We will miss our start-up location in Caldwell, NJ, which was within a real estate office, and the friendships we have developed over the years from working there. As our business expanded and our team grew, it was time to open up a studio to support our needs and service our Clients.
Regardless of the scope of your project, any home project is an investment. We manage projects anywhere from full-room decoration to full-scale renovation. When you are investing thousands into your home, the thought of professional fees for an Interior Designer may raise concern. However, you know in your gut that you don’t have the time or bandwidth to take on the project yourself without the help of an expert.
The value of hiring a professional Interior Designer far outweighs the monetary value.
If you have been researching an Interior Designer for your project, you may have seen the terms Full-service, Turn-key Design, E-Design, or Virtual Design. These industry terms are different tiers of service and appeal to Clients at two different price points. If you are confused what is the difference between Full-Service Design and Virtual Design, this post is for you.
Have you have been tossing around the idea of hiring an Interior Designer but don’t know where to start? An Interior Designer gives you the reinsurance that you will have the dream home you’ve always wanted, help you stay on budget, and reach your target end date.
In today’s blog post, we will share our expertise whether you should remodel or move. If you are unhappy with the current state of your home, you are not alone. Home improvement projects have been on the rise since the pandemic started. Home projects are not the only thing on the rise but the cost of real estate as well. In New Jersey, we have reached a housing boom with homes selling $100,000-$200,000 over asking. Of course, this doesn’t happen with every listing but it is happening more frequently in today’s market. As my husband is a New Jersey realtor, I have an acute awareness to the real estate market and the experiences he has encountered over the past year and a half. With mortgage rates being historically low, more homeowners are considering whether to remodel or move.
The air is brisk, the trees lost their leaves, and the sky is a cool winter gray. It’s the season where we crave warmth and snuggling on our sofa with a huge mug of tea or hot cocoa with extra marshmallows. Aside from physical warmth, our homes can have visual warmth which can make our homes feel more inviting. In today’s post, I will be sharing my 10 ways to make your home warm and inviting.
You may like a lot of different styles and don't identify with one design style. Or maybe you feel that you don’t have a design style at all. But let me assure you that you definitely have a design style. If you have a personality, you have a style. You may not uncovered it yet but through some exploration you will be able to pinpoint “your unique style.”
Tell me if this sounds familiar: You just moved in or are looking for a new home, you started shopping around online, you made Pinterest & Houzz inspiration boards, you bookmarked all your favorite items, you watched reruns of HGTV shows, you took notes from a YouTube video on how to DIY everything, and you have been stock piling coupons for Bed Bath and Beyond like nobody's business. You did the research and you gathered inspiration but where do you start? I’m here to tell you how in this blog post!
'Tis the season to be giving! And with that, comes the gift wrapping. Add style and personalize your presents with these decorating ideas. I'm a little last minute with my gift shopping this year so I will be sharing 10 of my favorite gift-wrapping ideas from Pinterest. I love wrapping gifts. I find it so therapeutic. I take the time to fold the corners real crisp. I take gift wrapping seriously. I used to work at Pier1 Imports and I was the cashier who could wrap any gift, any shape, any size with ease.
I will be sharing my gift wrapping techniques on Instagram so follow along to see what ideas I come up with.
Black, White, & Gold - My favorite glam color scheme. My favorite gifts have the bells hanging from them and of course the big full bows. For more gift wrapping ideas, head over to Boxwood Clippings blog.
Rustic Red and White - Mix craft paper and wrapping paper for a layered look. Mix in Christmas Clippings for a Natural touch and the person's initial for personalization. You could also add an ornament for a little more sparkle. For the tutorial visit, On Sutton Place blog.
Stamp it - Personalize brown paper with alphabet stampers with each individual's name for a homemade touch or stamp some holiday cheer with the word "joy". For more gift wrapping ideas, visit Babble.com
Chalkboard Packaging - Wrap your presents in black craft paper and draw with white pencil or paint pens to give the look and feel of Chalkboard presents. For the tutorial, visit Going Home to Roost blog.
For the Traveler - wrap your gift with a recycled map or Atlas. Bonus points for using a map with a place that actually traveled too. For the tutorial, visit Lime Doodle Design.
Gold Tipped Paper Feathers - No bow? No problem. Create a feather pattern out of colored construction paper or even a newspaper. Add a little glam by spraying your faux feather with gold spray paint. For the full tutorial, please visit Lia Griffith.
Girlie Gifts and Gift Tags - Simple yet adorable. One single ribbon for a pop of color and then black and white string to hold the decorative tag. For free graphic gift tag printables, visit Birds Party blog.
Sticker it! - Cover your package with craft paper, wrap with raffia, and apply holiday stickers of your choice. For the tutorial, check out Midwest Living.
Boxwood Wreath - I love boxwood plants. For a rustic yet holiday gift wrap idea, use boxwood branches and burlap. For the tutorial, visit Craftberry Bush blog.
For the bookworm - Wrap small gifts with bookpages and add a monogram for each of your friends. I would take this gift wrap technique one step further by adding a mini candy cane or fake holly berries for a holiday touch. Tutorial via Erinnish.
