make your next shopping trip for your home easier.

Keepin' it Real with AMA - How it All Started...

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today's blog post is inspired by Alex Beadon, the Marketing Queen who encouraged me to participate in the "Feel Good Blogging Challenge". I'm up for the challenge, so let's do this!! ABOUT ME

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Amanda and I am SO GLAD you are here!  I am from New Jersey, that's right - born and raised. Although, I would love to explore other states and countries :) I have always been a creative person and extremely organized.

I have always had a passion for the design industry growing up. I was born into the business. My family owned a construction business at the time. I remember sitting on the backhoe with my dad thinking it was coolest thing I have ever seen!! My childhood consisted of visiting job sites, drawing on the drafting boards, and playing in trailers while my Grandpa was reading blueprints.

My playdates consisted of me organizing my friends playroom closets, moving furniture, and redesigning the Barbie house. At 6 years old, I had parents calling my mother asking me to come over to help them design the layout of their space.

Today, I continue my passion as an Interior Designer. In my free time, I continue to spend drawing and creating. I love DIY projects!! I always say, "If you don't like it, spray paint it". I also love being outside especially during the Fall season and enjoy the leaves changing. Enjoying the outdoors is where I am most inspired. When it comes to relaxing and decompressing from the day, I love to enjoy a hot cup of tea, a good book, and of course yoga <3.

WHY I STARTED BLOGGING

I used to work as an Interior Designer at a furniture showroom. My clients wanted to stay connected and see what projects I was working on and thus, AMA DESIGNS was born!! It has been almost 2 years since I have started.

WHO IS MY BLOG FOR

My blog is for anyone who enjoys design and all things DIY. I want my blog to be a resource for people to visit and gain valuable tips for their home as well as being an inspiration to create something of their own. Designing a space doesn't have to have an expensive price tag to be beautiful! I want to share my design tips and advise for the homeowner who wants to create an amazing space and possibly save money along the way! :)

CURRENT DESIGN PROJECTS

I am working on a few exciting projects right now that I am so proud of. I am working on a kitchen renovation and bedroom space. I am SO anxious to share this project with you because I want to show you that renovating your kitchen can be done tastefully but without putting holes in your pocket. Wait until you see the floors.......

I am also working on a teen bedroom which looks fabulous. The client wanted to keep the existing wall color and furniture. It is absolutely amazing what a new floor plan, accessories, and window treatments can do! I also created hand-painted artwork customized for the space and made a nightstand with purple lucite hardware for the client. I will be sharing this project very soon - I am just waiting for a few pieces to arrive :)

TAKEAWAYS

After visiting my blog - I want people to feel inspired, entertained, and most of all encouraged to be productive and/or creative in their own way! Design is my passion and I want to be able to share it with my viewers :) I believe your home should be a reflection of yourself. Create an environment that you are excited to come home to everyday! What's better than coming home from a stressful day at work and melting into your favorite chair with a glass of wine? Mmmm, I am instantly relaxed just thinking about gazing out the window in my cushy sofa.

I hope your day is as AWESOME as you are!

With love,

AMA DESIGNS

Tickled Pink

I am not the girl who is typically drawn to pink but something about the summer has gotten me tickled pink! Pink has always been a hot color but more so this season. I have been seeing shades of pink all over - especially in fashion and design lately. Pink doesn't have to be just for a little girls room, pink can be sophisticated in the right shade. Watermelon pink is such a refreshing shade, especially for summer! The combination of red and pink is very bold yet provides warmth and excitement to any space or outfit. Another variation of this striking combination is pink and orange or pink and yellow. For a more dramatic look, black and pink creates a stark look. My personal favorite color combination is navy and pink. Something about that color combo is so striking!

If you are afraid of using pink in your home or wardrobe, try going more subdued. I like pairing khaki and coral together. It's the perfect color combination for summer. Another neutral color scheme that I find appealing is taupe and pink, or use coral as a substitute. Beiges and brown undertones will balance the bold hue.