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.
Introduced at High Point Market, lucite and gold furniture combinations are making their waves this Spring. I have always been a gold jewelry type of Gal, so I am so excited that warm metals are making their way into the home. Today, I will be sharing inspiration for the home using lucite and gold in unexpected ways. I love crisp white cabinetry in Kitchens with marble countertops, however it may feel "cold". By incorporating brass and gold metals into the kitchen, it adds a bit of warmth to the space. The globe pendant lighting and barstools in lucite and gold add a bit of glamour to this space. The scalloped antique brass hood adds unique detail to this finished kitchen.
(Image via Luxe Interiors and Design)
One of my favorite end tables introduced at High Point is the "Connor" end table by World's Away. Add this sexy end table next to a sofa or chair to add a bit of glamour to your living room. I would even put a pair of these babies next to each other to use as coffee tables.
(Image via World's Away)
(Image via Bernhardt Interiors)
...and for the Grande Finale! This upholstered lucite poster bed introduced by Bernhardt Interiors. WHAT A SHOW STOPPER!
I am loving this trend and I hope you are too. Lucite furniture can add a little bit of glam to any space. The "barely there" furniture trend works well in small rooms since it does not obstruct the view and gives the illusion of a larger space. Whether your home is big or small, this is a trend that can be suited for any home.
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'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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It's been a while since I have crafted. Since, it has been cold and rainy, I thought it was the perfect time to pick up some supplies and create an easy Fall DIY project. I'm a big fan of simple crafts that aren't time consuming yet look like a million bucks after you complete them. I made two wreaths in one hour (not bad). I made one as a gift for my grandmother's 80th birthday. I can't wait to surprise her with it.
(1) 12" Wire Wreath Frame (you can choose a bigger size but for beginners, start small)
(1) Roll of 4" wide Burlap (20 ft. Roll)
Ribbon of choice to hang wreath
Flowers and Accessories of choice to decorate
Hot Glue Gun
Fall Burlap Wreath DIY
Preheat your glue gun before starting
Tie a knot to start and to prevent the ribbon from sliding while you work
Weave loops from section to section. Start from the top row and weave your way to the bottom row then weave back up to the top row until you complete the section.
Continue step 2, until you weave your way all the way to the end.
Tie a knot to complete
If you are using fake flowers: pop the flowers off the stems
Arrange your flowers on the wreath to your liking
Hot glue all the accessories in place
Beginner Mistake: This was my first fall wreath DIY project. To me, 20 ft. of Burlap sounded like a lot. I thought I could make two wreaths from that one roll and but it wasn't enough because I made my wreath full. After wreath 1, I only had a couple feet leftover. For the second wreath, I used a smaller roll of burlap. I actually hot glued the loops together to hide the frame and make it look "fuller" than it actually was. I ran out of burlap at the end and "faked it" with some large flowers. Learn from my mistake, if you run out of burlap.. it's not the end of the world. Glue the loops together to hide the wire frame and use large flowers to cover gaps. Here is the finished result of the other wreath:
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. Please tag @byamadesigns on Instagram if you have decided to attempt this DIY project yourself! I would love to see the beautiful wreaths that you have created.
If you loved this post, please share it with a friend!
Happy crafting,
Amanda of AMA Designs & Interiors LLC.
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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As the weather heats up, entertaining moves to the backyard. Entertaining outdoors doesn't have to be complex or over-the-top. Keep it simple with an easy food menu and table settings.
1. Skip the Good China: Use melamine plates, silverware, and glasses because they are heavier than paper goods and won't blow away in the wind. Bed Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Frontage, and Horchow have some beautiful options to choose from.
(Image via Frontgate)
2. Serving Bowls & Trays: Decorative melamine serving trays are great to put all the cooked burgers and hotdogs on for guests to grab. I also like to prep a tray with extra dinnerware and napkins just in case. Serving bowls can be used for all salads, snacks, and even fruit for dessert.
3. Skip the Table Cloth: Instead of using a table cloth, use vinyl placemats instead to complete the look of your table setting. Vinyl placemats are easy to clean/wipe down too!
4. Provide Shade: Protect your guests from the sun with an umbrella or canopy. Not only do umbrellas shelter your guest with shade from the hot sun but it defines your dining area.
(Photo via Trendir)
5. Create Stations: I like to create "stations" for guests with tables designated for serving food and drinks with all the necessary supplies and tools. It's a "Do it Yourself" service for the guest but it takes pressure off you in the kitchen when your trying to do a million things and plate food for guests. This technique works great for BBQ's and large gatherings.
6. Keep Food Covered and Drinks Cold: If keeping drinks outside, keep them cold in a cooler or chilled in an ice bucket. Cover food using a mesh colander to protect food from outdoor pests.
7. Beverage Dispensers: At your drink station, set up pitchers or beverage dispensers for guests to refill their drinks. I loved infused waters. It is so refreshing on a hot summer day. I grow mint in the backyard, so I like to add fresh mint to my water - Delish! Here is an entire list of infused waters that you can try.
8. Divided plates: I like serving platters that are divided into sections. It's perfect for serving veggies or fruit.
9. Outdoor Centerpiece: Create an outdoor centerpiece for your table. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. It could be as simple as a few mason jars gathered together with flowers inside and a burlap bow around the top of the jar. For more outdoor centerpieces, check back next Tuesday on the blog for more ideas.
(Photo via Style Me Pretty)
10. Outdoor Lighting: When the sun goes down, illuminate your seating areas with paper lanterns or candles for ambiance. I like to add a strand of lights underneath an umbrella or hang on the fence.
11. Bug Repellant: Protect your guests from getting bug bites with citronella candles and other bug repellent. I love this DIY citronella candle idea that I found on Pinterest.
12. Prep the Night Before: I always prepare the night before. All the foods that can be made and sliced ahead of time and get out of the way. For example, making pasta salads, potato salads, veggie platters with dip, and infused drinks like Sangria. Being prepared a day ahead makes your entertaining much easier. This way you get to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with friends and family.
I hope you have enjoyed these tips and styling ideas. If you loved this post, share it with your friends! :) Happy summer!
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'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.
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! :)
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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.
