Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

My Mom’s Inspiration

by Filed Under: mom's inspiration


My mom has always inspired me in many ways… both in life and in design. We share so much in common and truly enjoy the time we spend together. When we’re together or on the phone, one of our biggest topics is interior design- we both love it! We never miss an episode of our favorite shows from HGTV, and we often call each other during commercials to discuss. We share our magazine subscriptions and love to talk about our favorite pages and rooms. And it never ceases to amaze me that she falls in love with a color, pattern or design idea way before it becomes a trend- every time! So I thought it would be fun to share some images of my parent’s home- where I grew up! This home has so many happy memories, and the decor changes are too many to count! Like me, her design tastes change and evolve over time. And all of the changes- the paint, lighting, wallpaper- has all been done by herself! She is quite the DIYer! (I’ve told her she should start a blog, because I know it would be a great one!) Without further adieu, here’s is my parent’s beautiful abode:

My mom’s style is classic and elegant, with a touch of modern. She has inspired me with her creativity and attention to detail. And I am always amazed at her DIY skills- I think I need her to teach me some!  🙂 Thanks mom, for giving us a glimpse into your beautiful home!

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – Me!

by Filed Under: blog room series


It’s 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? For today, I thought I would do something a bit different. Since I recently had a new blog design from the amazing Thais of  House 09, I thought it would be fun to try out the new blog design as a room! When thinking about how I wanted the new blog to look, I went back to my design style- a blend of traditional and modern, simple and bold, rustic and elegant. If my blog was a room, I would want the space to be a blend of design styles, with a comfortable feel. I would want it to be chic and stylish, yet cozy and simple. So here’s what I came up with:

All above images via Elle Decor
Image via Rue.
I love all of these images for different reasons, yet each room has a bit of gray (my favorite decor color)! I chose these gorgeous interiors because they are tradional and modern, bold and simple, chic and rustic. They are fun, adventurous and creative! If my blog was a room, (I hope) it would be these things!


Memorial Day Festivities

by Filed Under: flag, holiday


I love the beginning of summer- the warm weather, the fresh fruit and spending time with friends and family. And especially on Memorial Day Weekend, I feel especially patriotic and like to pay tribute to the men and women of our military! Thanks for all you do to keep us safe. Here are some great, patriotic images for you on this nice, long weekend! Enjoy!

All images via Pottery Barn.

Have a wonderful, restful weekend with friends and family! I think I’ll go have some more watermelon. Yum!

Why This Works- The New Series

by Filed Under: Uncategorized


I am starting a new series called, Why This Works. Every Friday, I will highlight a beautiful space and talk about why (I think) it’s perfection! Maybe the colors are intriguing, the style is unique or the room’s design just works so well! I am kicking off the series with a beautiful living room from the wonderful Lonny magazine.

The interior design is by Lisa Sherry shown in Lonny. I think this room works because it is fun, whimsical and doesn’t take itself too seriously. I love the use of color in the bold patterned rug and seating. The circular seating mounted from the ceiling is modern and different, and it works so well paired with traditional style drapery and simple sofa. The designer uses one focal wall with the gorgeous print wallpaper, then juxtaposes that with a creamy white on the rest of the walls. The very modern, arched task floor lamp looks great paired with the traditional tripod base lamp. The graphic pattern and bold colors are there, but the designer shows great restraint in how she uses them.

In my opinion, this space works! What are your thoughts?

Blog Design Sneak Peek

by Filed Under: Uncategorized


In just a little while, I’ll be showing my new blog design! I’m so excited. I’ve been working with blog designer Thais, from House 09 and she has done an amazing job and is so patient to work with! I thought it would be fun to show a little sneak peek of what’s to come! Some images were shown to Thais, while others simply remind me of the style and colors of the new design. Here goes-

Make sure to stop by soon and check out the new design! Also, I’m starting a new series tomorrow- come back and see what it’s all about! 

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – Modern Jane

by Filed Under: Uncategorized


It’s 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 Jane here from her amazing blog, Modern Jane. Her blog is a daily read for me- she has great design style and has beautifully transformed her home. Here is Jane’s great blog header:

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

Hi all! I’m Modern Jane and I was so excited when Amber asked me to participate in this series because it gave me something to really think about. At first I took a look at the colors and design of my blog because I think it certainly reflects my personal style. I love shades of white, grey and blues and I like things to feel clean and crisp. I also thought about the content of my blog… what interiors inspire me, what style I’m drawn to and make makes a house a home for me.




