Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

Oversized Accessories

by Filed Under: accessories, design, personal design style


In my previous post, I mentioned that I like using large, oversized accessories in a room. If you think they make a space look smaller, it actually does the opposite. Even in a compact sized room, a large art print, dramatic vases, urns and even an oversized lamp can make a space feel larger than it is. I love that visual trick! For large art pieces on the wall, it allows your eye to look up, giving the illusion of a taller space.  If it seems too huge at first glance, it’s perfect! A good rule of thumb is to try it out for a few days. It will take some time for your eye to adjust to the change. Now, I’m not saying that every piece in the room should be ginormous {using a word my daughter often says!} but 1-3 key pieces can make all the difference. Here are some examples of this trick…

A living room with two chairs and a table

Lauren Liess

I love the framed tree print, above, from designer Lauren Liess. It instantly draws your eye up and makes you take notice of the room’s height. This can still be done in a room with lower ceilings, because it will do the same trick. One print can often give more impact than a grouping of smaller prints.

A dining room with white chairs and a table

Ashley Goforth

The dining room, above, designed by Ashley Goforth, is stunning. The oversized pendant and even the tall dining chairs makes this room shine!

A bedroom with white furniture and yellow sheets.

Amber B Design // Photo by Sarah Heppell

The master bedroom I designed for Project Vintage Gem needed a tall mirror above the dresser! The high ceilings would have made a small mirror feel lost in the room.

A white table with four chairs around it

Studio McGee

I always love the work of Studio McGee, and this chandelier above the kitchen’s eating area almost takes up the whole width of the table. And I love that!!

A large painting of flowers on the wall above a wooden cabinet.

Amber B Design // Photo by Sarah Heppell

The dining room buffet from Project Vintage Gem fits into a small studio apartment, but the ceiling height made the space feel much larger. I decided to go big with the floral art print and also add a pair of oversized gourd lamps to work with the tall ceiling height.

A living room with a couch and pillows

Amber B Design // Photo by Sarah Heppell

In this same project, the living room was also part of the space. I added a huge wall clock in between the windows. It did this cool visual trick of pushing the walls back, making the room feel bigger.

I am definitely a fan of adding large accessories to a space. What are your thoughts?

Why This Works

by Filed Under: design, personal design style, why works series


Welcome back to another installment of Why This Works… where I show a designed space and talk about why it’s amazing. Today, I am featuring interior designer Thomas O’Brien, who has always been known for his classic, laid back style. I am always drawn to his designs, because they are so livable and real. Today’s guest bedroom he designed for a designer showhouse was featured in Veranda magazine and exudes that casual, classic style that I love!

 

A bedroom with four poster bed and white walls.

image via

This room has that perfect blend of comfortable and stylish. I am always drawn to a four poster bed of any kind and I love that this deep wood stained finish balances so well with the light carpet and ceiling molding. The linen covered walls have that small pattern that also mixes so well with the neutral bedding. I am also a fan of pattern on pattern and it works so well here, with the walls and headboard, because it’s a mix of small and large patterns. If the headboard had a small print design too, it wouldn’t work as well. I always love an animal nod of some kind and this oversized feather print is dramatic and restrained at the same time. A perfect way to approach oversized art/accessories in your home? If it looks too big upon first glance, then it’s perfect! Large art and accessories takes some time to get used to, but makes such a wonderful impact in any room. I also love a good asymmetrical balance when done right and this art print does not have a matching piece on the other side, but rather uses the printed linen covered walls and tall table lamp as its counter balance. A small table lamp is then placed in front of the feather art, so there’s functional lighting, but doesn’t compete with the print. The tufted arm chair and bedside flowers add that feminine touch to the classic, masculine blue the room exudes. Overall, this room works for me!

What are your thoughts???

