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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017
Canadel Kitchen Island ISL4836-T7
If you happen to have a home that has seen its glory days, then you actually have a structure that’s rich in history and value. Most of these older homes come with kitchens that were constructed for a totally different generation so it is almost always that such rooms need a little renovation. Imagine standing in a 70-something year old kitchen and you’d know that the place needs renovation badly.
Of course, very few people would trade their older homes for newer ones. But don’t fret, you don’t have to use an outdated kitchen just so you can continue living in your Tudor home. In fact, you can choose to maintain your home’s Old World charm then just cook up some ways that you can have a fresher, more modern approach to things inside the kitchen.
Tear Down the Open Shelves
For starters, older kitchens often have open shelves. This is so the homeowners of yesteryears have an easy access to dinner plates, glasses, cups and such. These shelves often reach from floor way up to the ceiling. There is often a step stool that can be used to access the dinnerware.
So, you might want to say goodbye to the appeal of open shelving and say yes to the aesthetic beauty that kitchen cabinets with doors will add. A China hutch (china cabinet) can be used to display everyday dishware and other kitchen items. It can also display your fanciest collections of ceramics and glassware.
This same hutch can also be used to house vases that are filled with greenery and flowers. A beautifully-arranged chinaware collection can also be placed so that this cabinet instantly becomes the focal point of your kitchen.
Designate a Cupboard Area
The whole of Europe refers to kitchen cabinets as cupboards but you’re in the U.S. so it’s a designated space for your everyday plates, spoons, forks, glasses, and other kitchenware. This is also a space where you can store canned goods and other extra food.
Your cupboard is your pantry. Begin by removing the old stuff from the cupboard. Decide which one you can actually do without. Throw those away (e.g. plastic cups and paper plates that have remained unused for so many years, salt and pepper packets) and pare down to items that you would really use.
Be sure to clean the cupboards from top down to the bottom. Dust or if you want to use a chemical cleaner, then use a white vinegar and water solution. If the cupboard’s got paint on them, then be sure to use cleaning agents that will not damage the still-usable-paint.
Go for Classic Finishes
Pick finishes that look and feel classic. The latest trends may appeal to you but it would be nice to have a look that will transcend time.
Wood countertops, classic white tiles, and whitewashed cabinets would look perfect with the not-so-traditional steel appliances. Opposites truly attract inside a kitchen that has these features. Imagine having leather bar stools paired with an aluminum countertop.
Imagine also a gas fireplace decorated with wood framed painting (preferably impressionism) above it. The island could also fuse wood and steel to house the modern dishwasher, a faucet or two, and a double wall oven. What an amazing kitchen it would be.
A la Mode Bar Stool from the Protege Collection
Nothing Beats a Great View
The ceiling and walls in the kitchen can be painted the same as the dining area’s. You could have a dark wood table in the dining room and have the exact same shade for your kitchen island or your working table there. Be sure to install pendant lighting that honor the looks of the most popular lighting fixtures during the era when your home was constructed.
Smart Storage Is the Way to Go
Lastly, contemporary living also means smart storage so be able to keep seasonings and spices inside your new kitchen cabinets.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modernizing a kitchen
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on Modernizing the Outdated Kitchen in 4 Steps
Wednesday, May 24th, 2017
Look how perfectly the clerestory windows framed the Charleston Platform Panel King Bed and the rest of the ensemble.
Homeowners who have a view of natural light in their homes have million reasons to celebrate. Proper day lighting does not just reduce energy costs by 15-40% but it can also prevent eyestrain and other such things that can hamper your wellbeing. A calmer, more productive and beautiful home is often accounted as such if it has ample lighting. This natural light can be delivered by properly placed windows in homes such as skylights, French windows or clerestory windows.
What was the last one called?
Clerestory – A Sizable Window for a Spacious Home
The clerestory (pronounced CLEAR-story) window is a series of small windows or one large window at the very top of the structure (a home or any building). This window or series of windows is often by the roof line or near it.
This kind of fenestration (glass window placement) can be seen in both commercial and residential structures. The clerestory walls rise above the adjoining roofs. Often in a large building such as a train station, the windows are positioned to an angle where ample light illuminates the large interiors.
A smaller structure or home would do well with a band of smaller and narrower windows along the top of the wall.
The history of the clerestory can be traced to the construction of cathedrals and churches. This is referred to as the upper level of the cathedral, with the Middle English word being clerestorie, meaning, clear story. This describes how the height has been cleared to bring in a great amount of natural light into the huge structure.
Designing with Clerestory
Interior designers who wish to keep the privacy in a home while keeping the areas well-lit should make use of the clerestory. This is a window arrangement that is used by a lot of designers for both their commercial and residential projects.
