Amber and Susie at Home
Designing for Kids, and YOU TOO
As design professionals, we go to a lot of homes with families. Almost without exception, we notice that the kids and even pets have free reign pretty much all over the house and the parents don’t even have one relaxing and fun space for themselves (aside from a sofa spot in front of their TV or laptop). Parents are their own last priority. I propose that your home can be super fun and relaxing for everyone, including YOU, with a few changes. We have made these changes for numerous families that hire us and they are thrilled with the results!
Here’s what will make your home an oasis for every member of the family:
Create a space for kids’play that is really organized for ease of finding toys. There should also be a simple way to put them all away. Use tons of baskets and a closet with shelves if possible. If you have a dedicated playroom, great! If not, a den is a perfect place to do this as well. Also, have a section of the garage with bins for outdoor toys for both kids and pets.
Have a nook for pets to sleep and eat that isn’t right in the middle of the kitchen. An attractive pet bed that can be tucked away and is easy to wash can be stashed in a less-obvious place where they like to sleep. If you have one, drape your dog crate with a beautiful (but inexpensive) coordinating throw that is soft and inviting.
Create hiding places for toys in your living room where you can toss things and put away in the morning. A storage ottoman and baskets are great ways to keep toys contained, out of site and off the floor. You can then relax and enjoy the space at night once it’s quiet. The same applies for homework mess—have a dedicated drawer, basket or shelf for each child’s homework papers either in their room or in your living space and have them put everything away at the end of the evening.
Rotate kids’ art -- displayed in one or two places in your house. A couple of frames that are easy to change out and perhaps a hanging wall in the playroom/den will be fine. When you switch out an item, put it in a dedicated portolio that you have for each child if it deserves to be kept. That way, each kid has a keepsake of their best art when they want to see it.
Now have an escape! Make sure that you have at least one place in your home where you can escape and where kids’ toys are not allowed to be left. Here are some ideas for your oasis:
For many, it will be your bedroom. Set it up beautifully and luxuriously! Add a comfy chair, chaise, or sofa near a window if possible. If the kids come in with toys, make a rule that they need to always be brought back out for your own sanity!
A spare room that can also serve as an office, hobby room, or guest room can be a great oasis. You may not escape all the time with small children, but at least you will have a space that is all yours. When you have time, you deserve a place to enjoy your favorite hobby or book. The more it’s set up to encourage activities that don’t involve a screen, the better.
If you can also create a cozy outdoor space just for you, all the better! It is amazing how an outdoor hammock or comfy chair or chaise can make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if it’s just for a short break! Enjoy…
Why Hire an Interior Designer?
Designers can see the “big picture” more clearly than most homeowners. We know how to find furniture that is the correct scale for your space and for your body. That makes a big difference to the overall look and feel. We can see when your home is not completely fulfilling your needs and can help you pinpoint why. We are experts at what to do first, second and third if your budget requires renovating in stages.
Designers can save you time and money. If you are starting a project, we can help you get it right the first time by showing you smart choices early on. This can prevent you from making costly mistakes. Plus, we often find the best prices on high quality furnishings. If we are doing a full-service job, we do all the ordering and receiving and deal with any problems that arise.
Designers are creative and understand color and form—we can give you a look that is a step beyond most other homes, whether that be pieces that have just the right pop of color or a sculptural quality that makes the space sing. We can even use some of what you already have in a different way to make your cherished items shine. Designers know what to keep and what to replace while still having your distinct personality and preferences come through.
Your home is where you spend most of your leisure time. It is where you make memories and where you go to relax and recharge. It should be comfortable, beautiful, and functional! That is exactly what designers do for you. We frequent High Point Market, where we find the most comfortable seating and the most beautiful décor and furniture. Because we have access to a much wider array of choices than you can find yourself, we can help you find the perfect pieces for your home.
Designers boost your confidence and make decorating your home fun and exciting. With anything you are considering, a designer can not only confirm that you are moving in the right direction, we can show you even more possibilities in that direction. This helps you to feel sure that your home design and furniture investment are exactly what you want. We draw floor plans that you can see in 3d and show you why some things work and some don’t. We can show you what a paint color will look like in your existing room so that you can feel confident that you are making the right choice. We can put everything we are considering on one mood board for you to see altogether. This helps us be certain that the overall look is fabulous before we even place an order!