From Concept to Reality with E – Design

by Filed Under: amber b design, before and after, design services, e-decorating, e-design


I am excited to share this post with you today, as it gives an inside look into the e-design experience. I have shared the projects that this client and I have worked on before, but this update is pretty special! I have been working with this sweet client on a few of her rooms and she just recently put the house on the market! She kindly shared with me, the photographer’s pictures of the home, including the rooms I designed! It was fun to see the photographer’s vision and also take a look back at where the room started, as well as the original design plan. So, here we go!

My client and I originally started working together when she asked for help with her master bedroom. Here is a before picture of the space…

Before

A bedroom with two windows and a bed

 

A room with a couch, dresser and tv.

My client loves a blend of modern with traditional and even a splash of eclectic bohemian. Here is the design plan I came up with…

The Design Plan

A collage of different types of furniture and accessories.

I also included a gallery wall mock up for the wall space around the television…

A white dresser with a mirror and a lamp

Here are the fun after photos taken by photographer Danielle Benham…

A bedroom with a bed, pillows and a window.

 

A bedroom with a bed, dresser and tv.

 

A bedroom with a bed, dresser and mirror.

After Photos by Danielle Benham

Isn’t that fun to see the concept all the way to completion?!? I just love it! But we’re not done yet! I also helped her with her first floor bathroom. This was an amazing transformation, with new flooring, additional molding and tiles removed from the walls. Here is where we started with the room…

Before

A bathroom with a toilet, sink and mirror.

Almost everything was replaced in this space! Here is the design plan..

The Design Plan

A collage of different types of furniture and accessories.

And here is an after photo, taken again by Danielle Benham…

A bathroom with a toilet, sink and mirror.

I am thrilled with how this room came out! There is also a new marble floor that you can’t see in this image, but what a transformation! And that is a wall stencil- not wallpaper. What a great impact for under $50! You can purchase that stencil HERE. I am so happy with how it came out and super excited to hear that her house sold very quickly! My amazing client and her husband both did a great job implementing these designs. I am currently working on her bonus room in her new home and I can’t wait to show you those plans!!

Thanks again to my client for allowing me to share these pictures and to the talented photographer, Danielle Benham, for also letting me share her talents!

 

E – Design {The Living Room}

by Filed Under: amber b design, design, e-decorating, e-design, interior design, living room


I recently completed a living room e-design for a family looking to bring some updates and changes to their space. Their living room is right off of the main entrance to the home, so it also does double duty as a small foyer. With the space being a bit compact, we had to get creative with space planning, the furniture size we used and accommodate functional design with their two small children. I am happy to say they are thrilled with the design plan!

The Design Plan

A collage of furniture and accessories in various colors.

 

My client loves blue and green and adding those colors into an overall neutral scheme. Perfect, because that’s right up my alley! With their 8′ ceiling height, we wanted to replace their drab overhead light fixture with something fun. The semi flush pendant, shown on the top center of the board, will be a great replacement. The patterns and colors on the board are fresh and current, yet blend in with their traditional, rustic aesthetic, which is the combo they were hoping to achieve. I wanted to add an acrylic coffee table, to not take up too much visual space. Also, the gentle curves are functional with small kids running around. They can easily fit the gray knit pouf {right side of the board} under the table, when not in use. Luckily, we were able to fit a considerable amount of seating in this compact space. Using two upholstered navy blue ottomans {bottom left of board} in front of the fireplace, makes it easy to use as extra seating or a place to rest your feet. They are quick and easy to move around and they also do double duty as storage! Below, you will see the floor plan configuration that was selected…

The Floor Plan

A drawing of a living room with furniture.

 

The door on the top right corner of the floor plan is their main entrance. They already had a gorgeous antique hall tree for their coats and hats. We also used some of their vintage furniture pieces to bring that charm to the space and mix well against the modern fabrics. I can’t wait to see the result!

I am currently booking more e-design projects for 2016, but spots are filling up fast. E-mail me at [email protected] to get your project on the list. I look forward to working with you!

Why This Works

by Filed Under: design, personal design style, why works series


Welcome back to another edition of Why This Works… a weekly series where I show a designed space and discuss why it’s great. Today, it’s all about one particular aspect in design and that’s styling shelves. In the new year, I hope to organize much better and these well kept shelves are making me think just that! This Pasadena home was featured in Domaine and is designed by LA design firm, Burnham Design. Take a look!

