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Wednesday, February 17th, 2016
Maitland-Smith Dining Room Arm Chair 4130-812 is simply gothic.
Gothic interior design or those medieval interiors both represent like eras. But do not imagine creepy mansions and artwork when thinking about gothic style, instead, think of architectural beauty and intricate furniture pieces.
Victorian gothic is, in essence, an architectural design that started as early in the 1740s. Compared to modern gothic interiors, they are similar because they show opulence and elegance. Gothic architecture first took the spotlight around 1150 AD. This was during the Medieval Period and it immediately became a significant part of every building design. Back then, it was called the French Style.
Examples of the gorgeous Gothic style can be found in abundance in the U.K. and the rest of Europe, more so in Paris, France. Gothic cathedrals are the perfect examples of gothic architectural wonders that have endured centuries.
Gothic Design Today
These days, gothic structures stand as a testament to the unique ability and solid engineering that are used hand-in-hand in their creation.
Have you heard of the flying buttress? This is one of the most recognized gothic elements in the world today. This was created during the Medieval Era. One can be seen in the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris.
Gothic’s got a pointy sort of style with ornate doorways, beautiful archways and perfect symmetry. Architects need to use balance in all aspects of a gothic home. This doesn’t mean that their brains have been hardwired to create everything that’s dark and gloomy, though. With the right set of eyes, you can appreciate the artistry that gothic design stresses. These great minds have been trained to value the beauty of old cathedrals and other majestic structures.
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A great way to wrap your mind around this unique interior design is to imagine intricate and ancient churches instead of dreary places. These are actually sanctuaries with stately windows complete with stained glass. Designs of roses or trefoils are also quite common as are majestic fireplaces situated below exposed beams and wooden rafters.
Beautiful candelabra should complete this divine style.
Gothic Interior Design: A Vertical Style
The gothic design is mainly a vertical style depicted by the looming peaks and arches, with windows growing larger and larger as you walk in each room. There is also an increased amount of lighting and ventilation as the years pass. The gloomy feel of the Romanesque churches are long gone.
Victorian gothic furniture pieces are usually made with sturdy and heavy oak wood adorned with the designs that are reminiscent of the Medieval Period. Headboards, chairs, cabinetry come with beautiful legs, arches and spirals. Heavy fabrics encase these heavy furniture pieces with every upholstery displaying the most majestic colors.
Including benches, pews and altar chairs is an effective way to show the kind of crafts that was featured during that time.
Gothic colors tend to be dark and rich with sombre hues of ruby, purple, forest green, ochre, and gold. You may use black but do so sparingly. It is not good to fall into the usual gothic notion where rooms are dark and even probably haunted. Vibrant colors like deep burgundy, emerald green, dark blue and ruby red are all acceptable.
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Gothic walls are covered with greenery, flowers and heavy patterns. Homeowners also use stencil designs and heraldic symbols. Paint your walls with flat colors in order to replicate the stone surfaces.
Accentuate stained glass windows with full suits of armor, wrought iron, candles and pews. Cornices and carved ribbing are also common characteristics of gothic interior design.
Display wooden, carved sconces as well as pottery dishes. Wrought iron lamps should be able to cast that needed glow inside an otherwise dark room.
For the final touch, go full gothic by adding dramatic elements such as moldings, dark wallpaper and heavy curtains. Just like you would with any style that you choose, go all out in using the gothic interior design.
Tags: dark color scheme, dark colors, dark design, dark hues, dark-colored hues, French design, French design elements, French furnishings, gothic, gothic interior design, gothic interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Victorian gothic
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 17th, 2016
Century Furniture Bedroom Turkish Peak Uph Headboard – King 88-006K
Morocco has always been a place of luxury and romance. Located in Northern Africa, this is a country that is culturally diverse because its coastline lies on both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Moroccan interior design reflects this very diversity and rich history. It showcases arched doorways, beautiful ornate carvings and the brightest, flowing fabrics, it has easily become one of the most renowned styles throughout the world.
