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.

Inspired by Fashion: Chinoiserie Decor

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting its "China: Through the Looking Glass" Costume Institute Benefit Gala. During this event celebrities and fashionistas alike gather for the style world's biggest night of the year. Various famous designers will be featured in the exhibit such as Cristobal Balenciaga, Travis Banton, Bulgari, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Callot Soeurs, Cartier, Roberto Cavalli, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino Garavani, Ralph Lauren, Christian Louboutin and many more. Chinoiserie print strongly debuts in this exhibit. Not only does this event mark a pivotal point in fashion but the interior design industry as well. If you are unfamiliar with the term "Chinoiserie," it is a print that reflects Chinese artistic influences.

In today's post, I will be sharing how to incorporate Chinoiserie decor into your home inspired by the popular fashion trend seen at the Met Gala.

(Photo via gotamist.com)

The Chinese-esque pattern is impacting decor for the home with fabric, wallpaper, and accessories. Incorporate Chinoiserie decor by grouping porcelain blue and white ginger jars for a more decorative and temporary approach like the room below.

Designer and Blogger, Erin Gates featured chinoiserie decor in her guest bedroom by framing fabric on either side of the bed. I adore this transitional incorporation of the pattern.

(Photo via Erin Gates, Elements of Style)

(Photo via Erin Gates, Elements of Style)

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/110000/Hollywood-Residence-transitional-living-room-los-angeles]

For a dramatic look, Los Angelos designer, Elizabeth Gordon added gold chinoiserie to the ceiling with a decorative ceiling mirror with a gorgeous guided frame. Whether you choose to introduce this Chinese-chic pattern in a bold way or a small way, Chinoiserie is a trend that is here to stay. Chinoiserie is a classic pattern that has evolved through design and making a modern comeback in fresh color palettes.

 

If you are feeling super inspired by this fashion-forward trend, comment below! Will you be visiting The Metropolitan Museum for the exhibit? If you are into fashion, design, art -- I urge you to go! I went to The Met for the Alexander McQueen exhibit, it was beyond inspiring. It was such a memorable experience. For a preview of the "China: Through the Looking Glass" exhibit, visit this gallery from Vogue.

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.

Trend Alert: Flower Power

Spring is weeks away and I am beyond ready! After a long gray winter, I can't wait to see the flowers and plants come back to life! Not only am I hyped about warm weather approaching but I am anxious to see bold color and style! I recently received the new Bloomingdale's catalog for Spring. The bold floral and botanical prints immediately caught my attention. Here's is a picture of my inspiration:

Floral prints are making a strong comeback in Spring 2015 both on the runway and in the home. When I say "Florals," I am sure some of you may be reading this and think, "Oh no Amanda, my Grandma's florals are never coming back." Rest assured, these are not your Grandma's florals. The trend today is packed with punches of color and playful large-scale prints.

Breath life back into your home by adding playful floral prints. Introduce floral prints in small touches like adding a floral printed vase or artwork to revive your space. To add floral prints in a bigger way, try bringing in fabrics with floral prints into your space like pillows or bedding. Do you have an old chair that needs reupholstering? Make a statement with a bold modern floral. Here are some accessories that I found from Joss & Main and One King Lane that you can incorporate into your home for spring.

1. Yellow Arm Chair / 2. Yellow Flower Wall Art / 3. Floral Medallion Rug / 4. Flower Motif Pillow / 5. Coral Flower Pillow /  6.  Blue and White Vase  / 7. Flower Print Vase /  8. Multi-color Arm Chair / 9. Gray Floral Pouf / 10. Modern Floral Rug

Find something that you loved? Pin this image so you can revisit this post later :)

For more flower print inspiration, visit Apartment Therapy and read their trend alert post on flagrant florals.

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