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Saturday, September 24th, 2016
7072-002CR Hamptons 3 Over 3 Sofa
Living rooms’ primary function is to gather family members in one space. Others believe that one’s identity can also be communicated through this room. There is a design criterion that needs to be met when setting up the living room. First, you have to recognize that this can be both a private and a public room. It’s a private room when you stay there with your loved ones or a public space when you’re hosting parties for friends.
Recognize that memories of your family time and moments with your friends in a living room could affect the connotation that they have for this space. After all, this space can be a place of solitude or a place for huge parties.
Know that hosting guests in a living room can include formal gathering or the more intimate scenarios.
Key Concepts
Every living room must have a sofa. Most families add a seating unit that is placed diagonally to this furniture piece. Some like placing a table in front of the sofa instead. Artwork can also be displayed on living room walls. Other objects can have the same purpose as artwork (e.g. framed photos, knickknacks, or gifts). Books are a common display on walls, too.
Not a lot of people spend moments of solitude such as writing, reading and contemplating inside the living room even when the physical elements in that space are used to foster privacy.
Tackling Living Room Design
There are two stages in designing the living room. First, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Look at the room while it is still bare space. Next, find out how you can arrange the furnishings in the room.
Have a graphing paper and draw the room that you wish to achieve. There is no need to have a drafting degree for this kind of drawing. Have one square on the graph represent 6 inches; this means that a 10 by 8 feet space should have 20 by 16 squares.
Draw the doors, windows, furniture placements, and fireplaces, just about anything that you can move around. Now create some copies and use these as your sketchpad. You can go ahead and draw many different chair and sofa placements before anyone rearranges or sets up anything. Being able to view the room at an abstract sort of way can help you find new style options.
Figuring out the best layout for your living room means you have to prioritize flow, function as well as the focal point. The flow is the traffic pattern in a room. This is how people travel through the room and what paths are made available.
As for the room’s function, this can be defined by seeing the stuff that you will put in there. If the pieces are mainly TV, subwoofers, speakers, and such, then it’s a living room that’s mainly for entertainment. If it’s filled with shelves of books and a plush sofa plus a pair of floor lamps or a desk lamp paired with a wingbacked chair, then that living room is definitely a reading space.
A living room must also have a focal point. This if often the fireplace or a picturesque window. If you have all three – the picture window, fireplace and TV, then each should be placed on different walls. The traffic in the room must also be free-flowing.
Sometimes, it’s as easy as setting up the television. The focal point is what you and your family get to see as soon as they walk into the living room. The rest of the furniture and other design elements are arranged all around it.
Now it’s time to place the furniture at the right angles. This will offer a dynamic space. Leave no less than 36 inches of width for your living room traffic. Smaller groups of furniture should have 18 inches of space, at the very least, in front of them so that they can be accessed with ease.
Tags: designing the living room, history of the living room, living room concepts, living room design elements, living room furniture, living room style, McCreery's, McCreery's Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | No Comments »
Friday, September 23rd, 2016
8113-066CR Astor King Bed Complete
If you have an upcoming design project to accomplish, then you are about to face a gargantuan task ahead. Fortunately, there are steps that you could follow to design your room without going crazy –
Figure Out the Budget
This is the first step in designing any room. Make sure that your checklist places this at the very top, meaning, you have to establish the budget before you even buy the first nail.
As soon as you are able to commit on a certain budget, then you’ll see that you can make clearer decisions about what should be done next. The money that you allocate for this project will define how much you will accomplish.
Use the Checklist
This may seem simple but it actually requires a huge amount of discipline. It pays to have pictures during this process. Choose photographs from catalogs and magazines which show the design colors, furniture, woodwork, and other elements that you can add to your project.
This list must contain your priorities but remember to be realistic. Indicate the rooms and things that are essential and those that are mere want. Prioritize the former.
Remember that you must always work in order. Never organize projects wherein workmen will walk through rooms that have just been finished. This would ruin the entire project and prolong the set timetable.
Use the list to put in structural changes that you want such as adding focal points in high ceilings, welcoming in natural light, or highlighting a scenic view. Hidden room assets can be restored or maintained.
Seek Help from a Pro
As soon as you have your budget and your checklist, then it’s time to ask the help of a professional. Ask your friends and neighbors if they still have the number of their interior designer. Consider visiting the houses of your friends and, this time, take a good look at the design details.
