Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

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My Theories on Design (So Far)

January 23, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: design theories Leave a Comment

I have been thinking about this topic for a while. With some design classes under my belt, starting an e-decor business, this blog, and all of the inspiration from you- I have a few go to theories on interior design that have stuck with me so far. This past year, so much of what I have learned comes from your amazing blogs. The daily inspirations, the DIY projects and the wonderful sites like Houzz and Pinterest… there is so much design knowledge out there! You all continue to truly amaze me! So here we go- my design theories thus far:

1. To give a space an eclectic, well designed look- mix up design styles, wood and metal finishes! There is no one rule- have fun with your personal style.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Simple on Pinterest

2. Accessories bring a space together! This is a constant work in progress for me- I have definitely come to realize the importance of the accessories in a space. It can take a lot of editing and stepping back to see what’s in front of you. I have found pinterest (yet again) a great source for this!

Source: houzz.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: simplyseductive.blogspot.com via Simple on Pinterest
Our Family Room
3. Dark walls don’t make a space feel smaller…. but lots of small furniture pieces does. A small room (even with dark walls) looks bigger with a few larger furniture pieces, as opposed to many smaller pieces. When we first bought our house, I thought I had to fill every nook and cranny with pictures on the walls, and tables and chairs everywhere. When I took a step back and only kept the things that were necessary in the space, traded out the several pieces for a few larger scale ones, the rooms felt more spacious!
Source: shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: madebygirl.blogspot.com via Simple on Pinterest
4. Monochromatic doesn’t mean boring. Layering different textures, finishes and shades of the same color actually show tons of depth and creativity!
Source: housebeautiful.com via Simple on Pinterest
5. On the flip side, I also believe pops of color can awaken a room and bring life to the space! For me, I like to use bold color in small doses, keeping the overall look fairly neutral. This way, when I am loving a new color, it can be easily traded in to the room!
Source: thedecorista.tumblr.com via Simple on Pinterest
6. While we’re on the topic of color, paint on the walls can completely change the look of your space! For not too much money, your room can go from ok to wow with the right paint color, stencil or paint treatment!
Source: thedesignerpad.com via Simple on Pinterest
And last but not least… have fun! Your space doesn’t have to look like someone else’s space- it just has to make you smile!
And thanks to all of you for helping me create this list… you are all so inspiring and I love learning from all of you!
Do you have any go to design theories??
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Welcome!

Hi, I'm Amber... a wife, mom and interior decorator. I am the writer of Simple Dwellings and the designer behind Amber B Design. Blog topics are all things design, with the occasional DIY attempt! Thanks for stopping by.Read more...

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@amberbdesign

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Most of my favorite design colors to use in projec Most of my favorite design colors to use in projects come right from nature! #coastalliving #palmbeach #loveyourhabitat
Whenever I’m looking for coastal design inspirat Whenever I’m looking for coastal design inspiration, I take a walk around Palm Beach. This week is perfect for that! #designinspiration #coastalliving #palmbeach #loveyourhabitat
Can you believe it… I wrote a blog post!!! 😂 Can you believe it… I wrote a blog post!!! 😂 Head over to my blog (link in bio) to see what’s been going on with all things Amber B Design, including this bookcase beauty in the office of #ProjectClassicLiving #amberbdesign #coastalliving #myballardstyle
In my last post, I hinted at a new plan for the li In my last post, I hinted at a new plan for the living room. Now that the ladder has been relocated to the family room, this corner is definitely in need of some height. I almost went with the idea of a tree and while I love it in other homes, I just didn’t see it here. So I went on Pinterest in search of inspiration and @studiomcgee to the rescue! I love the idea of a pedestal with a vase and maybe some branches, instead of a tree. I can switch up the accessories on the pedestal and I think it’s the winner! Inspiration in the next slide. #amberbdesignathome #coastalliving
I have always liked to shop around my home, moving I have always liked to shop around my home, moving things to different rooms and making them feel like new accessories. It breathes new life into a space, even with subtle touches. I switched the living room and family room table lamps and I like the larger scale lamp in here! I have fun plans for the living room, which I’ll share soon. Happy Friday!! #amberbdesignathome #loveyourhabitat #SMmakelifebeautiful #howyouhome #bhghome #hgtv #coastalliving
Once the Christmas tree is down, I always feel lik Once the Christmas tree is down, I always feel like the room is so bare. This year, we had it to the left of the television and I really feel like that space is now so empty. I tried the living room ladder in its place and I love it! But the living room needs it there too. What to do?! Maybe a tall plant in one of the spaces?! Two ladders within feet of each other?! 😂 #amberbdesignathome #coastalliving #howyouhome #SMmakelifebeautiful #loveyourhabitat #bhghome
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