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Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

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Why This Works

January 12, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: why works series


Happy Thursday and welcome to the series Why This Works… where I highlight a designed space and talk about why I love it so much! This next living room space was found on pinterest and seamlessly blends different styles to create an overall eclectic and fun mix:

Source: noellewrightdecor.blogspot.com via Simple on Pinterest

I love the overall mix of patterns and styles in this space! The decorator was able to blend so many prints and styles together, without making the room look too full or busy- a hard thing to achieve! I love the straight lines in the sofa, upholstered in such a rich golden hue. This modern piece works well paired with the traditional houndstooth print in the wing chair, striking a nice balance. The wing chair has a dramatic, high back, making it seem more modern, yet the traditional upholstery gives a nod to a classic and timeless print. This print is seen again in a throw pillow for the sofa, which helps draw your eye around the entire space. The symmetry in the floor lamps makes the space appear more formal, yet the diverse end tables bring the space back to a more casual, eclectic vibe. The fresh flowers seen in the room also help to make the space feel lived in and casual. The layering of the area rugs gives the room added depth and interest, also tying in the colors of the houndstooth print chair. The neutral wall color is a nice backdrop to all of the color and pattern seen in the rest of the space. The overscaled mirror above the fireplace is a great focal point, adding more shape and dimension to the room. Overall, this space works!

What are your thoughts?? 

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – Simple Details

January 11, 2012 by Amber 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 so excited to have Pam here today, from her design blog Simple Details. I have recently come across Pam’s blog and love the way she blends design styles, while keeping the overall look classic and timeless. I love that! Here is her blog header:

And here is what she came up with!

Thanks so much for inviting me Amber!
I’ve always loved this series and it’s quite the honor to be included with your
previous guests.
 I had such a fun time coming up with a room(s)!
  Forgive me for going overboard…it’s all the fault of Pinterest…need I say more?
Welcome! I’m so glad you stopped by…
Pinned Image
The oh-so-important first impression…
I hope my blog mimics this fresh, happy, entrance!
Pinned Image
I hope it inspires you to mix it up and try something different…
a traditional Dutch door paired with an ethnic style chest in this foyer.
   Pinned Image
I hope it conveys a love for all things design,
whether it’s a room with edited accessories, modern touches and a cottage vibe…
…or a room packed with treasured pieces,
 a timeless style, and elegance yet a playful whimsical piece thrown in.

Pinned Image

I hope you’ll find something a little unexpected and inspiring here and there…
the art that draws you in to take a closer look,
 the buffet or chairs to wonder if it could be your next diy.
Pinned Image
I hope it says…no matter your style, where you’ve been or where you’re going,
there’s a spot for you and bring a friend!

Pinned Image

Thank you, Amber!
It was fun and thought provoking to find rooms I love that reflect my blog!
1/2/3/4/5/6/7
Thanks so much for being a part of the series, Pam! These images are gorgeous and definitely remind me of your blog- the special details in these spaces are what makes the rooms sing! Stop by Pam’s blog and say hello! 

Our Guest Room Revealed!

January 10, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: guest room


We have been tackling this project for quite some time, and I’m happy to reveal the after photos of our guest room! In the rest of our home, the colors are neutral and muted, so I wanted to try something different in this space and go for a brighter, cheery vibe. Here is the before shot, when we were adding the stripes to the bed wall:

Before:

And after:

With a simple palette of blues, greens and yellows, I wanted to achieve a fun, cheerful space for guests. The room’s wall color is Yarmouth Blue by Benjamin Moore and the white stripes and trim work are painted Moonlight White also by BM. I found some great deals on the items in this space and have acquired them over time. The lamp was a great Target score at only $20, including the shade! The chevron pillow is also from Target and the rest of the throw pillows are from Pottery Barn. The green frame was a great TJ Maxx find, but still has the original image of Valerie Bertinelli that came with the frame. Now if you’ve been reading this blog for a while you’re probably thinking: Really?? She hasn’t changed that out yet?? But like I said in yesterday’s post, I tend to procrastinate with my own home and will eventually switch that out with a photo of someone I actually know! The night stand has been around forever and plan to eventually change that out with a pedestal style end table. The room is small enough already and could use the extra visual space. The wall art behind the end table helps to bring in the vibrant colors in the space, making it a fun, whimsical piece. And the art above the bed was made by me in college! I took an art class and this piece was made with 3 different sized black paper dots, to show the variation in a newspaper print image. Since the piece is small, I plan to add more of something above the bed.
As you all know, a room is never completely done, so I plan to add a bit more in the future. Here’s the breakdown:

– Add a charcoal trim to the lamp shade.
– Add more art above the bed.
– Add a drapery rod and curtains above window.
– Maybe add a bench or small seating option.
– Do something different with the end table.

