Amalfi Coast

August 24, 2022 Amber Guyton

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited? I’d have to say the most beautiful and memorable place was the coast of Italy. The water in the Amalfi Coast is the bluest of blues, so I naming this project after it was beyond fitting.

In the past three years, Francheska and Peterson’s lives have been full of blessings. They wed in 2019, relocated to Georgia, purchased a home, AND had their first child, all during the pandemic. As a busy physician, new mom, and homeowner, Francheska had her hands full, so she reached out to BLB for assistance in making their new construction house a place they could call home.

Here’s where things began…

BEFORE:

The family’s home was truly a blank slate. With mahogany floors and crisp grey and white walls, the possibilities were endless. They wanted to keep things clean, minimal, and soon-to-be-walking-toddler friendly, but were feeling challenged about decorating such a large home. We began with the main floor’s formal dining room at the entrance of the home and adjacent family room. The dining space received great natural light and was already outfitted with a tray ceiling and craftsman wainscotting along the walls, but it was lacking personality. The living room included beautiful built-ins on each side of the fireplace, but needed furniture and separation from the nearby breakfast nook and kitchen. Not wanting to overflow the space with too much furniture or color, I created a simple color palette of neutral and blue hues that the family could easily build on to over time.

MOOD BOARDS:

Once the mood boards were reviewed and approved, I began building a shopping list for the family to peruse including quality pieces that were functional for their small family, yet “adult,” inviting, and aesthetically-pleasing to anyone entering their home for a short or long stay.

We created seating for six in the dining room that would comfortably accommodate guests with a beautiful grey-washed wood table and mixed upholstered chairs. One thing I love about this set up is that the head chairs still provide a sense of intimacy for the couple to enjoy when dining alone. We adorned the walls and ceiling with a gorgeous metallic print wallpaper designed by Black female artist, textile designer and activist, Malene Barnett, who recently collaborated with my fav, Lulu and Georgia in designing the Kindred Collection wallcoverings. Once the wallpaper was installed, the space really took on a life of it's own! Honoring the clients’ wishes, we kept the furnishings and decor minimal with new lighting, florals, and a gorgeous abstract rug.

For the living space, we kept to the blue hue theme, but warmed things up a bit with a cognac leather sofa, terracotta European flax linen curtains, and assorted woven baskets to contrast with neutral walls. We sourced some fun channel velvet swivel chairs that made conversation easy and gave their son, Sammy some entertainment. I styled the existing shelving leaving plenty of room to add books, family photos, and trinkets over time, and added a beautiful set of marble nesting tables at the center of the space over the new patterned rug. After adding some artwork, candles, and a few pillows, the space was complete!

I just LOVE how this design came together! It’s the perfect example of how a little color, pattern, and layered texture can create a calming, character-filled space that’s warm without being overwhelming. Although I consider myself a maximalist, this might just be my favorite minimal design yet! Check it out…

AFTER:

I’m so grateful to Francheska and Peterson for trusting me with their new home as they build their lives together and welcome Baby #2 later this year. Now they’ll be able to comfortably enjoy their home and build memories together in a beautiful space for years to come.

For more photos, check out Amalfi Coast in my Portfolio and #ProjectAmalfiCoast on Instagram.

Be Blessed,

Amber

Design Deets:

Wallpaper - Malene Barnett for Lulu and Georgia

Area Rugs - Overstock, Wayfair

Chandelier - Overstock

Dining Table - Crate & Barrel

Dining Chairs - CB2, InMod

Sofa - Poly and Bark

Accent Chairs - Lulu and Georgia

Coffee Tables - Pottery Barn