The owner of Atlanta-based Blessed Little Bungalow, Amber Guyton believes that interior design should not be a luxury reserved for a privileged few and is committed to democratizing the industry one home at a time. As an interior designer, content creator, product curator, and now, wallpaper designer with her latest collaboration with Mitchell Black, Amber has served dozens of clients across the country designing colorful, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing residential and commercial projects. Outside of design and entrepreneurship, Amber enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, volunteering, and spending quality time with her loved ones at home in South Carolina. Take a look at Amber’s work in today’s Designer Friday!
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Amber Guyton: I started Blessed Little Bungalow as a blog in 2016. After a recent move to San Antonio, TX, I purchased a renovated bungalow built in 1948. I closed on a Monday, moved in, and had the entire place decorated by that weekend. When my family and friends came to visit to help me unpack, they were in shock by what they saw. Then my mom asked, “So when are you going to do this for real?” That really stuck with me and inspired me to document my own home journey, decorating choices, DIYs, etc. It was a creative outlet that I’d share with the world. Eventually, I began helping other people with their homes and this hobby became a side hustle. Five years later, I left my marketing job in tech and took my e-design business and brand full-time. Now an interior designer, content creator, influencer, product designer, and entrepreneur, I feel like I’m just getting started and look forward to celebrating Year 8 this spring.
Photo by Kimberly Murray Photography.
AJ: What is your favorite design trend currently?
AG: I’m not sure if it’s a trend, but I love putting wallpaper on the ceiling. It’s unexpected and a fun use of the 5th wall (or 6th if you count rugs on the floor) to add some art and imagination to any space.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
AG: Colorful. Layered. Livable.
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
AG: Travel is my biggest source of inspiration. I’ve been to about 30 countries and love incorporating different design styles, cultures, textures, and colors that I’m inspired by. From Morocco to Kenya, France to Mexico, there’s always some little detail that catches my eye. I’m also big on domestic travel and the simple pleasures of people-watching in local spots like boutique hotels and coffee shops. When I lived in San Francisco, there was so much inspiration from architecture to unexpected color combinations just walking down the street. Running out of ideas? Just take a walk outside. Nature and your surroundings will surely inspire you.
Photo by Marc Mauldin Photography.
AJ: Can you describe a project where you had to work with a limited space?
AG: Project Casita de Colores completed in 2023 was a 680-square-foot condo for a wonderful client who loved color and maximalism as much as I did, but it was important that we execute it in a way that didn’t feel cluttered, had tons of sneaky storage, and ensured every new piece of furniture has a purpose that elevated the existing space. By paying close attention to these details, we were able to transform the entire condo in a way that worked for her life and brought her joy.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
AG: Like with anything in life, needs should be met first. Lay the foundation with the client’s needs and what’s going to make their life better. Think comfortable furniture, welcoming layout, functional storage and pieces that enhance the space. Then layer on the color, texture, pattern, and wow-factor that makes them truly fall in love with the room. That’s what makes design special, the intentionality and emotional pull, not just the glitz and glam. It all starts with meeting needs and then fulfilling wants along the way. Anything extra or additional surprises are just gravy on the biscuit.
Photo by Marc Mauldin Photography.
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
AG: Being an interior designer can feel very overwhelming at times, especially if you’re a perfectionist and people-pleaser. You are responsible for everything and nothing, all at once. There are so many layers in the process, relationship management, and each project is truly a marathon, not a sprint. My favorite thing about being a designer is helping my clients love where they live. I’ve received an array of compliments about my design work visually, but the very best compliments are about how the transformed space makes them FEEL. Clients have shared that my work has helped them through grief, work struggles, combining two households for new couples, and the very best was, “I never thought I would live in a space that was so nice and looked and felt like me.” These are the words that keep me going. It’s the absolute best feeling to help someone fall in love with their home.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
AG: All white and neutral spaces. It’s easy and safe. Dare to be different. Color takes courage. Take the leap.
Photo by Marc Mauldin Photography.
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
AG: I LOVE incorporating art in every space I design. I do so with large statement art that stops you in your tracks, but also gallery walls that are a combination of several family photos, artwork, and or objects. I’d put a large art piece or gallery wall in every room if I could, but I want to also include my client’s existing artwork in their home. If it’s meaningful, let’s take it out of the closet, frame it, and give it the attention it deserves.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
AG: Be yourself, girl. Be your authentic self, and show up as your whole self – the good, bad, and ugly. What makes you stand out will ultimately lead to your success. Trust yourself, keep God first, and do your very best with what you have. You got this. And I’m so proud of you.
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