That’s where we’re at for now! I am definitely getting motivated to do more with other areas in our home! More to follow…

Guest Bedrooms on the Brain

January 9, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: guest room


I have been making some changes and updates to our guest bedroom, and it’s almost there! It has been fun coming up with a cheery color palette, adding whimsical touches and fine tuning/tweaking the space. I like to start a room, then step back and take a look to see what else it needs. It ends up being a long process. (Partly because I tend to procrastinate when it comes to my own spaces!) But, we’re almost there and the big reveal will be tomorrow. For now, here are some lovely bedroom images from pinterest for this Monday!

Source: favoritepaintcolors.blogspot.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: erineverafter.blogspot.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: Uploaded by user via Simple on Pinterest
Source: cococozy.com via Simple on Pinterest

These images give a hint in the direction of the room’s color palette. The first two images are very similar to my room’s wall color and the last image almost has the entire color palette of the space. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s guest room reveal!

One Year Ago Today…

January 8, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: blog birthday


My little blog is officially one year old today!! This has been such an amazing year, full of new possibilities, dreams and great new friends. I am so thankful to all of you that have stuck around and checked in to what I have to say! It means the world to me. When I started this blog, I was amazed that people would read it, comment and actually follow! Me?? I have loved blogging so far, and I look forward to future posts!

Source: zaba.soup.io via Simple on Pinterest

I thought it would be fun to take a look back at my very first post (which actually had no pictures!)

1/8/11

I have loved interior design for as long as I can remember.  I am an avid HGTV fan and love to come up with new decorating ideas, or expanding on existing ones.  My education background is not design, but I feel it is my calling!  I daydream about what to decorate next, or how large print damask wallpaper will look in my entryway.  I truly believe that you don’t have to be a famous designer to have great style.  You also don’t have to break the bank to afford great style.  Choosing to begin with timeless pieces that will always be in vogue and will stand through the ever changing trends is what makes your design last!
Let’s get ready to talk design!

Well… I did do the large print damask wallpaper in our foyer! I also tried out stenciling this year and embarked on a new e-decorating career! My first actual client was this past summer, and it was so much fun. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog and sharing what I love to talk about… design! I promise that this coming year will be filled with gorgeous room inspirations, lots of DIY projects and more decor fun. Thanks so much for checking in and reading, and here’s to another year!!

Fashion Friday

January 6, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: fashion friday


Happy weekend and welcome to the series Fashion Friday… where I show an outfit inspired by interior design! I really liked the soothing and simple color palette of yesterday’s room, so I thought I would show my outfit interpretation of the space!

Tuxedo Casual

Tuxedo Casual by simpledwellings2

Yesterday’s great room was filled with hues of white, gray and black- with a hint of red! So I did the same with this fashion interpretation- the base of the outfit has black leggings, with a simple black and white striped shirt and gray cardigan. Simple and comfortable… and who doesn’t look great in black?!? White, gray and black are almost always in my outfits, so this was a simple task for me! The gray suede boots are a splurge and add just a hint of red at the bottom. Aren’t Louboutins on everyone’s wish list??? This is an imaginary outfit, so why not splurge a little! The red bag also ties in the accessory color and gives the outfit some life. The snake earrings are a whimsical touch and reminded me of the animal art that was in yesterday’s space.

If you created an outfit inspired by a favorite room, what colors would it have???

Why This Works

January 5, 2012 by Amber 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 and why it works so well. This week’s great room space is a bit masculine, but I love it’s character and architectural details. It was seen in House Beautiful and was designed by Ken Fulk. Have a look!

Seen in House Beautiful. 
The size and scope of the space drew me in at first and then the details and subtle pops of color kept me interested in the design. The stone floors balance well with the soft upholstered chesterfield sofa and the soothing palette of gray, white and black add to the charm of the room. The two drum tables work well for a coffee table and can easily be moved around when needed in other areas. The sturdy material of the drum tables works great paired with the delicate red tulips, for a nice balance. The dining area doubles as a reading nook, with plentiful books and a dramatic globe as the centerpiece. I love to see unusual centerpieces and this one speaks to the personality of the space and adds a bit of whimsy. The bistro style chairs, distressed kitchen island and oversized pendants add a rustic feel to the space, while the large, modern dog art shows a pop of color and also adds another hint of whimsy and fun to the great room. When looking up, the beautiful height of the ceilings show the exposed beams and makes the space feel larger. This space/color palette is also so versatile! The red can easily be switched out with either citron, plum or coral for a totally different look. Overall, this space works!
What are your thoughts??

