Amber Guyton is a digital creator, interior designer, and founder of Blessed Little Bungalow, a platform dedicated to design inspiration and making aesthetic living accessible.
Welcome to our Inner Worlds series, where we step into the personal realms of art lovers from all walks of life, exploring the profound ways in which art is integrated into their lives.
Delve into Amber’s artistic universe, with a hand-picked selection of her favorite pieces on SINGULART:
Can you introduce yourself and what you do for a living?
I am the founder of Blessed Little Bungalow, an interior design firm and brand based in Atlanta, Georgia. It started as a hobby and creative outlet almost eight years ago. At the time, I was working in financial services and tech for several years, making my way up the corporate ladder. I began blogging only as a side hustle, creating content about my home. Over time, the website continued to flourish until it finally became my full-time focus.
Can you tell us about your upbringing and the start of your career journey?
Growing up, I’ve always had a creative side. As a child, I loved writing and drawing, often preferring to illustrate books rather than just read them. In high school, I was a cheerleader, and I took on the role of painting the big banner that the football players would run through at every game, creating a new design each week to represent our team. If there was something to paint or create, I was the one doing it.
Societal norms often discourage pursuing art as a viable career path, so despite my interests, I decided to study print journalism. I later switched to advertising because I was captivated by the power of brands, logos, and the storytelling aspect of advertising. I found myself drawn towards understanding how to capture people’s attention and make things memorable. This led me to pursue an MBA in product marketing.
However, even throughout my corporate career trajectory, my artistic roots remained a significant part of my identity. When I moved into my most recent home, I decorated it entirely within one week. It was my mother who encouraged me to consider taking my passion for decorating seriously. People began reaching out to me for advice for their own homes. Before I knew it, I had inadvertently become known as an interior designer, despite not having any formal education in the field. I found myself attracting clients who appreciated my unique approach to design. Throughout my journey, art has remained a central element in my work. Whether it’s a cherished heirloom or a unique find, art adds personality and charm to every space I design.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as mid-century modern meets a dash of boho, plus glam. You’ll always find art, you’ll always find pattern and color. I like to tell a story by weaving all of these elements together.
What type of art & design pieces do you find yourself drawn to?
I lean more towards an eclectic approach when choosing art. I like things that are eye-catching. There may be colors we can pull from a piece to inspire the palette of a room. Often, I like to arrange a space so that it gives art the stage. So, this is what I consider when sourcing pieces.
How would you describe your living space? What does it say about you?
In my personal space, I embrace maximalism. My home is adorned with an array of art objects and patterned items that stimulate curiosity. While some may find it overwhelming, I believe maximalist design invites intrigue and conversation. Every room I design aims to provoke questions and pique interest. My attraction to maximalism stems from childhood memories of my grandparents’ home: rooms with ornate decor and cultural pieces. Growing up in South Carolina, I was surrounded by artwork depicting the local landscape and Black culture, and this sparked the desire to reflect my heritage in my own home.
A home should be a love letter about your life—a reflection of one’s experiences—and for me, that encompasses art. When you proudly display a piece on your wall, it serves as a constant source of inspiration and expression. I encourage my clients to showcase items that hold significance to them, creating a space that feels resonant and deeply meaningful.
Do you have any favorite artists/artworks in your collection?
I own a painting by the American artist Ronald Jackson, from his series Johnnie Mae King. It is a portrait of an African American face, with a graphic and contemporary aesthetic, and full of color. I was inspired to acquire his work after I saw one of his pieces in one of my client’s homes. It’s just so striking. It is in my living room above my sofa, and it just stops you in your tracks.
The artwork in my bedroom by the artist Kabriah Asha is also quite special to me. It has become the showpiece of the room. What I love most are its feminine and energizing qualities. Her bold stare gives me motivation each morning to get things done. It’s simultaneously commanding and reassuring.
Lastly, I have a piece by artist Robert Moore, who often explores controversial themes, drawing inspiration from American cartoons like The Jetsons and The Flintstones, but intertwining them with African American narratives. The piece features a girl with braided hair adorned with cotton—an image that holds deep significance for me as an African American from the South. Cotton, while a common sight in rural areas, also carries associations with slavery and oppression. However, in this artwork, the girl crowned with cotton exudes beauty and strength, as she stares directly at the viewer. This artwork is a powerful reminder of my own childhood struggles that I have overcome, and it reminds me of the strength I’ve developed over the years. Despite facing adversity, I find inspiration in the girl’s resilience and in the symbolism of the crown she wears.
Apart from your work in design and art, what other passions or hobbies play a significant role in your life?
I’m passionate about travel, which also greatly influences my design work. I’ve visited around 30 countries so far, finding inspiration and a sense of perspective outside of my familiar surroundings. Traveling reminds me of the vastness of the world and helps me appreciate the diversity of cultures, languages, and landscapes.
In American culture, there’s often a focus on individual achievement and material success, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or anxiety. But I try to keep things in perspective by staying grateful for what I have. Whether it’s taking a short hike or going on a longer trip to a far-off destination, travel helps me recharge and remember what’s truly important. During my travels, I’ve encountered many rich cultures and traditions, which not only inspire me creatively but also nourish me spiritually. For example, the colors and patterns I’ve seen in the vibrant markets of Morocco have influenced my design choices for both clients’ homes and my own. Travel isn’t just a vacation for me—it’s an important emotional and professional recharge.
What advice would you give someone just starting their journey as an art collector?
My advice would be to look beyond the traditional ways of acquiring art. Many people believe that collecting art is expensive and out of reach, but often, they already have art pieces with sentimental value in their homes without realizing it.
Start by asking yourself why certain pieces of art catch your eye or hold personal significance. It could be something as simple as a landscape that reminds you of cherished memories with loved ones. Pay attention to what excites you visually, whether it’s when visiting museums, seeing art in other people’s homes, or even watching TV. Consider what inspires you and brings you joy. It doesn’t have to be tied to your past; it could be your dreams for the future. Once you’ve found a piece that speaks to you, whether it’s a print or an original artwork, display it proudly in your home. Over time, your collection may grow and evolve, reflecting your changing tastes and experiences. The key is to choose art that resonates with you and brings positive energy into your space.
Delve into Amber’s artistic universe, with a hand-picked selection of her favorite pieces on SINGULART:
