How to Shop for Furniture

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.

How to Shop for Furniture: Where to Begin

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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10 Tips How to Bring Nature Indoors

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.

10 Tips How to Bring Nature Indoors

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.

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.

Small Balcony, Large Style. How to Deck-Out your Deck

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a small and stylish balcony that truly inspired me. Hours later, I spent the rest of my night on Pinterest gazing over many more trendy decks. So I figured, why not share my lovely findings with you?! As the weather continues to warm up, we start to spend more time outdoors. Your backyard is an extension of your home to relax and entertain. If you live in an apartment and don't have a backyard, why not deck-out your deck? By adding the right elements, you can create a charming outdoor living space that you can retreat to by yourself or with friends.

How to Deck-Out your Small Deck or Balcony:

1. Conversation Seating - Create a comfortable seating arrangement that encourages conversation between guests. If you balcony is tiny, try adding two chairs with a small table in between.

2. Scaled Furniture - Finding furniture that fits a tiny balcony is a challenge. The furniture needs to be scaled to fit the space both in size as well as visual-space. The photo below is the perfect example. The furniture is light-weight and airy. The chair and sofa has an open base and back which draw your eye through the furniture making the space feel more open. If the furniture had a solid back and base, this balcony would feel heavy, small, and cluttered.

3. Flower Garden - Flowers and plants not only add color to your balcony but create privacy as well. By adding a few tall plants along the edge of your railing you can obstruct the view from nearby neighbors. I love the hanging pots on the railing.

4. Herb Garden - If you like to spend time cooking in your kitchen, why not have your own outdoor herb garden? The picture below is a great example of use of wall-space and I also enjoy the pop of color from the flower pots.

5. Outdoor Rug - Make your balcony feel warm and inviting by adding an outdoor area rug. Rugs add interest and also ground furniture groupings.

6. Lights - I love using lantern Lights with candles outdoors. It creates a very warm and inviting setting. If you don't want to use candles, consider the battery operates votives and tea lights. For a similar feel, you could also add string lights and drape the railing or underneath an umbrella.

7. Umbrella - Protect yourself from direct sunlight by adding an umbrella for shade on sunny days.

8. Mesh Canopy - For buggy nights, add a mesh canopy to your balcony.

9. Privacy - Create privacy from nearby neighbors by adding a decorative screen or even draping fabric along the railing.

10. Outdoor Art - Add art to your space that can withstand the weather such as metal or glass wall hangings or sculptures. You can even add wind chimes to add whimsy to your balcony.

I hope you enjoyed this post on how to deck-out your deck. Enjoy the warm months ahead and spend more time outdoors. If you loved this post, share it with a friend who has an apartment or a small balcony.

For more design inspiration, follow @byamadesigns on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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.

How to Prepare for Spring

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:

• Purge Closets - Separate your items into piles as you pack away winter clothes. Donate or toss the items that you will no longer need or will not wear next season.
• Organize - It's time to tidy-up. Store toys in storage baskets/bins. Keep your desk neat with drawer organizers and file storage. Add hooks near the front door to hang those easy-to-lose keys. Find a home for everything to make life easier.
• Office Update - Freshen up your work environment by organizing your files, archiving old files, and even deleting unwanted files on your computer. Organize receipts by store so you can easily find them later. Shred paperwork that has personal information on it. Invest in a planner or other stationary, that you can use to jot down ideas and To Do items.
• Living Update - Your family/living room is very active. To preserve your furniture longer, flip and rotate seat cushions so they can wear evenly. Don't forget to fluff back pillows too! If your throw pillows have seen better days but the casings are in good condition, consider purchasing new pillow inserts.
• Clean Window Treatments - Remove dust from blinds and wash curtains to breath easily this Spring. Don't forget to clean screens daily during high pollen weeks.
• New Bed Linens - Revive your bed with new bed linens and sheets. Swap out your winter-weight duvet with a light-weight comforter or quilt.
• Fresh Scent - Enjoy walking into your space with a fresh scent. There is something about a nice smelling candle that instantly makes a room feel clean (doesn't mean you can skip cleaning tho!). Use reed-diffusers or display potpourri in a decorative bowl.
• Replace Doormats - Your door mat took a beating this winter. Freshen up your entry with a new door mat or hallway runner.
• Revive Exterior - Power wash the siding on the exterior of your home to remove winter debris.
• Prep Outdoor Spaces - Don't get stuck cleaning your porch the day of your first BBQ. Prep and clean your patio and outdoor furniture now to enjoy all season long. You will be happy that you did!
• Outdoor Entertaining Items - Keep your outdoor dishes and utensils near your outdoor dining set or where you prepare meals so you can serve guests with ease. Stop yourself from running in and out of the house during a party by storing entertaining items in a convenient place.

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.

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

Fab Find Fridays: Gold & Glam!

Happy Fab Friday everyone! Today I am sharing affordable gold and glam finds from Joss and Main. If you have been following me consistently, you would that I have an obsession with everything gold, glam, and shiny. Here are all the items that caught my eye. For easy shopping, click the direct links in numerical order. Thank me later ;)

 1. Statement Mirror / 2. Table Lamp / 3. Vase / 4. Hall Chest / 5. Tufted Chair / 6. Display Box / 7. Cowhide Rug / 8. End Table / 9. Wall Decor / 10. Console Table

What was your favorite gold and glam item? Pin this post to Pinterest so you can save and go back to it later!