Top 10 Summer Colors for the Home

In this weeks blog post, I am sharing the top 10 summer colors for the home and how to decorate with color. I love decorating with color, especially during the summer with all the playful and bright colors. If you're looking to experiment with color this season, stick around! I will be sharing the Top 10 Summer colors this year and how you can use them in your home.

Top 10 Summer Colors for the Home:

1. Citrus Lime - One of my favorite summer colors. This color is better in small doses. Play with this hue by using it as an accent color for smaller accessories or in artwork. To compliment this bold hue, pair shades of lime with neutrals like beige or taupe.

(Image via HGTV House Tour)

2. Ice Blue - Ice blue tones are great for creating a serene environment. This color can be used on larger pieces like curtain panels, area rugs, bedding, and walls.

3. Coral - Coral is a strong hue that is part pink and part orange. This playful and bold color will energize any space. To balance the density of this color, try pairing it with navy, beige, or even ice blue.

(Image via House Beautiful)

4. Orchid - Orchid is a beautiful color to mix with white or grey. Couple Orchid and Orange throw pillows together for a playful and cheery look on any sofa. Orchid also pairs well with deep teals and peacock blues which balances this lively hue.

5. Classic Navy - Navy is the new black. Navy has become one of the hottest neutrals to use in your home. Navy is so versatile. It could be used as an accent color, a wall color, or as a neutral to balance bold colors.

6. Turquoise - I love turquoise accessories especially for outdoors. There is something about pairing lime green and turquoise that instantly reminds me of "summer". Aside from being outdoors, turquoise can be a great indoor color as well. I used this turquoise and white in a Teen bedroom I designed.

7. Yellow - Sunny yellows instantly perk up a space. Check out the yellow wallpaper that was used in this foyer - I would love to be greeted into this space! Great for spaces that you need more energy such as a work-out room or office. Cheer up your space by adding pops of yellow in a grey or white room.

(Image via Centsational Girl)

8. Crisp White - Crisp whites is an everyday basic. Use white as a backdrop to display art, collections, and other decor. Let your accessories showcase your personality and add life to the space. For a sophisticated and clean design, consider a monochromatic room in all white.

(Image via View Along the Way)

9. Orange - Orange has always been a summer favorite. Shades of orange can be used in rooms to promote activity and energy. Add pops of orange behind bookcases in an office or use tangerine as an accent furniture color like the living room below.

(Image via Better Homes & Gardens)

10. Blush Pink - Blush tones make wonderful neutrals or soft feminine accent colors. Blush pinks soften dark harsh colors like black and other deep tones.

I hope you have enjoyed this post. I encourage you to play with color in your home. Color transforms your space and how you feel when you walk into the room. Which color will you choose to welcome into your space? Share below.

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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.

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Outdoor Entertaining Made Easy

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.

Here are 12 Tips to Make Outdoor Entertaining Easy:

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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Revive Old Planters with this Simple DIY!

'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.

Here is a Quick Step-by-Step Tutorial to Revive your Outdoor Planters:

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! :)

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.

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.

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.

10 Ways to Improve your Home's Curb Appeal

It is the perfect time of year to start working outside and improve the exterior appearance of your home. Whether your goal is to improve the attract buyers or to simply enjoy; the presence of your exterior will either welcome guests or deter them. In today's blog post, I will be sharing ways to create an exterior that everyone will want to know what is inside. Enhance your homes curb appeal with cosmetic upgrades and projects that can be done in one day or an entire weekend.

Here are 10 Ways to Improve your Home's Curb Appeal:

1. Statement Entry - The front entry is the focal point of your home. Create a statement entry by adding punch of color to your front door or by installing a custom wood door. Add a stylish Welcome mat and a decorative wreath to express your personality.

2. Replace Hardware - Update house numbers, the entry door lockset, and door bells/door knockers if they look worn from weather conditions or if they do not fit the aesthetic of your home. If you have a traditional home, oil rubbed bronze finish will work while brushed nickel suits more contemporary homes.

3. Mailbox - Select a mailbox that mimics the style and finishes of your home. A wall-mounted mailbox should compliment the color and trim of your home. Dress up a mailbox on a post by surrounding the post with flowers.

4. Lighting - Landscape lighting makes a huge impact when it comes to your homes curb appeal. It also provides safety and security. Illuminate pathways, spot light masonry details and trees, and an overhead light fixture by the entrance to welcome guests to the front door.

5. Paint - Define and highlight architectural elements by playing it up with a paint. Choose an accent color to accentuate decorative trim, railings, fences, columns, shutters, or other significant details that need more attention.

6. Renew Siding - Hire a professional or rent a machine to power wash the exterior of your home for a mini-face lift. If you're siding is in bad shape, repaint the exterior for an automatic transformation.

7. Balance and Symmetry - Creating balance is simple to arrange and also appeasing to the eye. For a stronger impact, try  flanking sconces and/or planters on each side of the front door.

8. Renew Planter Beds - Renew planters beds and flower gardens by pruning and pulling weeds. Add new mulch to restore color that was taken away from sunlight and harsh weather. Define your planter beds by outlining them with stone or decorative cast-concrete edges.

9. Outdoor Seating - Add a bench or a few chairs to your front porch to make your porch feel more inviting and so you have another outdoor space to enjoy on a nice sunny day.

10. Outdoor Art - Add weather resistant artwork to add curb appeal and express your personality. Select sculptural elements that complement your homes's color palette and style. Water fountains, bird baths, metal sculptures, stained glass, and wind chimes are few good choices for outdoor art.

With a little TLC you can upgrade your home's curb appeal with cosmetic upgrades that can be accomplished in a day or a weekend. I hope this post encouraged you to update your home's exterior.

Did you love this week's post? Comment below and share with your friends. If you want more design inspiration and tips, please follow @byamadesigns on 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.