Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

Fashion Friday – Summer Blush

by Filed Under: fashion friday


Yay, it’s the weekend! Welcome to the series Fashion Friday… where I discuss my other design love. Today’s outfit is all about the feminine, blush colors of summer. I was inspired by yesterday’s floral fabric on the wingback chairs, so I knew I wanted to include a floral print of some kind in this outfit. Enjoy!

Summer Blush

This outfit is all about mixing the highs and lows. I started with this pretty H&M skirt and paired it with a Tibi collared blouse. I love these blush pinks, corals and creams for summer! The accessories are fun, whimsical and compliment the feminine vibe going on in this outfit. (I even found this little elephant wearing some coral!) The quilted shoulder bag also goes in theme with the light color palette, making it a soft outfit for the season.  
What summer colors are you drawn to???

Why This Works

by Filed Under: why works series


Happy Thursday and welcome to the series Why This Works… where I highlight a designed space and discuss what I love. This living room was designed by Mallory Mathison for the 2009 Georgia Idea House for Southern Living Magazine. I love the room’s bold use of prints and color to make this living room inviting and fun! Take a look!

image via
What first caught my eye are the amazing wingback chairs in a fun, whimsical print. This floral pattern brings together so many great colors that can be sprinkled around the space. I love that the neutral gray in the fabric was pulled out for the area rug, grounding the space. All of the color is offset by the neutral grasscloth walls and white moldings and cabinetry. The circular shape of the patterned florals is then repeated in the coffee table design, which is a great way to bring continuity to a room. I also love the touch of gold in the table! The gold is then seen again in the dramatic chandelier, which you get a glimpse of in this image. The hues in the wingback fabric are shown again in the art and vases above the fireplace. The wall sconces and fireplace surround are in black, grounding the space and giving it depth. Overall, this space works! And to see more of this gorgeous idea home, go here.
What are your thoughts??
Summer is a great time to make design changes to your home! Click on the ‘design services’ link at the top of this blog to get started!

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – Hello Lovely

by Filed Under: blog room series


Happy Wednesday and welcome to 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 excited to have Sarah here, from her design blog, Hello Lovely. Sarah blogs on all things design, french inspired decor and beautiful things. She has such a sweet, warm personality, too! Here is her pretty blog header:

And here is what she came up with…

If this blog were a room, it would definitely be filled with chandeliers, lots of gold, lovely silks, a bit of French country, hits of pink, glamour, Louis Chairs, a bit of Kitsch, an animal or two, some florals, sophistication and a whole lot of chic! Whew!

Photo Credits~ House Beautiful, Ryan Korban, Coorengel Calvagrac, Gorgeous Shiny Things, Inspired Design, Lonny Magazine 

Thanks so much for being here, Sarah! I also love french inspired design and anything with crystals and animal print! These images all get a thumbs up in my book! Stop by Sarah’s blog and say hello!

Going Rugless

by Filed Under: design, rugs


We have really been embracing the rugless look in our dining room. You get to see more of the wood floor, makes for easy clean up and gives the illusion of a bigger room. Our dining room is about 12×11, so it’s great to have the appearance of more space. Since we took out the rug this summer, my husband has commented how much he likes the look! I will have to ease him into the idea of a rug in the future, because I always like to change things up. For now, this look is a keeper. So I thought it would be fun to see some beautiful dining rooms with the same idea!

Eventually, I would like this rug look…

Are you/are you not rugless??
And thank you all so much for your comments about my dining room and what to do about the stenciled wall! Since I take a while to get projects done around here, I will live with it as is for a little while. But don’t worry, if the wall gets painted over, I have plans to bring it back (just with another background color!)
Stay tuned…

Why This Works

by Filed Under: why works series


Hello and welcome to the series Why This Works… where I highlight a designed space and discuss what I love. This gorgeous and glam office space was designed by Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25. Take a look!

Source: houzz.com via Nicole on Pinterest

There is so much to love in this space! Let’s start with the beautiful, moody color on the walls. This deep black is great for an office space, because it immediately invites you in and feels cozy. She then balances all of the dark wall color so well with the white pieces of furniture and accessories in the room. The dramatic, gorgeous drum pendant draws your eye up and makes a bold statement in the space. I love that the white shade has a hint of black trim detail, giving the shade added depth and interest. The pops of yellow make the space and enliven the senses! The greek key rug and herringbone wood floors add graphic punches to the room. More patterns are shown in the throw pillow and fabric lined armoire. Overall, this fun space works!

What are your thoughts??
As a side note, there have been some changes on my blog, including new page links and social buttons. Hopefully, this will help navigate through my blog a little easier. Take a look around!

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – The Zhush

by Filed Under: blog room series


Hope everyone is having a great week. Welcome to 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? You’re in for a treat today with our guest blogger! I am excited to have Sue here, from her design blog The Zhush. I have been following Sue’s blog since I began my own and it’s easy to get hooked! Sue has impeccable design taste and also has an amazing on line shop, which you can check out here. This is Sue’s blog header:

And here is what she came up with for you-

Hi! I’m Sue from The Zhush.  This series is a lot of fun, and for me it was a “no brainer” as I knew immediately what room I would choose…Eve Robinson’s purple kitchen from the New York Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse has reminded me of my blog from the moment I first laid eyes on it.  Between the light fixture and the colors, this room just speaks to me! Of course, I would also have to include my own little home office here in the mix as well.  The colors in this tiny room make me so happy!  Thanks Amber for having me over today!

Image credits: Eve Robinson
                        Lauren Muse

Thanks so much for being here today, Sue! I love that gorgeous purple kitchen and your home office. They both say stylish, fun and you. And I could get definitely accomplish some serious blogging and work in your beautiful office space! To check out more of Sue’s stylish blog, go here.