It is important that you’d feel comfortable working with a professional. Ask questions regarding their past projects. At the very least, check out albums of their past jobs. Talk also about the professional fees that will be charged. Have everything written down. Ask the designer about his or her scope of work then ask for a proposal based on your design requirements.
Never Go Over the Budget
There is a reason why it’s called a budget. This is an amount that you set so that there’s a cap or a ceiling on your expenditure. You have to learn to prioritize to keep your budget intact. Be realistic and honest with what you really can afford in terms of time and money.
Prioritizing means you have to know which areas really need improvement at the moment. Approach your goals room upon room. You might have the means to redo your home right away but it is still best to do it in phases.
Use the budget as a tool that can assist you in planning your design project. Accomplish the plan according to your budget and the money allotted per design stage.
The Inside-Out and Top-Down Rules
As you work through your checklist, there are two rules that you need to follow first, the Inside-Out. This rule states that carpentry, electrical and plumbing works should be done before you apply the wall and flooring finishes.
The second rule is the top-down rule. This states that recessed ceiling lights should be done before the plasterer does his job. You must also paint the ceilings before you go down to the walls. Save flooring installation for last especially when you are placing marble, tiles, wood or carpeting.
Tags: design checklist, interior design budget, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Thursday, September 22nd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sunset Point Display Cabinet deliciously spells country cottage.
Cottage living is seen as a simplistic and natural style. Here, it is easy to feature architectural beauties or showcase imperfections in your home that could actually turn out to be unique elements.
Typically small and challenged in terms of storage, country cottages often come with armoires and cupboards. Look for these furniture pieces if you want to stow away more stuff. It’s time to tuck linens inside the wooden trunk and the dishes placed inside a pie safe. Go ahead and hide the modern-day electronic appliances behind weathered cabinets.
The comfort that country cottage brings with it comes with age. The patina in wood speaks of generations past or simply of a properly weathered look. Find coverlets, canvas slipcovers, and other stuff in bolder greens, creamy whites, or buttery yellow.
Country Living Begins with White
Gray, oyster shell and taupe are the right hues for cottage living. When these are fused, they tend to make a space look fresh, vibrant and beautifully natural. Think of wood beams exposed high up in those vaulted ceilings. These could expand a master bedroom or any spacious retreat.
Use white paint across ceilings and walls. This is the standard look that you could default to if you don’t know how to achieve country cottage just yet.
Don’t stop with the furnishings, though. Carry that paintbrush and swipe it all across your wooden flooring. You can also achieve a nautical-inspired bedroom for kids. These floors will beautifully contrast with pine boards on your walls and the ceiling.
Sanding, Weathering and Distressing Highlighted
The key elements to the country cottage design are distressed, weathered or sanded furnishings. So go ahead and seek out these styles here –
That stunning piece of furniture can also be just right in front of you. At times, you can sand your existing furniture, rough up their edges a bit, and voila, you have a stylish country cottage piece in your hands. The sanding block can make pieces look old – way older – than they really are.
Stanley Furniture Dining Room Arm Chair 007-21-70
Opposites Attract
This concept is applicable in interior design, too. You must always strive to achieve balance by fusing opposite pieces. This means finding joy in marrying glossy with the muted pieces or the contemporary with the distressed ones.
Cozy Means Cottage, Cottage Means Cozy
Just as soon as you walk in a country cottage home, you should feel at home straightaway. Natural elements and neutral color palette have the power to rejuvenate the senses. A space can immediately look livable and comfortable if you use them.
Throw a slipcover onto your sofa then add a good amount of throw pillows for upped comfort. Materials that you should definitely look into are burlap, linen, and wool.
Fresh Blooms Aplenty
You will never find a country cottage home that does not feature some fresh flowers. These are natural design elements that can soften the starkness of some architectural features. You can also add some potted plants to make your home more natural.
Make Country Cottage YOU
Pull in all of your preferred elements to come up with a space that is solely yours. A country cottage style dining room, for instance, can be a daily or an occasional eating spot according to your preference. For the former, you can set up a casual table, a bench or two, some slipcovered chairs, and your everyday dishware. For the latter, you can add formal lighting in the form of chandeliers.
It’s Not Quaint
When people think of country cottage, they immediately think of worn out homes with old fixtures and furnishings. This is not always the case. While there are rural and simple cottages, it might surprise you that there are also state-of-the-art homes featuring country cottage décor.
