Does your furniture talk dirty?

All of us lead active lifestyles. Kids, pets and family can be hard on your upholstery and it shows in the rooms that are most often used. So how can you clean them? It is best to avoid over the counter cleaning products like Resolve, or Wool-lite. Most of them contain oils that will leave a film or residue, that attract more dirt leaving stains larger and more visible. Never attempt to clean your upholstery without knowing what the fabric is first. Carpet is a great example of this. Many carpets contain olefin and cheap recycled products that act as stain guards. Unfortunately, those stain guards are on the surface of the fibers, so when a spill occurs the protectant is removed and your carpet is now exposed to new dirt and stains. It’s best to look for a cleaning code on the fabric tag found on the frame underneath your cushions or tag under the carpet so you are better equipped with the right products. There are 4 different cleaning codes found on furniture, fabrics and rugs:

Upholstery Cleaning codes

If you can’t find a code, then it’s best to leave it to the professionals to choose the best cleaning method. The fabric dictates which method will be the most effective and also how well it will clean. Most professionals like Citru Solution charge between $50 to $100 to clean a sofa or rug. If you decide to hire a professional always have them do a test spot first. If you’re not satisfied, or they cannot get the results you want, then it is best not to have it cleaned. Unfortunately, some fabrics and rugs, especially those made of acrylics and synthetic fibers cannot be effectively cleaned.

Upholstery cleaning

When purchasing new upholstery for your home it is best to consider what fabrics are being used in what type of room. An active room requires more than a guest room. If you have a choice always go with natural fabrics like wool, cotton or linen. They are easier to clean and not as finicky as synthetics. Or consider using commercial fabrics, they are high performance and handle messy lifestyles well.

After your upholstery has been cleaned hang your rug up or stand chair and sofa cushions up, to allow them to thoroughly dry. I highly recommend if you hire a professional to call Rose Upholstery cleaning or Citru Solution. Both use all natural cleaners that are not harsh and safe for kids and pets. Stains are inevitable, but before you allow your furniture to talk dirty, figure out the fabric materials otherwise you’re the one who gets punished!

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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,

Viridian, Robert Allen’s New Digital Fabric Book

It has been so interesting to watch my very non technical industry go digital in the past five years. Just in the last three years the Interior Design industry has catapulted into the digital age at lighting speed, and if our manufacturers and trades don’t keep up, well they are in the dark. Now with the simple flip of my iPad you, my clients, can flip through thousands of fabric options with the touch of a finger. Simply type in Pink (my favorite of all colors) and voila; options in the world of pinks!

Robert Allen Fabrics

Perhaps color isn’t your thing and you need a specific pattern like stripes….no problem!

Robert Allen Fabrics

Now our fabric libraries have gone digital! While this isn’t a tactile experience as most of us prefer, it allows us a quick easy tool to search exactly what we need without the added cost and waste of thousands of fabric books. Viridian, as the app is called allows us to shop all fabric books with ease on any computer, tablet or smart phone. And if we find anything we like for the project I can simply call them up and order a swatch. Easy Peesy, love that!!

What do you think of this new app? Like it, love it, or Meh, it’s not preferable?

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

LED and Education

Hit lights

“The Designers Lighting Forum of New York has announced its highest advance registration numbers to LEDucation 7. Held in New York City on March 20, 2013, the event draws designers and lighting professionals for educational sessions and a product expo dedicated to the LED market.” quoted by KB+B.

This is exciting news! Lighting has always been a passion of mine since college. One of my instructors instilled the importance and correlation of good lighting with good design. As she would say “If a space is lit well, the Architecture and furnishings will sing!” And I agree with her. Unfortunately, good lighting has always been done with halogen lights. They offer the whitest of light, showing off interiors in their purest form. While they make the interior look beautiful they are harsh on our environment. And frankly, fluorescent lighting is not the “green” answer-no one needs that in their environment, they’re ugly! LED is the answer! They use less energy, produce little to no heat and are the closest to white light that you can achieve! Here is a great post on lighting basics!

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3 Secrets to a better nights sleep

How many sleepless nights does it take to make you realize that there may be things you should be doing to get a better nights sleep? I have so many clients who average 5 or less hours of sleep a night. 5? How on earth can you operate on such little sleep? How can you make big decisions and have great insight on such little sleep? My greatest creativity peaks right after a nap…..on a day when I had plenty of sleep the night before. Honestly. Too many people feel guilty for taking too much time for themselves. As if taking a nap is too decadent for their over busy lives. One of my favorite saying is ” stop glamorizing busy”. And it is true. Why do Americans feel unproductive if they are not busy? The bigger question…busy doing what? Early in my career I felt guilty if I wasn’t on the go from the moment I got up. Literally passing out from exhaustion by 10pm because I had ran myself silly. Is this productive? No, my friends it is not. Be decadent, over indulge and treat your body right. Get plenty of rest, don’t over do it or over schedule. If you don’t get it done, well you don’t get it done. Plain and simple. Here are my best tips for a better nights sleep:

Wind down at the same time

1) Start winding down at a certain time every single night. This may seem obvious but no one does it…except me! At 9pm every night I shut down all electronics, including the TV, and go through a usual routine of turning lights down, taking a warm shower and grabbing a good book. I’ve even started making it a mantra to learn one new thing a week. A great challenge for my mind to think on while I sleep!

2) Linens. Always, always buy the best linens you can afford. It makes all the difference in the world to sleep on good cotton linens. Not polyester. And it isn’t necessary to buy the highest thread count. They can actually make you hotter! Just buy good quality 300-400 TC sheets that feel great and help you sleep better.

Choose good linens

3) Indulge in the little things because they make a BIG difference. Candles in the evening create a wonderful ambience and help slow things down. Fresh flowers are always a lovely touch, fresh scents of chamomile or lavender on the sheets and plenty of good reading. Create a ritual that you do every night. This helps your body wind down and prepare for sleep. It also helps slow your brain activity.

As an added bonus always leave a note pad by your bed. I’ve heard many gurus, and coaches over the years state the importance of writing things down the night before. This gets things out of your head and onto paper without worry.

What are some of your favorite rituals before bed?

Image 1, 2, 3

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Fun and eclectic kids rooms

Katie Lydon Interiors

Westbrook Interiors

Co cute!

Garnet Hill

House and Home

Kids rooms can be such a creative outlet for design. I like to call them the wild cards of a home. It is one of the few spaces that can be entirely different from the rest of the home and can be over the top in design. Colors can really come alive, and a child’s hobby can become the theme-giving the space that “wow” factor. Have you ever designed a kids room? What was your favorite part?

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Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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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18 steps to Design Success

AB HOME Interiors’ offices

Five years into my design career it occurred to me that few people really understood what it was I did. Now I know the term ‘interior designer’ gets thrown around more than a Las Vegas call girl, thanks to shows like HGTV, and of course every furniture store in town now offers them up as a free gift with purchase. Don’t get me wrong, I can hustle harder than any member of the oldest profession on the planet, but I prefer to do it standing up; if you know what I mean. So what do you do when the hustle has no flow, and every consultation you have is more a cross examination/ interrogation to no where for both parties? Create a checklist, do your homework, get inspired and look at the options in your area.

AB HOME Interiors designs

I also realized that the reason no one knew what an interior designer is, was the term had few perimeters and everyone on the planet was suddenly deemed an interior designer as long as they got a business card that says so. With little credentials, and no experience, anyone could head to vista print and have themselves a snazzy new business card, *and like magic*, a spiffy new title. SO, with so many grey areas, how do you hire a creative professional that meets your needs, listens to your wants, and comes in on budget?

AB HOME Designs

Interview at least three people. You don’t always need the most experienced, most expensive option, but you do need a person that fits you and your lifestyle. The designer’s you meet may have {it}, or they may not. I tell my clients all the time, I may not be the cheapest option, but I guarantee I am the BEST! How do I know this? …because my business card says so! No, I know I am the best because I am good at my job, and I have 12 years of experience. I can anticipate everything, and expect anything. I always under promise and over deliver. But this comes with experience. Green peas fresh out of school may not be as expensive, but they will take longer, and often make costly mistakes if not guided with supervision. So how do you find the option that is right for you?

Once you have three people in mind, ask these questions:

1). How much experience do you have?
2). Is that experience in the field of interior design? (This one is important. Many times people will feel that because they are an artist, graphic designer, party planner, etc. they can whip out a room just the same)
3). What is your formal education?
4) Where do I buy my products from? You, or through local stores?
5) Do you have references?
6) Are you insured? (this is another big one. Green Peas on their own often have NO insurance)
7) Do you have trades that can help me with all areas of my project? If so, how long have you worked with them?
Are your trades insured?
9) Do you have a body of work I can see?
10) How do you charge for your creativity?

