Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

A Look Back at 2015

by Filed Under: #projectvintagegem, amber b design, Bridge Street, central new york design, design, e-decorating, e-design, local clients


Before I head out to begin 2016, I wanted to look back at the fun, exciting and adventurous year that was 2015. Why not look back and evaluate the past, so you can move forward to better the future?!? So please don’t mind my little self indulgence, while I reflect on the highlights from this past year. 🙂

 

I completed Project Vintage Gem… one of the coolest projects I was able to be a part of and one of the most amazing design experiences to date!

 

A living room with brick walls and a table

 

A living room with a couch and chairs in it

 

A dining room table with chairs and a clock on the wall.

all of the amazing photography skills are by Sarah Heppell Photography

I took the plunge and had my web site redesigned and rebranded! That was one of best decisions I have made for this little business. I feel that this new design truly reflects me and where I want to go with Amber B Design. Britt Douglas knocked it out of the park and gave me a web presence that I could have never dreamed of!

A website for an interior design company

To better enhance the new web site, I enlisted the help of talented local Photographer, Sarah Heppell, to photograph our home and take some head shots. Sarah is such a true talent and I can’t wait to work with her again in the new year!

A living room with a table and chair, lamp, picture and china cabinet.

A dining room table with candles on it

A woman with long hair wearing a black shirt and necklace.

images via

I am also still working on e-design projects and have been having fun completing rooms remotely!

A collage of furniture and decor items.

original post HERE

I had the privilege of working again with Britt Douglas and this time, helping to design her master bedroom for the One Room Challenge.

A collage of black and white decor items.

A gold jewelry stand with many different necklaces.

To read more about Britt’s ORC journey, visit HERE

And just last month, I was able to make my live TV debut on Syracuse’s Bridge Street, to discuss simple ways to jazz up your home this holiday season!

A woman standing in front of a glass door.

A chair and table in front of a wall mural.

To read that post and see the complete source list, go HERE

All of these fun experiences would not have been possible without my wonderful family with me, every step of the way! They are my everything and I am so thankful for their support. Here’s to a wonderful 2016 with them by my side! Also, a big thank you to all of you, for your readership and for the positive feedback you always give. You’re the best! Thank you for letting me indulge a bit in this past year’s memories. This blog is a bit of a journal for me and it helps to reflect, before I move ahead into the future. Amber B Design has some fun projects in store for the new year and I am excited to share them all with you, here!

Have a Happy, Healthy New Year and I hope to see you back here soon! 

E-Design Project… The Foyer

by Filed Under: amber b design, Bridge Street, design class, e-decorating, e-design


I am back today to share a recent e-design project that I completed. I have worked with these wonderful clients before on their kitchen, dining room and den. We have now moved onto the foyer! It’s so fun to be a part of several rooms in a client’s home. Not only do you get to know them and establish a great designer/client relationship, but you also get to tie the design ideas into other rooms in their home. This is one of my favorite room designs as of late. I love how the colors came together, in comparison to the other nearby rooms we decorated. A foyer is your guest’s first impression of your home, so why not pack a fun punch with the design?!?

The Design…

 

A collage of different items including furniture and mirrors.

 

I wanted to give this family a laid back, coastal style. They love the beach and I hope this design gives subtle nods to their favorite vacation spots! The upholstered bench really brings the color palette together and compliments what we have accomplished in the nearby rooms. The teal/indigo area rug color is pulled from the hues in the bench. The chinoiserie vase prints will go near the front door and it is the continuation of the blue that makes it all flow. The acrylic base of the console lamp allows the room to feel light and airy, not taking up too much visual space. They have already began putting the foyer design together and I can’t wait to see the results!

 

 

Latest E – Design Projects

by Filed Under: amber b design, e-decorating, e-design, interior design


Lately, I have been showing some local projects, so I thought it would be fun to switch gears today and show some of my latest e-design work. E-design is a remote way of doing design, as it’s all completed through on line correspondence and virtual design presentations. First up, is a project I completed for a couple wanting to update their living space, while also looking for some new storage. They love to travel and also like shades of blues and greens. This was also a fun project, because it is a friend of mine who lives out of town! Here is the design plan…

 

A collage of furniture and decor items.

 

They enjoy the outdoors, so I thought the Schumacher Zimba pillow {shown bottom center} was a fun addition, since the modern fabric print is reminiscent of the mountains. The watercolor art print, {shown bottom left corner} will go on the mantel and has the room’s color palette, while also brings another reminder of nature.