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – The Scott’s Crib

January 4, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: blog room series


With the holidays behind us, I am ready to get back in gear with weekly series posts! I am so excited to bring back the blog room series with this wonderful blogger… Latoya from The Scott’s Crib. In her blog, Latoya shows us that beautiful and fun design doesn’t have to cost a fortune! She has great DIY ideas and she’s here today to show us what her blog would look like as a room! Here is her great blog header:
And here is what she came up with-
Talk about being super psyched to write about my blog being a room would definitely be an understatement!  Simple Dwelling readers I am so happy that Amber asked me to write about this topic for you today.  

I knew this topic would be relatively easy for me because I like to keep things fun and refreshing over at my blog but narrowing down the many pictures over on Pinterest can be a daunting task!  I am sure many of you can relate!

So without further adieu let me share with you the pictures that I feel scream The Scott’s Crib!  The first picture is from Young House Love.  I started The Scott’s Crib after stalking John and Sherry’s blog for a year or so.  There style is quite different from my own personal style that is reflected in my home but I love them so much I feel that I channel some of their energy into my blog design.

I do my own blog design to keep in spirit with my diy, thriftiness, and cheap theme.  I recently re-designed the whole blog because, while being fun I still wanted to streamline and declutter my blog.  This room totally reflects those efforts because of the neutral backdrop and the bold textures and elements that makes this room the beauty that it is.

via

At The Scott’s Crib you will find a neutral backdrop with refreshing pops of browns, teals, and aquas.  I have recently developed an affinity for teal and throughout my last three design switcharoos it has found its home.  As seen in John and Sherry’s room the color teal plays beautifully with lime and charcoal colors.  Again, their style is very different from my own but I can’t help but love this room!

The next room I absolutely adore and again feel that the teal and bold pops of red does this neutral space such wonders.  My blog doesn’t have a drop of red in it (at least not yet) but the way that this room is brought together with bold pops of color is very refreshing.  This room which otherwise might be perceived as cold is very inviting and open and that is exactly the look and feel that I want to create for readers when they visit my blog.
via
Keeping everything neutral, free of clutter, with bold pops to play with one’s imagination is a look worth capturing in any blog or any room.  I love all of the inspiration that each of these rooms provide.  Although you won’t find them in my home, you can definitely expect to see more of what these photographs capture in future evolving designs at The Scott’s Crib.
I am so glad Amber allowed me to come and play with you all today!  I hope you have been inspired and thanks again Amber for having me, it was truly a delight!
Photobucket

I love what Latoya came up with! These rooms are fresh, simple and beautiful! And I love that she found inspiration from rooms that might not be her complete style, but there are elements in rooms that we can all relate to and appreciate! Thanks so much for being here, Latoya!
Stop by her blog and say hello!

What’s Your New Year’s Resolution??

January 3, 2012 by Amber Filed Under: organize


My New Year’s Resolution has been on my mind lately! Throughout the year, every year, I always plan to
1. Work out more and
2. Keep up with tackling my home projects. (aka- actually finish a project!)
Most of the time, the first goal never happens and the second goal gets done when possible- usually taking a long time. So when I read Danielle’s post about pairing down and simplifying, I knew what my resolution had to be! It was really time for me to purge what I don’t need and keep things more simple. It’s a win win situation, because extra items around your home can always be donated, going to a good cause, and you end up with the things that are most important and functional in your home. I really hope to stay with this resolution this year. Maybe when I start to declutter, I can find a way to better organize my life and actually find the things that I need when I am looking for them! From time to time, I will keep you up to date with how this resolution is going and now that it’s in writing- it has to happen! (You are all my witnesses!) Here are some great organization images via pinterest.

Source: bhg.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: decor8blog.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: caitlinwilsondesign.blogspot.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: bhg.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: seemeeverywhere.com via Simple on Pinterest
What are your New Year’s Resolutions??

Party Plans??

December 31, 2011 by Amber Filed Under: party plans


Happy New Year! I can’t believe 2012 is almost here! It has been an amazing year, and I look forward to wonderful things to come in the next year. Whether your New Year’s Eve will be quiet or party hardy, with a small group or large, asleep before midnight or up till dawn- I hope you all have a wonderful New Year’s filled with much happiness and lots of sparkle!

Source: google.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: newenglandfineliving.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: modcloth.com via Simple on Pinterest
Source: Uploaded by user via Simple on Pinterest

And last but not least….. my favorite image on pinterest for New Year’s celebrating! Isn’t this image amazing?

Source: ambitieuse.tumblr.com via Simple on Pinterest

I have been to Paris once and absolutely loved it! How amazing would it be to ring in the New Year there? I must say, that I am very content and happy with my quiet New Year’s this year! I will be surrounded by wonderful people and laughter. I think that’s a pretty perfect way to celebrate!

I wish the same for you… Happy New Year’s!!

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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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