"I envision a beautiful accent wall with the unique characteristics of reclaimed wood". Does this sound like an interior design idea that you've thought of recently? Are you living a greener lifestyle, and you're on the fence on whether reclaimed wood would be a good investment? 

Using reclaimed wood is not a new trend or idea, it's just gotten really popular lately, 

The use of reclaimed wood isn't a new concept, but it's seen a surge in popularity, particularly if you're remodeling and/or adopting a greener lifestyle.   

About Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood, or lumber, simply means that the wood has a previous life and will now be used with a new intention. For instance, it could've been an old storage crate or barn, and now it's being used as hardwood flooring. Ana Maria Designs has put together a few tips if you're planning on utilizing reclaimed wood in your remodel or interior design project. However, reclaimed wood does have its drawbacks as well as its benefits.

Drawbacks of Reclaimed Wood

1. Legitimacy: Due to the reclaimed lumber fad, many dealers turn to issuing fake assertions in reference to the source of their merchandise. 

Don't: Purchase from just any dealer and ensure that the wood is genuinely reclaimed. 

Do: Purchase from reputable dealers holding organizational certifications like: 

• Rainforest Alliance

• Forest Stewardship Council

2. Price: You will likely pay more for reclaimed wood over virgin wood due to the process required to sort and prepare it so that it can be safely utilized.  

3. Toxins: Businesses sometimes, or may have previously, treated wood with paint and other chemicals which may oftentimes contain volatile ingredients:

• Lead

• Adhesives

• Insecticides

• Preservatives

Don't: Assume that reclaimed wood is safe to handle

Do: If obtaining the reclaimed wood yourself, consider having the lumber tested for toxins.

4. Pests: Since pests love to reside in wood, be sure to inspect the wood for infestation. Look for: 

• Pests and bugs

• Deteriorating wood

• Asymmetrical holes in wood

Don't: Assume that the wood is free from bugs

Do: Make sure that the wood is kiln-dried

5. Hidden Dangers: There could also be unseen dangers.

Don't: Assume the wood is nail-free if you're getting your own reclaimed wood.

Do: Get your reclaimed lumber from a professional wood store or dealer to ensure its safety.

Advantages of Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood can be used for multiple uses: 

• Decks

• Tables

• Cabinets

• Countertops

• Wall Paneling

• Hardwood Flooring

1. Environmentally Friendly: When reclaimed wood is harvested properly, it's also renewable. 

2. Quality and strength: On the Janka hardness scale, reclaimed wood is about 40 points harder than virgin wood.

3. Appearance: Reclaimed wood has a unique appearance due to it being aged and weathered.

4. LEED Points: If you're using reclaimed lumber that's certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, it can help your construction or remodeling project earn LEED points.

Conclusion

Reclaimed wood can bring out the beauty and character of your home, so consider using reclaimed wood on your next renovation, and pair it with any of our unique items to add extra character that your friends, family and the environment will love. In the meantime, take a look at our blog over here for more inspiration.

Our homes are our safe spaces. We love them and want to make them as cozy as possible. We also want our family and friends to feel just as comfortable in our homes as we do. Read on to find out how you can make your home more inviting with these interior design tips.

Welcome Them Before They Are Even Inside

The first thing anyone sees of our house is the front yard. Make this space so comfortable that your guests know they are always welcome. Have seating out front, a bright welcome mat, and beautiful flowers that exclaim "come join us!"

Hang Photos of Your Family Inside

There is nothing more cozy and inviting in a home than family pictures. You can have them spread throughout, or one big gallery wall. These pictures show others the adventures you have been on and all the fun you have together.

Have Comfy Furniture

Sinking into a cushy couch is one of the best feelings. Your family and friends will love hanging out and chatting all day long when you have comfortable furniture for them to sit in. They will always feel invited and ready to relax at your home.

Keep Things Warm

Oftentimes, warm colors can bring a sense of calm and peace to a home. Different hues of brown and beige can warm up your walls, furniture, and flooring. Alongside warm colors, you can have fuzzy, cozy blankets and pillows on your couches. The warmth will make your guests feel snug and welcomed into your home.

The main goal of making people feel invited into your home is to help them feel cozy there. Being cozy can help them relax and will keep them coming back for more time with you Invite your friends and family in and make them feel as relaxed and welcome as you feel in your home. 

