How to Budget for your Design Project

[contact-form][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="true" /][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /][contact-field label="Website" type="url" /][contact-field label="Message" type="textarea" /][/contact-form] Whether you have $1,000 or $100,000 to spend on your decorating project, it is important to learn how to budget for your design project. The number you determine as your budget will be the figure you reference to when making decisions. Decorating on a budget doesn't have to mean being cheap , it means being a savvy shopper and finding the best value for your buck.

The topic of "budget" is one of the most uncomfortable conversations to have with a client but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. It can be fun! Come up with a "wish list" of all the items that you would like to incorporate into your new space. Let's say you have an office and it is your dream to have custom built-ins. Now, let's get practical. Reflect back at your budget and consider your options. Does custom built-ins fit in the budget? Would it be more appropriate to opt for free-standing bookcases or decorative etageres? This way you are indulging but still maintaining a realistic outlook when it comes to making important decisions.

(Photo via Style Curator)

How to Budget for your Design Project

1. Evaluate Finances: First, it is important to evaluate your finances. This means looking at your monthly inflows and outflows, as well as the funds you have set aside for your project. Assess your finances and determine what is the number that you can realistically spend on your project. At the end of the day, this number should be the amount that you are happy to spend on your project without feeling guilty or stressed.
2. Get to Know the Cost of Items: The next step is to familiarize yourself with price tags and learn how much things cost. Is this your first time decorating or the last time you had decorating was 10 years ago? Whether it is your first time shopping or if you have past experience decorating your home, expect some sticker shock. Prices in the market place inflate over time.
3. Get Quotes from Professionals: The last step to finalizing your budget is determining the jobs that you would be hiring a professional to handle. This can include hiring a decorator, contractors, electrician, plumber, painting contractors, wallpaper installers, and flooring installers. I suggest getting two or three quotes for each job so you can make an educated decision before finalizing your budget. Do you think you are handy and can handle a project by yourself? Consider DIY costs  for supplies and several trips running back to the hardware store and late night spent at labor. Sometimes that pro-quote doesn't seem so bad after all!

PRO TIP: Leave yourself some financial wiggle room for mistakes and miscellaneous expenses incurred such as: Freight and Delivery Charges. These can be substantial especially for large items but even smaller items that are purchased online can add up too!

(Image via House of Jade)

Organize your Information

1. Create a list of all the items and professional services that are necessary for your project
2. Next to each line item, list the estimated price next to each item
3. Create a second column for the cost that you actually have spent so you are aware of how this affects your bottom line

Create a Plan

Based on your list, determine the items and services that will need to occur in chronological order. What needs to be ordered first? What needs to happen before the furniture arrives? When should you hire your painter? etc.

Based on your finances, if you aren't able to purchase everything right away; spread out the expense by making it a long term plan and implementing your design in phases as time and money allows. Phasing a project is the best way to go if you have high standards but not as much money. Working in phases is also good so at least your whole house isn't *under construction* or *in progress*. By doing one room at a time, this allows you to spend time in other parts of the house during a project.

Want more design tips and inspiration?

• Follow me on Instagram! @byamadesigns
• Sign up for my VIP List and receive inspiration each month

The Designer behind AMA Designs

Hello my friends, since I noticed new followers, I thought I would share a little about myself and the designer behind AMA Designs.

Tell us About Yourself

My name is Amanda. I am from New Jersey and I am the Owner of AMA Designs & Interiors LLC. Interior design has always been a passion of mine. Since I was a little girl, I was always surrounded by design. My family owned a construction business for several years. My Father and Grandfather would show me blueprints and I learned to draw in their trailer. Some of my earliest memories were of me on the job-site fascinated by the capacity of the buildings and the large machinery.

When I went on play dates, I was more interested in designing the Barbie Dream House. It's funny to look back at those early beginnings of me designing Barbie's dream home to designing my client's dream homes. The feelings haven't changed.

I continued my education at Berkeley college where I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Interior Design and Management. My internship was at an International wallpaper company where I had the opportunity of collaborating with the product development team to design the patterns for wallpapers that are available for the home today (super cool).

I moved on from product design, to residential interiors because my passion is to help others. I believe your home is your sanctuary and should reflect your unique personality. I help people find their style and OWN it.

