"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.

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!

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.

As we settle into a new year we are turning an eager eye forward to the exciting trends sweeping the design world. One of our top finds for 2021 is sure to delight the more eco-friendly among us: cane webbing. Let us show you how to embrace this year's earthiest trend that's sure to adapt to any design style. 

What Is Cane?

Cane is a tall, perennial grass grown for its flexible and woody stalks. Traditionally, cane strips have been used as a weaving material in handmade baskets, in the production of wicker furniture, and have been historically useful as a material for roofing and boat-making. As a contemporary design material, cane is now more commonly integrated into furniture in the form of a fine, open mesh woven by a machine. We call this mesh "cane webbing" and its myriad uses are on the rise for 2021.

How to Design with Cane?

The beauty of cane webbing is that it has woven its way into a huge variety of furniture and home decor items. Perhaps its most recognizable iteration is the cane-backed chair which originally became popular for its durability and lightness. Nowadays there is a grand assortment of home goods that make excellent use of cane webbing, including lounge furniture, headboards, partitions, cabinet doors, and storage baskets. Designers love this kind of versatility because the possibilities are endless! 

Why Do We Love Cane?

The airy nature of cane mesh and webbing creates a natural texture for interior spaces that make it the perfect complement for other design elements such as stone and leather. Its inherent earth tones lend a classic warmth to almost any color palette, working particularly well with neutrals schemes or gold and black accents. Cane is also a favorite trend for 2021 because it appeals to the environmentally friendly, serving as a design staple that is both sustainable and recyclable. 

Be sure to keep your eyes open for glimpses of cane webbing this year and let yourself be inspired! Maybe it's as effortless as adding a cane webbing accent chair to the sitting room, or maybe you're considering adopting an entire cane theme into your home's interior. We are here to encourage your creativity as you embrace this and more design trends of 2021. When you’re ready to talk more about your home design, please get in touch.

Natural stone has been a basic component of home building, décor, and furnishings for thousands of years. Its natural strength and beauty makes it both practical and enjoyable. Not every stone is suited for every use, however, so understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each of these three types may help to determine which best meets your needs.

Marble

Marble is perhaps the most recognizable of all the natural stones. Its unique beauty and durability have made it popular in building, furniture, floors and countertops. It varies in color, usually determined by the geographical area it came from. It can be found in various white, black, green, and gray, and almost all the colors have appealing vein-like patterns in them. 

Quartzite 

Quartzite is another frequently seen natural stone. Formed by the extreme heat and pressure of volcanic activity, it is able to withstand almost any abuse. Because of its remarkable strength it is frequently used on floors and countertops where even harsh cleaners cannot diminish its beauty.  It can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns, each unique and stunning. 

Travertine 

Travertine is very similar to marble in its composition but tends to have a layered appearance. It is very often used to create tile and outdoor paving stones, where its strength allows it to remain water and scratch resistant even in thin sheets. It comes in a wide range or earthy tones including ivory, browns, grays, and reds. 

Like all types of natural stone, the main advantage to these are their ability to withstand the all the wear and tear that daily life can throw at them without losing their beauty, or functionality.  Matching the right stone to the right use is the key to creating a long-lasting and timeless look to your home or décor. If you need help finding ways to incorporate natural stone in your space, we’re always here to help!

Nearly everyone wants home decor that is functional and elegant but that can easily mean different things to different people based upon their stage in life. Whether you are an up-and-coming Gen Z-er looking to define your style, or an established Baby Boomer confident in her collections, we have curated the must-have statement pieces that will appeal to your generation.

Gen Z

Born between roughly 1995 and 2012, the older Gen Z-ers are just now coming into their own. With any luck, they are moving on from dorm room decor to their first apartments. But just because they do not yet own a home does not mean they have to delay their decor dreams. There are many trendy and affordable temporary decor options, such as peel-and-stick tile and removable wallpaper that can redecorate any space without risking a security deposit.

To create a short-term showstopper, consider designing an accent wall using architectural details such as adhesive molding or millwork. Paint molding frames to either match or complement the wall color and hang them up to simulate decorative wainscoting. Or hang adhesive crown molding to give texture and depth to an otherwise empty wall.

Millennial

Successful and driven, millennials want it all and won't stop until they get it. They make their own rules, so their decorating style embraces flexible, multi-use spaces while emphasizing individuality and personality.

The perfect statement piece for any millennial is something artisanal and unique as millennials love to repurpose pre-loved pieces and put their own twist on a modern upgrade. If you are a millennial, consider a heritage piece that reflects both culture and careful curation. For example, an antique Zapotec wool rug in the kitchen is a nod to both a Mexican heritage and millennial style that will upgrade your floors from simply wood to simply "wow!"

