7 Ultimate Decorating Must Haves

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

1) Emerald

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

2) Honey Comb

Honey comb

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

3) Unique lighting

Unique lighting fixtures

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

4) Greige

Greige

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

5) Fantastic art

Christina Baker

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

6) Vintage

Vintage furniture

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

7) That piece that makes you go…..

Spider wallpaper

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

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When Fashion Meets Design

Case Mate

I have been looking for a new iPhone case for months. I wanted something that was stylish, but not over the top. And it didn’t hurt to be “designer-y” but I didn’t want a brand splashed all over it…sounds complicated, right? Well I am nothing if not sure of what I want. So I was so excited to find case mate.

Case Mate

Classy, stylish and not all up in your face like some name brands. And the best part? Not just of iPhone, they offer many cases for all the top brand phones,

Case mate

I love it when things are easy. I especially love having options. Now I just have to choose which one I want. Bah! Decisions, decisions!

Which one is your favorite, help a girl out here, I need suggestions!

Grilled Shrimp Panzanella with Basil

1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

4 tablespoons olive oil, kosher salt and black pepper

1 small baguette (about 8 ounces) split lengthwise

2 1/2 pounds heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes, cut into wedges

2 cups fresh basil leaves

Heat grill to medium high. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of the oil ad 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Brush the baguette with 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil.

Grill the baguette and shrimp, uncovered until is golden and crisp, about 1 minute per side and the shrimp are opaque through out, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cut the baguette into bite sized pieces.

In a second large bowl, toss the shrimp, baguette, tomatoes and basil with the lemon juice, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

recipe from BHG

Posted: November 12, 2012 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: luxury | recipe | cooking, cuisine, luxury, recipe Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

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!

4 Simple Design Tricks To Improve Your Sex Life

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

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

1) Get rid of the clutter

Untitled

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

2) Proper linens

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

3) Sleepwear

Untitled

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

4) Lighting

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

Break These Ten Bad Bedroom Habits for a Healthier Sex Life

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

Outdoor entertaining-fabulous tips for the ultimate party

It’s the middle of August, and there is no better way to celebrate summer than with an outdoor party with friends. It’s hot and we are lethargic, and nothing soothes that summer heat better than a cool drink,( martini anyone?) and tasty B-B-Q! Outdoor entertaining is fun, so people are turning the televisions off, hooking up with friends and neighbors and enjoying the cool summer nights together. Outdoor entertaining is easy, and requires very little,( a motto and philosophy we at AB HOME love!) One of our favorite quotes from Real Simple,

“A successful dinner party doesn’t demand anything elaborate-just simple food, good company, and a convivial setting”

I love entertaining and I especially love entertaining outdoors. SO what are some things you can do to bring the party out side? Here are a few of my tips for entertaining outdoors:

1) Outdoor rooms:

[/caption]

Outdoor furniture is wildly popular and can be found just about anywhere. Summer Classics is one of my favorites. But why not bring out a couple of chairs from the dining room or an old sofa from the basement? Buy inexpensive slipcovers in white, (Target has a great selection), and bring those peices outdoors. It creates a more intimate and cozy feeling to your soiree. White is a great back drop for any setting and can easily be dressed up for any style or occasion. It’s unexpected and super fun.

2) Lights

Outdoor lighting

Bring the indoors out

Never underestimate the power of lighting. Hang an old chandelier from an oak tree and light it up with candles, or have your skilled electrician convert the wiring to an outdoor plug. Put floating candles in the pool, string lights up through the trees, or take a strand of lights and use it as garland around the fence. You can never have too many lights and trust me, you can never have too many candles. Lights add whimsy and magic to the event and create a beautiful intoxicating mood.

Designer tip: Turn off any security features like motion sensitive flood lights. Nothing kills a mood like flood lamps hitting your eyes every time you run to the bathroom!

3) Comforts of home

[/caption]

Many parties start in the afternoon and continue through to late evening. Outdoor entertaining is all about the comforts of home. Relaxing, laughing and enjoying good food. Don’t spoil the magic because you weren’t prepared. Have bug spray handy (I often keep it in the bathroom, in a basket on the counter), soft throws for your guests to snuggle up in, decaf coffee, soft music, anything you think they might need, have it on hand. When entertaining make your guests feel comfortable and welcomed. The more accessible these items are, the more they will feel at home. Often people don’t like to ask for things. They feel it is too much to ask, and they will either leave or suffer. That isn’t a memorable experience. Have all of these items on there own buffet table, in the bathroom, or in an area that encourages them to grab what they need without regret.

