Schematic Design The initial design concept phase takes anywhere from 3-6 weeks depending on the size and scope of your project. During that time, we may measure on site, or call with questions, but mostly we will be developing the look and layout of your home. This is when your ideas and desires for your home as communicated to us take shape.

Initial Presentation Our initial presentation after design development will include schematic drawings, layouts, and 2-3 proposed material and or fabric palettes for the main rooms of a project. This presentation reflects your project direction based on our interviews and your preferences. The decisions made here help set the tone for all design work to follow.

Design Development At this time we work out the details and flesh out your plans. We take your input and apply our expertise in implementation to create the project action map. Although an ongoing process throughout the project, it is most intensive alter our initial presentations.

Furnishings + Material Presentations These presentations are done at various points throughout the project based on the needs of your project schedule. In this phase, we specify which pieces of furniture, fabrics and finishes will be part of your ultimate design. In order to expedite procurement and the project schedule, please come to these meetings prepared to make your selections and order your pieces.

Order Processing Our office processes your furniture and materials orders right away. Please know that fine quality custom pieces can last a lifetime, however their quality is also reflected in the care taken to make them. Furnishing lead times range from 8-16 weeks once final finishes are selected and fabrics are received by the manufacturers. Lead times for materials such as tile, drapery, plumbing fixtures, and lighting are typically 2-8 weeks.

Project Management We are available to help oversee the many details of your installations and construction projects. While the construction process can pose challenges, our expertise and resources within the field will help guide you through the process to a successful and timely completion.

As seen on the cover of Seattle Homes & Lifestyles

NW Design Award Winner

As seen in Pacific Northwest Magazine

As seen at 360Modern.com

As seen in Better Homes & Gardens

As seen in Metropolitan Home

As seen in Kitchen & Bath Ideas

As seen in Kitchen & Bath Ideas

2007 Northwest Design Award

Bathroom, Winner
“Poetic, beautiful use of composition and execution.”
-NWDA judging panel notes

Metropolitan Home Magazine - Matters of the Hearth (April 2006)
“Amely respected the home’s 1960s architecture but took liberties with it, mixing classic and contemporary materials to put a fresh face on Mid-Century design.”
-Fred Albert, Metropolitan Home

Seattle Homes & Lifestyles Front cover and full design feature (Sept. 2007)

Seattle Design Center Featured Designer Part of a select group of recommended professionals

HGTV “What You Get for the Money” appearance (Oct. 2006)

HGTV “Home Room”  taping (pilot yet to air)

360° Modern Balancing Act  feature story (April 2006)

Seattle Times Pacific Northwest Magazine “Knowing Its Place”  (Aug. 2006)

KING 5 Television (Seattle) morning news, multiple appearances, design expert (2005, 2006)

Better Homes and Gardens “Before and After” for French kitchen design (Jan. 2006)

2004 Northwest Design Award Kitchen, Winner
“An outstanding representation of professional design in our region.”
-The Innis Arden Bulletin

Seattle Times “Real Life Home” (Oct. 2006)

Amely embarked upon interior design at a young age, following her real estate-investing family around Southern California. She learned firsthand about construction and furniture.

This award winning designer’s expertise includes architectural design and drawing, as well as managing large teams of contractors on customized residential design projects. She has managed and worked with materials ranging from concrete and steel structures to fabric and fringe.

Amely graduated Cum Laude from Cornish College of the Arts, with a degree in interior design. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in English literature from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She has traveled extensively, absorbing the design and art of European and Middle Eastern cultures. Interior design allows her to bring all of her experiences together to influence the look of her projects.

Her travel experiences, combined with formal studies in design, music, writing, painting, and art history allow Amely to draw upon this depth of knowledge to enrich the design process and end result.

In every endeavor, Amely extensively researches the clients needs to bring together a beautiful and fulfilling space.

“I enjoy helping my clients create a unique space that will nurture and reward them as they go about their lives,” Amely says.

Residing in Seattle with her husband and young son, Amely enjoys time spent with family. She paints, teaches classes, Studies yoga, enjoys gourmet cooking, and traveling. Using her energy and humor to create fun and dynamic spaces, Amely brings her exuberant personality into all her endeavors.

