You always get what you pay for

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 May I always get my hair lightened for summer. It is one treat I give to myself and I love how it brightens my face. When a deal came across my desk I thought it to be a win win. I get my hair lightened and have a few pennies left over for a cup of coffee, perhaps two……or so I thought.

When I went to the salon this is what I wanted:

From pinterest

Cute cut, side swing and blonde, perfect for summer! I’ve been getting my hair done for 20 years and this photo above seemed simple enough, right? Assuming that anyone could do it. Ah, yes….ANYONE could do it…..

My color (middle pic) clearly had zero blonde in it. In fact I left with darker hair than I arrived with.

Me two hours before my hair appointment

Despite me mentioning and showing the stylist this picture (above) of me from that morning she clearly had no intention of fixing it. In fact she told me it would take two to three trips to lighten it up to the level of my “wanted” photo. Ummm, my hair was close to that color when I came in! So with my tail between my legs I went back to Erin, my trusted stylist at Paige Simmons. She got me in right away to give me my summer blonde. The lesson here? I ended up paying three times what I would have normally paid and I was mortified having to explain all this to Erin. Thankfully, she was very kind and understanding. And after it was all said and done I finally got what I wanted……minus my left lung and a kidney to pay for it all.

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3 Mistakes that all designers make in their business

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 software to optimize efficiency and profitability. Her passion for design with a nuts and bolts approach to the business side of things, takes your hobby into full blown design empire.

Tune in to learn the top three mistakes that every designer makes, who to hire first and learn more about running your million dollar empire from the comfort of your own home!

Design 101 on iTunes

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7 Ultimate Decorating Must Haves

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) Emerald

If you haven’t got it, then go on and get it! It is the hottest color of the moment and I guarantee you it will be be popping up in your clothing and home decor faster than turquoise. It is an appealing color that soothes our moods, and goes with everything!

2) Honey Comb

Honey comb

The coolest graphic on the street. While geometrics are still the hottest thing, trellis is out honey comb is in. Be prepared to see this graphic popping up in book shelves, accessories, fabric and wallpaper.

3) Unique lighting

Unique lighting fixtures

Boring light fixtures from big box stores are just hum drum. Many designers are viewing lighting as art and making it do double duty. Look for lights that are fun, unique and kick up conversation.

4) Greige

Greige

Brown is a has been, grey is the cool kid. Grey plays well with all colors and is more contemporary than it’s brown counterparts.

5) Fantastic art

Christina Baker

Art, art and more art. Always have at least one custom piece in your home that is special to you and lifts your spirits. This piece above by Christina Baker makes me so damn happy I could forfeit vodka and ice cream for a month just to own it…..I think.

6) Vintage

Vintage furniture

Buy vintage furniture or invest in antiques. Furniture today is not built like yesterday; it’s also not unique. Ever try to lift a 60′s dresser? It takes two guys, a sumo wrestler and peter pan. Not really but it’s fun to imagine a man in green tights lifting furniture. But I digress. My point, make your space different than your neighbors, find pieces that are cool and be good to the environment by recycling.

7) That piece that makes you go…..

Spider wallpaper

Always include oddities or conversation pieces in your home like this spider wallpaper for the powder room! Nothing like making your guests squirm while they pee! hahaha

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Image: 1, 2, 3, 4,

How To Plan Your Perfect Room

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 examples of this very thing.) What sets designers apart from the average joe, aside from experience and schooling, is typically the approach of designing a room. We are quite methodical in our practice, despite being known as “right brains.”

Often to avoid mistakes and for fear of the unknown, novices will typically over indulge in one thing, possibly two things to over compensate for their inability to pull it all together. For example, buy EVERYTHING in a neutral color, or buy up Michaels entire inventory of fake ivy to shove in every corner of the house…..Yes Paula, that one was for YOU! ~wink~ The problem with this theory is that it looks dull, and you end up wasting money.

Most of my clients are fantastic at 85% of all their design, and have a terrific vision of what they want……but it’s that last 15% that makes or breaks the space, and and green ivy will not save the day. In order to make your space look like the pros you need to plan for the perfect room starting with 3 simple tips.

1) Make a plan!

How to plan the perfect room

Seems simple enough, I know, but most people seem to skip this step. It’s essentially like planning a trip to Hawaii without booking your travel plans or packing your suitcase until the day you leave. Things get expensive and chaotic real quick! What do you want to accomplish? What do you want to experience in the room you are decorating? What can you keep, what do you want to buy?

2) Budget

Everyone HATES this question, but it is a part of the process. Do you decide to purchase a car and go straight to the Porsche dealership? I’m gonna guess no. Everything has an average cost. These numbers don’t come out of thin air and are not easily manipulated. A sofa costs, what a sofa costs. And yes, just like cars there are different levels of economy and luxury, which do you want, and which can you afford?

3) Timing

Timing

This is a huge rookie mistake that I see a lot. Homeowners will live with the same room for ten years and then suddenly want it completely redesigned in a week because of a huge event. Even worse, they won’t consult with a professional and they end up buying in a sense of spastic urgency only to hate everything they purchased 6 months later…..ultimately wasting a lot of money. Yes design can be done quickly but only if you have a plan and a solid budget.

SO what can you walk away with? Decide what it is you want to do, how much you are willing to invest to get it, and give yourself enough time to attain the room you’ve been planning to avoid rookie mistakes. Seems simple, but sometimes we say things like “if it were a snake it would have bit me” for a reason!

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Cash confessions-Quick tips to perk up your budget

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, but as a rule of thumb always keep these four things in mind:

1) If you’re not sure what your project is going to cost, hire a professional like myself to come out to give you an idea.

Kitchen in need of remodel

I was recently hired to help a gal do this very thing. She is about to move here from Dallas and loves a home located in Brentwood, TN. Great location, good size and close to work. The problem? The entire house has medallions on every cabinet (shown above). They are in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room…you name it they are on every surface. Unfortunately this application has ruined all of the cabinets, thus explaining why this house has been on the market sine 2010. Before even doing minor decorating this home will have a minimum of $75K in renovations. Had she not hired me she would have had to live with the existing cabinets, or fallen into a money pit.

2) Prioritize-Create a list of the essentials

Home Exterior update

If your house needs a new roof, a front door and a new garage, figure out what NEEDS to be done first and budget accordingly. If you only received $4K back on your tax return and the new roof is going to be $5800, you need to decide if you want to set that $4K aside in savings or move forward on the garage door. I see many people fall into the pitfall of wanting to do it all at once, and putting home improvements on your credit card is never wise. Plan, plan, plan.

3) Avoid DIY if you don’t have experience.

DIY projects

There is a huge DIY movement sweeping the nation thanks to reality TV shows and DIY classes at big box stores. Many homeowners fall into the trap of thinking they will save money if they “do-it-themselves” and avoid hiring a contractor. Homeowners that go it alone without proper training and experience learn real fast that mistakes are extremely costly. Especially if you end up having to hire a contractor and the materials you purchased have to be repurchased again. Not to mention the lost time!

4) Choose projects that will yield the biggest return.

Kitchen update

In our industry we call this the ‘cost vs value’ on return. Does your project retain resale, and will another potential buyer think so? If money is driving your decisions on your home improvement projects, all of the above factors must be taken into consideration, but none are more important than the ROI. If you are really scrimping pennies you need to choose projects that give you the biggest bang for your buck.

The Kitchen project shown above is a great example. By simply repainting this kitchen a complimentary color to the kitchen cabinets her small investment of $1500 turned into a $20K ROI when she put her house on the market. Why? Because the potential new homeowners saw the value in a beautiful large kitchen that works well for their kids and family….not the cabinets with a strong yellow undertone. By hiring me to help her select the RIGHT paint color, her small investment turned into big reward.

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Photos: AB HOME Interiors, DIY life,

Are You Doing It? Avoid These 3 Design Mistakes

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 throw items together that seemingly don’t work at all but marry and mingle quite well like a fun party. Luckily, I see the same mistakes over and over and I am here to the rescue!

1) Floor lamps- Dont skimp on floor lamps!

Floor lamps

I see this over and over again. Most of my clients decide they want to purchase a floor lamp and make decisions solely on price, not product. Why? Floor lamps are damn expensive! And often you don’t know that you are not comparing apples to apples. The lamps above are a great example, the one on the left is from Target. A steal at only $69.99 especially when the Restoration Hardware lamp on the right is a whopping $400. But my friends you get what you pay for. The Target lamp is a whisp of a creature made of plastic, wiring is questionable and it barely makes the height requirements for a disneyland ride. At only 59″ tall this little guy will barely make a difference in lighting your room. Instead, opt for the investment piece that is better made, won’t eat through bulbs and at 72″, you’ll actually be able to read your book and avoid stubbing a toe.

2) Pillows-avoid poly fills at all costs

Pillows

Unless you are allergic to down, never ever buy poly filled pillows. Yes they are less expensive but the materials break down giving you lumpy pillows that cannot be fixed. They are hard to sit on and frankly uncomfortable. Down filled pillows are pliable and easy to form on all your upholstery, they are comfy to sit on and just look better.

3) Rugs-size accordingly

How to size a rug properly

This is another mistake I see over and over. The photo above is a great example of what the homeowner has, and the tape shows what she should have. Rugs create congruency with all the pieces in the room. When the rug is under scaled the furniture doesn’t make sense. See how her chair in the upper right corner is just floating in the room? It’s like a junior high dance where all the girls are on one side of the room and the boys on the other side. We want our furniture pieces mingling and having fun. Now imagine if the rug went all the way to the chair like the tape. The room would instantly feel more comfortable, it would feel larger and all the pieces wouldn’t be angry for being left out. Size accordingly.

Make sense? If you have questions or comments, email me, I’d love to hear from you!

Images: Target, restoration hardware, #mce_temp_url#, 3

Easy Makeover Ideas In 10 Minutes Or Less

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 doesn’t need to take a lot of time or money, just simple planning. Heres how to get a quick change in 10 minutes or less.

Lamp art by John Richards

Take a picture of your room. I suggest using your phone, it’s quick and easy. Taking a picture is the best way to really see how it looks and where it needs a facelift. Luckily there are a few tried and true elements sure to update your space in a flash.

1) Lighting-add a new floor lamp or table lamp. This can be something new or a lamp pulled from another room

2) Pillows-Most furniture comes with pillows or you already have some to work with. Move them around, pull from other rooms or add to your existing collection. this is a great way to add something new, a pop of color and more comfort.

Candles

3) Most of us have candles around the house. Candles are a great addition to any room because they uplift and embrace it with ambience. They are great mood enhancers especially in scents of lavender, vanilla or rose.

4) Throws-Adding a throw to your sofa or chair is a great way to add depth, color and most importantly comfort. When a guest sees a throw they subconsciously think comfort and relaxation, they also feel well taken care of.

5) Decorative tray- Trays are great for a room especially when you are entertaining. It keeps your party offerings all together and easy to move around. It can also collect any small spills from pouring tea or scooping sugar.

Furnished living room

Adding color, texture and lighting to a space will greatly enhance the mood. Add just a few elements and your room will be ready in a flash!

Would you like AB HOME to help you with your next project? If you’d like us to help you achieve an amazing interior that uplifts you and helps you live better, contact us to set-up an appointment.

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Image Horchow, 2, Decor pad

Sexy Outdoor Rugs To Transform Your Patio

Modern rugs BA04

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 market, your outdoor space can be refreshed in just a matter of minutes, with just the right rug. Here are some of my favorites:

Modern rugs

Rugs add great depth and color to your outdoor space and add much needed color sex appeal…which I love! They are also easy to use as your main palette to create a fun new look. Take for example the rug shown above. Using this as my starting point I created this new look for my patio:

My new patio

All I did was start with the rug. Where last years patio had more aqua, this years arrangement holds more orange, black and gold. And I cannot wait to get my new drapes! What do you think? Instant sexy for 2013, and all it took was a rug. Start with a new outdoor rug for your space and you’ll completely transform it into something fabulous! Not sure where to start? Call or email Katie to set up an appointment today.

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A moment in scale

If you read my post from last week, When good design goes bad, you’ll notice that I have a pet peeve for scale. It is a designers strongest arsenal but it is often the one thing that falls flat in most designs. Get it right and the room sings, get it wrong and it turns into American Idol…the bad version.

Today as I perused a few websites I came across a great example of a room that sings and one that…..well didn’t make the cut of yours truly. Here is my quick moment in scale:

1) Poor scale

One kind design

Observe the over scaled chair, mirror and chest. All perfectly good in such a large scaled room…..until you place it with buffet lamps. Yes they are tall and the color shades thankfully pull a bit of weight but not enough to make the scale RIGHT.

2) Excellent scale

Suzanne McGrath

Tall ceilings combined with a large chest and mirror seem second fiddle to the well proportioned lamps. Bold in color, tall and speak volumes (pun intended) compared to the previous example. A much better choice when getting RIGHT! Wouldn’t you agree? Can you see the difference??

What are some of your biggest challenges when handling scale?

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6 Designing Secrets from an Interior Designer

When it comes to design there are few rules to adhere to. I mean let’s get something straight here, it’s about creative expression and really showing off your true personality. Setting up a list of rules on how you should and shouldn’t design your home is like telling a painter how they should wave their brush strokes. We all do it differently, approach it from all directions but the end result is always magic. So when designing your home, whether you’re a complete novice or fifteen years into the business always live through creativity but keep a few things in mind.

1) Always have flowers

AB HOME Offices

I am a huge fan of flowers and talk of them often here on the blog. Arrangements do not have to be difficult and can make a huge impact on a room with little effort.

2) Every home should shine

AB HOME Interiors

Just like the photo above, all homes and spaces should have some bling. Add sparkle where ever you can. Whether it be chandeliers, candle holders, decorative accessories, any item that reflects light helps lift a room.

3) Add beauty

Art

Simple things in our lives add beauty. It is about honoring your specific lifestyle and the little things that make your house special. It could be an expensive art piece over the fireplace or your five year olds drawing from school. Beauty comes in many things, learn how to define what your is.

4) Buy quality, buy once

Quality

My mother instilled this in me growing up. She would wait a year to buy a chair or furniture piece if it meant she wouldn’t have to ever buy it again. To this day she still has all of our original furniture from our small house in California from when I was a kid. To her quality far out weighed quantity.

5) Always buy natural

All natural

I have a particular client who is a bachelor and thought it was high way robbery to spend $40 on sheets. However, his $40 sheets were 100% polyester and sand paper would have been more comfortable for sleeping. When I suggested he upgrade to $400 sheets his 30 year old heart stopped. But when I explained to him that the benefits of all natural far out weighed the price, not to mention he’d sleep better, he was sold. Now he tells everyone he knows that better quality sheets are the way to go.

6) Get rid of the clutter

Clean and easy

So many homes I go in are stuffed with unnecessary things. Over cluttered with paper, magazines and items that rarely see the light of day. A space needs to breathe and be enjoyed. Choose items carefully and chuck the rest. You’ll be amazed at how well you feel!