Little Dining Room Update

by Filed Under: design


A little while ago, I had a rug dilemma conversation on the blog. Your feedback was all amazing and am leaning towards the jute rug. It’s just one of those versatile rugs that can go anywhere. I tend to tire out of prints and styles easily, so this will be a timeless classic for a long while. In the meantime, I will follow my blog friend Holly’s advice and try the space without a rug! It’s a great decision, because there’s no need to stress over spills! Here’s a little before and after.

Before: With the Rug

After: Without the Rug

I have been thinking a lot about this space- there may be some drastic changes to come! These last two images remind me that there is a lot of honey tones in this room. I might go a little crazy and paint these walls. (I know- what about the stencil?) I just did this stencil last winter, but it might be painted over soon. Call me crazy, but summer brings out the DIY project fever! When that is done, I will revisit the rug dilemma once again.

Are you like me and occasionally take a ‘tour of your house’, looking for new ideas to try??

My Top Must Haves for Summer

by Filed Under: art, design, driftwood, summer


Lately, I have been thinking about summer wardrobe additions and things I would also like to do around the home. So, I thought it would be fun to compile a list of 7 Must Haves for the summer! In the home as well as in fashion, it’s fun to switch things up with the seasons and make adjustments here and there. I had fun putting this together! (Now I just have to go out and make this happen!)

Let’s start with the #1 item and work our way through!

#1- A new summer bag! This tote bag is from a new (to me) on line shop that I found, called Rosanna Inc. She sells items for the home as well as these amazing tote bags. These bags would be perfect for everyday shopping or a beach trip! The price is great, too! Shop this bag here.

#2- Driftwood. I love driftwood anything- mirrors, frames, pieces for your mantle. Last winter, I found my driftwood mirror, and I love it! I found this piece on etsy from the shop, The Moss Woodshop. The piece also comes with a wire elk sculpture mounted on top. Driftwood in the home reminds me of being at the beach!

#3- Paint your walls a new color! I love this benjamin moore color, Titanium. I plan to use this color on some walls very soon! A fresh new color on the wall gives a whole new look to your space, and why not go light with a beautiful gray/blue that reminds you of the summer sky!

#4- Switch out your pillows with fun, vibrant colors for summer! I love this Schumacher print made by etsy seller Woody Liana. It’s a 20″ pillow cover, which is great for curling up on the sofa! When you switch out your pillow covers seasonally, it feels like you have a completely new room!

#5- Add a bright, new watercolor print to your gallery wall! This beautiful painting of a Kate Spade Clutch by etsy seller Laura Trevey would be a great addition to your walls or shelf! And the colors definitely remind me of summer. Shop this watercolor here.

#6- Add a new pouf in a cheerful color! I have previously mentioned here that I want to incorporate coral in our living room. What better way than with this coral rope pouf from Privet House for Target. I have seen this in the store, and it would be a great addition to any room for extra seating or a place to put up your feet.

#7- And last but not least, is this new (to me) etsy seller that makes scarves, necklaces and headbands out of recycled t-shirts! Of course, I chose the coral one!  🙂 I love the creativity and the amazing price! The name of the etsy shop is Day Old Tee. Get this necklace here.

I could go on and on with different summer must haves. I left so many great ideas out! (I might have to come up with another list soon!)

What’s on your summer must have list??

Fashion Friday – Summer Relax

by Filed Under: fashion friday


Happy weekend and welcome to the series Fashion Friday… where I discuss my other design love. Today’s look is all about a chic, relaxing style for summer. I imagine open sandals, flowing skirts and comfortable fabrics to beat the summer heat.

Summer Relax

This is my kinda outfit! I love to be comfortable, and starting with sandals, a tank top and a flowing skirt works for me! As interiors as well as outfit ensembles, it’s fun to create a balance of high and low. This Derek Lam skirt easily works with earrings from etsy and sunglasses from H&M. I love using color in my summer wardrobe and this mix of bright yellow with blue and red is a fun way to start!
What are your go to summer colors???

Why This Works

by Filed Under: why works series


Happy Thursday and welcome to the series Why This Works… where I show a designed space and discuss what I love. The design work of Ali Schwarz is simply amazing. A while back, I saved this image I had found and knew at some point, I would write about her creative design work. This stylish kid’s room is fun, colorful and just plain cool.

designed by Ali Schwarz
Let’s start with the amazing canopy fabric. I love how she brought it all the way up to the top of the walls, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling. She also grounded the room by using the same fabric on the bedskirts, tying it all together. The simple color palette of blues, yellow and cream is repeated throughout the space for interest and drama. And those wall stripes! I love how they are more random, as opposed to all the same size. It makes for a fun, whimsical conversation piece in a kid’s space. In between the twin beds is this oversized, beautiful sunburst mirror. I love the scale and will also serve as a functional piece. Below the mirror is this gorgeous nailhead trimmed bookshelf. It’s very practical for that part of the room, because it also works as a nightstand for the two beds. The upholstered beds is also a great idea for kids and will make a great reading spot. The subtle print on the carpet brings another dimension, yet doesn’t compete with the wall stripes and canopy fabric. I think this space would be great for an teen looking for a more grown up space.
(As a side note, I could also point out that this space would work well for a guest room too! It’s so tailored and could easily be converted. And although I think the styling is a bit sparse for a kid’s room, I’m sure it was loaded with their actual stuff and posters on the wall, after the shoot! This is the perfect shot for a portfolio, don’t you think?) Overall, this space works!
What are your thoughts??
Are you ready to decorate your life? Click on the ‘design services’ link to get started!