Are you behind on your holiday shopping like me? These gift wrapping ideas are simple and will make your friends/family feel special when they open them. Which Holiday gift wrap idea will you choose?
Are you a gift-wrapping fanatic like I am? Tag @byamadesigns on Instagram so I can check out your holiday gifts ! I would love to see them.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
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Refresh your home's color palette with warm, earthy, or saturated tones to warm up your interior during the cooler months ahead. Today I will be sharing a combination of color pairings and how to incorporate these shades into your home. I am going to break this post into personal color preferences: Neutral, Playful, and Bold .. Scroll down to the color palette that you gravitate to.
If you love neutral colors, try incorporated shades of "Cognac" into your home. Warm whisky browns that have a reddish tint pair well with other neutral shades. The warm autumn shade can be incorporated with wood furniture finishes and/or fabrics like the warm whiskey brown chairs featured in this eclectic living space.
(Image via House Beautiful)
Taupe and mink brown are a great choice to use as neutral to balance any color palette. I prefer taupe over gray because it is earthy and creates a warm inviting environment when used on walls. (Love taupe so much that it is my current Fall nail color right now)
If you are searching for a muted color, try using mauve in your home. Mauve is a toned down purple that compliments well with warm browns, deep plums, and crisp whites.
Blush pinks and soft rose shades are colors that can be worked into your home. They marry well with rich blues or beiges and creams. For paint colors, select a white with a tint of flesh tone pink for a touch of warmth to a crisp white.
For a deeper neutral color and an alternative to dark brown, try experimenting with the color "Marsala". Marsala is a rich brown-red hue and also the Pantone 2015 Color of the Year. Definitely one of my favorite shades. I love how the marsala sectional grounds the space in the photo below. Read more about this color in detail.
(Image via Belgian Pearls)
If you like bright cheery tones, use Pantone's "misted yellow" which is a muted yellow with a green tint. It is the fall version of a cheery yellow. If you are looking for a yellow without the green tint, I like using mustard as an accent color in accessories or fabrics. Mustard marries well with rich brown, vibrant teal, charcoal gray, and even black.
(Image via Digdigs.com)
Another cheery pop of color to try is Pantone's Amethyst Orchid. A vibrant jewel tone that is strong enough to be a statement color or can be used sparingly with accessories or flowers. Amethyst Orchid can add a lot of energy to a space when paired with red or another vibrant hue but when combined with gray it adds a soft playful pop of color.
Cypress green is a color that I am seeing more lately. I've seen it on walls, furniture, and even kitchen cabinets. Cypress is a soft soothing green but when mixed with a neutral color palette it can add a crisp pop of color. As the leaves begin to fade, shades of green can evoke a feeling of nature when added into your home. Cypress green and forest green are two shades to experiment with this winter.
If you are feeling daring and want to explore using saturated hues, here are a few:
Aurora red: A cross between orange and red. Reminiscent in the fall leaves. This shade is perfect for Autumn shade. Whether you use this shade in small ways or big ways, this color is bound to make a statement due to the density in color.
Pumpkin: If you aren't ready for the commitment of red, try using shades of pumpkin or a paprika spice. Burnt oranges add warmth to charcoal grays and compliment taupe or chocolate browns. In the photo below, the pumpkin hue adds warmth and color to this cozy bedroom but isn't overpowering.
(Image via Ericcrossinteriors.com)
Not quite blue, not quite green: Teal is a beautiful gem tone that is vibrant and mixes well with warm shades like whiskey brown. I love how the mid-century modern chair pops against the rich teal walls.
(Image via mod-home.info)
Rich violet, Sangria-like shades are rich shades that can create intimate settings when used on walls. I love seeing deep violet or cabernet-like shades in dining rooms. I feel like it creates a warm dinner setting. Whether used in a big way on walls or in smalls doses, this shade is sure to warm up any space.
So which shade will you be experimenting with this fall? Will you be going for a cheery, bold, or neutral look? Comment below :)
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Are you ready to redecorate your space but not sure where to start? Well - I am glad your here! In today's Tip Tuesday post you will learn how to shop for furniture, how to assess your needs, what to look out for when shopping for new furniture, and how to avoid mistakes.
Assess Belongings - Before you go shopping, create a note of what existing items are staying, going, and what new items are needed/desired. Assess what is worth keeping and what items you are ready to let go. Also keep in mind the furniture that is in good condition but may need to be freshened up by reupholstering or refinishing with a new coat of paint.
Create a Cheat Sheet - Goto the store prepared by bring clippings of paint colors, fabrics samples, and pictures of items you are working with. Bring inspiration photos to glance at while shopping to remind you of how you want the end result to look and feel. Shopping can be overwhelming and it's easy to get distracted. Bringing a cheat sheet while shopping keeps you on target.
Plan Ahead - Measure your existing space and items that you will be keeping. Draw the general shape of your room and see if you could reconfigure the layout in a way that works best for you. Now is the time to nail down the details of what size furniture works best.
* Side Note: Measure all important doorways/entrys and hallways to confirm furniture can fit into the space. Nothing worse than buying furniture that can't fit through the door.