Here is what I came up with!



It would definitely be a room filled with shades of white.

Beautiful architecture. High ceilings and perfect mouldings have me at hello. Every time.

And last. Who can forget textile?
A beautiful fabric in upholstery, pillows or drapes has the power to transform a room.

Now I wish my blog was a room and that it was mine! Thanks so much for having me Amber!

Thank you so much for being here, Jane! I love all of the gorgeous images you chose. They definitely all had me at hello! Stop by Jane’s blog– you’ll be so happy you did!

Thinking Outside the Box

by Filed Under: Uncategorized


I am always drawn to interiors that think outside the box, in a creative way. Whether it’s with an unexpected color pairing, creative thinking or just plain gorgeous- I have always found it fun to see amazing decor. A great source for this type of inspiration is through all of the wonderful on-line magazines that wow us with unbelievable interiors. I always know I am in for a treat when I get on the computer and check out these creative images! Today, I am highlighting some of my favorites from Rue magazine. These images are from past issues and have always caught my eye! 

All images via Rue
In the first image, I love the rustic brick wall paired with the ornate mirror and modern lamps and drapery. In the second image, I thought it was so creative to place the sofas back to back. I would have never thought of that! And in the third image, I love the playfulness and creativity of the large chalkboard paired with the chic rainbow style book organizing. I have to try that!
Always inspiring, always creative! Thanks, Rue! They are out with their May/June issue now. Check it out here!

A Great Week’s Re – Cap

by Filed Under: Uncategorized


Some fun things happened last week, that I wanted to share with all of you! One of my favorite blog buddies, Carrie from Hazardous Design, passed on a blog award to me! Thanks so much, Carrie! She writes a great blog about design and renovating her beautiful home. She’s funny, talented and has a great eye for design. Definitely stop by and check out her blog. The award is the Liebster blog award, which recognizes and gives love to the blogs that have fewer than 300 followers.

And I get to pass this award on to 3 other wonderful blogs! So, here goes- 

About Last Weekend
Ashley White Interior Design
Hello Newman’s

Stop by and check out these talented ladies!

I also won the Waverly fabric giveaway from Cassandra’s amazing blog, Coco + Kelley. I was one of 5 lucky winners, and I received the gorgeous fabrics in the mail this week! I am so excited about the colors, and I have been busy thinking about how to best use these gorgeous fabrics. I want to make some pillows, and maybe also frame some of the fabrics, for easy art! What do you think? 

I love the colors! These beauties will probably make it into our family room and living room! More to follow, on that! When making the pillows, I think I might add some extra linen fabric in a coordinating color for the reverse side, to make the fabric last longer. And also add some piping too- to give them an extra bit of pizazz. How fun!

And another exciting thing to announce, is a new blog design will be coming my way!! I have had so much fun working with Thais from House 09. She has been so patient, as I write with so many questions, ideas! I cannot wait to share her talents with the new blog design! A big thank you to the great blog, J&J Home, for telling me about House 09!

A great week, to say the least! And here’s to another- Happy Week Ahead!

E – Design Complete – The Den

by Filed Under: Uncategorized


As you may know from previous posts here and here, I recently completed some design boards for a reader looking to spruce up some spaces on her first floor. So far, I have shown you the entry and living room designs. Now, on to the den! This space is directly off of the living room, with double doors leading into the space. So when thinking about this design, I knew I had to carry the colors in from the living room, since the rooms almost act as one. Not only did I want to use similar colors as the living room, but also allow the furniture pieces and art to be interchangeable, in case she wants to move things around in the future. (I love to go “shopping” in my own home, moving things around from room to room. It almost makes you feel as if you really did go out and buy new pieces!) For the den, she was looking for a kid friendly space with added storage. She wanted this room to be a gathering place where they could spend most of their time together. The den is also off of the kitchen, so this room would be a great play area for her toddler. Here are a couple pictures of the den now:

  

