How do you communicate with color?

Do you ever feel like colors give you therapy? Or that certain colors effect you differently? This site cymbolism.com, is the ultimate tool in communicating a feeling or mood with color! 

This site attempts to quantify the association between colors and words, which can help designers communicate better with clients, to help achieve certain emotional effects. Since colors are believed to have specific meanings, this will help us create environments unique to our clients, and help develop moods and emotion desirable to the client's needs. 

It is really fun to see what they have associated with each word, and they (Suffolk Software) are tracking all the color associations over time to help designers produce intended effects on the inhabitants, and help bring the gap together between designer/client communication.

For example, what color do you think of when you here the word:

Moment

Gay

Bliss

Profit

Pure

Sex

Corporate 

Launch

1) Moment 

Number one answer ~ Soft green

2) Gay 

Number one answer ~ Pink

3) Bliss 

Number one answer ~ Yellow 

4) Profit 

Number one answer ~ Green

5) Pure 

Number one answer ~ White

6) Sex 

Number one answer ~ Red

7) Corporate 

Number one answer ~ Grey

8) Launch

Number one answer ~ Orange

With a tool like this, clients can effectively use a word to describe what it is they want, and the designer will understand their language. What colors do you associate with the words: 

warm, safe, clean, plenty? 

Isn't this fun?!

For more info visit their website cymbolism.com.

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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

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6 ways to enjoy a Saturday

As the summer comes to a close our days get shorter and our nights get cooler. Fall will quickly approach us and before we know it, snow, sleet and rain will be upon us. Enjoy these last days of Summer with the ones you love because before we know it, Mr. Winter (booo!) will be here, and we will all be crying about the cold, freezing weather, wishing that Summer were still here!

Get outdoors. Open windows, and doors and let the sunshine in! Listen to the birds chirp, the lawn mowers hum, and the wind blow through the trees.

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Spend it with family. Yes we can't choose them, and sometimes you swear you were born into the wrong family...but no matter what, they are always there for you (because they have to be!) to love you, support you and laugh and cry with you!

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Spend it with friends or family out on the lawn. Remember days gone by, and laugh at all the silly things you did when you were younger, and thought you were smarter, but not nearly as great as you are today!

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Have an afternoon cocktail, and a snack, laugh, and gossip amongst those that you love. Indulge yourself, be decadent and go all out for an afternoon tea.

Cabbages and Roses

Hang out with friends and family while you play games, go through old pictures,
or show off that new hobby you took up over the Summer. 

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Have an unbelievably rich meal under candlelight. Satisfy all your senses, pamper yourself, 

and wallow in the luxury of the outdoors.

Food, laughter and fun!

Have a GREAT Saturday everyone!!

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Everything you need to know about yurts - well almost

Pricilla the great goat

Many moons, and carrot sticks ago, Pricilla the spokesgoat for Happy Goats soap, sent me an email regarding her humble abode that she was building. Now this wasn't just any abode, it was a yurt. If you are unfamiliar with this term, a yurt is essentially a round structure, with a wood lattice frame, tradtionally used by nomads because they are portable. But honestly, I can't see Pricilla being a nomad. She is a pampered goat with too many demands to speak of, and she has way too much stuff to be moving all the time.

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Because Pricilla is the spokesgoat of Happy Goats soap, she is quite full of herself, and has the needs of a glorified, overpaid, CEO. (Probably because she got the position over Abigail the other goat, and Pricilla doesn't like her much.) But honestly, between you, me and the fencepost, I think Pricilla's attitude is the publicist's fault. Yes, I am a bit bitter. Although I find Pricilla very interesting, it was Harry that had my heart, and the publicist's sent him off to the nether regions, I mean a new farm with lots of room to roam and play. Despite the publicity that followed this heartwarming farewell, the publicist and Pricilla had tricks up there sleeve hooves, and I think a little insider trading was going on. But my feelings on this matter remain the same and is a whole other story that we won't discuss. HUMPH!

