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Friday, September 16th, 2016
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Tuxedo, 6-Lt Single Shade Chandelier 21130
The mere mention of the term chandelier makes one think of class and sophistication. This is that ornate lighting fixture which is just as much decoration as it is a lighting source. Most of the ideas from the ancient times still haven’t changed although those that did were marvelously welcomed.
The word chandelier originated from a French term, chandelle, which literally means candle holder. In the beginning that was the original function of this lighting fixture. Historically speaking, the first batch of chandeliers appeared on the 14th century. There were no frills during that time, design-wise. In fact, the chandeliers then were so simple that all it took to design them were two wooden beams that formed a cross. This cross had a spike at its end that held candles.
Structures that needed chandeliers back then were abbeys, churches and other large gathering areas. The cost of chandeliers could only be afforded by the wealthy. These were the only people who were able to buy and maintain such pieces.
After the candle era of the chandelier, it welcomed gas lighting which led to the birth of gasoliers. It was during this time that chandeliers were slowly converted into gas holders rather than candles. This trend continued till the advent of electrical lighting.
But those days are long gone.
Chandelier History Continued
As production and materials greatly improved over time, so did the look and ornate nature of chandeliers. Materials were no longer limited to metal or wood; other options now include glass, crystals, etc. These lighting fixtures are now even considered as art. They are also status symbols; with the more intricate ones seen to be more sophisticated.
Interestingly, chandeliers are now bigger and more extravagant. Most of the time, the emphasis is no longer just on illumination anymore. Lighting designs have become so artistic that form has taken over function many times.
But, once again, those days are slowly coming to an end.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Botanic 4 Light Milk Glass Chandelier 21271
Modern Chandeliers
These days, the function over form concept is, once again, being embraced. Rooms are made extra special not solely because of the chandelier’s beauty but more of its achieved function. Modern chandeliers come with the needed lighting for dining rooms, living rooms, even bedrooms. They also still come with that wonderful glow that adds an extra appeal and character in those rooms.
One of the major characteristics of chandeliers these days is versatility. Wherever you place them, they are out to beautify and fulfill their lighting duties.
Modern chandeliers come in different colors, shapes, sizes, styles and patterns. There is also a wide array of materials that you could choose from. Crystals may be the most common design pattern nowadays but one cannot discredit the beauty of glass and metal chandeliers. There are even those that come with faux candles and other such interesting designs.
Home lighting has never been this interesting but just make sure that you get the proper one for your home. Get one that’s too small and it would look like an eye sore there, one that’s totally out of place. Buy a humongous one and you’re left with an overpowering lighting fixture.
Proper sizing is a crucial factor if you don’t want to commit these mistakes. Take the time to measure the height of the ceiling down to the floor. See also if the chandelier is going to be placed above the dining table or the center table in the living room. Make sure that you leave enough room between the furnishings and the chandelier.
Balance is the key to handling the modernized chandelier so be very careful in making your choice.
Tags: accent lighting, ambient lighting, chandelier, designing with chandeliers, general lighting, history, history of chandeliers, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, lighting types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, types of chandeliers, use of chandeliers
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Thursday, September 15th, 2016
Safari is a term derived from a Swahili word meaning to travel, though the Arabic term safara means a journey. Its implication is that of a game that needs to be hunted, shot and eventually dragged by tribesmen. It was President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt who popularized this concept when he had it brought to the U.S.
Basically, safari had a negative connotation to it.
The Safari Evolution
These days, the modern world has completely changed the meaning of this once negative term. It is now being associated to being socially and environmentally responsible when it comes to traveling.
Safari travel in Africa is now a journey that includes game viewing and spending time in national parks. Safari will always involve wildlife and birds, more so their sanctuaries, so you won’t conjure thoughts of bloodshed anymore when this term is mentioned.
Adding Some Jungle Love
The Safari style is all about adding a little jungle love into your home. Man caves and lady pads can also exhibit this beautiful design. It is commonly used to create the wonderful illusion of being in tropical grandeur. All you need to add are some tribal music CDs and you’re good. If you want to raise the temperature up some more, then amp up the African décor.