Looking for more ways to make your home inviting? Get in touch with us!

Renting an apartment sometimes feels less permanent and homelike than owning a home. This doesn't have to be the case, however. Whether you own or rent your space, what really counts is what you do with it. It's always possible to transform your environment and make it feel more like your own personal space. Of course, with a rental, you must be careful about abiding by your rental agreement and not make changes that will cause you to lose your security deposit. Here are three design tips to turn your apartment into a home.

Customize the Lighting

The lighting of your apartment is a crucial factor when it comes to creating the type of atmosphere you prefer. Don't rely on your apartment's basic overhead lighting. Both floor and table lamps are a great way to provide additional light and control the brightness of a room. Whether you prefer a vintage lamp from an antique or thrift shop or a modern one from the mall, lamps help you customize your apartment. Bulbs also play a crucial role. In addition to getting the wattage that's right for a room, consider some colored bulbs to create the right mood. Use accent lighting to highlight certain features, such as a stylish piece of furniture, artwork, or perhaps a plant.

Install Attractive Window Treatments

If you're renting an apartment, you can't put in new windows. You can, however, add window treatments that make a big difference to the lighting and ambiance of the apartment. If your apartment has dismal or uninspiring blinds, the simplest solution is to install some curtains. Curtains also help you control the amount of natural light that enters your apartment. Choose styles and colors for your window treatments that complement your furniture and decor. You can buy curtains or create your own out of attractive materials from a fabric store, thrift shop, or online store.

Decorate the Floors with Area Rugs

Many apartments come with rather generic wall-to-wall carpeting. An easy way to customize your flooring is to add some area rugs. This is another feature where you have many options, such as modern, vintage, Persian, Chinese, or other styles of rugs. You can buy area rugs in department stores, antique shops, estate sales, and many other places. Whether you want large rugs that cover entire rooms or layer the rooms with smaller ones, this is an effective way to personalize your apartment. Another convenient feature of area rugs is that they're easy to move around, so you can experiment with different patterns and make changes whenever you feel like it.

From apartment design and beyond, we’re here to help with all your interior design needs. Contact us today!

One of the many things your guests will remember after leaving your home is the experience they had with the guest room. Needless to say, good guest room design is what makes a visitor feel welcome and at ease, making the moments shared there memorable and meaningful. Creating a welcoming guest room requires you to take into consideration the nitty-gritty of what makes a space (think of the bedroom) most comfortable.

Read on to see how you can create a peaceful guest-ready space:

Choose Serene Colors

The colors will be the first thing your guests notice when they enter the guest room, a reason to use caution when picking colors. Here, experts recommend that you go for colors that are universally soothing. An ideal choice of colors may include light and dark neutrals, soft pinks and greens, or enduring navy and brown.

Colors go a long way in setting the mood for a room and also act as a canvas for the decor therein. Aim to create a feeling of tranquility and relaxation in the guest room to ensure your visitors feel at home and find sleep with ease.

Prioritize Ample and Cozy Seating Options

Extra seating not only provides space for your guests to relax but also helps to add more texture to a design. You can always pile fluffy pillows and cushions on the window seating or use poufs to add an extra layer of seating. And if you have a spare corner, why not create a reading nook for your guests to enjoy a book and relax?

For the bed, make sure the blankets, sheets, and pillows are warm and cozy for maximum comfort. Remember to go with washable and manmade materials to make cleaning easier. The idea here is to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible as they snuggle in for a good night's sleep.

Focus on Window Lights

When it comes to the windows, you need to ensure they allow natural lighting to shine in. You can dress them in a light material, and preferably one that flows freely to add to the relaxing vibe. The material of choice should cover the windows at night to ensure privacy and security for your guests.

Don't forget to add a small hook to the sides of the pane to make it possible to hang the curtains during the day.

If you’d like more assistance with your guest room design, get in touch with our team!

Floral designs can add so much to your home! These designs are often colorful, fun, and can be traditional or contemporary. Adding floral designs into your everyday decor can brighten up any space in your home. Here are five ways that you can add floral designs to your home today.

Put it On Your Walls

Use Wallpaper

Floral wallpaper has made a comeback and is really popular right now. You can add it to one wall in a room or multiple walls if you want to make a bold statement. If you want just a bit of floral design, add it to one wall in a bathroom or an office. You will get the brightness of the floral design without being overwhelmed.