Moorish architecture can be seen all over the world but it is especially rich in the Arab regions in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The features of this kind of architecture include domes, arches, deco tiles, and courtyards.
Exotic Moroccan Interior Design
Moroccan interior design is both exotic and luxurious. Adding Moroccan architectural details and furniture to the rooms in your home will create a fabulous appeal. Add some Moroccan decor and you have achieved a style that is like none other.
Find jewel-tone fabrics that can hang loosely over the walls or on your plush sofa. Highlight the beauty and colors of these fabrics by using lamps and sconces. Check out our beautiful array of fabrics here at McCreery’s Home Furnishings.
Create interesting shadows with the help of wall sconces. Highlight also those handcrafted pieces of glass that you already own.
What’s unique about Moroccan interior design is that it includes decorative patterns and ethnic motifs, all coming from different cultures.
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Moroccan architectural details include wooden arches and carved doorways. Look for Islamic designs, bright wall tiles, and colorful wall decor. These are the most recognizable elements of the Moroccan style.
Shop for mosaic tiles complete with hand-painted ornaments. These are the best adornment for your floor, walls and kitchen backsplash, even the countertops.
As to the wooden furniture for your bedroom, look for carved headboards. Tables should be intricate and large floor cushions should be used. Decorate with metal lamps, vases, wooden furniture and elaborately-designed tableware.
Add some serving trays, framed mirrors, and some chic decor.
When it comes to kitchen and bathroom fixtures, be sure to look for brass and copper stuff. Bring the most luxurious materials in. Stunning craftsmanship is the best for Moroccan living spaces. Both modern and antique decor can add a mysterious touch to your Moroccan interiors.
Speaking of luxury, you should have touches of gold or yellow with silver ornaments. Complete the look with purple shades, embroidered pillows, Moroccan textiles, geometric carpets, and canopies. All these can create a feeling of peace and harmony in your home.
Moroccan interior design is also about highlighting the beauty of courtyards.
No courtyard in your home? Then there’s no problem. This should not stop you from using Moroccan elements outdoors, though. Adorn the outdoor space with water features, some fragrant flowers, some pottery, hanging lanterns and a low bench.
Combining Moroccan Interior Design with Other Styles
There are some homes that already come with rich Moroccan details. If you happen to have such a home, then you can add some other simple designs to balance the intricacy of Moroccan style. Scandinavian interior design, in its simplicity, can be used together with this complex style.
Find the horseshoe arches characterized by the huge, round arch atop a straight and narrow doorway. These Moorish arches – also known as keyhole arches – can stand on their own; in fact, they can be a wonderful focal point in your home.
Add details through less permanent paint finishes. Begin by taping off your chosen design on a wall, canvas or bookshelf then pain over with your choice of color.
You can also go rustic by adding a traditional rug, colorful bedding, saddles and blankets. Focus on geometric designs and colorful palettes.
Tags: African, African design, African theme, designing with wood, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Moroccan, Moroccan interior design, Moroccan interiors, Moroccan style, rustic, rustic charm, rustic elements, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, wood, wooden elements, wooden materials
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2016
FFDM’s RayLen Vineyards Collection: This wooden artwork was crafted by master artisans to satiate the most discerning tastes.
The sunroom – not every home in the country has one. It is a place where a family can gather to bond. It can also be the perfect setting for bookworms who enjoy daytime readings. To others, this place is perfect for al fresco meals. If this unique room happens to be sitting in your home and you don’t know what to do, here are some sunroom decorating tips that will surely help –
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Know Your Sunroom Decorating Needs
Again, there can be different purposes for the sunroom. If this is a place that comes next to your living room when it comes to places where the family bonds, then find a couch that accommodates everyone. If it is a place for reading, then a cozy chair right next to a lovely lamp would suffice. Cushioned dining chairs are not just perfect for dining but will also double as seating during moments of deep family conversations.
If you have a sunroom that is constantly flooded with sunlight during the day, then you have to consider what sort of furniture you will need. Find a comfortable sofa, leather chair and a wooden coffee table. Use earthy materials since the boundary between the indoors and the outdoors is, in essence, not seen.
There are sunrooms that come with various points of entry. If some of these entries are not used regularly, then use the space for a different activity zone. Most parts of the sunroom could be used as a second living room but with proper division, you can also set up a stylish place for outdoor eating.
If the sunroom is protected from the harsh elements, then you can already use indoor items like stereos, lamps and a flatscreen TV. Your friends and family members are sure to be drawn into your sunroom as you bring in units of entertainment such as your DVD player.
If you want to deviate from this contemporary setting, then you can always go traditional. Use the same vibe on the fixtures and finishes that has been used throughout your home. Classic furniture patterns and lines, even decorative accents such as a chandelier can do wonders.
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Artwork for Sunroom Decorating
Eclectic design, say, a mixture of black and white, can be used to add a visually entertaining element. This mix can make gray walls or boring window treatments appear more exciting.
A sofa, or a paired table and chair could be the focal points in a sunroom but an interesting artwork can also offer this same level of beauty. Even the simple placement of your sunroom furniture pieces can be considered art.
If you have two entry ways in your sunroom, for instance, you can use one of them to hang artwork. Cushions can have interesting designs to make the sunroom more interesting. Use fabrics that tie together bright colors such as orange, yellow and turquoise. Consider adding a corner bench especially in smaller spaces. This bench can be outfitted with decorative pillows. A cabinet or two can be used for extra storage.
Add a decorative rug to this place and you’d be the talk of the town.
Sunroom Decorating When There’s a View
Most of the time, sunrooms are used for dining, reading and family fun moments. But what if you happen to be blessed with a sunroom that’s got a beautiful view? If you have this kind of sunroom, then it’s time to rethink of the setup that you have been planning.
Be sure to arrange the furniture pieces in a way that would allow the homeowners to bask in the sunlight. They must also have a limitless view of the interesting scenery outside. Since the beautiful outdoors will already serve as the artwork for this particular room, then all you would need are a few decorative pillows, a rug, or a simple statue. The key is to keep distractions to a bare minimum.
Tags: artwork, decorating the sunroom, displaying artwork, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sunroom, sunroom design, sunroom interior design, sunroom style
Posted in Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2016
What bathroom wouldn’t look classy with this Hooker Furniture Accessories French Jewelry Armoire 500-50-757? It is a jewelry armoire that can accentuate a bathroom, even bedrooms, the foyer, or hallways. Every side door opens to reveal hanging storage and five felt-lined drawers.
A complete overhaul of a bathroom, no matter how small, can be costly. This kind of project need not break the bank, though. You can remodel a bathroom for as low as $2,600. Bring in a plumber to look at your water lines and a professional interior designer to complete your bathroom remodelling.
Bathroom Remodelling Tips
Here are a few guidelines on how you can have a smooth transition from your old bathroom to the fashionable one that you are trying to set up.
First, make sure that you have everything on hand. Keep in mind that shopping and the actual delivery of huge items such as vanity tables can take a bit of time. Before you go about and start hammering down walls or sawing them off, just make sure that you already have everything that you need from the plumbing fixtures, lighting, tiles, a new tub perhaps, and yes, that beautiful vanity table.
Don’t get frustrated waiting for parts to be delivered, instead, have them all with you before you begin the project. It is much better to patiently wait for the parts than be left with an unusable bathroom all because you were too excited to start the renovation.
McCreery’s Home Furnishings has an exciting array of vanities that are sure to visually excite you. Work around this beautiful focal piece. As you choose the right vanity table according to your preference and the features of your bathroom, see how you can build a style that would work cohesively. You can also ask for customized lavatories or shop for beautiful designs online.
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Many homeowners choose to shop online as this takes away the stress brought about by running from one store to the next. Find framed mirrors that will reflect the new bathroom wall tiles and your beautiful vanity.
