"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.

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.

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

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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.

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!

Interior design aesthetics are always evolving. The industrial chic of the early 2000s has given way to eclectic styles like "Granny chic" or "CottageCore", but there are themes that run through every design style. How you interpret the trends ultimately depends on your personal taste. 

Color

After years of muted neutrals, color is coming back. Pantone has chosen two colors for 2021: Ultimate Gray, and Illuminating Yellow. Benjamin Moore has chosen Aegean Teal, a color that's anything from blue to green to gray. Farrow and Ball has a palette of colors for the year, mostly warm, organic colors with a reddish undertone. 

Cozy Comfort

The hard edges and exposed wood of the Mad Men mid-century look are rounding and softening, leading to more cushioned upholstery and lots of pillows and throws. Now is the time to bring back all the accessories and personal items you stowed away during the "no clutter" years. The trick is to curate your collections so they look thoughtful and polished. 

Sustainability

Green design is trending across the board, from architecture and construction to interiors. Wicker (made from woven willow twigs) and rattan furniture (woven palm stems) are gaining in popularity. Natural fibers—linen, cotton, silk, and velvet—are covering furniture, while cotton, jute, seagrass, and wool rugs are covering floors.  Marble end tables, wood furniture, and pottery are just some of the natural elements that add warmth to your rooms. Houseplants have moved into the spotlight, too. Live plants are good for acting as purifying air filters, but there are some wonderful faux options if allergies are an issue. 

Think of design trends as suggestions for freshening up your home. If you love the mid-century look, just add some throw pillows or poufs, or maybe paint a brighter color and put down a wool rug in a geometric pattern.  Minimalist fans can bring in houseplants that warm up your space without compromising the less-is-more aesthetic. Ultimately, trends should only serve to make you happy in your home. 

If you need help incorporating these design trends into your home, be sure to contact us.

The year 2021 has dawned with a sense of hope and adventure. While many found comfort at home in the past year, they are ready to move forward with our collective "new normal.” Introducing new colors into your space is the perfect way to refresh your mental and emotional state.  

The Why of Color

Colors have long been associated with meaning and emotion. From idioms to branding, color choices sway our thoughts and feelings. When it comes to your home, colors set the tone for how you want that space to feel.  

Top Colors for 2021

 Each year, experts in color theory make their predictions for the shades we'll be seeing everywhere. Here are the top 10 picks from industry pros:  

1. Cerulean

Pantone forecasts this dusty sky blue will have people dreaming of fresh summer days. For those feeling cooped up, this hue might be the pick-me-up you need. When it comes to paint, Benjamin Moore suggests Aegean Teal for its "natural harmony" that "invites us to take a moment to reflect and reset." Similar choices from Behr are the calm and reassuring Dayflower and Jean Jacket Blue for timeless peacefulness.  

2. Leafy Green

From Coloro's Quiet Wave to Benjamin Moore's Great Barrington Green, these greens bring the outdoors in. This will add a rejuvenating and secure feeling to your space. Pepper Stem is another great option from Pantone's textile system.  

3. Coral

Coral continues to be a go-to color in design. This year's offerings range from the subtle Seaside Villa by Behr to the deeper Valspar's Arizona Dust. For a bold choice, look to Pantone's Blush Beauty.  

4. French Blue

A close relative of Cobalt, Pantone describes this color as "a stirring blue hue that awakens a vision of Paris in the springtime." While it might feel a bit too bold for your walls, consider it for accents in your decor.  

5. Marigold Yellow

Pantone went for a vibrant primary yellow for their 2021 color of the year. We'll likely see a bit more gold when it comes to interior design. Warm picks like Saffron Strands from Behr are the perfect balance of cheerfulness and nurturing.  

6. Rust

Going along with all the earth tones, think rustling autumn leaves. The warmth of colors like Satin Paprika from Rust-Oleum or Behr's Kalahari Sunset offers the perfect pop of color you've been craving.  

7. Ultimate Gray

Coined by Pantone as the end-all-be-all neutral, gray continues to be a dependable choice. Paint companies recommend either light tones like Granite Dust (Valspar) or the sultry shades of Broadway (Behr) and Silhouette (Benjamin Moore).  

8. Greige

Taking a grounding approach, this earthy neutral works its brown base well. DULUX named their version, Brave Ground, the color of 2021. We have to agree as similar shades have popped up on all the paint companies' lists.  

9. Raspberry

There are few colors more fun and vibrant than this bold choice. This is a color with personality meant to inspire and looks lovely in bedding and accent throws.  

10. Amethyst

Leaning into the ever-popular jewel-tones, this shade of purple blends elegance and femininity. Great for textiles, this color also makes a beautiful impact in Behr's Euphoric Magenta.  

If you need help deciding which of these colors are perfect for your space, don't hesitate to contact us!