I {heart}Harry

Ok where were we? Oh yes, Pricilla the spokesgoat. Pricilla, the demanding CEO of Happy Goat Soaps, wanted me to help her design and plan her yurt. There were many, many things on her list of needs, but her mouth was so full of hay I could barely understand her. I was able to determine that she loved color, and she loved big sofas. I was however, skeptical of the big sofa. She has a tendency to knaw on upholstery, so I made a note to keep it small. After all we are designing a yurt, not the Taj Mahal Pricilla!

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So what exactly is the interior of a yurt like? Yurts are always round, and have interior framework exposed. This framework can be hidden with canvas or other materials but most people leave it exposed. Yurts vary in sizes and can be as small as 12' in diameter or  as large as 40' in diameter. The best part about a yurt is they are fairly easy to assemble, and they can be built in a few days. And unlike a new home, yurts start at $4000. Many people will substitue a yurt for a home simply because of it's ease, and low cost; and in Pricilla's case, portability.

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Yurts can be used for everyday homes, vacation homes, offices and retreats. Many companies, including the goverment use yurts as an alternative to traditional building facilities. They can be as elaborate or simple as you choose. The most important thing to keep in mind when building a yurt is sticking to your plan. Space is limited, and some items, like large sofas won't fit. They are appropriate for all climate's and offer many of the same amenties that a typical home or office would have. Perfect for a any demanding CEO, (especially those of Happy Goats soap.)

So, despite ignoring Priscilla, (she doesn't take being ignored lightly!) and procrastinating through two seasons worth of carrot harvest, I did promise to help her out with her yurt. Unfortunatley, I too am a CEO, (of something really important I just can't think of what that is at the moment,) and she has probably given up on the idea of me offering up solutions. But that is what you get when you negotiate design services with a log pile, a seasons worth of hay and a goat named Abigail. You almost had me with the log pile, Priscilla, but Abby is where I draw the line! 

To see the progress of Pricilla's fancy yurt click here

To help Pricilla pay for her fancy yurt, click here to buy her loot on Etsy

Want to know more about yurts? Here are some excellent resources to make the CEO in your life happy:

Greenbuildingelements.com

The Colorado Yurt Company

Pacific Yurts

*Want help designing your yurt? Call us! 

*Some restrictions do apply, we no longer except carrots, goats (to include but not limited to goats named Abigail), hay, bribes, or the publicist as collateral or payment for design services.

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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! (Sign up today to reserve your seat.  September is SOLD OUT!! Reserve your seat for October!)

The new American Country

Two years ago this beautiful William Sonoma Home graced my mail box. I am not a big fan of WS, however, I fell in love with this cover, and well, the whole book. How am I not a fan I thought? I don't prescribe to any particular style, {a} It is professional career suicide and {b} it is personal design suicide. I mean really, I am a Designer, aka-caprcious, unpredictable, and my lines of reality are a bit blurred between fantasy and actuality. It is in my DNA to be A.D.D, and my professional duty nature not to pick any one style- even if my life depends on it! If I could make a decision for {myself} I would have designed my house ten years ago and stuck with it, instead of flailing around like a 3 year old hopped up on juji fruits, and licorice suffering to make a simple decision on pillow trim. Until this cover enamored me. And two years later, STILL does.

What is it about this style that is so attractive? What exactly is it? It is American Country. The new and improved approach to easy living, with a more youthful and modern twist. Often when a client of mine hears the word "country" they squeal, and run the other way. Actually, so do I. Until now, I never even included this word into my vocabulary. American country is different, it is sophisticated, refined, and easy. Traditionally the look comes from a space converted from a primary use, into another, like a barn turned into a home. 

Stephen and Gail Huberman

American Country can also be a space that looks like a space that was something else. (Like the photo above). American country generally has new mixed in with old. Refined yet livable.