Ready to get your room started? Need some help? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Dark VS Light-How To Choose The Best Paint

Most people design their homes one room at a time and one of the biggest decisions homeowners will choose in their design is their paint color. It will become the deciding factor for how the rest of the room and design plays out. Will it be dark and moody or light and fresh? In order to make that decision you need to take into consideration the rest of the house. After the other rooms have been considered what is it that you really want, and what will the room be used for?

dark walls, capiz chandelier, moroccan wedding blanket. Amber Interiors.

Amber Interior design

A bedroom is often a great place for dark and moody interiors as it promotes rest and relaxation. But light and fresh may be more appropriate for someone who is wanting to uplift their spirits and bring a sense of serenity to the space.

amber Interior design

As you can see from the two examples, these two bedrooms have an entirley different feel to them. So what would best suit your personality? What is best suited to your home? Don’t choose random colors from the paint store without taking everything into consideration. Since most homes are designed over the course of several years, it is likely that your tastes will change and shift. Have a plan to stick with to help you stay on track and avoid picking random colors that match nothing but look good at the paint store.

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Before and After – Why hiring a designer is a smart investment

A few months back I received an email from a gal who found me on houzz.com. She was in need of a designer and Houzz has featured me numerous times because the writers love me….seriously what’s not to love? Actually, I think it was just one of those things where she needed a designer, I fit the bill and everything just fell into place smashingly. However, she was hiring me on her dad’s behalf. He is a builder here in Nashville and likes to do things….let’s say at the speed of light, possibly faster. Well I am a busy gal so in order for me to work at a high rate a speed it’ll cost you. My team and I can do anything and make anything happen…anything, but we charge accordingly.

Well Dad wasn’t so sure about this policy. He wanted fast but wasn’t sure he wanted to pay for it. Luckily, the one making the final decision was his daughter and she pushed him into hiring me. I was hired to redo the exteriors of an old farm house that is over 100 years old. Along with exteriors I was also hired to select paint, create flow for the interiors and design a new kitchen from scratch. This is what I had to start with:

This is a terrific example of why hiring a designer makes the difference. Mr. K (AKA: Builder) wanted to just repaint the exteriors and call it a day. He also wanted to do dark kitchen cabinets and faux paint the cabinets with glaze….something that is very, very out of style! Here was my vision:

I wanted to create direction for the entrance. With so many open columns your guests need to know where the front door is. By creating a winding path, painted columns and beautiful landscaping it gives the house beautiful curb appeal and directs the guests straight to the front door. Also terrific feng shui! The results:

Still a few things to be added but a superb improvement. Exterior colors used:

Untitled

Tune in next week and I will show you the kitchen! Another improvement that turned out very well! Need your exteriors updated? Need some curb appeal? Call me to set up an appointment.

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Posted: August 3, 2012 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | exteriors | choosing exterior paint, color, curb appeal, exterior paint, farmhouse, landscaping 1 Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

4 Simple Design Tricks To Improve Your Sex Life

We’ve all been there, jaded, worn out, working way too many hours and over extending ourselves for the purpose of…..who knows what. The last thing we want to do is over exert ourselves in the throws of passion when we could do something super sexy like sleep. But if it were truly passionate and something to look forward to rather than just ‘another thing to do’, would we get to the place of just ignoring the obvious? Think about the first time you meet someone and how they make you feel. The deadline at the end of the week, the piles of paperwork that need to be taken care of and the obligations we all have fall to the wayside by the pure excitement and desire we hold for that person. Who needs sleep when you could stay up until three in the morning laughing, enjoying moments of pleasure with a special someone, and truly enjoying their company.

However, all good things must come to an end, or do they? Many couples allow themselves to get bogged down with the responsibilities of daily life and stop enjoying the simple pleasures of intimacy. Always looking far ahead, or far behind but never stopping to see what’s in front of them. Many of my clients homes are meticulous in the public spaces but often have an absolute mess in their bedroom. Their nightstands are covered in paperwork, computer and phone cords everywhere, electronics galore and the rooms haven’t been updated since 1994. Being surrounded by such chaos is not exactly a mood booster, nor is it sexy. Here are four things you can do to spice up your sex life through the magic of design:

1) Get rid of the clutter

Untitled

Get rid of the clutter, get rid of the clutter, get rid of the clutter! I cannot say this enough. Clutter is overwhelming and stresses us out, which makes us want to rush and have incomplete thoughts. Enjoy the moments in your life, bask in them and create an environment that supports them like a beautifully decorated bedroom. This includes having nightstands for both partner, good lighting, and a well coordinated room.

2) Proper linens

Having just experienced this with my new beau, most people (especially men) don’t realize the importance of good linens. Shit linens from Wal-mart you picked up on sale hardly sets a mood of intimacy. When your linens feel like sand paper, you’re more likely to sleep with clothes on to avoid the brillo pad against your skin. And that brings us to our next suggestion, having appropriate sleepwear should you choose to wear it.

3) Sleepwear

Untitled

Find something comfortable but always stay away from sweats and stained t-shirts. Find a happy medium, and always keep it fresh. Like great interiors it all starts with the style, look and fabric. Simple changes can make all the difference and vamp up your sex life for the better.

4) Lighting

This is a huge pet peeve of mine. Lighting creates a glamourous and sensual mood. Maximize good lighting with candles, put lights on dimmers and learn to unwind and relax in your bedroom. It is not a space to catch up on emails, read the news or watch late night TV. And the lighting kit on your ceiling fan does not count as lighting! Create a space free from all the daily bullshit. One room in your house should feel comfortable, easy and have no obligations attached to it….other than a really good time, and rest. It should help you decompress and get in the mood to enjoy your partner. Even if it’s just for thirty minutes intimacy can recharge your batteries and inspire you in unimaginable ways, and ultimately boost your mood!

Break These Ten Bad Bedroom Habits for a Healthier Sex Life

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Images: Ab home Interiors, Book Renter, victorias secret, pinterest

How to Brighten a Room With Color

Gone are the days of dark dreary interiors. When I first got into the design business fifteen years ago, everything was dark, oversized and glazed. The look was considered to be Mediterranean or European. That translated into a lot of dark reds, deep browns, heavy golds and fabrics with just as little buoyancy. I never thought I would dislike green until I painted so many sage walls that I wanted to puke. Lucky for us, that trend is gone. Todays interiors are bright, fresh and full of personality thanks to pops of crisp color. If you are slowly making your way out of the nineties and not sure where to start, here are some terrific examples of ways to brighten up your space with just a few easy steps.

1) Accent chairs

Chairs around the house, or dining room are a great way to add that punch of fruit flavors to your space.

This photo above is from Better Homes and Gardens. A very traditional space with oak table, original built-ins, and simple chandelier but painting it a crisp white adds the perfect backdrop for a sunkist orange fabric on the dining chairs. Instantly this space is transformed.

2) Fabric accents

Another great example from Better Homes and Gardens of an updated traditional space. Here the room houses a very traditional bedroom set, and soft robins egg blue walls.

Bridging the Gap

But add an accent of complimentary orange and peach and the room perks up immediately. A very inexpensive and quick fix that can be done to any room.

3) Bold Furniture Moves

This is by far the hardest decision to make for most clients…and often those are the risks with the biggest rewards!

When it comes to large furniture pieces take a risk and upholster them in something bold. Like this sofa above from House and Home, yellow completely makes the space, and dare I say makes you smile? Yellow is rarely a color used. It is typically gold or worse beige! Take that risk and you will be surprised at how happy it makes you! Perhaps your favorite color is Mint Green? Use it and uphoslter accordingly!

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Mastering your bath

Your master bathroom is the first place you start your day and the last place you end your day. Often times this space can be cumbersome, outdated and consumed with products that slow you down. In order for a bathroom to be functional it must be organized in a way to help you seamlessly get ready, and retire. As an added bonus it doesn’t hurt to have beautiful finishes, sleek hardware and luxurious lighting because it makes you feel good about your space. And believe it or not the color you choose for your bathroom can ultimately change the way your brain revs up and reacts to the day. True story, just ask Kristie from the decorologist. Paint plays a huge role in how we act and behave. Choose the right color and it will send you off ready for the day, choose the wrong color and you may find yourself too amped, angry or flustered. Here are some of my best tips to master your bathroom in a snap:

AB HOME Interiors

1) Organization

Now this may seem like a given, but seriously y’all, I go into more bathrooms that have more shit than counter space! Vitamins, lotions and potions, irons, contraptions, duct tape, cat food…you name it I’ve seen it. First and foremost, this is a terrible way to start your day. To walk into that kind of clutter every day makes you feel chaotic and disheveled. Not to mention it collects dust and makes it hard to clean. Organize it. When I remodel a bathroom I always recommend spice racks and drawers with built-ins. Think about how you get ready and organize and build accordingly. If you are living in a space that won’t allow customization visit a container store or hardware store and build something that suits your routine. IKEA has wonderful shelving systems and baskets that will make your life incredible, look into it, you’ll be amazed at what it will do to your routine.

2) Lighting

Lighting is key to any space. It creates a mood and effects your mood in the making. Good lighting completely makes or break a space. You have heard me say this over and over again. Lighting creates an ambiance that can relax us, and change the way we think. However, if done wrong it can agitate us and make us fall flat. Poor lighting is worse than incorrect color. As shown above, a room with proper lighting just feels good. How do you want to start and end your day?

3) Finishes

Finishes: essentially anything that completes your space. The stone work, cabinets, hardware, flooring, glass….anything that completes your space. Add texture, bling, soft and hard it all makes a difference in how your space looks and feels. Like the photo above, everything works and feels good. This would be a great place to start your day, am I right?

4) Color

Color. Shall I say more? Color is key to a space and how it makes you feel. Get this and your lighting correct and it’s pure magic. Design magic! Choose colors that feel serene, happy and really get you going. Traditionally, Master bathrooms in serene colors of sand, blue and green are the most popular because they are organic colors and make us feel good. Start your day right and choose colors that work best for you. Most importantly don’t choose colors on a whim or off a small paint chip. Really analyze how your color looks in your space and how it works for you. If you feel giddy in that space…you have a winner, because that is how you should start your day every day!

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images: Pink Preppy, pinterest, pinterest women, cote de texas

Before and after, small changes with big rewards

I have recently had the opportunity to help a widow get her life back together through the rewarding process of design. On Monday I showed you the small changes I did to transform her bedroom in a big way. Along with doing her bedroom, I also helped her revamp her living room, and family room. We still have a few more things to do, but in the spirit of good design and the effects it can have on your life here is where we are at so far:

AB HOME Interiors

Her living room shown above was really a great transformation. With the addition of good quality custom drapes, correcting the scale in this room with lamps and art and adding much needed color, these changes completely transform the room.

AB HOME Interiors

Her family room, shown above, was really dark and did not suit this gals upbeat personality. SO I changed the paint, selected a beautiful and colorful fabric for her drapes and added much needed light and color. Already this room is showing huge improvements and we aren’t even finished yet!

The best part about this project? MRs J called me yesterday to say thank-you, and wanted me to know that it has been so much fun working with me and my team! Thanks Mrs J, we’ve loved working with you too!!

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Posted: April 11, 2012 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | color | before and after, family room, living room, paint, redecorating, updating interiors 3 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Friday wrap up

OK so I have been a bit MIA with the blog. I have been throwing things up last minute and been under the gun with our upcoming warehouse SALE, a trip to Dallas and of course the Southern Living show house. To say we have been in high gear is an understatement!

The show house officially kicked off last night with our V.I.P. party. The house was well received and all of the designers were shocked to find out that we all received Southern Living plaque’s, commemorating our participation in the show. What an honor!

Here are a few more photos to get you excited!

Southern Living plaques

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Guest retreat seating area

Guest retreat bathroom

Guest retreat closet

Tickets are now on sale HERE.

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Posted: October 21, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | Glamour | Guest rooms | Guest retreat, Guest rooms, marilyn Monroe, Southern living showcase home Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

Southern Living Show House Sneak Peak!

We wrapped up our installation last Friday on the show house and I may be biased, (OK maybe A LOT biased), but the AB HOME guest retreat rocks! Yup, I said it out loud. It is perfect in every way. Sophisticated, glamourous, soft, and oh so pink in all the right places.

Heres a peak……

Southern living guest retreat by Amanda Burdge

Stay tuned. I will post better pics once the professionals have come in….but the iPhone doesnt take bad pics at all!

For more info on the show house, or to buy tickets click here . For more info on purchasing the paintingsemail me here.

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Posted: October 19, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | bedding | bedroom, Guest retreat, linens, marilyn Monroe, Southern living show house 4 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Southern Living Show case home-the installation begins

Today we start the hectic but exciting process of installation for the Southern Living Show house. I have five million things going on…..and I would love to tell you I am doing it with grace, but I am really running around with my head cut off!

One thing I am really, really looking forward to is the artwork. Everyone who reads my blog knows how much I love art. One of my dear friends, Marabeth Quin is creating two of the prominent art pieces in the Guest Retreat. Below is the process of Marabeths art unfolding, and I will include a completed photo Friday when the room is complete.

1) Elegance

The beginning

I rarely give Marabeth direction on the art for a space. I want her to have creative freedom to create magic. She decided on the subject matter, and all I wanted was it to be uber feminine in honor of Marilyn. Each piece utilizes the colors for the room as a jumping off point. Here is what she sent to me a few weeks ago. (pic above) And this became this:

The process

Above, Marabeth paints her subject matters from idea to conception and on to completion. This piece, called Elegance will be available for purchase for $1450 when the show house is done. This piece will be going above my vintage cane and pink chairs….can you say gorgeous? I think Marilyn would love this!

2) Orchid series #4

Orchid series #4 begins

Her orchid series is a new direction for Marabeth. Recently deciding to move to Hawaii, she has been inspired to paint beautiful large florals, like this orchid above. You can also see a finished one in the background.

Orchid series in progress

I love this shot of Marabeth hard at work. On average it can take Marabeth over 60 hours to produce one piece of art. Just like all painters, Marabeth’s work is always filled with her signature look of textured paint and high contrast colors. Each one is approached with love and great care, when her creativity is at it’s highest. Painting is one of her greatest joys and it shows in the finished product…..which you will all see on Mondays post when the room is completed. Holy cow I LOVE art! This piece is called Orchid Series #4 and will be available for purchase for $1950 after the show.

For more info on the show house, or to buy tickets click here . For more info on purchasing the paintings email me here.

Ready to get your room started? Need some help? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Posted: October 12, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | art | decorating a guest room | art, installing, marabeth quin, Southern Living, Southern living showcase home 5 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Remodeling series-week 18

Well things will be delayed a bit longer at Mrs S and Co. They are headed to Maine, and then Charleston with friends and family, but the good news is we are THIS CLOSE to being finished. This week the doors were painted (despite my dream of stain) and the walls completed. Sconces and all lighting were completed and once Mrs S returns we can wrap everything up, can’t wait!

1) Doors

We had planned on this:

Walnut door

And were so lucky to get this:

Stained door

And ended up with this:

Painted doors

Doors

Is this what I wanted? Nope. But it is what it is, and Ritchie did an incredible job matching the trim and painting the doors to perfection. I had him add mirror to the linen closet to add reflection and sparkle and and I am confident that when everything is complete no one will ever know the damn doors were suppose to be stained!

