Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

Having a Thing for Coral

by Filed Under: beach, coral


Maybe it’s because we just got back from the beach, or maybe it’s because summer is just beginning, but I am definitely loving the look of coral in a room. As an accessory on a table, on a pillow, lamp or rug- coral always seems to catch my eye these days. I am drawn to the chic, subtle way coral can add a coastal touch to a room and it can be used in so many ways. Here are some of my favorite ways I have seen coral lately-

Above images via Pottery Barn. (And the first image of the red coral branches are now on clearance for $9!)
Image via Ballard Designs.
Image via Pier 1 Imports.
What design accessory do you have a thing for lately?

If My Blog Was A Room – Next Up – About Last Weekend

by Filed Under: blog room series


I am so excited to be back with the Wednesday 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 beyond thrilled to have one of my favorite bloggers here today! Her name is Jody, and she has the wonderful blog, About Last Weekend. Jody’s blog is funny, informative, witty and can make me laugh out loud! She is a stylish lady with a wonderful writing talent! I love how she has taken on this blog room challenge. Without further adieu, here she is!

Thank you Amber! I was totally chuffed Amber asked me over today because I’ve just re-modelled my blog a bit and because my blog really is a room – it’s our kitchen. (All pictures below are of my kitchen.)

For a start, my blog masthead is a picture of our dining table in it’s usual Saturday morning state of devastation with mucky plates and shoes on the tables…. the latter always being the mark of a good night, I feel. Lucite, plastic, glass and wood in this space mean it all cleans up really quickly.

My blog is about all kinds of stuff – truthfully it’s probably a bit all over the place. But maybe that’s okay because I’m all over the show – originally a Kiwi from Ohope Beach in the Bay Of Plenty, I made a 15-year “stopover” in London before landing in Oakland where we’ve lived with our four kids for nine years.

We remodelled two years ago. Theoretically I’m a minimalist, but in reality I cannot resist a dash of kiwi kitcharama, a few tsotchkes and lashings of colour.

If you click on Topics on my blog, illustrated by Tallulah, age 10, you will find a range of subjects including Fashion for Grown-Ups, Idle Hostess, More Kid Nonsense and Zeitgeist.  Too varied? But a kitchen has to be many things too: a place to cook, talk, laugh, write and eat. And without fuss: I want to be able to look forward to an adult dinner party where we discuss world economics and the Kardashians and the next day host a kid’s soccer party and not freak out when the striker squishes a couple of raspberries on the floor.

But hopefully there are tranquil spaces to reflect and anything of great value is up out of harm’s way on the wall, in the paintings.

It’s important to peer out into the world and let the world see you. One of the best things about blogging is visiting other bloggers and in turn welcoming them when they pop into your place. Our wooden folding door does just that for an indoor-outdoor flow.

And here is is my place to write to you, having a wee bit of a rant, ramble or ruminate…

And a place for you to sit down, have a nice cuppa tea or glass of wine and tell me about what happened to you today…

Wow- thanks so much, Jody! (I watch the Kardashian’s too!) 🙂  Your home is beautiful, chic, relaxing and fun- just like your blog! I love the way the sliding doors bring the outdoors in, and I especially love all the beautiful seating in your home! I love the pops of color and the way your modern style is so warm and inviting. Stop by and check out Jody’s great blog!  

I’m Back and Writing My 100th Post!

by Filed Under: Uncategorized


I’m excited to be back on the blog and writing my 100th post! When I started this blog back in January, I had no idea the journey it would take me on, or the wonderful inspiration I would find along the way! I am so thankful to have wonderful readers who share a love for interior design. I know this blog will continue to be a labor of love for me, and hope you will continue with me along this journey!

We just returned from a wonderful, restful trip along the east coast, with stops in Ocean City, Maryland and North Carolina. I would love to share some of my Ocean City pictures with you today! The beach alone is inspiring, beautiful and restful. I loved looking at the cottages along the boardwalk that offered week long rentals. (That just might be the way to go, next time!) Here are some beach inspired images for today-

Fun, inspiring and beautiful- we would definitely go again! And did you see that crab? Maybe if you live near the beach, you might see those often- but that was a shocker to me!

Happy Tuesday!

Here is Some Inspiration

by Filed Under: rue inspiration


I love looking at spaces, seeing the beauty, potential and all of the amazing inspiration! A great source for finding beautiful, inspiring spaces is in the Rue magazine gallery. You can choose from several types of rooms and look at current and past issues. The rooms from this magazine are so eclectic, beautiful and inspiring.

These rooms are fun, eclectic and oh so beautiful! They blend traditional with modern and are so fun to look at! What I love best about this on line magazine, is that is shows designs that look so achievable on a buget! When I look at this last office space above, I think… I can do that! These interiors and others can be found at the rue gallery here.
What are your favorite design sources for inspiration?

I will be back on the blog next week with more amazing interiors, including a guest post from one of my favorite bloggers!

Summer in the Country

by Filed Under: country, summer


There is a lot to look forward to for summer… more lazy, relaxing days, warm weather and easy, laid back decor ideas! This month’s issue of Country Living is jam packed with great summer looks and ideas. It all looks so effortless and fun- which I love!

These sweet, adorable, lavender filled pouches are a great way to add a country summer flair to your drawers or for your guests. By using leftover fabrics and buttons, these fragrant strawberries can be made. The template and instructions can be found here.

I love the look of galvanized metal! These planters from Pottery Barn would make a great addition to a backyard party! Add some drinks, towels or even pretty plants. An even better idea though, came from this month’s issue of Country Living. They suggest turning the extra large planter upside down, for an instant chic side table!