A shelf with books and vases on it

image via

What I love most about these shelves is the effortless way they appear to be styled. They definitely have that collected over time vibe, which I love. These accessories look as if they have a history and meaning to the homeowners. I love when shelves are a mix of books, art and sculptural accessories and these have all three! Bookshelves have much more depth and interest when there is layering going on… it can even give the illusion of a deeper shelf. To achieve this layering effect at home, start with an empty bookshelf and slowly add a couple of books and accessories at a time. Step back every now and then, snap some pictures and evaluate how you would like to go further. That’s what I always like to do when styling shelves. It does take some time and patience, but the reward is a treat for the eyes! Here, you get a glimpse of the top shelf with bone inlay boxes, neutral book covers and art prints. The next shelf has books laid both vertically and horizontally, with an everyday vase used as a bookend. I love thinking outside the box and using non traditional book ends. The books are subtly organized in a color block format, keeping similar hues together. Pieces collected from travels adorns the shelves and memories can instantly be remembered when those accessories are out on display. Book shelves are used for much more than just books and this design shows that to perfection!

What are your thoughts?!?

Progress over at Project Classic Living

by Filed Under: #projectclassicliving, amber b design, central new york design, design class, local clients


Earlier this week, I stopped over at Project Classic Living to check on some amazing progress that has been made and to add some final accessories. You can also continue to check on the progress on instagram, @amberbdesign and search the hash tag #projectclassicliving

You’ll have to excuse these grainy i phone pictures. I hope to get on Sarah’s schedule soon, for a photography session! In the foyer, the sunburst mirrors have been added to the gallery wall going up the stairs, completing that portion of the space.

A staircase with many pictures on the wall

mirrors, oversized frames

A driftwood sphere was added to the entry table and a blue tray was relocated from the living room, to add a layering effect.

A table with a lamp and mirror in front of it

mirror, driftwood & lamp- home goods, entry table

The living room has the new drapes and hardware up! I love the greek key fabric and how it finishes off the room.

A table with a lamp and mirror in front of it

drapery fabric, chairs, rug, wall art

I love using petite tables in living rooms, as they are easy to move around, when needed. The small marble top table next to the leather recliner {yes, that’s a recliner!} can easily be relocated to the sectional or gray club chairs at the back of the room. Versatile design is important to me when decorating spaces.

A table with a lamp and mirror in front of it

petite table & leather recliner, coffee table

There is still some styling pieces to be added to the coffee table, but besides that, the room is complete!

A staircase with many pictures on the wall

We will work on the sun room through the french doors, next. All of the wood paneling is being painted, from crown molding to baseboards with a deeply saturated navy blue! There are subtle touches of blue throughout this space and their home, so it will be the crown jewel to finish off the first floor. You may remember that last year, we finished the kitchen eating area, where you see lots of that gorgeous blue…

A dining room table with chairs and a bench

In the dining room, I can’t get enough of the pink ceiling! It adds that warmth and the space just glows under the soft chandelier light, in the evening.

A table with a lamp and mirror in front of it

To bring those white porcelain pieces front and center, we had the back of the built ins painted a dark color. Now, the accessories really pop.

I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into the project! Stay updated with all things Amber B Design on instagram! {@amberbdesign}

A Look Back at 2015

by Filed Under: #projectvintagegem, amber b design, Bridge Street, central new york design, design, e-decorating, e-design, local clients


Before I head out to begin 2016, I wanted to look back at the fun, exciting and adventurous year that was 2015. Why not look back and evaluate the past, so you can move forward to better the future?!? So please don’t mind my little self indulgence, while I reflect on the highlights from this past year. 🙂

 

I completed Project Vintage Gem… one of the coolest projects I was able to be a part of and one of the most amazing design experiences to date!