AB HOME Studios

Finding an interior designer that {fits} is like finding a pair of incredible shoes that look smart, and feel great. Once you have decided on a designer, these are 8 common questions your designer will ask you to get started, so be prepared to answer:

1) How long do you plan on staying in your present home? (this is important because it will effect the budget)
2) What type of lifestyle do you lead? ( entertain, late nights, church or book clubs, etc)
3) Do you have children, starting a family or retired?
4) What are your storage needs?
5) What furniture do you currently own that you will be repurposing?
6) Have you considered a color scheme, or have a direction in mind?
7) Do you have a style, or know what your style is?
How much do you want to spend? What is your budget?

With a designer in your back pocket they can help guide you through the abyss of the unknown and help you make knowledgeable decisions, and prevent costly mistakes. They can help you build an interior concept that can be knocked out all at once, or done in phases. But what if hiring a designer isn’t for you? How can you achieve design success on your own? Here are five things the DIY’er can do to help them acheive success on their own:

1) Create a file, or binder with clippings, samples, color chips that organize the style and colors you are attracted to.
2 Draw a floor plan of the room or rooms you have in mind so that you have a list of things you need.
3) Keep questions in your book of things you need or are unsure of, and develop an inventory list with dimensions to keep in your book.
4) Based on your inventory sheet, develop a realistic budget to help you create a direction and plan.
5) Create a schedule, based on the above four things, on what you will be doing when. This helps keep you focused, and on track

Want more info? Here are some great articles on design:
1) How to get inspired
2) Top 10 design tips
3) How to select the right lamps
4) How to design a room like an expert
5) How to create a focal point
6) 6 people everyone needs to know to learn color
7) Where to go shopping in Atlanta
How to design a room on a budget
9) How to find inspiration?
10) 5 Super simple things to update your dining room

AB HOME Interiors is a lifestyle home studio. We specialize in residential and commercial interior design. We are style makers, tastemakers and everything in between. Our goal is to give you a home that is as unique and beautiful as you are. We are creative, talented, fun loving women that love beautiful, charming things, no matter what the budget. And we are here to help you achieve all your interior design goals and more. We can help you with colour, styling, arranging, overall concepts and much more!

Call our office for a design consultation today and let us help you change the way you live and think about your home. Contact us at info@abhomeinteriors.com or call us at

615-750-2763

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Posted: November 13, 2012 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Interiors | design 101 | design basics | Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

Hall of Books-How to decorate a hallway

Was thumbing through the internet over the weekend and came across this lovely book shelf built into a hallway. What a great use of space and a great decorative item to add to a non descript area of the home. Like ceilings, nothing should be left undone including your hallways. Love this! What do you think of this design? Makes me want to start reading real books again!

Can also say I adore the lighting too!

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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Via

How to Decorate an Entry

Every home has a point of entry to welcome its guests. Some are small and require creative ways for big impact and others vast demanding key pieces to cement style and grace. No matter which you possess both require five key ingredients to command order for good reception.

AB HOME Interiors entrance

1) Color- Every home should have flow and your entry sets the stage for what’s to come. Wow your guests with an enticing backdrop that shows you and your personality off. Are you calm and elegant or bold and eclectic? What ever your style it all starts with color!

2) Art- I’m a huge advocate for art. It is what I consider to be the “wild card”. It can be abstract, traditional or somewhere in between. Choose pieces that you love and create conversation. If ever you invest in art this is one place that calls for quality.

3) Console-If you have an entry that is plentiful in space, always include a console or side table. It is a great place to dress up your entry with my next suggestion: lighting. It is also a great place to set keys or mail should you need it along with other favorable decorative items.

To continue reading this article click here!

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Designer Do’s and Don’ts

I would like to thank DefySupply for featuring me as one of their experts for their latest sales infographic. If you are looking for furniture they are the place to go! As one of their favorite designers they stroked my ego by including me in their latest ad. So thanks defysupply, you rock. But honestly, I am pretty great so listen to what I recommend, it will change your life-promise!

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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Soothing decor to help you sleep

When designing a bedroom space it is always wise to choose colors, items and textures that promote rest. It may seem like a great idea to follow that new trend of flaming red on one wall, but ultimately it won’t be a wise choice so always start with things you love. I just met with a new client this past week that was a prime example of outside influence taking charge. Her mother-in-law loves red and kept advising she too put red in her living room. Problem was she hated red. But it wasn’t until she removed all the red accents from the room and replaced it with her love of blue that she realized this. Your bedroom should be decorated the same. Surround yourself with the things you love to promote a place of rest.

Brooke Giannetti

1) Choose soft colors-

They are always soothing and help lift our spirits. We lead hectic lives so simplicity is key. Don’t choose harsh colors that will agitate or raise your energy. This is a space to relax and allow you to unwind.

2) Don’t over clutter-

Clutter in a bedroom does not promote rest and sleep. In fact people who bring their work into the bedroom are less likely to sleep the entire night through. Paperwork and computer emails play on the mind even once the computer is closed. So avoid bringing anything other than fun magazines, a good book or a journal into your room.

3) Lighting-

Always use lamps in your bedroom as the main source of light. Overhead lighting can be harsh unless on a dimmer. Keep lighting low and comfortable to help warm up your space and help you unwind.

4) Easy fabrics-

A bedroom should not be decorated with complicated fabrics. Keep it simple. In fact, most of your fabrics should be all natural materials of Cotton, linen, or wool. Don’t underestimate the power of an all natural fabric. They are easy to care for, and feel great on your skin.

5) Furniture

I am a huge fan of upholstered headboards in a bedroom. They are comfortable to lean on when reading in bed and can easily be changed up for the seasons. I am also a huge fan of comfy seating in a bedroom. Even if you can only fit one chair in your space, it is a great place to throw on some shoes, read a book or catch up on blogging.

Love Joy design

Another tip, always have two nightstands. I go into so many homes that only have one nightstand. Sorry folks, this is a big party foul. Even if it is small like the one shown above, each side of the bed should have a place to set a book or a cup of coffee, there is always enough room!

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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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How to Decorate Around a TV

Clients often ask me what to do with their TV’s. Women want to hide them, and men want to highlight and show them off. I am not opposed to having a TV out in the room. Now that TV’s are flat and very small they are not nearly as obtrusive as they used to be. I mean think about it, TV’s used to be close to twenty four inches thick. (Not to mention weigh over 100 pounds!) But why not hang your TV on the wall and include some attractive art?

As I perused through One Kings Lane today they had this article on how to incorporate your TV into a work of art. This is a great way to make your TV disappear and turn it into a feature rather than an eye sore. A win-win for both hubby and wifey. What do you think? Do you like this application or would you rather hang your art and TV separately?

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Bonus Spaces for Quiet Solitude

Many of the main spaces in our homes are designed for social gathering. However, there is no denying that with our hectic, busy lives we crave solitude. Many homes provide natural nooks and crannies within their architecture, perfect for creating a small space for any activity carved out for one. When designing your space for one don’t always default to an easy chair and lamp. Think of the many possibilities a special space can bring you and suddenly the restful quiet opportunities are endless. When designing your new space take a few things into consideration.

1) Discover your space

Harley's Nook

Our homes are filled with them. All sorts of little areas just dying for attention. No matter where the location, determine the best nook in your home. It can be in a hallway, bedroom, stair landing, living room, corner or even a closet.

2) How will you use it?

We love it

Once you have determined where the nook will be, you’ll need to determine what it will be for. This is important when selecting furniture and accessories. Will you be reading, journaling, listening to music or napping? Choose your furniture pieces accordingly. For example, if this space will be for listening to music you will probably want a comfortable chair and a place for equipment.

3) Decorate your space

Babble

Allow your space to reflect your special interest. Decorate for the activity you will do most in this space. For example if you want a quiet reading nook you may also want to indulge in a cup of tea. This will require a small tea table next to your chair to place a cup of tea and your novel if necessary. Maybe you would like to have flowers in your space. What ever it is create a laundry list of things you’ll need to make that space cozy and comfortable for the perfect afternoon of solitude!

Do you have a nook in your home? What do you use your special and quiet space for?

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Designer Resources-Where I like to shop

I’m often asked by clients where I like to shop. It really depends on the project and client, which may not always be what you want to hear. So many factors play into my decisions on designing a room, but ultimately it comes down to selecting products that fit into my design concept for that particular project. One of my favorite new resources for clients is Pure Home.

