Monday, August 16, 2010

5 things for a glamourous life

“Everything you want should be yours: the type of work you want; the relationships you need;

the social, mental, and aesthetic stimulation that will make you happy and fulfilled;
the money you require for the lifestyle you want; and any requirement that you may need

for achievement to service others. If you don’t aim for it all, you’ll never get it all.

To aim for it requires that you know what you want” ~ Richard Koch

After reading this beautiful quote it reminded me how important a true lifestyle is. Not all the fancy schmancy things, the little things. What makes a lifestyle truly glamourous and rich?

1) Travel- Always be spontaneous and break habits.

2) Take up a hobby. Learn japanese, take guitar lessons. Do something you never thought you could.

3) Add more fresh flowers to your life. They are God's gift to us, and they will brighten your day.

4) Buy the best linens you can afford. We spend half our live's in bed, make them count. And yes that pun was intended! They are the epitome of luxury, and the best night's sleep, which we all need.

5) Be good to yourself, Laugh often and look for inspiration in everything you do because you will need it to service others.

Travel

Take up a hobby

Fresh flowers

Fine linens

Be good to yourself, laugh often, and always remember that your worst

day CAN be your best day if it equals change.

Don't forget to follow us on twitter!

And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage!

Need design help from an experienced design professional with over 12 years experience? Want to work with someone who listens to your needs and sticks to your budget? Call our office for a design consultation that will change the way you live and think about your home. Contact us @ info@abhomeinteriors.com or call us @

615-750-2763

Like decorating but don't know where to start? Want to learn the insiders secrets, tips and tricks? Sign up for Design Strategies 101! (August classes are sold out! Sign up today to reserve your seat for September,

only a few seats left!!)

Saturday, August 14, 2010

How to win friends and influence your designer

It is no surprise that our industry is constantly changing. Thus, the reason for so many posts in the blogosphere that designers are never able to do their own homes. Any one of us will tell you that when a client walks in our doors we can pull their project together in a snap. We know exactly what it is they need, and how to get it. But when it came to designing my own home, I completely fell flat. How is this possible I thought? I have 12 years of experience and most jobs I can do in my sleep! I am an expert at creating magic through design, and getting results that even Houdini couldn't master. Magical tae-kwon-do design has become my specialty. So why is it that none of us can design our own homes? With so many products coming into the market that indulge our senses, and wow us it is no wonder that we get A.D.D when it comes to our own spaces. So with one hand buried in office paper work and the other delving through the industry pulse for the top must haves, here are my top pick's that will help you win friends, and influenece your designer.

Includes but not limited to:

1) Cree LED CR6 Down light

Cree LED CR6 Down light

Why is this fixture so special? Two reasons. This 6" recessed LED downlight fits into any standard recessed lighting can, (including the Halo H7, which is THE most common housing unit for new construction homes) and replaces your old 6" 75/100W, known as the builder standard for decades! Why is this good? This drops your energy costs significantly. This fixture uses 10.5W and delivers the same light output as a 65W bulb! The second reason this fixture is awesome? Two of my clients have listened to my podcast:

with Lori Sawaya and Kelly Berg, and knew immediately that instead of replacing all of there fixtures they would recycle the ones they had, and replace them with this greener option. It is so awesome to be a rockstar-even if I just play one on this blog!

2) Lutron's Wireless Occupancy Sensor

The Lutron occupancy sensor automatically turns lights on when a room is occupied and off when a room is vacant. So what's in it for you? Increased convenience, Substantial energy savings and Compliance with building energy codes. I always plan on putting Lutron Dimmer's throughout a house ( they provide up to 60% savings to your energy bill AND decrease your carbon footprint, see chart above) but adding these sensors are a perfect solution to a house full of busy professional's, kids, friends and family who may otherwise leave the lights on!

3) Sanyo's HIT power solar panels

Most of us think that Sanyo just sell's T.V's and appliances, right? Nope, they are way more advanced than that. They are just a bunch of good ol' hippies trying to save the planet and hug a tree. The HIT Power solar module's are the most advanced of their kind. They offer improved efficiency and energy output, and more power per square foot than ever before. As president of Sanyo's U.S. energy system technologies Charles Hanasaki is quoted:

“The industry has advanced to the point where home and property owners understand that the solar energy solutions they purchase will not only reap them enticing tax credits and environmental incentives, it will be working for 25 to 30 years to virtually eliminate their monthly electric bills,” added Hanasaki

Seriously folks, this is the future. Remember the Birkenstock wearing, granola crunching hippies from the 70's? How they preached about free love and saving the planet? Well it finally caught up us! So grab a cliff bar, and let's find some nubby trees to grab a hold of with moon beam and sunshine and share some free love, AND energy savings!