 

A living room with brick walls and a table

 

A living room with a couch and chairs in it

 

A dining room table with chairs and a clock on the wall.

all of the amazing photography skills are by Sarah Heppell Photography

I took the plunge and had my web site redesigned and rebranded! That was one of best decisions I have made for this little business. I feel that this new design truly reflects me and where I want to go with Amber B Design. Britt Douglas knocked it out of the park and gave me a web presence that I could have never dreamed of!

A website for an interior design company

To better enhance the new web site, I enlisted the help of talented local Photographer, Sarah Heppell, to photograph our home and take some head shots. Sarah is such a true talent and I can’t wait to work with her again in the new year!

A living room with a table and chair, lamp, picture and china cabinet.

A dining room table with candles on it

A woman with long hair wearing a black shirt and necklace.

images via

I am also still working on e-design projects and have been having fun completing rooms remotely!

A collage of furniture and decor items.

original post HERE

I had the privilege of working again with Britt Douglas and this time, helping to design her master bedroom for the One Room Challenge.

A collage of black and white decor items.

A gold jewelry stand with many different necklaces.

To read more about Britt’s ORC journey, visit HERE

And just last month, I was able to make my live TV debut on Syracuse’s Bridge Street, to discuss simple ways to jazz up your home this holiday season!

A woman standing in front of a glass door.

A chair and table in front of a wall mural.

To read that post and see the complete source list, go HERE

All of these fun experiences would not have been possible without my wonderful family with me, every step of the way! They are my everything and I am so thankful for their support. Here’s to a wonderful 2016 with them by my side! Also, a big thank you to all of you, for your readership and for the positive feedback you always give. You’re the best! Thank you for letting me indulge a bit in this past year’s memories. This blog is a bit of a journal for me and it helps to reflect, before I move ahead into the future. Amber B Design has some fun projects in store for the new year and I am excited to share them all with you, here!

Have a Happy, Healthy New Year and I hope to see you back here soon! 

E-Design Project… The Foyer

by Filed Under: amber b design, Bridge Street, design class, e-decorating, e-design


I am back today to share a recent e-design project that I completed. I have worked with these wonderful clients before on their kitchen, dining room and den. We have now moved onto the foyer! It’s so fun to be a part of several rooms in a client’s home. Not only do you get to know them and establish a great designer/client relationship, but you also get to tie the design ideas into other rooms in their home. This is one of my favorite room designs as of late. I love how the colors came together, in comparison to the other nearby rooms we decorated. A foyer is your guest’s first impression of your home, so why not pack a fun punch with the design?!?

The Design…

 

A collage of different items including furniture and mirrors.

 

I wanted to give this family a laid back, coastal style. They love the beach and I hope this design gives subtle nods to their favorite vacation spots! The upholstered bench really brings the color palette together and compliments what we have accomplished in the nearby rooms. The teal/indigo area rug color is pulled from the hues in the bench. The chinoiserie vase prints will go near the front door and it is the continuation of the blue that makes it all flow. The acrylic base of the console lamp allows the room to feel light and airy, not taking up too much visual space. They have already began putting the foyer design together and I can’t wait to see the results!

 

 

Bridge Street Source List

by Filed Under: amber b design, Bridge Street, holiday


In my last post, I mentioned I had fun news to share with you today! I had the amazing opportunity to be on Channel 9 News with Bridge Street! The live segment aired this morning and I went on to talk about simple and fun ways to use some of those holiday decorations all year long.

 

A chair and table in front of a wall mural.

 

It was a blast having this opportunity! Sistina Giordana, the wonderful host that talked with me during the segment, was so warm and sweet. It really felt like talking with a friend that I have known for years. She put me at ease and I actually didn’t feel nervous during the segment. I wanted to include a source list here, of all of the different stores where I have purchased these accessories. It might be helpful if you are looking for Holiday accents this year, or if you want to get a head start and stock up for next season!

{Starting with the items on the right and working towards the left}

The cream chair we have in our living room. I love that it’s upholstered and on casters! The casters helped big time today, when we were moving it into and out of the studio. I also love that feature at home, too. The chair is from TJ Maxx and the festive plaid pillow and snowflake blanket are from Home Goods.

