Amy Catherine Amy Catherine

Let’s Talk Staircases

It all begins with an idea.

If you have a staircase it can often feel like wasted space, but it doesn’t have to! Dressing up your stairs with a few unique and bold options can be a great way to turn what’s insignificant into fabulous! Take a peek below for some super actionable items that are sure to brighten up your staircase. These tips are on-trend, too, giving you all the more reason to do a Winter project in 2022!

Mix it up!

Staircases don’t have to be a necessary evil, they can be a focal point, if you know how to do it! There are so many ways you can make your staircase trendy, modern, chic, farmhouse, whatever your desire! Using different textures, patterns, and elements can draw it all in when designing your dream stairway.

Be BOLD!

If you have a flair for the wild side, then consider this trend of back-splashed stairs! It adds an element of surprise and draws the viewer’s eyes to the beautiful detail!



Modern rails & spindles!

If you like things more modern, then replacing your rails & spindles to display a clean-cut look can speak volumes. This is one of my favorite trends and it makes everything look so polished!

Whatever your design style is, when switching up your staircase, remember, it should speak to you! There are so many different ways you can design your space, there are no wrong answers….but there are some really good ones that should be considered!


Happy Designing!

xoxo,

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Amy Catherine Amy Catherine

Design Tips | Fireplace Decor

It all begins with an idea.

If you have a fireplace, you know that changing out the decor for the seasons can be painstaking at times. Only so many items can fit on the mantle without it looking too cluttered. It’s a lot of trial and error, and you’re not alone! There are times when I look at the blank canvas known as my mantle and feel like I’m pulling out of thin air. Let’s chat about some simple design tips that can help lay the foundation to a marvelous-looking fireplace, shall we?

Focal point, focal point, focal point!

Your fireplace is typically the center of the room, and the first thing noticed by guests. Using the space you have, we want to draw the eye up towards the ceiling. This makes the room appear more grandeous and gives the illusion of taller ceilings. Think triangle affect when choosing decor and mantle centerpieces.

Use your personality

Remember to use your personality when picking out design pieces. After all, your design style should tell a really good story about who you are, what you like, and highlight cherished items such as family photos and heirlooms. Some ideas for decor are:

  • Art

  • Mirrors

  • Candlesticks

  • Foliage

  • Garland



Change up the seasons

Your fireplace can be changed with the seasons to give your room a fresh and inviting look. For fall, focus on burnt oranges and seasonal colors. Christmas, you’ll want garland, lights, candles, and stockings. Spring brings floral pieces and foliage. And summer can be light and airy. If you’re a fan of a neutral pallet, then add different pops of color throughout the year to mix things up!

When it comes to decorating any space, remember functionality and design always play a part. Since we are talking about fireplaces specifically, don’t forget about the heat factor when decorating, and be sure to play it safe when burning a fire.


Happy Designing!

xoxo,

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Amy Catherine Amy Catherine

Design Tips | Decorating Shelves

It all begins with an idea.

So you want to add built-in shelving, but not sure where to start with filling them. It can seem like a lot of additional items that you’ll need to come up with to fill those levels which can be daunting. Not to worry! I have some super simple tips on how to make those shelves look full without a ton of effort or funds.

Get some inspiration!

Have you ever tried to fill a blank page? It can be overwhelming and sometimes you just need somewhere to start. Look at Pinerest or your favorite magazine and see what inspires you when building your shelving decor.

The power of 3’s

Put your decor in groups of 3’s and you’ll find it sets the tone for your space. When grouping, be careful not to over-crowd. Remember less is more in most cases!



Colors & shapes

Use vertical and horizontal decor to mix things up and add different heights. Stick in the same color scheme, or add pops of color here and there that compliment each other.

When decorating your shelves, Homegoods and Target are always great places to find inexpensive items to furnish your space. When in doubt, take pictures and see which one suits your area the best.


Happy Designing!

xoxo,

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Amy Catherine Amy Catherine

Beach House | Decorating for a Vacation Property

It all begins with an idea.

Maybe you’re on the brink of reaching your dream of owning a beach house, or already do and thinking about making it a short-term rental. There are so many different ways you can entice guests through design. Let’s start with some super easy, extraordinary design tips that you can implement in your beach home.

Make it an experience

Have you ever stayed at a hotel in an exotic place and thought, “wow, they missed the mark on the design”. When your guests choose to stay at your beach house they are looking for a full experience, inside and out.

Make it feel like the beach

Choose textures and elegant beach items that are inviting. Do away with any cheesy beach-themed decor, and opt for things like sea glass, jute rugs, and rope that represents the beach in a very stylish way.