Find also a gorgeous in-shower storage for the toiletries such as your soap, shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, and razor. Say no to cheap plastic cabinets that can hang on your showerhead. These can also be attached to the tub running all the way up to the ceiling. These are ugly storage units that will only ruin the attractiveness of your remodelled bathroom.
A much better choice is to find ceramic shelves that can be installed at the shower corner. For those towels, you may use wooden shelving for as long as the water will not splash or reach the area where you install it.
If you find that the removal of vinyl or floor tiling is too time consuming and taxing, then try this much simple way. Just rip up the bathroom’s underlayment together with the floor covering. Cutting this into smaller sections can make the job of removing it a lot easier. Have a circular saw blade cut through the plywood underlayment. Cut only deep through this portion and not the underlying subfloor.
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Adding pizzazz to your bathroom remodelling project does not have to be pricey. Just purchase a few glass or mosaic tiles to be used as borders. Sporadically distribute these stunning pieces throughout the bathroom. Doing so will add character and brightness to your new bathroom.
Another important part of bathroom remodelling is to update the lighting. Nothing can be uglier inside a bathroom than those outdated lighting fixtures. Plan what kind of lighting you will use early on so you would be able to tell if you need more cables for the project.
Consider using recessed lighting for unique illumination. Find lights that are rated especially for bathrooms.
When you think you’ve done everything and the bathroom still looks unbalanced, then do not be afraid to call a professional. You could need an electrician to run the cable for you especially for those in-floor heating controls. You definitely need a plumber who will check what drain or water lines need to be moved. Lastly, an interior designer could give you tips to help you achieve that relaxing aura for your bathroom remodelling project so go ahead and search among the best ones.
Tags: bathroom remodel, bathroom remodeling, bathroom renovation, bathroom vanity, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, remodeling the bathroom, storage, vanity, vanity table, vanity tables
Posted in Bathroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Remodeling | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2016
Accessorize limited space with this lovely Maitland-Smith Accessories Box Of Young Penshelll 1100-437.
Condo living has become quite popular in the past decade. This isn’t surprising because living in a condominium is an efficient way to maintain a city lifestyle while having accessibility to different metropolitan areas. Condo allows families or individuals to live conveniently. In a condo, you are always near schools, workplaces, malls, and everything that you require for your daily needs. With these benefits come limited space, though. These are the only issues that a condo renter needs to deal with.
Thou Shalt Not Fear Condo Living
Even the smallest condominium spaces can bring out your creative side. This is also an opportunity to come up with an energy efficient home, one that will cut down your usual expenses. Your place, no matter how small, can be a relaxing haven after a whole day of stressful work. It becomes a peaceful place only if you know what elements to bring in.
Now keep in mind that the small space of a condo should not limit your artistic style. If you are fond of travelling, then you can display framed photos of the places that you already visited. You can also showcase maps, cultural emblems, tickets and all of your travel finds.
Frame these travel elements with rare earth hues like gray, brown or black. Find wallpaper that looks similar to a map. It will then be easy to find stones that you can place on your work desk. Throws and pillows with country design will also look great in a travel-inspired condo.
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Another timeless design that you can use in your condominium is chic elegance. You will definitely stand out from among other condo dwellers once you bring in some sophistication to your cozy dwelling.
Chic elegance need not be expensive. All you need is a sharp eye for class and detail. Center your attention on neutral colors such as gray, beige or dark brown. Find lighting fixtures that can illuminate interesting decor or artwork.
Chic elegance also means choosing furniture that is polished. ‘Want glass furniture? Go ahead and invest in such.
Condo living can also take you back to the past. Retro and vintage also are timeless designs and concepts that are being embraced all over the world today. These styles can be seen in fashion also in interior designs of restaurants and other establishments. Retro style offers a distinctive feeling though you also get excited over disco embellishments in red and orange.
Display your collections of old catalogs, typography, unique cookware, and old books. Say no to bulky room furniture as they tend to occupy a lot of space. You may invest in an earth-colored couch and a wooden dining table complete with tea set.