Based in Seattle, we are a six-person, nationally acclaimed design firm led by Principal Designer Amely Wurmbrand.

The firm collaborates with clients up and down the West Coast, executing designs that evoke style, intelligence and emotion. Projects are highly customized to the client’s needs through the creative use of space, light, unusual materials and distinctive furnishings.

Amely and her team have developed a reputation for innovation by working closely with clients to realize intelligent, sophisticated designs which reflect their personalities and lifestyles. The firm’s vast industry resources and applied study of color underscore a reputation of excellence in custom tailored design.

Whether a client’s needs are suited to period design or minimalist modern decor, each timeless and elegant end result tells the client’s story rather than the designer’s.

Specializing in refined, custom residential design

• Full design services, from concept to completion
• Schematic architectural drawings in Auto CAD, Photoshop, and SketchUp as well as hand renderings
• Management and direction of complex construction projects, and installations
• From concrete foundations to upholstery trim, we guide our clients in creating spaces that make them feel wonderful
• Global sourcing expertise for materials, furniture, finishes and accessories, from Brazil to Prague
• Expert network of artisans & specialized contractors
• Featured expert in national and regional media
• Expertise in creating custom finishes & furniture\Furniture selections and presentations, with broad-spectrum, customized options
• Thoughtful, tailored planning for timely, precision execution
• Added experience in multi-family dwellings & sound studios
• ASID, Allied Member

Please visit AmelyDesigns.com or call us at 206.542.0447 for more information.

LIKE MANY EYE-CATCHING, contemporary Northwest dwellings, Amely Wurmbrand’s Shoreline home thrives on a clean layout and the beauty of its natural surroundings. Considering she is both an artist and interior designer who uses decorative wall tile as a staple of her work, it’s no wonder the place is a visual playground. The kitchen backsplash, to take one dramatic example, is a kaleidoscopic mosaic of glittering tiles in tans, grays, blues, and ivory, with an occasional splash of red. From a distance it suggests a big city at night-random clusters of light bursting here, blue water pockets pooling over there. Up close it’s an indecipherable puzzle of multisize circles and squares. Either way, there’s little to no order or rationality to the canvas. Running your fingers along it feels like caressing the pebbles of a shallow stream.

“I like a lot of texture in my work, and tile can be very artistic and can add interest,” Wurmbrand said, rifling through her crates of tile samples”-one slightly kitsch with a glass finish, some raised in the middle, many with busy but perfectly coordinated palettes of color. “Tile is the jewelry of the project.”

In 1997, when Wurmbrand and her husband Craig Rosenberg, a software engineer, purchased the flat-roofed 1962 four-bedroom house, the original, crammed kitchen shared a double-wide kind of rec room with the dining area, while the living room hid behind a massive sandstone fireplace barrier that blocked the flow. It just didn’t make sense.

After living in the house for a few years Wurmbrand and Rosenberg began a two-stage renovation project: an interior remodel and the addition of a whole new wing. In her design practice, Wurmbrand asks clients to write an essay detailing what they like and dislike about their home, and also what they hope to get out of a remodel. Had Wurmbrand written one for herself, the midcentury’s floor plan would no doubt top her “dislike” list. She and her husband considered multiple designs and, in the end, made a radical choice. They reversed the layout. The living room became the kitchen. Today, two oblong blocks converge at a 90-degree angle. One rectangle used to be the whole house; the other now contains Wurmbrand’s workspace and Rosenberg’s lower-level studio. Each is flanked by generous windows that take in dense forestry and startling views of Puget Sound.

They kept the big stone fireplace edifice - so Brady Bunch - but trimmed one side considerably (while elongating the other) to accommodate better traffic flow and a growing family. Next they sandblasted that wall’s white paint to reveal the underlying Wilkerson stone, a material from Eastern Washington popular in the 1960s. The view from the main entryway reveals an open floor plan with a seamless flow through kitchen, dining, and living areas.