2) Sconces

Bathroom entrance

I may not have gotten my doors, but the custom vanities are superb! It took A LOT of convincing but I finally got Mrs S to agree to sconces. Her vanity shown above will have two sconces flanking her mirror. I fought hard for those sconces and can’t wait to see them. Mr S refused sconces. While two coordinating vanities would have been ideal, as a wise woman once told me, “Amanda pick your battles!” So Mr S will not be getting sconces.

3) Master

Master bedroom

The master bedroom has been painted, and floors completed. Mr S has been daydreaming about sleeping in his own bed so Ritchie was kind enough to put his bed in the room today for a lovely nites sleep….that hopefully is as good as he remembered!

Master bedroom

Next week we will hang the shower door, install plumbing, hang the sconces up and the only thing left will be vanity tops. Those are scheduled for October 4th. hard to imagine it but we are really on the home stretch and could be seeing a completed bathroom in about two weeks! How very exciting!

Here is a little reminder of how far we have come!

After

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Posted: October 5, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | bathrooms | design education | remodeling | before and after, doors, lighting, master bathroom, master bedroom, painted doors, remodeling, sconces, stained doors 3 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Apartment therapy series

Over the past couple of years I have had the opportunity to decorate many apartments. In big cities like New York, apartment living is considered the norm. However, in smaller cities, being a homeowner is typically the norm. But the economy as it is, some people have lost their homes, some have moved across the country in search of jobs and others travel over state lines to work and have a place to stay. Some clients have gone through a divorce and are getting back on their feet. Whatever the reason, apartments today offer many amenties that a lot of previous home owners can really get used to. Fully equipped gyms, movie rooms, beautiful pools, lush landscaping, churning waterfalls, and if that wasn’t enough, many offer pet care, dry cleaning and housekeeping services!

I think it’s safe to say that apartment living is not what it used to be! A time when you should be a so called “home owner” according to society, the idea of living in an apartment after 35 no longer holds a stigma of a life gone no where. Nope, in fact many people I know, no longer want the responsibility of owning a home and are now opting for a luxurious life in a lavish apartment. I have to admit, the convenience alone and ease of living is quite appealing.

Today I kick off Apartment therapy, our newest series! My inbox has been flooded with readers glued to our remodeling series, but disappointed that many of the options shown are not available to their own circumstances. In an effort to help those living in apartments, this series will appeal to you, and the many decorating options you have!

So stay tuned, next week I kick off Mrs M’s Nashville apartment redo!

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Remodeling series- Week 17

To say that last week was frustrating, aggravating and disappointing is an understatement! The good news is Ritchie ALWAYS knows how to make it better. Today he surprised me with vanities!

1) We started with this:

Amanda's scribble

2) Then signed off on this:

Custom vanity

3) And like magic, we got this!

Mrs S vanity

Have you ever seen anything more beautiful? Me either, I am so pleased. And you cannot see it real well in the pictures, but the custom cabinet shop nailed it with the blue piping. Remember this?

The blue comet incident

For those of you just tuning in, I wanted a pinstripe of blue painted into the lines of the cabinet for an elegant detail. This photo shown above was far from elegant. And the painter tried to convince me that I wanted this look. The stripe was uneven, blotchy and too thick. Actually looked like a three year old did it! Not at all what I had in mind. In order to get what I wanted, the finished vanities were sprayed with an automobile airbrush sprayer, creating the finest pinstripe of blue, fit for a Queen!

Blue pinstripe

It’s all in the details:

Mr S vanity

Too often homeowners want to try their hand at remodeling, convinced that DIY is the way to go. While DIY suits many homeowners, you can miss out on some of the most spectacular “wows” of a space. The benefits of hiring a professional team ensures skilled detail, and finishes that most DIY’ers are not capable of doing. Skilled professionals, especially those that often work together produce remarkable projects. Combined experience is exponential and it can also help avoid costly mistakes.

Detail one

Case in point. When I showcased this photo below back in week 10, my inbox was FLOODED with emails. Why you ask? Everyone wanted know why on earth I would use 12″ tiles, in a day when 18″-20″ is the norm. I knew right off the bat that larger tiles would not work. The design I had in mind with a border and alternating tiles would not allow for larger tiles, and I refused to sacrifice the design for the “norm.” As a DIY’er you may succumb to the “norm” because of pushy sales people, glossy magazines and inexperience, which in the long run costs you time and money!

Dry tile run

The results? A beautiful tile design and a luxurious border. Larger tiles would not have fit, nor would they have looked correct in such a small space!

Tile layout

Detail two

Detail number two. When Ritchie and I discussed how we could make the tile design even better, we knew that the vanities would play a serious role in performance. I wanted the tile to have that extra special detail, similar to a well made outfit that has detailed stitching and oozes quality. So we bordered the bathroom as planned

Amanda's chicken scratch tile design

But added diagonal tile just behind that:

AB HOME Interiors tile design

Why on earth did we do that? Well I wanted a tailored shirt that oozed quality, and custom style……..the results?

Customer designed vanity by Amanda Burdge

A lovely little peak under the petty coat….so to speak. A nice little surprise in design and detail.

Vanity by Amanda Burdge

This added bonus in design is custom and unique. It adds texture and dimension to the space and makes the vanities and floors extra special. In order to achieve results like this it is necessary to plan ahead and always work with professionals. In order to get results like this it required a team of experts: design experts (umm, that would be me!) a skilled contractor, and a very talented tile installer to get it right! This required a whole lot of math that without Ritchie and his team would never had happened.

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Remodeling series-Week 16

Stained doors

Last week Mrs S was on vacation. I wanted to mention this because my inbox was flooded with emails from concerned readers wanting to know what happened to the series! Afraid they had missed something. No need to worry, we are back on schedule!

For those of you following this remodel you know that our latest hiccup was the doors. As the story goes in my line of business: ”it will be two weeks.” But then two weeks comes and goes and it suddenly becomes another “two weeks.” At any rate our two week turn around for doors turned into almost five. So all of us were thrilled when they got here!

Mrs S and Co. immediately poo-poo’d the idea of the stained doors, but I am not past begging and pleading if I know it is perfect for the design. Ritchie, accustomed to working with me silently raised an eyebrow and just couldn’t envision it. But he trusted my judgement and when they went in today, everyone was thrilled with the idea of staining them! Yay!

Mrs S and Co. doors

Stained walnut doors will be THE epitome of luxury and decadence in this refined bathroom. The perfect solution to grounding the space, warming it up and adding that touch of elegance……………..but then the grim reaper ALWAYS has to play the devils advocate and ruin everything. ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So this is how it unfolded:

Monday: The doors are here! The doors are here! YAY!!!

Tuesday: The doors are hung! The doors are hung! They are awesome Yay!

Wednesday: Ring, ring, ring ( 7:02 AM) Amanda-”Helloooo”………..”Ummmm, Amanda, it’s Ritchie we have a problem……” Amanda- “What do you mean we have a problem, what’s going on?”………Ritchie- “Ummm, you may want to check your email and get over to Mrs S and Co. ASAP!”……..

This is what I EXPECTED to see, and what I had PLANNED for:

Walnut door

But I of course wouldn’t be that lucky! This is what I got:

Mrs S and Co. doors

If I were decorating a barn these would be superb….unfortunately I AM NOT DECORATING A DAMN BARN!!!!! The manufacturer sent THE WRONG doors. To make matters worse the painter thinks these were actually rained on, which is causing the stain to speckle and adhere to the doors inconsistently. I WANT TO CRY!!!

The manufacturer can replace the doors………………..but it will be another five weeks! Mrs S and Co. cannot wait another five weeks. Or rather they REFUSE to wait another five weeks, so the only thing we can do is CRY……..and just paint them! Tune in next week when I share the custom vanities that I designed….and painted doors…..

Harley the cat

“Don’t worry mom, paint will be purrr-fect!…..oh wait that’s me!”

Come and join me and all my adoring fans!

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Posted: September 21, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | bathrooms | remodeling | Ab interiors, amanda burdge, bathroom remodel, door installtion, master bathroom, stained doors 6 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Remodeling Series-Week 15

As I mentioned in last weeks post, our job site has pretty much come to a screeching halt thanks to a delay in doors. They finally arrived yesterday, however Mrs S and Co. left for a two week vacation, so nothing can be done until their return. In the menatime Ritchie was able to finish some of the trim and get the floors in the closet and bedroom finished and stained:

Mrs S closet

Mrs S Bedroom

Mrs S bedroom

So there you have it, week 14 has come and gone. For the next two weeks I won’t have anything on the project. The doors were finally delivered but will have to wait until Mrs S returns from vacation! Boy they sure don’t show this on those TV shows!

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Posted: August 31, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | remodeling | bathroom remodel, master bedroom remodel, remodeling, staining floors, wood floors 4 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Southern Living showcase home-A return to glamour

It has been a hectic but very exciting couple of weeks. The Southern Living Show case home is fast approaching it’s debut and I have been running around like a crazy chicken trying to get everything together. I recently sat down with Nancy McNulty, of McNulty Communications and P.R. to discuss my space and the overall look. I realized as I was talking to her that I had done very little here on the blog to give you, my faithful readers, a sneak peak into the wonderful mind that I refer to as my chaotic self.

When Southern Living magazine announced that they would be coming back to Nashville after a 10 year hiatus it was pretty big news. When they announced that I was one of the designers selected, well that my friends was VERY big news! In an instant I went from calm and collected expert designer, to OMG, OMG, what am I going to do that will be the epitome of Southern Living? After I collected myself and returned to my calm, collected but chaotic self it came to me, Vintage Southern Glamour.

My vision:

Who: A modern day Marilyn Monroe donning a floor length satin robe. She’s wandering around the guest retreat, talking on her black rotary phone, preparing for a date with…George Clooney perhaps?

What: Soft, feminine, understated glamour

Where: Somewhere between the intersection of 1962 and the present

Fabric:

So far I am right on track with my Marilyn Monroe, vintage vision. Here is a sneak peak at the main fabrics I will be using in the room:

: Southern Living show house Nashville. Fabrics take 1

Within a few weeks of getting the announcement as one of the selected Southern Living designers, I had my fabrics (shown above) determined. Choosing the right ceiling color, however, was a completely different story! Thankfully, Kristie Barnett from The Decorologist came to my rescue and this mess on my conference table is proof-positive that we were hard at work for THE perfect paint!

Southern Living fabrics, take two

Once we had the ceiling color selected I was able to narrow down my fabric selection. (shown above) When working on a home I always start with fabric, and I always choose WAY more than I need. Once various factors are decided on, I can start editing down to what I need, and decide what will go where in the room.

Southern Living fabrics, take three

As more decisions are made and choices finalized, the fabrics get further editing. This pic shown above really hones in on the look and feel of the entire room. It is as scrumptious and beautiful as Marilyn Monroe herself!!

Paint:

I have decided on Accessible Beige for the walls from Sherwin Williams:

Accessible Beige

It is a lovely grey/beige that goes beautifully with my grays and pinks.

Furniture:

Cane chairs

I have two 1960′s chairs that will be used in the sitting area of the retreat, similar to the one shown above, (expertly modeled by Mr Harley himself.)

I still need a headboard. The plan was to have an upholstered headboard made, but this entire project is being done out of pocket, so I am keeping my options open. Bedding is absolutely gorgeous and I will share that with you in the coming weeks!

So what do you think so far?

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images: AB HOME mood board,

Posted: August 26, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | clever ideas | color | decorating a guest room | beds, castle homes, fabrics, Guest retreat, marilyn Monroe, paint, pink, selecting fabrics, Southern living showcase home 5 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Remodeling series-Week 14

So the bathroom in all it’s beautiful glory has come to a screeching halt. Remember in the very beginning of this remodel……way, way back to the beginning when we had various hiccups pop up that slowed things down? Well hiccups, unfortunatley are a part of the process. Never wanted, but always a part of the process. Almost like a test from the universe saying “How bad do you really want this remodeled bathroom? Enough to wait a week…perhaps two weeks…and then a few more weeks for doors???”

Custom doors

Mrs S delayed on her decision with the doors. She was uncertain if she wanted to paint or stain the doors. From the get-go I wanted the doors stained. I feel that with so much light tile, light paint and soft hues in the bathroom overall, that warm walnut doors would really ground the space. But she wasn’t sure. Ritchie delayed in ordering until she knew what she wanted to do. We decided to get stain grade…that way, Ritchie can paint a door and stain a door and Mrs S can decide on the job which one she likes. However, the door order went in fairly late, and now the door company is giving us hell!

The doors come in from a small town in Conneticut. They ship the doors in parts and peices for easier transport, and then they are assembled in a factory here in Nashville. The problem with all of this is, we are now two weeks behind schedule, and the doors are STILL in Conneticut…..despite the fact that they were suppose to be in NASHVILLE two weeks ago. Minor logistical problem. To add to the hiccup soup, (ever tried it? it’s super fun and sour!) Mrs S and Co are leaving for vacation…for two weeks! Meaning, nothing will be getting done for two weeks!! They don’t want construction going on in their home while they are gone. So we may be getting into the end of September before this remodel sees the light of day.

In the meantime, Mrs S had her floors in the bedroom laid, and stained and that is about all that can be done. Trim, paint and vanities will have to be on hold until the magical doors arrive. Without them everything else is on hold….

Master bedroom floors

Master closet off the master bath

All in all despite the disappointment that the doors still are not here, the floors look amazing. We kept a 3″ wide plank to match with the rest of the home. The stain will be a warm walnut and should be completed later this week.

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Posted: August 24, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | remodeling | door installation, home construction, paint, remodeling, remodeling tips, tile installation, wood floors, wood installation 5 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Before and after-The power of choosing the right paint

I was recently faced with a rather large paint challenge, from a client who had no intention of painting her powder room. Without warning she called me up and said she needed me to come over right away. The contractor had broken through the wall and left a hole in the wall that would have to be repaired. Not knowing what the current color of the bathroom was, she decided to repaint with a new color.

I had never seen the bathroom before but was certain that a new paint would take five minutes to select and we would be on our merry way…..until I saw the bathroom:

Before

The lighting was very harsh, and the yellow-beige paint (yes that is actually beige on the walls) reflected the wrong undertones, highlighting and accentuating more yellow! The lighting was very old, and the homeowner refused to update anything. She just wanted to select a new paint.

While I was confident that a different paint would definitely look better, I was not certain that the new paint would have a fighting chance against such bad lighting. So I chose a few possible options and went back to my office to order paint swatches to review at the house.

I received the paint samples three days later and after careful consideration I chose a grey beige. It definitely looked better with the wood tones, softened the strong gold hue in the room, and I was hopeful that the 25 year old lighting would cooperate. I can safely say, I am very pleased with the outcome:

after new paint

Nothing was changed in this room other than a fresh coat of paint. It just goes to show the power of paint, and why choosing the right color is so important! A remarkable and fast before and after!

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Posted: August 22, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | bathrooms | Bathrooms, choosing paint, paint, powder room, remodel 9 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Southern Living showcase home, Nashville TN

Nashville’s Southern Living show case home is well on it’s way. Slated to open late October, this home will offer the ultimate in designer tips, tricks and trade secrets for your home. Not to mention, it’s a sure way to get this seasons best home ideas from the greatest minds in Nashville. Seriously, this design team has some of the best tricks up their sleeve that I have ever seen!