Gen X

Gen X-ers, born between roughly 1965 and 1980, are hitting their stride and desire decor that reflects their mastery of work-life balance. Confident and frugal, Gen X-ers are likely to gravitate toward design pieces that are splurge-worthy but practical to satisfy their cost-benefit analysis.

A savvy Gen X-er can make a statement with decor that is a bold conversation starter and functional workhorse. The perfect statement piece for a Gen X-er is a head-turning headboard. A velvet upholstered platform bed crowned by an art deco headboard or a diamond-tufted headboard with side wings is the ideal marriage of both form and function.

Baby Boomer

Born between roughly 1946 and 1964, baby boomers enjoy decor that is at once relaxed and refined. With an appreciation for relationships and togetherness, this generation looks for pieces that inspire and invite.

Though many boomers might be hoping to downsize, others hope to embrace and entertain the many friends and family they have cultivated over the years. Therefore, the ideal statement piece for a baby boomer is a marble-top outdoor dining table. Sturdy and elegant, a marble-top outdoor dining table reflects the resilience and warmth of Boomers, themselves.

Regardless of when you were born or where you might be on life's journey, we would love to help you find a statement piece that reflects and honors where you have been and where you are going. Please contact us for ideas.

Indoor plants are a great way to invigorate your space. A little greenery can go a long way to helping your home feel comfortable and look gorgeous. Here are five indoor plants that make great additions to your interior design.

Aloe Vera

What is better than getting skincare and a decorative plant all in one? The Aloe Vera plant can come in the smallest potted size or be as big as a small tree. This plant can survive for a few weeks without water, so it is ideal for someone who is always on a busy schedule or even just wants to minimize daily chores. The plant can live for several years, so it can be a long-term companion!

Dumb Cane

This plant is perfect for dark to light conditions. Although it does not like to be in direct sunlight, it is ideal for any indoor situation. It can grow around six feet tall, so it may be better in a room with more space. Although it is beautiful with the unique patterns on every leaf, it is not recommended for cat and dog owners, as it can be toxic to our furry friends.

Spider Plant

This is a small flower that eventually blossoms into a festive, confetti-like plant with the arms dangling from the base. Nothing like the insect it shares its name with, the spider plant is very pleasant and sure to uplift any room it is placed in. It doesn't need daily watering, and it is actually best for the spider plant to dry in between each bath. It can grow up to three feet, so you don't need an immense amount of space for this lovely plant. 

Peace Lily

The peace lily is a classic in any household. It can grow as tall as four feet and features beautiful white flowers that resemble a white flag, hence the name. The best part about this plant is that it lets you know when it needs water! It is recommended to water as soon as it starts to hang or droop down. 

Lucky Bamboo

The lucky bamboo is definitely a unique plant that thrives in higher temperatures. It is extremely versatile as it can grow straight up or take the most interesting twists and turns. They are also hard to kill which, once again, makes it a plus for busy individuals. The plant itself can survive in soil or pebbles and water. It is known that they bring the household good luck, so there are plenty of reasons to own this wonderful plant.

Any of these plants will bring some wonderful energy to your home. If you’re looking for more ways to freshen up your space, we’d love to help!

Using natural elements in the design of your home gives it a unique flair that accentuates organic usage and helps you feel connected to nature itself. Here are some great ways to transform your inner space to look like an earthy comfort zone:

INCORPORATE OUTDOOR ITEMS

To fully accomplish bringing the outdoors inside, consider raw stone, wood, or textiles. This helps to soothe you when cold weather keeps you in.  Neutral rugs that belong outside could also work in a hallway or living room. These elements are long-lasting, and comforting for any interior enthusiast or lover of decoration. 

WONDERFUL CREATIONS FROM NATURE

Wooden dishware can be lovely pieces to display on your table or kitchen counter. You can fill the bowl with rustic accessories, and the overall look acts as an accent to wooden furniture. Made out of several wood variations and stained to perfection, these are great items to have.

FROM FLOORING TO LIGHTING

Hardwood flooring is charming for the home. It’s sturdy and matches wooden cabinets, tables, and more. Let natural light flow in, so the space is wafted in a sun-lit glow. Bamboo blinds on windows are an eco-friendly alternative. Make sure to design your furnishings in a cohesive and fun manner.

FEEL COMPLETE WITH ORGANIC MATERIAL

Bring earthy elements inside, such as fire and water, to complete an atmosphere that feels like an indoor Eden. A fireplace with cut stone, organic scented candles, and sounds of nature with an electric fountain will bring tons of natural coziness. If you like houseplants, add these around your space as well. The air will be cleansed, and the earth will be grateful to you for your life-changing efforts. Earthy details will always give off positive energy.

Contact us to find out more about natural designs in your home. We’re always happy to help!

