Amber B Design Studio

Interior Design & Decoration for the South Florida region

Spooktacular Halloween Ideas!

by Filed Under: holiday, pumpkin topiaries


Wow, I guess I haven’t written a post at all this week! Sorry for my absence on the blog, but I have a great Halloween decor idea for you… even if it might be a little late for this year! My blog friend Emily came up with amazing and creative ideas for her front porch. Although she called them ‘last minute’ ideas for her blog post, I happen to think they are so fabulous and a perfect way to decorate for the holiday! Here’s a little sneak peek…

Genius, right?? My favorite parts are the gold spray painted branch with the bats and the duct tape planters. Yes, that’s duct tape to make the stripes! You can read all about her process and see more pictures, on her blog HERE.

Our front porch is the same as last year. Our painted pumpkin topiaries are still going strong!

I wrote a full tutorial for the pumpkins, on my blog HERE.

Happy Halloween!!

A Peek at Our 4th of July Table Setting

by Filed Under: holiday, patriotic snacks festive table setting holiday


We had a nice, relaxing 4th of July at our house. My mom came over and we grilled and chilled. I snapped a few pictures of our table setting in progress. I always like to make small, festive touches during the holidays. I never go too crazy, but just keep it simple.

4th of July Fun ……………………………………………….

I like to use a mix of our white dinner dishes with some fun holiday paper products, to add some color. The large stars and stripes basket was a gift a while back and it always houses our dinner rolls and buns for the grilled food. Our grocery store had patriotic stars and stripes ice cream this year, so we had to try that! When the ice cream is served in a white bowl with a wooden spoon and festive party toothpick, it instantly becomes an easy, pretty dessert! I used grasscloth looking scrapbook paper for the place mats and a roll of white craft paper for the table runner. It’s a great spot for the kids to draw on after they finish their meal. That way, it gives some time for the adults to chat and unwind. I also used mason jars for the drinking glasses, which isn’t included in these pictures.

I hope your 4th was a great one!

An Easter and April Fool’s Re Cap

by Filed Under: holiday, mom's inspiration


We had a happy Easter! We had dinner over at my mom’s and as always, she was a gracious, wonderful hostess!

Here are the bird’s nest cupcakes that she makes every year. They are so festive and delicious! I also love the blue and white tablecloth underneath. Might have to claim that as my own when she’s not looking!  🙂

My mom’s living room is one of my favorite places in her home. It has a great mix of antiques with modern accents.

And switching gears to April Fool’s Day, I played a funny trick on the hubs this morning that still has me laughing…

This frozen bowl of cereal looks so ready to eat! The spoon was also frozen into the bowl. Too funny! I made it last night and then kept it in the freezer overnight. His inital reaction was priceless!  🙂

Have you tricked anyone today?? I am looking for new material for next year!!

Ich Liebe Dich!

by Filed Under: holiday


Happy Valentine’s Day! I was searching etsy a while back and came across this sweet handmade card. I couldn’t resist picking one up for my valentine…

It means I love You in German and it brings me back to the time Mike and I lived in Germany at the beginning of our marriage. That was 10 1/2 years ago, and I love him more now than the day we got married!  🙂

Have you told your valentine ‘I Love You’ today??

2012 – A Year in Review

by Filed Under: holiday


What a year it has been! At this time of year, when you are in between holidays and wondering when to take the Christmas decorations down, you {or at least I} tend to reflect on the happenings of the year and how to improve the next. I think the best way to move forward is by remembering where you have been… each and every circumstance and occurrence molds you and shapes who you are. For me, I want to focus on the accomplishments and successes, so to be able to start 2013 on the right track.

A while back, I wasn’t quite sure where to take this blog. I knew I wanted to be involved in design in some way. There were times I thought I was wasting my time with my dreams, or it wasn’t for me. But this quote is so true. Sometimes, dreams come more slowly than anticipated. I sometimes wish I could have a crystal ball and see into the future… but what fun would that be? This year, I’ve tried to take risks with my business and put myself out there more. If you don’t try, you will always wonder what if?? I am so happy I did that and thankful to my supportive family for believeing in me! Also, a huge thank you to my clients, who have trusted me with their homes and supported my design vision for their space! It’s amazing how these clients have become like friends. I have been so lucky to have found amazing people to work with. I am not sure what 2013 will have in store, but I’m along for the ride!