What People Don't Know About Me

I am extremely organized. When my desk is in a disarray, I simply cannot focus. When everything is scattered, my thoughts are scattered. I am *that* girl who can't walk by a picture frame that is hung slightly crooked on the wall without having the urge to fix it. I have a slight obsession with post-it notes and I color-code everything, mostly because I just enjoy the pretty colors on my paper ;) I am so Type A personality and I attribute that to my success as being a solo-preneur.

I actually got my first "job" organizing  other people's closets when I was in middle school. It was during a play date (not typical for average children), and I opened the closet and saw all the toys tumble out of it... and I asked, "Why is this here? It would be so much better like this..." and from there, boom, entire closet organized. Let me just say, all the moms started to call me to come over to their house.

What do I do when I am not designing?

This is a trick question. I feel like I am always designing or at least thinking about it. When I visit a new place, I am instantly drawn to the details. I notice things that most people don't. For example, when I goto a hotel, I remember what floor I am on because of the color of the carpet (Side Note: I actually got lost in Atlantic City with my friends and I helped find our way back to the room because I remembered the colors of the carpet and wallpaper pattern).

But to answer the question, when I am not designing; I simply just like to chill. I am such a homebody. The low-key nights having a glass of red wine with my boyfriend, friends, or family, really make me happy. My mind is always turning wheels during the day so when I have a moment to simply relax and enjoy the moment .... those are the best moments for me.

Other activities that I like to enjoy during my spare time are: hiking, yoga/hot yoga, running, snowboarding, painting, and crafting.

Giving Back to the Community

Volunteering my time to help out in the community is very important to me. Someone recently asked me, "Why is giving back so important to my business model?" For me, giving back and volunteering to help others is a no-brainer. My first taste of volunteering my design services was over 6 years ago, and I have continued ever since. My work is so gratifying on many levels. Since I was little, I always dreamt of having a career in which I would help people. I believe your home has an energy, it lifts you up when you are down, and it is there to welcome you after a long day. Everyone deserves an environment that they feel inspired to be in. To be able to bring this experience and share with others who may not have the financial ability to achieve it themselves, is incredibly rewarding. This may sound corny, but seeing the happiness on other peoples faces, makes me happy, and I LIVE for that!

I not only volunteer my design services but I also volunteer with the homeless youth at Covenant House locations. Volunteering with young people and listening to their stores, brings me back down to my roots and strips me down to the bare bones of what is truly important in life. Connecting with these beautiful young people brings me experiences that I will never forget.

What do I have planned for the future

In the near future, I will be launching my first EVER Online Course. I will be launching an e-course to teach homeowners the fundamentals of Interior Design so they can decorate their room from start to finish. I created this course to help the homeowner who needs the design help but may not have the ability to hire a professional designer. Leading up to my launch, I will be hosting Live Webinars so stay tuned... Reserve your seat here.

In five years, I plan to expand my design business and to have my own team of creative individuals. At this time, I would like to explore creating a line of products for the home including decor, fabrics, and furnishings.

I hope you found my story interesting. Want to know more about me? Ask me a question. I would love to hear from you.

Stay connected with me and all things design by following me on Instagram!

5 Tips How to Accessorize your Room

Accessorizing your home is the final step in decorating your home, and is often overlooked. Adding accessories may feel "unimportant" or just another "add-on expense" but you are wrong friends and I will tell you why!

Accessories are the jewelry of your home. If you are attending a party in a beautiful gown but leave the house without your earrings or bracelets, you're outfit doesn't look complete. Accessories are the finishing touch of your home and a way to express your layers of personality. It is a way to express your history, culture, hobbies/interests, personality, and style - so why skimp out? When you invite people into your home, you want them to have a feeling of who you are and what your interests are. Your favorite mementos and trinkets tell a story about you. Weave an intricate story about yourself by sprinkling accessories throughout your room; it makes your home feel collected and lived-in rather than a “generic” design.

Accessorizing a home is one of my favorite tasks and also one of the most time consuming. This includes many visits to Home Goods, thrift shops, exploring online vendors, and Etsy shops. It takes time to curate and find the items that are  "just right" for the room and a representation of you.

How do you create a perfectly curated space through accessories?