Hang Floral Art

If having flowers cover your whole wall does not appeal to you, try finding floral art. You can have it framed or put it on a canvas and hang multiple prints that you love. This will break up the amount of flowers, but still bring in the color and fun of floral designs.

Add Floral Pillows

The best part about pillows is that they can easily be switched out or moved at any time. If you want some color in your family room, living room, guest room, bedroom, or playroom, floral pillows are the best choice. The pillows can be big, small, colorful, dainty, or anything you want them to be. 

Find a Couch in a Floral Pattern

Much like the pillows, you can add a touch of floral by finding a couch in a floral print. The fun part about a couch is that you can go bold and bright, or keep it subtle. Either way you get to add intricate designs and color to your room.

Try Floral Bedding

Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries. Therefore, it is important to add anything you can to this space that will bring you happiness. If you are a fan of floral, bedding with this decorative design would be perfect. 

Adding floral designs to your home can be fun and beautiful. There is an elegance that flowers bring to a home, and they can be added in so many ways. You have the choice to make a bold statement with your floral decor or a subtle more muted statement. Remember to have fun and enjoy your new decorated space! For more design insight, contact us today.

Are you looking forward to redecorating your home? Keep these tips in mind when for designing your space with intention.

Frame Souvenirs in a Shadowbox

Small trinkets and other souvenirs can get lost easily, but make great decorations for personalizing a space. Building a shadowbox for separate vacations can be a great way to remember your trips, and add intention to your home decor.

Use Your Green Thumb to Decorate

There are plenty of indoor plants that require little maintenance, like air plants or succulents. Placing an air plant in a cute jar hanging from a hook (or even as a little kitchen magnet) can add personality to your home. Succulents, another easy-to-care-for plant, are sometimes otherworldly. Topsie Debbies, a String of Pearls, or Dolphin plants make unique succulent buddies.

Design a Room Around a Special Piece of Furniture

A special and unique piece of furniture can add character to your home. Maybe it's a piece you bought on vacation or a lovely family heirloom. Designing a room around a specific piece adds cohesiveness to the space while maintaining individuality in your home.

Use Art and Photos as Decor

Like t-shirts or trinkets, you can buy art while on vacation. Hunt around a street fair for local art you can hang in your home! These pieces will be unique to your home, and allow you to remember your vacation for years to come. As an alternative, just paint your own! Paint your favorite scene from a movie, a park you love, or even a self-portrait!

The Bottom Line

No matter what, make sure you use love and care when decorating your home. It's meant to be a unique living space, curated to your personal style and taste. Above all, have fun when decorating! You never know what kind of memories might be made when doing the simplest activities. If you’d like more help designing your space with intention, we’d love to hear from you!

When planning for back-to-school virtual learning, it is imperative to prepare the study area adequately. Here are tips for creating a study space that will make you productive in your studies.

Identify a Calm Study Room

Avoiding distractions is the best way to achieve your study goals. It is imperative to identify a calm area with little to no distractions. This puts you in a study mood and enables you to focus fully on your studies. Avoid noisy areas such as the TV room, video games area, and other places where other family members frequent. 

Declutter the Study Area

Arranging your study area will keep everything organized, making your studies flow seamlessly. Before you settle down, place each item within the study room in the right storage. No matter the number of materials and tools on your study table, you need to arrange each item well and place them in an open place for easy access. The best way to go about this is by dividing your study materials into essential and non-essential items for easy identification to avoid clutter. 

Install Proper Lighting

Lighting is an essential component that brightens up your study area and makes your studies effective and seamless. Even if the room has adequate artificial lighting, you'd also want to create space for natural lighting. This is because natural lighting can complement artificial lighting, making the room brighter and better. You can place your study table and chair near the window to get natural lighting. While on it, avoid installing too much bright light because it can affect your sight in the long run. 

Create Ideal Temperature

Your body needs favorable temperatures while studying. When setting up a room, it should be a favorable place where you will spend most of your time studying. The room shouldn't be too cold or too hot. The temperatures should be moderate to enable you to have a clear focus on your studies. 

The Bottom Line 

Once you create a comfortable study space, you’ll be better set up to achieve your goals. Take time to arrange the study space and put everything in place before you begin schooling. If you’re looking for more ways to enhance the interior design of your home, we’re always happy to help!