Condo Living in Plains and Prints
The fashion map can point to two different directions – plains and prints. Visitors will surely love fresh zebra prints, polka dots or the classic fusion of black and white.
Plains and prints are the easiest pairing that you can grab. Just remember one thing, though – do not overdo this combination or you’d have a messy and loud condo space.
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Nature and Condo Living
Natural scenes such as mountains and trees are great views inside a condo space – even when they just come from a framed photograph. You are one of the lucky individuals if you are given a nice view of the city skyline. To balance the modernity offered by this view, you can bring in some potted plants. You can also have a lavish view of the morning sunlight if you draw the curtains to the side. This is also an effective way to save on electricity.
Summer loving colors like red, yellow, orange or blue can effectively illuminate your condo space.
One Shade of Condo Living
Simplicity will always be beautiful. If you are not a huge fan of lively colors, then you can go ahead and go monochrome. White may be stark but finding the right shade will make a home appear more expansive.
Black, gray, dark brown and other dark colors should be used minimally since shadowy colors tend to make a small space appear much smaller.
Tags: condo, condo living, condominium living, designing a small space, living in a condominium, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small space, small space living, small space organization, small space solutions, tips
Posted in Condo Living, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
Friday, February 12th, 2016
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Have you ever heard of the term Ikat? This is actually a kind of fabric that has been woven, dipped and dyed in almost the same way as tie-dyed stuff. The creation of Ikat prints is time consuming, hence, it was a symbol of power and wealth among Indonesians.
Ikat became available to interior design just a few years back. John Robshow, a famous fabric collector, as well as Madeline Weinrib, took Ikat and turned it into a high-end material. Soon, Oscar dela Renta also used the material on their scarves, bags, dresses and shoes.
The Ikat Technique
Ikat is a technique of resist dyeing that is used in making textile patterns. Resist dyeing often involves covering some parts of the fabric to shield them from the dye’s penetration. Thread is wound around the fabrics then wax is applied to the cloth’s surface (batik).
Ikat, in contrast, is a process done before weaving, warping or wefting. To come up with the patterns, the threads are first set on a frame. Several threads are then grouped then tied all at once. This results in knot units where the overall pattern made obvious.
Resist ties are then removed or some are added for every color. The combinations give birth to the designs. As the dyeing is completed, every single one of the resists is opened then the patterned yarns are finally woven.
Ikat is a Malay-Indonesian term for tie. Depending on whether tied fibers are used on the weft or warp, the technique can be called either as weft ikat or warp ikat. The double ikat is known as the third variety. This mixes the weft and warp tied resist.
The pattern becomes visible through the use of a major resist-dyed thread system. Warp ikat makes use of weave that is warp-faced while weft ikat has a weft-faced look.
Plain weave is best for showcasing the ikat design. Weft ikat which is a twill weave, can also be used.
Double ikat is ideally woven using a balanced weave, with weft and warp both visible. Any kind of textile fiber can be used to create ikat, though cotton and silk are quite common.
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More Ikat History
It is not established where and when the resist technique first came into existence. Asia comes with cultural regions with strong ikat culture. India, Central Asia and Maritime Southeast Asia are all candidates for where the technique originated.
Ikat could have evolved earlier, though. The Austronesian world also knows of this technique of tie dyeing. Madagascar and Indonesian ikat traditions seem to have similarities.
The earliest productions of ikat have also been seen in Peru, Chile, Guatemala, even Nigeria and Ghana. The Mediterranean region and Europe answered with ikat when Islamic textiles became renown. Italy soon welcomed this lovely print during the 17th century. The rest of Europe including Spain and France also started to produce these lovely prints.
The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed how Asia produced quality ikat textiles. Countries such as Japan, India and the rest of Asia produced these quality textiles in abundance. China, though famous for textile production, was not able to develop this technique.
India and the rest of Southeast Asia are the regions that offered more diverse ikat designs. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Orissa proved to have their own ikat traditions. The sari-length silk cloths were soon manufactured in double ikat by Patan weavers.