I love that the gorgeous wood floors are carried into this space as well, and the molding details are great! For this room, she was looking for new furniture and accessories and also wanted to carry in light beach colors with pops of color in the furniture and accessories. And here is what I came up with:
    •  The loveseat is the PB Comfort Square by Pottery Barn. The material is easy to keep clean and a great choice for an active room. I propose this loveseat be placed where the other loveseat is now. (I would suggest she move the 3 square art pieces she has above the loveseat and move them on the wall as you are going up the stairs by the entry.)
For this room, I tried to make it more kid friendly, by incorporating open storage systems, child sized table and chairs, colorful accessories, playful art and a fun chalkboard wall! I wanted to keep the furniture and area rug darker, for easy care. I wanted this room to be playful and a fun place to interact with her growing toddler! For this room, I am suggesting the walls, chair rail molding and baseboards be painted Paper White, by benjamin moore, in an eggshell finish. Here is a breakdown of the room’s design ideas and sources:
•  The orange area rug is from Ballard Designs and would work in a 5×8 size. (It is a soft material too!)
•  The faux leather storage ottoman has safety hinges and is from www.kirklands.com
•  The tray on the ottoman is the same as the living room and is from west elm.
•  The white cube end table is from ikea and would look great with one on each side of the loveseat. (Toy baskets would look great in this little space!)
•  The 4 sea inspired art pictures can be placed above the loveseat and are from Ballard Designs.
•  The orange and green pillows by the rug are from a great etsy source and would look pretty placed on the loveseat.
•  The set of 4 pillows on the left of the design board are also from the same etsy source. 
•  The patterned wing chair is from Pier 1 Imports and could either accompany her leather chair or replace it. 
•  The espresso stained end table next to the chair is from IKEA. 
•  The floor lamp is the same as in the living room design and can go next to the loveseat (Pier 1).
•  The grommet drapery is from Pottery Barn and can also accompany dark woven shades from www.blinds.com (same shades as in the living room design). Please keep in mind the long cords these shades can have and tie them up high out of reach.
•  The kid’s farmhouse table and chairs are from www.potterybarnkids.com. I would suggest 2 of these chairs. The set would be placed under the window.
•  The long wall where she has the large art piece can now have one of these two large open storage units from the design board. The large white cube shelf system is from ikea. I would suggest using some of these baskets from Pier 1, as well as other toys and books. The metal inspired basket system is from www.rhbabyandchild.com and is great for storing toys and books as well. (For either storage system, I would suggest a way to secure the unit to the wall, to prevent tipping!)
•  On this wall only, I propose applying chalkboard paint  below the chair rail. She could use Onyx by Benjamin Moore and purchase the chalkboard finish. Her toddler can spend many hours of fun with the chalkboard area, while it also being a space saving solution! Above the chair rail and on either side of the storage unit, I propose the tree decal stickers from www.landofnod.com. She can purchase them in a set of 2 45 inch trees. It’s a fun way to add some color and playfullness to the space. 
And there is the den design! I had so much fun working on these projects! The client also asked for ways to include her kitchen into the look of the design. She was looking for flooring and paint ideas. Right now, she has tile floors in her kitchen. I suggest she carry the gorgeous wood floors from the rest of her first floor, into this space as well. I also suggest the kitchen’s walls painted either Paper White or Sterling, to tie into the rest of the design!
If you are looking for some design ideas for your home, please e-mail me at [email protected]. I would love to work with you!

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – Roost

by Filed Under: Uncategorized


It’s 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 Marissa here from her wonderful design blog, Roost. Her blog is a great place to get amazing decor ideas, and she’s also as sweet as can be! Here is her great blog header:
And here is what she came up with! Take it away, Marissa-
Hello! I’m Marissa from the interior design blog Roost. As you’ll see on my blog, I like about a hundred million different things when it comes to design. But if my blog were a room, here’s what it might look like:

If Roost were a room,  it would be an office because I am always working on something. (I’m kind of a busy body, it’s bad!)  Here are some of the things it would have:
There would be big windows with a great view (lots of trees).
It would be very neutral, classic, and textural. Think linen, velvet, gold, and crystal. A chandelier is totally necessary.
My blog room would definitely also be very feminine and a bit preppy. If I brought in any color beside my favorite neutrals (white, grey, and gold), it would be either blush or blues. Both favorites.
                 
 I would definitely have a campaign desk! And comfy, french-inspired chairs so my friends/family/clients would have a great place to sit.
Because I’m dreaming here, how about some de Gournay wallpaper? I love bird motifs
(even my blog’s name is bird-y). 
There would be beautiful books and delicate flowers…
 
… a BIG, gold mirror and a soft geometric rug.


If my blog were a room, it would be my dream room! 
Thank you to Amber for hosting such a cool series and letting me dream up my blog room. 
Thank you so much for being here, Marissa! I love your color and room choices, and a geometric rug is also a favorite for me too! Stop by Marissa’s wonderful blog today.