The days of plain neutrals and simple design reigning supreme may soon be behind us. Minimalism's popularity seems to be giving way to the rise of a new era of Maximalism. A strong emphasis on layering, risk-taking, and bold color when it comes to interior design means patterns are definitely in for 2021.

Chintz: No Longer Your Grandma's Couch

Chintz features a large floral pattern and comes in a range of colors and complexities. Because of its popularity in both the 60s and the 80s, chintz is often seen as a "grandma" pattern associated with dusty floral sofas and overbearing drapes. The new breed of chintz, however, is certainly no granny pattern. Today's chintz is much more elegant and can be more restrained than the over decorated rooms of the 80s. Beautiful when used on an upholstered headboard or as an accent with a throw pillow, chintz adds warmth and gives a classic British garden feel to any interior design.

Bring Nature Indoors

Natural patterns are going to be hugely popular in 2021. Banana palms, delicate florals, and even tropical bird patterns will be the highlights of this year's interior design trends. The true beauty of this trend is that it can fit in with almost any design style. Patterns based on nature can be colorful and bright or simple and understated, making them easy to incorporate into a wide variety of designs. From a simple throw pillow to a statement wallpaper, there's truly something for everyone when it comes to incorporating natural patterns.

Check Yes on Checkers

A checkered pattern is always a classic when it comes to interior design, but in 2021 it's even more on trend. Checkered patterns can add a whimsical touch to any design and can be a great way to begin experimenting with pattern if a loud floral wallpaper feels too intimidating. Even if you're no stranger to using patterns and are looking for something more striking, a mix of checkers and stripes is a bold alternative and another major design trend this year.

From elegant chintz to versatile naturals, bold patterns and colors are the mantra for 2021. This year, make sure to focus on bold, bright spaces full of life to stay on trend and spark joy in your surroundings.

Creating a space that reflects your personality and taste doesn't have to be daunting. If you need help using these patterns in your home decor, contact us.

3 Patterns to Try Out in 2021

Patterns are a great way to catch the eye and give life to a space. Patterns contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of your home and help you create the surroundings you want. Here are three popular patterns to try this year. Luckily, they are broad enough to give you leeway and creativity in how you use them.

Nature-inspired

Many people have taken refuge in nature over the last year, and in 2021, nature is coming indoors. The natural world has always been a source of inspiration for designers, and this year is no exception. The good thing is that, no matter what your style is, you can find a pattern that will fit. If you want an eye-catching statement, try a bold accent wall with palm leaves set against a more neutral background. Lovers of the recent "cottagecore" trend can select more reserved and romantic florals to add a hint of nostalgia to their space.

Inspiration from nature can also extend to the materials you use. Reclaimed wood is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly way to reuse lumber, and can add a rustic charm to your interior. Marble and stone are colder but still fit the trend.

Geometric Shapes

Geometric patterns are timeless, and some form of them is always in style. Look for wallpaper or prints that include triangles, hexagons, or squares. A larger print creates a bolder style that draws the eye, while a smaller print is a more subtle way to incorporate this pattern. Try to stick to one geometric shape at a time, so as not to overwhelm the eye.

You may think geometric patterns are limited to harsh lines and points, but designers have also embraced softer looks, creating round-edged furniture and accessories that still draw the eye. Often, these looks give your space an almost retro vibe, but one that is still somehow modern.

Maximalism

After staring at the same walls for the last year, some people started to go a little stir crazy. Now, they want to shake things up. Embrace your inner wild child with loud, big prints that allow you to express yourself. Maximalism implies a "more is more" attitude towards design, and is a great way to show your personality. Of course, it's still important to make sure your pieces go together. That's the key to keeping maximalism from becoming too overwhelming. Do this by choosing items that have a similar color and shape, and make sure you leave some neutral or blank areas for the eye to rest on.

 We can help you incorporate these patterns into your home — contact us to get started!

Dead flowers have a bad reputation indoors and outdoors. But it's silly and expensive to get a new bunch every day.  Thanks to a new flower trend, there's a flawless way of adding plants to decor with minimal effort.

With a feathery feel, a neutral tone, and being low maintenance, it makes perfect sense why dried pampas grass has become a prized part of interior decor.

It first became popular in 2019 and quickly won the hearts of flower fans.  For the modern home, there are many ways to adorn your decor with pampas grass. We'll show you just how.

