How to add a little color to your life

Better Homes and Gardens

There is nothing I love more than color in an interior. Color speaks to all of us in different ways, but it never fails to make us feel happy! How can you look at this space and not smile? Some of the easiest ways to add color to your life:

1) Pillows-Super easy to change out and add to any space.

2) Art-Whether you like custom high-end art or inexpensive pieces from the flea market the effect is all the same. Use it to add that pop!

3) Accessories-Sprinkle them around the house in fun unexpected colors. Even if you think they don’t go with the color scheme, use it anyways. It’s always nice to have that added surprise!

What are your favorite ways to add color to your life?

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Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Chartreuse, and a little blue equals love

Chartreuse is such a lovely color. It can easily be paired with Navy, fuchsia, gray, or even orange and look fresh. It is also one of those unexpected colors…you know what I am talking about…the one you see in the store and think you could never pull it off. But when you take the risk it’s likely to be the most favored piece in the house.

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Image 1, 2, 3, 4,

Posted: January 30, 2013 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: color | color trends | Chartreuse, color, color combos, Color stories, navy Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

Paint-The colors you need now to update your home for fall

When I went to design school I studied two years of color theory. While I love paint, choose paint every day and feel it has a profound influence on our well being, it is not something I specialized in. Similar to a med student who interns in various medical sectors but later chooses what they will “specialize” in. I have the knowledge and formal training but will often look to color professionals who eat, sleep and breathe color, for expert advice on upcoming trends and movements in color.

As we enter fall at a high rate of speed I wanted to know what the color experts (AKA Color Geeks), were seeing and specifying for this years color palettes. Here are a few of my favorites!

Barbara Jacobs Amanda, my “picks” are Ecohuesn Full Spectrum – Red Clay, Nomad, Fieldstone, Mulberry, Glow, Virbunum, Blue Grotto. All together: Warm Earthy, Vibrant…not too bright but still saturated. For a green: Ellen Kennon – Olive.

Elizabeth Brown Yesterday, I assembled items from a walk that inspired this fall palette:AF-230″ Buttered Yam”, AF-645 “Chambord”, AF-375 “Rattan”, BM 1258 “Fading Twilight”, SW6381 “Anjou Pear”. Yummy.

1267 Ruby Dusk

Nancy H Welch-Alwin A few of my favorites that will work as Fall color choices; Benjamin Moore Classic colors #1118 ‘Classic Caramel’, 1259 ‘Beaujolais’ or #1267 ‘Ruby Dusk’ or #1245 ‘Sequioia’ and #1485 ‘Brushed Aluminum” the greenest of many greens #530 ‘Medieval Times’. Everyone a winner!

Deep Navy/teal interior

William Baccini Look for a subdued minimal approach to color for spring 2012 with subtle hues and interesting casted neutrals. We are finally moving away from the intense colors, cool neutrals and black constant of 80’s retro influencers of past seasons. Look now for quiet and sophisticated 90’s touches but far more complex and interesting than in the past. These colors have depth and complexity, which the 21st century educated consumer has come to expect. This is not your basic khaki or your standard boring midtones. Navy kicks in as the new deep accompanied by a saturated murky teal, a muddied brown, and a foggy claret color. For the important pales, shades of wheat and jute start to warm up the previous spring palette with cool grays evolving to shales, raphias and warm pebble tones. A palette of neutralized tinted whites appears elegant and new. Dusty blues, minted greens, and golden gingered shades hold court as the new mid ground along with bean shades, the newest direction. This important category emerges as tea-stain, henna, and patina, joining in the evolution to rusts and apricots, replacing our waning (finally!) fascination with cool pinks. It’s going to be a beautiful and elegant season, highlighting the individual – after all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

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Images: Histor, Danielle Oakey

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?

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

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!

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

How to build a color palette

Pink blossoms

Storm clouds

Colorful animals...look close!

Green field

Waterfall

Blue butterflies

Field of Lavender

Clients ask me all the time how they should start a color plan for their home. One of the most inspiring and easiest ways to build a color palette is to research photos of nature. Ever wonder why certain color combos just feel…natural? God did it right the first time. Get inspired, nature provides us with so many options you will never feel limited. You may feel you need to go on a month long hiatus to see them in person, but just tell everyone it’s research…

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 Cat

Yup, it’s true, God was thinking perfection when he made me. And who’s to say He’s wrong? I mean look at me!

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

images: Splendid willow, bighugelabs, flickr, blueberry blvd, widespread panic, devilduck

Posted: April 13, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Interiors | clever ideas | color | color trends | design 101 | design education | Amanda burdge color consultant, color 101, color consultant cool springs, design education, how to build a color palette, how to choose paint, paint combos, paint combos that work 8 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

4 colors that will change your life, but often get overlooked!

