According to family lore, Sophia Amiano showed a proclivity for putting things together from an early age and developed an interest in design throughout her childhood. It is no surprise, then, to see her follow in the footsteps of her grandfather and parents by turning that passion into a career at the family business, Amiano & Son Design-Build.

“I’ve always had a niche for things like this,” she says. “Having a chance to grow up in this industry and learn more about it through the years has only made me love it more. This business is never boring and no client is the same; they all have their own tastes. Every project is a new adventure.”

Amiano has undergone extensive training to join a select group of designers and decorators who are color certified, giving her unique insight into choosing the right paint colors to complete a room. We spoke to her about how she can help homeowners narrow down the endless options and find the perfect colors for their space.

Can a certified color consultant make a big difference for homeowners who are remodeling?
Absolutely. After the remodel, I think paint really helps to tie everything together and set the tone for the space. Typically everybody does the traditional white trim, which really pops, and stuff like that puts the finishing touch on the room. In a kitchen remodel, you’ll have different colors in the tile, the flooring and the cabinetry, and picking a paint color that brings it all together really makes a difference.

Do you also offer your services to clients who are just trying to freshen up the space?
Yes, I do that as well because oftentimes the client is not looking to do a major remodel but is just looking to change the look of their home, and paint dramatically does that. Even adding different moldings and trimwork can help define a space. I’ve gone out to plenty of people’s homes just to consult them and help them determine the feel they want. We’ll discuss what the space is mainly going to be used for and come up with a solution. For example, if it’s a space where the family spends most of its time, we might choose a comforting light gray color.

How does the process work when someone seeks out your services?
First I talk to them on the phone about what they’re looking to have painted, and I even have a painter I can recommend. From there, I set up an appointment to come out to the home, and once I get out there I have a full designer kit that we go through. I leave them with notes, information and colors chosen so they can move forward with all of the ideas we talked about.

What factors do you consider before making your suggestions?
The lighting would be first and foremost. Whether there’s a lot of natural light or artificial light or a combination of both is a huge impact on how the paint is going to be reflected. The light could make it look really light or really dark or there could be an undertone you don’t even want. So I will actually put the sample on each and every wall so the homeowners will know how the light is going to hit the entire room. Other questions I ask up front are whether they are going to bring in new furniture, eliminate some pieces or remove things hanging on the wall.

Does the type of room make a difference?
Honestly, no it does not. It all depends on the person and what they’re looking for. Amiano & Son recently remodeled a kitchen in Trenton and the homeowner wanted to use bright orange paint on the walls. Some people look at pictures and love it, while others say they would never choose that color. You can do anything you want—there are no rules and restrictions.

Are there any colors you’re expecting to be big in 2020?
A lot of people have been going lighter and staying in the whites and pastels. People seem to want things that are more open and fresh. About 10 years ago, it was really popular to have dark walls. Now it’s all blues and whites and grays.

What does it mean to you to be part of the family business and what are your goals for the future?
My grandfather started the company in 1968 and was really a one-man show. Since becoming the owner, my dad has taken it to a whole other level and turned it into the reputable design-build company it is today. I would love to double that if possible. My cousin is also involved in the business, and I would love to work with him someday and continue the family tradition. One day down the road, I’ll have children and my cousin will have children, and hopefully one of them will want to join in as well. 

Amiano & Son Design-Build
Southampton, N.J. | (609) 268-5923
AmianoAndSon.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 20, Issue 8 (February 2020). 
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