Tags: country, country chic, country cottage, country cottage design, country cottage style, country style, country style interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic look, rustic style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, September 22nd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Home Entertainment Clermont Four Piece Wall Group
Have you ever experienced watching in a movie theatre only to come out with a terrible case of stiff neck? The first five rows often have this effect since you end up spending the next hour and a half tilting your head back. The greatest news about setting up your own theatre in your home is that you don’t have to go through this dilemma.
A family entertainment center or FEC is actually a term that is designated to an entire industry. This is also the same term used for a segment in that same industry.
If you want to bring the world of entertainment right into your home, then it’s time to learn a few guidelines –
Purchase the Right TV Size for Your Entertainment Center
Your natural inclination might be to buy the biggest possible TV that you can find. That humongous TV can instantly become the statement piece in the room. The problem with quickly picking a television is that it could turn out to be too large for the viewing distance. With the wrong size comes the inability to see the entire image or screen.
Low resolution images look bad when shown at a tight distance. With that overly large display comes a rather underwhelming show, so, instead of automatically purchasing the biggest projection screen or television, find out what is the ideal size for your home theatre.
There are online calculators that will tell you the right range of TV sizes for your home entertainment piece and the room where it is going to be situated. The general rule, though, is that the viewing distance must be between 1 ½ times the diagonal width of an HDTV, and about 3 times the diagonal of an SD screen.
Bernhardt Interiors Home Entertainment Entertainment Cabinet 366-860
Buy the Right Speakers and/or Subwoofers
Speakers come with their own cabinets because the drivers inside them need a good amount of space as well as air resistance. If these two are achieved, then you can be guaranteed of quality sound.
Speakers that are placed inside another cabinet, therefore, are, in essence, hidden. Their placement defeats the very purpose of having speakers in the first place. Consider placing your entertainment center in-wall if you need the speakers to be placed out of sight. This is a design that won’t take up much space while still yielding better sound.
This same rule should be doubled for subwoofers.
Invest in the Right Entertainment Center
An entertainment center is a piece of furniture that serves as a platform or hiding space for the TV. Corded equipment are also placed there which is why furniture manufacturers reinvented the entertainment center. Now, it is not just a functional storage piece but a display unit as well. Nowadays, don’t just expect to see a TV in an entertainment center. This could also hold travel mementos, books, even an interesting collection of wine.
You might love the TV as one of the most important appliances in your home but it should not be the only piece that should get attention from everyone. Imagine shelving your family photo albums in the entertainment center.
Keeping a stock of wine can also be another purpose of this furniture piece. You can begin with a bottle or two of wine standing upright in one of the shelves and have the rest of the rows filled up with some more bottles. Make sure that some wine glasses are also added to make the entertainment center a unique sight to behold.
Herringbone shelving can also become a part of this piece so that more bottles can be added. It is believed that this kind of storage is the best type that would keep the corks moist.
The entertainment center could also be bought at a size that can hold travel, architecture and cook books.
Tags: entertainment center, entertainment room, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, relaxation room, room of relaxation, wall units
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 21st, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Block Chest features strong, straight, vertical lines for your living room.
Have you ever considered what the elements and principles of design are? There is quite a handful but for today, you’re going to learn about lines. A line is any horizontal, curving, vertical or diagonal streak. With more lines combined; planes, shapes and forms are eventually formed. Applied finishes, structural elements, and lighting can be applied to create bold lines in any space.
Horizontal Is Grounded
Lines that are applied horizontally elicit feelings of stability, direction and emphasis. Horizontal lines create length. They can also lower a high ceiling. When applied correctly, the viewer can be led to an interesting focal point.
Horizontal lines show solidity and a balanced relationship with Mother Nature. When this kind of line is found on an architectural detail like the moulding, then it offers a transition between two different spaces. Should they lead to a focal point, then horizontal lines can emphasize it.
A lot of horizontal lines in interiors could become boring so make sure to use them in moderation.
Vertical Is Balance
Vertical lines are usually linked with stability, strength, elevation and balance. There has been a hypothesis wherein seeing vertical lines is unnatural as compared to horizontal lines. The former tend to carry the eyes away from a person’s visual plane. It is for this reason that vertical lines are extended so that a sense of height is achieved in a cramped space.
Remember that vertical lines are lofty and formal but they could also be imposing and restrained. Expect the eyes to go upward and the room to appear higher or taller. Vertical lines also have the power to lift the spirit and mind of the beholder. This is why they are used purposefully by designers and architects inside public buildings, churches and cathedrals.