Using the safari theme is not easy. You are required to plan and to invest in a lot of mirrors. There are also materials that are uniquely safari such as –
Bamboo – this is mainly used in the bedroom where the ultimate jungle should be. There are various styles of bamboo beds that are suitable for this very purpose. Match this bed frame with a bureau and a dresser plus a steamer trunk right at the foot of the bamboo bed and you’re having an awesome start.
Goin’ ape? Add bamboo curtains complete with bamboo slats. Vertical blinds will also offer the same touch.
Authentic African hangings – your jungle room should have the genuine deal. Have some masks and other African wall hangings that will ascertain your theme. There is no mistaking that yours is an African theme if you add wildlife wall murals, banana trees, or some interesting (if not scary) masks.
An Exotic Bird – if you want to commit to this theme then you might as well go all out. How about having a pet macaw or parrot? Just make sure that you research about the feeding and proper care of any of these exotic birds. Don’t make the mistake of cramping your new pet into a small cage. Buy a cage that is large enough for the bird to flit around in.
Your guests will surely be awestruck with the beautiful bird; just be prepared to handle a little bird noise. Plus, it might help if you talk to your landlord first and ask about any animal restrictions in your area.
Greenery – no African theme is deemed successful without any plant. Bring in some potted plants but make sure that you keep them well-lit, fed and watered. Palm trees are a great choice and so are a couple of banana trees.
African Accents – you would want to convince everyone about your theme so invest in some bamboo lampshades, too. If you can have an elephant, gorilla or lion standee, then use it. Any of them are great conversation starters which will make you an interesting social being in the sight of your friends and visitors.
Cap the African theme by covering an entire wall with a map (of Africa if needs be). If you are bringing friends over, you could don your khaki pants and boots, grab a pair of binoculars and you’re all set.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Floor Lamp 1851-515 screams “Africa” on every angle.
Tags: African, African design, African interior design, African interiors, African theme, eclectic, eclectic interior design, eclectic interiors, eclectic Safari theme, eclecticism, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Safari design, Safari interior design, Safari style, Safari theme, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 14th, 2016
FFDM Harbor Springs Collection features these contrasting yet matching hues of natural and whitewashed wood.
Every color is crucial in creating beautiful things in this world. Whether you need colors on your clothes or the interiors of your home, it is the same. While colors are this important, not everyone has the innate skill to point out which color goes with which and which ones would clash. If you cannot trust your eyes to make that judgment for you, then here are some guidelines –
Study the Color Wheel
The basic color wheel should be able to guide you when you make your color choice. You should have seen this colorful pie graph in school but here’s a little something to juggle your memory –
Red, blue and yellow are the three primary colors. Mix red with yellow and what you achieve is orange. Fuse blue and yellow to get the color of nature – green. To get violet, mix red and blue. These are what are known as secondary colors.
Tertiary colors, on the other hand, are the result of the fusion of a primary color and a secondary color. An example is red-violet or and blue-violet.
Every color has tints and shades. The first is a variation of any color when it is mixed with white. Red mixed with white achieves pink which is, in essence, a tint. Shade is a variation of any color when it is mixed with black. Don’t worry too much about shades and tints; what you need to focus on are harmonious color combinations and how to distinguish them.
Color Harmony
The color theory points out that harmonious colors are those that use any two hues that are opposite each other on the wheel. Three colors that are equally spaced on the wheel (or that form a triangle), colors that form a rectangle, are harmonious colors.
These are perfect color schemes or the more proper term is – color harmony. A color scheme should always be harmonious despite the rotation angle.
1586-10458-GRY1 Note-To-Self Writing Desk 1586-75410D-GLD6 Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair is featured in a cool, Nordic-themed room.
Warm and Cool Hues
Another separation that you need to be conscious of are warm and cool hues. Every group has its purpose and a spectrum of emotions to convey. Warm colors convey joy, energy and productivity while cool hues convey peace and calmness.
