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.

2015 Color of the Year: Marsala

If you don't follow fashion or design, you might have not heard of Pantone (and that's okay!). Pantone selects a color of the year which sets the tone for the entire design industry. The 2015 Color of the Year is Marsala and I couldn't be more thrilled. Before the color was even announced, I was already obsessing over this color. I was wearing it as lipstick, nail polish, even fantacising wall colors (it's true)! Look at me, before the trend. Woot woot! This red-brown hue is perfection all the way around. Marsala is a gender neutral color in fashion that can be worn on men and women. For beauty, marsala is the perfect lipstick shade that many different skin tones can pull off. In interiors, marsala in a matte finish can bring out the earthy texture. Opposingly, marsala in a high-gloss can bring drama and glamour to your space.

Let's talk about how you can incorporate Marsala into your home.

Marsala can be perfectly paired with neutrals such as ecru, beige, and ash grays. Marsala also compliments soft purples, blush tones, and shades of blue. Pairing Marsala with other warm tones such as mustard, lemon grass, sandy browns and earthy greens is also a beautiful palette.

Introduce Marsala with luxe fabrics, pillows, candles, accessories, artwork, or even paint a piece of furniture or wall if you are feeling extra daring. Here are some of my favorite rooms that I found on Pinterest:

   

Which photo was your favorite? How will you incorporate Marsala into your home in 2015? Please share below :) Tag your photos on Instagram or Twitter by tagging @byamadesigns

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

Hollywood Glam

What's black, white and glamorous all over? Trick question - any upholstered piece with a black and white pattern can create a Hollywood Glam feeling. Black and white colored fabrics are a staple when it comes to a woman's wardrobe. The black and white color combination is so simple and classic, yet elegant. So why not use that color combination in your home? Imagine a luxurious vanity with mirrored drawers and a mirror above which is illuminated all the way around - ah! It screams "GLAMOUR!"

Hold on, I'm ready for my close up!

Not so fast! If you want to dazzle your home with a dose of Hollywood Glamour, here are a few tips. For fabric, mix and match a few patterned pieces with some solid pieces to balance your room. For example, designate the largest piece in your room to be a solid fabric with two armchairs that are in a bold black and white pattern. For a more modern look, try using a black and white chevron. If you prefer more traditional, opt to use a damask print or a stripe. If you have a wild side, there is nothing better than animal print! Try using either zebra or cowhide print.

Now lets talk about accessories! As you would dress up your little black dress with sparkling jewelry - I would definitely add sparkling silver pieces to your room. Whether it is a table lamp with a mercury glass base or a decorative cocktail table - think of the accessories as the jewelry of your space.

Here are some inspiration images that I adore!