Here's the Story behind AMA Designs

I have always had the dream of helping people growing up. Instead of being a nurse or a therapist, I chose the creative route which came natural to me. As a child, my perspective was very different than the rest of the kids in my class. During playdates, I would walk into my friends rooms, open up their toy closet and say, "Oh no, this should go here. This should go there....." Until I began to fully reorganize their entire closet. My mother would receive phone calls after playdates, "Amanda can come over anytime! She completely redid my living room and it looks great."

It wasn't until that moment that I realized what I was doing was actually changing how people felt and functioned on a day-to-day. It clicked - I really was helping people!

I always knew I wanted to be an Interior Designer at a very young age. It's weird to think that my decision has not changed since I was six years old. My friends were dreaming of becoming a Princess and I was too busy designing Barbie's Dream House. I never really cared for dolls. I loved playing with blocks and making forts with all the blankets and chairs we owned in the house.

Today, I continue to help people with their interiors both aesthetically and functionally. Sometimes I feel like the creative-version of a therapist. There has been plenty of times where I would walk into a bedroom and it just feels lifeless. Although, the owner was so *energetic* and *bold*. I believe your home should be a reflection of yourself. Bring your personality into your space and let it shine! My job is to help people define their space by bringing out reflections of their personality and also making their house feel like a home <3. You are unique and your home should have as much character as you do!

If you want to see some of my work, feel free to check out my portfolio. I am also very active on social media. Visit the Follow page for direct links to all my pages. Let's be friends :)

This post was inspired by Alex Beadon's Feel Good Blogging Challenge Day #2.

Keepin' it Real with AMA - How it All Started...

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today's blog post is inspired by Alex Beadon, the Marketing Queen who encouraged me to participate in the "Feel Good Blogging Challenge". I'm up for the challenge, so let's do this!! ABOUT ME

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Amanda and I am SO GLAD you are here!  I am from New Jersey, that's right - born and raised. Although, I would love to explore other states and countries :) I have always been a creative person and extremely organized.

I have always had a passion for the design industry growing up. I was born into the business. My family owned a construction business at the time. I remember sitting on the backhoe with my dad thinking it was coolest thing I have ever seen!! My childhood consisted of visiting job sites, drawing on the drafting boards, and playing in trailers while my Grandpa was reading blueprints.

My playdates consisted of me organizing my friends playroom closets, moving furniture, and redesigning the Barbie house. At 6 years old, I had parents calling my mother asking me to come over to help them design the layout of their space.

Today, I continue my passion as an Interior Designer. In my free time, I continue to spend drawing and creating. I love DIY projects!! I always say, "If you don't like it, spray paint it". I also love being outside especially during the Fall season and enjoy the leaves changing. Enjoying the outdoors is where I am most inspired. When it comes to relaxing and decompressing from the day, I love to enjoy a hot cup of tea, a good book, and of course yoga <3.

WHY I STARTED BLOGGING

I used to work as an Interior Designer at a furniture showroom. My clients wanted to stay connected and see what projects I was working on and thus, AMA DESIGNS was born!! It has been almost 2 years since I have started.

WHO IS MY BLOG FOR

My blog is for anyone who enjoys design and all things DIY. I want my blog to be a resource for people to visit and gain valuable tips for their home as well as being an inspiration to create something of their own. Designing a space doesn't have to have an expensive price tag to be beautiful! I want to share my design tips and advise for the homeowner who wants to create an amazing space and possibly save money along the way! :)

CURRENT DESIGN PROJECTS

I am working on a few exciting projects right now that I am so proud of. I am working on a kitchen renovation and bedroom space. I am SO anxious to share this project with you because I want to show you that renovating your kitchen can be done tastefully but without putting holes in your pocket. Wait until you see the floors.......

I am also working on a teen bedroom which looks fabulous. The client wanted to keep the existing wall color and furniture. It is absolutely amazing what a new floor plan, accessories, and window treatments can do! I also created hand-painted artwork customized for the space and made a nightstand with purple lucite hardware for the client. I will be sharing this project very soon - I am just waiting for a few pieces to arrive :)

TAKEAWAYS

After visiting my blog - I want people to feel inspired, entertained, and most of all encouraged to be productive and/or creative in their own way! Design is my passion and I want to be able to share it with my viewers :) I believe your home should be a reflection of yourself. Create an environment that you are excited to come home to everyday! What's better than coming home from a stressful day at work and melting into your favorite chair with a glass of wine? Mmmm, I am instantly relaxed just thinking about gazing out the window in my cushy sofa.