Only a few designers (11 to be exact) were chosen to participate, and I am honored to have been chosen to do the guest retreat. It’s kinda like winning the miss America pageant only I don’t have to done the dreaded swim suit or wear more aqua net than my grandma. And trust me she wears a lot!

As written in this recent press release:

“A team of the Nashville area’s best designers has been chosen to bring the charm and beauty of Southern Living magazine to this fall’s Southern Living Showcase Home, being built by Castle Homes in Dorset Park”~ Cool Springs news.

Being miss America is tough business. There are so many details that go into a home like this. Coordination, collaboration, details, and designing to the standards of Southern Living, one of the South’s best magazines! Wow! No pressure at all! But don’t worry, Aqua net aside, I can totally do this!

The Southern Living showcase home is fast approaching completion. I went out to the house just a few weeks ago and this is where it was at:

Exterior of showcase home

Holy cow! From the outside it seems the house is almost finished! But the interior was still fairly raw. Still just sticks and metal, (Phew, plenty of time to procrastinate) this was in early July:

Guest retreat, Southern Living showcase home

Guest retreat, Southern living showcase home

However, Thursday we had another design meeting at the house, our fourth since the announcement of selected designers in May and I couldn’t believe the progress in just a few short weeks. Dry wall was up, trim installed and windows and doors finished out. Okay, Miss America is gonna have to wear roller skates!

Miss America, aka: Amanda Burdge

Here I am all smiles, knowing all the secrets that will be revealed at the opening. Prepare to be amazed! These designers, including myself, have done an incredible job with the wow factor. Having so many creative minds under one roof is extraordinary. We are all feeding off of each others expressive imaginations and it’s like Disneyland in here. ( Weeeeeeeeeee!) I cannot wait for you to see these jaw-dropping spaces when they are completed. Ingenuity and clever talent don’t even describe it!

Southern living showcase home meeting

After our quick meeting of updates, and stunning reveals, I headed upstairs to the guest retreat.

Guest retreat, Southern Living showcase home

My room (above and below), fully drywalled, displayed my paint swatches, trim, and windows. Big difference from the sticks I had a few weeks ago in July! It’s time Miss America kicks it into high gear!

Southern living showcase home nashville

Accessible beige

Castle homes, accustomed to working with designers, has graciously put my paint swatches on the wall and ceiling to get my approval. Designers hold a lot of magical powers when it comes to decorating. Choosing a paint from a 2×2 swatch is not one of them. My wall color will be accessible beige by Sherwin Williams, and a custom pink for the ceiling. Choosing these paint colors was a difficult task. I chose my fabrics in a snap but trying to match a Southern Living, best in the South magazine paint color was making me dizzy. I finally called in the experts! I have amazing friends, and lucky for me, most of them are color experts. Nothing like being a part of the cool kids, or as I like to call them: Color Geeks! Even more lucky for me, one happens to live down the street from my office, Kristie Barnett.

Kristie and I in Show house mania

Kristie and I hashed it out, taking into consideration all the options. She agreed that my accessible beige selection from Sherwin Williams was perfect, (hallelujah) but thank-god for me, she was finally able to get the pink right! Can I just say that being a part of the cool kids has it’s advantages.

Today after seeing the swatches in the room I have to say the accessible beige is PERFECT, and the custom vintage pink is stunning. ( Thanks Kristie) I would also like to share a special thank-you to Kelly Berg from Arte Styling, Barbara Jacobs from Integral Color, Lori Sawaya from Color Strategies, and of course Kristie, from the Decorologist for running down to my office to save me! Y’all are the best!

If you need color help, Kelly, Lori, Kristie and Barbara are amazing! The four of them easily cover the entire country, and all do color consultations anywhere in the United States. Just watch out for that Lori, she’ll give you an education in color that will make you dizzy!

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Remodeling series-Week 13

Can you believe it’s been three months? I have to say I am loving all of your comments. I have been doing this for 12 years and I approach every project as if certain things are known, completely forgetting that this is my 400th remodel, and possibly your first! Mrs S will ask me a question that if I were in her shoes, I would want to know too, however, since the entire blueprint is in my head it’s as if everyone including Ritchie can just crawl in there and grab what they need. Unfortunately I am not programmed like google to spit out facts at all hours of the day and night. I typically need to be present to share my hard drive. But it is a valuable lesson for me. As a designer I always give progress reports to my clients. I hate surprises, and I hate working with someone who is considered an expert in their field ( whatever that may be-A mechanic, graphic designer, insurance agent) and they fail to clue me in on what is happening with my project, and dollars. Not to mention I hate having to contact someone, when I have already reached out to them once before. ( But I digress) My point is, I do my very best to keep everyone, especially my clients in the loop. But I cannot help but laugh at myself when I diligently cross every “T” and dot every “I” and I forget to share something as simple as: How to clean the shower door. Believe it or not, even me the Queen of simple and easy can make things too complicated!

This week seemed to come and go in an instant and we are being held up by doors. Tile completed, we now await for the doors that were suppose to be in on Friday……and then Monday…..and now they will be here this Friday. Vanities are due to be completed at the end of this week and then the jewelry ( better known as plumbing) can start to go in! yay!

1) Tile

Completed shower

Here is the completed shower. You’ll notice blue tape inside of the shower on certain tiles. After an item has been installed Ritchie and the homeowner (Mrs S) go through everything to make sure everything is up to par. Blue tape shows the installer what needs to be fixed, and typically has notes on each piece.

Shower

I am so pleased with the way this came out. From my chicken scratch (shown below) to the completed project.

Chicken scratch

Shower ceiling

This was an ‘on site’ decision. The tile originally was planned to stop at eight feet. (About 14″ shorter than shown) However, since I wanted Ritchie to raise the ceiling to make the shower feel more expansive, we had to decide if we wanted the tile to stay at eight feet, and have open dry wall above it, or tile the whole box…I think we made the right decision!

2) Floors

Finished Floor

How many times can I show off the floor? I am thinking as many times as I want. Here is the completed floor….again……but I just love how it turned out. The marble is stunning and the border equally so. Now we continue to wait for the doors, and vanities, but no time is lost because the floors in the bedroom are going down.

3) The Bedroom

Master bedroom

While the bulk of the construction has taken place in the bathroom, the bedroom has been the hub of activity for tools, tables, and stuff. All of this will be removed to lay the floors, and once they are laid they can be stained. Tune in next week to see it completed!

That is week 13.

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Laundry rooms-The DIY cure to organize them, and keep them tidy

Let’s face it, we have to do laundry. As much as all of us can attest to hating one of the most basic and utilitarian household chores, it’s a necessary evil. Most clients that I work with never touch this space. Furnishing it as if it were lucifers closet, the laundry room truly gets the least amount of love and dollars. And rarely does it get any weekend DIY consideration. Poor thing. The good news is, when this space is fun and efficient it makes doing the wash less of a chore and more of an enjoyable space. Really!

I am always talking about energy and how our homes should uplift and rejuvenate us. If you leave your home in a flurry with dirty dishes, an unmade bed , toiletries all over the house and a pile of laundry everywhere, you hardly want to rush back home. My point? (Yes I do have one), when you leave your home in a frenzied mess, you come home to a frenzied mess. Same goes for the laundry room. When you enter that space with disgust and loathing, it hardly makes for a fun chore. Every time you enter that space you are already geared up for the worst! So how can you get out of the laundry room blues? Get out a can of paint, get rid of the clutter and get organized. Heres some great DIY tips to save your Laundry room from disgust and loathing, to pleasing and delightful! Heres my tips to get it organized and efficient:

1) Color coded laundry bins

Color coded laundry

Simplicity is key here. Use a light bin for white laundry, a black bin for darks, and a red bin for delicates. This example above by My Antique Barn is a perfect example. She took three antique flour bins and converted them into laundry room work horses; DIY magic!

My entire world is organized by color. Everyone in my office knows if they want me to participate in any admin responsibilities, they have to first speak my language. What most people don’t realize is that organization is a fairly simple practice to follow. Especially if initiated early on and everyone is programmed. But too often the Martha Stewarts of the world make it too difficult and way more arduaous than it needs to be. Keep it simple and simply organized and you’ll have great success.

2) Arrange your products accordingly

Cleaning supplies

laundry room cleaning products

We all know the term, “birds of a feather, flock together”. Keep this in mind when organizing your cleaning supplies. Keep detergents, softeners, stain treatments, household cleaners, what ever it is you like to use, keep them in close proximity of each other. Having detergent in one place and softener in another doesn’t make sense. Button up your efficiency and keep like-minded products together. Make your laundry room work for you.

I prefer open shelving for items I grab daily or weekly. Another great tip from Real Simple, line your items up according to how you use them. If aesthetics are a high priority, place the items in an area that is easy for you to use, won’t hinder your efficiency, and meets your visual needs. I used to transfer all my liquids to pretty bottles. But honestly, we all use these products, so if you have a few of them on a shelf it won’t be the end of the world. Plus I tend to make a lot of my own cleaning products so the bottles tend to be pretty basic.

3) Folding tables

Laundry room folding table

Every laundry room needs a place to fold. Probably the most arduous thing about laundry is the many steps it requires….folding being one of them (This is probably where the loathing and disgust come from). Once the laundry is complete, it has to be folded. Always create an area to fold your laundry with ease, and make sure the counter surface is at least 36″ high. If you have a family of four and your counter is below 36″, you will strain your back and wear yourself out. If you don’t have space for a folding table, keep an ironing board in a handy place. It can double as a surface and be neatly put away when not in use, like the one shown above.

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Another great tip. If you have the room, devote a laundry basket to every member of the household. When their laundry is folded they can come get it, instead of you having to go to every room of the house to drop it off. Put labels on the baskets with their names on it. If you are a DIY connoisseur, you can make bins out of fabric to coordinate with your beautiful new laundry room.

4) Drying racks

Laundry drying area

Laundry bins

An area to hang up delicates is always preferable in a laundry room. I typically hang everything I own to preserve the life of the garment. The best thing is to choose something that works for you and your lifestyle. So whether you choose to have a garment rack or an area devoted for hanging several pieces, always include a portion of space for drying outside of the dryer. If you are limited on space but need a space to hang up your clothes (outside of the treadmill or strung all over the house, Urban clothes line has many options to choose from, whether you have 2 feet of space or 2″ of space. Another wonderful DIY option is to take an old ladder and hang it from the ceiling.

5) Seating

Large laundry room

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If you are lucky enough to have the ample space, a seating area in a laundry room can be quite utilitarian. It is a great place to plop down to sew on buttons that need repair, fold in comfort, or a place to relax and read a book while the dryer finishes. It creates a more inviting environment, and makes the space more homey and less chore oriented.

What are some of your best tips for organizing your laundry room?

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Images: My antique barn, real simple, houzz, all doing,#mce_temp_url#, the inspired room,

Remodeling-series week 12

This week at the house was not a very eventful one. Three pieces of the tile had to be torn up and replaced because Ritchie wasn’t happy with the way they were installed. We are waiting on the doors to come in and the vanity to be completed. Other than the tile being completed, things will be slow until the rest of the materials come in this week.

The doors:

Doors for Mrs S

Four doors in the bathroom will be replaced with the one shown above, but instead of being five panel they will be three panel. The two closet doors will be a three paneled door with frosted glass. The linen closet will be a three paneled door with mirror, and the water closet will be a solid three panel door, with no glass.With everything being so light and airy, all of the doors will be stained a walnut color to help ground the space and make it warmer.

The vanity:

Vanity color

The vanity

The original selection for the vanity was Ben Moore White Dove. But honestly, I am sick of that color. It seems to be the default color for every door, trim and cabinet color throughout Williamson county. It was an awesome color seven years ago however, after seeing it so many times I decided it was time to move on to fresher pastures. Alabaster is a wonderful white with a grey undertone. Unlike White dove it has no yellow in it, and has a wonderfully warm finish.

Walls:

Tradewinds

Once everything is installed Ritchie can complete the paint. We currently have one coat of primer and one coat of paint. But we need to get doors, plumbing and crown completed before the final coat of paint goes up.

Plumbing:

Vanity faucet

Plumbing will be put off until the floor, doors and vanities are completed. If I had to guess, it will be installed in about two weeks.

Just for fun:

Often when homeowners get to the home stretch they get antsy. Who wouldn’t?! We are wrapping up three months of construction, trades coming and going at all hours of the day and living in a make shift bedroom, that at this point, feels normal. So it is hard to feel like progress is being made when an entire week goes by with nothing happening. Or so it seems like nothing is happening! Here is where we have come from,

Mrs S vanity before

Mrs S soon to be vanity

So we are getting there….. I have to say it looks a thousand times better than before!

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Posted: August 10, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | bathrooms | design education | bathroom construction, before and after, construction, master bathroom, remodeling, tile installation, tiling 6 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Random but clever tricks for the home

Clever tricks from harley the guru

We all love good tips. And we all love clever tricks that make our lives easier….so here are some random things I found that I think you humans will love.

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Easy DIY for the laundry room. Hang a ladder upside down for an easy place to hang delicate’s.

Paint sticks

Hanging ladder

Use stir sticks to recall your paint colors. Write paint name and number on the end of the stick, along with what you painted. Bundle the sticks with twine and store in a utility closet. By Martha Stewart.

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Chalk wall with inspirational quotes. For those of you who read my blog frequently, you know how much I believe in a positive and inspirational home. A home that supports you, uplifts you. Having a wall with inspirational quotes like “Don’t worry everything is going to be amazing!” is a great way to start and end your day.

Photo runner

Chalk wall

Great for a family reunion or anniversary, a table runner made of photos is a great way to decorate for the festivities and get the conversations started.

What are some randow but clever tricks you use around the home?

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images: unknown, Martha Stewart, sweet home style, rizy bee

Remodeling series-week 11

Mrs S corner dilemma

OK, So remember this issue last week? (shown above) The question was, what to do with the corner? Butte joint or miter?? Well after careful consideration and much thought, I decided that a cut miter was the way to go. So Ritchie, laid the radiant flooring first…..

Radient flooring

And then he poured a fine layer of thin set on top, and started laying the tile border. (and you can see my mitered corner)

Thin set covers radient floors

And here is my mitered corner up close..may I say, perfection?

Mitered corner here in the right bottom corner--------------->

I have to say it was the right choice, a butte joint would have looked undone, and personally, like I laid the tile…no one wants that!

View from the water closet

The entire week was pretty much consumed with laying tile, measuring, and cutting. The shower was completed,

Shower interior

and with much excitement, the floor is complete!

Bathroom entrance

And seriously, would the floor look this beautiful if the black marble border was not in it? Mrs S was really concerned about the black border and I told her to just trust me…..and I have to say, it completely makes the floor! Thank-you Mrs S for trusting me, and taking a leap of faith…

Floor from closet

Stunning. It is really starting to take shape! The vanities are now in production, and the fancy back splash is being ordered this week.