 Speaking of outdoor entertaining, who could resist these adorable salad tongs! The pitchfork and shovel shape reminds me of summer gardening.

This large shark head from PB Teen is a fun way to decorate for the summer! It can be used for a fun game of beanbag toss or to store pool towels!

There you have it! Country Living pulls out all the stops to make this summer a blast!
Do you have a fun way to get ready and inspired for summer?

Why This Works

by Filed Under: why works series


Happy Friday! It’s time for the series Why This Works… where I find a designed space and describe why (I think) it’s perfection. Maybe the room feels like a relaxing getaway; maybe the colors are fun and unique, or maybe the room just makes my jaw drop when I see it!  And today’s space (in my eyes) works in so many ways! The gorgeous room for today comes from the inspiring Rue magazine.

Image via Rue Magazine.

There are so many reasons why I love this space! I could see myself on either comfortable sofa, lingering for hours with a good magazine or watching a great episode on HGTV. The space feels so warm and inviting, traditional and modern. The two sofas work nicely together, adding a traditional and modern touch to the space. I love, love, love the soft blue/gray on the window wall with the subtle pops of color in the accessories. The rustic wood floors goes well with the beautiful chandelier, combining simplicity with elegance. I love the simple, rustic feel of the logs in the fireplace with the ornate and elegant mirror above the mantle. The rustic A- shaped ladder made me smile, because it reminds me of my mom’s ladder here from her master bath. At one time, my mom had her ladder in the family room, with blankets and quilts on display. To me, this room is simple, refined, casual, elegant, traditional, rustic and a touch of modern. (All of the elements which I love!)
What elements do you like best in this space?

A Newly Discovered Attic

by Filed Under: olioboard challenge


I will be back soon with the Wednesday series, but for now, let’s show a new Olioboard challenge! This site for creating design boards has a new challenge: After clearing out your attic space, you have just recently uncovered 500 more square feet of living space in your home! The ceiling is slanted on both sides, following the peak of the roof and there is one window at the end of the space. What would you do with this new found square footage? Well, I never shy away from a challenge, so I entered! There were no budget requirements for this challenge, so I just picked what I thought would work. Here is what I came up with:

I decided to make this space into an extra living and work room. I wanted it to be a serene escape, where I could take risks with color! I decided to wallpaper the walls and ceiling with this taupe/blue flower and branch wallpaper. It was a subtle backdrop to the space, which will draw your eye up and allow you to forget the dramatic peaks of the ceiling. If this rooms dimensions were for a real space, I would probably also suggest a rustic, white beam to be installed where the ceiling peaks meet. This would also help draw your eye up. The pops of color come in the drapery and accessories, while the furniture and rug stay neutral. The colorful pillow in the left corner of the design board allowed the wallpaper to work well with the rest of the bright colors. Hanging several mirrors in the space will give the illusion of more liveable space, while making the walls appear as if they have been pushed back a bit. To vote for this design, go here and find “Attic Chic.” And to see the shopping sources for this look, visit here.

The NBA Finals and Design

by Filed Under: basketball and design


A while back, I mentioned that my husband and I enjoy watching basketball and become excited for the finals, both in college and in the NBA. During the college basketball finals in March, I wrote a post here about finding design inspiration from the sport. I’m back at it again for the NBA finals! Our favorite teams are no longer in the series, but it would still be fun to think of design and basketball together. The teams battling for the championship title are the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks. Rather than finding design inspiration from the team’s colors, I thought it would be interesting and fun to search for successful interior designers in the two cities, who do a wonderful job of incorporating the city’s vibe and style into the homes/businesses they design. First up- Miami! When I think of Miami style, I think of modern, art deco style with loads of color. And when I think of amazing designers who have worked in Miami, these two powerhouses come to mind: Kelly Wearstler and David Bromstad. They know how to style Miami right!

The above images designed by Kelly Wearstler.
Designed by David Bromstad.
And now, on to Dallas! When I think of Dallas, Texas design, I think of traditional, elegant, comfortable and luxurious! I think of wonderful southern charm! I found a Dallas designer who delivers these designs for her clients! 

Interior designs by Adrienne Morgan.
This ended up being very interesting, because it seemed to turn out as Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks- Modern vs. Traditional!
That might be a bit of a stretch, as I am sure these talented designers were not thinking of their home teams while creating these beautiful interiors. Also, I know modern can exist in Dallas, just like traditional exists in Miami. But- it’s still fun, never the less! For me, I like to blend both design styles and find elements I love from all the designers!
What basketball team are you rooting for? What design style do you most root for?

Why This Works

by Filed Under: why works series


I’m back for take 2 of the new series, Why This Works… where I highlight a space and talk about why (I think) it’s perfection! In the May/June issue of Lonny, interior designer Caroline Robert showed us a gorgeous dining space where I would love to spend many hours, lingering and dining with friends and family. It’s her own dining room which she shares with her husband and children in New Orleans.

Image via Lonny. Designed by Caroline Robert.

There are so many elements I love about this room. Since Caroline and her children enjoy painting together, she chose durable, colorful chair cushions to accompany the beautiful lucite chairs. She paired the modern seating with a very sturdy, traditional wood table. The rustic floor layed out in a herringbone pattern, works so well against the elegant silk drapery. The natural grass cloth walls adds interesting texture to the space in a subtle way. And the show stopper in the room is the over sized, gorgeous antique chandelier, which adds a sense of grandeur to the space. And fresh flower are always a great touch! To check out the rest of Caroline’s gorgeous New Orleans home, visit the new issue of Lonny here.

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!