I hope your day is as AWESOME as you are!

With love,

AMA DESIGNS

Not-So Shabby, Shabby Chic

Distressed furniture, antique decor, and linen fabrics OOZE Shabby Chic style. Shabby chic is the sister-style to coastal chic, cottage decor, and french country. It is the blend of furnishings that are chosen for their aged appearance, elegant antiques and a soft color palette. My personal style is totally chic/stylish/glam than it is Shabby. Hence why I am sharing how to create a NOT-SO Shabby Chic Interior with my 5 Easy decorating tips:

1) COLOR - The color palette in a shabby chic interior is generally neutral. Colors tend to be pure white, ecrus, and faded out hues such as blush pink, soft blues, and pale green. The soft color scheme provides a neutral background to allow your vintage pieces speak for themselves. (Yes, furniture speaks to me :P )

2) PATTERN - When I think of "Shabby Chic," instantly what comes to my mind is vintage florals and a classic ticking stripe pattern. You can also add toile or chinoiserie patterns (two-tone cotton or line fabric with a scenic pattern: toile is French/chinoiserie is Chinese).

   

3) TEXTURE - I love playing with texture when it comes to fabric. To recreate the feel of shabby chic decor, incorporate cotton and linen fabrics. Since both these fabrics have a flat texture, I would personally add quilted fabrics and crocheted blankets that are soft to touch and make you want to snuggle! :) For storage, add wicker baskets or a wicker storage ottoman.

    

4) LIGHTING - Add vintage chandeliers or period inspired candlesticks on a bedside table. If you are feeling crafty, I would spray paint a vintage chandelier in a soft pink or mint for a pop of color.

  

5) DECOR - Now for the fun part; accessories! Go thrifting and find antique picture frames, a fabulous antique mirror, a gold side chair, distressed accent tables, old books, and trinkets to take your space to the next level.

   

This weeks blog post was HIGHLY requested! Do you LOVE a certain style but don't know how to achieve it? Drop a comment below or email byamadesigns@gmail.com on what topics you want to read next. Ask and you shall receive! I would love to hear from you. :)

Hope your day is as AWESOME as you are!

Much love,

AMA DESIGNS

** Remember, if you like this post - SHARE IT :) **

6 Ways to Dress Up Your Apartment

When renting an apartment, often times you have rules and boundaries to follow but don't feel limited! There are many different ways to let your personality shine through in your space.

1) Accessorize - Add flat to any space. Express personality though trinkets, pillows, sculptures, souvenirs, and collections.

2) Art - lean art on a shelf of use command adhesive hooks to prevent putting holes in the wall

3) Dress your Windows - Bring in texture and pattern with window treatments

4) Work with What you Got! - Renting fully furnished apartments means that you can't bring in your own furniture. If you don't like a fabric, try a slip cover.

5) Embrace Area rugs - Outdated wall to wall carpet or old tiled floors can be perked up with area rugs. Area rugs also add depth and interest to various sections of your rented space.

6) Say Goodbye to White Walls - If you have white walls, ask the property owner if you can paint. Most cases, they will let you paint but will ask you to paint it back. If that is too much work, paint an accent wall.

5 Ways to Create the Perfect Gallery

1) Choose your Color Palette - Stick to one color or a few. Establishing a color scheme will give a more cohesive look. You can still experiment with different styles of art if the colors relate with each other. Another way to create a more unified gallery wall is to use the same color frame or matte your art the same. After you identify your color scheme and frame style, it's time to start planning how you want your pictures to hang. Lay out your frames on the floor and start planning.

2) RULE OF THIRDS - Choose three of your favorite pieces. One large, one medium, and one large frame. Place the small and medium photos on one side and the large photo on the other side to create balance. the Matte your photo to add more dimension and unity.

 3) ALIGNED - There are two different ways to go about this look. For pieces that are all of the same size, hang items all in a row. If your pictures are different sizes, align either the tops of all the pictures or the bases.

4) GRID-LIKE - Create a grid using your favorite photos by evenly spacing photos.