Fancy backsplash

iPhoto

Now this is where I advised Mrs S to throw caution to the wind. There are places to cut the budget to keep things in line, and there are places where expense is absolutely necessary. The backsplash for this bathroom was an area that needed those extra dollars, and where they mattered. Mrs S has what I call the “a” wall vanity. Meaning the most visible vanity, most visible wall in the whole bathroom. Her space is the first point of contact, or introduction to the bathroom. A great “how do you do” if you will. So her vanity, backsplash, mirror, sconces….everything needs to be stunning. This back splash ties everything together, but more importantly it’s classic, timeless and beautiful. Remember when Mrs S and I went back to the plumbing store to reselect our plumbing fixtures? Well we went back to re-select plumbing fixtures that brought the budget down, to offset the cost of this border tile. At $106 a piece, (yes each 4×12 piece is $106) and we need approximately 13-15 pieces, something had to give! But I guarantee that this is going to make the bathroom!

Week 11 in all it’s glory…..Progress!

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Have questions? See something that you want more clarification on? Send me your comments and let us know your thoughts. We will post questions and answers here on the blog.

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Posted: August 4, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | How-to's | bathrooms | design | design 101 | design education | remodeling | tile design | bathroom remodel, bathroom remodel ideas, bathroom tile, bathroom vanities, marble floors, master bathroom, Nashville bathroom, planning a bathroom, radient floors, remodeling, remodeling help in brentwood tn, shower installation, shower tile, tile installation 4 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

How to update your home without the cost of adding on

According to this article by STL today, in order to get the best return on your home there are five remodeling projects that get you the most bang for your buck. But like most cities, Nashville is a city with a lot of history, style and small homes. Maxwell coffee started here, Vanderbilt’s, and of course, country music. At the turn of the century many every day folks lived in wonderfully small bungalows, not in the suburbs where many of today’s urbanites find sprawling square footage! Thankfully, because of our history we have some of the most quaint neighborhoods and homes that I have ever seen. Edgehill, Sylvan park, 12 South, Berry hill, Downtown Franklin, just to name a few. Several of my client’s live in these beautiful areas, and they take pride in their wonderfully small bungalows. But how do you maximize and update a cracker jack lifestyle, two kids, and a dog when trying to salvage your homes original charm? It’s hard to imagine a massive remodel, that includes exploding that home’s charm out into the garden, just to suit the needs of your 21st century lifestyle. So what do you do if you live in a smaller space and a remodel is not an option? Heres how to get an update without the cost of adding on!

1) Taller doors

Tall doors

Taller doors give the illusion of more space in your home. Have you ever walked into a small family room that had vaulted ceilings? Often, when there is added height, the space creates it’s own optical illusion and you don’t feel cramped. Same goes for the doors. Taller doors give you the illusion that there is more space, and they also allow more light to flood into the space. An added bonus is painting them something special. Like the photo above, this home’s kitchen is very small, however, the beautifully tall, GREEN, doors take your attention away from the obvious, and makes the space spectacular! Here is a great place to find stylish doors, that are tall and affordable.

Designer tip: Can’t afford to replace and remodel your doors from 6’8 to 8′? Add pediments, antique windows or mirrors above your doors. It will give you the added affect, and won’t break the break.

2) Raise the drapes

Tall drapes

Just like raising the doors, raise your drapes all the way up to the bottom of the crown. Drapes add softness to a space, and draw your eye upward. For additional illusion select colors for your walls, trim and drapes in a similar color.

Designer tip: Add features to the top of your drapes like grommets, ribbon, or buttons. The added texture creates shadowing and more weight to the top of the drape.

3) Extended cabinets

Taller cabinets

Instead of choosing the ever-popular and standard 42″ upper cabinet, opt for the 36″ cabinet and top it with a 12″ upper with glass. As with the drapes and doors, it extends the eye up and the glass adds sparkle. The 12″ uppers can have lights placed inside them, grabbing the eyes attention with light. It is a great way to display some of your more special china, and also makes your space look more custom.

Designer tip: Already have a good kitchen in place and not about to remodel your kitchen? Paint your ceiling the same color as your wall, and add rope lighting or LED ribbon to the top of your cabinets. It will be harder for the eye to discern where the wall and ceiling meet, and the lights will help expand the space up.

4) Mirrors

Vintage mirrors

Mirrors add sparkle, grab and bounce light, and reflect objects from different angles. They are superb weapons for a small space.

Designer tip: You can never have enough mirrors!

5) Rug

Small Rug

Instead of choosing a small rug, go for the largest one that your room can fit. The photo above is a great example, by Southern Living, on making a too small rug, work.

Large rug

Many homeowners want to put a small rug in their small room, for fear of covering the floors! Above, this photo is a great example of extending the eye with a sisal rug, and then adding color and texture with a beautiful hide. If the rug option you have is too small for the room, layer it with one or two rugs to add texture and color. Otherwise the eye will only devote attention to the rug thats in a small room.

What are some of your favorite tricks?

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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images: houzz, kitchen cabinets, elements of style, simply seductive, emily clarke

Style and how to get it in 3 easy steps

When it comes to style decorating, sometimes homeowners get overwhelmed.(OK a lot overwhelmed!) They obsess trying to make their homes look like the magazines, or that TV show. But the warmest, most charming homes, are those with personal mementos that show your personal style off. (Won’t find that in a magazine.) In fact, I attended a magazine staging for Better homes and gardens last December and the entire shoot focuses on how the room looks through the camera lens. Flowers adjusted, lamps tweaked, and furniture placed just right. Literally everything is just so! Now I am a huge fan and reader of BHG. Their style is relaxed, easy and accessible to the everyday homeowner, however, remember that people don’t live in those pages.

How do you get that room from the magazine, but put your personal style in it? Here are three of my favorite tips.

1) Family photos

Family

There is nothing more personal than family. And who shares the best memories of happiness, love, sadness, and humor with you? Your family does! Turn them into your best decor and show them off. Nothing uplifts and supports you like family, honor them by making them a show piece in your home.

2) Color palette

Color

Nothing is more personal than color. Sure there are always those colors that are considered on trend. But most people have a color that they love, and while the intensity of that hue may change over the years, most homeowners stick to it. For anyone who has taken my design class, I talk about my mother and her love affair with mint green.

Mint paint. Moms FAVORITE color

Everything in our house when I was growing up centered around this color. Everything! The house trim, the tile in our kitchen, the floors…. Even today she has mint green bowls, dishes, a Kitchen Aid mixer, furniture, all of it mint green. Mom has never veered from the mint green ideology. If it’s mint, she loves it! When I SEE mint I think of her. That’s personal style! Color is intrinsic to who we are and it inspires us and our homes.

3) Art

Personal art

You have heard me say it before, I love art. And nothing is more personal than art. The art that you like, may not be what I like, and vice versus. Art is one of the best ways to add personal style to your home. Art inspires you and is uniquely you. A great way to show off your style, and make your home special.

What are some of your favorite tricks?

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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images: The birds papaya, house tweaking, desire to inspire

Remodeling series-Week 10

Before I left for Atlanta, Richie and I had a meeting at my office to discuss the upcoming week of events for the bathroom. ( he has a tendency to get crazy when unsupervised) and I don’t want to come back to a pink bathroom that’s been moved to the opposite side of the house. We determined that he’d be doing a dry run of the tile for the floor, laying the radiant floor and hooking up the floor thermostat. The biggest issue is what to do with the most noticeable corner in the bathroom:

Bathroom corner

1) To butte or miter, that is the question

If the opposite side of the bathroom lined up with the tile design, (as I drew it above) there wouldn’t be an issue. But the two points are actually 20″ apart. OY! So the question is, do we make it a butte joint, or a miter? Well my first instinct was to blurt out, MITER! But of course, it wasn’t that easy. The tile border is being cut down from 24″ pieces, into 6″x24″ strips. Laying tile doesn’t follow the philosophy of fuzzy math, that I commonly stand behind. The pieces are not long enough to create a clean miter, so in order to miter the corner we need to make an extension with a 6″x6″ piece…..UM, Huh? Mrs Burdge,…..You say….I din’t get that! See below:

Major bathroom corner

Butte joint or miter

The decision to be made? To butte joint (shown in pink) or miter (shown in black). The strips don’t match up, so we either cut them down for the butte joint, or create a mitered corner from a 6″x6″ piece.The decision we choose will be revealed next week. Oh the suspense! Can you stand it?

2) Tile layout, pre-run

So Richie continued with his dry run lay out, to get all his cuts, and make sure there were no other hiccups. Here is a sneak peek: ( Fill in oooooo’s, and awwwwwww’s here!

Dry run

3) Radiant flooring

OK, back to the regularly scheduled program. Before the tile can be laid, Richie has to put down the radiant floors. What’s that you say? Well it’s this fancy orange stuff that is essentially a heated blanket under your tile. It makes your footsies feel warm and fuzzy in the middle of winter when it’s coldy. Pretty awesome!

Warm and fuzzies

This will be hard wired into the electrical, and Mrs S will be able to control the thermostat via a remote control panel that hangs on the wall. Purty cool!

4) Cabinet vanity

Along with tile, we made final decisions on the vanity and it will go into production next week.

Mrs S bathroom vanity

There are a few things that have been tweaked and changed from this drawing, but this gives you the general idea! And I am ready to get this built. I feel like this imaginary box of wood with pretty detail and paint has been floating around in my head for months. I am ready to SEE it!

There you have it, week 10! So what do you think so far? Think you’re ready to remodel? Not quite as fast as they make it on those home decorating shows now is it? haha, stay tuned!

If you missed week one, click here.

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Have questions? See something that you want more clarification on? Send me your comments and let us know your thoughts. We will post questions and answers here on the blog.

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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If you missed week seven, click here

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Remodeling-what’s new in bathroom products

Each remodel that I do requires different things. Each bathroom that I do requires different things. However, each remodel I do also brings to my attention all the awesome products that are available on the market. Now I may know how to add timeless style to your bathroom, but trying to keep up with all the new things is nearly impossible. When I first opened my company in late 2004, I made it a mission to review, read and conquer every trade magazine on the new stand. I was determined to know about all the great products coming out. Little did I know, companies often launched new products several times a year. By the time I was getting familiar and knowledgeable on one item, that company would come out with something bigger, better and faster. Kinda like cellphones or TVs. An uphill battle that couldn’t be tamed. The good news is, if your remodeling simply to update, there are always simple things you can do instantly. But for the rest of you who want to be on the cutting edge, I have included a few of the coolest options in bathroom products.

1) LED Ribbon

LED ribbon

Pliable ribbon with LED lighting, these puppies are awesome. With a peel and stick adhesive backing and the capability to run 30′ from one power supply, this will save many homeowners from improper lighting in their kitchens and bathrooms. The best part? You’ve heard me many times sing the praises of LED, energy efficient lighting. It’s green, safe for the environment, doesn’t get hot, and runs for 50,000 hours! Totally awesome!

2) Killer hardware

Cabinet hardware

Casablanca hardware

Love hardware? Me too!! It completely makes a piece of furniture pop! And the wall hook ain’t so bad either! By richelieu hardware, their Casablanca collection is just one of many that really makes a statement, and gets you out of the Home Depot rut!

3) Contemporary warmth

Towel warmer

Tired of the same ol’ same ol’ when it comes to bath towel warmers? Well this fixture by Artos, gives you the ultimate in style, while warming and drying your towels. How cool is that?!

4) Stylish grabs

Grab bars

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Great grabz

Grab bars

Typically, grab bars are stainless steel blobs on the wall that scream hospice! Great grabz offers an array of stylish, decorative grab bars, that incorporate beautifully with your existing decor, or new build bathroom. Having used grab bars many times in my bathroom remodels, this is a designers best friend. Function, meet decorative!

What are some new things that you’ve seen and love?

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Remodeling series-Week 9

We are on the home stretch for all you weary homeowners…….and that includes Mrs S! This week the tile installation was continued, the electrical fired up and the first coat of paint went up. Exciting times! This is when all those daunting decisions finally start coming into fruition. Picking colors, tiles, and what seems like infinite details from objects less than 3″ in size, can really make a person go insane! Not to mention, question every little decision. Will that tiny piece of wall tile coordinate with that basket weave floor tile? Does the cabinet door style work with the door style you picked (from a three panel brochure the size of a Nat!) and fit with the overall look? OMG! What IS the overall look? Did we even decide that?

The good news is, YES to all of the above! That is the greatest benefit of working with a designer. Designers put together a vision, and then make sure you stay on track. Often where homeowners fall of the cliff is three quarters of the way through the project. They forget some of their first decisions, or loose site of the over all goal and the exhaustion sets in, taking over like a bad mother-in-law. And whether you have a plan or not, sometimes these last few weeks take their toll, and you just want to throw your hands in the air and be done with it already! The dust, the heat, the trades coming and going, definitely can make the most calm homeowners feel defeated. Don’t get exasperated. Take a deep breath. Remember that construction always takes longer than planned, always, and while being in the thick of things may seem like too much, rarely does a homeowner remember the heartache once the project is completed. Sure you may have some giggles about the OMG! moments, but as I always say,

“A homeowners quality of enjoyment and satisfaction is always remembered far beyond the cost and construction, once their project is completed.”~ Amanda Burdge

Scouts honor!…….. And no I wasn’t a scout, but if it helps, it will hopefully convince you that it’s worth a few months of pain. Ten to fifteen years of utilizing that new space brings you ultimate pride and joy, and that far out weighs the time it takes to create it.

1) Shower Tile Continued

Shower tile

Last week the shower floor (basket weave) had been installed, and the back wall got started about 40″ up from the floor. This week the side walls continued to get their 12″ pieces, and then the pencil mold went up to create a breaking point between the 12″ and 3×6 tiles.

Tile installation

I had Ritchie take the ceiling up 18″ in the shower to make it feel more spacious. The original ceiling was barely seven and half feet, and felt like being in a wet, dark coffin. (Everyone’s dream, right?) Originally the tile was going to stop at the 8′ mark, however, after reviewing it, Ritchie and I decided that it would be better to tile the entire shower. Now this was not a hiccup, but rather an ‘on the job observation on how to make life better’ decision. We could have easily left the tile at the 96″ mark and called it a day. However, a small box shower, as this one is, tends to hold moisture. TN happens to be VERY humid. And despite having a fan and custom shower door made to dispel moisture, there just isn’t any guarantee! Leaving the ceiling and upper wall in painted drywall would eventually mildew, and we didn’t want that for Mrs S. So for maintenance and cleaning purposes, we decided to tile the entire shower enclosure.

2) Preliminary Bathroom floors

Floor pattern layout

Here, shown above, Ritchie has laid out the tile according to my chicken scratch (you’ll remember the pic below). As you recall, our original tile was back ordered until August. Each and every one of those marble 12″ tiles had to be cut to size…..a very laborious task!

Amanda's floor tile chicken scratch

On this particular day I had to rush out to the house for a tile emergency! Mrs S was not certain the black border looked good with the marble. This is something very important for homeowners to remember. Often, when you see something in an incomplete state you will question it. Again, this is where a professional can help you through this seemingly scary process. If Mrs S took this black border out of the design, the bathroom floor would fall flat. The border is there to outline the bathroom, add punch and wow factor but most importantly, ground the space. An all white floor would be way too wispy, and would get lost. And after each and every tile has been hand cut, I’m sure Ritchie wants everyone to take notice!