The color wheel can be easily divided if you want to group the warm and cool hues.
Basic Color Schemes
There are fundamental rules to commit to memory if you want to master how to match colors. Don’t worry, they’re quite simple.
Complementary colors are the ones that sit opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g. red and green or blue and orange). These colors have a high contrast so it is best to use them if you want to make a statement. You can use one color as the background and the other as the accent.
You can use shades and tints alternately, for instance, a lighter tint of red can contrast a darker shade of green.
Split complementary hues make use of three colors. This color scheme uses one color plus two adjacent colors. An example is blue, red-orange and yellow-orange. This color scheme is ideal for neophyte interior designers and decorators. This is the scheme to use if you don’t wanna mess up.
Analogous colors are three colors that are next to each other. Yellow, yellow-orange, and orange is an awesome example. This color scheme can be jarring if you mistakenly combine warm and cool colors so be careful.
Triadic colors can also be used in your home. This color scheme is achieved if you use any three colors that sit equally apart. An example of these hues on the color wheel are red, yellow and blue. This is also a high contrast scheme but it is more balanced when compared to complementary colors.
Now that you know the basics, are you ready to experiment on your home’s color schemes?
Tags: adding colors to a home, color 101, color basics, color harmony, color wheel, cool colors, cool hues, harmony, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shades, studying the color wheel, tints, warm colors, warm hues
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 14th, 2016
This 1586-10458-GRY1 Note-To-Self Writing Desk is beautifully-framed by the faux fur carpeting beneath it.
Faux fur is welcoming, cozy, warm, and homey. It is everything that you could ask for in terms of comfort and style. Right now, this is also becoming the quickest and hottest design trend to beat.
It’s no surprise that the luscious faux fur is one of the stars during this fall’s interior design runway. More and more homes are now altering their homes to the antiseptic contemporary designs to the warm opulence of faux fur.
Fur and Luxury
These are two synonymous terms. Very few interior design elements can give the luxury that faux fur can offer. For the longest time, interior design has been streamlined and modern. Some homes even border on the colder side yet people are quickly waking up to the necessity that is comfort.
Faux fur is appealing to home designers and decorators because it is the environment-friendly version of the non-animal friendly type. It may not be real fur but faux fur’s softness and texture is just as rich and just as luxurious.
Faux fur still spells opulence.
Faux Fur Means Texture
Many interior designers like to add faux fur to a tidy space so that it becomes a tad homier. This material is quite inviting and luscious which is why it is hard to ignore. If you want to add texture in your home, then this is one material that you should include on your shopping list.
Take a careful look at your home. If you see vast space, cleanliness and neatness all around you, then it’s time to offset this tidy surrounding with faux fur. Faux fur can truly elevate the space into something classier.
One to Two Faux Fur Items Only
When it comes to adding faux fur as an accessory, the rule of thumb is – don’t overdo it. A piece of throw pillow plus an area rug would do. Choose just one or two pieces to add – not one more.
Going overboard with faux fur is quite easy. Your goal is to strategically place the pieces inside a room, otherwise, the area would look Nordic in an instant. If this is the look that you would want to achieve then that’s fine but if you’re going for any other theme, well, lay off your hands on any more faux fur items.
Living Room Uttermost Farran Fur Small Bench 23278
Consider the Length and Tone
Just like any other design purchase, you should also do your research regarding companies that offer quality faux fur. Inspect the pieces before buying. Find the ones that have longer hair and don’t look fake or it would defeat the purpose that faux fur is supposed to achieve.
See also if you want a light or dark-colored faux fur. Keep in mind that creamy colors look more natural than the pieces that are stark white.
Consider a lighter color for your faux fur piece if you live in an area where it’s mainly warm throughout the year. This is so the area won’t look awkward during spring and summer. The lighter colors also blend with many other color schemes so you have more hues to choose from.