It is a site that offers my clients, and every day folks like you, the necessary tools to execute your project with ease. With just a few clicks they will ask you questions that help you figure out your style and colors with out the hassle of weeding through thousands of products that you probably shouldn’t be looking at or buying.

home_page_category_banner

Their process prevents you from being overwhelmed or buying unnecessary items by asking you questions ahead of time. This helps you understand your preferences and then directs you to the exact items that meet your needs. Awesome! You’ll know paint, furniture and accessories all with the click of a button. I love it when shops make our lives easier.

Another one of my new favorite crushes is Furbish. I love my interiors to have a mix of new and old so it feels collected. This shop gives me the ability to do just that. With a great mix of new and vintage pieces it’s easy to add that spunk to any interior with a pair of vintage candlesticks or a fun new rug from this site.

Furbish

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This shop does require a little more expertise on creating that thing I like to call design magic. Without a plan you might end up buying the wrong thing, however, with that aside, it is the perfect place to cozy up your home with unique items that other places won’t have!

What are some of your favorite places to shop? DO you have a particular style that a particular online store caters to?

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Quick Change-5 simple things to update your home for fall

It’s that time of year again. When the trees begin to turn, the foliage begins to thin out and the weather shifts from warm to cold. It is a magical time of year and according to most, probably their favorite time of year. The fall captures family and joyful memories for many people making it a great time to redecorate. Here are five quick and easy tricks to update your home for fall:

1) Pillows

Put summer brights into the closet and add pillows around your home in warm fall colors. Burnt orange, slate blues, earthy grays and warm golds are a great way to update your home quickly and easy. Such colors bring the out doors in and also give added comfort for the many nights in on cooler nights.

2) Quilts

Plush quilts are a great way to add warmth and color to your fall decorating scheme. Many quilts have wonderful patterns and add a feeling of comfort and “home” to a space in an instant. Choose quilts that have many fall colors but don’t necessarily match your everyday interiors.It is better to choose quilts that coordinate instead of match to give your space a more collected and homey feel, perfect for the holiday season.

3) Art

A quick and easy way to add fall color to your space is through inexpensive art. One of my favorite things to use for inexpensive art is paint chips. They are easy to find, and really versatile in all sorts of mediums. Whether you choose to completely frame them or apply them directly to canvas it is the easiest way to update your art and home with the feeling of fall.

4) Baskets

Seems like a simple thing, but adding baskets to your home adds warmth and functionality. Filled with blankets or easy reading like magazines, baskets add texture and an element of wood which is perfect during the winter months. Place them around the home in nooks, next to chairs or under tables.

5) Making Scents

Vintage White Milk Glass Hobnail Scalloped Decorative Bowl - Candy Dish

Etsy Dish

Take a decorative dish (like this one above, from Etsy) and create a wonderful DIY homemade air freshener. One of my favorites scents is peppermint but you can use any essential oil that creates an aroma that you love. For me, peppermint adds a fresh and invigorating smell that reminds me of the holidays. It is also safe for kids and pets!

AB Home’s Peppermint Dish

3 Tbsp Vodka (non flavored)

3 Tbsp vinegar

30-45 drops peppermint oil

Combine all ingredients in an attractive dish and place in living room, or any room that needs fragrance for an instant air freshener.

All simple and easy tips to update your home for fall. What are some of your favorite things you do to update your home for the holidays?

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Beds + Windows and when it works

According to Feng Shui principals it is highly inauspicious to place a bed in front of a window. It blocks valuable chi from entering and exiting the space and can create stagnate energy if clutter is close by. But what happens when nothing else works, and it just feels better? All rules are meant to be broken. I have this very issue in my own bedroom. I have placed the bed all over the room, but it always ends up back in front of the window. I sleep better, the room feels better and I have a view of all doors….another very valuable principal in Feng Shui…..so I look at it as “pick your battles, and go with what feels right!”

Here are some great examples when a bed in front of the window “works”.

Southern Living Show House, AB HOME Interiors

Depending on the rooms layout and the approach to the bed, sometimes it just looks better in front of the window. Above is a perfect example. When I did the Show House last fall it was important that everyone approach what I call the “A” wall with visual drama. The door into this space is just to the right of the bed. Had I placed the bed on one of the auxiliary walls the color, and impact of this design would have been completely lost. Go with your gut and looks best within the space.

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images: 1, 2, 3, 4

DIY-Clever and Easy Ways to Update a Room

Every season sparks our creativity and different moods. It is human nature to want warmth and cozy interiors in the fall and fresh bright colors in the spring. So what can you do when you decide to redecorate but fall flat on ideas? Here are a few clever ideas I found on the web that are sure to get your creative juices flowing, and decorating efforts going in the right direction!

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Paint your front door a fresh and fun new color. Excellent for welcoming guests, and gets the energy of your home revved up for good fortune. It also gets your guests excited to enter your home, and is a delight to their eyes. Don’t forget to add bright shiny hardware to give your door that extra bling!

Bright and floral chair

Front door fun

Reupholster one chair in the room you are decorating in a wildly fun print. It will completely change the look and feel in an instant. How amazing is this chair? Does it make you happy? Are the colors exciting? Yes and Yes! This would be a terrific addition to any room and will delight the eyes over and over making the room intoxicating and cheery.

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Update, organize and paint your bookshelves. This is something I will be talking about in my teleclass this week. Organizing alone will make a huge impact in your space, but add accessories and color and it changes the look instantly. It is also a great way to quickly change for the seasons.

Book pages

Book shelves

Add book pages to one or all of your walls in the room you are decorating for creating conversation and texture. Such a simple and easy way to decorate. Not to mention inexpensive. Find a book with noteworthy quotes, or scenes and recite during a dinner party…or perhaps the guests have to determine the author or book name. Make it fun and engaging!

Whether you redecorate the entire room or simply make a few adjustments those little things make a big difference in how the room looks and feels. And if all else fails:

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And don’t forget to register for my upcoming teleclass: 3 Steps to a More Productive and Profitable office. It will be held THIS THURSDAY!

Design Steps to a More Productive & Profitable Office, register HERE

images: tiny white daisies, Dying of cute,House Beautiful, Denise McGaha, By wilma

5 Ways to Brighten up a Dark Room

Is your home surrounded by trees and large foliage, making it cool in the summer, but also leaving your rooms feeling dark and gloomy? Do you have a favorite, small room that suffers from having only one window? Perhaps you live in a downstairs apartment whose only windows are located above eye level.

AB Home Interiors

Dark rooms like these are a decorator’s challenge, to be sure, but you don’t have to live with a dark and somber room. Afraid that brightening your room is going to be too expensive? Think again. Here are five, tried and true (and affordable) ways to lighten up any room:

1. Add greenery. A few plants or flowering bushes in pots add a bright and lively air to even the dingiest room. Stick with plants that thrive in limited light, such as spider plants, ferns, snake plants and flowering bromeliads. Combine these interesting shapes for a dramatic effect.

2. Reflect a bit. Mirrors trick the eye into thinking that a room is larger than it really is. Plus, they take a little light and magnify it ten-fold. Is your room narrow? Consider adding a floor-to-ceiling mirror at the end of the room. Most glass retailers will cut mirrors to order or you can also use mirrored tiles from a big box home improvement store. Is your decor more traditional? Scour estate and yard sales for a large mirror in a gilded frame for a more formal approach.

AB HOME Interiors

3. Paint it white. Though often mocked (unfairly, we think) as being suited only for apartment living, white walls add a fresh, bright look to any room and make the most of the light that you have. Paint is also one of the least expensive ways to redecorate. A gallon of white paint costs around $30, and even less if you wait for a good sale.

4. Control the clutter. We all have clutter. Those knick knacks that you collect on vacation, piles of books you intend to read, craft projects waited to be started. However, clutter makes a room seem more closed in and dark. Banish all but a few, well-chosen items to drawers or cabinets. Plus, be mindful of adding new items to your newly brightened room. Clutter can sneak up on you.

AB HOME Interiors

5. Limit the furniture. Dark, wooden furniture, while attractive, can darken a room and make it feel smaller than it actually is. Avoid over-furnishing your rooms. Instead, choose one exquisite piece to be the focal point and surround it with lighter-colored, less-substantial accent pieces. And, contrary to what your father might tell you, don’t be afraid to paint wooden furniture white or other light and bright colors. A garage sale chest of drawers or bookcase with a coat of ivory paint can become an attractive–and bright–place to store linens, books or hobby items.

Don’t resign yourself to living in a dark space. Brightening up a room doesn’t have to break your budget. Plan carefully, add a little paint, and limit the pieces you add to the room. Your dark dungeon will be transformed into a light and airy retreat in no time.

