
Sexy Lamps, Easy Tips
May 17, 2013 by Amanda Gates · Leave a Comment
It's no secret, I love lighting. I especially love great lamps. In fact one of my favorite lines from anchorman is from Steve Carell exclaiming to Will Ferrell "I love lamp!" SO like an idiot my friends and I are always shouting that out laughing hysterically … [Read More...]

You always get what you pay for
May 15, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 3 Comments
For those of you that read my blog you know how much I preach about good design rather than budget design. Well last week I got a taste of my own medicine. Thats right, I tried to save a few dollars on my hair and boy did I pay for it. Literally. Every … [Read More...]

My best tips to make the most of your next trip
May 13, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 3 Comments
I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot this year and have had the added benefit of staying in numerous cities, hotels and planes; running through airports and renting cars. While this may seem daunting I have had a terrific time and learned much … [Read More...]

Confessions From An Accidental Decorator
May 10, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 1 Comment
I recently sat down with one of my favorite DIY carpenters, Brad Stanford, who by accident fell into the home trade and never looked back. He started out in the corporate world buying and selling small business franchises which expanded into other small … [Read More...]

Does your furniture talk dirty?
May 8, 2013 by Amanda Gates · Leave a Comment
All of us lead active lifestyles. Kids, pets and family can be hard on your upholstery and it shows in the rooms that are most often used. So how can you clean them? It is best to avoid over the counter cleaning products like Resolve, or Wool-lite. Most … [Read More...]
![design101[square] design101[square]](http://www.abhomeinteriors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/design101square-150x150.jpg)
3 Mistakes that all designers make in their business
May 6, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 1 Comment
On today's podcast I sit down with Barbara Viteri from Viteri Style Management, a boutique consulting firm specifically for the interior design trade. Her firm focusses on bite sized, easy to manage systems, simple to follow organization and design specific … [Read More...]

7 Ultimate Decorating Must Haves
May 3, 2013 by Amanda Gates · Leave a Comment
Gone are the days of well polished rooms that no one uses. Todays interiors are fresh with a twist and built for families, pets and entertaining. And if you want your room to sing, then here are 11 must have design items your room can't live without! 1) … [Read More...]

How To Plan Your Perfect Room
May 1, 2013 by Amanda Gates · Leave a Comment
When it comes to interiors there are a few things that separate the novice from the expert. I tend to see the same rookie mistakes over and over and over again. If only there were vodka and or money involved when I hit the WHAMMY button! (Here are a few … [Read More...]

Stunning Exterior Paint Combinations
April 29, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 3 Comments
One of my favorite obsessions is driving through different neighborhoods to see exterior paint combinations. I love to see how others express themselves through their homes, and color is a great way to do that! And often homeowners like to play it safe, … [Read More...]

Cash confessions-Quick tips to perk up your budget
April 26, 2013 by Amanda Gates · Leave a Comment
It's no secret we all wish we could stretch our dollars further in order to complete our project the way we want. As a professional I will often recommend to clients that they save their dollars to get exactly what they want, rather then sacrificing, … [Read More...]

4 Mobile Apps To Boost Your Design Project
April 24, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 1 Comment
As our lives grow increasingly difficult from lack of time and overworked schedules, nothing creates more chaos than trying to manage a new home project in the midst of it all. Whether you are working on a vast home remodel or redecorating the living … [Read More...]

Classy Can Be Colorful
April 22, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 1 Comment
As I was perusing through pinterest this past weekend I came across this delightful portfolio pic from Grant Gibson. His work is a fine example of tasteful design without fear of using color. This kitchen of classic lines and everyday sophistication mixed … [Read More...]

Are You Doing It? Avoid These 3 Design Mistakes
April 19, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 4 Comments
When it comes to design I often say there are no rules,.... but...... and this is a big BUT.... I say this with an err of caution. There are no rules when certain things are taken into consideration like scale, depth and harmony. A trained eye can easily … [Read More...]

Easy Makeover Ideas In 10 Minutes Or Less
April 17, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 1 Comment
Ever wonder if there was an 'easy' button for your next decorating project? Maybe you have family coming for the weekend or you're planning to have friends over for dinner but you hesitate because your living room just isn't up to par. Doing a quick change … [Read More...]

My Thoughts On Blackberry’s New Z10 For Verizon
April 15, 2013 by Amanda Gates · Leave a Comment
I have now had my Verizon Blackerry Z10 cell phone for about two weeks. It is by far the best phone that I have had on the ambassador program and I like it's functionality. I am new to the blackberry family so I am unable to compare it to past models … [Read More...]

Sexy Outdoor Rugs To Transform Your Patio
April 12, 2013 by Amanda Gates · Leave a Comment
It's hard to believe, but summer is just around the corner, so that means it is time to start cleaning up the patio and hosing off the deck. A great way to freshen up your outdoor space is with an amazing outdoor rug. With so many great options on the … [Read More...]

Drapes Without Windows, Yes It Can Be Done
April 10, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 1 Comment
Let's face it, windows without draperies just look naked. I remember when I was in my twenties living in a house with over 30 windows with no drapes. It was awful. While the house looked unfinished and naked, I refused to have bad drapes for the sake … [Read More...]

Fun, Flirty Rooms-What To Buy Now!
April 8, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 2 Comments
Design has taken a hard swing to the left in the last five years. What once was dark red, golden yellow and deep brown has now turned to flirty pink, soft griege and playful aqua. The mediterranean look swiftly took a leap to the back burner and 1950's … [Read More...]

3 Super Simple Homemade Salad Dressings
April 5, 2013 by Amanda Gates · Leave a Comment
I love making homemade salad dressings. The fresh ingredients make them taste way better than store bought, and they are a more healthy alternative to whats on the shelf. Here are four of my favorites: All purpose, everyday vinaigrette 1 clove … [Read More...]

When Fashion Meets Design
April 3, 2013 by Amanda Gates · 3 Comments
I have been looking for a new iPhone case for months. I wanted something that was stylish, but not over the top. And it didn't hurt to be "designer-y" but I didn't want a brand splashed all over it...sounds complicated, right? Well I am nothing if not … [Read More...]




