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.
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 :)
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.
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.
As we make the slow transition into Spring, we naturally turn our attention to cleaning and updating our homes. This is the time where I flip my home inside out and upside down for a major cleanse. To help prepare you for the always-busy months ahead, I've created a Spring Cleaning Checklist to use as a guide:
I hope you have found these tips helpful while you prepare for Spring.
What are some tasks that help you prepare for the warm months ahead? Share your favorite tip below.
Do you love AMA Designs? 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.
With the warm summer months approaching, It's almost that time to start prepping your outdoor spaces to entertain family and friends. If you follow me on Facebook, you may have noticed a few outdoor-related posts I shared. I'm in the outdoor-entertaining spirit! Easter is around the corner and I am hoping it's warm enough to eat outside or pull up a chair in the sun with a drink. Your backyard is an extension of your home that should not be undervalued. Today, I'll be sharing how to create an outdoor space that everyone will want to enjoy with 10 easy decorating ideas and techniques.
1. Divide Backyard into Zones - Dining area, lounge area, grilling/barbecue section, outdoor bar, kids play area, etc.
(Photo by Helen Green Design)
2. Outdoor Lighting - Treat outdoor spaces such as porches, patios, and even screened in porches as another room. Add ceiling fixtures as you would with an indoor space. This makes the space feel more like a "room".
(Photo via House Beautiful)
3. Outdoor Furniture - Most indoor/outdoor furniture today is hard to decipher from regular interior use. Wicker seating and sectionals make for great seating whether it be outdoor or on a screened-in porch.
4. Area Rugs - Area rugs not only define seating zones but they also protect bare feet from burning on a sunny porch (I'm guilty for this one!). Pick up a durable indoor/outdoor rug. Some examples are sisal/jute, poly blends, or even woven plastic that looks like straw.
5. Outdoor Pillows - As with furniture, indoor/outdoor fabric options have improved. Outdoor pillows don't look like your typical outdoor pillows anymore. Cozy up your lounge chairs and seating areas with decorative throws.
6. Outdoor Curtains - This ties in with #5. If you have a porch or a pergola, consider adding curtain sheers.
(Photo via Centsational Girl)
7. Light the Way - Light up paths for you and your guests with solar powered lights.
8. Discrete Outdoor Speakers - What is a party without a little music? Discretely hide speakers with speakers that are disguised as rocks.
9. Fresh Paint - Revive your deck or stairs with a fresh coat of paint. Are the high-traffic areas worn out? Consider using a stencil to paint a runner up your stairs or stencil a faux area rug underneath outdoor seating. The picture below is painted concrete. The pattern is intricate but I hope it has inspired you to try something new (even if it is a simple stair runner stencil).
(Photo via Lifeworkmediablog)
10. Storage - Create storage areas for common items. For example, if you have a pool, hang hooks near for towels or keep a cedar trunk filled with clean towels so your kids don't walk in the house dripping wet. If you have outdoor plates and glass ware, consider adding a shelf near the door that exits to your backyard. If your guests, need an extra cup or napkin, they know where to go. I love to entertain but sometimes I'm not always available to tend to everyones needs (especially for large parties). Think of the different types of outdoor entertaining you like to have and alter your storage to your needs. It makes entertaining much easier!
I hope you have enjoyed this post and it has inspired you to create your own outdoor sanctuary. Create beautiful memories outdoor this season!
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.
In honor of Thanksgiving coming around the corner, I am surely in the holiday spirit! This year I will be visiting California and spending Thanksgiving with my cousins and family. I could not be more grateful to be celebrating with them this year! I am very close with my family but the distance hinders communication. I can't wait to spend quality time with them. Since I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year, I thought it would be nice to share gift ideas for the host to show my appreciation for having me. After all, it does take a lot of time, effort, and stress to be a host !! I feel they should be rewarded for their tremendous effort for putting together a wonderful evening. As it is the season of giving, I like to give gifts that are both functional and thoughtful.
For the Wino (If you love wine say AYE! ..... Ayeeeee! ) - A bottle of wine with gourmet cheese, bread, and fig jelly spread. Or you can create this fabulous dinner basket with a pasta strainer and fresh pasta. Great idea for the couple who just moved in.
For the Tech Savvy - I have tech savvy people in my family. I found a list of cool tech gifts. I couldn't decide which gadget I liked most! Here is one of my faves. A charging case, which is totally needed for any person who is constantly on their phone (guilty).
For the Dream Chaser - Okay, I admit. I even want one of these beauties for myself! I found these mantra bands on Etsy.
For the Beauty - Create a beauty basket. It can be filled with nail polish, facial masks, or an amazing body scrub. Learn to make your own body scrub, here!
For the Cozy - A fuzzy blanket from West Elm paired with a great read, a fun mug, or a starter log if they have a fireplace.
For those of you hosting the part, I've got your tables decorations covered! The focal point during dinner parties is always the dining table or wherever you are serving the food. Learn how to create the perfect table scape for your dinner party!
1. Candles - Nothing sets the mood of your evening than some candles burning! Place a couple votives or hurricane candles on the table as a centerpiece.
2. Linens - Add texture and interest to your table by layering linens. Add a table cloth to protect your table and to anchor the table with a basic color or pattern if you wish. Then add a table runner and contrasting placemats.
3. Glam Napkin Rings - I'm a sucker for some glamour! I am loving these brooches
4. Flowers and Naturals - I love fresh flowers but they don't have to be used for every holiday. Try using pinecones, white pumpkins, or gords for Thanksgiving.
5. Personalize It - If you are having a large gathering, sometimes it is easier to pre-determine where everyone is sitting first. This way you can avoid that awkward moment of people aimlessly standing around the table saying. "Where am I sitting?" or "I think I put my drink here...." Create decorative place cards or use Initial Ornaments that guests can take home after the party.
Three cheers for the red, white, and blue!!! Summer is finally here and it is time to get your backyard ready to entertain. I love outdoor parties, especially when it comes to the decorating. There is something so magical about the 4th of July. The smell of the barbecue and the rest of the food cooking. Spending time outside with great friends and family as the sun goes down and the fireflies start to come out. The smoke from the fire pit that makes your hair and clothes smell for days. The fireworks shoot high into the sky and burst so loud you can feel it go through your body.
Get in the holiday spirit and decorate your home and backyard for the 4th of July. Switching out pillows for the season is an easy way to switch up the scenery in your home and add some holiday cheer. I love nautical stripes and playful pops of red. For a beachy feel, add wicker accents such as an end table or a round wicker cocktail ottoman that you can put a tray on for entertaining your guests.
For outdoors, play around with accessories such as outdoor pillows, table runners, placemats, outdoor rugs, dishware, lights/candles, and center pieces. If you're really feeling festive, you can even have fun while baking by adding some fun decorative treats to the table.
Here are some ideas for your indoor and outdoor spaces. Have fun this summer and enjoy!