Vertical lines can easily diminish human scale because they are commanding, strong and visually formal.
Miles Talbott Living Room Chair DG-LX-40101-C has crisscross and some simple lines to showcase.
Diagonal Is Fluidity
Diagonal lines offer a sense of transformation, freedom, and dynamic movement. Any space can be brought to life if the eyes are directed from the ceiling and eventually down to the floor.
Diagonal lines can also add volume in any space. This means that a small room can look and feel larger when diagonal lines are added. Just make sure that you add diagonal lines correctly or you’d conjure a sense of imbalance, even chaos.
Diagonal lines can be presented at a steep or shallow angle. These lines suggest action and dynamism. Do you have a feel of going up or down the escalator when you look at a diagonal line? That’s pretty normal. Diagonal lines sustain interest a lot longer than vertical or horizontal lines.
Diagonal lines have a tendency to defy gravity because of the way they are angled. Though this is the case, they are still considered secure and stable.
Curved Is Organic
Curved lines can be arcing, freeform, elliptical or circular. These lines are often organic, natural, soothing and playful. If you are considering making a space flow, then you have to use a lot of curving lines. These are voluminous so expect them to take up a lot of space.
Curved or circular line can also be humanizing and graceful. They are easy and pleasing on the eyes because they resemble flowing water. Elliptical or round segments in architectural elements like fanlights and arched transoms offer a different kind of dignity to any home.
Curved lines are also considered to be feminine and decorative so don’t be surprised to find these inside a woman’s bedroom.
Zigzag Is Rhythmic
Zigzag lines are also diagonal lines but they are shorter and they reverse upon each other in order to form a regular or an irregular pattern. These lines can be found in one line or in a set. A set of zigzags are known as the herringbone or chevron pattern. Irregular zigzags, on the other hand, are called flame stitch pattern.
Tags: designing with lines, kinds of lines, line art, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, types of lines
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 21st, 2016
1586-80116-MULTI Aura Round Accent Table with Shell Top 1118CR Delancey Club Chair
Scandinavian design is maximized styling with the least amount of fuss, the two guiding principles being function and fundamentalism. This design has been shaped by the sensible minds in Old Nordic Europe resulting in airiness, light, serenity, even a stark oneness with Mother Nature.
Scandinavian trend is a concoction of Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish design principles. All of these use natural elements which favor the neutral color palette. Remember to keep lines more basic.
Winning the World Over with the Scandinavian Look
Scandinavian home design invaded the world right after the 1947 Triennale di Milano edition. This is a renowned design exhibit in Milan. Here, glassware, accessories and furniture pieces coming from Nordic regions are shown. Later, the world caught on as they saw the beauty that this stark white design can offer.
The design show soon travelled to the U.S. and in Canada. The years 1954 through 1957 were the most fascinating years for this design as more and more ideas were added.
It is interesting that Scandinavian trends have evolved from the usual European look of favored ornate and opulent décor brought to the world by royalty and aristocracy. The Nordic people embraced a more practical look though plush pieces also appear now and then.
Scandinavian Light
Lighting is key in the Nordic regions with only seven daylight hours during the winter season. The look and feel of your lighting fixture will say a lot about whether or not you have achieved the Scandinavian design.
Scandinavian interiors have different kinds of lighting for mood building and correct illumination. This usually hangs between the industrial and modern looks. The styles could be anything from pendant to wall sconces.
Candlelight is also a must as it can automatically add a beautiful glow to any space. Votives are a beautiful deviation though you can be traditional by using candelabra.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Mimosa – Cottage Fabric Barstool
Scandinavian Form and Function
Scandinavian furniture is all about the use of clean lines. Find chairs, tables and sofas that have a Mid-Century modern look. These are the ones that have rounded, smooth edges and neutral hues.
This design also focuses on function and innovative look.
Scandinavian Flooring
Don’t ever use wall-to-wall carpeting as this never happens in Scandinavian interiors. Flooring is traditionally hardwood, used in its natural color or, often, painted white. Since it is white, it automatically contributes to the expansion of the space and allowing more light inside.
Scandinavian Living Elements
It is also crucial to bring in living elements of beauty and color in this design. Fresh flowers are an absolute necessity. This is apparent with all those sidewalk florists in Copenhagen who sell tulips in every possible color.
Succulents are also a welcoming vision in any Scandinavian home.