Designer tip: Certain design elements date a space. For instance, a home with gold fixtures screams the 80′s! So if you are about to remodel, how do you pick items that feel on trend, but won’t date your space? Always keep it classic. Hard elements like floors and cabinets should have simple, classic lines. This ensures a solid investment and allows you to change other elements, like paint, in a snap, and it easily updates your space.

3) Electrical

Sloppy First coat of paint

Ritchie got the tradewinds primer up end of last week, and the electrical went live this week. Electrical was suppose to go live last week….and they were having some issues. At any rate it’s up and running now. I was very pleased with the paint color. Although this is just a sloppy starter, what a difference it makes compared to the look of the old bathroom! Tile will most likely continue until the end of this week, and may go into next week. Since every piece has to be hand cut, the installer is moving much slower than usual. But we will keep our hopes up for end of week!

There you have it, week 9! So what do you think so far? Think your ready to remodel? Not quite as fast as they make it on those home decorating shows now is it? haha, stay tuned!

If you missed week one, click here.

If you missed week two, Click here

If you missed week three, click here

If you missed week four and five, click here

If you missed week six, click here

If you missed week seven, click here

If you missed week eight, click here

Have questions? See something that you want more clarification on? Send me your comments and let us know your thoughts. We will post questions and answers here on the blog.

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

Want more designer tricks, tips and trade secrets, delivered to your inbox, all for FREE? Click here for our monthly newsletter!

Posted: July 20, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | Interiors | bathrooms | design 101 | design education | design tips | design tricks | remodeling | amanda burdge bathroom design consultant, bathroom inspiration, bathroom remodel, bathroom tile, construction, cool springs remodel, how to remodel, master bathrooms, paint, remodeling help, shower installation, showers, tile, tile installation, what to look for when remodeling 6 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

6 things to consider, before planning your new kitchen

When it comes to designing, or remodeling your kitchen, bigger is not always better. In a society that prides itself on larger than life portion sizes, that may be hard to believe. But when it comes to your hub, an efficient plan trumps it’s larger counter part. So what do you need to know in order to make smart decisions and feel confident about you choices? Here are my tips for designing the best kitchen.

1) It’s all about geometry

Always work within the bermuda triangle, otherwise you’ll get lost! Wait,… what? Ok, not really, but you will get tired and worn out. The triangle was concieved to help cooks perform more efficiently. When everything is tight and easily accesible you expend less energy. Real science y’all! SO design your kitchen accordingly!

AB HOME kitchen

2) Open shelving

Did she just say what I think she said? Yes, I know, your teeth just clinched, your butt tightened and your head is already bobbing into the “NOOOOO” position. What most homeowners don’t realize is that 20% of their kitchen items are used 80% of the time. So what does that mean? That means you are utilizing the same things, over and over and over again…and most often, more than twice a week. How much easier would your life be if all you had to do is grab them off the shelf, and then place them back on the shelf after they were cleaned? Ummm, ooo, ooo I know! EASY!!

Stylish Kitchen, Better Homes

3) Flooring

What type of cook are you? A microwave connoisseur? An every day, Rachel savant? Or an expert Ramsey gastronome? When designing your kitchen, the materials you choose under your feet should not go unnoticed. Sure, most homeowners choose their floors merely on whether or not it coordinates with the rest of thier Kitchen finishes. However, if you tend to spend hours on end in your kitchen, choose materials that are going to be forgiving on your knees!

Kitchen floors

4) Cooking the Books

In my experience, even the microwave connoisseur (who swears they can’t cook), owns The joy of cooking. And for the more adventurous wannabes, Mastering the art of French cooking. Don’t we all dream of being Julia Childs? Although I haven’t been able to pull it off, I have a copy of Beef Bourguignon in my cupboard that is going to win awards!…….As soon as I actually attempt to cook it. So whether you have four books or hundreds, always plan for storage of your books. Every houshold has them, and you don’t want it to be an after thought.

Cookbook storage

5) Kitchen Island

Even if your kitchen is small on size, always plan for an island, or penisula where possible. Kitchens tend to house a lot of people at one time, especially during gatherings or holidays. Even though this isn’t a Justin Beiber concert, the more you can distribute the tribe, the better. They are also great to set up buffets or prepare meals, desserts and or crafts on. Islands and penisulas are kitchen utility workhorses, that get you away from the perimeter of the room (where you are staring at a wall; BO-ring!) and into the actual space, where you can enjoy conversation and the activities.

Kitchen island

6) Let there be light!

Six years ago the family and I journeyed to Memphis Tennessee, to visit with the king. OK, we weren’t actually visiting WITH him per say, it was more like visiting his home, Graceland. But let me tell you, there were folks in our tour that were not only with him, but having conversations with him!…..OK,moving on. The one thing that has stood out until this day, the lack of lighting. How on earth did y’all cook and prepare meals in these archaic dungeons? Better yet, how on earth did you manage to make it to the 80′s with all ten fingers?

Graceland kitchen

When it comes to designing your new kitchen, lighting is THE most important ingredient. Things to consider: Natural light, recessed light, under counter light/under shelf light, over cabinet light and toe kick lighting. Now whether you decide to do all of them or not, at least choose three of those options. Recessed lighting gives you the overall general lighting necessary to SEE. Under cabinet and under shelf lighting prevents shadowing from the recessed cans, and provides you with important (no fingers were harmed during this remodel) task lighting. Over cabinet and toe-kick lighting are spectacular for entertaining and create a dreamy mood in your kitchen. Not to mention, they are wonderful nightlights to come home to.

Lighting

What are some challenges you have faced, or are currently up against with your kitchen design?

Heres a few more posts I recommend that may help you with your kitchen:

How to create dining space in your kitchen

6 known facts to help you out in the kitchen

5 things to update your dining table

How to build a lighting plan

Best ways to get organized

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

Want more designer tricks, tips and trade secrets, delivered to your inbox, all for FREE? Click here for our monthly newsletter!

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

images: Better homes and gardens, the kitchen, Design Sponge, DS, peta flop, sacramento street

5 tips for decorating a small space

Have you heard? The new trend in the housing market is no longer buying Mcmansions. Pocket sized homes are the hottest, big-thing to hit the housing market. As our economy struggles to get back on it’s feet, one lousy foot at a time, homeowners no longer have big house envy. Nope. People are scrambling to buy pocket sized homes, smaller than 800 square feet. Some even as small as 400 square feet. Gone are the days of being house poor. Homeowners want to live within their means, and live the bigger dream: being debt free! So how on earth do you decorate and luxuriate 400 square feet of space? Here are my top tips to show you how!

1) Mirrors

Mirrors

Your biggest weapon to make the space appear larger than it is! Also adds character and charm.

2) Use tone-on-tone colors

Soft tone on tone room

Through out the space, use tone-on-tone paints and fabrics in light colors. Keep base, walls, crown and ceiling paint in the same color, and vary the finishes. Matte for walls, satin for trim. The softer the palette the easier the room is to read, and the easier it is on the eyes. When working with a small space, it is important!

3) Laquer your floors.

Shiny floor

Lacquered floors

Whether they are wood, concrete or acrylic, paint or coat your floors in a high gloss sheen. It is reflective, and makes the space feel expansive.

4) Add skylights

Skylights

You just can’t go wrong with natural light….

5) Go big with less

go big in small spaces

Homeowners always assume that in a small space, their decorations should be small. Not true! Opt for larger pieces and less of them. Larger pieces, decorated in a simple, easy to read fashion, makes your space appear larger, and less cluttered. Always choose larger scaled items. You know my motto: GO BIG, OR GO HOME!

What are some of your favorite tricks?

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Harley decorations

I find that decorating with Harley’s is the perfect solution for decorating in small spaces, like live sculpture. So avant garde, and stuff. Puur-oew!

Think I’m awesome? Me too! Find me on facebook!

images: tumblr, twenty two avenue, #mce_temp_url#, creamy life, apartment therapy, jordinII

Remodeling series-week 8

We are on to week 8! T-minus 2 months and counting. Still think you are ready for that remodel? Well the good news is, most of you are! Remodels can be challenging, but the reward of an updated, beautiful space is more than worth the wait! Mrs S has been more than patient, and has done a fabulous job of keeping her cool when the unexpected happens. And that is the number one tip I can give to any homeowner. No matter what space you redo, a living room, kitchen, bathroom, sunroom, etc., nothing will be perfect. Keep your cool, be prepared to have hiccups, and have someone to help you get through it with expert solutions!

This week in out remodel we got our first coat of primer up, tile installation began and the lights went live!

1) Primer

This week the first coat of paint primer went up on the walls. The primer was suppose to give me an idea if I liked the paint and help Ritchie prep his beautiful walls.

Paint primer

OK, so really lousy picture. Ritchie has a lame Black berry for a phone…not a ‘cool like me’ iPhone, so this is what you get (above). So far so good. The color is Sherwin Williams, Tradewinds, and I am REALLY liking it!

2) Tile installation began.

The shower is going to be installed first. Why? Well our tile was backordered until August, and then we had to……*scratch that*…….. I HAD TO come up with a solution, so while that tile has been ordered and then cut…the shower gets the love. The tile I chose for the shower floor:

Marble basket weave

Mrs. S shower floor

Mrs S shower floor

Bathroom wall

Yup, that’s the bathroom wall starting to be installed. This is compliments of Richie’s crap black berry. Obviously if I had taken it with my awesome iPhone it would be visible, and not look like a near death hallucination.

3) Cabinet door

Remember my snazzy drawing?

AB HOME Interiors

Well today I approved, with some minor changes the cabinet door style and paint. The paint has been changed to Alabaster (shown below), and I want the wall color painted in the crevices. This is what I got:

AB HOME Interiors

Ummm,… Houston we have a Pa-rob-lem!! Unfortunately, this is not what what I wanted. The blue is suppose to be a VERY, VERY small detail so it accents the walls. Painter did not get it right. This as Ritchie put it, looks like he rubbed comet cleaner into it…could’t agree more! I {heart} Ritchie. He so gets me! SO back to the drawing board with the painter….results TBD!

Theres week 8 in a nutshell. Miss weeks 1-7? Click below to learn more!

If you missed week one, click here.

If you missed week two, Click here

If you missed week three, click here

If you missed week four and five, click here

If you missed week six, click here

If you missed week seven, click here

Have questions? See something that you want more clarification on? Send me your comments and let us know your thoughts. We will post questions and answers here on the blog.

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

Want more designer tricks, tips and trade secrets, delivered to your inbox, all for FREE? Click here for our monthly newsletter!

Posted: July 13, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | Interiors | architecture | bathrooms | remodeling | amanda burdge bathroom consultant, Amanda Burdge interior designer brentwood TN, bathroom design, bathroom remodel, home improvement, remodeling, remodeling ideas 11 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

6 things you can do now for an instant home makeover, that won’t break the bank

So you have decided it’s time to decorate, or maybe redecorate your home. You are excited, overzealous about all the things you’re going to do, and you are equipped with all the necessary inspiration: the magazine clippings, the home shows set on your DVR and plenty of decorating books to boot. There’s no way you can fail! Then you realize how much one room will cost. Oh dear, you think, I was planning on doing the whole house! SO what can you do? Here are my top tips to get the biggest bang for your buck with the best impact.

1) First rule of thumb-dont try to do everything all at once!

Trying to do it all at once

One of the biggest mistakes most homeowners make, they try to do it all at once! Believe it or not, decorating your home is overwhelming. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made, it takes a lot of time, and it can get expensive. Instead of trying to do several rooms all at once, keep your sanity and do one room at a time. Trust me, when you do it slowly you have more focus and actually enjoy the process. It isn’t a race so take your time!

2) Paint-least expensive with the biggest punch

Paint

Designers and the like preach this over and over again. Paint is by far the most prolific tool we pocess. Why? Nothing can transform a room like a fresh, new coat of paint. Think about it. If your room was white and you paint it a deep eggplant, that has an immediate look that changes that space. Nothing can create mood, drama, and change better than paint. And if you are trying to keep things budget friendly, or simply test the waters, paint is the best improvement to start your decorating.

3) Moldings. Base, crown, and waincoting

Molding

Never underestimate the power of moldings! It can add instant sophistication and detail to a room. Molding is inexpensive, and easy to install. Designer tip: Many homeowners want to do their own moldings to save cash. But keep in mind that your resources are limited compared to a professionals. I alone have three molding companies in my back pocket, that provide beautiful moldings that few have ever seen! Not to mention I get terrific pricing on those materials. Most homeowners run to their nearest home improvement store to find their materials. While they have moldings to choose from, their selection are limited, and costly. I would also recommend hiring a professional to install them. My contractor can install a rooms molding in one day. If you are really short on cash and you are a terrific carpenter, then install it yourself. However, my experieince has seen that when a homeowner installs it, it turns into a month long project. One day of labor to hire a professional installer is much less than a months worth of your valuable time.

4) Move your furniture around

Repurpose and move furniture

Don’t stay married to your furniture arrangements. Mix things up! For some reason I find that clients can’t envision their sofa in the next room, or a chair from the living room placed in their bedroom sitting area. Tear everything up, place it in the center of the room and then rearrange everything in other parts of the house. It sounds scary, but I promise it creates a fresh and exciting look, without costing anything other than time!

5) Move art

AB HOME art

Like furniture, most of my clients hang their art on a wall and only envision it on that first wall it was ever hung on…until of course they move. Don’t feel like your art has to be stationary. Move it around. Like paint it is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to update your home, and give it an instant facelift!

6) Paint your cabinets

Painted cabinets

Don’t have the budget dollars to remodel? Update your kitchen by painting your cabinets. In the past three years I have had many clients opt for this update, instead of completely remodeling and gutting their kitchen. This is a great way to update, change and spend a third of the money a typical remodel would cost.

Harley

‘Scuse me! Why have I not been on the blog???? Hmmmm? I am the most important contributor to this space on the web!

Thats right, I am the best putty cat on the web. Damn straight! Find more of my awesomeness on facebook!

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

images: flickr, design sponge, oh happy day, small shop studio, traditional home, quinntessence

Remodeling series-Week 7

As with most remodels, there will inevitably be a week where a holiday falls. And here in the south, holidays are very important. It is an excellent excuse to spend time with friends and family, eat lots of food, and no one, not even clients expect you to work. Quite a difference from living out west. I must say, I really enjoy it! Most contractors do too. They work really hard, long hours, and vacations give them a moment to recoup, energize and hit the ground running when they return to work. Sometimes homeowners don’t like holidays falling in the middle of their remodels. And I can understand that. You feel like you have a remodeling pace that’s working well and perhaps that holiday could cause some interruption. Not true. That vacation is going to revitalize an otherwise overworked contractor….and may even put a pep back in the designers step too!

AB HOME HAPPY!

So as we came into our pre-holiday weekend the things that were hot on the list to complete: Paint prep, lighting, trim work and marble selection. We had to reselect our marble slabs Unfortunately the original slab just wasn’t going to work.