4) Dinnerware

Outdoor dining

Comforts of home

Just like bringing out a few upholstered pieces of furniture, I love using real dishes outside. Yes it’s not practical, they need to be cleaned but a mismatched set of china combined with old stemware is romantic and decadent. Life is too short, live it up and enjoy the simple pleasures of life! Take a trip to your local flea market and gather up beautiful mismatched dishes and stemware that work perfectly with your outdoor space. You’ll be amazed at how happy it makes you!

5) Cloth napkins and silverware

[/caption]

Always use cloth napkins, even if it’s simple B-B-Q or hamburgers. If there are children at the event you can provide paper napkins for them to use, but the juxtaposition of formal-rustic is a good tug and pull for outdoor entertaining. It is more inviting, and they work a hell of a lot better than those napkins with seasonal prints that work as good as a plastic bag. Cloth linens are easy to find and not expensive. If you are concerned about stains, go for a black or brown option. Same goes for silver ware. Pick up an inexpensive set like this one from amazon, if you don’t want to use your every day stuff. It is more civilized and enjoyable. Guests will often sit longer and enjoy themselves rather than bolting for the door. Include them in the clean-up. Most guests are happy to help. It’s not the end of the party destination that counts, its the journey through the evening that should be enjoyed…even cleaning dishes!

6) Flowers

Outdoor flowers

Outdoor entertaining

Always include fresh cut flowers on the buffet table, dining table, in the bathroom-where ever your guests will be. They are pleasant and uplifting and suit the festivities perfectly. Outdoor entertaining is all about the outdoors! Not sure how to put your arrangements together? Click on Mondays easy tips for arranging. Keep it simple and easy. The more simple you can make it the more charming and delightful the arrangements are to your guests.

images: room-galleries, outdoor lighting, apartment therapy, the brides cafe, hellow lucky

Remodeling-what’s new in bathroom products

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

1) LED Ribbon

LED ribbon

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

2) Killer hardware

Cabinet hardware

Casablanca hardware

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

3) Contemporary warmth

Towel warmer

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

4) Stylish grabs

Grab bars

[/caption]

Great grabz

Grab bars

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

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

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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!

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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.

{via}

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….”

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Online Design

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How to achieve a well appointed home by Interior designer Amanda Gates

Ever wonder what makes a home special? Probably not. But have you ever been in a home that felt special? When a home has the {it} factor, it’s typically in the details. A well appointed home takes you that much further. It entices the senses, encourages curiosity, and enlightens our spirits. It just feels good, and you may not know why.

In my opinion there are 5 distinct things you can add to your own home to make it feel right, and ooze the {it} factor for a well appointed home:

Source

Collections. Having a collection gives the homeowner personal gratification, but also gives guests a window into your interest’s and makes things personal. For example, when you go into a person’s home and you see their beautiful art collection, you are drawn to them, and learn something new about them that you may not have known.

Evan Lewis

A well appointed home focuses on details. So when you are decorating your home always pay attention to the details. For example, details are what take this ordinary martini table from Evan L into something extraordinary.

Eric Henderson

Balance and Scale. When a home has balance it feels right. It is comfortable, and easy on the eyes to read. Symmetry in my opinion is the only way to approach design. {Remember students, my opinion is the only one that counts…} It has a harmony to it that just feels right, and helps tune out the chaos in everyday life.

Source

A well appointed home takes every surface into consideration. The floor, the ceiling, the walls, and everything in between. This goes back to balance and harmony, but essentially all your senses should be enticed. A home should encourage excitement, and drama, comfort, and curiosity.

Source

And finally a well appointed home never overlooks the simple luxuries that make a home glamourous for your lifestyle. Having the things you love surround you, allows the home to live and breathe you. These simple things make life enjoyable and allow you to live with purpose and conviction, and this brings everything together. The details, collections, balance and surfaces come alive, when they are simple luxuries that speak to you, and the way you live.