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Elli, a writer for your local security She was born and raised in Colorado and now enjoys skiing, playing tennis, and hiking in the mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah.

DIY toolkit-The must have essentials for every designer

A few weeks ago Traci Zeller did a post on her designer tool kit. Believe it or not, we all have one. I take mine a step further than the average everyday designer kit. Mine is what I like to call THE essential DIY toolkit. Necessary for all installations, consultations, and any type of meeting that requires me to be at a job site. In fact, just last week I was at the Southern Living show house with Dana from Bella Tucker finishes and we needed a tape measure, pen and paper…..and maybe even a little duct tape…..but more on that later!

Now most people would expect my tool kit to be fancy, and probably color coordinated. Hate to disappoint, but when it comes to my tool kit I get down to business, serious designer business. I have an actual tool kit that was given to me as a Christmas gift from one of my employees a few years ago. It was her attempt to get me somewhat “together” and organized in a toolkit looking way. While I do use every single tool from that traditional tool box, I rarely use the box itself. I like to use open tubs with lids. They are easy to get in an out of, and easy to throw things in, and throw a lid on them for a designer on the go….the stupid traditional box NEVER wants to close, drives me nuts!

In my tool kit you’ll find everything from duct tape, nail polish and electrical wire….may even find an old granola bar! But there are eleven things that I have to have for every install I do, and without them no installtion is complete.

1) Lightbulbs

2) Extension cords

3) rubber bands or zip ties

4) Nails

5) Hammer

6) Super glue

7) Art wire

Furniture pen

9) Bumpers

10) Steamer/iron

11) Broom and dust pan

Do you have a tool kit that you carry for your profession? What does it contain that you can’t live without?

Harley

‘scuse me, why are harley’s not included on this list? No installation is complete without harley’s stamp of approval!

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images: histor

Posted: October 3, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: design 101 | design basics | design toolkit, designer essentials, DIY must haves, installation toolkit 4 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

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.

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!

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If you missed week seven, click here

If you missed week eight, click here

If you missed week nine, click here!

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!

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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?

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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!

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

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

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?

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: 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

Art 101-Why art is synonymous with a well lived life

According to wikipedia: Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects ones senses and intellect. As I often say here on this blog, interiors done well equal a true lifestyle. And what is a lifestyle? A home that inspires and influences your mood!

My biggest arsenal when decorating: ART. I.love.art! I cannot tell you what makes a piece special, or why one costs more than another, but I can tell you that art, like a well lived life, influences your mood, and emotions. Nothing can make a home more personal or special than the art that you put in it.

Case in point: Three years ago my hair stylist went to Alabama for a weekend get away with her three sons. Before this trip her and I had many, many conversations about interior design and art. “Why oh why does art need to be so expensive?” she’d say. “And why oh why would someone pay thousands of dollars for it?” “I just don’t get it!” she’d screech.

Well on this particular trip she found herself immersed in the art district (thanks in part to her eldest) and like fate, she was whacked in her flabby dabs by a sculpture that made her weep. Never had she experienced such emotion over what she’d declare as “an absurd blob, deemed as art for a ridiculous price”. Her three sons, 17,19,and 22 years of age had never seen their tough, single mother cry in such a way over “an absurd blob…deemed as expensive art.” Those boys worked out a deal with the art dealer and saved for an entire year to buy that sculpture and gave Tracy (mom) an absurd blob on Mothers day 2010.

To this day when I tell a client that very story my eyes well up with emotion. Not only did the sculpture bring her to tears before she owned it, but now knowing how important it was for her sons to buy that art for her, it means ten thousand times more to her now. Those three gentlemen not only negotiated a deal with the art dealer to make payments for a year, but worked as a team to save up $3800 for their mama to have something extraordinary! How many young men do you know that would do that?

Art may seem like an absurd amount of money. Or it may be completely reasonable. But have you ever cried in the middle of a Target because a pillow or vase was just too much? Or screeched with laughter in the middle of a Costco because you were so moved by their Starving artist plate series? Probably not. Genuine art moves us in ways that cannot be explained. And each piece speaks to all of us differently. What peaks my interest may put you to sleep. What is important about art that speaks your language is that living in a home that screams authenticity rather than HGTV, allows you to live your best life.

Every time Tracy passes, “Three Sons” (her blob named after her sons) in the entrance of her home, she cannot help but smile from ear to ear. When she is having a bad day she sits with it, and on a good day she speaks her praises to it. Art transcends and transforms you. Just like Music, it can completely change your life. And sorry ladies, but plastic ivy from Michael’s, or a cheap vase from TJMAXX can’t do that!

Art by Carl Plansky

This beautiful piece of art (shown above) from Carl Plansky, compliments of, Young House Love, is a beautiful display of using art correctly. So many homeowners feel that they have to put tons of stuff in a hallway to make it pretty. Beautiful, large art is the perfect compliment to add a splash of color, and interest. And I don’t know about you, but this piece would definitely elevate my mood!

AB HOME, October showhouse

In our most recent show house, this painting by Marabeth Quinn, brought this antique console to life. Paired with modern, turned-wood lamps, and a mirrored bar tray, the homeowners loved it so much they bought it!

AB HOME, Living green in green hills Show house

Here, in the Living green in Green Hills show house I placed this beautiful piece of art in our hallway to add a wonderful splash of color, interest and whimsy. This painting was such a success, Marabeth, the artist, got more attention and acclaim than anything I did with the interior. The interior designer, whO?? But as luck would have it, Marabeth and I became wonderfully close and this past April she and her husband decided to move to Hawaii and as a gift to our friendship she gave me her most famous trademark piece,”Wonder”, that now hangs in my conference room:

AB HOME Interiors

For three years I would randomly call her up and tell her the studio had been robbed and the only thing they took were her paintings. Of course it was a cheap effort to get a piece of her magic, and a quick giggle amongst friends…..although I was tempted many times to take one home to see if she would notice. My efforts finally paid off and I swear I go into the conference area all the time with Harley just because it makes me so freakin’ HAPPY!!

Your home should influence and uplift your mood. It should breathe every interest you have and show you off. Nothing does that better than Art. It doesn’t matter if Suzy down the street doesn’t agree with your selection. If that piece of Art changes your mood for the better, your day will be more productive and in harmony with your intent. That my friends is a lifestyle!

Do you have a favorite artist, or painting that you 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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images: Young house love, AB HOME Interiors, AB HOME Designs, Amanda Burdge

Remodeling series-Week two

So if you are just tuning in, I have started posting a remodel in real time, to let you my readers see what a remodel is really like. I have done many remodels in my 12 years of business and I am still surprised at how many people do not fully understand the process. And that is OK. That is why I am posting this series. Where it becomes an issue is when you land in my office ready to get started, with “X” amount of dollars in your pocket and three weeks to spare. Remodels require a lot of money, time, and patience! Things inevitably go wrong, always, and the process is always slower and more expensive than people expect.

In week two, a new floor had to be put down, reinforced and walls had to be constructed.

1) Original floor, once old tile, had been pulled up and all plumbing ripped out.

Cleaned up floor

Original old floor

While floors and walls were being constructed and placed, we met with a plumber to determine plumbing placement, shower wall niche placement and met with the cabinet builder. We are having custom vanities made to look like furniture. Cabinet builder will have professional drawings to me this week that he drew from my chicken scratch. Here is the overall concept:

Custom cabinet

This will have to be modified because the vanities are separated. Hers will have drawers on both sides with sink in the middle, and his will have one bank of drawers on the right side and sink on the opposite side. This drawing above is from an antique chest of drawers I saw that I modified into a vanity. Paul the cabinet maker will actually make all this work. I do concepts and crazy ideas, my peeps around me make it happen.

2) New walls were constructed.

New shower wall

3) New floors were laid.

New floor

New floors

All in all a pretty good week, but not with out another hiccup. Kohler faucets that we were planning to reuse are completely corroded and brass fittings busted. Two new Kohler faucets, (the ones client wanted) will dent our budget $1200. An unexpected expense because we selected a more expensive tub thinking we had faucet dollars to spare!

Up next we will determine our lighting plan for master bedroom and master bathroom. I will need to completely space plan the bedroom to determine the best placement for lights, and the bedroom currently looks like this:

Current master bedroom

This is where working with a professional really saves you time and money. Most homeowners struggle with all the infinite details and decision making. It is very hard to see a bedroom like this, and envision a beautiful space three months down the road. Having a professional to get you to that light at the end of the tunnel, and help you make tough decisions is worth their weight in gold. Even if you do not want to work with a professional designer through out the whole process, hiring one to consult with you will really give you peace of mind, and help you sleep at night!