Ikat designs, even to this day, require precision and a great amount of planning. If you have one in your home, then you are in possession of a piece that has weathered the test of time.
Tags: 19th century, 20th century, Asian design, Asian style, geometric patterns, ikat, ikat design, ikat patterns, ikat prints, Indian, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patterns
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, February 11th, 2016
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Have you been searching for the look that would be most suitable for your home? If you want a look that is just right, one that is not too formal, fussy, warm or comfortable; one that is not traditional or contemporary, then what you want is the transitional look. Transitional interior design is streamlined spaces that harmonize all the design elements.
Transitional interior design works because it is what’s featured in many interior design magazines. Take a closer look at those photos and you will notice how you will get the best of both worlds – the old and the new.
Transitional interiors do not stray from what you have been familiar with. You actually have the leeway to freshen the look of your home according to your tastes. You can also update indefinitely if you want to reflect the interior design trends. As seasons pass, the design will also age, eventually, you will start to enjoy the timelessness that your home offers.
Transitional interior design is all about achieving the balance between traditional and contemporary. Sometimes, this is not the case. You can also mix and match a few pieces coming from other interior design themes. This is as long as they do not detract from the tailored setup.
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Transitional Is Updated Classic
Also known as updated classic, you are sure to love this theme if you are a diplomat. You can use some statement accessories as the transitional look is one that suits color junkies.
Warm neutrals are the ruling hues for this style so go ahead and use taupe, cream, khaki, tan or gray. A hint of espresso or chocolate is also welcome. There should be an understatement of patterns. Do not use huge florals and bold prints.
If you are one person who cannot imagine a world without bright colors, then make sure that you use these hues strategically. Accents can have bright colors as can lamps, artworks and throw pillows.
Monochrome is never boring when used in a transitional setting. When used, though, make sure that you invest in strong furniture, patterned curtains, and wooden pieces. These are pieces that can effectively break up the neutrality of your chosen color palette.
Wide windows can offer ample lighting. Find lighting fixtures that can highlight special upholstery, walls and rugs. Transitional furnishings come with straightforward designs and crisp profiles. Say no to baroque finish, instead, find gentle curves that offer subtle energy.
Updated versions of furniture can be used together with the older sets. Use scales that are big enough. Make sure the cushions are inviting and comfortable. You would want your guests to relax and just flop down once you invite them over.
Clean lines are your new best friend when trying to embrace the transitional look. Shapely armchairs can balance a simple sofa. Round ottoman or a round table can be the perfect circular motif in a living room.
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Transitional Flooring
Flooring is a crucial backdrop in all transitional rooms. Forget about the materials and concentrate more on the colors. You can use stone, natural wood, tile, or carpeting. You have the freedom to mix different floor surfaces in your home.
Since color cannot be relied upon in punching up the flooring or even the rest of your transitional space, the be sure to take note of the textures that you bring in. Use natural fibers, woven fabrics, shiny and matte finishes. Think also of chenille, burlap, sisal, leather and rattan. These are materials with tactile beauty which will fit just right in. Do not go overboard, though. Layer these materials effectively and you will see your home come to life.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic interior design, classic interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, transitional, transitional interior design, transitional interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, February 11th, 2016
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Fire is known to be an essential element to man. It is primal but is key to man’s survival. Fire can be used to describe passion, deep love or hatred, even vengeance. Fire is essential in shaping the world. To come into existence, it needs three elements – air, fuel and heat. The fireplace is a great way to bring in the lovely flames into your home. If you have a fireplace in your home, have you ever wondered how to dress it up?
Fireplace in the Middle of the Living Room
Having an open fire right in the middle of a room can have its benefits as well as disadvantages. The biggest advantage is that you won’t have to worry about heating up the living room. With fire comes smoke, though. While others love the smell of smoke because of its tanginess, others do not want the hazardous smell to emanate inside their home.
In order to control the smoke, or if you want to clear it out of your home, the simple solution is to cut through the roof. The smoke will automatically go up there. The hole will allow the smoke to escape but, of course, you do not want a simple hole to become a part of your home. While the smoke would waft up there, that hole is not at all appealing.