The Perfect Porch and Patio
The perfect porch and patio
Saratoga Sunset Porch
We were given a blank slate to create a beautiful space for a family to wind down and watch the sunset. These clients were not new to us. We knew the color palette that comforted them, we knew their interests and we knew how much this hardworking mom and dad needed this retreat to escape to.
It started when we found a piece of unhung art in their dining room. That was it! It was our jumping off point. We grabbed the art and got started on the design.
We chose a super comfortable sectional from Chicory home, a newer higher end company, but well worth it according to the clients. chicoryhome.com.
Next came choosing an accent piece to fit the wall under the must-have TV. We found this unique cabinet to fit the style we were going for. The majority of the cabinet is made of Acadia and Rubber wood giving it the durability we need for it to be in this enclosed but still outdoor space.
To add a homey feeling we added a striped indoor/outdoor rug by Surya that ties is all together.
To help balance out the budget we chose the perfect accessories, pillows and a throw from Target and Homegoods.
Together we created a space that the family instantly fell in love with. At the end of a long day, they relax with their pup and watch the sun set.
Simple Airbnb
Sun-Soaked Deck
We started with the main floor of this Airbnb. Our client wanted the living room and dining room furnished and accesorized and also wanted the basic needs for the deck addressed. We created our design plan and palette for the interior spaces and extended those colors to the outdoors. Blue and teal were the colors we chose to create a lively but relaxing outdoor space. The client wanted reasonably priced and easy-to-care-for furniture.
We chose this 7-piece brown wicker patio set from Lowes. It’s comfortable, easy to put together and fit the bill for budget and quality.
For the sun-soaked deck, we knew we needed 2 tilting umbrellas to ensure that everyone had coverage from the sun. We chose 9-foot round market umbrellas in teal.To keep the umbrellas from moving around we opted for heavy 55 pound umbrella stands. They matched beautifully with the resin wicker of the dining set and the lounge chairs.
Relaxing is key at an Airbnb, so we chose this set of 2 brown aluminum stationary lounge chairs. They were the perfect size and also comfortable. With no large cushions to bring inside, these made lounging easy.
To add more of the blue and teal, we found these beautifully printed outdoor lumbar pillows that looked great with the teal umbrellas.
We also chose 2 concrete planters from CB2 for the client to fill with some flowers before their first tenant arrived. They are offered in multiple shapes and sizes and come in grey, white, charcoal and black.
Designing for an Airbnb is so fun! We’ve stayed at plenty of them so we really think about all of the details that we look for and appreciate.
Amber’s Bright
and Playful Patio
Our patio makes us happy to be outside. Luna and I sit out here as I drink my morning coffee and plan the day. We end our nights by the fire and listen to the chirping crickets. This patio has become our favorite spot for spring, summer and fall. We use it as long as we can. During the fall, I switch out the floral pillows with solid burnt orange ones and I replace my tropical colored plants with all colors of mums.
It started with the outdoor chairs and loveseat from Lowes. This particular set is from 12 years ago. The reason for it looking almost new: I cover it when it rains throughout the summer and store it all away in our shed during winter months.
Our dining table and chairs are also from Lowes from roughly 10 years ago. This table gets left out year-round so It hasn’t fared as well as the rest. I have repainted it using Rustoleum High Heat Paint. It looked amazing after and now it has so much more life to it!
A fire pit was a must for us. We also have a wood-burning one out in our yard but for those nights that we want a fire that we don’t want to have to tend to for hours, we use this gas fire fit.
The bold black and white rug is a 5x7— a good size for a loveseat conversation space. The umbrella over the dining table is a 9 foot market umbrella. Both items are from Target-one of my favorite stores when keeping a budget in mind!
To add pops of color I chose these pillows from At Home. The black and white bold stripe and floral print coordinate well with the green furniture to create a pallet that makes me so happy!!