Keep in mind these 5 decorating tips:

1. The Rule of 3 - This rule is tried and true. The Rule of 3 is a well known rule. It works in design, photography, and writing. Presenting information in three creates a grouping that is more memorable than even-numbered groupings. Three seems to be the magic number but 5, 7, and 9 work nicely as well. Three is the smallest number that can be used to form a distinguishable pattern in our heads. The grouping must include variety. When grouping accessories in three’s, I like to create an “A” shape. Curate items of varying heights, texture, and shape. In the example below, you can see the "A" or visual triangle that was created withe the mirror, table lamp, and picture frame.

(Image via Architectural Digest)

2. Balance - Balance refers to the visual equality of objects and furniture in a room. Balance is needed to give the eye a visual break so the room doesn’t feel visually disorganized/cluttered. When creating the illusion of balance, you aren’t necessarily using items that are physically the same. For example, you may have a bookcase in the corner of your space, to add balance try adding an object of similar height such as a floor lamp or an indoor tree. In the example below, the bookcase is balanced by an armchair with a piece of artwork above.

(Image via Ashley Redmond)

3. Scale - Scale is the proportion between your furnishings as well as how they fit in with the rest of the room. This rule can be applied when accessorizing as well. If you have a large sofa and hang a small piece of artwork above it, then the art would feel lost. When selecting art or accessories for your space, make sure that they compliment and proportionate with the object you are pairing it with.

4. Layering - Layering involves placing items in front or behind each other to create to create a collected look. Whether you are accessorizing a single vignette or an entire room, layering creates dimension and adds texture. A room that is layered looks well decorated and collected. I like layering artwork on a mantle or on a floating shelf (because I like to switch art out and it also puts less holes in the walls). In the example below, the abstract artwork serves as a backdrop for decorative vases, sculptures, and a traditional table lamp.

(Image via Theneotrad.com)

5. Contrast - Contrast is the combination of opposite elements in a room. Contrast can be created through 6 elements, which are: color, pattern, style, shape, size, and texture. High contrast rooms (rooms with a lot of contrast) creates more energy or can feel busy. Low contrast rooms will feel more calm and quiet. Depending on the feeling and function of the space, each type of contrast is necessary to design a space. Your bedroom is an area where low-contrast is important. In rooms that you are less likely to spend a portion of your time in, high-contrast is a good space to experiment with style risks such as a powder room or mudroom. In the example below, a living room used high-contrast to create a playful and inviting living area.

(Image via Ashley Redmond)

I encourage you to play with accessories. Address the areas of your home that feel barren and declutter the areas that are overly decorated and move them to another part of the house. When everything has a home, it is the beginning of a well-decorated space. Incorporate decorative objects that tell your story and are a reflection of you. When guests come over, your room should speak for itself.

Want more design tips and inspiration?

• Follow me on Instagram! @byamadesigns
• Join me in FREE Webinar! I will be hosting a Live Master Class on Space Planning. Reserve your seat!
• Sign up for my VIP List and receive inspiration each month

5 Ways to Upcycle Furniture for a Fresh Look

Spring is here and it is the perfect time to reinvent your furniture or start a new project. Today's post is written by Kaitlin Krull of Modernize.com and she will be sharing 5 tips to upcycle your furniture for a new look. Revitalize your home this Spring with one of these furniture update ideas. If your home is anything like mine, there are days when it seems dull and lifeless. While I know my home will never grace the pages of Architectural Digest (unless I suddenly become best friends with the Kardashians, which is unlikely), I should still be motivated enough to breath life back into it.

My exhausted furniture and I are crying out for a simple, affordable way to look fresh and alive again, and upcycling is the answer. If this sounds familiar to you, then check out some of my favorite ways to upcycle furniture in order to give it, and your home, a new lease on life.

(Image via Elle Decor UK)

Fresh Coat of Paint

Seasoned professionals in the home improvement market will all agree that a fresh coat of paint can completely change just about any room in your home. At Modernize, we think the same goes for your furniture, too.

Liven up your old dining room chairs, nightstands, or wooden coffee tables with a bold and different choice of paint. Choose monochrome hues for a sleek and sophisticated look, or bright colors for a bold and trendy feel. If you want to go for a shabby chic feel, simply distress your newly painted pieces with sandpaper (and maybe a hammer) for something old and something new at the same time.