Now say hello to the chimney. The fireplace and the chimney are companions that always go hand-in-hand. This union was invented in the 12th century. These features were considered as part of castles and homes of noblemen.
Extra care was taken in making brick or stone fireplaces. By the 1500s and the 1600s, the fireplace had become a regular addition to people’s homes.
Beginning during the Medieval Period, homes in varying grandeur were built with fireplaces and chimneys. These were also built with brick or stone. The brick pipe, long stone or vent channelled the smoke out of the houses. The smoke box which is the chamber down the chimney pipe is used as a buffer against any downdraft. The firebox is just below the smoke box and is where you should start the fire. The hearth is the brick or stone platform where the firebox and chimney are both built. These sometimes extend out of the firebox to the room, to offer protect from rolling logs.
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Fireplace Advantages
Fireplaces are lovely parts of a home. They offer numerous advantages. This means living in a home where the fire is now safely contained inside a room. There is also the stone chute to make the smoke disappear from the room. These are big improvements from just that single hole on the roof.
In smaller residences, the fireplace can serve as a heater as well as a place where food can be cooked. Fire can keep the house warm while providing a place to heat pots or pans of scrumptious dishes.
While the fireplace became more renown, it has become a part of many homes. A totally new industry sprung up, aiming to supply accessories and equipment used in fireplaces.
The fireplace grate was invented long ago (1600s) and were a development from the andirons. Andirons can hold huge logs, even chunks of firewood but the fireplace grate contains the fire, charcoal, kindling and fuel (wood). Grates vary in sizes from the smaller grates to the larger wood-burning fireplace grates.
Fenders can be made of iron or brass and are used as fireguard. These prevent ash or rolling logs from burning that beautiful carpet right in front of your fireplace.
Add the dust bin, bellows, fireback, fire screen and other tools and you’re ready to start enjoying the crackling flames in your living room.
Tags: designing a fireplace, fireplace, fireplace design, fireplace elements, homey, homey ambiance, homey ambience, homey atmosphere, homey interiors, living room accent, living room accents, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
Uttermost Living Room Dice, Accent Table 24168 is red, bold, and everything that’s exciting.
Red is a color associated with bravery, life, and strangely, even death. The deeper shades of red such as scarlet are also linked to aggression, power and sex. Color psychology is a new branch of science that shows how colors influence people’s moods and actions, even the way they perceive things. It is said that wearing red can even alter your hormonal balance and physiology. This is why red is widely used in interior design.
Dramatic Red
Red in interior design brings energy, passion and drama. When used as an accent wall, ceiling, floor or on furnishings, it evokes strong emotions among spectators. Remember that colors and feelings are closely linked when designing or decorating a room.
The meaning of color can greatly improve interior design. Find out what the historical meaning of red is then use this information to create powerful statements in your home.
Red is an attractive and powerful color. This hue stirs humans to action, whether these are the hot shades, the dark ones, or the bright hues.
Red in modern interior design can be used in paint, wallpapers, furniture, and accessories. Invigorate your senses and stir your spirit by making red the star color of your home.
Interior design hues can make or break the way a room looks. Red ceiling, accent walls, or home furnishings will create a more active environment. Use red subtly or powerfully – it’s really up to you.
Canadel Dining Room Buffet BUF3063M2.
How to Use Red in Interior Design
Making a room feel more intimate is easy when you have the color red to use. Feature this color on one wall so you can visually rework a narrow room. Different shades and patterns of red can harmonize to perk up any room. The small dining room will feel like a romantic destination if you use effectively use the color red.
Red linoleum can also be used on the floor. This is most exciting when used inside the kitchen which is the heart of any home and the room that is often bustling with a lot of activity. Painting the inside of a china cabinet or cupboard with red will instantly add energy into a room. The dining room will look more elegant with scarlet lacquered walls and espresso trim.