Faux Fur + the Right Materials
Faux fur is an effective piece to use when you want to make any space appear cool or modern, though it can also be paired with opposite elements. An example is faux fur with wire chairs. The fusion of metal and the soft faux fur creates a surprisingly inviting ambience. You can also pair this lovely piece with velvet, silk, wool and just about any fabric that you can think of.
Faux Fur in Different Rooms
There is no better room where you can use faux fur than the bedroom. Faux fur is all about coziness so it is perfect for your bedroom. Never be afraid to use faux fur with formal spaces like the living room if you want to add some warmth. Just place white faux fur on any chair in your office and you instantly create a homier working space.
Tags: designing with faux fur, faux fur, faux fur designs, faux fur history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016
1586-50010-GLD2 Gold Bois Round Accent Table
Fall is the best season to bring out the beauty of metals in your home. All metallic inspirations are welcome not only because they are a hot trend but also because the rich colors of brass, gold, chrome, nickel and copper all offer the perfect hues for the season.
Metals are definitely here to stay so it would be a waste if you won’t join many others who have finally embraced the beauty and glimmer that these materials offer. If you’re convinced that you could give metallic interiors a shot, here are some ideas –
The Details Count – A Lot
Metallic interiors are equal to beautiful, livable and posh interiors. Prepare to get a lot of attention as your home would be oozing with style. As you use metals, though, make sure that you don’t forget to add comfort and a homely appeal, still.
Metals offer timeless beauty especially if you know how to use them. Sure, they often go with modern themes but don’t be imprisoned by this thought. Even traditional homes would look great with the right kind of metal furnishings or accessories.
Metal is also industrial although it may also not mean this motif all the time. It can also be used in the creation of glamorous yet soft areas in your home.
Metal does not automatically mean cold or uncomfortable. This can also offer warmth and an inviting interior so long as you use correct juxtapositions. An example is the plush white cotton paired with the sturdiness of a metal bed frame.
Metal at the End of 2016
It has been forecasted that metals will be big this year and those who predicted this were correct. Metal has the power to tie a room altogether, even with the tiniest details. Brass handrails, copper taps, even metal door handles may be small additions yet they could feature the architectural part of your home or could make furnishings appear special.
It is, indeed, the end of the year 2016 so you can exit this year with a huge bang. Metals can bring in new style to your home so there is no reason not to embrace it. Don’t think that it’s meant to overpower since it can be softened with the use of some accessories.
Metal wall finishes like textured panels provide the perfect industrial look. Metal flooring, on the other hand, can be the welcome respite in any monochromatic space.
The hottest metals in the market these days are these three – copper, rose gold and bronze. The first and last metals have always been on top of the list. Rose gold is young, warm and glamorous just like its classic counterparts. Copper and bronze are edgy and current, two characteristics that are rarely offered by other metal types.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Retropolitan Metal Mirror is great in any contemporary setting.
And the Winner Is…Copper!
Rich copper is great during fall. This is that golden hue in your kitchen provided by the hammered countertops and backsplash tiles. Copper has always been a go-to metal in terms of warm aesthetics.
Copper is also perfect in the fireplace. Most fireplaces come with natural rocks, tiles or bricks but there is this growing trend where copper can also be used. Reclaimed copper sheets can be used as trimming for the interiors. Ask an artisan to assist you with the installation to ensure utmost safety in your home.
Copper is hotter than hot. Brass and gold may be the biggies during 1980s but copper is a trend that keeps coming back. Adding glam to your bedroom is as easy as having metallic wallpaper installed. Just have one wall with this color as it can overcome the senses if you use more than a statement wall.
Tags: copper, copper accent, copper decor, designing for fall, fall design, fall style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal design, metal furniture, metallic decor, metallic design, metallic interior design, metallic interiors, metallic theme, metallics
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016
Hickory White Living Room Greek Key Cocktail Table 243-11
Not a lot of knowledge is known in terms of Grecian interior design and décor. Despite this, Greece, known more for the beauty of one of its cities – Athens – is equal to embellishments and everything that’s simple yet posh. Grecian art and architecture also spell wealth, texture and rich colors that are surprisingly offset by the cleanest lines and edited furnishings.