AB HOME Interiors Pink Ribbon BM 1340

Sometimes being a designer is exhausting, especially considering that our creative minds are always fluttering like A.D.D butterfly’s and to us, it makes perfect sense to wall paper the ceiling or put headlights in the floor. And when our clients look at us like we have lost our marbles, we screech with exhilaration about how great it will be and we are certain that it IS the right thing to do! One of my favorite quotes from the ever dapper and charming Don Draper:

” A new idea is something they don’t know yet, so of course it’s not going to show up as an option!”

~ Don Draper

I’m always trying to throw in a little of the unexpected in my interiors and color is the best way to achieve serious eye candy in a room. Wake up your room with these four colors that behave a lot like neutrals but get overlooked and stereotyped before they make it off the paint chip…try it you’ll see!

1) Pink

The least respected color in the paint deck, and deemed a feminine color, but nothing adds sophistication like a shocking pink. One of my favorite pinks:

[/caption]

2) Acid Green

One of my all time favs. A scandalous green will activate and energize a room. It adds pop to any room and stimulates your senses. One of my favorites to use:

AB HOME Interiors by Gerald Tolomeo

AB HOME Interiors photo by Amanda Nisbet

3) Turquoise

This little gem of a color goes with everything and adds glamour and allure to a room. Mixed with a lovely metallic and your room feels instantly exotic. One of my favs:

[/caption]

4) Purple

Once looked upon as Royalty, this color always gets shoved to the back of the eyeballs and hardly given a chance. Regal, soft and uber chic, this color adds poise and elegance to any room.

AB HOME Interiors photo by Beckwith Interiors

AB HOME Interiors photo by Shane Reilly

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Straight from the Harley Inbox

Harley the cat

Yes, yes the dog will show off his affections by greeting you and following you like an aimless fool.

I will show you my affections by ignoring you and demanding you feed me when I am hungry; and

maybe come around for attention when I feel like I have the time….

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

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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.

[/caption]

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

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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!

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Highpoint trends from Brentwood designer, Amanda gates

This year traveling to Highpoint Market was more fun than ever. Market not only helps me see upcoming trends and recognize new ones, but most importantly it gives me the opportunity to connect with other designers. Being able to sit down with them allows me to talk shop about top design trends and current swings in our industry. It is also a great way to discuss popular buying habits in different regions. For instance, talking shop with one of L.A.’s hottest designers, Brooke Giannetti of Velvet and Linen I learned that her shop cannot keep Swedish antiques and vintage finds in stock. Maria Killam, an expert at design and color and author of Colour Me Happy rarely sell’s an antique because in Vancouver the style is very sleek and modern with great pops of color, her specialty. Kim Grigg from Knotting Hill Interiors is a luxury Interior designer who is an expert at combining inexpensive finds with beautiful treasures for a beautiful layered look unique to her and South Carolina. Each area has a unique buying focus, but High Point Market always sets the tone.

Here are some items that we all agreed were going to make a big splash in the upcoming year:

1) Scallops:

Table from Lexington

I saw scallops in many showrooms. The biggest trend was scallops on dining tables, coctail tables and cute little side tables. Suzanne Kasler

made this design very popular a few years ago with her Quatrofoil chair from Hickory Chair

Suzanne Kasler by Hickory Chair

2) Painted furniture in bright hues:

Painted chair by Sam Moore

Hello beautiful! Doesnt this chair look like it is saying “how do you do?” Fun, curvy and a great pop of color for any room!

3) Purple and gold:

Leftbank art

Yellow and plum were seen everywhere. This is definitely an upcoming trend. If you missed my podcast with Lori Sawaya on this trend, The Colors you need now for Instant Holiday Glamour, Lori and I discuss why this color conmbo works and how to integrate it into your home. I love this color combination for many reasons. It is fresh, and easily works with many other colors.

4) Retro Furniture:

Remember this post about vacation bliss, and finding treasures? Remember these chairs shown above that I found at a flea market? Well look what I found at HP Market as a big hot seller in none other, the color Purple!

Rowe Furniture

Retro furniture is coming back in a big way. Classic lines from the 60′s and 70′s are a strong trend.

Becasue I have my gold chairs from the flea market I passed on these beauties above, but I did purchase these chairs below for the studio:

Purple…hmmm. Are you seeing the trend here??

I put these in this fun floral

The sofa I purchased will be in the solid orange in the upper right. The chairs in the floral and the stripe and solid blue will be 20″ pillows. How fun is that?

I really enjoyed meeting everyone at Market. It is so much fun to meet other designers and share in all the treasures. We all turn into kids in a life size candy store.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the peices listed above contact us for more info!

