Creating alluring atmospheres that beckon her client’s desire to come home provides the ultimate satisfaction for Memphis, TN designer, Ami Austin. For the last 10 years Ami Austin Interior Design has completed many contemporary, transitional and traditional projects that reflect world-class elegance, and one-of-a-kind results. She generously offered to share her wisdom, and the beauty contained in this gorgeous Disney-themed, but seemingly grown-up bedroom.
Ami offers the following advice when taking on a project such as this, or with any project that has inspired you:
Have fun. She finds great joy in discussing an individual or family’s preferences to help make decisions for color palettes, fabric swatches and so on. Discuss your ideas and desires with family, friends and design professionals. Open dialog with others throughout the process will allow you to keep expectations in balance and foster your sense of fun.
Decide upon and then remember the top priorities of a design project. Keep in mind your best interests, and how you will be using the space. If things start to stray, revisiting these notions will help the project stay on track.
Create a budget and time frame. Ami believes this helps keep goals aligned with your chosen style, and project objectives. Goals are important for not only you, but for everyone involved in a project. You must know how much you are willing to spend on a project and commit to that amount. Expressing your expectations to your contractors and everyone involved will keep efforts focused.
Choose wisely. Consider the careful selection of furnishings and fabrics to ensure both form and function. If the room is going to serve many functions that might call on a fabric or finish to be hardier than normal, then choose items that are practical.
Know the ability of your artists. The painted mural in the room was used to solve the problem of the low-pitched ceiling. Ami chose an artist she has been working with for over ten years, and on hundreds of projects. She knew this artist could achieve the desired effect. The family was mesmerized during the reveal by the illusion of height that was created.
We asked Ami to share her parting words with you all and this is what she said, “Keep learning and searching for resources and ideas that inspire. For anyone seeking to recreate an interior space, or any aspiring interior designer, seek thematic choice options, favored color palettes, and all manner of inspiring possibilities for the interior. As a designer, I am like a sponge when traveling, attending seminars and scouring the market for finds. It keeps you better as a designer and more resourceful for your clients.”
RESOURCES:
Mirrored bedside chests are by Currey and Co.
Mirrored vanity is Lillian August
Paint: Sherwin Williams Ski Slope (ceiling); Hinting Blue (walls)
Bedding: Ami Austin design using Matelasse by Thibaut, and a Pindler linen.
Pillows, shams: Duralee
Headboard: Ami Austin design made in Memphis, TN.
Chaise: Found while antique shopping. Recovered and painted to match headboard.
Mirror (large Venetian): by Go Home
Table (small next to chaise): by Bliss Studio
Chair (dressing): by Cox using Zoffany.
Lighting: Myran Allen
Décor: Ami Austin Interior Design