1) Trim:

One of the hardest things that I come up against with remodels as do many homeowners: matching a homes original products! Mrs. S loved her previous trim….the one that is 26 years old! As luck would have it, it was no longer milled and unavailable to purchase. Ritchie has a wonderful company that hand mills trims, doors, and moldings for historic homes, but we found out…it wasn’t cost effective, at all! So what are a designer/contractor duo to do? I wasn’t worried, I had Ritchie, the contractor extraordinaire!

The original trim (shown below)…OK, totally bad pic, but it’s all I got, sorry!

Original pic of trim

And the new custom made, hill-billy/macquiver trim, by Ritchie (shown below). He took four pieces of molding, smashed them together, included the wall as a part of the trim, and then finished it off with quarter round. I’m sorry folks, but he’s a genius, and it cost pennies compared to the alternative. And yes it took Ritchie awhile to build it, but it looks amazing!

New trim, compliments of Richie extraordinaire!

2) Walls

Wall prep

Walls were completed on Monday. They received a final sanding to prepare for the base coat of paint. Now this does not guarantee perfection. Ritchie requires the base primer to be applied to confirm that his walls are perfect. The first coat of primer goes up Friday, at which point Ritchie may or may not require drywall guy to return for minor touch up. Perfection required!

3) Marble

Original selection

Shown above, this was our original selection for our counters. However, despite the fabricator telling me he could make this slab work…turns out he couldn’t. Each job is completely different and requires different things. For this remodel I want marble counters, and tub surround. Had we only done the counters the slab would have worked fine. But adding the tub brought us up to 65 feet of needed material. The average slab is 9′x6′, and is 50 square feet. However, with waste, a typical slab yields about 35-40 feet. And being that the material is natural stone, each piece can vary slightly in size. Our slab (shown above) was 12′ long by 5.5′. By looking at the numbers we should have been able to achieve what we were wanting to do….but the cuts were not coming out favorable for seams, so we moved on to this one:

New marble

This one was beautiful in person, Mrs S loved it, and they have two available slabs for purchase. Our previous selection only had one slab, hence the problem of not enough material.

4) Lights

Lights!

New lights

All of the lights were installed, and they will get hooked up to the juice next week. The patches that look like water spots on the ceiling are where the old lights were. I am a huge fan of lighting. But not so much of the 6″ can with black craters for trim. All lights, previously black holes in the ceiling, were replaced, updated and added to, with new 4″ halogens, with beautiful clear trims.

Week 7 in a nutshell. Our next post, week 8 will be light on work. The holiday has consumed most of my contractors, including Ritchie for three days worth of work. And as I mentioned above, a contractor coming off of vacation is a happier more productive contractor, so don’t stress if a holiday hits your remodel!

If you missed week one, click here.

If you missed week two, Click here

If you missed week three, click here

If you missed week four and five, click here

If you missed week six, click here

Have questions? See something that you want more clarification on? Send me your comments and let us know your thoughts. We will post questions and answers here on the blog.

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

Want more designer tricks, tips and trade secrets, delivered to your inbox, all for FREE? Click here for our monthly newsletter!

images: AB HOME Interiors, spoonfed design

Posted: July 6, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | Interiors | architecture | bathrooms | remodeling | amanda burdge bathroom design consultant, bathroom design, bathroom inspiration, designing a bathroom, master bathroom, Nashville bathroom, remodeling 6 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Remodeling series-week 6

This week things started getting a bit sticky. Literally! It’s been very hot here in TN, and throw in the 70% humidity and you feel like you need to grow some gills to breathe. But as our remodel progresses so do the decisions that need to be made. Before I left on vacation the electrician accidentally poked a hole into the drywall going into the powder room. So now the powder room drywall, and wallpaper have to be stripped and repaired. This weeks hiccup number 1 to fix.

Along with that little mishap, we had a few other major decisions and re-decisions that needed to be made

1) The doors we picked out in week three:

Bathroom doors

I personally have opted for stained doors. The room will be predominately white, and sparkly so stained doors will ground the space. But the first reaction to this idea “absolutely not, we want them painted!” Which was perfectly OK. I can ground with other items….however, as we approach and pass week six, Mr. and Mrs. S cannot decide if they do in fact like the idea of painted doors, and they are now thinking that staining them is a good idea. The problem with this indecision is that it takes three to four weeks to mill a door. An additional week when they are customized with frosted glass. So remember this when you are about to remodel: Always have as many selections and decisions made UP FRONT, before the project starts, so construction is not delayed, and costs don’t escalate for days lost.

2) Also in week six, all tile products and tile designs were finalized. We started out with this:

Original idea and layout for tile

This is an example of my chicken scratch (shown above) that I typically do in the beginning stages of the project. This is to help give a direction for tile layout and selection, but also helps give the client an idea of overall design direction. I used to do very elaborate designs in the very beginning but found it to be counter productive. A design will typically morph into something bigger or change due to budget or availability of the product, so elaborate designs are saved until ALL decisions are made.

Tile I chose for the bathroom:

Marble

Tile, hiccup number 2: Tile was all in stock when Ritchie checked quantities three weeks ago…….when Ritchie placed his tile order on Friday the 12″ tile was backordered until August. To prevent further delays and force the entire project to stop, Ritchie wanted me to determine the solution. Did I mention that being an interior designer is all about being fast on your feet and solution oriented?? Well the company makes 12″ x 24″ tiles and those happened to be in stock. The problem? Well each and every piece has a beveled edge:

Beveled edge

So if we cut the tile in half…one edge is straight while the other three sides are beveled. In order for us to move forward the edge will have to be cut and beveled, each.and.every.piece! Yup, so this is going to slow us down and add to the labor cost. But if we were to wait until August to buy the material when it is available we would make up that cost in construction delays. It is what it is.

SO, you are all wondering, why didn’t we order the material three weeks ago? Too many things were undecided. Mrs S was still determining her vanity cabinet style, the marble slabs were not selected, the bathroom floor blue print was still not completed and the shower layout has changed three times. I have been on jobs that have done it both ways, (ordered ahead of time and at the time it is needed) and neither one is perfect. If you order the product up front you may: 1) end up with too much, 2) the design concept gets tweaked and requires something different, 3) not have enough by the time you start installing at which point the dye lot could change and the material looks distinctly different, 4) And the biggest of all issues, storage, where do you put all the product? But as with anything, when you wait to avoid the above issues, you get hit with a whole other set of issues….nothings perfect!

At any rate, the design has been tweaked to accommodate the available material and tile will start going down next week.

3) Drywall sanding and finishing

Drywall

Along with the items listed above, the drywall was taped, sanded and smoothed out for paint. If you’ll notice, the drywall has a funny gold color now. Ritchie always paints his drywall a dark color to ensure absolutely NO imperfections are visible. He is a perfectionist when it comes to walls, and he insists that his drywall guys SEE everything. So far no hiccups with the drywall…but it’s still the beginning of the week!

There you have it, week six in a nutshell. If you have been tuning in each week you’ll notice that we are heading into our second month swiftly and we are still doing major construction. This is important to know for all you first time remodelers. At this stage of the project homeowners are starting to get jaded, they question their decisions, and start getting frustrated because they still aren’t seeing results. Remodels are expensive, dirty and you have strange people coming and going out of your house. Six weeks is a long time, and although we are approaching the home stretch, we are not out of the woods yet! Trust your decisions, grab your second wind with gusto, and hang in there!

If you missed week one, click here.

If you missed week two, Click here

If you missed week three, click here

If you missed week four and five, click here

Have questions? See something that you want more clarification on? Send me your comments and let us know your thoughts. We will post questions and answers here on the blog.

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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Interior Scale-2 ways to get it right

I have done many posts on scale and explained why it is important to our interiors. And if you have taken my Design strategies class, you know I put a lot of focus on this subject. You see, when it comes to decorating your home, scale is what creates harmony. Without harmony your home just feels off! Ever walked into a home and it just didn’t feel right…but you couldn’t quite put your finger on why?

Today I show some wonderful examples of beautiful rooms with poor scale, and awesome examples of how to correct it!

1) Lamps-this is MY BIGGEST pet peeve. Lamps should not be smaller than 30″. If your lamp is below your bed, side table, end table, etc….how the heck are you suppose to read? or see for that matter!?

Beautiful room, poor scale

So this is an example of poor scale (shown above)

Good scale

This is an example of good scale (shown above). This lamp is ABOVE the furniture setting and can be utilized to SEE!

2) Coffee tables-Pet peeve number 2! I cannot stand it when I see teensie-weensie cocktail tables in front of furniture arrangements. We walk around these peices to sit, so why would I want them to bite me in the process? Is there anything worse than getting shazzammed in the shin as you go to sit on the sofa? I think not! Stay away from the pint sized midget furniture.

Poor scale

Very, very poor scale (shown above). Too short, too small, too pointy! Screams ouch all the way around!

Proper scale

Great scale, soft corners, correct height and perfect scale with the over all room!

I have found that most people instinctually choose proper scale. Why? Becuase it feels better and more comfortable. As I mentioned above, when the scale is off it makes us uncomfortable, and looks funny. Where most people get themselves into trouble is when they blindly go into a store or shop through a catalog and buy something without measuring, and not taking into consideration their own room. Always measure what you are about to buy, and always keep in mind how that item will fit into YOUR room.

What is the most confusing thing about scale for you?

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images: digs, good girl gone glad, houzz, french by design

Posted: June 27, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Before and after | Interiors | design | design 101 | design basics | design education | design tips | design tricks | accessories, accessories in cool springs, design 101, design basics in Brentwood tn, design education, design how-to, Home decor Nashville tn, how to buy accessories, how to buy decor, Interiors in brentwood TN, scale and proportion 4 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

3 ways to add decadence to your bathroom

Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time in our bathrooms. It is a space that is typically used individually, so why not adorn them with decadent luxuries that uplift your mood. Here a few things that I like to always have in a bathroom for added decadence.

Rustic bathroom

Vintage faucet

1) Add fresh flowers, a rustic or flea market mirror, and a special faucet. Faucets add bling, whether a shiny new find, or a vintage masterpeice.

White bathroom

2) Add white. Bathrooms in white are timeless, and feel soothing. Compliment your faucet with a chandelier or a pair of sconces to add glamour.

White bathroom

Bath accessories

3) Dont forget the details! A fluffy mat, fresh cut flowers, a ruffled shower curtain and a pop of color from a side table make the first photo above feel inviting. Always have on had sumptuous thick towels, bath salts, and personal care items that are easy to find. As an added bonus I always like to add a jar of chocolates or mints and have a tray of bottled water. This is very decadent for your guests as well!

What do you think of white bathrooms?

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Harley the harlequin

I find that I prefer black in my spaces with lots of papers, Very homey and decadent. I always find that a good nap never hurt no one!

Think I am awesome? Yeh, me too! Find me on facebook!

Christina Strutt’s best tips for the holidays

AB HOME Interiors Holiday Photo shoot 2010

The holidays are meant to bring family and friends together. It is a time to share warm meals and good conversation, cozy blankets, soft flannels, and warm fires to snuggle up to. Bitter cold days filled with snow, and naked trees are an unmistakable sign to head indoors and secure your spot on the couch with a yummy cup of hot cocoa. Preparing for the holidays can be a hectic task but it doesn’t need to be a chore. Back in October I offered up the Holiday survival guide with my best tips and tricks to get in gear, and recently had the chance to talk with Christina Strutt, of Cabbages and Roses, to find out her best tips on holiday decorating and making your festivities homey.

Organics and the important role they play:

Personally I think there is nothing better than natural greenery from the woods and the garden. The most useful is ivy, which needs to be carefully removed from the ground or from growing trees, its long tendril-ey stem makes it very adaptable – best used in quantity! The other favourite is christmas tree branches, from all spruce type trees, a variety makes the decorations more interesting – also yew branches, and of course holly. Along with copious quantities of real greenery, I use seasonal clementines and pomegranites for colour, piled in dishes intersperced with ivy leaves.

Front doors and why she loves them:

Decorating the outside of the front door makes for a wonderful holiday welcome, expecially if you are lucky enough to have snow, which sticks to the leaves and branches so beautifully. Large savoy cabbages used in outside decoration (wired through their thick stem and bound to the christmas branches) are a dramatic addition, they are also a wonderful table decoration intersperced with small clementines.

Adding a little holiday cheer:

Simple things at the holidays make the biggest difference. Our Tartan 22″ Christmas pillow is the perfect accent to a family room and adds the comforts of home and tradition with ease.

Cabbages and Roses Tartan

Thanks for taking the time to share some of your tips Christina! For more info about her company,

visit Cabbages and Roses online.

Also see our recent post Festive Tablescapes: A how-to guide to smart Southern style to see their linens at work!

And don’t forget to congratulate Shari Miller on winning the Hatley linens from this photo shoot.

She recently sent us this email after she received them:

Amanda, I received my gorgeous linens today! They are even more beautiful than they were in the pictures, I LOVE them!

Cannot wait till my husband gets home so he can see them, we will enjoy many lovely meals courtesy of you! Thanks again!

Warm regards,

Shari

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter!

And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage!

Do you need decorating assistance? Want your home to be filled with warmth and joy?

We offer an array of services to meet your design needs

whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

The Dish

by Harley the cat

: Harley the awesome cat

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a good many ailments,

but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia so it is my responsibility to keep up with standards…

Think I am the greatest cat ever? Me too, find me on

facebook!

Guest rooms-Your ultimate guide to the essentials

House beautiful

What is it about the word luxury that appeals to us? Does it personifies fulfillment and satiation in all things that satisfy us? Or is it the epitome of magnifigance? I recently started working with a branding company and they asked that very question: What does luxury mean to you? The more I thought about it the more I realized it really has very little to do with money; which is what most people associate with the word luxury. Back in September I wrote a post on this very subject. One of my favortie lines from that post, “Luxury is not about money, it is about the simple pleasures in life that influence your mood.”

As we approach this holiday season at warp speed, I cannot help but think of the tradition and methodical practice most of us go through to prepare for the holidays. Too often most of us forget about our guest rooms. Every year most of us have family and friends that pay us a visit and it is importent to envelop them in true Southern hospitality. Having a beautiful room to stay in would definitely influence my mood!

House Beautiful

Guest room essential checklist:

Give all guests large bath towels and include several hand towels and wash cloths
Provide guests with liquid bath gel and several bars of fresh soap
Make available a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
Have a small basket full of shampoo, conditioner and basic hair products
Give each guest a luxurious bath robe and as an extra bonus have them embroidered with their initials to take home as a gift
Include a hair dryer, an extra hair brush and a comb
Always have an attractive alarm clock that is easy to use
Put a luggage rack next to the bed or inside the closet
Supply a range of magazines, and a few books on the night table for reading
Furnish a bowl full of fruit on the dresser and give them a coffee maker with cups and several bottled waters on a tray. If they drink, add a bottle of wine
Store extra blankets and pillows in the closet or in a cabinet in case your guests need extras

Cabbages and Roses

The feeling of home:

Indulge your guests when they stay with you. Let them know that you are happy that they are staying with you, and make their visit memorable. Pamper your guests and accommodate them in every way possible. Staying in someones home is so much more enjoyable and cozy than staying at a Hotel but it can be uncomfortable if they feel they have to ask for things or are unsure of the location of needed items. Always give them as much supplies as possible, make it easy to find and show them that you thought of everything. This makes them feel special, and it also makes them feel like you have gone out of your way to make their stay pleasant.

