Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

I Love This Idea!

by Filed Under: medallions as art


Lately, I have been on the hunt for stylish, inexpensive ways to transform my walls! I love the look of detailed moldings and adding architectural interest to a space, but wanted to do it on a budget. When I received my latest issue of Country Living in the mail, I have found the solution- I have to try this idea!!

Look at that gorgeous wall! In just one day, this room was transformed using ceiling medallions! They went to a hardware store and applied these beautiful medallions to the wall using adhesive caulk. When grouped together in a large amount, this wall instantly has architectural interest and a chic new look. It is a stylish, inexpensive solution for art and adds a dramatic touch to the space. Now, I have to find a room for this art idea! Maybe the dining room or guest room- check back soon to find out.

Later this week, I hope to share with you the progress on my damask wallpaper in the foyer and a recent find for the guest room that is chic and cheap!

Why This Works

by Filed Under: why works series


Happy Friday and welcome to the series Why This Works… where I show a designed space and talk about why (I think) it’s perfection. I was browsing my recent new addiction (pinterest) and came across a beautiful living room space that was so worthy of this series!

Image via Pinterest and Photographed by James Ransom. ï»¿
This room is a refreshing Traditional space, with a touch of modern. I love how the pops of green are sprinkled throughout the space and complimented against a subtle, creamy white backdrop. The traditional tufted ottoman in the center of the room is balanced with more modern drum lamp shades and trellis patterned pillows. The modern X benches in front of the fireplace are paired well with the more traditional lines of the seating and side tables. There is a refreshingly casual feel about the space, with the natural rug and fun arrangement of prints on the mantel. I love that the accessory color in the space is also brought into the shelves next to the fireplace. Books and everyday necessities are a great way to incorporate the pop of color in the room. The shades on the windows are also fun with their beautiful green fabric, making them a cohesive and thoughtful addition to the space. Overall, this space works!  

A Dining Room E-Design

by Filed Under: e-design


I just recently wrapped up a dining room e-design project. This was so fun to work on, because the homeowner was amazing to work with. The client was looking for a modern, classic design with a touch of elegance. Yay- one of my favorites!! She liked using grays and blues and also loves dark wood furnishings. Here is the board I came up with:

This space will have shades of blue and gray, with pops of yellow! I tried to achieve a modern classic look with a blend of traditional and modern pieces, elegant mirrored finishes and upholstered seating. She loved the design, and I am so excited for her! My favorite elements in this space are the mirrored buffet and damask stenciled wall. The buffet is actually sold as a bedroom dresser, yet had all the right dimensions and even had soft interior lining in all of the drawers! The damask stencil will be applied to one wall and be the showstopper when you enter the room. The entire experience was great for me, because we made such a great team. It was truly fun!

If you would like to learn more about the Design Services I offer, please check out the Services page here. Design Services start at $75.

I Guess I Am Social!

by Filed Under: pinterest, twitter


It’s long overdue… but I have finally joined pinterest! I know it will be addicting, just like blogging- what did I get myself into?? You can find me on pinterest by searching “sdwellings” or going directly to the link on my sidebar. I have already started to create 2 boards, and I love it! I know I will appreciate the organization of it all when I am looking for something specific. And in order to sign up for pinterest, I also signed up for twitter! On Twitter, you can find me @SDwellings – at least I think you can. Bear with me- I’m still trying to figure this all out. So, there we have it- I guess I am now social!

How about you- are you on Pinterest or Twitter? Any advice for a newbie, like myself??

Z Gallerie Love

by Filed Under: z gallerie accessories


This is one of those stores that has unique, whimsical accessories to take a space to the next level. I love searching this shop for one of a kind finds that complete the room. I just recently wrapped up a dining room e-design that I will share with you soon, and I used some Z Gallerie accessory pieces for the space. A traditonal space can be made more modern and fun with some creative accessories that you wouldn’t expect.

All images via Z Gallerie.

What fun additions to your home! It’s a great way to add some whimsy to a traditional space. They would all fit perfectly on a coffee table, buffet or on shelves! I used one of these accessories in my most recent e-design room! Check back soon to see which one.

Do you like to add fun and whimsical accessories to your space?

Why This Works

by Filed Under: why works series


Happy Friday! Welcome to the series Why This Works… where I highlight a designed space and talk about why (I think) it’s perfection. This dining space was designed by Ashley Putman and was seen in the spring 2010 Lonny Magazine. I love this space so much, that I put it on this blog twice in one week! I love brousing through Lonny’s on line magazine- I always find so much inspiration!