4) Tabrasa

Tabrasa is an idea paint offered through MDC wall coverings. It is a high-performance, dry-erase paint that transforms any space into an idea/communication platform. This paint can be used not only in commercial spaces, but in residential applications as well. How cool is this for the kiddo's? Drawing on the walls was never this much fun, especially with fruit scented markers!

5) USF Contract

This floor company, USF contract, offers cork and bamboo that is not only great to look at, but are durable and available in an array of color options. Bamboo hues, their newest line is sustainable, durable and also certified by green guard! The great thing about this line is that it is commercially rated. Think your kids are tough on things? This floor can withstand a heard of elephants and a crowd at Circus, Circus in Las Vegas, so let little Jimmy run wild on skates, don't worry the floor can handle it!

Don't forget to follow us on twitter!

And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage!

615-750-2763

only a few seats left!!)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

6 people everyone needs to know for colour

Today in my inbox I received this great article from Sherwin Williams about color. The article, Material color: When color takes the driver's seat, discusses how integral color is to the design process. "Color is always an important part of any design process, but it's important to be judicious- sometimes subtly or boldly." I cannot agree more.

When designing a home, I always start with color. Questions I will ask-What is the story that the client is trying to achieve? What is the feeling they want to accomplish? Does the architecture speak to me in unusual ways? But most importantly-What is the client's lifestyle, and what inspires them. A great example of inspiration is a post, The little things by Anne from Annechovie. She shows what pieces speak to her and how they make her happy. Another post on eye candy sure to inspire is Sassy, by Deliciously Organized. I also look to beautiful photos to jump start my creative color ideas:

Nathan Turner via Everything LEB

Decor Demon

Clark County Parade of homes

Clark county Parade of homes

Right off the bat, the article states: "... color inspiration can be drawn from something as inconsequential as a pebble to something as forceful as a mountain range." -Amy Kim

In my opinion everything in an interior is an integral part of making the recipe work, but without the right color, the space lacks character and ambiance. ~Amanda Burdge

Want help on your next project? Having difficulty with choosing the right color? Here are some excellent reads you can't miss on everything you need to KNOW about

Colour:

Colorbudz by Lori Sawaya

Arte Styling By Kelly Berg

Color Marie by Marie Brady

Color Sizzle by Kelly Porter

Hue by Rachel Perls

Colour Me happy by Maria Killam

615-750-2763

only a few seats left!!)

Monday, August 9, 2010

how to incorporate a classic

Made by girl

Black and White is neither created nor destroyed. Like a Chanel suit,

it is a classic, ever present today, as it was yesterday.

I love all things black and white. And those of you who follow this blog,

or know me, know how desperately addicted I am to this graphic pop.

Paloma 81

Black and white spaces create graphic pop because white expands, and black recedes. Put

them together with a bright summer hue of pink, yellow, blue, green or any other bright color,

and it instantly captures your eye, and interest.

Lynn Morgan

Another interesting fact about black and white is that it is perpetually held as the most chic and stylish combination. Whether combined in fashion, or in interiors, it is always stylish and elegant.

Made by Girl

Black and White interiors always look sleek, fresh, and stylish. Many people I work with think that they cannot get away with using a black and white color scheme because it is often shown in a contemporary setting. But black and white is essentially a neutral, and goes with everything,

like the photos shown below.

water leaf interiors

Sherrill Canet

Black and white is the easiest and most versatile neutral to work with in your home if you are looking for a new twist, or update. It can go from the extreme and over stated, like below

Geoffrey Bradfield

Or classically understated in a snap!

Bonesteel Trout Hall

Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. Fashion fades, only true style remains the same and a woman is closest to being naked when she is well dressed. ~ Coco Chanel

Nothing could be more true than the way we live. Be authentic, love completely and surround yourself with a lifestyle of indulgence; even if fulfillment comes from a $2 dollar trinket.