Scale - This ties in with measuring... A piece of furniture may look great in a showroom with high ceilings but when you bring it back home, it may overwhelm your space. Measure the space and tape out and block the furniture on the floor to make sure it fits in the room before you buy it.
Budget - Create a spending plan of how much you want to spend in total. Do not forget to factor in additional fees such as warranties, protection plans, installation/assembly, and inside deliveries.
Additional Tips:
- When purchasing upholstery, upgrade seat cushions to foam wrapped with down. Invest in pieces that are most important (i.e. the sofa) instead of rarely used items. The heavier the cushion, the longer it will last.
- Furniture is a large investment. Select furniture that is timeless and transitional.
- For case goods, look for dovetail joints in the corners of drawers for long-lasting quality.
- For upholstery, lift up a corner and shake it, if it feels light or wobbly; skip it.
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 when you join.
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Hello everyone! It's been a while since I have posted a DIY. I have been busy creating drawings and paintings, but I haven't actually made a "craft" in a while that I could share with you.
I wanted to create a bottle that had an all-year round design, texture, and that was sculptural. So I have created a vase that I have wrapped in Air-Dry Clay that I purchased from Michaels with a coupon. Woot woot!
- A Wine Bottle or Canister of your Choice
- Air Dry Clay (I used White so I could spray paint it if I wanted to)
- A rolling Pin
- Exact-o Knife
- Thumbs ;)
Step 1: Select bottle
Step 2: Clean Bottles and take off labels with Hot soapy water
Step 3: Roll out Air-dry clay into a big rectangle (easier to work with). Roll out thin
Step 4: Wrap clay covering as much of the bottle as possible
Step 5: Cut off Excess clay with Exact-o Knife
Step 6: Use Excess clay to cover top of bottle
Step 7: Blend in creases with your fingers the best you can by using a rubbing or patting motion. I also rolled it on the table to even out the clay.
Step 8: Take your thumb and apply pressure to the clay to make rows of thumb prints starting at the bottom until you reach the top.
Step 9: Let clay air-dry for 24-48 hours (varies upon thickness)
Step 10: Spray paint bottle in the color of your choice and/or add branches/flowers for decoration
Here is the finished result!
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In this weeks blog post, I am sharing 10 tips how to bring nature indoors. Create a warm and inviting space by infusing elements of nature into your home. We feel more connected and happy when we spend more time relaxing outdoors. With organic shapes and natural textures trending in the design industry, it is easier to bring the outdoors in whether your design style is modern or traditional.
1. Select A Wood - Wood comes in a wide variety of stains, finishes, and species. It could be polished or left unstained to reveal its unique imperfections and character. Wood is also one of the few materials that can be used for several different applications, from floor to ceiling. I love this contemporary and rustic staircase because of the mixture of reclaimed wood on the walls.
(Photo via Home Adore)
2. Choose a Stone - Another finish I am fond of using is stone because of its durability and versatility. Choose the stone that works best for your lifestyle, personality, and application type. Each species of stone has its characteristics: good and bad. If you are using stone as a kitchen or flooring it is important to understand the quality and what application it is best used for.
(Photo via Zillow)
3. Create Zen-like Center Pieces - Surround pebbles around tea light candles on a long narrow tray to create a zen centerpiece on your coffee table or dining table.
4. Furniture - With nature trending in the design industry, I have seen some extraordinary furniture with natural materials. Whether it be a coffee table crafted from an exotic piece of wood or a slab of agate stone for an end table, there is plenty of variety available that could be used in any design setting or style. You don't have to have a rustic style home to add a touch of nature to your space. Check out this beautifully crafted console table from Phillips Collection.
(Photo via Phillips Collection)
5. Accessories and Lighting - Add a table lamp featuring a stunning slab of semi-precious stone or agate stone coasters in your dining room.
6. Natural Lighting - Natural lighting is a desirable design element in any space or home. Natural light also makes us feel inspired and energized. The power of natural light has an affect on how you feel like no other. Leave your windows open to the elements to feel more connected to the outside.
(Photo via Architectural Digest)
7. Artwork inspired by Nature - If you don't have a room with a view, create one with art. Add a large abstract scenic painting over a sofa to create a statement or reminiscent of the the outdoors. If you're not into scenic prints, group photography of close up of nature. I love black and white close-ups of flowers.
8. Table top Waterfalls/fountains - There is something Oh-so-relaxing about the sound of trickling water. Add a table-top waterfall in a bedroom for a soothing nights sleep.
9. Indoor Plants & Blooms - Perk up rooms with indoor plants. For low maintenance, consider creating your own mini succulent garden. Add flowers for color or even display your fruits in a bowl in a kitchen for a pop of color (and also a convenient snack).
(Photo via Better Home and Gardens)
10. Branch Out - If your not into the upkeep of plants, try adding branches to a vase for super low maintenance and natural look. Visit your nearest craft store for a wide selection of faux branches with flowers.
Welcome the outdoors in with one of these ten tips. I hope you have enjoyed this post. Which tip will you use to bring the feeling of nature into your home? I would love to hear what design tip was your favorite, make sure to leave a comment and share below.
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.