Remains Lighting

American Country has roots in the past, but it is always reaching ahead. Commonly found items in American Country are:

1) Stone generally on fireplaces

2) Raw timber as beams or accessories

3) Iron accents like chandeliers or hardware

4) Furniture from days gone by with original distressing

Stephen and Gail Huberman

Why is American Country a look that people love? Because it has an adult look, without feeling fussy. It is easy on the eyes, and when things are distressed, you feel more comfortable and relaxed. The colors are generally warm, and inviting and mixing stone, with raw timber, distressed furniture, and warm colors is a guaranteed recipe to all things pleasant and agreeable. I also think the look is appealing because it only focuses on necessity, and leaves out the clutter. It also appeals to the GO BIG OR GO HOME motto that AB HOME thrives on. What do you think about the NEW look of country?

How to achieve a well appointed home

Ever wonder what makes a home special? Probably not. But have you ever been in a home that felt special? When a home has the {it} factor, it's typically in the details. A well appointed home takes you that much further. It entices the senses, encourages curiosity, and enlightens our spirits. It just feels good, and you may not know why. 

In my opinion there are 5 distinct things you can add to your own home to make it feel right, and ooze the {it} factor for a well appointed home: 

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Collections. Having a collection gives the homeowner personal gratification, but also gives guests a window into your interest's and makes things personal. For example, when you go into a person's home and you see their beautiful art collection, you are drawn to them, and learn something new about them that you may not have known.

Evan Lewis

A well appointed home focuses on details. So when you are decorating your home always pay attention to the details. For example, details are what take this ordinary martini table from Evan L into something extraordinary.

Eric Henderson

Balance and Scale. When a home has balance it feels right. It is comfortable, and easy on the eyes to read. Symmetry in my opinion is the only way to approach design. {Remember students, my opinion is the only one that counts...} It has a harmony to it that just feels right, and helps tune out the chaos in everyday life.

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A well appointed home takes every surface into consideration. The floor, the ceiling, the walls, and everything in between. This goes back to balance and harmony, but essentially all your senses should be enticed. A home should encourage excitement, and drama, comfort, and curiosity. 

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And finally a well appointed home never overlooks the simple luxuries that make a home glamourous for your lifestyle. Having the things you love surround you, allows the home to live and breathe you. These simple things make life enjoyable and allow you to live with purpose and conviction, and this brings everything together. The details, collections, balance and surfaces come alive, when they are simple luxuries that speak to you, and the way you live.

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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! (Sign up today to reserve your seat.  September is SOLD OUT!! Reserve your seat for October!)

7 killer resources to shop like a designer

Ever wonder why a designer can find the coolest things? And somehow, the homes we design just look different, but you can't put your thumb on it? Someway we find the most unique furniture, unusual accessories, lamps, art, etc, that you just can't seem to find. I know, we are just special in that way. Well it's because we have been trained by the CIA in a secret laboratory, and given classified information on a hand shake that only we know.... oooor it's because it's our job to present the best to you. We thrive on acceptance, and validating approval from you our devoted clients, because we love it when our magic creation makes you happy. {But I am certain it's the secret handshake.}

Christopher Guy

 I am here to tell you, handshake aside {although a snazzy hand swing, jiggle, or jim-jam, of the wrist never hurt advancement here in our office}, we have our trusty go-to's at AB HOME that always make us look like rockstars, superstars and everything in between...cause that's how we roll!

Pal and Smith

This company has the most amazing collection of furniture, lighting, wallpaper, lighting, and rugs. A true go-to, for all things unique, and special.

Elizabeth Bauer

Elizabeth has a wide selection of ordinary pieces with a twist. Bright colors, unusual shapes, and always a surprise ending!

Christopher guy

This line is the BEST line of furnishings when you are looking for high-end tradition with an alice-in-wonderland interpretation. His pieces are over exaggerated, distinct and exclusive. Nothing says designer like Christopher guy.

