Besides a stint in California, Amber Guyton is a Southerner through and through. Born and raised in South Carolina and now in Atlanta, she had a fintech and marketing career before listening to her mother and launching Blessed Little Bungalow as first a blog, then a design business.
At the upcoming High Point Market, Guyton will be speaking at several panels (“How to Become a Market Maven” on April 21, “Let’s Get Visible! Courses, Podcasts and Influencers for the Win with Tobi Fairley” on April 22 and “Why You Need a Sales Ecosystem Educational” on April 23) and leading a Suite Spot Tour on April 24.
Tell us about the bedroom design on our April 2023 cover and the project overall.
“My clients were newlyweds and sought my assistance with their new construction home in Goose Creek, S.C. Zaria was a repeat client as I designed with her bold magenta glam room in a previous apartment, but in their new home, I’d needed to combine their preferred design styles in a gender-neutral way, while still providing a colorful and cultural aesthetic that was welcoming and livable. The teal channeled upholstered bed and patterned wallpaper by Forbes Masters x Mitchell Black instantly made a statement in their primary bedroom. I loved working with this couple and giving their blank canvas build so much personality!”
Besides a stint in California, you’ve always lived in the South somewhere. What about the South appeals to you?
“I was born and raised in South Carolina, and my previous tech and marketing career has taken me across the country and back in Georgia, Texas and California. Nothing feels like home like the South. It’s made me who I am. The people are priceless. The history and charm are timeless. As much as I thirst for the big city and enjoy traveling the world, nothing compares to the Southeast for this little country girl from the Carolinas.”
A room design from Guyton. Photo: Kimberly Murray Photography
How did you get to interior design? What were you doing before you made the leap?
“I’ve always been a creative and enjoyed decorating my spaces. When I purchased a home in San Antonio, I moved in the day I closed and decorated the entire house in a week. My family and friends were shocked because they were expecting to help unpack boxes. My mom challenged me with the question, “When are you going to do this for real?” That ah-ha moment led me to create my blog, Blessed Little Bungalow, in 2016. At first, it was just as a creative outlet for me to share my home decor experience, and over the years, I decorated dozens of client homes through my hobby-turned-side hustle. In 2021, I decided to take the leap and leave my marketing and fintech career and devote all of my attention to my growing business.”
What activities or places do you recommend to first-time visitors of Atlanta?
“Being a boomerang Atlantan (lived here 2010-2015 and 2021-present) and a resident within the city limits, I love the people and culture in this melting pot of a metropolis. The best places to walk, eat, shop and people watch include Inman Park, Ponce City Market and the Beltline. Also don’t leave without experiencing some history (e.g. The King Center and National Center for Civil and Human Rights).”
What’s your favorite item or space in your own home and why?
“I don’t watch much TV and only have one in my home, but I love my Samsung Frame TV. I love how it is minimalistic and flush to the wall. When not in use, I have it on Art Mode and display different abstract and landscape artwork or photography on the screen.”
Is there a historical or art period that inspires you?
“Having lived in many smaller homes, apartments and studios, I love mid-century modern furniture as it’s minimalism takes up less space in a design while still adding warmth and character. There is usually an element of midcentury modern in each of my design projects, whether it be the shape of a chair, use of walnut and brass, or geometrical patterns included.”
Any interior design trends you’re loving right now?
“I will always be a lover of accent and gallery walls. I know folks are sick of them, but they don’t have to put them in their homes. LOL I think it’s a great way to create a focal point or create conversation in a room without a heavy lift in cost or effort.”
What’s your favorite travel destination and why?
“I’ve been to about 30 countries and my favorite stops have been Kenya and Italy. I know they are drastically different, but my heart is so happy in each place surrounded by the culture and people. During my visits, it’s as if time stopped and I felt how small I am in this beautiful world. In the U.S., my favorite cities – besides Atlanta – are New Orleans and San Francisco for the same reasons – history, cultures, architecture and FOOD!”
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