If you want to embrace a Mediterranean interior, then it must be Greek décor that you should first consider. It could look fresh and modern without passing off as too antiseptic.
Frescoed or Painted White
Homes in Greece differ depending on the climate. Most of the interior walls are left bare. Others come with just a single woven wall décor. The warmer southern regions favored whitewashed clay, even stucco wall finishes. They also love window openings that are great in catching Mediterranean breeze.
Greek city dwelling, on the other hand, reflect wealth. The homes come with frescoed walls that have been painted by the best artists. Common colors are earth tones and pastels, those who favor deeper shades use blacks and reds.
Notice also the sceneries that have been carefully preserved in many Greek pottery pieces. Framed frescoes come with tiled or painted borders complete with classic Greek designs and symmetrical curves.
Greek minimalist homes are stucco-textured that have been whitewashed. The use of drapes, shutters or window shades are kept at a bare minimum so that the gorgeous skies and the blue sea can still be enjoyed.
Hickory White Living Room Greek Key Sofa 4902-05: White plus any bold hue is the basic pairing for any Greek interior.
Don’t Forge the Floor Décor
Grecian art is pointless without the floor artworks. This country has forests that supply ample amounts of oak, maple, beech, citrus and willow trees which are great for furniture making. The floors, though, were often pounded plaster or simple earth. This was, of course, more evident in poorer dwellings. You could opt for concrete flooring if you want to play the role of a well-to-do Athenian to a T. You can also install mosaic tiles on your floor, patterned scenes that are paired with those that are painted on the walls, or bordered geometric designs.
And what are Grecian floors without thick woven rugs? Have these installed in special areas to frame authentic Greek vases and other iconic images.
Zero Frill Furnishing
Less should be enough – this must be your new motto if you want to have Grecian interiors. Your home must not be cluttered with furniture and accessories. You should be contented with simple and standard designs.
Use functional furnishings but are still aesthetically beautiful. Rectangle is the only shape that you should look for in beds and couches. Drape a crimson tapestry over a neutral-colored bed or sofa and you’d see a bit of Olympus.
Clothing storage is also essential in the Greek’s way of living. Though they had basic clothing, this did not mean that they were left lying around. They used wooden chests that were either plain or carved. As for their seating units, they enjoyed sitting in stools and backless chairs. Tables were portable and were often made with carved wood.
Completing the Greek Look
It’s time to get the Grecian look in your home. Mimic Greek aesthetics further by adding rounded arches to connect rooms. Install wood panels and beamed ceilings. The doors and shutters could also be painted with a bright shade of blue representing the beauty of nature just outdoors.
Always use white bed linens with key design border as much as possible. The dining table, though transportable, must be made of hardwood. And what is a Greek home without those white porch columns?
So go ahead, put all these signature pieces into your home to magically transform from bland to grand.
Tags: Grecian interior design, Grecian interiors, Greek design, Greek interior design, Greek interiors, Greek style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, white interior design, white interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, September 12th, 2016
Featured furniture: FFDM American Cherry Collection. Carpeting provides the perfect grounding material for the wooden elements.
Carpeting is one of the design elements that will always be considered a home décor status. In the recent years, though, it has been overshadowed by other flooring materials such as hardwood, tiles and laminates.
Carpets can be affordable, comfortable, beautiful, and green, all at the same time. So would you consider installing it as your new floor covering?
Carpet Benefits
Imagine sinking your feet in soft, plush carpeting. Now double the comfort by picturing yourself getting out of bed in the morning and sinking your feet into your chosen carpet.
One of the trending bedroom carpeting materials are those that are super plush and comfortable. What you just need to prep for is that special vacuum cleaner that would help you maintain the plushness.
Now that winter is just around the corner, carpets are once again becoming a warm option (both literally and figuratively). This is that warm, cozy surface that kids and pets love running on.