Where to Place it

You can put the tall pampas grass plants on the floor, for instance, in a corner next to the sofa or the bedroom next to the wardrobe. Ensure the room is not filled with other artifacts to avoid cloaking its natural attractive appeal.

For shorter pampas grass (up to 40 centimeters) put it on surfaces like shelves or tables.  It adds texture and warmth to your space, which is especially important with concrete flooring.

Create a Rustic Charm

You need more than regular vases to make this work.  Fill a huge glass container with pecans to serve as a display for the dried pampas grass. You can put this display anywhere in the house, including the backyard.

Create a Boho Look

Pampas grass can act as a homey background for special relaxation spaces. To hack this design, pair the pampas with light brown shades and fleecy pillows. Spreading it against the wall adds just the right natural texture to complete this look.

Make Classy Door Wreaths

Wreaths are not just for the holidays. You can have them on your door always as a personal design style. Pampas grass wreaths pair up perfectly with white doors and are easy to make. You only need a thin, easy-to-bend metal rod. Remember to spray hairspray on them to keep the seeds off your front door floor.

We Are Ana Maria Designs

From eclectic interiors to spectacular outdoors, there's always something you can do to revolutionize your home. Learn more about how we can help!

It looks like simple-classy has found its way into interior design. The fact is, it couldn't have come at a better time. We're spending more time indoors. The best we can do is to create an atmosphere of peak tranquility.

In Japanese, Zen relates to meditation and is oftentimes connected with minimalism and homeliness. Japandi style's philosophy is “less is more,” with emphasis on basic shapes, lighter colors, and natural components.

With a Zen and Japandi fusion, textbook interior design rules are taking a back seat. The result?  Balance, harmony, and relaxation.

Keep scrolling to find ways to incorporate this natural and inviting decor style into your home.

Focus on Natural Materials

Use natural wood for your walls, doors, screen grids, and frames to achieve the Japandi look. Use light woods like beech, ash, pine, and light oak to strike a light and color balance.

These light woods will also help you to achieve hygge-Scandinavian expression for coziness and satisfaction.

Wood also makes great company during winter. Add warmth and comfort by introducing natural fabrics -cotton and wool are the best - that you can use for curtains, couch blankets, carpets, and pillows.

Keep the Lines Clean and Elegant

Keep the lines in your furniture and decor clean and elegant. The space has to be functional and easy to use. Keep off clutter because it interferes with the whole point of Japandi design. Tone down the styling, too.  If you still want to add art pieces, keep them abstract. Any patterns should not be loud. Instead, go for fluid and repetitive patterns to avoid making a bold statement.

Choose a Neutral Color Base

Soft tones like whites, greys, shades of beige, or pink beige are ideal as a color base. You can always combine a dominant color with matching objects and textured textiles to introduce contour to a monochrome space, such as white with moleskin or beige with rosewood. Combine two complementary colors, or experiment with degrades of your favorite color to add variety.

Who We Are

At Ana Maria Designs, we believe that life is too short for boring décor. Contact us to add life to yours and we'll be glad to help. 

Arches are like jeans—they never go out of style. From detailed Moroccan doorways to long arched passageways, arches are always a refreshing break from monotonous square-shaped entryways.

Some are historical elements, used to connect rooms in homes, and others are man-made pieces intended to add charm and character to an otherwise dull space.

Romans and Greeks based an entire building's design on arches. In 2021, it seems like people can't get enough of them. You'd have to be living off-grid not to notice arches in everything from mirrors to fireplaces and even ceilings.

Read on to find out how arches are adorning homes in 2021.

1. Roman Arch Headboard

This arch shape is old, but it's found its way to the bedroom in an unusual yet charming way. Modern folks are going for headboards with roman arches to add fun to quiet bedrooms. It doesn't matter how bland the bed is—this headboard turns it into an absolute eye-catcher.

2. Syrian Arch Window

A Syrian arch spots a partial curve at the top with a slight rise in the center, making it semi-elliptical. It works well when used on big windows in large open spaces with large ceilings. To complete the look, make the same arch in the doorways.

3. Flattened Gothic Arch

This style encompasses more than just the typical Gothic arches seen in medieval cathedrals. They have a lower rise that makes them flattened. You can find them in modern middle-eastern interior designs, but it doesn't keep you from adopting them. When matched with soft glow lighting frames, they make a subtle statement of refinement to interior walls, bathroom mirrors, and kitchen backsplashes.