Artsy touches are everywhere. In the main-floor bathroom a seashell-toned backsplash and a graceful sink bowl sitting atop sleek mahogany drawers conjure a Japanese theme, which Wurmbrand accentuated with a hand-painted cherry blossom tree sprawling across the shower wall “so I would always be reminded of the brightness and happiness of spring.”  Even the hallway is plastered with paintings by her six-year-old son Brandon:  “Our new art gallery,”  she beamed.

Nowhere is Wurmbrand’s stamp more visible than in the kitchen.  “I wanted to do a kitchen renovation, but I wanted it to feel as if it’d always been here. I knew I had to use a tile that was kind of artsy, because something that was truly period was not going to work and something truly current was not going to work,” Wurmbrand explained.  “Finding the right tiles was really, really challenging because there are just so few things that would’ve been used at the time this house was built,” she added.

Thanks to a recent surge in design awareness manufacturers are producing myriad materials, giving her more resources when working with clients now.

But at the time of her remodel she settled on a tile with a glaze and materials that would’ve been around in the ’60s that would still fit with the newer stainless steel cabinets with back-painted glass and the double-tiered island and snack bar topped by honed Crema Marfil counters. As in the rest of her home, the pairing strikes a balance between modern and midcentury.

Sprinkled throughout is an eclectic mix of vintage furniture styles, but in keeping with the theme of the house much of it is refinished or reimagined.  “I like the character the vintage furniture brings, and I feel it helps anchor the room to the period of the house. Had I left the pieces as I had found them, however, the look would have felt dated.”

Today the house nestled at the end of a long driveway is anything but dated. Wurmbrand’s touches straddle styles from the past and present, and the result is timeless.

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Lighting is seldom taken seriously when decorating a room, and this brings about thoughtless decisions.

In reality, lighting is one of the most fundamental elements to create a space, to make it come alive and inviting to those who enter it.  It must be considered along with planning and decoration of the whole space, as it impacts directly in the way in which a specific space is perceived.

The most beautiful decoration will be lost if it is not lit correctly to convey its message.  Poor lighting diminishes color and neglects textures, making a room look worse than common.

The lighting in a room is so powerful, that even the simplest design can look complex and a stroke of genius when the right lighting is applied.  And, as important as it is, it can also be very simple to achieve, however, in some cases, it is best to ask for professional help, be it a Seattle interior designer or even a friend with a sixth sense.

If you are undertaking a special decoration project and need some help with the lighting, here are some general considerations that work well for new and existing spaces.

- The first thing to understand about the lighting within a room is that it requires shadow; otherwise it will lack stimulus, turning the space boring and flat.

- Be careful with direct lighting over textures, as it may make them disappear and neutralize their beautiful visual effect.

- Every feature in the room must be treated in a special way in regards to lighting, as the light will bring out the best in them and will make them stand out within the room.  Lighting accentuates design; it brings out the forms in a very positive way.

- The lights on pictures give these an important position within the space and they help define the perimeter of the room.

- When thinking about the lighting for a room, think about the mood you desire that space to convey, what are the activities performed in that room, and what decorative pieces you want to highlight.  As a general rule, any inviting space requires between five to ten light sources, but it will depend on the colors in the room.  Dark colors absorb light and thus, a dark painted room will require more lighting than a light colored one.

- Today, you can find complete matching lighting collections to use within one room in order to achieve unity and save time.

- To add interest to your space, vary the light source’s heights; this will add depth and interest by creating different areas of light and shade.

- Very important also, is to play with the intensity of light.  Utilize dimmer switches, three-way bulbs and alternate switching patterns between general lighting, task lights, lamps and accent lighting to create a specific mood.

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Have you completely decided that you want your living room to have a Japanese look? Or, have you dreamed of a Mediterranean bedroom all your life? Or still, no one can convince you to forget the idea of an Italian style kitchen?

No matter what look you want your rooms to have, you must make sure it fits the spaces.  And, how do you do this?  Either you ask an interior designer in Seattle for advice, or you search for examples of your desired style in magazines, websites, books and TV programs, and find out if it will work in your home, with its structure, its bones.

