5 Ways to Create the Perfect Gallery

1) Choose your Color Palette - Stick to one color or a few. Establishing a color scheme will give a more cohesive look. You can still experiment with different styles of art if the colors relate with each other. Another way to create a more unified gallery wall is to use the same color frame or matte your art the same. After you identify your color scheme and frame style, it's time to start planning how you want your pictures to hang. Lay out your frames on the floor and start planning.

2) RULE OF THIRDS - Choose three of your favorite pieces. One large, one medium, and one large frame. Place the small and medium photos on one side and the large photo on the other side to create balance. the Matte your photo to add more dimension and unity.

 3) ALIGNED - There are two different ways to go about this look. For pieces that are all of the same size, hang items all in a row. If your pictures are different sizes, align either the tops of all the pictures or the bases.

4) GRID-LIKE - Create a grid using your favorite photos by evenly spacing photos.

5) GET CREATIVE - Go wild! Mix and match photos and frame sizes. Display items in a whichever way that pleases you!

You can even choose one of these styles too! Have fun creating your perfect gallery. Tag your pictures with #amadesigns so I could see what style you chose!

Keeping it Real with AMA

Hello my Beautiful Friends! This post is going to be personal and something different than my usual posts. This time it will not be design related but don't you worry - I have something special planned for you on Sunday!

Has life ever knocked you down? Have you ever had one of those days when everything that could go wrong, does go wrong? I used to have those days. In fact, someone may classify the day I just had as one of "those days" but I will tell you why it wasn't!!

My perspective on life has completely changed. People ask me, "Amanda, why are you so positive? How can you not be mad? Why do you seem so unaffected...etc." The reason being is that I will not allow myself to hold onto any feeling that harms me.

I have to admit though, I am not super human. Sometimes I do get upset. Sometimes I do cry. However, I will not hold onto that energy for too long. Never let anything or anyone steal your inner peace. Release any negative thoughts in your mind and do not focus on it. Redirect your way of thinking instead. If something is stressing you out, think about 5 things that can make it better.

Holding on to negativity is absolutely toxic to your health, both mentally and physically. Have you ever been through a bad break up ? Everything you see reminds you of that person and saddens you. Your whole world feels like it got flipped upside down. Soon you stop socializing and you become so upset you can't eat or sleep anymore. You think that there is no one else that can even come close to that person. You're an emotional roller coaster.  Yet, there are billions of people in this world and you are destined to meet one person who can change your entire life! I might have experienced a minor set back in my life but I met someone who makes me so much happier and I could not be anymore thankful right now!

I believe that when life pulls you back, it will only launch you into something better! It sounds cliche but I truly feel that everything happens for a reason. You may not understand that reason right away but you have to trust that something is in store for you that is so much greater than anything you could have imagined. For me, I trust that every challenge I have faced was never too much for me to handle. Every experience in life is a chance to learn and grow.

As soon as you change your perspective of how you view and react to certain situations, you will be indestructible! Almost indestructible because I know life happens and we aren't super human although, I'd like to think so! ;)

Overlook the negative and look for the positive. It is a concept that has been instilled in me since I was growing up. Let go of everything that is holding you back and let faith be bigger than your fear. Trust that the universe has something amazing planned for you that you haven't discovered yet.

Yours truly,

Amanda M. Amato

If you like this post, share it :) If you need a friend to talk to contact me.

5 Ways to Create the BEST Dorm

It's back to school season and it's time to move into your dorm. Enhance your space this year with 5 easy tips: 1) A Few Accessories Go a Long Way! Add color and style to your space by adding artsy pillows, faux potted plants, and add a pouf ottoman for color and additional seating.

2) A Little Piece of Home. Frame pictures of your friends and family and create a gallery wall. Purchase vintage frames from a thrift store and spray paint them in bright colors to add more color to your space. Hang your frames randomly or in a grid for visual interest.

3) Boost up Your Bed! Add bed risers to allow for more storage under your bed. Check out these bed risers from Bed Bath and Beyond that have power outlets in them! Perfect for plugging in your laptop during late nights of crunching deadlines.

4) Cheer Up your Desk Space. Display inspirational quotes, your favorite pictures, and even your dream travel destination near your desk to brighten up your mood when hard at work. Purchase desk accessories such as folders, notebooks, and pencil holders in your favorite color to boost creativity.

5) Perk Up Boring Walls! If you have white walls and cannot paint, don't feel limited. You can perk up your boring walls with removable wallpaper sheets that can be found at Target or Urban Outfitters. If you are feeling crafty, you can create your own back drop using an old white sheet, a stencil, and your favorite color paint! Place the stencil on the sheet and apply paint using a roller. You can even use tape to create a custom design. Once the paint dries, hang your backdrop to create an accent wall!

After a days worth of class, your dorm should feel relaxing and inviting - After all, you deserve it!

If you LOVE this post, share it with your friends ! :) For more decorating tips, follow AMA Designs on Facebook and Instagram! (click the direct link)

4 tips for selecting paint color for your home

Does choosing a paint color scare you? Follow these 4 easy tips for selecting a paint color by Pratt Residential Design!