Scandinavian Means Neutral
If there is one color palette that is most associated with Scandinavian design, then it would have to be neutrals. So go ahead and use a lot of whites, grays, browns and blacks. These can be interwoven throughout your home if you want to create a calming and clean look.
Designers have introduced pop colors throughout the years so sea greens and light pinks are also now acceptable.
Regular Scandinavian homes have white walls that allow art and furniture to mesmerize.
Scandinavian Means Zero Clutter and Limitations
One of the best features of Scandinavian interiors is cleanliness. Storage is a must and is often implemented through shelves and cabinets. Décor is always intentional where less is more. Always remember visually relaxing as your mantra.
Inviting light in is a major concept in Scandinavian interior design. Windows from these European regions have windows that are often stripped bare. Should the homeowners consider using window treatments, then the materials should be sheer or linen.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, neutral, neutral colors, neutral design, neutral hues, neutral palette, Nordic design, Nordic interiors, Scandinavian, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors, Scandinavian style, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white interior design, white interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 20th, 2016
FFDM Antebellum pieces are great choices for a statement piece.
Many people are given the useless advice to play it safe or go neutral when it comes to choosing their furniture. Not a lot of folks dare to take risks in accessorizing or changing up. Still fewer are those who are willing to break some design rules and purchase statement pieces that anchor the rest of the pieces in a room.
Statement Piece Shouldn’t Go Over the Top
There are things to consider when you want to effectively use a statement piece. Of course you wouldn’t want to go over the top with your furnishing. Pick a classic style with a bold pattern or color, even the most dramatic shape that you could find, if you want to play up the rest of the elements.
In adding a statement piece, be sure to stay within the boundaries. You can follow trends, even do it your own way, but just make sure that it’s not some crazy fad that would go away in the next few months. Classic styles include striking patterns, different wall color, and interesting textiles.
The Statement Piece Does Not Compete
It is not right to have many competitive elements inside a room. Apply the opposite of the neutral furniture-bold accessory rule. This does not equate to having every piece of accessory in a neutral color. A lot of statement pieces inside a single room can make it look unbalanced.
The Statement Piece Is a Guide
Use the statement piece as a guide when you are out to stylize the rest of the room. If you picked to use a strong pattern, then find shades of the same color elsewhere. This should help you tie things all together. On the other hand, if you pick a solid color in a bold hue, then find complementary tones. These should harmonize the elements and could make your statement piece pop.
Statement Piece Must be Stylish
Always consider the statement piece’s style. Don’t make the room look like it’s too staged, though. Just incorporate enough pieces that pick up on the pattern, shade, shape or style of your chosen statement piece.
Would you even dare look away if you lay your eyes on this Hooker Furniture Dining Room Studio 7H Cinch Round Dining Table?
Statement Pieces Elicit Second Look
A statement piece almost always never fails to get a positive response especially when it is displayed correctly in a room. Guests stop to take a second look at a beautiful piece, even a third or fourth glance if you were able to get a piece that naturally grabs attention. A bust stationed in the middle of the foyer could do create wonders.
Use Statement Furniture
Making any piece of furniture as a statement piece is not ordinary but it has worked for many designers. It is a versatile way of upping the look of your bedroom, the living room, or that contemporary kitchen.
Pick the style and aesthetics for the final look then find the best chair that would fit into that image.
Use Statement Art
Art is the most used statement piece in the world so you might as well use it to your advantage. Bring in a piece of art that is big enough to be noticed. There are many ways that you can introduce art into you home, especially the living room. Bring in a provocative piece of art, place it on an unusual spot, then shine a magnificent piece of light on it.
This should get the best first impressions ever.
Collections As Statement Pieces
Collections are wonderful things that you can place inside the living room, dining room or the kitchen. Just like art, collections already have a proven visual impact on a lot of people. Hobbies and knickknacks can provide a loud, collective statement piece in your home.
Tags: accent pieces, bold, bold statement, design anchor, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, statement piece
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 20th, 2016
Winners Only Dining Room 60 Inches Farmhouse Leg Dining Table 53661A: The farmhouse appeal is perfect for this season.
While many enjoy summer and the happiness that it brings, there’s always that point when it must come to an end. It’s that time to redesign your outdoor space to make it more suitable for fall. Expect to host social gatherings and dinners during this season but don’t let these become the sole purposes of outdoor living. Know that you can add warmth as well as ambience to your patio or porch so that you can up the level of excitement there.