Remember, the best way to go is practical, so, forget about a Japanese look in a house with a Santa Fe style.  It is never advisable to have different looks in different rooms; the whole house must have a personality, and it must be sustained throughout every space.   A balanced look will transmit tranquility, harmony, peace and beauty, which is what you desire your home to convey.

You want to be within a space that calms you, welcomes you and protects you, while welcoming visitors openly and in a friendly way.  Within every home, there is a natural flow of powerful, good energy that expands to its inhabitants when each room communicates with the other in terms of style.  Of course each room should have its own personality depending on its purpose, but always blending with the rest of the house, and forming a bigger and unique whole.

Likewise, there are many ways to incorporate a style or look within the rooms in your home.  If you have furniture in a particular style, you can make use of the colors of that style or era to bring out the pieces and be creative with a look.  Color can really make a special piece stand out and it is very efficient to achieve an eclectic look.  If you have lots of beautiful furniture pieces, keep the background simple and plain so that these become the center of attention and the space doesn’t look overloaded.

Most importantly, be certain that you love the look you choose, do not just select it because everyone else is doing it.  Remember you will be living there, and you must be able to enjoy it for a long time.  Your taste is the only thing that matters.

Again, make sure you investigate prior to deciding on a certain look, there are many options today, and you may end up finding another one you like more or that complements your life much better!

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According to an ancient Chinese science of more than 4000 years, the position and orientation of the space being constructed and the placing of objects in the home will bring harmony not only to our home but to other aspects of our lives. The Chinese believe there’s a reflection of our inner thinking and feelings in the interior design of our homes.
With the art and science of Feng Shui, we can make changes in our lives by simply making changes in our homes.

Nowadays, an increasing number of interior designers in Seattle, Miami, New York as well as other cities worldwide are considering and taking this science into account when it comes to decorating.

To achieve a harmonious, relaxed atmosphere, you must put your home in order and know where to place objects and which colors to use.

With these basics we can focus on some of the tips on how to obtain harmony in our everyday life:

Outside

The outside of your house should have a clear entrance. This means that you shouldn’t have dead bushes, shrubs, and flowers. The address should be clearly visible. Keep the yard clean and clear as this will provide an organized area where you will feel harmony with clear and organized thoughts as you enter.

Family room

Everyone gathers in the family room which is the heart of the home. We consider this room a cheerful and comfortable place where we want to make sure our guests feel at home. We have to get rid of clutter; this will allow the Chi to flow naturally. Choose natural light and use a color scheme that reflects your personality. Use pastels, not strong colors. You may consult the symbolism of colors and the energy they release before choosing the ones you’ll use.

Bedrooms

Do not place the bed with the foot of the bed facing a doorway. Make sure part of the bed always touches a wall; it promotes stability. Color is important in all rooms. In the bedroom, we want tranquility and relaxation so we should choose a color that encourages these feelings.

Dining room

Organize the seating comfortably so that everyone can talk to each other. When choosing a table, make sure it is round; this symbolizes stability. There should be plenty of free space near doorways; do not place any chairs or furniture where it would make it difficult for people to pass. If you don’t have any windows in your dining room, put a chandelier or a ceiling fan, as this will permit the flow of the Chi.

Bathroom

Place bathrooms appropriately in the house because this represents the homeowner’s finances. Keep them clean and well-ventilated. The bathroom should not be visible from the front door. Use a method of ventilation; this is necessary and very important, allowing the Sha energy to be eliminated quickly, and on the other hand the Chi to flow.

Kitchen

It is very important where you place the stove and the sink. Do not place the stove facing the doorway as the chef should not be surprised but focused. Never place the sink next to the stove, as this represents water and the stove fire. There should be something between these; you can always place a mirror if you have any design inconveniences.
Keep these clean to encourage family finances. Paint the kitchen white; this symbolizes purity for good health.

With these Feng Shui principles we have a guide on how to decorate our homes and encourage a harmonious, balanced life.