First photo LEE Industries

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Brown~The always “it” color by designer Amanda Gates

I have been in the design business for over twelve years. I have seen fads come and go, and trends thrown to the wayside for the next up and coming thing. One thing that never seems to lose it’s luster is the color ~ brown. I know the new, shiny, fun color for the year has been grey. BUT, like green, brown never goes away. The grey undertone may become more prevalent this fall, but brown is here to stay. People just gravitate to it. Brown is organic, rich, and earthy. It goes with every thing and look in any book from the 1950′s to now and what do you see over and over? Brown. It is a timeless color, and one of my all time favorite browns is by Benjamin Moore,

It’s oh so bittersweet…..

Benjamin Moore Bittersweet Chocolate 2441

Source

Curious, I contacted my friend and color expert, Kelly Berg over at Arte Styling. I wanted her take on the color, and why she thought it had such sticking power:
“I think browns, in general, have staying power because they are grounding. Humans strongly associate browns with the earth, so using brown in our spaces can help to create a very solid, stable environment.”

“Deep, rich browns remind us of chocolate and coffee…while pale golden imbued browns can look like a sandy beach. Deep “espresso” and “chocolate” browns have had particular staying power in the past 10 years, especially in furniture-wood finishes. West Elm has nearly built an entire brand with these chocolate-y hues!”

West Elm

“While beiges have their time and place, I feel that most of them lose their grounding quality when they are lightened, making them kind of wimpy, indecisive hues.”

Louis Di Calla

“Deep browns are like a softer alternative to black. They allow us to get the depth and drama of black but with a softer, warmer edge. Too much brown – wood or other materials – can be heavy. In an interior space we have to have balance. In nature, browns are balanced with many other colors. Sometimes a color novice will overuse brown and mess up that balance, making the space feel off. We’ve all been in that house with wood-paneled walls, and dark brown shag carpet, better known as “the 1970′s.” ”None of us need to revisit that trend.” ~Kelly Berg, Color Expert

Jessica Dauray

I agree with Kelly and her statement, “…it can help to create a very solid, stable environment.” This is very true, especially in a time when society needs stability more than ever!

“Brown has a quality that no other color can provide. It is rich, and can be associated with many things, but most importantly it connects us to nature. Ever wonder why brown and green together are so popular? Think about it…” ~Amanda Burdge, Interior Designer, Nashville Home and Garden, 2008.

Thomas Lavin

I agreed with Kelly one hundred percent, but I wanted to dig deeper. So I contacted Lori Sawaya over at Color Budz to get her take on this theory of ours on Brown.
According to Lori:

“Much of brown’s appeal lies in it’s ability to simultaneously reinforce notions of formational possibilities and create well-rooted security. It’s that unusual juxtaposition of feeling that attracts many to the color brown.”

“When I think about using brown interior or exterior my mind immediately reaches for its elegantly purposeful side. Done right, brown is well-edited and organically edgy.” ~Lori Sawaya, Color Expert

Candace Cavanaugh

Brown says stability and reliability. It is the color of our earth and all things organic. It gives us a sense of orderliness and connection. It is no mistake that companies like UPS has Pullman Brown as it’s iconic trademark color. And what do you think of when you hear Hershey’s chocolate? Not only does this word signify a rich brown color, but it also entices our taste buds.

Adrienne Neff

Paint is a dynamic creature. It can be energetic, active, serene, bold, and the list of adjectives goes on. What is unique about brown is it’s ability to be all things. Brown allows us to be bold and dramatic, but due to it’s suggestion to nature, it is soft, easy and luxurious.

God has a brown voice, as soft as brown sugar and full of beer.” ~ Anne Sexton

What does brown signify to you?

What is your favorite Brown Color?

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Posted: September 5, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: color | color trends | paint | brown paint, brown trends, paint, paint colors, selecting paint Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

It’s officially mainstream! by Expert Nashville designer Amanda Gates

When I went to Market last summer I saw a growing interest in animals at every showroom. Every vendor had owls, fossils, fish, birds, and horses. I also noticed a strong trend in natural materials, vintage materials, jars, reclaimed wood and linen. Well my friends it’s hit mainstream! I received a pottery barn, restoration hardware, West Elm AND crate and barrel catalog, today in the mail, and all four have encompassed this trend. See for yourself.

Crate and Barrel

West Elm

Crate and Barrel

Pottery Barn

Pottery barn

Restoration Hardware

AB Home Interiors

Posted: February 4, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Accessories | color trends | Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

Upcoming Color Trends for 09

We have noticed an overwhelming saturation in earth tone colors mixed with alarming brights. But what we love most about this upcoming design trend, is the back-to-basics feel. Limed oaks mixed with post-it-note yellows, and sophisticated grays mixed with yellows, rose and khaki greens. We have also noticed the sticking power of cool blues, and hershey browns. Another up and coming trend is the influx of industrial chic which we posted on a few weeks ago, Notable Design Trend. Pics courtesy of www.myhomeideas.com