Inspired by...SPRING

...I don't care what the groundhog said...he lied!!  But finally, spring is coming...the stores are filling up with swim suits, beach bags and all things summer...however, spring is my favorite and I don't want to miss a moment of it!!

Amanda and I did a quick trip through the aisles of Target yesterday (in the spirit of targetdoesitagain on Instagram...must follow!!)  for a shot of inspiration and we were not disappointed!!



 



 





 







The vibrant color is so refreshing after the months of dull winter vibes...the graphic patterns are fabulous accents...in the kitchen, for your wardrobe, on your table...anywhere that could benefit from a bold dose of "springness"!!  Go get your SPRING on!!!

AHD Office Update

[caption id="attachment_529" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Comfy on the backside...easy on the eyes!![/caption]

 

So this will be the second time we have remodeled our office...it is true that our own homes (and now our office) are our personal "experiments"...but two versions in one year is alot even for us!!  The reality is that the first spot was spacious...but it was right smack-dab-in-the-middle of the guest area in Eryn's home.  So as we began to see that we would be using this space alot, we began to make plans for a redo.  And to be completely honest, we never really finished that first office...we just got busy with "real jobs" and never got back to our space, which always drove us crazy!!

 

So, when we decided to relocate to another area of Eryn's home, we promised ourselves one main thing...WE WOULD FINISH IT THIS TIME!!!!  And we are well on our way!!  Here are a few sneak peaks of the progress!!

 

[caption id="attachment_530" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Our "favorite things" wall...[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_531" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Fabulous new rug for our desk area!![/caption]

 

Our original plan was to go with a neutral scheme and add shots of pink and orange....we came up with an inspiration board and began finalizing our plan.  But, I couldn't bring myself to begin placing orders, because something just didn't feel right.  The neutral pieces were perfect...but the pops of pink and orange???  Although very fun, neither of us really "do" pink or orange much!!  And so when I came across the fun art deco inspired rug with great blues and teals and shots of orange/yellow...I knew it had "Amanda and Eryn" written all over it!!  After that the details have fallen into place easily!!  Just a couple more items to be put in place and you can see it all!!!!!!!!!!  Stay tuned!

(Chairs...CB2 Rug...Joss & Main  Desk...West Elm)

 

"There is an App for that..."

Inside info...Amanda is the tech-ie...I am not...I know, right??!!  How did I get the job of "blogger"...*insert sarcastic smile*  Well, that is just how we roll around here!!  So, if I can't figure out my phone (we have the same phones, btw) or if I have computer issues (right again...bought identical laptops on the same day...with matching carrying cases printed with our fun logo) Amanda is the one to call.....NOT ME!!  So, I had to laugh when she sent me the idea to do a blog idea on our favorite phone apps..."OUR" favorite phone apps??  One of her favorite line is, "There's an app for that, you know??!!"  And you know what??  She is right!!

Her  Our very favorites are...

Pinterest and Houzz

are great all around...they are so user-friendly and when you need to find just the right picture to communicate your ideas to a client...or you need some specific inspiration on a project, they are both true "go-to's"

 

Who doesn't love a great kitchen...and Architectural Digest...all rolled up into one great app!!  (Hours of fun...look out kiddos...forget "Where's my Water"!!)

Many of the major manufacturers have raced to the app world..."American Olean" and "daltile" are two that have great resources for your handheld!!

Need a quick reference for Corian or Zodiaq color options, on the road??   Go straight to mySurface and scroll through their entire palette.

Another great source for inspiration, creating a virtual photo gallery of ideas and search for steals and deals in "look 4 less" guide.

 Great place to browse custom upholstery options from the great Bassett line...great ideas to get your thoughts for a room pulled together!!

How about you??  What inspiration/design apps are you addicted to??

 

Behind the scene's: Project "AHD Office" update

 

 

 

 

So the floors of our new office are painted, the walls are painted,  the new trim has been installed and  the fabulous wall sconces are in place...

Let the fun begin!!!  And just so you can see where we are headed on this project....

The aged brass sconces are already in place...eventually we want to do a wet bar with the reclaimed wood front as seen above...and our overall concept is light, bright with plenty of work space to spread out our latest project(s)!!

OF course what good is an office if you can't lounge a little...this area just begs for inspiration to hit!!

And as much as we love white...we need a few pops of bold color to make us smile!!

We will keep you posted on the progress!!

 

On a roll...a brass roll...

I've been on a brass kick lately...no...not the builder grade shiny faux brass...

(No offense if this piece is hanging in your home...just a perfect example of "builder's grade brass")

 

Nope...I'm talking the rich, aged patina of brass (the real stuff) that adds warmth and elegance to any space...traditional, modern or anywhere in-between...

Hall chest update with 6 of these...via myhardware.com

 

Wall sconces for the new AHD office...three of these gorgeous lights...via Restoration Hardware

Inspiration in brass is everywhere....

Amy Meier

Lauren Leiss

Two of my favorite designers are using aged brass mixed with other great metal finishes...and it is all in every shelter magazine on the rack...why??  It reads "vintage"..."heirloom quality"..."rich with history"...all the qualities designer's need to create a room that has presence without feeling too "showroom"...a room with character!!  What do you think of aged brass?? Where would you use it??

I am a "Messy"...

 

I'm not going to lie...I am a messy painter...A VERY MESSY PAINTER.  No matter how careful I try to be, I get paint EVERYWHERE...on my hands, on my clothes, in my hair...on the floor, down the side of the paint can...did I mention EVERYWHERE??!!  So, when I can I pay someone to paint for me...and when I don't have the budget or the patience to wait on a painter's schedule, I do have one tip that has been amazing for this certified "Messy"...



 

Take a nail (or in this case a long screw...it was close by!!) and insert it in the groove on the top of the paint can...

 

 

 

 

 



 

Use a hammer (apparently named "China") and pop holes in two or three spots around the can lip.  Then after you have poured paint into your pan, any paint left in the groove will flow back into the can (instead of dripping all over your hands!!)  I wish I could take credit for this fabulous tip...however, I read this tip forever ago...and have no recollection of where...or I would give full credit!! Happy painting!!

sooooo excited...

I am sooooooo excited...a new office space is in the works for AsterHouse Design!!

Why??  Well, our office is housed in the lower level of Eryn's home...our first office was quickly thrown together.  We desperately needed one!!  It has been wonderful to have an designated office.  A place for samples, a spot to host clients and room to splay out products, floorplans, etc.  But we never really finished it...we never had an actual "design plan"...we are the proverbial "cooper's children" or "mechanics's car"...always so busy planning everyone else's spaces but never taking the time to focus on our own studio space.  So, we are backing up the train...shifting focus to our own space so we can better serve our clients...boost our creativity and fill our "inspiration tank"!!



This time around we want a "serving station" for our own enjoyment as well as offering clients beverages while we share ideas!!



Loving some aged brass...looking for a "collected", coordinated but not overly thought out aesthetic!!



WILL USE...gorgeous tile...somewhere...



A few shots of pink and orange???





 

We will keep you  posted!!!!