The bookshelf was a find from Target, a couple of years ago. The top of the bookshelf has my favorite faux deer head and photo board, also from Target. The snowman card is from Papyrus. I love that you can use this photo board all year long. It would be great on your kitchen counter for grocery lists and recipes! It would also work well in your family room for family pictures. Pictures would be so easy to change out, when you want to give it a little update! Target no longer carries the deer head {a purchase a couple of years ago}, but the photo board can still be found in their regular frame aisle!

The first shelf on the left shows one of my favorite design books, Elements of Style, by Erin Gates. I love the black and white stripes added into the Holiday mix! I have used the festive red Nutcracker accessories as bookends. They can be found in your local Target stores and come in green and aqua colors, as well.

The first shelf on the right shows a faux evergreen arrangement, wrapped in burlap. That was a TJ Maxx find. They have great Holiday accessories this time of year!

The middle shelf shows a cream tray I bought a few years ago in Target. This shelf also shows another favorite design book of mine… Habitat, by Lauren Liess. I also like to put out my Country Living Christmas book this time of year. It’s a perfect opportunity to have it front and center! The star bookend that sits on top of the books is from Target. There are still some left, in your local stores. I plan to keep this bookend out all year long. I ended up purchasing two, so my kids can each have one on their bookshelf. It’s a fun way to remind them that they are always our shining stars!

The bottom shelves hold two collapsible fabric storage bins from Target. I love using these concealing bins, so not every accessory has to go on display.

And last but not least, the small tree was a local find from Wegmans. It’s real and it smelled so good on the car ride to the studio! I placed it in a woven basket from Target, to bring a rustic charm to the tree. I then balanced the rustic accent with pretty pearl garland from an amazing local shop, Hafner’s. I love to support local businesses and support shopping local. Hafner’s is the quintessential Holiday experience this time of year. I plan to keep this garland up all year long and place it in a glass bowl for our coffee table. It’s just too pretty to put away!

If you would like to watch today’s Bridge Street segment, visit HERE!!

 

 

 

Why This Works

by Filed Under: design, personal design style, why works series


Welcome back to another week of Why This Works… a series where I show a designed space and discuss why it’s amazing. Today’s room is a showstopper, in my opinion. It was designed by Bailey McCarthy, from the popular blog, Peppermint Bliss. She designed this master bedroom and every room in this year’s Coastal Living Cinnamon Shore Showhouse in Port Arkansas, Texas. This space exudes warmth and charm. Take a look!

 

A bedroom with two windows and a bed

A table with some gold lamps and pictures on it

A bedroom with two windows and a bedall images via

Where to begin? I love all of the color in this room, but the muted tones allow the space to remain calm and serene. Our bed is very similar to this four poster option, but with a much more overdone wood stain finish. This beautiful paint color is giving me an idea!! I love this shade of blue and I think it brings a modern touch to an otherwise traditional bed frame. I also love that the nightstands have a different finish from the bed. It brings a collected over time style that is so beautiful. The nightstands and lamps bring that symmetrical look that I love, but the warm wood finish against the blue bed adds an unexpected, whimsical touch.  I love all of the pattern going on in this room and the muted colors allows for it all to remain calm and perfect for a bedroom atmosphere. The south western style rug from Dash and Albert {great rug source!!} is a great piece for this Texas master bedroom. The patterned drapes, rug and chairs each bring their own thoughtful, unique style and also creates a casual, warm vibe. You know that I love to mix metals! I loved seeing the brass chandelier and bedside lamps paired with a pewter curtain rod. I also love to add a subtle animal touch in any room and I love that Bailey did that with the longhorn art print {seen best in image 2} on the left bedside table. And it wouldn’t be Bailey’s signature style without some amazing bedding that is subtle, gorgeous and whimsical. The camo bolster pillow is so unexpected and fun. Her own line of bedding can be found at her site, Biscuit.

What are your thoughts???

Make sure to check back here on Friday, for some exciting news!!