Experiment with Color: Fall 2015 Trends

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.

For the Neutral Lover

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)

For the Playful and Cheery

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.

For the Bold and Daring

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 :)

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.

DIY Thumb Print Vase

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!

For this Tutorial you will Need:

- 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-by-Step Tutorial

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!

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.

Revive Old Planters with this Simple DIY!

'Tis the season to be sneezin' .. This Spring has got me suffering with allergies. Regardless, I am still spending time outdoors and finishing up outdoor chores before summer BBQ's start. Last weekend during Mother's Day, my mom and I went to pick out new flowers for outside (Mother knows best). As we prepare to plant the new flowers, I realized that our flower pots needed a major revival. It was only necessary that I stop everything I was doing and run to grab all my painting supplies.

Here is a Quick Step-by-Step Tutorial to Revive your Outdoor Planters:

For this project you will need:

A tarp to cover the ground, Paint of your choice (Either Spray paint or Acrylic), a ceramic or plastic pot, protective spray coat (optional), stencil (optional)

1. Wash & Scrub existing planter. It is important that you have a clean slate to work on. Wash away dirt and sometimes spider webs hidden under the lip of the planter (gross)

2. Place tarp down to protect the floor and ground around you.

3. Paint the body of your planter with two coats of paint in the color of your choice. You can leave it solid and stop here or use this color as a background color and move on to the next step.

4. (Optional) Apply a Stencil or tape out stripes or a design of your choice. Color in your stencil with paint.

5. (Optional) After the paint has dried, add a protective top coat.

Here is the final result. I may go back in and add a design to the Cobalt blue pot. I am thinking of a Chinoiserie pattern because I am loving Blue & White right now. If you haven't been following me, check out my post from two weeks ago, "Chinoiserie Chic Decor".

I also painted a few solid yellow pots to coordinate with the sunflower stenciled pots which aren't photographed because I am waiting for my plants to grow. I didn't want to show you a pot of dirt :)  I'll share the growth on Instagram @byamadesigns.

Here are some other Pinterest-worthy designs that I would like to attempt in the future.

(Photo via In my Own Style)

(Photo via Centsational Girl)

Gardening is not my forte. What are some of your favorite outdoor plants and flowers? Share your favorites (especially flowers deer & other animals won't eat). I would love to know!

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you love this post, share it with your friends and pin it to Pinterest to come back this craft idea later.

Hope your day is as awesome as you are! :)

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.

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.

Fab Find Friday!

Happy Fab Find Friday everyone! This week I am sharing fabulous finds from One Kings Lane. One Kings Lane is also running a special for new members, if you sign up today you will receive $15 credit for purchases $30 or more. For easy shopping click the direct link for each coordinating number. Pin this post to your Pinterest page so you can revisit these beauties later!

1. Wingback Chair / 2. Pewter End Table / 3.Crystal Ball Lamp (Set of 2) / 4. Area Rug / 5. Nesting Tables / 6. Cowhide Ottoman / 7. Faux Orchids / 8. Agate Boxes (Set of 2) / 9. Skirted Ottoman / 10. Hammered Metal Side Table

3 Tips to Create a Fab Foyer

The entry of your home is the first thing your guest see when you invite them into your home. As the saying goes, "First impressions are formed within 7 seconds." Create a lasting impression in your foyer that expresses your personality in a nut-shell. Show off your individuality but don't show all the goods ... shhh, save that for the rooms. My dream foyer would be packed with bold style, sexiness, gold accessories, lucite, a statement chandelier, and Mongolian fur ottomans. At least, that's what I am dreaming of right now - it changes.

This blog post was inspired by the powerful statement foyer that I found in the House Beautiful magazine (picture below). Isn't it drop-dead stunning? My eye was immediately drawn to the wallpaper. I love the citrus and blue tones in the pattern. Not to mention the pedestal table that literally was screaming my name.

Although the wallpaper is bold and in-your-face... the stair runner is neutral and creates a sense of balances. The solid gray grounds the space, giving your eye a place to rest. Next, is the gold pedestal base table; a stylish twist on a classic. It fills the corner nicely. The staircase is almost hugging the table. The accessories are simple and the florals draw your eye up towards the rest of the staircase and towards geometric pendant.