~ Amanda Burdge

NEWSLETTER SIGN UP SHEET

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter. You will see a new form to the right. Fill it out and receive all sorts of good decorating tips, tricks, and information on private sales!

Are you a designer in the Nashville area looking for mentorship in a nurturing environment? Want to learn the ins and outs of the business that school didn't provide? Sign up for Designer Bootcamp to learn the skills necessary to be a true design professional!

Friday, August 6, 2010

5 super simple things to update your dining room

Inspiration Board

Ever wonder what simple things you can do to update one of the spaces in your home? As a big "D" wading through the mud of a fabulous and inspiring new economy, I am approached with this question pretty much everyday. How can I get an incredible new look, on a shoestring budget?
After meeting with a client that I adore, we decided to do just this. She has a wonderful loft space here in downtown Nashville, and she was tired of her existing traditional space. To spice things up I decided on a very eclectic, and collected look based on the
inspiration board she created. (shown above)

She has wonderful built-in bookshelves, like the ones shown below, but many of her pieces were dated and did not suit her lifestyle or personality. Her board was fun, imaginative, and spicy. And if you knew her, you would see that this board suited her perfectly. Karen is a free thinking, singer song writing rock and roll junkie, with twigs in her jet black hair, and in my book a modern day Jean Harlow hippie. Freaking awesome!

Credit

Her jumping off point was this Valentino photo above. This photo encompasses everything she loves. In her words to describe it: High Fashion, Titillating couture, Old world, Valentino red, Style, Sophistication, Chic chic, Glamour, and relaxed luxury.

One of the most exciting things about her space is the wall to ceiling bookshelves. It adds an unexpected focal point, that is dramatic and eye catching. Libraries are essentially a collection of books that add sophistication, refinement, and exude culture and experience, just like Valentino. So we combined her library and dining area into one large space so the table could double for a book research surface, and a fabulous dining experience.

So what are 5 super simple things you can do to update your dining room?
1) Replace your captains chairs with something fresh. Either reupholster the ones you have
or purchase new ones.
2) Add a new chandelier. The one above adds an incredible pop of color, and va-va voom for less
than $400 bucks.
3) Add candle light to your table top. Hurricanes are gorgeous accessories in the day time and create a
wonderful glow in the evening when the candles are lit. And remember the AB HOME credo:
Go Big or Go Home. Buy hurricanes that make a statement, and add tremendous weight to your table!
4) Purchase a new rug or layer a new rug on top of your existing one. Both will add a new element
of depth and texture, and bring in some much needed color and style.
5) Fresh flowers. I cannot say enough about fresh flowers. Your home is your haven, make it inviting.
There is no better way to welcome your guests, then to add fresh roses, lillies, peonies or
any one of your favorite flowers on the table.

Like what you see above? Here is our shopping list of items we used:

Items in this set

	Amazon.com: Gaiam Recycled Plastic Reversible All-Weather Indoor/Outdoor Ru... $89 - amazon.com
	Beach Rug AT064 Black / Ivory Boardwalk Stripes Rug - AT064BKIY $155 - csnrugs.com
	smoke chair $4,301 - hivemodern.com
	Roxy Euphoria 9 Light Polished Chrome Chandelier with Red Lucite Jewel Ligh... $329 - homedepot.com
	dining tables abchome.com
	Williams-Sonoma Home \| Campo De Fiori Aged Terracotta Hurricanes $135 - wshome.com
	book lovers never go to bed alone bookshelves.tumblr.com
	Elegant Flower Arrangements, Orchid Arrangements, Unique Floral Arrangement... katrinaparrisflowers.com Need design help from an experienced design professional with over 12 years experience? Want to work with someone who listens to your needs and sticks to your budget? Call our office for a design consultation that will change the way you live and think about your home. Contact us @ info@abhomeinteriors.com or call us @ 615-750-2763 Like decorating but don't know where to start? Want to learn the insiders secrets, tips and tricks? Sign up for Design Strategies 101! (August classes are sold out! Sign up today to reserve your seat for September) Are you a designer in the Nashville area looking for mentorship in a nurturing environment? Want to learn the ins and outs of the business that school didn't provide? Sign up for Designer Bootcamp to learn the skills necessary to be a true design professional! Don't forget to follow us on twitter! And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage! Graphics and shopping program