4. Custom-Made Arches

In this case, arches are made out of creativity rather than depending on older styles. For example, you can have doorways arched to match the floor tile pattern. The result is a cross between modern and classic arch styles. It creates uniqueness, too.

Find the Perfect Décor

Good things await you at Ana Maria Designs. Contact us for any of our services or sign up to become a design insider.

Interior design is about finding the right balance in a room. It takes various elements and artistically brings them together to set the right tone. However, Japandi, a hybrid design trend, takes this a step further by striking a delicate balance of its own. Japandi stylistically blends Scandinavian and Japanese designs and philosophies. The trend takes elements from both design cultures to produce interiors that are minimalist, elegant, and unquestionably cozy.

A Long Distance Relationship

These designs and philosophies come from two very different cultures separated by thousands of miles. Scandinavian design is all about simplicity, natural textures, neutral colors, and rustic appearances. It plays on light and functionality and focuses on the room being a haven for hygge. The Japanese design aesthetic is also simple yet sophisticated. It involves some richer colors and furniture that is a little more ornate. The Japanese home centers on open spaces and natural elements to exude Zen. While they differ in some ways, these two types of interior designs hold minimalism in the highest regard, and mesh well to create a new aesthetic altogether.

The Perfect Match

Japandi is raw, beautifully uncomplicated, and celebrates imperfection. It features statement pieces but obviously strives to avoid clutter. Natural elements play a key role, whether it be through wood accents or potted houseplants. The colors in a Japandi-inspired room will cleverly contrast, using both the neutrals of the Scandinavian aesthetic with the richer tones of the Japanese. In fact, many aspects of this design marriage are about contrast. It can include both furniture featuring straight lines and pieces made entirely of curves. It can be clean and uncluttered but include various mismatched throws and pillows. The contrast is the point of the trend, making a room visually exciting while still retaining a classic, timeless look.

Advice and Assistance

If you're interested in this trend or have any other inquiries related to the interior design of your home, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll help you find the right style and design for you.

There are many elements of life that can be drawn on for inspiration for product and furniture design. The events and hard times in life can be some of the most influential for designing new furniture and more. 

The Inspiration

This past year has been one of the toughest years that many of us have faced. We have seen many challenges and so much change. As we are coming out of this past year and seeing life go back to the new normal, we can see this year as one of transformation for all. Everyone has morphed into different lifestyles, jobs, and more. We have endured so much and made it through those tough times—we should be proud! As humans, we can face challenges, like those we lived through in the last year, and still be strong, beautiful, and full of life and color for our futures ahead! 

The Design

The changes we have endured inspired me to create this beautiful chair called Metamorphosis. This chair design is made to show the beauty that can come out of hard times. The end result of tough times in life can be fascinating. 

I designed this chair to look similar to a butterfly. A butterfly starts out as a caterpillar and goes through a metamorphosis in order to become a butterfly with wings, color, and so much life. Butterflies symbolize personal change, transformation, hope, courage and it, in essence, is a rebirth of life.

As you sit down in the Metamorphosis chair, you will have wings at your back and feel the power and grace of a butterfly. The colors show the vibrancy of life and the excitement that our futures hold.

I long for us all to have courage, hope for the future, and be open to change and transformation, especially after this past year. When you see this chair, I want you to feel all of these and know that we are capable of enduring transformations that we never saw coming. So take a seat, a deep breath, and spread your wings—the best is yet to come!

It's no secret that our world has been going through difficult times. With a global pandemic raging for over a year and lockdowns keeping us from many of our loved ones, times have been difficult. Despite our struggles and the difficulties our society has faced, we endure. This pandemic has not beaten us but instead has given us an opportunity for growth, change, and transformation. After being so far away from others while we keep our social distance, we are coming together as a society and beginning to return to the world. We are emerging slowly from our cocoons. We are arriving at a metamorphosis. We have changed, and we are bringing our own individual beauty and wonder with us into the world.

Inspired by our resilience and the beauty which comes from change, designer Ana Maria Martinez-Stumpo of our very own Ana Maria Designs has created a beautiful chair to celebrate that change! Metamorphosis is a beautiful modern chair with exquisite design and attractive color. The butterfly design shows a connection to nature. Its colors are not overpowering, creating a contrast that highlights the unique design without taking away from any environment or its surroundings. This beautiful design recognizes the challenges we have endured and the changes we have made. The resilience of the human race is embodied in Metamorphosis.