Bungalow 5

This line was developed by a group of designers and architects out of New York. They have so many awesome pieces that are stylish, unusual and super fun colors.

oly studios

This line is a true favorite. The collection is the epitome of California cool and classic. It mixes raw woods, patina finishes, and oozes cool, easy style.

Shine everyday

Everyone could use a little more bling in their life, right? This line is fashion forward, multifaceted and offers numerous unexpected surprises, even capable of wowing your mother-in-law!

Lee Industries 

I cannot say enough about this upholstery line. We use it again, and again, and again. It is the most consistent upholstery line I have ever used in quality, lead times, and customer satisfaction. I have client's that have LEE pieces they purchased thirty years ago, and still love them. Everyone who has a LEE piece loves it, and I have yet to receive a chair, or sofa that wasn't ridiculously comfortable!

Don't forget these favorite posts, to help you shop at your favorite stores, like a rockstar.

How to design a room like an expert

How to select the right lamps

How to design a room on a budget

Where to go shopping in Atlanta

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! (Sign up today to reserve your seat.  September isSOLD OUT!! Reserve your seat for October!)

How to take charge of your laundry room with these 7 easy steps

Laundry rooms are often the last source for inspiration, so few homeowner's put effort into making them special. But talk to any mom with a house full of kids, pets, and various other "life" happenings, and they will tell you that they do some serious laundry!

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When designing a laundry room it is important to get the necessities in, and make it functional, but why not make it inspirational, and inviting? If you walked into the room above to do your laundry, wouldn't you be a little more excited to spend your day there?

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Last Friday I met with some homeowners who have two kids. They do two to three loads of laundry a day, and share their laundry room with the powder room. It is a very small space. The toilet and door touch, and in order to get to the bi-fold doors, that house the washer and dryer, they have to walk around the door and shut themselves into the room....amidst a pile of clothes consuming the floor like Jabba the hut, just to do laundry. How do you think they feel about doing laundry? {Not real good.} It is a hassle, hard to move, and a challenge not to trip and fall with so much chaos. This is not a functional and happy place. But I see this ALL the time. And few people want to invest in a place that no one sees, and does such hard, and dirty labor. Remember that post I just did on a glamourous life? Well it is the simply luxuries, like a fabulous laundry room, that make life glamourous.

So what can you do to make your space better?

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1) Plan your room carefully. Think about how you use the space. How much room do you have? Can you expand the space? How can you make the space better?

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2) Give yourself as much storage as the space will allow, no matter how unique your storage needs are or little the space is. You can never have too much! Think about how you will use the space and how you can make it better. 

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3)  Choose lighting that is appropriate for the room. Don't use harsh lighting if you don't need it and use fixtures that make a beautiful room. Layer your light, and put everything on dimmers. Laundry is not rocket science. If it has been a long day, you just need a little light to start the load, and a little light to fold. ( I went to Arizona a few years ago, chandeliers and sconces were in laundry rooms everywhere and I thought it made a beautiful and unexpected surprise!)

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4) Add electronics to your space like a TV, or a place to sit and do work on the computer. These distractions can double as entertainment, and make doing laundry a little more fun. Especially if you can catch up on that guilty pleasure that you swear you don't watch!

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5) ALWAYS put in the biggest utility sink you can. It needs to be as deep as possible, and prepared to handle war! 

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6) If possible add a built-in ironing board or have a place to put one. Few people iron anymore, but it nice to have one when you need it, and they don't take up a lot of room.

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7) Combine the room with something you love. Don't let the extra room go to waste. It can double as a craft room, office, homework station, reading spot, TV room, etc. A client came to me with this photo above three years ago. They were building a custom house and she loved scrap booking so we duplicated this room down to the tile. Because the room is so colorful and fun she LOVED being in here! Can you blame her? 

What are some things you could add to your laundry room? How can you make it better? 

And remember there are no rules when doing laundry! Unless you do it in public....

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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! (Sign up today to reserve your seat.  September is SOLD OUT!! Reserve your seat for October!)