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Need design help from an experienced design professional with over 12 years experience? Want to work with someone who listens to your needs and sticks to your budget? Call our office for a design consultation that will change the way you live and think about your home. Contact us @ info@abhomeinteriors.com or call us @

615-750-2763

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Posted: August 23, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Glamour | luxury | 1 Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

Marianella Soaps available at AB HOME Interiors

As we moseyed into 2010 we realized that it was time to put on our game face’s. All shiny and rested from a holiday full of guilty pleasure, and SUGAR, we were ready to start movin’! First on our list was the website. Now we love our little website. But it was brought to our attention (by Scott our computer guru with fancy terms, and IMPORTANT tasks ) that our little engine that could, isn’t so little anymore! We have grown up to be a very successful full grown adult website. ( and I don’t mean the dirty kind!)

ABHOMEINTERIORS.COM

One of our biggest goals for the year: find NEW and UNIQUE products. Add new categories, delete old ones, and just give some good ol’ lovin’ to our website. One of our most exciting additions to our product line is Marianella Soaps. These beauties not only LOOK beautiful and decadent but they SMELL incredible! Marianella soaps are 100% natural and handcrafted with pure ingredients such as vegetable oils, cocoa butter, oatmeal, honey, goat’s milk, and vegetable glycerin, only colored naturally and scented with all natural plant essential oils and the highest quality skin-safe fragrance oils.

Lemonwood

“When I left my native country of Venezuela and moved to Dallas, Texas, I brought with me the memories I cherished of the world I left behind. These memoirs of sweet years of the past inspired me to continue an old family tradition of soap making. I never thought something that started as a Sunday afternoon practice with my sisters, in our mother’s kitchen, would turn into such a lush and exciting family business.” Jaboneria Marianella

Marianella and her Son

We have had incredible success with these fantastic soaps. What has been most exciting is to see the joy that people get when I GIVE them as a gift. The 10 oz pouches are wrapped in a linen handkerchief that can be reused for numerous things, and the packaging on the individual soaps are pure eye candy!

Aranciata

Not only does Marianella capture your sense of smell, and create a visual dance of excitement, she even appeals to our strongest sense-emotion!

“Sitting on a wooden bench with my sisters in the parco degli aranci in Rome, watching a magnificent sunset that resembled an Aurora Borealis” thats just a little snipet from the inspiration of Aranciata, oh-la-la!

Desert Gardenia

“My mission is to create a soap that lingers in your skin and in your thoughts;that stirs your own memories and that you cannot do without. Our soap is One of a Kind and its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is handcrafted. We take pride in our collections because they are as beautiful and timeless as the ideas behind them.” – Marianella Now through the end of February, buy one Marianella soap, get the second half off! Have a great Friday everyone!
			Marianella Febres – Cordero, President.

Posted: February 12, 2010 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: luxury | Leave a Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

7 Ultimate Decorating Must Haves

When Fashion Meets Design

Grilled Shrimp Panzanella with Basil

Designer Do’s and Don’ts

4 Simple Design Tricks To Improve Your Sex Life

1) Get rid of the clutter

2) Proper linens

3) Sleepwear

4) Lighting

Outdoor entertaining-fabulous tips for the ultimate party

1) Outdoor rooms:

2) Lights

3) Comforts of home

4) Dinnerware

5) Cloth napkins and silverware

6) Flowers

Remodeling-what’s new in bathroom products

1) LED Ribbon

2) Killer hardware

3) Contemporary warmth

4) Stylish grabs

3 ways to add decadence to your bathroom

Wines that go well with a Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter!

And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage!

The Dish

Harley the cat

facebook!

How to achieve a well appointed home by Interior designer Amanda Gates

Marianella Soaps available at AB HOME Interiors

Sign-up! Get the latest monthly news from AB HOME

Contributors

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AB HOME Interiors Featured on Houzz

AB HOME admin

Our work is copyrighted. Please contact us for more info.

Podcast

1) Get rid of the clutter

2) Proper linens

3) Sleepwear

4) Lighting

1) Outdoor rooms:

2) Lights

3) Comforts of home

4) Dinnerware

5) Cloth napkins and silverware

6) Flowers

1) LED Ribbon

2) Killer hardware

3) Contemporary warmth

4) Stylish grabs

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter!

And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage!

The Dish

Harley the cat

Sign-up! Get the latest monthly news from AB HOME

Contributors

Grab us

AB HOME Interiors Featured on Houzz

Popular Posts

AB HOME admin

Our work is copyrighted. Please contact us for more info.

Podcast