Get Creative with Materials

If you opt to create your own upcycled pieces, then feel free to get creative with your building materials. Upcyclers tend to live up to their stereotype by working with interesting materials such as reclaimed wood panels, barn doors, pallets, and even marble and concrete (which are on trend for a striking and sleek modern look that is surprisingly simple to achieve).

We love a good Ikea hack, and this one from LoveLifeLoveFashon doesn't disappoint. It's a super simple marble-topped nightstand that anyone can accomplish, as long as you know how to place an order online.

(Image via LoveLifeLoveFashion)

DIY Upholstery

Reupholstering is perhaps at the very origin of upcycling: a new fabric, coupled with a paint or distressing job, can give an entirely new look to armchairs, sofas, or even ottomans. The DIY skill required for an upholstery job is generally in the moderate to difficult range, but the process is straightforward, and the Internet is absolutely full of step-by-step instructions that will help you on your way. Of course, you can always just pay someone to do the job for you.

Use Unique Pieces

Part of the upcycler’s code requires that you use unique pieces throughout the home in new and creative ways. Recycle your unused household objects (from wicker baskets and wooden crates to African drums and vintage toys) by turning them into side tables, coffee tables, or statement pieces. The sky’s the limit when it comes to your unique furniture creations, because if you have the supplies and the imagination, you can create it. This kind of upcycling style works especially well in eclectic and retro homes, or you can theme your unique DIYs to match the style throughout your home.

(Image via Home is Where the Heart is)

Mix and Match Styles

For those of you whose homes don’t have one particular “style,” never fear. Upcyling is all about mixing styles, and there is no wrong style combination. Mixtures of modern and hipster, rustic and industrial, farmhouse and industrial, traditional and modern, or even eclectic styles are easily achieved with DIY and upcycled pieces. We particularly love the rustic industrial look in homes, which intertwines looks like beautiful pieces of reclaimed wood with wrought iron bars for a mash-up of rural and urban design style.

(Image via Zw6)

I hope you have enjoyed this post by Modernize. Are you working on a Home Improvement project? Head on over to Modernize to get connected with lead-industry contractors to bring your home upgrades to life.

Do you want more Interior Design tips and inspiration? Join our monthly E-Magazine for design advice, tips, and inspiration for the home. Receive a Free Home Design Checklist when you join the A-List.

What's Trending: Lucite and Gold Furniture

Introduced at High Point Market, lucite and gold furniture combinations are making their waves this Spring. I have always been a gold jewelry type of Gal, so I am so excited that warm metals are making their way into the home. Today, I will be sharing inspiration for the home using lucite and gold in unexpected ways. I love crisp white cabinetry in Kitchens with marble countertops, however it may feel "cold". By incorporating brass and gold metals into the kitchen, it adds a bit of warmth to the space. The globe pendant lighting and barstools in lucite and gold add a bit of glamour to this space. The scalloped antique brass hood adds unique detail to this finished kitchen.

(Image via Luxe Interiors and Design)

One of my favorite end tables introduced at High Point is the "Connor" end table by World's Away. Add this sexy end table next to a sofa or chair to add a bit of glamour to your living room. I would even put a pair of these babies next to each other to use as coffee tables.

(Image via World's Away)

(Image via Bernhardt Interiors)

...and for the Grande Finale! This upholstered lucite poster bed introduced by Bernhardt Interiors. WHAT A SHOW STOPPER!

I am loving this trend and I hope you are too. Lucite furniture can add a little bit of glam to any space. The "barely there" furniture trend works well in small rooms since it does not obstruct the view and gives the illusion of a larger space. Whether your home is big or small, this is a trend that can be suited for any home.

For more design tips and monthly design inspiration, join our newsletter to receive a free Home Design Guide and other goodies exclusive to The A-List.

What's Trending 2016: Mid-Century Modern

The return of Mid-Century Modern design is back with force. I've always had a huge crush on the Mid-Century era. Mid-Century design celebrates clean lines and naturals hues with furniture made of wood, typically made of Teak in a natural finish. Although, this era is making its way back into 20th Century, I think the furniture is timeless. Mid-Century furniture is desired for it's unique design, versatility, and their iconic time in history.