House beautiful

Home away from home:

Staying with friends is more engaging than staying at a hotel. The accommodations, traveling around town, and plans are just easier. But the little extras are what make it better for your guests. For instance, when ever I stay with a friend I absolutely love the fact that I have access to a washer and dryer. I can clean my clothes before I go home AND I don’t need to travel with nearly as much because I know I will be taken care of. Simple pleasures like home cooked meals with friends, cozy quilts made by grandma, and fresh linens with lavender make guest rooms exceptional experiences. Guest Bathrooms with fragrant soaps, organic lotions, candles and personal adornments picked just for me are truly extravagant. A little space carved out with items individually chosen for my tastes is indulgent and unforgettably luxurious!

Bathroom by AB HOME Interiors

Winner, winner chicken dinner!

Thank-you to all who commented on our blog for the Mrs Bliss Holiday workshop series. Our Festive Tablescape post was our biggest post yet on the new blog! We put all the names into a bowl who left comments and the winner of the Hatley print linens is Shari from the little blue deer! Congrats Shari!!

B AB HOME Interiors photo shoot

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Don’t forget to follow us on twitter!

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Do you need decorating assistance? Want your home to be filled with warmth and joy?

We offer an array of services to meet your design needs

whether you live in our area, or out of state.

Click here for more info!

Festive Tablescape: A how-to guide to smart Southern style by Brentwood, TN. decorator Amanda Gates

AB HOME Interiors Photo shoot

Each of us, whether a professional or a homemaker, has our own distinctive style. We all design and arrange our homes to showcase our personalities that are shaped by our lives. These personalities may be subtle or strong, but the backbone of a home’s style is built on experiences and memories. At the heart of all Southern homes is the table, in particular the dining table. Here a family gathers to pray, share a meal and discuss the blessings of each day. When mama assembles the family to eat it is a deeply respected and honored experience. It is also a way to entertain our closest friends. The South is deeply rooted in tradition, and nothing is more important than friends and family. Nothing. Ask anyone who is a true Southerner and they will agree that the family meal is as sacred as going to church on Sunday.

AB HOME Interiors holiday photo shoot

Living in the South is about living beautifully and inheriting rich family traditions. Gracious hosts attend to every detail to provide their guests with the ultimate in Southern entertaining. While I am new to this region and considered a transplant, I have learned that Southern Hospitality is the foundation to any good meal. Meals with friends, neighbors and family are embraced often but not without Gods blessings from prayer. A meal in the South is a religious experience in itself. And once evening falls no matter what the day has brought you, around the dinner table the challenges of the day are given to the Lord and the love and support of those closest to you. Here are my tips on achieving smart Southern style:

Preparation:

When preparing your table for guests, it is important to make them feel special. Southerners are known for their hospitality and generosity and also their formality and grace. Pull out the best linens you have and dress your table properly. Crisp table linens are a must and always use linen napkins with a beautiful napkin ring.

AB HOME Interiors holiday photo shoot

For our tablescape we selected Cabbages and Roses stunning Hatley Print for our tablecloth and napkins. The Hatley is a beautiful white cloth with Lilac roses which we chose specifically to tie in with our Colors you need now for instant holiday glamour post.

Hatley Print by Cabbages and Roses

Tabletop dressings:

Once you have chosen your linens, the next step is selecting the china and glasses you will use. I prefer to mix and match these items to give the table a more collected look which is a very traditional Southern practice. Coordinate these items with the theme and colorscape of the event and always add candlelight. The dishware we chose are rich in history and create wonderful dinner conversation. For example, the crystal wine hassocks were given to me when Lance and I got married. They were the most expensive item on our registry and I was convinced that no one would purchase them. Lo and behold we received 12 of them!! Lance’s Uncle Ken and Aunt Dutch purchased them and even though we requested six, they purchased 12. Sadly two years later Uncle Ken passed away unexpectedly and now they mean so much more to me..

AB HOME Interiors holiday photo shoot

Place Setting:

Set your table with the best china you have and mix it up with different patterns and colors; this creates beautiful texture and color that can be a feast for the eyes. A Southern hostess wants you to feel delighted and charmed when you sit at her table, and under no circumstances will she disappoint!

For our setting we chose beautiful gold chargers, my platinum lenox wedding china, mixed it with Z galleries Delfina dinnerware collection for a splash of color and my clients’ china (given to her by her grandmother) for added pattern and texture.

For some extra va-va voom we added AB HOME’s Orchid pewter napkin rings

AB HOME Interiors holiday photo shoot

The South is rich in tradition and many items have been passed down for centuries and are very prized! (I have one client that has china handed down from Abraham Lincoln’s home.) China is highly regarded and cherished, and when it isn’t being shown off in a display, it is being used. For those of you that read my blog you know that I am a firm believer in living a true lifestyle. China is one of the best ways to indulge and make each meal feel special, so use it!

Don’t know how to set a respectable table? (me either!) Luckily for us I have included a chart below on how to properly set a table so you look like a true Southern belle!

Etiquette scholar

Details:

The added extras are always appreciated but often overlooked. In our studio we approach everything with the GO BIG or GO HOME motto. Our philosophy is always that a little is good, but more is BETTER! Dressing our table just with beautiful linens and china wouldn’t do. We wanted to take it a step further and really honor our guests with interesting details and exceptional textures for this special occasion.

I wanted to transform my everyday office chairs into something more festive so my assistant Elizabeth and I went to a local charity event and purchased four yards of plum polyester fabric. (Keep events like this in mind when you entertain. It helps out the local community AND we were able to pick up four yards of fabric for four dollars!!) I knew that with the help of Jamey, the Queen consort of all things thread, fabric and magic we could transform my everyday office chairs into something spectacular for our holiday photoshoot! Ahem, did I say WE? Yeh, let’s revise that…SHE took my fuzzy, wadded up disoriented directions and made these:

Me, installing holiday photo shoot

With a few safety pins Elizabeth and I attached them underneath.

Quick and easy and the results were extra special for our holiday dinner. Love that!

AB HOME Interiors holiday photo shoot

Centerpiece:

Along with our custom chair runners I wanted to add a special pop of color and texture to the table centerpiece. One of my favorite go-to pieces is by a company called Bougainvillea out of Georgia. These little creations of floral art are the perfect accent to any table and they don’t require water, which is perfect for people like me! However, if you prefer to have real fabulous florals here are my essentials tips for the floral impaired. Flowers are the quintessential Southern accessory for any table and holiday flowers really tie the finishing touches together and complement the china with sensational results.

Spirit of the Season:

AB HOME Interiors Holiday Photo shoot 2010

At the heart of all Southern homes the goal is to keep family tradition alive. Simple gestures, handmade crafts, homemade confections are all things that lift our spirits and create a strong sense of community. A Southern home welcomes it’s neighbors with open arms and always has an extra plate. For true Southern style, mix what you have, adorn your table with heirlooms new and old, and as a gracious host, always give everyone who comes to your table the love and warmth they deserve.

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Table Manners:

In addition to being a gracious host it is also important to be a gracious guest. Simple etiquette is an absolute must when attending a party. To behave otherwise is ungracious and rude. Here are the top ten manners by Emily Post when attending an event:

Chew with your mouth shut.
Avoid slurping, smacking, blowing your nose, or other gross noises. (If necessary, excuse yourself to take care of whatever it is you need to take care of.)
Don’t use your utensils like a shovel or as if you’ve just stabbed the food you’re about to eat.
Don’t pick your teeth at the table.
Remember to use your napkin at all times.
Wait until you’re done chewing to sip or swallow a drink. (The exception is if you’re choking.)
Cut only one piece of food at a time.
Avoid slouching and don’t place your elbows on the table while eating (though it is okay to prop your elbows on the table while conversing between courses.)
Instead of reaching across the table for something, ask for it to be passed to you.
Always say ‘excuse me’ whenever you leave the table.

True Southern Style:

AB HOME Interiors Holiday Photo shoot 2010

AB HOME Interiors holiday photo shoot

AB HOME Interiors Holiday Photo shoot 2010

I would like to thank everyone who participated in this photo shoot. Christy Chassereau Bryan of Waldorf Photographic art, Cherie at Manoirs, Len and Trish for so graciously letting us tromp through their home to take pictures, and my staff who purchased, packed up, and carried all this stuff up two flights of stairs, and then repacked, carried it back down the stairs and returned it to it’s rightful owners!

I would like to thank Marabeth Quinn for allowing us to borrow her beautiful artwork becasue this shoot would not have been the same with out it!

I would like to thank Cabbages and Roses for all their help and for providing the linens for this beautiful photo shoot! Like what you see? We will be giving the linens away to a lucky reader so make sure you are a follower, and tweet about this awesome giveaway! We will announce the winner on Monday!!

Like my beautiful photos? Contact Christy at WALDORFPHOTOGRAPHICART for more info

Click here to read her blog

Continue on the Mrs Bliss Decorating workshop train!

Housewife Bliss How to prepare for unexpected guests

Mindy Lockard Trick or Treat Etiquettes.

Pemberley Collections Hosting an Open-house

The Entertaining House A surprise awaits

Lily Lemon Tree Holiday Style: Defining Modern Festive-Raindeer Sweaters and Jingle Bell Earrings Need Not Apply!

Ab home Interiors Festive Tablescapes: A guide to true Southern style
Tatertots and Jello A Holiday Table Setting Craft
Lucky Life Parties Creative and Inexpensive Party Favors
The Daily Basics Beautiful Gift Wrapping ideas

Like what you see here on our blog? Want to learn more about design? Sign up for our newsletter!

Do you need decorating assistance? Want your home to be filled with warmth and joy? Contact us about our design services. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter!

And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage!

Fabulous holiday florals-Essential tips for the floral impaired

If you are like me you know nothing about flowers. But I know what is most important, they are gorgeous, smell great and I ADORE getting them. Other than that, my expertise runs out. As I grow into this blog, and share my own tips, I have realized that many people are just like me; lazy and just too busy. They want the best, but don’t always have the time, or patience to achieve results that Martha bequeaths onto us. My motto in life GO BIG OR GO HOME, and keep it SHORT, SIMPLE and STUPID-(all while making it look fabulous) are words that I live by. I demand simplicity and I demand things to be easy and effortless.

But the designer in me still wants Martha results, just without all the work!

Abrahams and Group, NYC

Florals are something I cherish. After my husband and I got married he became good friends with a local florist and I was lucky enough to receive fresh flowers on a weekly basis. I prized their beauty and relished in having a kitchen island adorned with fresh flowers. Once we moved to Las Vegas my days of receiving fresh flowers on a weekly basis stopped and I was forced to live with out them. Still wanting Martha results without all the work I learned how to wing it, and found that florals were not nearly as intimidating as I had thought. And despite not knowing most of their names, my color and design background served me well and allowed me to make fabulous florals.

Group colors:

Keeping one color is a classic practice in floral design and the simplest approach. Group flowers by color and your arrangements will always look amazing; and also be easy! For some added pizzaz, group the flowers with other groups in a row for extra style; this looks chic, expensive, and custom made from the floral shop.

Source

Don’t overlook greenery:

Greenery is plentiful this time of year and easy to find. Ivy, eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, boxwood branches and herbs are plentiful in the fall and winter. When flowers are typically hard to find, use greenery for holiday arrangements, or combine them with your favorite holiday flowers like hypericum berries.

source

Be creative:

Don’t over look simple points that can add some serious wow factor. While massive arrangements can be stylish, small details often look more elegant and smart. Here are some of our favorite clever details:

Take two calla lilies and wrap around a votive, secure with ribbon.

Simple and oh so WOW!

Add simple ribbon to lavender and use for place settings

Hollow out an artichoke, insert floral foam and decorate with flowers

Take a tall vase and fill it with 1″ of water. Place a large palm leaf or grass and

combine it with an orchid or one of your favorite holiday flowers.

Source

Take a shallow vase, fill with 2″ of water. Wrap long leaves around the

inside perimeter of vase, and gently place Cymbidium orchids or lilies into the vase.

Buy the best you can afford:

Flowers can be purchased from anywhere but your local flower mart will carry the best. I was fortunate enough to meet up with local floral designer Danny Chappell, from Nashville’s Smith and Rogers, to find out some trade secrets. According to Danny, the top holiday florals are:

“Roses, amaryllis, lilies, ranunculus, and hydrangeas, and he adds if budget doesn’t matter, orchids.”

ranunculus

Smith and Rogers is known as the best place in Nashville to shop for loose flowers, but most major cities have a place, or mart that can provide you what you need. If not, Smith and Rodgers ships nationwide.

Smith and Rodgers floral cooler

If the local floral mart is not within your budget, your local grocery store can provide a large array of options. I went to three different stores here in town and found that most arrangements were $12 or less. I suggest buying 2 or 3 bundles of the same floral, or same color and purchase or find greenery from your yard to add in.

The caveat to grocery store flowers is the quality is not the same as your florist. Florals from your local florist are top quality, first picks. Grocery store flowers are two-five days old, and second picks. In a nutshell, the flowers from the grocery store are going to die in about three to five days. Your florist will provide flowers that will last 2 weeks. This is important to remember when entertaining. If you want to make arrangements ahead of time, keep this in mind.

Also keep in mind that roses are THE most competitive and most sold flower on the market. Most floral marts sell a dozen top quality roses for less than $29.99. Smith and Rogers offers a bundle of roses starting at $23.99 and they stand behind their product. If you have any problems or are unhappy with them they will replace them! Your grocery mart will not offer this service.

How to prolong your flowers life:

-Before building your arrangement, prepare the flowers properly. Remove all leaves (they carry bacteria) that will touch water.

-Cut the stems with garden shears instead of scissors. Scissors do not cut the stems properly and often damage the stem and harm the flowers capillaries (ouchy). Use the proper tools, and cut on an angle so the flower can absorb more water

- Water has a lot of minerals in it so don’t use water immediately out of the tap. Let the water sit for an hour so it gets room temperature and the minerals settle. (Top insider tip, compliments of Danny!)

-Change the water every three days. Do not put floral packs into the water that the grocery stores often provide. Most flowers cannot absorb it in their stems, and it clouds the water.

-If you are lazy (like moi) and don’t want to change the water, or the arrangement is too delicate to change the water, put a drop of straight bleach into the water (and not the kind with fruity smells! Good ol’ clorox bleach) This will kill any bacteria in the water allowing the flowers to last longer, and help clear up the water

Source

Now you are ready to start designing fabulous florals for this holiday season!

I’d like to thank Danny at Smith and Rodgers for answering all my idiotic questions about flowers, and sharing his top tips on holiday florals!

Mindy Lockard Tips for Holiday Tipping

Pemberley Collections Decorating the mantle for Thanksgiving and fall
The Entertaining House

Lily Lemon Tree

The Savvy Host Handling too much “merry-making” (yours or theirs)
Tatertots and Jello
Lucky Life Parties Decking the halls to make your home party ready
The Daily Basics Starting the kids in your family on collections;

Housewife Bliss Halloween: Origins, History & Traditions

First photo Source

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