Carpet also offers an insulating effect which would allow you to keep the thermostat at a lower level. This should reduce the heating bills especially during the coldest months.
Walking on carpets also means you have a resilient material under your feet. It is actually easy on your joints which is great for homes with elderly who are suffering from bursitis or arthritis.
The busiest households can also count on carpets as an effective sound buffer. Condominium dwellers are even required by bylaws to install the wall-to-wall type of carpeting to keep sounds at a bare minimum.
Carpets are also one of the most affordable flooring solutions for your home. It is priced much lower than most flooring materials especially when compared to hardwood. While carpet installation could cost a bit more, the overall expense is still much lower compared to the budget that you need to allocate for hardwood flooring project.
Most carpets, nowadays, are made from nylon, polyester, polypropylene or triexta. PET polyester is a material that is increasingly being used because it has been recycled from post-consumer waste products. It is also known to be durable and stain resistant.
Synthetic materials used in carpets also have lower VOCs compared to the unnatural flooring options such as laminates. It is best to leave your home during installation. Make sure that room is well-ventilated for 48 hours before you set foot into the room once again.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Carpet Grip Rug 8330RS
Carpet Maintenance
Dust will always be the enemy of carpets. Since this is so, they can also become a source of allergens that could cause various breathing problems. This means that you should vacuum your carpets more frequently.
Look for vacuum cleaners that have a special HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. This should keep the dust from circulating indoors.
Make sure also that the carpet remains dry so that mold and mildew are kept at bay. These are, of course, also dangerous to the human respiratory system which is why you should make sure that carpets are not just dust-free but also moisture-free.
The Downside
There are pros and cons to owning a carpet and the downside here is that you cannot expect it to last for more than 10 years. Its lifespan can be extended if you constantly take care of it. Proper care means removing your shoes religiously as you come in from the dirty outdoors.
If cleaning becomes an issue, then you will need to hire professionals who can have your carpet steam cleaned for you. A healthy schedule for steam cleaning would have to be 12 to 18 months but you’d need shorter months for carpets that are installed in high traffic rooms in your home.
Tags: carpet, carpet care tips, carpet cleaning, carpet maintenance, carpeting, carpeting materials, floor, flooring choices, flooring materials, flooring types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Monday, September 12th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Chadwick Entertainment Console asks for low maintenance with its sleek and open-shelf concept.
If you belong to the group of people whose school and work schedules leave very little time for mundane tasks, then you probably hate maintenance or house cleaning, too. The great news is that the interior design industry knows all about your dilemma. There are now a lot of easy care design elements that you can invest in. The question now is – are any of these right for you?
Easy-Clean Paint
There are now cans upon cans of paint that can be easily cleaned and washed. They are available for walls and trim. These are also best for families that have small kids and pets.
Low-Maintenance Flooring
In the past ten years or so, tiles, hardwood and natural stone have become quite popular and there’s no surprise there. Carpeting has taken a backseat because these materials have proven to be more durable, easier to maintain, and not difficult to clean.
There are many eco-friendly options for floors nowadays like reclaimed wood and bamboo.
Stained concrete that has a protective sealer would also be wonderful, maintenance-wise. This comes with the least amount of seams plus a nonporous seal will make mopping and sweeping much easier.
Other probable flooring options include vinyl and laminate tiles.
Furniture with Trimmed Surfaces
The nooks and crannies of many shelves and cabinets are natural homes for dust particles. If you want a low-maintenance type of cabinet or shelf, then find the ones that have little trim. The less drawers and nooks there are, the less dust, the least amount of cleaning.
Simple math there.
Patterned Countertops
The bathroom and kitchen tiles and Formica countertops require added care compared to all other countertop materials. Did you know that countertops that come with patterns are better at hiding rings and crumbs as compared to solid-colored ones?
It’s true, try ‘em.
1586-80110-BLK1 Flirt Rectangle Cocktail Table has a smooth and simple design which is not just easy to clean but also easy on the eye.