There is a kind of cozy charm found in small rooms. With the right decorations and furniture, any small space can be made into a comfortable nook that is perfect for a cup of coffee and a few good hours of reading.  However, when your "nook" is also where you live, the task of creating the illusion of space can feel daunting. 

The good news is, it's not impossible to make your small living space appear larger and more comfortable.  In fact, these four easy tricks will help you turn any room in the house from feeling like a cramped cupboard into a spacious getaway right in the middle of your home.

Light Cheerful Colors for Light Cheerful Rooms

Small spaces already tend to be full of shadows.  The easiest way to counter this is with light and bright colors. If this means a trip to the local hardware store for paint, then keep in mind that bright pastel colors can help reflect light on the walls of any room, thus creating the illusion of more area.  In spaces with large windows, cheerful pastel yellows and soft rose pinks might work well, as these colors easily reflect sunlight and help spread a warm sunny glow across open surfaces. 

However, in a room with less natural lighting, it might be wise to go with the soothing tones of a soft, cooling blue or a pastel green; these colors blend well with artificial light, especially when it comes to the new LED bulbs.  If you're having difficulty choosing which color to use, remember that white or a slight off-white is always a suitable choice and is easily dressed up with room decor.

The Right Curtains Can Go a Long Way

Many people use heavy or dark curtains in their bedrooms to help block out sunlight in the morning. If your bedroom is small, however, these same curtains can make the room feel stifling.  To counter this, try finding curtains with lighter colors.  White is ideal, as it goes with almost any color you might paint the walls. But if white doesn't work for you then go with some lighter coordinating tone that compliments your color scheme.  Also, don't leave the curtains closed during the day; tie them back so that sunlight can filter through the window.  The more natural light in a small space, the less small and more comfortable it will feel.

Just say "No" to Bulky Furniture

When you live in a small space, you quickly learn that less often means more.  In this case, less furniture bulk in the way means more room to spread out and enjoy life.  Big clunky recliners and heavy leather sofas are space-eaters.  Yes, of course they're comfortable, but they also take up a lot of room that could be better utilized, and as anyone who lives in a small place knows, any space that can be better utilized should be.  

If you're looking for new furniture to bring atmosphere to your small space without cluttering it up, why not try a sleek modern design in light or bright colors.  Remember, giving up bulk does not necessarily mean giving up comfort.  There are many furniture options out there that harmonize sleek design with comfortable living, like this lounge chair from our collection- it provides a stylishly comfortable look without taking up extra room, and its clean-cut style adds a modern yet welcoming flair.

Which brings us to our fourth trick…

Declutter Everything

The downside of living in a small space is that you don't have a lot of room to work with.  Too many objects lying around can make any room feel cluttered and tiny no matter how much you paint and adjust furniture.  However, the solution is as simple as a few hours of cleaning and organization.  If you keep the areas under and on top of tables, chairs, and couches open and free of clutter, you'll provide the eye with a clear line of sight along the floor and over the surfaces of furniture.  This adds to the illusion of space. 

Of course, doing this also means that you can't keep too many unnecessary possessions in your small space at one time.  Try to get rid of any old belongings that you don't have a use for anymore, and limit the number of new things you bring into your home.  Remember the saying "there's a place for everything and everything in its place." If you don't have a good place for it, then it probably should go.

Have fun turning your small spaces into fresh new get-aways the whole family can enjoy!  And remember, if you find yourself in need of a professional designer's help, you can always contact me here.

Life in quarantine can be challenging. Many of our usual avenues of communication are no longer viable and on top of that, we're all trapped inside our homes forced to examine the reality of the four walls surrounding us. And in some cases, our less than ideal interior design. But just because it's no longer safe to go outside and look, touch, and explore all of the latest design trends with an interior designer in person doesn't mean that all of your home design plans have to be put on hold.

In fact, now is the perfect time to work with an interior designer virtually!

One of the most important aspects of home design, and one of the most difficult aspects for interior designers, is crafting the perfect mix of trends, styles, and vibes to match the customer's desires for their home, something that we take seriously here at Ana Maria Designs. This relates to the paint color on the walls, the furniture in the room,  to even the throw pillows adorning the couch. And the easiest way to make sure that you get the best results, and that your interior designer brings your home to its full potential, is to have clear ideas about what you want.

Stuck inside our homes with what seems like limitless free time (outside of those pesky Zoom calls for work!) is the ideal time to clarify, compile, and create your vision for what you want your home to be. Draft some detailed emails, create a Pinterest board, hop online for a video call, or take advantage of our Design Your Own service.  Scroll through our project galleries and to find examples of rooms you love. Take the time to point out which aspects you enjoy, arrange a folder of concept pictures, furniture pieces that you love,  wall art that inspires you, and colors and fabrics that spark joy.

Ana Maria Designs is always happy to discuss your home design projects, even while in quarantine, so send us a note or book a call today.