Are you anxious to learn how to create your own fab foyer? Inspired by the photo, there are three tips to keep in mind while designing your foyer. Let's break it down, shall we?

1. STYLE - Enter your home with style! Design your foyer by starting with largest item. Carpeting in most spaces will dictate the design. Stair runners and area rugs are a great way to introduce color and pattern into your foyer. Or opt to be different and add decorative wallpaper in your entry while keeping it neutral on with the carpet. Add a funky console table with a statement mirror above it. Reinvent an old table lamp and make it bold with a new lamp-shade. Strategically place florals, trinkets, picture frames, and other decor that will catch your eye as you enter the home.

2. PERSONALITY - You should feel welcomed every time you step foot inside your home. Add accessories and details that represent your personality and/or family. Whether it be pops of your favorite color, a traditional chair for putting shoes on, or that animal print rug you always wanted - get creative.

3. FUNCTION - Aside from being stylish and pretty, it has to be functional for your lifestyle. Place a small decorative tray on your console table for a spot to leave keys. Tuck away stools underneath your console that could easily slide out if you need to put your shoes on. Hang a decorative mirror for those last minute looks before you leave the house. Add a cute but functional Hall-Tree or hang hooks behind the door for your every day coats that are easy to grab-and-go.

I just realized that the acronym for these three rules is SPF! That should be easy to remember! :) Get your SPF on and rock on. For more inspiration to create a fab foyer of your own, please check out my "Fab Foyer" board on Pinterest.

https://www.pinterest.com/byamadesigns/fab-foyers/

What to do with A LOT of Wine Corks?

My family and I have collected wine corks over the years. Why? I'm not sure. We have so many wine corks that we could possibly build an addition onto our house... okay maybe not that much but we do have a lot.

So what do you do with all your wine corks?

Here is what I came up with:

1. A Cork Wreath to put on your front door so all your neighbors know you're a wine-o

Level: Medium-Hard

Directions: Cut out a wreath template using foam board, Use Gorilla Glue to glue on corks (hot glue gun doesn't work! the sun remelts the glue and made mine fall apart the first time around lol I've learned from experience), Add grapes and bows

2. Naughty and Nice Cork Ornaments

Level: Easy

Directions: Paint corks, add felt for clothes and hats, pipe cleaners for arms, the options are endless.

3. A Xmas Tree

Level: Easy

Directions: Make a pyramid of corks, glue one row at a time, paint some of the edges, add bow or star for a topper.

4. A More Complicated Christmas Tree (because one isn't enough)

Level: Hard

Directions: Honestly, this looks easier than it is. The beginning rows started off easy but the larger the base got - the harder it was. I glued rings of corks together in different sizes, then glue each row together to make a stacked row tree.

I hope you enjoyed this post! I can't wait to see what you come up with! Please tag your creations on Instagram or Twitter @byamadesigns. I will repost all my favorites :) Happy holidays everyone!

Warmest wishes,

Amanda M. Amato

AMA DESIGNS

A Thankful Thanksgiving

Hello from Pleasanton, California! (and it sure is pleasant)

I have everything to be thankful for this year. I am especially grateful that I get to spend my Thanksgiving with my family in California. I have never been on a family vacation before with my parents that I can remember. Twenty-three years later, we are taking one of our first family vacations. Although, later is better than never! I am so grateful to finally have the chance to spend a week with my family and also my cousins, my Aunt, and my Uncle.

Aside from family time, I am so blessed to have such an amazing support system behind me. My boyfriend and my friends are my backbone. I am so grateful to have an awesome circle of friends to laugh with and lean on when I need it. My boyfriend is my bestfriend and my rock. I am not sure where I would be without his continuous support and encouragement! Thank you <3

This year I have definitely noticed growth within myself and my business. AMA Designs was always something I did "on the side" but finally I have launched my business full-time and pursuing my passion. Starting is always difficult. I have realized as long as I keep taking that step forward each day, I can accomplish my dreams. After all, success is a series of small wins and small wins are better than none at all. I am so thankful for all my experiences so far and I cannot wait to see what the future holds!

I am also thankful for all of you!!!! YES, YOU READING THIS! <3 Without you, AMA Designs would nonexistent. Thank you for reading and I appreciate all your feedback. I love hearing from you. It truly brightens my day! I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving.

Sending all my love!!! - Amanda