Under Mount Sink
Rather than resorting to the usual raised models, try having the under mount sink this time. Its upkeep is a lot easier which means you won’t have to worry about puddles, grout, cracks, mildew, and stains.
Grout-Free Bathrooms
There have been major innovations in bathroom design and fixtures. Most of these are now easier to care for. An example is the wall-mounted toilet as well as motion sensitive faucets. These days, you can mop right beneath the toilet (no more mopping around the fixture); the faucets also help in keeping soapy and dirty hands off (you have the sensors to thank for this). Shower interiors also come in solid materials that are remarkably grout-free.
No wonder that these are now the most popular options in the market these days.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting fixtures are your best choice if you don’t want the usual dust magnets – table lamps. If you really can’t let go of lamps, then consider having them minus the fabric shades. Any other material can be easily wiped clean.
Shutters and Blinds
These are your best choices for window treatments since all you’ll ever need to clean them is a feather duster or a handheld vacuum cleaner. Heavy draperies come with fabrics which can easily hold odors, attract dust and pet hair.
Less Furnishings
Less is more in the case of easy maintenance. Either that or you can invest in pieces that are slimmer and unupholstered. Leather is also a lot easier to clean than fabric, it’s just more prone to cracking so make sure that you invest in a great leather cleaner.
Basket for Slippers
Place this right by the entrance so that you and your visitors could place your dirty shoes outside and should wear the slippers as soon as you reach the entryway.
These are wonderful ideas that you could use in your home if you want to do less maintenance. See how each would cut down your cleaning time by more than half!
Tags: easy-clean home, easy-clean tips, home cleaning, home cleanup, low-maintenance home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Saturday, September 10th, 2016
Featured photo taken from www.rachaelrayshow.com
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/images/clubrr-button-800x450px.jpg
You have probably seen one of the Food Network shows that Rachael Ray hosted. She, too, is a celebrated author of cookbooks and a renowned TV talk show host. It is difficult not to be enthused by this energetic woman. Born under the Virgo sign, Rachael Ray came to the world on the 25th of August in 1968.
She’s a born New Yorker.
Rachael’s Life and Career
Rachael had various jobs – most in the food industry – before her classes (30 Minute Meals) were discovered by a local TV news station. She practically grew up in the restaurant industry as her family was in the food business for the longest time. She was working in a gourmet food store in New York when the station got wind of her classes. Since then, she already hosted different Food Network shows and authored different cookbooks. As if these weren’t enough, she went on to achieve her own talk show – Rachael Ray – and her very own magazine.
She already won a Daytime Emmy Award on her talk show.
The first book deal for Rachael came when more and more people were raving about her cooking segments on her show. Compared to other hosts, Ray’s style was lively and sometimes goofy. Her recipes were simple, most offered shortcuts which any mom – or anyone – could do in their own home.
Three other programs debuted as spurred by the 30 Minute Meals show. Pretty soon, she launched her lifestyle magazine Every Day with Rachael Ray. This was made available to the buying public in 2005. She soon had a self-titled show as coaxed by Oprah Winfrey. This happened in 2006 as did the award that she received for her 30 Minute Meals show. She then received her Emmy Award for an Outstanding Service Show. More critics and fans saw the value of her work which was why in 2008, Rachael Ray, the show, won the Daytime Emmy Award this time for Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment. This ran till 2010.
Having achieved success through her programs, books and products, Rachael began giving to charity. She was the founder of Yum-O! which is a non-profit organization that educates young people as well as their families regarding good nutrition. Needy American children are also fed by her charitable institution.
Rachael is married to a lawyer, John Cusimano and they live in Lake Luzerne, NY. They also have a home in the Greenwich Village in Manhattan.
Rachael on Furniture This Fall
Okay, so we all know that Rachael is a star in so many aspects – from having her own show, cookbooks and magazine; so she has pretty much conquered what other people just dream of. Now, one can add the title furniture designer to her growing portfolio.