We have faced many challenges over the past year, and there are more still to come. But this shouldn't frighten us! On the contrary, our challenges continue to show us that we are capable of change. Metamorphosis reminds us that change can be beautiful. It is a symbol of our strength and courage during a global pandemic and a promise for a brighter tomorrow. As we emerge from our own cocoons this year, we should feel joy in spreading our wings and sharing this beauty with the world around us.

2020 was a challenging year that changed many people's perspectives. Many people started to create comfortable and stylish living rooms, thanks to the pandemic. In 2021, the same trend may go on, but we might see better design trends this time around. 

From sustainable materials to wood to tactile designs, there's plenty that the year has to offer to style enthusiasts. This guide discusses the top three patterned interior designs that have been trending this year.

1. Textured Walls

Large-scale artistic textured walls are now becoming popular than ever. Unlike the standard walls, the textured walls are visually appealing; they are easier to install, and maintain a cleaner look. 

Most importantly, they perfectly hide any cracks or flaws on the walls. The top textured wall styles that you can try are wood paneling, plastered walls, and grasscloth wallpapers.

2. Patterned Ceilings

Like the walls, the textured ceilings have become popular. Textured ceilings come with a busy look that perfectly hides all the blemishes, scratches, and imperfections. Besides, the textured ceiling is easy to repair and has fewer maintenance requirements. 

Patterned ceilings also have excellent soundproofing capabilities because a smoother surface can easily allow sound to pass through. Should you decide to install a patterned ceiling, you should get the best quality material for the best results.

3. Textured Tiles

The patterned tiles have grown their popularity over the years, thanks to their multiple benefits. The patterns add style to the room, draw attention to the right areas, and add unique features. Also, the patterned tiles are more affordable than the plain ones, hence the popularity in 2021. 

The above are just a few of the many patterned interior designs in 2021. If you plan to add a fresh touch to your home, consider the best style that fits your style.

If you need help using these patterns in your home decor, please contact us and we'll be more than willing to assist.

Your home should reflect your style and personality. The furniture, the walls, and every finishing detail should make you safe and comfy. That's why it's important to gather your ideas well when styling your house so that you can get what you exactly want. 

But where do you get design inspiration from? Ideally, you should be opening yourself up to diverse influences to get the best style ideas. In this guide, we will look at four ways to get style inspiration from your city. Check them out:

1. Check the City Magazines

Every city supplies multiple magazines to the residents. Most of the magazines contain handy tips for interior designs that you can choose. And even if the designs are not there, you can still get to view beautiful houses pictured in there, videos, and so on. 

For the best results, you can consider the magazines which have a unique section for interior designing so that you can get the right inspiration.

2. Check Your Friends’ and Neighbors’ Homes

You can get many design ideas by simply checking at your neighbors' or friends’ homes. Next time when passing by or just having coffee at your friend's house, look around for any design ideas that impress you.

3. Check the Hotels

Have you ever entered a hotel and admired its interior designs? Well, you can adopt that style in your home. Next time you see an exciting style in your hotel, don't hesitate to take a picture or copy the idea.

4. Check Outside

Nature is beautiful. You don't always have to be indoors to get design and style ideas for your home. You can visit the parks and other reserves within your city to learn a few things about color mixing and so on. Your garden can also be a beautiful source of inspirational ideas.

You need design inspiration so that you can realize what you exactly want. So get out, walk around your city, and follow the above tips to guide you. When you’re looking for more ways to freshen up your interior design, we're here to help.

Pulling a room together to create a functional and stylish house has never been easy. From the paints to use, the furniture, and the lights, an interior design process requires well-thought plans. If you plan to renovate your room or just freshen it up, you need to choose the right design elements to give your house the best look. In this guide, we will share the top three practical tips for functional interior design. Check them out:

1. Declutter

The easiest and fastest method to make your space more functional is to declutter. You should remove any wrongly kept items in the house and keep them in storage cabinets. Alternatively, you can decide to gift out what you no longer. When you declutter, you create more space in your house, which leaves your room more functional.

