7 Ultimate Decorating Must Haves

Gone are the days of well polished rooms that no one uses. Todays interiors are fresh with a twist and built for families, pets and entertaining. And if you want your room to sing, then here are 11 must have design items your room can’t live without!

1) Emerald

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

2) Honey Comb

Honey comb

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

3) Unique lighting

Unique lighting fixtures

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

4) Greige

Greige

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

5) Fantastic art

Christina Baker

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

6) Vintage

Vintage furniture

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

7) That piece that makes you go…..

Spider wallpaper

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

Sign-up for our Newsletter

Don’t forget to follow me on TWITTER

And Join us on our fan page at FACEBOOK

Image: 1, 2, 3, 4,

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.

Sign-up for our Newsletter

Don’t forget to follow us on TWITTER

And Join us on our fan page at FACEBOOK

Photos: AB HOME Interiors, DIY life,

Classy Can Be Colorful

Grant K Gibson Designs

As I was perusing through pinterest this past weekend I came across this delightful portfolio pic from Grant Gibson. His work is a fine example of tasteful design without fear of using color. This kitchen of classic lines and everyday sophistication mixed with whimsy clearly shows the two can co-exisit in beautiful harmony. What do you think?

Sign-up for our Newsletter

Don’t forget to follow us on TWITTER

And Join us on our fan page at FACEBOOK

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!

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

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!

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!

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

Enticing Entries

I am loving all the photos of entry ways that I am seeing on the internet. There are so many great ways to decorate an entry and here are some really great shots of inspiration to get you started in the right direction.

What do you think? Which is your favorite entryway? So many wonderful choices and ideas!

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!

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

Images: Cha cha, Inspired room, Southern Accents, horchow

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!

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

Mastering your bath

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

AB HOME Interiors

1) Organization

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

2) Lighting

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

3) Finishes

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

4) Color

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

Find us on facebook or Twitter!!

Want more designer tricks, tips and trade secrets, delivered to your inbox, all for FREE? Click here for our monthly newsletter, and receive our top tips on “How to accessorize and where to shop!” And be sure to register for my powerful FREE teleclass, 3 Design steps to a more Productive and Profitable Office.

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

Apartment series: The best ways to decorate a temporary space

Today I kick off a small decorating series: Apartment therapy. My bathroom remodeling series has been wildly popular amongst my readers, however many readers live in temporary spaces. I recently started working with a gal, Mrs M, who comes to Tennessee for work. She leased a beautiful apartment near my office and has hired me to be of assistance.

Mrs M bedroom

We will first start on the bedroom. Her bed is an antique made for mattresses that used to be much smaller. The bed height with a modern day mattress measures at 54″…..it’s a bit too tall. With nothing else in the room it looks unbalanced and disproportionate. We will address that with large nightstands, and add some color to the bed to draw the eye away from the big elephant in the room. Another issue I will address is her lighting. The lamps she has chosen are beautiful but not right for this room. She wants a clean contemporary feel, but these are a bit extreme. I plan on adding something with a bit of color, more bulk and a little less whispy feeling.

She currently has no seating in the room . It is always nice to have a chair in the room to read a book or throw on some shoes. Tune in next week and I will give you a sneak peek at the presentation process and ideas I plan to share with her.

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!

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

Apartment therapy series

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

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

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

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

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

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

Remodeling series-week 11

Mrs S corner dilemma

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

Radient flooring

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

Thin set covers radient floors

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

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

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

View from the water closet

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

Shower interior

and with much excitement, the floor is complete!

Bathroom entrance

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

Floor from closet

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

Fancy backsplash

iPhoto

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

Week 11 in all it’s glory…..Progress!

If you missed week one, click here.

If you missed week two, Click here

If you missed week three, click here

If you missed week four and five, click here

If you missed week six, click here

If you missed week seven, click here

If you missed week eight, click here

If you missed week nine, click here!

If you missed week ten, click here

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

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

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

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

5 tips for decorating a small space

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

1) Mirrors

Mirrors

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

2) Use tone-on-tone colors

Soft tone on tone room

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

3) Laquer your floors.

Shiny floor

Lacquered floors

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

4) Add skylights

Skylights

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

5) Go big with less

go big in small spaces

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

What are some of your favorite tricks?

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

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

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

Harley decorations

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

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

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

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!

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

Find us on facebook and Twitter too!!

images: 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

How to decorate your mantel in 10 minutes or less

As with any fall, this is our busy season. I work non-stop, seven days a week frantically trying to get everything done until December. Happens. every. year. And every year I wonder how on earth I will get through it all. Ironically enough, January is our slow season and every year I wonder how on earth I will get through it. I swear I can be such a designer sometimes! The good news is somehow, some way, it all comes together and we get through to the New Year, which we kick off with big plans, stars in our eyes, and tons of yummy left overs. But until then, here are some great tips on holiday mantels that are easy to assemble and easy to tear down when all the adoration of the holidays and eggnog has worn off.

Using items you have:

1) Take ornaments that you already have and string them through some decorative ribbon and hang on your mantel. Take existing hurricanes and fill them with decorative ornaments, acorns, nuts, or candy canes and use them to hold the ornament garland. For added glow, throw in some beautiful votives that will cast a magical glow when lit in the evenings.