Design Tip: The DO's of Home Shopping

When shopping for your home, items can add up quickly! I believe that you shouldn't cut corners in the wrong places. So where should you invest and where should you save? The do's of purchasing for your home.

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DO Invest in Better Furniture: Use your best judgement - invest in the rooms that you use everyday this way you can enjoy them for years to come! That means purchasing a well constructed sofa that you won't have to replace after a year. The cushion contraction and the frame are important. Check the construction of drawers when looking for your bedroom or office. Dovetail drawers are the best - it is the interlocking grooves that hold the sides of the drawer together (rather than glue). 

SAVE: In areas of your home that aren't used as frequently or on items that are solely for decorative purposes like accent tables or console tables. Anything with drawers that you will opening and closing frequently should be of better quality.

DO Purchase Quality Carpet: For high traffic areas, I believe purchasing a higher quality carpet is pertinent. Investing in stair runners will be worth the investment for years to come.

SAVE: In certain situations, an inexpensive area rug will do the job.  For example, rugs in kids rooms are most likely to be replaced so an inexpensive rug is more ideal. 

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DO Invest in Custom Window Treatments: Using the word "custom" may scare you, but don't be afraid. It really depends on the material you use and the style you are trying to achieve. More intricate designs that include, trim, swags, pleats, valances, etc. will cost more. I like to high my curtain rod higher to the ceiling to elongate the height of the space so typically, stock curtains run a little short. If you are savvy with a sewing machine you can add a pretty base fabric or buy super long curtains and hem the bottom. I am not that savvy.... but I encourage anyone who is to try! :)

I have a very large kitchen window and standard size blinds would not fit. I opted to invest in faux wood blinds from JcPenny (which has an awesome window treatment department). If you open up a credit card, you can save more money plus they generally have sales and coupons. 

I love these top down bottom up shades in this Tribeca penthouse. It adds privacy but doesn't hide the beautiful view of the city.

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DO shopping at Yard sales, Estate sales, Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops, and Discount Stores: I can't tell you how many garage sales I have visited or thrift stores I have stopped at. I visited the nearest Goodwill and found a coffee table for $5 that was solid hardwood ----- $5!!!! It needed to be sanded and stained but it had great lines and it was solid furniture. I love finding items and adding my own personal style to it.

Need help with other areas of your home? Please comment what you need help with. I am always willing to help and most of the time your questions turn into blog topics! So don't be shy!!

and remember.... if you like this post, SHARE it :)

Yours truly,

AMA DESIGNS

Put a Fresh Spin on Your Laundry Room

Let's face it - Doing the laundry may not be your favorite task (or maybe it is). For me personally, I dread the process. Lugging the clothes to the dryer, sorting, washing, drying, folding, hanging....You get the idea.

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Don't make doing the laundry feel like dirty work. Create an inviting space by being bold!! Now is your chance to experiment with your favorite color or pattern. It could be as simple as using punches of bold pattern or painting the walls in your favorite color.

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 A fresh and happy laundry room will change your mood and ultimately make you more productive. Hey - maybe doing the laundry won't be so bad anymore? You never know!

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Personalize your space so you can enjoy it while you work. Keep your frequently used tools nearby in wicker baskets or glass storage jars. It is a great way store away supplies and to add texture and contrast to your work area. If you have exposed pipes under your sink, conceal the area with a fun accent fabric that acts as a curtain. Don't forget to add padded rug to make your feet comfortable! My favorite is the memory foam rugs!

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So what are you waiting for?! Make the most of your laundry room with a few quick changes, I promise you it will lighten your mood!

Have a great day!

Yours truly,

AMA Designs

From my Notepad ... To Reality

To you, this may be just an empty room. Well, it is.

However to me, it means so much more than an empty space. I love this profession because my visions become reality. There is nothing more gratifying then seeing your sketches come to life !

This may be just an empty room but the stages to get to this point were bumpy! It's rewarding to see progress and comforting to know that we are only a few steps away from completion !!

I am so excited to share with you all! Plus, I hand painted artwork specially for this space!! :)

For progress pictures, visit the "Portfolio" Tab to view more of this project.

Have an amazing day!

Eclectic Design: How to Mix n' Match Styles

I mix and match things on a daily basis. I mix gold and silver jewelry, fitted shirts with the perfect boyfriend jean, and traditional style with modern accents. Call me crazy but it's possible! You can rock any style your heart desires by flawlessly executing: "cohesiveness".

Eclectic style encompasses a variety of time periods and styles with uses of color, texture, shape, and finish. Eclectic may be the catch-all phrase that terms for any room that doesn't fit a particular style but it is more than a miscellaneous style. To create a "Collected" look it takes thought, knowledge, and balance.

Ultimately, choose your color palette. Pick one item as your jumping off point for design. This could be a piece of artwork, an oriental rug, or a family heirloom.

This living room has used the Persian rug as the foundation for this room. Pulling the colors from the rug by use of artwork and accessories really blended the different styles effortlessly.

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Although this room could be classified as contemporary, the slipcover sofas, the traditional ottoman, and the modern chairs create a cohesive look by sticking to the same color palette.

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A black and white color palette seamlessly ties together diverse items to create a collected look. Notice the global influences and textures mixed with contemporary bedding and side trays. There is even a dinosaur head that pops his way in!

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