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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Best way to add color

I have written about doors before on this blog and even shared my love affair with my own doors at the AB HOME office. Here is just another example of why using a door to incorporate a pop of color into your space is an excellent idea…true story!

Purple like pink is one of those colors that goes with everything. Take a door in your space and throw a few coats of high gloss plum on it to instantly add some fun color! What do you think? Could you live with purple? How about yellow or pink? I say yes, yes, and more yes!

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Posted: September 26, 2012 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: Lifestyle | choosing paint | color | brentwood design, color, design, door paint, doors, nashville design, paint, painting doors 1 Comment AB Homes Interiors Blog

How to Brighten a Room With Color

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

1) Accent chairs

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

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

2) Fabric accents

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

Bridging the Gap

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

3) Bold Furniture Moves

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

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

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Mastering your bath

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

AB HOME Interiors

1) Organization

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

2) Lighting

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

3) Finishes

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

4) Color

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

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

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

Before and after, small changes with big rewards

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

AB HOME Interiors

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

AB HOME Interiors

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

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

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

Quick and easy solutions to update your bedroom now

I love decorating bedrooms but they are often the most neglected rooms in the house. Typically clients will invest the majority of their decorating dollars into their “public” spaces, leaving their bedroom naked since most don’t see it. However, that is a big mistake. You spend a third of your life in your bedroom. It is the space you wake up in and it’s the last space you see before retiring to sleep filled Zzzz’s. A space that uplifts you and is peaceful is one that inspires you and creates rest. A room filled with clutter, poor paint choices, and mismatched furniture will feel disorganized, and frumpy…so how would you like to start and end your day? Frumpy or invigorated?

This past Friday my team and I installed a master bedroom that only included a few quick changes, but created incredible results with little to no effort! But before we got started we had to first work with the rookie mistakes. The top mistakes I see in a bedroom:

1) Too much furniture

2) Too many matching pieces

3) Poor lighting

4) Poor selection in color

5) Clutter

AB HOME interiors

We only changed a few things but the results are clearly visible. My client bought a bed in a bag…poor move but a common mistake. It was all too matchy-matchy. Mix it up to create a more restful space. Never paint the walls a different color than the color scheme of fabrics in the room. Here I chose a soft cream that blended beautifully with the linens, and also muted the wood furnishings. Always add drapery. Here I added custom drapery in a beautiful Vervain floral print that has every color of the rainbow. This draws the eye up and gives a wonderful pop of color. As a custom touch I added a biased band on the draperies leading edge and had custom bed pillows made to compliment the bedding. All in all just a few quick changes that dramatically change the look and feel of this space. Now it is more restful, easy, with just the right amount of color. Tune in on Wednesday when I show the quick fixes I made for her family room.

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Style secrets from our Southern Living show house design team

The design team is in full swing at the Southern Living show house and I wanted to get the inside scoop on some of their best ideas,and tricks! Ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a designer? Ever wonder what their approach to a project is? As designers we all have different philosophies and opinions on what makes a space unique and special. But put all of us in one house and soon you’ll find that we all follow very similar ideologies. Thursday I sat down with three of the designers from the Southern Living show house to get some of their best designer secrets and trade tips.

Jerome Farris

from Peddler Interiors is decorating the show house living room.

Jamali Southern Living Showhouse

1) What is the best investment when designing a home? “Original Art is THE investment that makes YOUR space an Original! Against the calming neutrals of this Showhouse, original works by renowned Artists such as Jamali provide that all-important “wow factor.” Bold statements in art define the tone of a room and tell the story of who it’s owners are! Always buy the best art you can afford as these pieces become valuable investments both financially and emotionally to be handed down throughout the years.” ~ Jerome Farris

He doesn’t know it yet, but Jerome and I are going to be best friends. For those of you who read my blog regularly, all I do is rant and rave about the importance of art, and how it transforms a space. Art truly is the best investment you can make in your home!

2) What is Jerome’s philosophy on being an interior designer? “No successful design is achieved without time and careful research. You must take time to physically discover fabrics, accessories, and furnishings that reflect originality and that will remain unique to your space. No client wants to invest in decor they may also find at their friends’ homes.” ~ Jerome Farris

3) How did you come up with the design of your space? “While the basic elements of the showhouse living room are each neutral in color, careful attention to diverse material selection is a must. Velvets, linens, metal, glass and wood must all mingle successfully to achieve texture and depth. The way these selections blend are what makes the design interesting and unique.” ~Jerome Farris

Dana Tucker and Brooks Tucker

from Bella Tucker Decorative Finishes are doing the Southern Living show house’s powder bath floor, the range hood, a ceiling in the girl’s bedroom, a custom concrete overlay patterned finish on the floor of the covered porch and the entrance to the guest retreat. Here she offers up their best tips from a painters perspective:

Bella-Tucker Decorative finishes

1) What are some great tricks with paint when designing a space? “When painting, don’t forget the ceiling. Ceilings are another opportunity to introduce a little drama into a room. If you want the ceiling color to be the same color as the walls, in most cases you will need to cut the color by 1/2 strength since paint tends to look darker on a ceiling. Choosing a color that is a few shades darker than your wall color can drop the ceiling a little. Choosing a few shades lighter will elevate a ceiling. Adding pattern and texture to a ceiling will add warmth and depth and complete a custom look.” ~Dana Tucker

2) What are some great tricks to make walls a little more custom? For a completely custom look consider designing your own custom wallpaper. This can be done with a stencil, paints of the same color with varying sheens, metallic paints, and texture mediums. There are lots of great tutorials on the web. Here is a recent one from Rosemary on the TV” ~Dana Tucker

3) Any new products on the market that we must know about? “There is a new paint on the market revolutionizing the furniture painting category. It’s called Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It comes in 24 colors and it is perfect for furniture because it does not require a primer and it distresses beautifully. The only thing standing between you and a beautiful swedish, parisian or shabby chic look is a creative eye, a quart of chalk paint, and a lovely piece of furniture.” ~Dana Tucker

Caroline Weigel

from Castle Homes, designing the kitchen for the Southern Living Show case home

Castle Kitchen

1) Why is the kitchen so important to a home? For many families the kitchen is the center or “hub” of family life, serving as a place not only to prepare food and dine, but to read mail, do homework or catch up with friends over a glass of wine. With so much living happening in today’s kitchens, it’s important that the room’s design is both functional and inviting.

2) What are some things to consider when designing a kitchen? If you’re building your dream kitchen or remodeling your current one start with the layout, considering appliance choices and positioning. You want to create a functional work triangle with your range, refrigerator and sink. Also, consider what views you want from your kitchen. When you’re standing at the sink do you want to see the kids playing in the next room or would you like to look out your window.

3) What is one of your best weapons? Never underestimate the importance of good lighting. It can make or break a room. Consider the many different ways you can introduce lighting into your kitchen. Consider task lighting which can mean under-cabinet or pendant lights, ambient lighting which sets the mood of the room and could be a grand chandelier or a funky art piece, and general lighting which typically means recessed or ceiling lights.

I really cannot agree more! I would like to thank the designers for taking the time to chat with me on their best trade secrets!

What are some of your favorite designer tricks?

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Posted: September 9, 2011 by Amanda Gates |Filed Under: accessorizing | design 101 | design tips | ab home interiors, amanda burdge, art, Cool Springs designer, lighting, paint, Southern living magazine, Southern Living Nashville TN, Southern living showcase home 7 Comments AB Homes Interiors Blog

Southern Living showcase home-A return to glamour

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

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

My vision:

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

What: Soft, feminine, understated glamour

Where: Somewhere between the intersection of 1962 and the present

Fabric:

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

: Southern Living show house Nashville. Fabrics take 1

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

Southern Living fabrics, take two

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

Southern Living fabrics, take three

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

Paint:

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

Accessible Beige

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

Furniture:

Cane chairs

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

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

So what do you think so far?

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images: AB HOME mood board,

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

Remodeling series-Week 14

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

Custom doors

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

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

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

Master bedroom floors

Master closet off the master bath

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

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

Before and after-The power of choosing the right paint

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

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

Before

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

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

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

after new paint

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

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

Remodeling series-Week 9

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

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

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

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

1) Shower Tile Continued

Shower tile

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

Tile installation

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

2) Preliminary Bathroom floors

Floor pattern layout

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

Amanda's floor tile chicken scratch

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

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

3) Electrical

Sloppy First coat of paint

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

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

If you missed week one, click here.

If you missed week two, Click here

If you missed week three, click here

If you missed week four and five, click here

If you missed week six, click here

If you missed week seven, click here

If you missed week eight, click here

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

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

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

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

It’s oh so bittersweet…..

Benjamin Moore Bittersweet Chocolate 2441

Source

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

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

West Elm

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

Louis Di Calla

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

Jessica Dauray

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

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

Thomas Lavin

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

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

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

Candace Cavanaugh

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

Adrienne Neff

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

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

What does brown signify to you?

What is your favorite Brown Color?

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

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1) Shower Tile Continued

2) Preliminary Bathroom floors

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

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1) Accent chairs

2) Fabric accents

3) Bold Furniture Moves

1) Organization

2) Lighting

3) Finishes

4) Color

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!

Jerome Farris

Dana Tucker and Brooks Tucker

Caroline Weigel

My vision:

Fabric:

Paint:

Furniture:

1) Shower Tile Continued

2) Preliminary Bathroom floors

3) Electrical

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

Grab us

AB HOME Interiors Featured on Houzz

Popular Posts

AB HOME admin

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

Podcast