Rachael just exhibited the newest collection inside a cozy showroom in North Carolina. The home collection showed three parts – SoHo, Highline and Upstate. Every one of these offers inspired pieces based on different parts of New York.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that Rachael sketched some of the furniture pieces herself? The furnishings come in muted tones. You will also see a lot of silvery grays, with every collection coming with complete pieces. There are also multi-function kitchen islands, even a dog bed that coordinates beautifully to it! Being a dog lover, herself, she even has a line of dog food named Nutrish. Of course, Rachael Ray has offered a lot of lovely, functional pieces for pet lovers in the past but never in this matchy-matchy setup.
Legacy Classic Furniture produces the collection for her. This is Universal Furniture’s sister company, also responsible for the Paula Deen Home Collection.
‘Wanna live like Rachael Ray this fall? Then it’s time to check out her collection.
Tags: designing for fall, fall, fall style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Rachael Ray, Rachael Ray furniture, Rachael Ray furniture line, tips
Posted in Fall Season, Furniture, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Friday, September 9th, 2016
The 1586-50001-BLK3 Lucky Clover Accent Table is both sleek and modern which makes it the best side table for a living room with open-space concept.
Many contemporary and modern homes now use the open floor plan. This is a style that both architects and clients make as a team. Because of the series of benefits and advantages, more and more homeowners are giving in to more breathing space.
Lots of Open Space
One of the major advantages of using an open floor plan in your home is that you get to have wide, wide space. Read some of the interior design magazines and you would often see a living room-kitchen fusion using the open space layout. This kind of layout is more inviting than having two separate rooms. Both rooms would feel more spacious since there are no evident walls to keep them apart.
Lots of Natural Light
As the walls are removed, you are practically removing barriers for light. Let the natural light flow in through the windows. More sunlight means having the whole room look and feel brighter.
This is another reason why open space layouts are a great choice for houses with fewer or smaller windows. This is also the best layout for rooms that have a darker décor.
Lots of Movement
Open floor plan also means that you can have more freedom of movement. You will appreciate this more if you begin to move your furniture around. Since there are no walls or tight spaces, you can move more freely, hence, renovation is a breeze.
Lots of Action
Open space plans also offer more room for entertainment. This is great for people who love to organize social gatherings. This is perfect for those moments when you invite guests over or if you simply want them to stay for dinner. You can have the dining room and the kitchen at adjacent areas so that you can still cook while the guests are having fun.
If you love hosting huge social gatherings, then this layout is, once again, to your advantage. You don’t just offer a larger space to your guests, you also provide an airier atmosphere as there are no walls and doors that could restrict everyone’s access to the dining room and the kitchen. This only means that you don’t have to seat everyone inside one space.
Do you have guests in wheelchairs? Then the open floor layout means they won’t have to worry about doors, stairs and walls which separate what are supposed to be the rooms. The handicapped won’t have to worry about opening doors, turning around or stopping as they can now move more easily.
Since open space layout also means the removal of walls, then you have less space where you could hang your artwork. Since this is so, you just have to assess which pieces need to be displayed and where you could hang them. On the other hand, with a bigger space, you should be able to hang bigger pieces.
More Safety
Since the kitchen is often open to the dining room or the living room, you get to see what is happening to your family even while you are busy cooking. This will make monitoring your kids much easier since you get to see them playing while you are working.
FFDM Brentwood Collection: The furniture pieces, accents, window treatments and flooring all come from the same hue family which makes this a room full of breathing space.
Less Mess
Open floor plan shows the entire home in one glance. This means that it is much easier to clean since you can pretty much see clutter once it’s obviously on the floor or on the walls. Just make sure that everything is clean and tidy, though, since dirt and clutter can also be easier to see.
With less square footage come techniques that should be used to make the area appear bigger. The open space plan is one such technique.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, open floor, open floor layout, open floor plan, open floor planning, open space, open space design, open space layout, open space theme, space planning
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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