Next up is a den for a sweet family that I have worked with, before. This space gets a lot of use from the whole family, so it had to be both functional and stylish. We kept many of the existing pieces for this room, so it was just a matter of selecting the right accessories and color palette to go with the space. They already had a color combo of corals, greens and yellows, so I came in and added some modern elements to balance with the traditional. Here is that design plan…

 

A collage of different types of furniture and decor.

 

Some of these accessories may change, but the overall plan will stay the same. Changing their current yellow wall color to the light blue/gray shade {top left corner} will be a game changer in the room. I like how both of these plans seem so different, yet they carry that common thread… a blend of modern with traditional design. I tend to gravitate towards that combination and it was exciting to work on projects that bring together those styles. And both designs have the same watercolor print!

Bathroom E-Design Reveal – Before & After!!

by Filed Under: amber b design, bathroom, before and after, e-decorating, e-design, interior design


I am so excited to show you this before and after today! A while back, a wonderful e-design client, who I have worked with on some rooms before, contacted me about putting some love back into their downstairs half bathroom. She wanted a more serene, spa like vibe and was definitely ready for a change.

Before 


Short of changing the vanity mirror and pedestal sink, they pretty much replaced everything else! My clients couldn’t wait to take the tile off the walls and floor. They were also looking to change the wall color and bring a softer, more modern look to the space. Here is the design plan I came up with…

The Design Plan


I knew that the new lighter wall color, stenciled top walls, wainscoted lower walls and new marble flooring were going to be the game changers. Everything else was the icing on the cake. Are you ready to see the afters?!?

After


Can you believe it’s the same space? My clients worked extremely hard to make this bathroom reflect their style. They did the work themselves and did a phenomenal job!! The best compliment on Instagram was a reader asking if that was wallpaper. It’s a stencil and you can purchase it HERE, in small. Thank you to my clients for allowing me to share their hard work. Bravo to you both!!

E-Design Boards Reveal {Office & Guest Room}

by Filed Under: amber b design, e-decorating, e-design, interior design


I am excited to show more e-design board reveals with you today! I have worked with this wonderful client before in several rooms throughout her home. We just recently worked on the office and guest room. My client loves a soft, serene palette with bursts of fun color. She loves the modern – traditional mix and has allowed me to try some fun and creative ideas in her past rooms. It is always a treat to work together! First up- the office design…

My client already had the IKEA slipcovered chairs, that you see on the bottom of the board. I thought they would be great in the space, so we kept them. We changed out everything else! She is very excited about the relaxed, but fun style in the design. I know that striped rug will be everything in the room!! The Nate Berkus office accessories will be the finishing touches on the desk.

For the Guest Room, my client wanted a stylish and serene space where guests feel comfortable…

We are both so thrilled with this design! I cannot wait to see that pale, soft pink shade on the walls. The new scalloped ceiling light fixture looks like a cloud and will be a sweet addition to this room. The bedding feels hotel chic and the sconces will provide great task lighting for guests to read in bed. The art by Cozamia will be stunning on the wall space above the bed. The coral fretwork pillow by Caitlin Wilson Textiles will be a fun dose of color against the white border duvet. I also like how this design compliments, but does not compete with her Master Bedroom design, which we completed a while back…

Master Bedroom Design


I will definitely update you along the way! 

Whether you live near Central NY or not, we can work together! E-mail me for more information, or visit my Design Services page HERE.  🙂

E-Design Boards Reveal!!

by Filed Under: amber b design, dining room, e-decorating, e-design, interior design, kitchen


I wanted to check in and show you the latest e-design boards I created for a lovely out of state client. My client heard about me from her sister, who I have worked with locally for #projectdelicatenursery #projectclassickitchen and #projectclassicliving. Having referrals from clients is one of my favorite parts of my job, because it makes my day that they want to recommend me to others, especially their own family members! And just like my local client, her sister was just as sweet and wonderful to work with. My new clients wanted to pull together their beautiful kitchen and dining room renovation with the finishing touches… new accessories and art. I also suggested some new lighting and a few key furniture pieces that will enhance their already amazing renovation. Here are some pictures of the kitchen…

The Kitchen


Gorgeous, right?!? And here is the design board I came up with for this space…

We will be doing two oversized, framed art pieces, hung side by side, on the long wall by the kitchen table. They will either be the fern prints, driftwood prints {both on the left of the board} or the charcoal botanical prints {bottom right of the board}. Which art pieces would you choose? Here are some pictures of the dining room…

