Elevate Your Summer Tabletop with Some Fresh Ideas

Mercedes Amato · June 30, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

Happy June! I can't believe we are just about halfway through the year- it's so crazy to think about. The warm weather is upon us in New Jersey and I couldn't be more excited. I'm looking forward to having a fun-filled summer spending time with my friends and family!

For those of you who will be hosting barbecues and parties in your yard (or dinner parties inside), I wanted to give you some tabletop inspiration that your friends and family will love.These are some fun ways to spruce up your table settings from average paper cups and plates to something a little more thoughtful and pretty.

If you don't want to feel like you're going way over the top, create a beautiful centerpiece that will be the perfect focal point for your table. This can be as simple as going to the grocery store or farmer's market to get fresh flowers, putting them on a decorative tray and adding a few candles. Maybe even consider buying a bouquet, taking a few mason jars (around three should work) and then spreading them out on the table or grouping them close together. Adding a runner will bring the simple decor together.

A great way to move away from using tacky paper plates and cups, is to buy cheap glassware at the dollar store or even Walmart. If you don't want to do dishes or throw them in the dishwasher, then consider a more elegant type of disposable plates: gold rimmed plastic ones complete with gold rimmed cups, matching utensils, and napkins. This gold set on Amazon comes out to just under $40!

If you don't want to use the napkins that come with a set like the one I linked from Amazon, you can easily replace them with some beautiful printed napkins at each place setting and then finish it off with a little bit of greenery (it could just be a stem or two, nothing too fancy).

Let's say you're looking to create a fancier table setting complete with multiple plates and chargers maybe for those dinner parties. Here's how to do it. First, pick your favorite charger. I'm loving this woven madras one from World Market.

This charger from Pottery Barn comes in either Antique Gold (pictured below) or Bronze if you wanted to go with a metal look.

Next, you're going to want to have your dinner plate and then on top of that, your salad plate. You might consider just using one plate (this is all up to you and how you will be hosting your guests). Personally, I'm loving these dinner plates from West Elm.

On top of your salad plate, find some pretty napkins that you like and fold them nicely or wrap them in a cone shop and tie them with some string or use a napkin ring. As I mentioned earlier, if you want to add a finishing touch, cut a stem of greenery.

Your dinner fork is immediately on the left of the plates and then to the left of that, is your salad fork. To the right of your plates, is your dinner knife, then to the right of that is your teaspoon then soup spoon. This really all depends on how formal you want your dinner party or barbecue to be. Personally, I wouldn't go too far with including a teaspoon. Make sure to include a water glass and a wine glass located on the top right of the plates.

Here's a helpful image to compare between a formal and an informal place setting.

Let's move on to your drink table, appetizer table, and/or dessert table. Don't forget to incorporate whatever theme you have going on for your main table(s). Let's say you're going with a gold theme. Add subtle hints of gold on these additional tables so the look feels all cohesive and not random. This can be done with gold vases where you have some greenery or flowers, the tablecloth or runner, candle holders, etc.

These additional tables are the perfect way to get a little creative and do a little something extra! For example, a fun way to have your guests grab their utensils is by using some terracotta planters and grab some chalk. Little DIY touches like this really goes a long way!

If you're anything like me and you love a good fire pit moment, how fun would it be to create a s'mores bar?! Instead of just leaving the chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows and sticks in their original packaging, grab a tray, some mason jars and bowls. This will definitely add a little something extra and creates a nicer look!

I could go on and on about ways to decorate your tables this summer but I feel like it would be the longest blog post so I think I'll stop here. I hope you all have an amazing summer and as always, I hope this post was helpful as you begin thinking about hosting your loved ones whether it be a small barbecue in the yard or a more formal dinner party.

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5 Tips on Mastering the Art of Mixing Textures

Mercedes Amato | April 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

Mixing textures in interior design can add warmth and depth to a space, making it feel more inviting and visually interesting. The way different textures are combined can make or break the overall aesthetic. By combining different textures, you can create a multi-layered and visually appealing space that reflects your unique style. Here are some tips on how to mix textures effectively in your home:

1. Start with a neutral base: To mix textures effectively, it's best to start with a neutral base. This creates a cohesive foundation for the different textures that you will add to the space. A neutral base could be a neutral wall color, such as white or beige, or a neutral-colored sofa or bed frame. Starting with a neutral base allows you to experiment with different textures and colors without overwhelming the space.

2. Mix materials: Experiment with mixing different materials to add interest and variety to a room. You could mix materials such as wood, metal, leather, and fabrics. For example, a leather sofa paired with a chunky knit throw, or a metal coffee table with a soft, shaggy rug. Mixing materials will create contrast and add depth to the space.

3. Vary texture scale: Varying the scale of textures in a room is an important aspect of mixing textures in interior design. To do this, you can mix large and small textures together. For example, a large, nubby rug paired with a delicate, sheer curtain. Or, a smooth, glossy side table next to a chunky knit blanket. Varying texture scale will create visual interest and add depth to the space.

4. Mix patterns: Mixing patterns is another way to add texture to a space. To do this effectively, it's important to balance the patterns so they don't clash with each other. You could mix a bold, geometric print with a subtle, organic pattern. Or, a small-scale pattern with a large-scale pattern. Mixing patterns will create a dynamic and visually interesting space.