Here, I drew up a quick draft of the bedroom in CAD, so that the electrician and I could determine light placement over the bed. Having lights strategically placed over the bed, with dimmers, is a great way to have overall reading light, without disturbing your spouse. We have a preliminary switching plan of where all switches will be placed but nothing is set in stone until the furniture plan is drawn on the floor and the homeowner can walk the space.

Rough bedroom plan

So there you have it. If you missed week one, 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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Posted: June 1, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Interiors | architecture | bathrooms | design basics | design education | remodeling | amanda burdge bathroom design consultant, Amanda burdge interior design in Cool Springs, bathroom help, bathroom inspiration, decorator in cool springs, design tips, Nashville designer, remodeling, remodeling help in brentwood tn 16 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Remodeling Series-The evolution of a master bedroom and bath

In my twelve years of doing business I have found that clients are always baffled about the remodeling process, and it’s associated costs. First, they never believe the budgets that are necessary to do what they are wanting to do, and second, the actual process of living in a make-shift environment for weeks at a time seems easy until you are living in it. And if you are prone to watching those decorating shows….you know who they are…..they misguide and mislead the homeowner into thinking it is a seamless, effortless undertaking, that happens in a short time (like an hour) and the results are amazing. The good news is the results ARE amazing! But the 6, 8, or 10 weeks of make-shift living, unexpected delays, unexpected problems, dirt, dust, and people coming and going out of your house at unthinkable hours, is never painless.

So in an effort to educate, and help those who are about to enter this process, I will post a remodel in real time so you can fully understand what a true remodel is like and how it really unfolds! And thanks to my lovely client, whom we will deem Mrs. S, has graciously allowed me into her home to take pictures of the good, the bad and the ugly!

1) Consultation to review project, (this occurred in March), Starting budget $35,000.

Existing hers vanity

Existing his vanity

Existing tub area

Existing shower

Existing bedroom and entrance to bathroom

So this is an introduction into this project. As I mentioned above the consultation occurred in March and demo started May 9th. From here on out, every Wednesday, I will post updated photos as the process unfolds, along with the hiccups, the unexpected’s, the think-on-our-feet-for-an-immediate-solutions, and of course the running numbers.

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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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!

Organization-Clever tips and tricks

Well here we are already into April! I swear the older I get…well the older I get. But my point was more directed at the fact that I was just popping some fine bubbly for New Years and it is already April. I swear I will blink and the holidays will be three months away. happens. Every. Year!

1) Funnel your twine

Twine in a funnel

From the Queen herself, yes I am talking Martha Stewart, is little ingenious idea. For anyone who gardens, or crochets this could save a bundle of twine…heheh I mean time!

2) Toilet paper rolls

Toilet paper rolls

Compliments of Storage and glee, it just doesn’t get any simpler than this. An average household frees up a toilet paper roll every other day. In my office it’s everyday, and I thought they were just great toys for Harley! Use them to store cables efficiently and organized for easy access.

3) Flexible filing

Flexible filing

Anyone who has an office knows how quickly the paper monster takes over. This little system is brilliant. Hang anywhere, and like that foldy thing that goes in your closet, these stack neatly on the wall, on top of one another, and all you do is lift when you want a particular file. I think this would be great in a mudroom. Families are busy and this would be a great way to keep schedules, appointments and “life” organized. By wester village design.

Which is your favorite idea?

Harley

Yup, I’m pretty freakin’ awesome. I know this. SO why are you questioning me?

Want to know me better? Find me on facebook!

images: Storage and glee

Organization in new ways

As Mondays always approach at warp speed…and Fridays seem to run in the opposite direction, I decided to share some great organization tips in an unlikely medium: food! As Spring approaches, and we shed a layer or two of clothing, we are graced with warm weather B-B-Ques, get-together’s, and plenty of excuses to eat. Here are some terrific ways to multi-task your way to a full belly!

1) Cupcakes on a stick:

Cupcakes on a stick

How fun is this? From Sweet Paul magazine, this idea keeps your party goers filled with surprise and excitement. Easy to eat, and a throwback to our child hood.

2) Old favorite in a new way:

Eggplant fries

From use real butter, courtesy of the Hungry Mouse, the perfect appetizer for an afternoon of family chit chat and relaxation. Easy to make, tasty, and healthier than it’s potato counterpart. And wrapping a small portion in wax paper stuffed into a cup is the perfect casual presentation for your guests, and hints at appropriate portion control!

3) Beer multi tasking at it’s finest!

Beer drinking multi tasker

Oh my holy heaven I think this is brilliant. Talk about having your beer and drinking it to! The GO plate, from Keg works, makes the party practical, and you never have to set your drink down again! And works with all types of drink bottles. Absolutely brilliant!

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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Design Strategies 101 and Style Blueprint

We are very excited this Monday morning! And we think you will be too! We have teamed up with Styleblueprint, a wonderfully fresh Nashville blog, to bring you a special offer on our famously popular Design Strategies 101 course!

Design strategies 101

Style blueprint deal

For one day only, we will be offering our Design Strategies 101 class to 50 lucky individuals for an unprecedented $99!! So what the heck does that mean, and why are we so excited?

Design Strategies is geared to help you complete your home projects on time and on budget with easy tips, and simple organization. Our mission is to provide you, the homeowner, the necessary tools and expertise needed to complete the job on your own, with our easy to follow techniques.

Never shop without focus again. Stay on track, on budget and save time all while having fun. Now, that’s sounds pretty good, huh? We think so.

The StyleBlueprint Deal: The Best of the Best.

Highlights

Design Strategies 101

Today’s deal is for the DIY’er who wants an intensive course on home design to learn how to tackle their own design projects or cut back on their interior design bill.
AB Home holds boot camp design classes for professional home designers, but today’s deal is specifically for the homeowners themselves.
This 3-4 hour course will educate you on the design process and get your creative juices running!

Like doing your own home projects, but don’t know where to start? Tired of making costly mistakes and wasting valuable time? Let AB HOME teach you their award winning Design Strategies to help you achieve design success.

While this course is usually a 4 week intensive, meeting for 2-3 hours each week, today’s deal was specifically conceived for the busy StyleBlueprint woman – or guy!- and made into an intensive one day, 3-4 hour course, with several dates available. If you wish you could pick up classes at O’More College of Design or could spend days flipping through home decor magazines…. or, conversely, if you are simply lost when it comes to home decor, this is your chance to learn from the pro’s.

Design Strategies 101 is for the DIY’er who wants to learn top tips on how to plan for their next project efficiently and quickly. Learn how to:

1) get started
2) build a floor plan
3) budget
4) accessorize
5) And use color effectively and correctly

We are honored and excited to have been offered this opportunity to give you this incredible deal! If you want to learn easy to follow tips on home decor in one afternoon, then this is the class for you. Don’t miss out on this great offer. Quantities are limited, and when they are gone, there gone!

Click here to purchase your deal!

Harley kit kat

The best part of of this deal? You get to meet me for free! And I’m pretty awesome…

Posted: March 14, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Interiors | design 101 | design basics | design education | design strategies 101 | designer bootcamp | brentwood tn consulting, design basics, design education, design mentorship, Design Strategies, Design strategies 101, interior design coaching in cool springs, interior design consulting, learn how to decorate, Learning design, learning in cool springs Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

Savvy Collecting-Top Tips for Vintage Cocktail Shakers

Cocktail Shaker collection

For those of you who know me, and for those of you who don’t, my booze of choice is Vodka. It’s the kool aid with so many options it can be hard to decide what to drink next, and when your finished drinking you can simplify your cleaning habits, and maybe sneak a slurp or two! My drink of choice is an extra dirty Vodka martini, three olives, preferably with Grey Goose or Belvedere. Yes, I know there are stupidly expensive, supposedly more smooth than rain vodkas like, Crystal head vodka, by the blues brother himself, Dan Aykroyd. But a good quality Vodka shouldn’t cost more than $20-$30 bucks a bottle. However, anything below $10 bucks a bottle save your self the trouble, run to Target and buy yourself some rubbing alcohol. It’s cheaper and tastes about the same . Ok, obviously I am not condoning such ridiculous behavior but cheap Vodka feels like jet fuel down your throat. If you can’t afford the good stuff, wait until you can.

Crystal head vodka

Part of the allure and fun of drink making is the ritual of making the drink. Due to the resurgence of such drinks like the martini and the cosmopolitan, there has been a renewed curiosity with cocktail shakers. More importantly the revival of pre WWII cocktail shakers. The height of their decorative popularity was between WWI and WWII. However, when WWII began the heyday of the luxury item ceased and all metal went to the war effort, therefore they have become highly collectible!