Keep it neutral

When designing a beach home, color pallets should represent the surrounding outdoors. This means neutral beach colors work best and keep things light and airy. Think muted blues, greens, and whites as your primary color scheme.

It’s so exciting owning a beach home and we have loved every minute of owning ours! When designing your space, be sure to incorporate classy beach-themed decor, lots of light and neutral elements, and make it somewhere onlookers want to stay.


Happy Designing!

xoxo,

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Amy Catherine Amy Catherine

Design Tip | Bedrooms

It all begins with an idea.

When you’re designing your bedroom, there are numerous ways you can make your comfy, cozy oasis suit your style while still being functional. Bedrooms often get overlooked when designing our homes, but they are where we spend many hours relaxing and getting much-needed shuteye. The same attention to detail should be taken to these intimate places of our home.

Make it peaceful

Create a peaceful and tranquil environment conducive to rest and sleep. Avoid loud colors such as reds and oranges. Think day spa instead of constant stimulation.

Textures!

Choose textures that are soft and a color pallet that is soothing. Cozy fabrics and rugs are always a must in any bedroom. Different throws and light touches can really liven up your room for less. Venture into one of your five senses and see how many different textures you can incorporate to give it a sense of warmth.



Lighting is key

Bedside lighting, as well as bright daytime lights, are excellent additions to any bedroom. The use of dimmers adds a touch of ambiance and can set the tone for the room.

When it comes to designing the perfect bedroom that feels like you’re at a 5-star resort, comfort is KING. Choose items that set the tone and make you want to take a deep breath of relaxation every time you enter the room. Here’s to taking your bedroom to the next level! Follow along for more design tip blogs!


Happy Designing!

xoxo,

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Amy Catherine Amy Catherine

Design Tip | Living Rooms

It all begins with an idea.

When you’re designing your living room it can be easy to just plop some furniture down with a coffee table and call it a day. Instead, consider planning out the space where you’ll gather as a family to make it functional and chic.

Make it conversational!

Space furniture in a way that makes it easy to converse with others. Long gone are the days where everyone’s attention is centered around the tv. Instead, go back to the basics, good ole’ talking.

Accent tables & coffee tables

Keeping accent tables/coffee tables within reach is a must for any living room. Make your space super functional and that includes easy to reach cups of coffee!



Seating!

Plan for single and group seating options when designing your living room. Your couch is usually the main piece of furniture and should be facing either the focal point of the room such as a fireplace, or a view like windows or the kitchen.

Don’t forget comfort is king when designing any room. Your furniture should be both appealing to the eye and comfortable to use. Picture sitting in your space every day, and go from there!


Happy Designing!

xoxo,

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Amy Catherine Amy Catherine

Display Walls

It all begins with an idea.

Thinking about designing a display wall in your home? It’s a nice thought but can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed if you don’t have a plan. When creating your display wall, make it artistic and something that you love to look at each day.

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Pick your background!

Using elements like a recycled wood accent wall can really give your space a rustic feel. If you’re going for a more polished look, shiplap or board and batten can give a clean appearance.

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Space items well!

Another thing to consider is what items you’re going to hang on the wall. Be careful not to get too matchy-matchy, but instead pair similar items together.



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Use the whole wall!

Don’t be afraid to use up the entire wall when designing your space. Some key things to remember when hanging decor is to not crowd the area, and don’t just stick to the center of the wall, no matter how tempting!

When designing your display wall, remember to use your instinct. If it doesn’t feel like you, then find something that does. Ultimately, trial and error are your BFFs when it comes to designing something from scratch!


Happy Designing!

xoxo,

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Amy Catherine Amy Catherine

Let’s talk small dining rooms

It all begins with an idea.

Your dining room is a place where family and friends gather to share their day. It’s usually one of the first rooms your guests see and can set the mood for your entire home. Instead of going at it alone, here are some super simple tips on decorating your space.

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Tables:

When you’re working with a tighter space, you want to maximize what you have. Instead of trying to fit a piece of furniture that’s too big for the room, consider getting a round dining table. And bonus, a round table allows for more creative seating options, too.

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Accent walls:

Another way to make your small area pop is by incorporating an accent wall. From wallpaper to shiplap, you can suit any style you like, making it super easy to add character.



Fixtures:

Lighting sets the mood for the room and gives off an ambiance. With a smaller dining room, you’ll want to choose fixtures that are opaque or don’t take up a lot of real estate.

Decor:

Last, is the decor or accent pieces. Mirrors can make a space appear larger and petite chairs or bar carts can add functionality without taking up too much room.

Remember this is your space and should reflect your personal style. It doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s, but it should be unique to your taste and a reflection of your home. Happy designing!




xoxo,

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