Choose the Right Kind of Outdoor Furniture
Yup, summer is over and the temperature is about to get coder. This does not mean that you have to stay indoors the entire season till winter. It also does not mean that you have to keep the patio or the porch untouched during the holidays.
If you actually think of it, fall is the best time to enjoy the outdoors. Go out and appreciate the season’s beauty. This means you must use only the best patio furniture that you could find. Be sure to keep the space’s welcoming vibe. But what kind of furniture should you invest in?
There are many factors that can help you decide. First, find out how durable the materials used are. Find the ones that can easily withstand the weather elements. Wicker is one such material which can still look cozy while being functional. Wrought-iron is also a durable material; it is especially hard to topple during storms or windy days. Aluminum can also easily survive outdoors as it can resist corrosion.
Function is another factor to consider when buying outdoor furniture. This is especially true when you are buying for a smaller space. An outdoor space used for romantic dinners can have a set of wrought-iron furniture in bistro style. If you have more guests to accommodate then you can add stackable chairs and a long wooden table.
Lastly, you don’t need to compromise the furniture design for function. There are now a lot of furniture sets that offer both. If you want to be true to the vibe of this season, then it’s time to embrace a rustic or country appearance.
Light a fire or not: Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Rondure 1 Light Oil Rubbed Bronze Sconce 22497
Light a Fire
Since the temperature is colder, you can literally add a warmer glow to your outdoor space by lighting up a fire pit. This allows you to entertainment people with just cocktails or cups of hot chocolate. Don’t expect to hold dinners, of course, but you can have seating for guests to rest on.
See if you prefer wood or gas fire pit.
Pick the Right Lights
Have you ever seen houses lit like coffee shops? These are known as twinkle or café outdoor lights. They can add a more serious ambience to the outdoors. They are also budget-friendly so you can have them installed anytime.
Have them placed over the balcony railing or an outdoor dining area.
Use Outdoor Textiles
Apart from having a fire pit, you can also have warm rugs and soft blankets brought out. Simply bring the indoor comfort to your outdoor space. Don’t worry too much about the rain since you can easily bring the stuff in when it starts to rain. If you want to maintain the chic look even during wet seasons, then consider buying materials that are manufactured for all kinds of weather.
Add Natural Elements
Don’t forget to add fall elements like the following –
Tags: fall preparation, indoor-outdoor furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting, outdoor living, outdoor view, outdoors furniture care, patio furniture, porch furniture, preparing for fall
Posted in Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Monday, September 19th, 2016
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Jelani, Table Lamp 26987 provides accent lighting for your living room.
You may think that light is the least essential design element when the days are at their longest yet this is the best time to buy quality lighting and select fixtures that would properly light your home. The first step that you need to undertake is to know the three kinds of lighting.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting can also be referred to as general lighting since it provides an overall glow. In essence, it does the role of sunlight during the night. Full ambient lighting can be achieved by properly spacing recessed downlights. This can also be achieved by a single central ceiling fixture.
Ambient lighting is often chosen for its decorative feature. Be sure to check the wattage when you want to know how much light the ambient fixture can offer.
One problem that you might have encountered in older homes is that homeowners only used task lighting. This gets the job done, sure, but it can leave a lot of dark corners or make rooms appear smaller.
Minus ambient lights, you are likelier to trip over stuff, this is why this kind of light is now the most common light used in many modern homes. The unfortunate news is that people tend to stop at ambient lighting, not even bothering to layer with another kind of lighting.
Accent Lighting
This kind of lighting, on the other hand, provides any room with a more polished look. Of course, it is important to make the room more visually interesting which is why you should carefully choose accent lights.
Just like any beautiful painting, accent light has the power to draw the eyes to it. This visual piece can be that attractive lighting fixture or some directional lights.
One of the most natural accent lights is the chandelier which can highlight the dining table. Downlights are able to illuminate a piece of art or an interesting decorative cabinet.
Task Lighting
The last type of light is task lighting. This is that focused light that can create a spotlight on a task. This is important in the prevention of eye strain, therefore, to eye health.
What could be more fun than a glowing peacock? Featured here is the Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Cast Brass Peacock Wall Sconce 1900-111
Relax, Have Fun
A lot of designers rely on lighting designers when taking on a remodeling project. The latter make sure the rooms are properly lit for the crucial tasks. They also know that mood can be easily created with light. If you want to ascertain that your home is correctly lit, then you should begin by knowing the three kinds of lighting and to know how and where to use them.