See the Canadel Buffet that is featured on this page. It is both a storage space and a lovely decor. This single piece effectively combines function and design. It can store and showcase your most beautiful glassware, dishes, flatware and serving dishes.
Red will never bore you. Red chairs look inviting inside a living room, just add red drapery and allow the light to bring in some playful colors. The soft, red glow will make people want to bond together.
Red also offers versatility as you combine it with other exciting colors. Earthy red when used with wooden tones will instantly make a room appear cozy. Adding red to soft gray and a dash of magenta will make a room appear more feminine.
Orient Express Furniture Living Room Butler Storage Ottoman – Red Leather 6450.RED-005. This piece is an ottoman slash storage unit. ‘Lovely isn’t it?
Depending on textures, the deeper shades of red can absorb light while the brighter hues make the light bounce off the walls. Adding red to purple or brown will offer a feeling of warmth even more than stark red with dashes of pink.
Reds with orange tinge can also energize the senses while purple and red hues will make the space appear quieter and more intimate.
Red Exteriors – Why Not?
Red is also a vibrant color that you can add to your home’s exteriors. Front doors painted red are believed to be the most welcoming. The porch floor will look more inviting with red paint or red tiles; none can be more striking.
Outdoor plants will also look great when planted in red containers. Red is a great and natural complement for greeneries.
Embrace red indoors and outdoors; rest assured that your home will surely stand out from the rest.
Tags: color psychology, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, red, red in interior design, red interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Metal Canopy Bed, Queen 5.0 1349-250 251 252 253
Couples and lovers all over the world look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day every year. This holiday was named to honor two Christian martyrs but eventually became connected to love and romance. These days, it is celebrated all over the world thanks to marketing efforts of entrepreneurial folks.
Romantic Bedroom for a Romantic Holiday
The bedroom is a special place where intimacies are exchanged. Surprise your loved one by dressing up this part of your home. Here are some guidelines on how you can make this room a tad more special during Valentine’s Day –
Maitland-Smith Accessories Iron Fire Screen 1351-381
Use dimmers to induce more feelings of romance. Remember that bright light drives away romantic feelings while dimmed lighting induces passionate moments.
A fireplace, of course!
Another surefire way of bringing romance to any bedroom is to have a fireplace there. The dancing flames are sure to evoke romantic feelings as you spend that special night with your special someone.
Thomasville Bedroom Gallina Ensemble Set (Super Queen) TV-BD1-21.
Another accessory that you should consider installing is a beautiful set of window curtains. Find the plush, dark and alluring ones. Make sure that lights coming from the street won’t reach the bedroom as these will distract your special moment.
Flowing curtains and draperies can catch the wind and add a romantic appeal to the bedroom.
Picking the color of the bedding is crucial in making your Valentine’s night a special one. You might do everything right but if you fail on the color, then all your efforts won’t matter anymore.
Red would be overdoing the Valentine’s theme so you might as well pick from all these other romantic colors – bronze, pearl or gold. Other popular colors are blue, green, black and white.
If silk and satin aren’t doable, then you can always go for sateen. Sateen sheets are also luxurious and cozy. Find an interesting texture for your bedding. Velvet, faux fur and velour are all soft fabrics that are used in blankets, comforters and throw pillows.
‘Want animal print bedding? Then go ahead and purchase one. This kind of pattern will look great when highlighted by a lovely chandelier.
The Romantic Bed
What could be more romantic than a bed with canopy? This added feature will make the bedroom appear more spacious. You can never go wrong with a wooden bed. Whether you opt for softwood or hardwood, that’s really up to you; each one offers a beauty that other materials will have difficulty matching.
To cap the set up of your romantic bedroom, make sure that you play some soft music as your loved one arrives. Add potpourri, chocolate, and champagne and you’re in for a night that’s worth remembering.
Tags: bed, bedroom mirror, candelabra, candelabrum, fireplace, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mirror, romantic bedroom, romantic setting, romantic setup, Valentine's Day
Posted in Bedroom Design | No Comments »
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