This dining room is so inviting- I could stay in those comfortable wing chairs for hours! I mentioned in a previous post here that I love the color blue! There are so many gorgeous shades to this color, and this particular hue commands attention! This room will stand the test of time, with its traditional and neutral elements. The oversized, gorgeous wing chairs are made more modern with their white slipcovers and fun pillows. These traditional wing chairs are paired with more modern side chairs for an interesting, chic combination. The neutral area rug and traditional baluster leg table works well paired with the modern sideboard and chic, playful gallery wall. All of the white in the space pops even more paired with a dramatic shade of blue on the walls. The casual feel of the chadelier and fresh hydrangeas make the space feel warm and welcoming. For me, this space works!

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – The Mustard Ceiling

by Filed Under: blog room series


Today is Wednesday and time for the series, If My Blog Was A Room… where I pose the challenge to think of your blog as an actual space. What would that space look like? I am so excited to have Elizabeth here today, from her design blog The Mustard Ceiling. Elizabeth has one of those amazing blogs with so much great design information, fun DIY projects, and amazing before and after photos of her gorgeous home! Here is her great blog header:

And here is what she came up with! Take it away, Elizabeth-

Hello Simple Dwellings readers! I am so excited to be here today to participate in Amber’s fun series, “If My Blog Was a Room.”

If my blog were a room, it would be…
Source

Soft and neutral, with a pop of fun mustard or coral….

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and of course…

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a fabulous chandelier and a mustard ceiling…

Align Center
Thank you Amber for having me over today!
Thank you so much for being here, Elizabeth! The rooms you chose are gorgeous. I absolutely love the fun zebra print ottomans paired with the serene wall color and the gorgeous wall treatment in the last photo. These images definitely remind me of your blog!
Stop by and visit Elizabeth’s blog today! You’ll be so happy you did!

I’m Feeling Blue Today…

by Filed Under: blue decor


Don’t worry- I’m not feeling sad today- I’m talking about the color blue! Depending on the shade, blue can make a room feel chic, coastal, masculine, feminine, modern or traditional- it’s one of those versatile colors that I love! In large and small doses, here are some wonderful blue rooms:

Images 2 and 3 via Lonny 

Image via Cottage Living 

Image via Southern Living 

Designed by Phoebe Howard

What is your favorite shade of blue?

Why This Works and the Winner Is…

by Filed Under: why works series


Happy Friday!! It’s time for the series Why This Works… where I show a designed space and talk about why (I think) it’s perfection! This amazing living room space was seen in Cottage Living. I have held onto this image for so long, because there are so many fun elements that I love in this space.

The bright pops of color balance so well against the white walls, sofa and neutral seagrass rug. The room has great depth with the layering effect of the zebra rug and that works so well with the other black and white accessories and artwork in the space. This room also has a great balance of shapes and textures- there are round shapes in the side table and in the dramatic art over the sofa, rectangular shapes in the coffee table and picture frames and a great blend of upholstered and wood pieces to make this space eclectic and cohesive. The large art piece over the sofa frames out the seating area so well. The traditional silouette art works well placed on a more modern side table. The traditional style ottoman with nailhead trim gets a modern twist with a bold, bright upholstered fabric. To me, this space works! What are your thoughts??

And congratulations to the winner of the Olive Leaf Stencils Giveaway! I selected a winner through random.org and the winner is…

Lucky #1!! (How often does that happen?) Congratulations Anne from her wonderful blog, Hello Newman’s. I will be in contact with you today!! Anne said:

oh so fun! I just checked out her site – and don’t know how I would chose just one if I were to win. Some of the modern and damask patterns are so fun – I could totally see one of those on the wall behind bed in master bedroom! 🙂

When you choose a stencil, please send the after pictures, and I’ll post them up on the blog!

New Pillow Alert and Last Day for Giveaway!!

by Filed Under: chevron, guest room


Some changes are being made at the Simple Dwellings household! One of them being a new pillow for the guest room! I have spoken about my redesign plans for our guest room here and here, and this is the first purchase for the room! The color works well with the walls, which are Yarmouth Blue, by Benjamin Moore. I have some plans for the wall behind the bed- an idea from the wonderful Sherry of Design Indulgence. She designed a bedroom with this wall color and added two wide horizontal stripes in a creamy white to the wall behind the bed. I thought this idea was brilliant and a great way to add some interest and make this a focal wall. The rest of this room will have accessories in navy, green and yellow. So, this room is moving along very well in my head! But I do have one problem… when I brought this pillow home, it also works really well in our living room! What’s a girl to do? Maybe I could just keep it in our living room while there are no guests! This way, I can see it every day. When the guests arrive, I can quickly place it back upstairs as if the guest room always looks put together!

I like that the pillow is two sided- I can change up the look when I want something different! It is a Dwell Studio for Target pillow and was bought with a birthday gift card! (Thanks so much, mom!) I love Dwell Studio’s prints, and of course- the price! So, this little beauty just might have a place downstairs for a while- it’s just between me and you, right?

And today is the last day for the fabulous giveaway from Olive Leaf Stencils! You can enter until 11:59pm EST. Click here to enter!