1927 Lighthouse Cocktail shaker

This cocktail shaker shown above, from Cocktailshakers.com is made by International Silver Plate, and is one of the rarest cocktail shakers around. Mainly due to its enormous size, and it has been preserved in such magnificent condition it comes in at $23,900!

Manhattan cocktail shaker

Also by CocktailShakers.com, this shaker by Revere Bel Geddes is ca 1936. Pulling in a price tag of $3900, this set is highly collectible and equally rare because it includes the cups, which were only made between 1936 and 1940.

Instant Style that’s affordable:

Vintage cocktail shakers are a great way to add immediate style to your bar, and are a fun item to look for and collect. They are also very fun to incorporate into your decor. Many of them have sharp lines, energetic pops of color,and a spirited history. For those interested in collecting and thinking this sort of thing is out of your price range, not to worry. Many sets are available in the $150-$300 price range.

Commonly found Styles:

1) The Skyscraper

Vintage Cocktail shaker

Deemed the skyscraper for their unique sleek shapes, iconic asymmetrical spout and staggering height. Drink up!

2) Revere

Revere Cocktail Shaker

The epitome of Art Deco design many of W.A Weldon’s pieces were designed in the mid to late thirties. This iconic cocktail shaker is a great example of modern 1930′s American design. It was designed by William Archibald Welden in 1938 for the Revere Copper and Brass company.

3) Chase

Chase Cocktail shakers

Also during the Art Deco period in the mid to late thirties was the Chase Brass and Copper company. Their shakers were streamlined polished chrome and included Bakelite accents, jewel color and their iconic tops. While they made several shaker styles, this shaker shown above, to me, embodies THE chase cocktail shaker.

4) The Zeppelin

The Zeppelin Cocktail Shaker

The Zeppelin Cocktail shaker was introduced in 1928 with nickel plated body and gold inserts containing the following: four cups, one funnel, one strainer with juicer, cap and body, nose cone, decanter, tail and cover for sugar, cup & cover for dried fruit, muddler, and finally a cork screw. The zeppelin comes in many shapes, but always holds true to it’s iconic silver bullet style.

Tips for collecting:

Design-Look for whimsical and clever designs. The Zeppelin, a lighthouse, or a women’s leg are most valued amongst collectors. Anything with unusual shape and style
Manufacturers-Chase, International Silver, and Revere are known for their silver-plating. If you prefer glass look for shakers by Cambridge Glass, Hawkes Glass company or Hazel Atlas,( known for their cobalt blue glass.)
Pricing-Styles that were mass produced bear a lower price tag for collectors. These pieces can be picked up for less than $200 while rarer finds by designers like Geddes or Russel Wright can run into the thousands. (hence the $23K price tag of the lighthouse)

What to avoid:

Avoid pieces with dents, scratches and flakes. Major damage will lower the value and will not appreciate in value.
Examine a glass shaker closely for any major chips, cracks or scratches
Color-The more brilliant the color the higher the value. Look for bright, clear colors for glass. For instance cobalt blue was the hardest to produce and therefore commands the highest price tag.
Reproductions-Be sure the piece you are buying is authentic. Get to know the shakers you love. Learn their history and do your homework before you purchase. Most shakers have patent numbers, manufacturer inscriptions or stamps.

Vintage cocktail hour

Where to buy:

Having an afternoon toddy was a favorite past time of many Americans during the 30′s, 40′s and 50′s. It was considered an entertaining essential to all get together’s. For this reason the cocktail shaker is fairly easy to find. Antique malls, flea markets, swap meets and places like Ebay.com, Cocktailshakers.com and 1stdibs.com are excellent online resources. And you will never have more fun than looking for one, and when you find a set that sings to you, you’ll be hooked!

Great recipes from AB HOME that we recommend, to shake it up!

French 75 cocktail

Pineapple Mint Julep

Orange blossom cocktail

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 the Kit Kat

“Yea, I don’t need a cocktail to get my shake on, it just comes naturally.”

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

images: flickr, james allen,Cocktail shakers, 1st dibs, Art knowledge, Space modern, Southern accents

Content research: Stephen Viskay

Mondays clever tips to beat the organizing blues

I saw a quote on facebook last Friday that made me chuckle. “Why is Monday so far from Friday, but Friday so close to Monday?” Very good point indeed! Todays tips are clever tricks to repurpose everyday items into organizing workhorses.

1) Kids unused toys

Dollhouse organization

I just love this. From country living, this family repurposed their daughters old dollhouse into a functional yet whimsical storage shelf for their everyday nessesities in the laundry room. Super cute, great repurposing and very clever.

2) Antique blanket rack

Bathroom

From Marthastewart.com, here a clever use for a blanket rack. This homeowner uses her rack to hang towels for the kids. Not only is this pretty and unexpected, but also more functional than an ordinary towel rack.

3) Cookie sheets

Instant mudroom

From doll store crafts, this easy to make, instant mudroom is a clever way to repurpose everyday cookie sheets. Fill with river stones from a home improvement store and voila, you have yourself an easy to use tray to place wet or muddy shoes right off the most used door in your house. The best part? Easy to clean too!

What are some everyday items you use in a clever new way?

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Harley the AB HOME kit kat

“Yup the human claims to have built this so called office, but we all know it’s MY empire.”

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Design, creativity, and the ugly truth about the furnishings business

Musings of a frustrated designer

Instead of saving lives I chose to save homes and marriages. Although not as respected as becoming a doctor, being a designer has given me my fair share of deserving street cred. Had you asked me 12 years ago when I graduated from design school what that meant, I guarantee you my answer would be entirely different than it turned out to be. I had no idea when I left campus on that fateful day that instead of being surrounded in pretty fabrics and paint all day, I instead would have business management in my future with violence, frauds and theives…OK, so that may be a stretch in the truth, but only now, four interns, two assistants, and a full fledge design business later am I realizing that in order to run a successful firm, you have to have your head on straight, and be prepared for the worst. Turns out I am cut out to work with violence, frauds and thieves only mine come in the disguise of trucking companies and vendors. And don’t put it past me to get violent, with a serious take no prisoners attitude of GSD (get shit done), just because I’m a designer (A.K.A mythical, magical creature of make-beleive)

Thinking=Solutions

Every job that I have worked on has taught me something new and design is no different. It is an ever evolving business, filled with creativity, magic and chaos. To transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary makes my heart skip a beat. To see a clients excitement over a room they could never imagine is purely captivating and joyous. But in order to get to that point we need to back up. We need to rewind to the beginning because in order to get to that magic, we need to go deep into the bellows of the furniture business.

Working with a designer opens you up to lines of accessories, custom trades and furniture that you may otherwise not have access to. We have the ability to take your home to the next level of “wow!” What most homeowners don’t know is that they have a lot of talent of their own. Everyone we work with dictates how the project will unfold. They all have unbeleivable vision and untapped creativity. We act merely as a guidance counselor to edit, direct, and help you make the best design decisions to achieve the best result. But in order to make that happen we must work with trucking companies, trades and vendors. So what does that mean exactly?

1) Vendors

AB HOME Interiors

Every designer has a plethora of vendors, and trades they use to get a job done. Vendors are merely the suppliers we get our products from. Whether they supply us with a product of furniture, or an accessory, we rely heavily on these unique sources to provide us with one-of-a-kind product. Some are vendors we use on a regular basis and some are used only once for a special job application. In either instance, designers play a key role in getting a vendors products seen, and showcasing it in a way that is creative and unique.

Unfortunately, not all vendors see the importance that designers play in showcasing their products. At the end of their day it is about the dollars they earn, and we become a thorn in their side when issues arise. Due to the nature of this aspect of the business I choose my vendors very carefully. If I spec a product for a client they know that I have given that product my seal of approval. Most of my vendors are ones I have used for 10 years and every once in a blue moon something is bound to happen. But due to my relationships, those vendors bend over backwards to accommodate my clients and make sure the product and client are taken care of immediately.

So remember when you are working with your designer, it takes a lot of orchestration and project management (that most clients never see) to coordinate all the little pieces to your room. Their design fee may seem high, but be mindful that your designer is your biggest cheerleader and they are handling all the minute details so you don’t have to. That salesman at the furniture store will never take care of you like your designer does, and the designers relationships with their vendors are what save you from endless hassles when issues arise.

2) Lead times

Waiting......

Once you have signed off on the plan your designer has presented you, the furniture from the vendors is ordered. After each order is placed, the vendor acknowledgment is received within a week. It basically acknowledges that they have your order and they provide a preliminary lead time, or expected time of delivery. Depending on the vendor, a lead time can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. This is where things start getting harry on our end and we start working overtime in the office.