2. Add Storage

You might need extra cabinets to store the things which you no longer need. Even the commonly used items could look better when stored well in the house. You can create cabinets in the bathroom, in the kitchen, and in the living too. If your home is small, don't be afraid to utilize the vertical space. But still, don't overfill the storage closets.

3. Define Spaces

Today's modern designs focus too much on open plans. However, you should still define your spaces even with the open plan arrangement to ensure that the dining remains dining and the living area remains the same. You can do this by using your accessories, furniture, and lighting. 

For instance, you can install unique lights on each defined space of your room, such as the dining area, to differentiate it from the rest of your house. In the end, you should have enough free space, less clutter, and a well-arranged home that is more functional.

Now that you have handy tips to make your interior design more functional, be creative, and make the right changes to your interior.  For more help with your interior design, contact us.

Trends always have a way of cropping back up long after they've gone out of style. It's one of the beautiful aspects of interior design: what's aesthetic now will surely turn up again down the line. Grandmillennial style is a great example of this. It's the perfect blend of traditional and new that has taken the interior design world by storm.

What is Grandmillennial Style?

You can probably guess from the name; this style is a mix of old-fashioned (grandma) and hip (millennial) trends. Central to this theme is the idea of homeliness, comfort, and nostalgia. This can look different to everyone, but most commonly it includes mixing fun patterns and prints as well as heirloom furniture and decor. The real magic happens when people mix modern ideas, like open spaces, abstract art, and natural light with these elements of grandmillennial style. Picture a room with an overstuffed armchair, frilly pillows, and a modern metal coffee table. That mix of old and new elements is the essence of this style.

Signature Patterns

Classic prints are making a resurgence in the world of interior design. Plaid, florals,  and paisley on soft furnishings, upholstery, and curtains are the telltale signs of a granny-chic aesthetic. Mixing patterns in a space adds individuality and a new flair to the classic grandmillennial style. These patterns are often contrasted with more modern pieces as well.  Vibrant posters or copper-toned accents can bring the entire design together.

Where Do I Start?

Start with your roots. If there are certain colors or patterns that bring you comfort or remind you of home, those should be the basis of your design. You can also feature heirlooms like china sets, clocks, rugs, or paintings that belong to your family. From there, find modern elements that you want to include in your home. The contrast is what brings the room to life, so don't be afraid to go bold.

If you're looking to incorporate grandmillennial design into your home, contact us. We can help you bring your vision to life.

2021 is well underway and so are the top interior design trends of the year. As with every new year, there are a million fresh ideas to choose from. While this can be overwhelming, the good news is that most of these trends fit into larger categories that leave room for you to exercise your creative expression. Here are the top four design trends that capture the heart of interior design in 2021.

Interest

The popular theme of adding interest has created unique ways to express beauty and variety in design. This year, patterns, colors, and shapes have set new eye-catching trends in 2021.  With this fad, intricately textured pillows or comforting bursts of sky blue have made their way into living rooms across the country. Bright pops of color and attractively shaped accent pieces such as vases or furniture are also ways to make a space feel more interesting. 

Comfort

The "Grandmillennial" style is all the rage in 2021. Longing for comfort and a sense of nostalgia lies at the heart of this design trend. Many are choosing to incorporate this style through patterned wallpaper, antique furniture, or ruffled linens. This unique trend blends the classic and vintage designs that our grandparents enjoyed with the unique spice of modern style. 

Adventure

2021 is continuing to see a rise in décor that hints at distant lands. Since travel has become challenging, trends this year are seeing designs that bring the world into the home more than ever. Whether you choose to express your love of travel and exotic places through bold, ethnic patterns, an interior jungle of plants, or with wall maps and globes, this year is a great opportunity to unleash your inner explorer through design.

Functionality

Zoom calls from a messy kitchen aren't ideal. The reality is that 2021 has seen the rise of the "home office." This calls for functionality in your living space. The balance that so many are attempting to achieve is the perfect mix of homey, aesthetically pleasing, and practical (for those last-minute online work meetings). From a well-organized desk to the right kind of lighting, from a comfortable seat to a secluded study space, there is so much potential for this design trend in 2021.

Despite the challenges of living and working at home with very little possibility for travel, interior design trends this year are truly exciting. The road ahead may look long, but 2021 is presenting us all with a new lease on life and interior design. We’d love to help you bring these design trends into your home — contact us when you’re ready to get started!