Apply accent, ambient and task lighting – these are the three kinds of light. Don’t force them, though. It would be unwise to cram them into one space. Layered lighting is only considered successful if the entire room has a flattering glow to it. There shouldn’t be any daunting shadows anywhere. The most interesting parts of the home must also pop because of proper lighting.
The three kinds of light can be layered but don’t get confused by them. A family room, for instance, can have recessed lighting which could provide a casting glow. A ceiling chandelier can double as ambient and decorative lighting. A white table lamp (still in the same room) is a great decorative piece when placed against dark walls. While it is decorative, this lamp can also offer task lighting for anyone who wants to read a good book.
Alright, here’s the simple secret –
Begin with ambient light as the first layer. The task light follows as the second layer and the accent lights finish the job. If you can commit that to memory, then all you have to do now is to find the fixture styles that would match your home’s theme.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, ambient light, ambient lighting, general lighting, interior lighting, layering, layering in interior design, layering lights, lighting fixture, lighting interiors, lighting layers, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, task light, task lighting, tips, types of light, types of lighting
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Saturday, September 17th, 2016
FFDM Collectors’ Room: This is many homeowners’ dream dining room.It is rustic, pristine, classy and sophisticated – everything that one could ask for in a room.
When you are out to choose a theme for your home, there are many styles that you could get confused over. There are period styles that could fit nicely to the interiors of the smallest apartments like Mission styling, Georgian, Art Deco, Minimalist and Retro deco. You could begin looking at these time-tested styles so that there won’t be regret in the end.
Go Georgian
If you would like to try the Georgian theme, you should look into colors that are muted such as off-whites and grays, browns, blues and olive green. Be sure to add gilding in your style. Don’t stop there – decorative molding is also a huge part of this design.
Use window treatments such as swags, drapes and tie-backs. Make good use of upholstered items for both furnishings and decorative items. The perfect backdrop would be white or cream which would depict flower arrangement or a serene pastoral scene.
Georgian furnishings include French repro, winged chairs, and roll-top office desks. Use Chippendale or Hepplewhite furniture styles as they are also appropriate.
Hooker Furniture Home Office Skyline Bunching Bookcase may look traditional but it sits perfectly inside this modern home office.
The Art That Is Mission
Mission style is also referred to as the Arts and Crafts style. This was a defiant style from the ornate Victorian concept. This was and is the right apartment look as it is comfortable and uncluttered.
Mission gets its inspiration from nature, therefore, it displays a monochromatic earth tone. Walls could be brown, tan, moss, or ochre. Cream is a common accent. The doors are almost always made of natural wood, a great way to be abreast with the period.
Stained glass is also a necessary décor, with stained glass lamps taking center stage.
Beautiful, Lustrous Art Deco
Art Deco is a theme that was embraced during the 1920s till the 1930s. It’s composed of simple, clean lines. Other events that could be included as inspirations to this style are jazz music, inventions, skyscrapers and discoveries.
Since this is art, go and paint your walls with colors that contrast the woodwork. Use muted gray with turquoise, bright green or deep blue. Don’t forget to bring a little black to this look. Use it on either the accessories or the furnishings.
Mirrors and chrome pieces are great accessories.
Awesome Retro
If you were born in the 60s or 70s, you know what wonderful years those have been. Retro is a theme that’s applicable to you if you love the richness of brown and other deep tones. Use prints and wall treatments along with geometric designs.
The Scandinavian furniture pieces will also look great in this theme.
Minimalism Means Green
If you choose a minimalist theme, then you are one person who loves the uncluttered look. This style asks you to keep everything simple, from the lines, to the furnishings to the accessories. Furniture must be constructed with materials like chrome, natural wood, glass or stainless steel. These materials offer an ultra-modern look which is why they are at the top of the list.
The Functional Layout
Sometimes, all it takes for a homeowner to decide on which style to choose is knowing what layout would be most functional for his or her home. Interior design, after all, starts with the functional layout. Figure out which one is most functional for your house structure. This is also dependent on your lifestyle, how much budget you are willing to shell out and living needs.
Keep in mind that there is no one ideal layout that’s applicable to every person on the planet.
If you are still unsure about which theme to use in your home, then look through interior design magazines or sit down and speak with an interior designer.
Tags: art, art deco, Art Deco style, designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, Georgian theme, luxurious home, luxurious interiors, luxurious living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist interior design, minimalist interiors, minimalist living, Mission design, Mission style, Retro design, Retro style
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