Based on the general lead times that we receive we try to determine an install date. Rarely do we get this right. Why? Because our vendors get shifty. The chair frame that was in stock last week when we called….no longer available. Aliens fell from the sky, tipped the mexican boat and the frames got wet in Marshmallows. huh? Long story short, pick a new chair. Then we pick a new chair, and find out the mill in Italy got bombed with meatballs, the mermaids went on strike and now the turtles have no shoes. huh? Long story short, pick a new fabric.

Now this doesn’t go on with all the vendors, nor all the items you order. But crazier things have been known to happen and I don’t put anything past the person on the other side of the telephone line…..I have heard it ALL!!! It’s our job to manage, orchestrate and swim through the bullshit so we get your product on our dock in a timely manner or estimated lead time.

3) Trucking companies

Trucking companies

After we dig through the meatballs and marshmallows and the items are complete, it is time for them to ship. We are three quarters of the way done, however, nothing makes me twitch more than the trucking companies. . When an item is oversized and a company like UPS cannot ship it, it is considered freight. (Just another term for oversized shipping thats also heavy.) This is where all hell breaks loose. Trucking companies pick up the items from the vendors and transport it to the designer. However, that truck that has your item or items also has 45 other items going to 45 other locations. So what does that mean? Well that means the truck driver now has your item in his hands for the next 10-15 days, and if he’s having a very bad day in the hot sun, a very cold day in -2 degrees, or your not there to collect at 6:30 in the morning ( despite setting an 11am-3pm delivery window with him) let’s just say your items can be 10-15 days in the hands of hell.

As designers it is our job to act as managers and buffers for the job and to our client but when the trucking companies provide constant false information (that we give to our clients) we begin to look like incompetent idiot’s. This is the part of the job I hate. Relaying information to a client only to find out it wasn’t correct in the first place, drives me crazy! We do everything we can at my firm to buffer the bullshit, but we can’t always win. It can be a very helpless feeling knowing you are doing everything possible to expedite something only to have their shortcomings fall onto the designer’s responsibility to the client. Oh how I loathe trucking companies. And there is nothing we can do about it. Nothing. If your item is in California and shipping to Tennessee, it’s bound to have damage. And this is partly the vendors fault. Most items are not crated properly, so that 10-15 days of hell takes it’s toll on a poorly packaged product. With the millions of dollars spent each year on furnishings I still cannot comprehend why furniture shipping has not been prepped for the hell that trucking companies put it through.

All freight is generally priced in addition to the cost of the item you purchase. So when you see parentheses in the pottery barn catalog next to the sofa you are about to order ($150) that means the $1899 sofa will have an additional freight charge of $150 to get it to you.

4) Trades

Trades

Trades are the lifeline to a designers creativity. They are the ones that make it all happen. We come up with a crazy idea, or concept and their skill and ability turns our pipe dream into reality. Most of them think designers are crazy, and may even cringe when we arrive at the job, but we challenge their capacity to build, craft, paint, upholster, cut, form, assemble, develop and install our master piece. Without them our designs would never make it out of the concept stage. But like all the pieces to the overall puzzle, trades can be difficult. Don’t ever pay a trade before a job is complete. And if your job is in or around a holiday, be conscious of the fact that you may not have work being done in a timely manner. As one trade said to me after the 4th of July holiday a few years ago, “I’m so sorry Miss Amanda, I know I was suppose to be there Tuesday, but my 4th ran into my fifth and here it is the 7th, you understand, right?”. Um, what? That doesn’t even make sense! So yes, you may cringe when the designer shows up, but running and scheduling a job of trades makes a circus look easy. And keep in mind that if one trade falls short, the next ten trades can’t start their job. So if your drywall installer is scheduled for Friday but the electrician fails to show up on Monday, guess what? No drywall.

AB HOME Studios

Interior design is a beautiful thing. It transforms lives. I have seen it time and time again. When a person lives in a home that is not attractive, disorganized and beat up, the homeowner feels the same way. But give them a beautiful home, and surround them with comfort, color and simple luxuries and the entire atmosphere uplifts their mood. Think about how you feel when you leave your home and the bed is messed up, dirty dishes are in the sink, piles of laundry are on the floor and you loathe that 1960′s kitchen you have. That energy you put out effects your mood and reflects on your day to the world. Rewind yourself into a home with beautiful linens on a freshly made bed, a beautiful crisp, clean kitchen, an organized laundry room, and a living space that makes you sing. How do you think you would feel each day when you left and came home to that house? Purty darn good!

Yes, Interior design is a beautiful thing. But there is no pixie dust, or magic wands. There are no magical elves or leprechauns (that HGTV seems to possess) to put it all together . And there are no glamorous yet thunderous Tony Sopranos in our back pocket to threaten and exterminate unscrupulous trades, and trucking companies. ( although I wish there was!) There are only interior designers, mystical, creative, creatures; the thing legends are made of. As I said here in this post,

AB HOME Studios

“It takes great talent, consideration, and organization to do what we do, and it is a business. Our time is valuable, and our ideas are our enterprise. We do what we do because we love it, and the creativity keeps us alive. But remember that the intellectual property that we hold is not just for good merit. What exactly is it that we do, you ask? We are entrepreneurial tycoons, organizing and dealing our trades, multi-tasking design ninjas, that hustle on your behalf to twist, tweak and skillfully accomplish with absolute expertise ~ design magic! So that when you start your day, and end your day, there is a smile on your face because your home makes you genuinely happy!”

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Images: found, flickr, one love, luxurious life, ditte isager

Organization 101: Monday’s quick tips

Over the last month our office has been in the dust, literally. We have been in the midst of a remodel shifting items from one side of the studio, to the other and then back again. And as you can imagine, it’s close to a nightmare trying to stay organized with this chaos. Now more than ever I am craving organization, and a swiffer!

Luckily for us the major things are done and we can get back to work! It was a great week, we started to get the paint up on the walls, the phones back in place and I got to meet one of my readers, Gretchen and her husband! They own a lovely home here in town that needs some Design TLC, so my team and I will be heading to their home this week to share in the design love. Can’t wait! Here are some of our tips to keep us on track with our organizational goals.

1) Antique cabinet:

Antique cabinet

Antique cabinets like this are great to help get you organized. Ever heard the term, “Hiding in plain site?” This acts as a great piece of furniture in your home but quietly doubles as an organizational ninja. This can easily organize bills that are due, kids projects, monthly events, and much more. Once you have the system in place it is easy to follow, and a cabinet like this makes it fun, really!

2) Cord management:

Cord management

I see this more as a temporary solution, but this system by Oboiler is super easy to put in place, and covers your cords in a snap. It’s a charming way to avoid unsightly cords and I think this would be great in an office where cords take over. I could even see these painted in fun colors to add an extra unexpected detail.

3) Office envy

Pottery barn organization system

I wish I could claim to be THIS organized…..but I’m not. However, I have used this system many times for clients, so that counts, right? This is a great system for busy familys on the go. I have also used this in craft rooms, sewing rooms, hobby rooms, and mud rooms. The calendars shown above are great to place in a mud room inside each persons locker. It keeps their daily events in check, and no one forgets where to be!

4) Everyday in new ways:

Lid management

Not every home has a butlers pantry, or sufficient cabinet storage. I don’t know about y’all, but cooking pans turn tedious when it comes to their lids! One of my favorite tips (compliments of the Queen herself) is to use everyday towel bars from your home improvement store to organize your lids. I have used this system in free standing peices of furniture, and I have installed the bars directly on the walls in the kitchen or adjacent hall as functional art. Super easy to install and even better to use!

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Harley Cat

Harley’s attempt at decorating the office……”How do I look?” Black, white, and yellow. “Mom seriously this is perfection!”

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images: sycamore street, Oboiler, pottery barn, Martha Stewart

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:

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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!

Wines that go well with a Turkey

Erath Pinot Gris

Ever wonder what types of wine to serve on Turkey day? I tend to be a vodka girl, and in my opinion there isn’t a meal that a dirty martini doesn’t go with, but this holiday season I thought I’d venture out.

According to the experts ( that magically dropped in my inbox via Real Simple magazine), light wines that are fruity and lively pair well with turkey meat. Here are some recommendations by Real Simple that are inexpensive and super easy to find, no matter where you live:

Charles Smith Kung Fu girl 2009

Fresh and light with a kiss of apricot and lychee

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc 2009

Two award winning grapes combined, giving delicious flavors of honey dew, peach and jasmine.