2) Purchase a few styrofoam balls in different shapes and sizes from a craft store. Paint some toothpicks in magical holiday colors and create easy to make snowballs. These can be placed on a mantel with garland and candles or can also be placed on a candlestick.

3) Ever wonder what to do with all that left over wrapping paper from holidays past? Wrap existing artwork in your home for some added punch and festivity. Easy to do, and placed on a mantel creates a superb display when mixed with ornaments and your handmade ornament garland.

4) Probably one of my favorite mantel ideas is framed photos. Go through all your boxes of photos and pull out all your favorite holiday memories. Grab frames from around the house and fill them up with funny stories, and loved ones. Take foliage from around the yard and place the photos on your mantel for a sweet and charming walk down memory lane that will keep everyone talking, and laughing!

Super easy and can be done in a snap. And in my experience these mantel ideas are always more impressive and well-received at parties with friends and family than those with expensive over the top adornments. Remember to keep it short, sweet, and simple!

What are some of your favorite and easy holiday mantel decorations?

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter!

AB HOME facebook fanpage

Posted: October 10, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Interiors | design | interior design | holiday mantels, mantel decorating, mantel ideas, mantel quick tips 9 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

An affair with a chair by Brentwood Interior Designer, Amanda Gates

How great would life be to seat a glamourous life? To be looked upon as a curvy and alluring creature that is admired, swooned and coveted? Oh and it provides comfort and encourages conversation. I adore chairs, almost as much as I love candy. Here are some of my favorite finds:

Jonathan Adler

Victoria Hagan

Platt Furniture

Jonathan Adler

Fyndes.com

Studio Dror (these chairs hang flat when not in use!)

Missoni Chair by Kartell

Charme Chair by Studio Archirivolto

Posted: April 9, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: design | Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

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!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter!
And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage!

High Style Dining Rooms

At AB HOME INTERIORS we decorate and create a lot of dining rooms. We love to decorate a tablescape for a party to set a mood. However, these rooms show that when there isnt a party a simple decoration will do. And while the first picture does show a well decorated table for soon to arrive guests, the other three tables are great examples of dining rooms that are high on style, with dramatic color combos with little decoration. The focus is more on the rooms as a whole. They are warm, easy to read, and easy on the eyes!

Photos courtesy of Phoenix Home.

Beautiful bathrooms

Nothing speaks to me more than a beautiful bathroom. A bathroom that is well designed exploits the senses with exhilaration, excitement and promotes soothing calm with absolute ease. We start and end our day in this porcelain and chrome castle so shouldn’t our bathrooms put us in a good mood? One thing is for sure, if one of these rooms was where I started my day I would actually be happy to be up at 7 am, and wouldn’t mind slipping into slumber by 8pm!

As a designer I help clients in new construction projects and remodels. Bathrooms are always a major category on the “to do” list of luxuries. But if you don’t have a new construction project, or the budget to remodel here are some tips to update your bathroom into “happy to be up at 7 am” category.

1) Update your fixtures. This is an easy category for anyone. As a rule of thumb stick to the current manufacturer that is already in you bathroom. For example, if your fixtures are Moen, update to another Moen fixture. And this doesn’t have to be expensive! Look online, home improvement close outs, and plumbing stores.

2) Update your counters. Surfaces are highly competitive. And many natural stone companies have a remnant yard. What does this means to you? You can go to these facilities and select “leftovers” from other jobs that are perfect for a bathroom counter. You can often find high quality, high priced slabs at half the price. The average bathroom remnant will cost $400-$800, compared to the normal $1200 or higher.

3) Update the floors. Most bathrooms have good working tile. But if yours isn’t castle worthy, inexpensive tile can be found. But a word of caution. Depending on where you live, inexpensive tile can easily be found, inexpensive labor may not. Do some research of tile installation costs in your area.

4) Paint. The simplest and least expensive update! Paint can make all the difference in any space. And most bathrooms only use 1-2 gallons. So for a few paint rollers, supplies and paint you can put up a new splash of color for under $100 bucks!

5) Knobs. Most of my clients never even think to change out the knobs on their cabinets. But this simple, inexpensive update can easily add personality and style in an instant and generally costs less than $50.

6) Accessories. Add a few new towels, some artwork (bought or made), some candles, and you have yourself a hotel spa in a flash.

Have further questions on how to update your bathroom sanctuary? Email us at amanda@abhomeinteriors.com

Table scaping

Back in February we did the home show here in Nashville. We created a beautiful tablescape showcasing the possibilities and limitless ideas that anyone can use for their own table. Since the show we have received numerous emails from curious design enthusiasts on what creates a beautiful table, and what can be used to create a beautiful table. Here are some rules we live by:

1) There are no rules!

2) If it speaks to you use it!

3) Decide on a theme. Whether you are having a simple get together or an elaborate dinner party, pick a color, an object, a pattern or material and use it through out your table.

4) Have fun with it. (Remember number 1)

5) Dont be afraid to mix the expensive with the inexpensive. The photo above with the red chairs is a perfect example. The table is a beautiful raw limed oak and it cost $1700. But the chairs are an inexpensive outdoor vinyl and they cost $60. I brought them in from the outside! Have further questions? Email us and we will be happy to help you with your upcoming table dilemma. Amanda@abhomeinteriors.com