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When putting your house up for sale, you’ll want it to sell fast and at a high price. Any interior designer in Seattle, New York, or any other major city would stress one thing - you have no control over who views your home, but you can have an effect on how they feel when they see your house and how much they are willing to pay for it. Here are
five important tips that will help influence your buyers:

1. Color
The colors on your walls will instantly convey certain feelings to potential buyers when they enter your rooms. The best colors to attract them will be neutral, muted shades which will be gentle on their eyes and allow them to picture adding their own colors later. Stronger colors that you have chosen because of your own tastes, e.g, red or dark blue, are worth painting over. Be careful when choosing white as a color for your new coat of paint - it can sometimes convey a sterile look. Instead, opt for an off-white color which is warmer to look at.

2. Furnishings
Rooms that are cluttered are very unappealing to buyers. In contrast, a room which has minimal furnishings appeals larger and allows people to imagine adding their own belongings to the room. De-clutter by either selling items you may no longer want or placing them in storage until you move to your new home.

3. Repairs and Updates
Look around your home and see what repairs you can do to improve its overall look. Perhaps a worn carpet is worth replacing as it makes the whole room look run down too. Or you might want to touch up the scratches on your bedroom doors or fix the loose tiles in the kitchen. Spending money on these things will help it look much better and may even increase how much a person is willing to pay because of the newer features. It will also make your house appear well-cared for which a buyer will be attracted to.

4. Tricks to Help
Understanding a buyer’s psychology will help you know where to focus your interior design efforts. The entrance is the first place they see, so you’ll want to pay some attention to this space to help create a good first impression. Some people are very particular about their kitchen and bathroom spaces, so make these areas look clean and
inviting. Also, add props such as flowers and plants to brighten up a room where needed and remove personal photos so that spaces don’t appear like they belong to someone else.

5. Get help if you can
If your budget permits, hire an interior designer who will give you tips and advice about what your particular home needs to become more attractive to buyers. Paying for professional advice could be an investment which helps your home sell faster and for a better price.

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Are you secretly craving a stress-free cooking haven? Has your kitchen turned into a disorganized and cluttered nightmare that any cook would dread? If you’ve answered yes to both questions, you might not have to panic just yet. Interior designers in Seattle will tell you many people like to think of their kitchen as the heart of their home. It’s important that you keep it in good shape so not only will you be able to cook with ease, but also enjoy cooking and preparing the meals that feed you and your family. Luckily, that stress-free kitchen haven is not out of reach. Follow these three simple steps and you’re sure to fall in love with your cooking space again:

1. Get ready to get tough
You’ll need to empty out all your cupboards, units, and drawers. Then you should evaluate what really needs to stay in your kitchen and what you should throw away, give away or sell. This means making tough decisions to help you reclaim valuable kitchen space. Get rid of appliances you know you will hardly use and can do without, like that fondue set or bread maker you were given last Christmas. Throw away duplicates of any kitchen tools that you don’t need. And let go of chipped kitchenware or containers with missing lids that you’ve always hoped you might find a use for one day. Don’t forget to look through your food closet, fridge and freezer too - make sure you aren’t keeping hold of foods you’ll never get around to eating.

2. Make your cooking space make sense
The next step is to evaluate how you use your kitchen. Assign different areas of the kitchen to different cooking tasks, e.g, cutting and chopping foods or mixing and stacking ingredients. Then store your foods and utensils that are most relevant to these areas close by. Keep utensils that you will need at the stove, like wooden spoons and pans, within close reach, and likewise with oven and sink. You can then place items that you use less often in cupboards that are harder to reach or access.

3. Organize as much as you can
Once your cooking space makes sense, you’ll still need to ensure each cupboard and drawer is well organized so you don’t have to search hard or route around to access the items you need. It’s easy to buy organizers for kitchen areas such as the cutlery drawer or for foodstuff like spices. Invest in a lid organizer for your pot and pan lids, too, as stacking these in your cupboards can be a messy and clumsy affair. If you want to organize a cupboard but can’t find the appropriate organizer, use simple plastic baskets to store and separate where possible.

Once you’ve completed these three steps, enjoy the difference of a stress-free, clear and uncluttered kitchen!

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