Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

{Trendspotting} Mixing Metals

by Filed Under: design, design theories, personal design style


In my latest i village feature, I was asked to name a big design trend happening in 2013. It didn’t take me long to think about mixing metal finishes for a room. To achieve a layered, eclectic look in a space, a brushed nickel lamp base can sit near a brass accessory, without worry. Just like it’s fun to mix jewlery with gold and silver in one outfit, the same can be done with your space. I’ve always been in the thought to ‘include the things you love’ in your home. If you absolutely love it, then it works! Here are some spaces that achieve a layered, collected look by mixing metals and forgetting the design rules.

Bronze with Chrome

Iron and Brass

Source: houzz.com via Tina on Pinterest

Bronze and Brass

Stainless Steel and Bronze

Source: houzz.com via Baldwin on Pinterest

Brass and Chrome

When you see specific examples, you realize that it’s not so obvious. These spaces just look layered, well balanced and personal to the homeowner.

Have you mixed your metals lately??
Will you be watching the Oscars tonight? I always get excited to see what everyone’s wearing. Isn’t that why we all watch??

My Theories on Design (So Far)

by Filed Under: design theories


I have been thinking about this topic for a while. With some design classes under my belt, starting an e-decor business, this blog, and all of the inspiration from you- I have a few go to theories on interior design that have stuck with me so far. This past year, so much of what I have learned comes from your amazing blogs. The daily inspirations, the DIY projects and the wonderful sites like Houzz and Pinterest… there is so much design knowledge out there! You all continue to truly amaze me! So here we go- my design theories thus far:

1. To give a space an eclectic, well designed look- mix up design styles, wood and metal finishes! There is no one rule- have fun with your personal style.

2. Accessories bring a space together! This is a constant work in progress for me- I have definitely come to realize the importance of the accessories in a space. It can take a lot of editing and stepping back to see what’s in front of you. I have found pinterest (yet again) a great source for this!

Source: houzz.com via Simple on Pinterest
Our Family Room
3. Dark walls don’t make a space feel smaller…. but lots of small furniture pieces does. A small room (even with dark walls) looks bigger with a few larger furniture pieces, as opposed to many smaller pieces. When we first bought our house, I thought I had to fill every nook and cranny with pictures on the walls, and tables and chairs everywhere. When I took a step back and only kept the things that were necessary in the space, traded out the several pieces for a few larger scale ones, the rooms felt more spacious!
4. Monochromatic doesn’t mean boring. Layering different textures, finishes and shades of the same color actually show tons of depth and creativity!
5. On the flip side, I also believe pops of color can awaken a room and bring life to the space! For me, I like to use bold color in small doses, keeping the overall look fairly neutral. This way, when I am loving a new color, it can be easily traded in to the room!
6. While we’re on the topic of color, paint on the walls can completely change the look of your space! For not too much money, your room can go from ok to wow with the right paint color, stencil or paint treatment!
And last but not least… have fun! Your space doesn’t have to look like someone else’s space- it just has to make you smile!
And thanks to all of you for helping me create this list… you are all so inspiring and I love learning from all of you!
Do you have any go to design theories??