The Dining Room


We will be working with most of the things you see in these pictures. And here is the design board I came up with for this space…

I just love that CWT buffalo check pillow! That was suggested to go on the upholstered head chairs. It will be a modern take on a traditional pattern, which is perfect for this dining room. The gorgeous furniture in this space is antique and was refinished with love from my client’s father. I love the charm and personal connection this furniture has in the room. Since the head chairs were bought after and are not part of the collection, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to bring some upholstered pieces into the room. The upholstered head chairs will bring a softness to the space and be a nice compliment to the wood furniture. The bamboo mirror will go above the buffet, with a pair of fun table lamps flanking the mirror. My client will be deciding on art that will go on either side of the buffet lamps and above the extra chairs. I suggested to either go with the blue watercolors that are shown on the bottom of the board or a pair of floral vase prints, which is shown in the center of the board. Which would you choose for the dining room?

I will update you on the progress of these spaces, as we move forward!

Progress on the Wine Cellar Project!!

by Filed Under: amber b design, design, e-decorating, e-design, interior design


A little while back, you may have remembered my post here where I hinted at my first commercial e-design project… a wine cellar in Long Island, NY! This wonderful couple that I am working with, has embarked on this amazing journey to start their own business in the wine making industry! I look forward to giving you a full reveal of their business and facility in the future, but today- I have a crazy cool sneak peek for you. We primarily worked on the wine tasting area, which shares a large space with the actual wine production facility. I think it is so special and unique that customers will be able to get a glimpse into the actual business of wine making, while sampling the delicious wines they offer. We wanted to make all spaces flow together and maintain an open concept, but also have the ability to close off the production areas when needed. The area is a renovated cellar in a small town on the North Shore of Long Island. It’s a quaint town outside of those windows and we wanted to keep the natural light throughout. Here are some before pictures of the cellar…

Before


My clients wanted to keep a neutral color palette of whites, blacks and grays. Here is the design board I came up with…

They were on board with the plans and got right to work with the design ideas. I am so proud of their progress. The sneak peek I am about to show you is of the wine tasting room, which is pictured in the first before pic, above.

Amazing Progress


Spectacular progress, right?!? We added the new indoor/outdoor rug under the table and the chic bar cart on the right. I love the way the brass from the bar cart adds a chic quality to the space. The wine racks on the right (which the husband made) have been painted, reinforced and stacked on top of each other for a dramatic area for wine display. The concrete wall in the back has been covered with board and batten and painted the same dark color as the wine racks. The best thing about this paint is that it is covered in a chalkboard finish. Now, they can write their wine names directly on the racks and board and batten! When they want to move wines around, they can easily wipe off the chalk and start over. The small window also blends right into the design! At first glance, I didn’t even notice it was still there, yet helps bring in natural light. They hung their antique windows above the buffet on the left and two gourd lamps will sit on the buffet, for soft task lighting. Hanging the antique windows there, helps to conceal some of the wine barrels and necessary equipment. The chandelier will be replaced with the black fixture you see in the top center of the design board. They have made such stunning progress so far and it is a real treat to be a part of this journey with them! I cannot wait to see their business grow and thrive! Here is a before and in progress comparison again, of this wine tasting room.

Before


In Progress


I look forward to showing more, as my clients complete the space. A big thank you to my clients for allowing me to share the progress of their journey!

What is Happening Around Here…

by Filed Under: #projectvintagegem, blog, design, design services, e-decorating, e-design, local clients


Sorry for the lack of posts as of late! I have been happily plugging away on some design projects that I can’t wait to share with you! There is something about this time of year that is so optimistic. The Holiday decorations have been put away, routines are back again and I feel energized to get more accomplished. That’s a great feeling, isn’t it?!? This is always the time of year I start to organize and make changes, both in the decor of my home and in business. If you have stuck around here for quite some time {thanks Mom!}, you may realize that I have had more business name changes than Puff Daddy. Well, maybe it’s the same number of changes. Let’s count… First, there was Puff Daddy, then Puffy, then P Diddy and now- just Diddy. Ok, so he has had four. He does have me beat by one. I went from Simple Dwellings Interiors, to Amber B Interiors and now officially… Amber B Design! I have always wanted to use the name Design for the business. It’s not a big change from Amber B Interiors, but it makes me happy. The links on my sidebar might be broken for a bit, but should be up and running soon. I think I might keep the blog name as Simple Dwellings, since that name does have a special place in my heart and has been around since the beginning. But all of my social media accounts {for the most part} have changed to Amber B Design.