Here is my DIY solar water feature. I created this with 3 different flower pots. I started with a large pot with soil and planted flowers around the edge while keeping room for smaller another upside down pot. I then placed the shallow ridged pot on top of the upside down one. I added some stones and a floating solar water fountain (in the link below) and VOILA..I have myself a water feature!
Susie’s Serene Sanctuary
Relaxing while listening to the birds and watching the boats sail the Mohawk add to this already peaceful place. We wanted to bring the colors of the outdoors inside to this screened in porch. She came to this home with a resin wicker sofa, 2 chairs and the beautiful mosaic nesting tables.
We decided that we wanted to use green, all shades and hues of it, to bring the outdoors in.
We started with this beautiful rug by Surya. We love our options with this company, we use them often for our indoor and outdoor needs.
We used splashes of color to brighten up the grey furniture. Mixing the vibrant floral pattern with the solid sky-blue and textured off-white pillows gave the sofa the lift that it needed.
Of course we needed a water feature! There are so many to choose from but we chose this simple and modern one from Campania. It’s so peaceful to hear the movement of the water.
Susie needed a place to enjoy a delicous meal and to place a laptop on the days that we are lucky enough to work out there. We chose the sling armchairs and bistro table from Oxford Gardens. It’s another great-quality company that offers samples and guidance with purchasing.
Let’s not forget about the best spot: the tree hammock. Purchased from Hatteras Hammocks, this is a premium13-foot Duracord rope hammock. It’s the perfect place to relax and listen to the many species of birds inhabiting the area.
We would love to help you plan your outdoor living space! Give us a call at (914)960-9435 to get started.
9 Ways to Make Your Air Bnb Irresistible
What makes an Airbnb appeal to weary travellers? Here are 9 things to think about when creating the perfect short-term rental space.
Comfortable Furniture—people want to be comfortable when they are travelling. The place to spend extra money in your rental space is on sofas, chairs, beds, and sheets, (and fancy toiletries from Homegoods). A comfy home will encourage people to give you great ratings and to return next time they are travelling in the area.
2. Great design—Well-designed and decorated spaces are really inviting. Make your layout functional and beautiful for all who are staying there. Add art that provides a sense of place and some splashes of color. Accessorize beautifully. An interior designer can help you with this (call us)!
3. Provide plenty of fun things to do on a rainy (or sunny) day—We love to add popular games to play, pingpong, magnetic darts, jigsaw puzzles, books, and plenty of TV choices! If your space is family-friendly, include kids’ games, toys,and books for all ages. Thrift shops and tag sales are a great place to find these things. Make it even more fun and homey than a hotel—your guests will give you rave reviews!
4. Keep it spotless—Make sure you give it a once-over after you or your cleaning crew are there—check for stray dust or hair and wipe down the cabinets! Make sure it is bug-free as well. Check for odors as well—you may need to wash the drapes, comforters, and throw blankets more often than you think.
5. Have a Guest Book with Activity Ideas—A blank book that YOU start, with local activity ideas provided, is fun for guests to read and add to. You can turn guest on to lesser-known spots off the beaten track. It’s fun and informative to read guest’s comments too!
6. Make the outdoor space really inviting—Don’t skimp on the outdoor amenities if you have the space. They make your home really memorable! Get a bocce set, a comfy hammock, and create zones for outdoor fun. We wrote more about this in detail here:
7. A well-equipped kitchen is essential—for extended stays, people like to eat in for some of their meals. Make it easy for them! Be sure to have good sharp knives with a knife sharpener and all the basic kitchen gadgets—well organized and clean. A good-quality coffee maker makes everyone happy. We like to leave salt, pepper, olive oil, vinegars, and basic spices as well—your guests will thank you.
8. Beautiful Photos—great photos of the space for the website that features all of the above essentials—your photos are the most important thing! It is the best way to sell your rental. So make sure your photos show it in the best light (literally)! Take pix in the early morning when light is shining in and make sure everything is wrinkle-free and immaculate for the photos.
9. Don’t price it too low per night—Especially in high season,you want to price it for the client you hope to attract, as long as your amenities warrant it. By now, you’ve made your space irresistible, so don’t try to compete with other Airbnbs that aren’t as nice. Charge what it is worth and renters will value it more!