5) GET CREATIVE - Go wild! Mix and match photos and frame sizes. Display items in a whichever way that pleases you!

You can even choose one of these styles too! Have fun creating your perfect gallery. Tag your pictures with #amadesigns so I could see what style you chose!

Keeping it Real with AMA

Hello my Beautiful Friends! This post is going to be personal and something different than my usual posts. This time it will not be design related but don't you worry - I have something special planned for you on Sunday!

Has life ever knocked you down? Have you ever had one of those days when everything that could go wrong, does go wrong? I used to have those days. In fact, someone may classify the day I just had as one of "those days" but I will tell you why it wasn't!!

My perspective on life has completely changed. People ask me, "Amanda, why are you so positive? How can you not be mad? Why do you seem so unaffected...etc." The reason being is that I will not allow myself to hold onto any feeling that harms me.

I have to admit though, I am not super human. Sometimes I do get upset. Sometimes I do cry. However, I will not hold onto that energy for too long. Never let anything or anyone steal your inner peace. Release any negative thoughts in your mind and do not focus on it. Redirect your way of thinking instead. If something is stressing you out, think about 5 things that can make it better.

Holding on to negativity is absolutely toxic to your health, both mentally and physically. Have you ever been through a bad break up ? Everything you see reminds you of that person and saddens you. Your whole world feels like it got flipped upside down. Soon you stop socializing and you become so upset you can't eat or sleep anymore. You think that there is no one else that can even come close to that person. You're an emotional roller coaster.  Yet, there are billions of people in this world and you are destined to meet one person who can change your entire life! I might have experienced a minor set back in my life but I met someone who makes me so much happier and I could not be anymore thankful right now!

I believe that when life pulls you back, it will only launch you into something better! It sounds cliche but I truly feel that everything happens for a reason. You may not understand that reason right away but you have to trust that something is in store for you that is so much greater than anything you could have imagined. For me, I trust that every challenge I have faced was never too much for me to handle. Every experience in life is a chance to learn and grow.

As soon as you change your perspective of how you view and react to certain situations, you will be indestructible! Almost indestructible because I know life happens and we aren't super human although, I'd like to think so! ;)

Overlook the negative and look for the positive. It is a concept that has been instilled in me since I was growing up. Let go of everything that is holding you back and let faith be bigger than your fear. Trust that the universe has something amazing planned for you that you haven't discovered yet.

Yours truly,

Amanda M. Amato

If you like this post, share it :) If you need a friend to talk to contact me.

5 Ways to Create the BEST Dorm

It's back to school season and it's time to move into your dorm. Enhance your space this year with 5 easy tips: 1) A Few Accessories Go a Long Way! Add color and style to your space by adding artsy pillows, faux potted plants, and add a pouf ottoman for color and additional seating.

2) A Little Piece of Home. Frame pictures of your friends and family and create a gallery wall. Purchase vintage frames from a thrift store and spray paint them in bright colors to add more color to your space. Hang your frames randomly or in a grid for visual interest.

3) Boost up Your Bed! Add bed risers to allow for more storage under your bed. Check out these bed risers from Bed Bath and Beyond that have power outlets in them! Perfect for plugging in your laptop during late nights of crunching deadlines.

4) Cheer Up your Desk Space. Display inspirational quotes, your favorite pictures, and even your dream travel destination near your desk to brighten up your mood when hard at work. Purchase desk accessories such as folders, notebooks, and pencil holders in your favorite color to boost creativity.

5) Perk Up Boring Walls! If you have white walls and cannot paint, don't feel limited. You can perk up your boring walls with removable wallpaper sheets that can be found at Target or Urban Outfitters. If you are feeling crafty, you can create your own back drop using an old white sheet, a stencil, and your favorite color paint! Place the stencil on the sheet and apply paint using a roller. You can even use tape to create a custom design. Once the paint dries, hang your backdrop to create an accent wall!

After a days worth of class, your dorm should feel relaxing and inviting - After all, you deserve it!

If you LOVE this post, share it with your friends ! :) For more decorating tips, follow AMA Designs on Facebook and Instagram! (click the direct link)

4 tips for selecting paint color for your home

Does choosing a paint color scare you? Follow these 4 easy tips for selecting a paint color by Pratt Residential Design!