Great, now that’s out of the way… let’s talk design projects. I am currently working on a local design project that I refer to as #projectvintagegem. The apartments in this building have such character and charm. My client has just moved into this apartment, hence the boxes.

Before

Oh, my client’s precious cat!! I am also working on my first commercial project, which is a wine tasting room that is part of their production facility. Here is some inspiration to show you the direction we are headed with that…

Inspiration

It has been a real challenge to push my creativity further with this commercial project. But, I have learned so much and am grateful to have that opportunity to bring myself out of that comfort zone.
In March, I am ecstatic to be working again with a wonderful client. Room by room, she is renovating her 1930’s Georgian Brick colonial. We first completed her daughter’s sweet, delicate nursery…

more on the nursery here
And then we moved onto her eating area in the kitchen…

more on the kitchen here
There is still a full reveal coming soon, since this spot in the kitchen is only about 90% complete. One of the rooms we will be tackling in March is their sun room. Currently, the walls, windows and all trim are wood stained. That look won’t stay that way for long. Here is my inspiration for that space…
via

Deep blue walls were made for her space! For some reason, when a design idea hits me that I know will work so well, I just want to sing in an operatic voice. Is that just me?!? Probably should have kept that one to myself. Needless to say, I can’t wait to show you that reveal. 
Thanks for checking back in! 

Before and After {E Design Client Progress}

by Filed Under: design, e-decorating, e-design, interior design, personal design style


I always enjoy getting progress and after photos in my inbox! Truly makes my day. I have some updates to show you on two e-design projects that wrapped up this past year. First up, is a client who has a mid century modern, eclectic, bohemian style. She wanted that reflected in her living room, which is the space directly off of the foyer. Here is where the room started…

Before


I love the character in my client’s home. We kept the gorgeous rug, but replaced everything you see here with new pieces. We felt the furniture was a bit oversized for the space and my client wanted a more streamlined, cleaner look for the room. Here is the design board I came up with for this space…

The Design Plan


She is almost done implementing the design plan! Today, I am showing you a sneak peek of the left corner of the room, where the table and chairs are shown in the pictures.

After in Progress


I just love the way the table lamps bring that eclectic, collected style to the room. I also love the way the gourd lamp compliments the art print above the desk. The room is lighter and brighter and I can’t wait to show you more, soon!

My next e-design client was looking to completely transform her living room and foyer. We replaced almost everything in the room and the end result is pretty dramatic. Here is where the room started…

Before


And here is the design plan I came up with for the spaces…

Design Plan


Today, I am showing you a sneak peek of the fireplace wall and the nooks beside the fireplace.

After


The DIY inverted arrows print she made turned out beautiful! I love the way the mirrors add a dramatic focal point and reflect the light around the room. The biggest impact for this space is the lighter paint color on the walls. What a difference! I also think a huge impact is the newly painted fireplace mantel. Painting over the wood stained mantel instantly modernized the room and this whole wall. I promise a full reveal of this space soon!

Great job to my amazing, wonderful clients! Thank you for letting me share your beautiful spaces with my readers. If you are looking to make your home better reflect your style, contact me at [email protected] for more info.! I am currently booking for January 2015.

Before and After {Foyer E-Design}

by Filed Under: before and after, design, e-decorating, e-design, foyer, interior design


A love a great before and after, don’t you? It always amazes me to see how a space can transform with just a few changes! I have a great before and after to show you, today. My wonderful client and I have been working on several rooms throughout her home and she has been a pleasure to work with. Her and her husband have been plugging away at each of the spaces and are truly doing a wonderful job seeing the design vision through. Here is the foyer when we began working together…

Before


We wanted to bring some pattern and texture to this space and make it a fun welcoming area to look at upon entering her house. A foyer is a very important room to consider, since it sets the stage for what’s to come throughout a home. I created the foyer design along with the living room, since they are really one big space. Here is the design board I came up with, the foyer design towards the left of the board…

Design Plan


I wanted to create pattern on the walls with a new stencil. This helped to separate the foyer from the living room, while still making it feel like one design. To unify the spaces, we painted all of the walls in both the foyer and living room the same gray/white shade. That really helped to lighten up the spaces and allow the accessories to shine. Here are the afters of her foyer…

After


The stencil and the lighter walls really make the space, don’t you think? I also love the way a room changes with just some paint. The door and trim looks amazing painted black! I love the way she pulled this space together. And thanks so much to my client for allowing me to share these photos here on the blog. 🙂