11 Easy Ways To Create a Super-Inviting Outdoor Space
11 Easy Ways to Create a Super-Inviting Putdoor Space
As summer approaches, your outdoor spaces call out your name! Your patio, deck or porch really deserve attention. Why not create a space to escape to, read a book, sip on a cocktail or simply enjoy the outdoors? Family and friends might be joining you to celebrate summer and all its activities, so here are some ideas to get your space ready for whatever is ahead!
1. Clean it up!!!
Get your hose or power washer out and get things clean. Wash your patio, deck, chairs, tables…you name it, but make it shine! Starting with a clean a space will make it easier to focus on the details.
2. Plan the perfect layout.
Create zones in the space to make relaxing and entertaining easy. Put the dining table near the grilling area, create a lounging area for relaxing near the fire pit, add a hammock between the perfect trees, you got it! Make it make sense! Be sure to choose durable furniture that is easy to care for. Teak, powder-coated metal and resin hold up very nicely.
3.Choose an outdoor rug or two!
Determine how many zones you have or how big your space is. This will help you decide how many rugs you need. Bring in natural colors or bring out your inner boldness! Even though the inside of my home is pretty neutral in color, I go bolder outside with greens, pinks, black and white! I figure, hey, it makes me happy!
4. Add plants!
Keep it simple or take it to the next level. If you don’t have a real green thumb like me, choose simple and colorful plants. I love Mandevilla Plants. They come in pink, red or white and are easycare! They are good in the sun, won’t dry out easily and won’t stain a patio with the dropping of the petals. I also LOVE ferns. They add life to any shady spot. But, if you’re like Susie and know everything and anything about plants, flowers and shrubs…go wild with it!
5. Add pops of color with pillows!
Making lounging areas comfy and cozy are key! Add pops of color by adding fun pillows. Don’t forget to bring out a throw blanket to cuddle up in will keep you and/or your guests warm and cozy for longer. Summer doesn’t last as long as we’d like so take advantage of every second!
6 Umbrellas are a must for
sunny patios & decks
Choose a good-quality aluminum one for durability. Cranking handles make opening and closing a breeze. Sunbrella or other outdoor canopy fabrics prevent fading and will keep your umbrella looking great for longer. Be sure to measure your table or lounging area. Getting an umbrella big enough that tilts (you may need two or three umbrellas) allows everyone to enjoy some shade.
7. Light it Up!
Patio string lights, solar lights, candlelight…any kind of light, just add it! I am CRAZY for solar lights! If it’s an area on my property that I want you to look at, there’s a light there! I even stick solar lights into my potted plants. Lighting moves your eye around the yard.
8. Bug Management
Natural bug repellents like citronella candles should be lit before the sun goes down. I also keep a couple of cute pots or baskets around my patio with different bug sprays for people to use. That way friends and family can grab them easily and spray themselves and their kids down. It’s right there and accessible, no need to wait for that first annoying bite!
9. Outdoor Games!
When we bought our first home, I couldn’t wait to get a corn hole set! My parents had one personally made for us. It comes out at every outdoor party we have, it’s always a hit and great for all ages. I also have a tub or two of games for kids, if in attendance. Load it up with a soccer ball, frisbee, bubbles and/or flying disc launchers (always a huge hit).
10. Do yourself a favor…
get a fire pit.
A gas one, a smokeless one, a small fire pot or a real one, just get one. Sitting around a fire at night is something special. That’s when I find real peace.
11. Did someone say smore’s?
I love making a s'more charcuterie board with different crackers, cookies and chocolates! I buy the s'more sticks so that no one has to go searching in the woods for sticks. This is also when I bring out the glow sticks! I always try to keep some on hand, they are fun to have out around the fire pit.
Relax and soak it in. Enjoy the space you have created! You now get to be cozy outside! Take in the sounds of the birds, crickets and the crackling fire while lounging comfortably with a cocktail or tea. However you enjoy the outdoors, do it with style!
Happy Summer from Amber and Susie at Home!