How to Create the Backyard You’ve Always Dreamed Of!

Mercedes Amato · May 24, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Summer is right around the corner and that means warm, sunny weather (hopefully soon for us in New Jersey). We take pride in our homes inside and it most certainly should not stop there! Why not create beautiful outdoor spaces where everyone will want to hang out?!

I’ve come up with some DIY projects, tips, and rounded up some budget friendly pieces to transform your outdoor space into a cool oasis (WARNING : cleaning and some elbow grease may be required).

FIRST THINGS FIRST: CLEAN AND WEED!

So before we get into all of the fun DIY projects, styling, and accessorizing, we have to talk about some things that might not be fun for many of us (I personally don’t mind getting my hands dirty, but that’s just me).

And that is…cleaning and weeding.

The moss on your house is not a good look. Period. The dirt and grime on your patio or deck is also not a good look. The solution (in most cases) is power washing! You’ll be amazed at how clean and refreshed your house will look. Google a local company in your area if you don’t want to do it yourself. But man oh man, what a difference it will make!

Also, as far as cleaning goes, make sure to dust away any cobwebs and throw away any old planters (with dead plants) and debris.

If you were one of the many who took advantage of the fact that we’re stuck at home in quarantine and did your spring cleaning/landscaping, then lucky you! But for those who did not…please don’t be mad at me! This is crucial to creating that inviting backyard and it’ll be worth it- trust me.

No one wants to hang out in an overgrown jungle of a yard. This may be obvious to most of us but make sure to cut your grass, trim your shrubs, and remove/treat any weeds. But if you’re not up for the challenge, just hire a landscaping company for that initial spring cleanup and then just make sure to maintain it after.

Let’s be real here, no one wants to hang out in a yard like this!

ARE YOU UP FOR SOME DIY PROJECTS?

Once your backyard is clean and tamed, it’s time to start thinking of some different ways to make your space look less…bland. I’ve come up with a couple of ways to spruce up your backyard with some DIY projects!

Stencil your patio/deck

Stenciling as become increasingly popular over the years, so for this post, I’m going to focus on stenciling your patio/deck area. Okay so how amazing do outdoor rugs look?? I find many clients are afraid to invest in an outdoor rug so that’s where the stenciled area rug comes into play. Yes, a stenciled area rug. Cutting Edge Stencils has THE coolest designs with tons of videos and tutorials on how to stencil pretty much anything! Their blog also has tons of useful information.

Cutting Edge Stencils: deck

Cutting Edge Stencils: patio area

Add a privacy wall or screen

Nobody wants to have their neighbors peeping over to see what you’re up to. That is, unless you’re really close with your neighbors. But most of the time, we enjoy our privacy while in the comfort of our own backyards.

Fencing in our entire backyard might not be feasible for a lot of us. By adding a privacy wall or screen to your patio or deck will make a world of difference. If you’re not up for a DIY project, then check out websites like Wayfair for privacy screen solutions. I’m drooling over this cozy, private deck by The Fresh Exchange.

The Fresh Exchange

Hang some outdoor string lights

Finally, we’re looking for a little bit of ambience, amiright?? We’re gonna achieve this by some outdoor string lights for those late night hangouts. Houzz has a great article on how to hang outdoor string lights in your backyard.

Lighting is truly that finishing touch that adds such a cool, cozy feeling in your outdoor space!

Randy Thueme Design Inc.

NOW, LET’S DECORATE!

So now it’s time to talk about the fun stuff! Styling your backyard to bring the space all together. I’m gonna break it down for you to make it as simple as possible. You first have to think about how you will be using your outdoor space and what are your needs.

Do you have a small deck or patio where you host BBQs?

Do you have a large patio where you hang out, eat, and have a fire pit? If so, keep in mind, you must create separate, yet cohesive areas.

Maybe you have a reasonable sized deck and towards the far side of your yard, you want to designate a fire pit.

Once you’ve determined how you will be using your backyard, make a list of everything you will be needing to shop for (table, chairs/bench, sectional, fire pit, lounge chairs, side tables, palm trees, candles/lanterns, etc.) That way, you won’t be overwhelmed with the entire design process. It’s also very important to think of storage bins. If you buy furniture that has removable cushions, it’s best to store them so they won’t get waterlogged or fade in the sun.

A lot of retailers offer furniture sets so be on the look out for some of those options! I’ve come up with an outdoor design to give you an idea so you can get started on creating your outdoor oasis.

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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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