Aside from furniture design, Mid-Century interiors embraces color, texture, and graphic prints.

But in 2016, I believe there is a new approach to modernism. I call it "Modern with a Twist". I foresee interiors in 2016 to be more eclectic by mixing old with new and/or mixing modern with other design genres. I see mixing colors, patterns, and textures in unexpected ways. Interiors are evolving into more collected and layered rooms that express individualism and personalization. My favorite example of this is the photo by Joshua W. McHugh.

Image via. Arcitectural Digest

Whether you mix a few modern pieces here and there, or recreate an entire room inspired by mid-century design; I am enjoying this trend.

I am LOVING Lexington Home Brand's new collection, "Take Five" featuring updated mid-century designs. Here is a small preview of the collection. How amazing is that gold cabinet?! It's like the "jewelry" of the room, as well as that amazing ceiling pendant.

Image via Lexington Home

A minimalist office featuring textured grasscloth walls as the backdrop to a beautifully handcrafted mid-century desk and chair. A Persian rug anchors the furniture and grounds the space. A little glamour is added with an oversized mirror and metallic table lamp. This is one work space that I would love to sit down at.

Image via My Domaine

I admire the dramatic contrast in black and white interiors. If you haven't discovered already from my website that I love black and white. :) What I love most about this room is the Milo Baughman cube chairs, a modern classic, upholstered in black velvet with a polished gold base.

Image via My Domaine

Are you excited about the revival of mid-century modern design? What design era inspires you the most?

For more design inspiration, sign up for The Designed Life e-magazine. Design tips and inspiration sent directly your inbox every month. Plus, you will receive a Free Design Guide when you join!

Teen Bedroom Update

A full room transformation is not always necessary to make a room feel new again. In a recent project that I have completed, I transformed a teen bedroom with accessories, bedding, and new window treatments. Before I started the project, the room lacked a functional layout. The desk was shoved into a corner and their was no vanity area for the teen girl to get ready for school. Plus, the only lighting available was from a floor lamp.

By centering the bed on the window, there is now more floor space in the center of the room - giving the illusion of a larger space. It also makes the bed a focal point. I also centered the desk on the window as well. The desk doubles as a vanity area too by adding a storage organizer for curling irons and brushes. A navy storage cabinet was added next to the desk to hide away hair products and make-up.

The polka-dot wall decals were removed, but the wall color remained the same. The window treatments and bedding were all updated. New lighting, the white fluffy area rug, and accessories were added to the space.

To display Medals and Ribbons, I added blue and white ceramic decorative hooks to hang all the teen's accomplishments.

A little updating can go a long way. Does your space need a refresher? What can you switch out or add to make your space feel "new" again? Need help with your space? Send your photos to info@byamadesigns.com and we can discuss your space.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for The A-List and receive monthly issues of my E-Magazine, The Designed Life which is filled with inspiration for the home and life. Receive a Free Design Guide when you join the A-List.

End of the Year Reflection: How Design Impacts People

Have you ever woke up one day and felt like everything is happening as it should be? That everything you have imagined is finally starting to take shape? Yea, I am having one of those life moments and I am feeling so gracious. As the end of the year is approaching, I have reflected on this year. I have come to the realization that life right now is pretty darn awesome. I am fulfilling my passion and I get to help people with my creativity.

I always wanted a career that helped people but I never truly realized the impact that design has on others.

The result of a great design can change lives. Okay, I may not be changing the world but I get to change how people feel and that to me, is pretty incredible.

When the dynamic of a room changes, the entire energy of that spaces changes. It brings a whole new mood to the space that translates to the client. That room that once caused frustration to the client is now transformed into a space to retreat to and relax. A once dysfunctional floor plan that caused entertaining issues is now a usable space for more friends and even more memories to create.

My job is so fulfilling in so many ways. I love seeing my sketches come to life and watching a project come together full circle. Interior design is not just about the pretty things. Interior design to me is about creating a space that you are excited to come home to. It's about creating a space that recharges your spirit. It's about feeling good as you enter the door.

Life can be hard sometimes and your home should comfort you, not stress you. Which space do you like to retreat to? Is your home not generating those feelings for you? Let's talk about it. Schedule a design consultation with me by e-mailing amanda@byamadesigns.com