Hayman & Hill Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay

Hayman & Hill Russian River Chardonnay 2008

Big and rich (and we ain’t talking the country band) with a light and bright finish, with tasty notes of tropical fruit, butterscotch and oak

Pertinance Barbera d'Alba

If you’re like me, when I dip into the sauce of sophistication, I prefer a red. Pertinace has notes of blackberry, black cherry and a zippy after taste that are perfect for Turkey.

Montevina Zinfandel 2006

This paired with all the rich heavy dishes of the holiday is a superb combination. Easy to drink, bold, but light enough to drink with appetizers or on it’s own.

Gruet Brut Champenoise

Looking to celebrate the disaster of family gatherings this holiday season? This bubbly will get the party started. Gruet is a dry Mexican sparkler with super fine bubbles, and a kiss of green apple.

Perfect for celebrating, light and fruity enough to enjoy with Turkey.

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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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The Dish

Harley the cat

Harley the Cat

“There is no snooze button on a cat that wants breakfast….”

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

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Online Design

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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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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

Do you need decorating assistance? Want your home to be filled with warmth and joy? Contact us about our online 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!

Elements of design by Nashville designer Amanda Gates

I have mentioned several times how important scale and proportion are to a room. With all interiors, the Elements of Design are successful when there is a unifying theme that runs through out the room. This blends everything together and creates Harmony. Of all the principles of design, scale and proportion create harmony and this is most important. Without this, the room lacks cohesiveness and sabotages any chance for flow.

Sarah Richardson

Harmony is easy to achieve if the scale is correct. The furniture should be in close relation to the rooms size, fabrics should be appropriate for the furniture frame and rooms use, and accessories should be in context to the rooms appropriate size and various elements, such as furniture in the room. One of the most critical elements for achieving harmony is the color palette. Color is a constant influence in our everyday lives. And it is imperative that there be at least one or two common threads of color throughout a room. Just like any good outfit there needs to be common ground and there needs to be an element of organization. It is crucial that there be flow, and connection, so that it creates a beautiful movement around an interior space. Color should reflect your personality and of all things, it accomplishes harmony and flow. When these two things are right, the room feels good, and looks good with ease.

Formaonline.com

Another design element to achieve is comfort, so the room is easy to live in. Comfort is calming, and softens a room so that harmony and balance can be achieved. Comfort brings a restful feeling and provides a welcome accent to your guests.

Lori Dennis

There is little doubt that color is emotional. Every color conveys a mood, thus creating atmosphere. Have you ever walked into a room and felt calm, or uplifted? Colors translate into feelings, and those feelings mixed with beautiful lighting, fabrics, and furnishings evokes atmosphere.

Formaonline.com

Texture is not often grouped with words like glamour, but it is essential to any well designed room. For example, if you choose to deck your entire room out in neutrals, it will fall flat on it’s butt without texture playing a major role. Think about this when designing your next room. Think about a room with textured linen, draperies with stripes, marble veining in a table, and hardwood floors with nubby sisal rugs. This my friends is a room rich in design and texture.

David Duncan Livingston

The key to success in reaching your desired design goals, is in the mix.(see photo below) The Elements of Design can be subtle or they can be bold. You can take a slightly varied approach with assorted textures, or introduce many different elements. Always combine things to keep them interesting. Remember the key Elements of Design are:

1) Scale

2) Harmony

3) Color

4) Comfort

5) Atmosphere

6) Texture

Kenneth Brown

This room above achieves all of the elements of design. The scale and proportion are perfect. The colors, brown and white create cohesiveness throughout the room allowing the eye to easily read the room. The slipcovered sofas and side chairs look inviting and comfortable and the linen drapes and lamp shades, the scratched leather ottoman, and the window box fabric on the side chairs gives us the depth and texture we need to create a beautiful flow and atmosphere. Just stunning!

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Lighting Tips From Nashville Interior designer Amanda Gates

For those of you who follow this blog, or for those who know of this blog (thanks to the tens of you that actually read it) you know that I don’t claim to be the brightest bulb in the lighting department. Im EASILY distracted by shiny, sparkly things (like light bulbs) that put a twinkle in my eye and a wink of joy in my step. Sprinkle in a basket full of crayons, spongebob stickers, a little candy, and a 1.75 bottle of flavored vodka and Im destined to lead a charmed life. Yes this may seem a bit unvarnished to most people, but frankly I find the basics in life to be THE most rewarding. Take the lightbulb for example. Edison invented the first lightbulb in 1879. A man after my own heart, he started his first entrepreneurial ventures selling CANDY!!(it has sugar in it!) We take for granted this simple but revolutionary invention, that is still used today.

Lighting has come a long way since it’s original start in1879. Today many lighting engineers and designers manipulate lighting to create a spirit, or state of mind. Lighting can add drama, excitement and create all sorts of fun sensations (without alcohol, or overdose binges of sugar)

Lighting can dramatically affect a space’s atmosphere and comfort level, so it is very important to consider it when remodeling or building a home. There are three types of lighting:

Task lighting-this is used to read guilty pleasures, dial 411 for take out, so we can pretend we actually cook food, and many other visual tasks that we will profess we can do like sewing, and doing office work (is that really necessary?) Task lighting is generally lighting that is focused directly onto a work surface.

Accent lighting-Similar to task lighting, due in part to its directional purposes, but it’s used primarily for decorative stuff. Like artwork, architectural features, and sets “moods”(dammit I left my mood ring at home!)

Ambient lighting-This is the most common of terms in our industry. Everyone throws this word around like it’s a politician at a bunny ranch caught on tape. This light is appropriate for hall ways, entertaining, watching TV and any other areas needing privacy control for unmarked cars. (a-hem.. bunny ranches) It is a soft level of light that diffuses the spread of illumination with a soft wash or kiss of light to the point of velvety darkness:

As a big “D” (DESIGNER for you laymen’s) I often have the opportunity to work on homes that start in the blueprint stages. This allows me to draw in a beautiful lighting plan (note the need for crayons, preferably the 96 pack with built-in sharpener) that takes advantage of all the lighting discussed above and take in to consideration all the homeowners good loot, I mean VERY expensive art. Some of the more common fixtures are:

1) Wall washers: ( no these won’t be doing ANY of your dirty work!)

Wall washers are an incredible work horse. They create fantastic, dazzling patterns on the wall, (remember shiny, sparkly things excite me) and they are the best at accenting and highlighting surfaces and artwork. Generally they are placed on the ceiling 12″-24″ from the wall. BUT a word of caution, if you have high ceilings you may have to place these suckers as far as 8 feet out to get the correct angled direction for the wall, or art you are trying to highlight.

Here is an example of wall washing:

P-R-E-T-T-Y!

2) Standard recessed can.

Another work horse, this standard fixture can be found in every home. What makes them different and perform different are the trim’s. They are available with reflector trims, black alzak, black or white baffle and various others. Black and white baffle are by far THE most common recessed fixture in America, in a good Ol standard 6″ size. I do not recommend these BIG OL’ honking things. Here is one example (they are few and far between) where GO BIG OR GO HOME, does not apply!! The smaller the fixture (3″-5″) the better.

Standard recessed can with reflector trim:(shiny and sparkly)

This is a great example of Standard recessed can lighting, in combination with accent and wall washers. This also shows why smaller cans are better. Lighting puts a lot of holes in the ceiling. Smaller less obtrusive is better.

3) Pinhole aperture

Pinholes trims are great for direct down light. These can be used to highlight art or create a dramatic lighting effect in a niche, or corner. This pic is a great example of genral down lighitng and pinhole niche lighting.

Mr electric

Rosemary Bellinger

In this entry, Rosemary placed a beautiful sculpture at the base of the stairs. The mood and drama of this space is created with the help of a spot downlight on the sculpture art, making the piece come to life with lighting high’s and lows. (and after two shots of vodka, and a bag of M&M’s, you can move the sculpture and pretend you are trying out for American Idol!)

4) Slot aperture

These fixtures are ideal for controlled lighting. They not only create a spot, they give you flexibility. The trim has a 35 degree rotator inside the trim that allows precise placement of light.( we designers like OPTIONS!) They are typically used for art and places that movement and correction are needed, but are typically found in dining rooms on either side of the chandelier and hallways.

Decor Pad

Lighting can make or break a space. I don’t care if your furniture is made of cardboard or candy (do you mind if I gnaw on your furniture, I LOVE candy!) Lighting can make EVERYTHING beautiful. Of course the booze can accomplish this too, but it requires unlimited consumption. At some point you have to show up to the office and pretend to work!

The BEST Home lighting book for layman’s by far is Sunset’s Home lighting book