5. Layer textures: Layering textures is a great way to add depth and interest to a space. You could layer a faux fur rug over a jute rug, or layer a velvet throw pillow on top of a linen sofa. Layering textures creates a multi-dimensional look that adds visual interest to the space.

Mixing textures in interior design is a great way to add depth, interest, and personality to a space. By experimenting with different materials, textures, and patterns, you can create a visually dynamic and inviting environment. Remember to start with a neutral base, vary texture scale, mix patterns carefully, layer textures, and most importantly, trust your instincts and have fun! Mixing textures is an opportunity to express your unique style and create a space that feels like home.

How To Create a Functional Kitchen Using The Working Triangle

Mercedes Amato | March 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

Let's talk about the functionality of a kitchen. The working triangle in a kitchen refers to the layout of the three main elements in a kitchen: the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove or cooktop. The ideal layout is one in which these three elements are arranged in a triangular shape, with the refrigerator, sink, and stove positioned at the three corners of the triangle. This design allows for easy movement and efficient use of space, making it a popular layout for kitchen designers and architects.

The dimensions between a working triangle in a kitchen can vary depending on the size and layout of the kitchen, as well as the personal preferences of the homeowner. However, a commonly recommended guideline is to have no side of the triangle longer than 9 feet or shorter than 4 feet. This allows for easy movement and efficient use of space while still allowing enough room for other kitchen features such as countertops, cabinets, and an island. Additionally, the sum of the three sides of the triangle should be between 13 and 26 feet. These guidelines ensure that the kitchen is functional and efficient.

Here are some examples of common kitchen layouts:

U-Shaped Kitchen: This layout consists of cabinets and appliances lining three walls, forming a U-shape. This layout provides ample counter space and storage, making it ideal for larger kitchens.

L-Shaped Kitchen: This layout consists of cabinets and appliances lining two adjacent walls, forming an L-shape. This layout is versatile and can be adapted to a variety of kitchen sizes and styles.

Galley Kitchen: This layout consists of two parallel walls with cabinets and appliances lining both sides. This layout is ideal for smaller kitchens as it maximizes the use of available space.

Island Kitchen: This layout includes a central island that provides additional counter space and storage. This layout is ideal for larger kitchens with ample floor space.

Peninsula Kitchen: This layout includes a connected island that is attached to one wall, providing additional counter space and storage. This layout is ideal for smaller kitchens that require additional workspace and storage.

When it comes to designing a kitchen with the working triangle in mind, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the three main elements - the refrigerator, sink, and stove - are arranged in a triangular shape. This allows for easy movement and access between the three areas.

Now that you know the importance of the working triangle, I'm sure the next time you're scrolling on Instagram or Pinterest, you'll be more mindful on the proper kitchen design layout. You might even be able to notice the different styles of kitchen designs!

Moody Blues Master Bedroom Retreat

Mercedes Amato | February 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

This project was a long time coming but wow! I'm so happy with the way it came out. But more importantly, my clients are thrilled with the end result. Let me give you a little run down on this project came to be. My clients, Hillary and Josh, were in desperate need to get their master bedroom updated. They no longer felt their room was a sanctuary for them, a place where they can come to unwind, relax, and ultimately sleep (of course).

The biggest eye sore though probably had to be the carpet. They wanted to rip up the carpet and have hardwood floors throughout. They knew there was hardwood under the carpet in the hallway of their master bedroom, but they didn't know if the main bedroom space had hardwood since that part of the house was an addition. Sure enough, there was only hardwood flooring in the hallway. I brought in a contractor to add hardwood in the rest of the space, making the transition as seamless as possible.

Hillary wanted to do some sort of accent wall, but she wasn’t really sure what exactly she wanted. She had shown me several photos of inspiration on Pinterest and then I began to work out some ideas. We had spoken about possibly putting up wallpaper, but she really wanted some dimension.

It was a bit challenging to come up with a design since there are two windows on that wall which would ultimately break up the flow, but after some planning, it worked out perfectly! The windows don’t seem like such a big deal anymore.

Once the accent wall was complete, it was time to paint. We said goodbye to the outdated gold/taupe color and freshened up the space with updated colors. We went with Benjamin Moore Thousand Oceans for the accent wall and the rest of the space is Benjamin Moore November Rain. Paint makes a HUGE difference and just like that, the room was ready to be decorated!

I wanted to go with a neutral bed frame to allow the accent wall to stand out. The contrast between the white headboard and the blue wall is exactly what I was going for! We went with off-white drapery for the two back windows, making sure not to take away from the accent wall.

The windows on the side walls were a bit challenging since they are so close to the windows on the accent wall. I didn't want to add more drapery to those side windows which I felt would take away from the showstopper of a wall, so we opted for beautiful simple roman shades. Plus, my clients informed me they needed privacy from the neighbors, so roman shades did the trick!

We incorporated light wood tones for the nightstands and dresser which really makes the room feel airy and spacious. Had I selected dark wood tones, the room would've felt a lot smaller and closed in.

I brought in some color with the beautiful vintage inspired area rug (the touches of blue compliments the accent wall really well). I wanted to bring in some more color without it overpowering the space. The neutral duvet allowed for us to play with color for the rest of the bedding and that's exactly what we did with the throw pillows. There's just enough color without it all feeling too overpowering.

My clients and I are so happy with the way this room came out! Such a major transformation...it's like night and day. Now onto the next project. Stay tuned for more!

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