Patterns & Accessories

I have a great guest post for you today from the talented Wendy Smith. She's sharing some great tips on how to give your home personality and character.

I had the privilege of going to design school with Wendy and she is one amazing designer. 
She works for AMB Design, helping to create truly stunning interiors. Here's a little bio on just what she does over at AMB Design…  

"AMB Design stands at the intersection of design, building and remodeling.  Grounded in classic principle, AMB's homes entail organic ingredients such as dry white oak floors, walnut, bronze, woolen textiles and rich hues creating the "real factor" leaving no space untouched with a sense of natural. We strive to create environments that raise the quality of life of those who live there.     

I have worked with Anne Marie Barton for just over 3 ½ years.  Starting as an intern, learning the backbones and basics to interior design and architecture. I am now a Head Assistant Designer; currently managing 7 projects that include; 4 home builds from start to finish, 1 hospitality apartment complex, and 2 smaller home remodels.  Specializing in the CAD work and full home builds; working with the architect, cabinet designer, electrician, and other trades to bring the home from paper to reality complete with authenticity and integrity. 

Our homes tell the story of those who live there. It’s our one chance to help our clients live happier and create an environment for families to enjoy everyday living.  At the end of the day, every material matters. "

___________________________________________________________

PATTERNS AND ACCESSORIES MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN MAKING YOUR HOME UNIQUE

When putting the final touches to a home… It’s the little details that really make the

difference. Finding favorite items that will give your space meaning and character.

Such as candlesticks, glass candy jars, antique photo frames, etc. My favorites are

those hard to find items that are one of a kind. I love antique shopping to find stand out

deco pillows, crystal and mineral fragments, or gorgeous old books. The importance of

mixing old antique items with fresh new items from stores is that it gives your home the

look that it was collected over time and not out of a catalog. As you see in this home,

we designed in Connecticut, the mixture of the textures of wood, wicker, silver, and

glass give this console a fresh look filled with things this family uses: flatware, chargers,

salt and pepper, etc. You never want your home to feel like a showpiece that was

created and never touched or lived in. You want it to be warm and inviting and

displaying items you use or collect or have meaning. Personalize your space.

GO BOLD with some patterns… don’t be afraid to throw a bold pattern on a pair of

chairs in your living room. Like we did here, in a home we recently finished in Carmel

California, the strength it brings to the room is the pop that this room needed to have

some color and fun factor.

Throw the pattern on the decorative pillows that are easy to change out overtime. They

really will make the difference on a solid sofa. The bold pattern on the duvet cover in

this same Carmel home was the talking point for this room. It is loud and colorful but

really accents the spindles of the bed and the “Spanish Hacienda” style of the home

without going too far Spanish Indian.

If you are nervous to go BOLD… pick a softer more subtle pattern and use it on the

backs of your kitchen chairs but leave the seats a solid outdoor durable fabric.