To switch gears a bit, I did have fun with some projects this year! {Don’t you just love when ‘to do’ lists are completed?!?} Here’a bit of a review…

Joined instagram and have been loving the photo editing!
I won’t make a resolution list and vow to eat better, work out more and read more books, because it’s not going to happen!  🙂 What I will do, is try to take risks, relax a bit more and enjoy the ride.
Happy New Year and Thanks for Reading!!

Christmas Vignette Link Up!

by Filed Under: holiday


The holiday decorating is in full swing around here and I’m here to show you my mantel for this year! I always like to keep things simple, with touches of natural elements and a bit of whimsy. Enjoy!

 The evergreen was trimmed from my tree in the front yard! The art was switched out for holiday themed scrap book paper.

The ceramic stag was on a great sale at Target! 

I have added my mantel to Courtney’s holiday link up party. Make sure to stop by Courntey’s blog and link up with your favorite holiday vignette from your home!

My Holiday Wrapping Plan

by Filed Under: holiday


I have really been drawn to simple wrapped packages this year. As my blog name shows, I like things that are simple! But that doesn’t mean the Christmas packages will be boring! Here are some great inspiration images for my packages this year…

I am leaning towards red and white wrapping this year. I am planning on using simple craft paper for the package and decorating it with amazing red ribbons and bows! Easy, but pretty!

I also plan to wrap some in brown craft paper and adorning them with a pretty ornament! I found some great ornaments on clearance at Cracker Barrel. I plan to use those!  This is great, because the ornaments can be the additional gift- bows and ribbons just get thrown away.

Here’s another great present wrapped in craft paper. You could easily include a small evergreen branch from a tree in your yard, and call it a day!

I love the natural element of the twine. The candy cane adds a festive touch to an inexpensive paper bag!

Do you have some leftover fabric laying around from a DIY project? Use it to wrap a gift! I first saw this idea from Sarah Richardson in the newest HGTV magazine and fell in love!

This last idea might be my favorite! I also saw this idea in the newest HGTV magazine. {Has anyone else seen that spread? There are so many great tips to wrap presents in that issue!} There is no need for a name tag with this idea! I plan to develop pictures in black and white and use them as name tags!

Do you have any special present wrapping traditions or new ideas to try??

Holiday Pinspiration

by Filed Under: holiday


I’m pretty much addicted to pinterest… have been for a while. Seriously, what did I do before it?? Here are some amazing ideas for projects. Now, I just need to get cracking on some of them!  🙂

I hope to adapt my own version of these ideas soon! What’s up your holiday crafting sleeve??

All I Want for Christmas…

by Filed Under: gift ideas, holiday, personal design style


With the holiday season in full swing, it’s fun to daydream about gift ideas for others (Well, ourselves, too! Who am I kidding?) I thought it would be fun to gather up some of my favorite holiday gift ideas and new decorations for the home! Here we go…

All I Want for Christmas…
Ceramic Stag Head… I love this! This is not only great holiday decor for the mantel, but you can also keep it up all year long. It’s on sale now- get one here.
This Chunky Cowl Scarf is so cool and perfect for cold winters. You can also wear this as a hood!
I love this shop’s graphic watercolor prints and suggest at least a few for almost every client! It’s time I pick some up, don’t you think?? You can find this navy watercolor here.
This is a collection of some of my favorite pillow prints! This shop has all of the modern pillows you need to update your decor. Some new Chiang Mai pillows? Yes, please!
Anything from the Nate Berkus Collection at Target is a winner, in my book!
What do you have your eye on (for yourself or as a gift) this holiday season??
Here’s a little hint… one of the above things has found a place in our home, even before Christmas! More info. on that to come…