Clerestory windows are often used to illuminate transport terminals, gyms and sports arenas. And with more and more sports arenas being enclosed, the clerestory lens has become more common.
Clerestory in the early Christian Byzantine era featured this in their architectural masterpieces. These have served as overhead light sources to massive spaces which builders began to construct back then. The technique for the said window design has improved during the Romanesque era. Architects of the Gothic era also designed the cathedrals with clerestories as beautiful art forms.
A few would attest that Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect, was the one who adapted the Gothic art form to all sorts of residences. He promoted natural lighting and ventilation in response to the industrialization that was going on during that time.
By 1893, Wright presented he prototype of the Prairie Style featuring a line of windows in the Winslow House. He said that the best way to light any home is to use God’s way or – natural light. This is the very reason for this series of windows – so that God’s lovely and life-giving light could give ample and beautiful lighting inside homes.
Clerestory in Modern Homes
The windowed wall can also be incorporated into your home. Though it is often more difficult to clean compared to ordinary windows, the benefits are too essential to forego.
Remember that proper daylight increases concentration and can even lead to a more productive environment. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District even came with a study where mental function as well as memory recall have been shown to improve in rooms with a view and daylight. Health and wellness have also been observed to improve in homes that are well-lit.
The clerestory windows can also provide a visual light spectrum that is difficult to match. No constructed light source will ever be able to give these same benefits so think about how to optimize the use of your clerestory windows soon.
Tags: clerestory, clerestory window, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Clerestory Window: Natural Lighting at Its Best
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017
If we are to be downright honest, we all know that furniture is a huge investment. Renovations and revamping cost money so you have to know some ways that you can save some bucks while not necessarily going for dirt-cheap stuff.
Say Yes to Online Shopping
What a lot of people do not comprehend is that going to brick and mortar shops means spending money on gas and allotting time to go around to shop around for the best furniture pieces. When you choose to shop online, all you have to worry about is the shipping fee.
You have savings to look forward to as you look through a furniture site instead. The more you buy, too, the more that you get to save.
Brand Names Spell Durability
You have probably heard of the best furniture brands – Cynthia Rowley, Hooker Furniture, Fine Furniture Design, etc., these are names that spell one thing – durability. If you are particularly looking for possible heirloom pieces, then here are a few questions to ask yourself –
These soon to be dated furniture can be a part of the inheritance that you would leave for your descendants. For as long as you are able to invest in the right pieces that would truly transcend in time, then you would surely have some happy inheritors.
Learn Proper Wood Furniture Care
Fine wooden furniture is no less than a treasured possession. It is, therefore, essential that you learn some tips on how to care for this piece so that it can last through generations.
Invest Only in the Best
Lastly, it is best to invest in a few but durable furniture pieces. Resist the urge to buy cheaper just so you could get more pieces.
Pace yourself. Spend time and money only on the pieces that matter. Instead of putting your budget on items that will eventually fall apart, it is best to find a few items that you can use for many, many years. Investment pieces include the sofa, dining table, chairs, chest of drawers, original art, bed and something that you can use as an accent or focal piece.
Save on Memorial Day by accessing this link.
Tags: furniture shopping tips, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Memorial Day furniture shopping, Memorial Day savings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Saving on Furniture Shopping: The Memorial Day Specials
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Namura Antiqued Brass Accent Lamp 29358-1
The correct kind of illumination can easily change the look and feel of any home. Accent light is any light that is directed at stuff that you would want to be seen or lighted. Since this is so, learn how you can effectively use this type of light so that you get to illuminate the things that you would want to be noticed –
Make Things Noticeable
Through accent lighting, you have the power to direct the attention of the things that you would want people to see. The correct kind of light can also add up to the visual drama like no other.
You can use accent lighting indoors or outdoors. An eye-catching chandelier is the perfect indoor accent lighting piece. Lamps would do well to become your outdoor accent lights.
The use of well-directed lighting can also help draw attention to the focal points in a room. As you decide on a focal point, do not forget to dress it up. A huge part of dressing up this focal point is to direct the correct kind of light towards it.
Choose neutral and sheer curtains so you let in an ample amount of natural light during the day. To emphasize the same focal point during the night, use an accent light such as a picture light (if you have a photograph or art as the focal point) or the fireplace itself as the focal point and the accent light featured in one architectural marvel.
Backlight or Uplight
You can also create accent lighting by putting light behind or below the accent wall. Make sure that this wall holds a striking artwork or any other object that can easily catch the attention of your visitors.
This kind of lighting can also add a glamorous, halo-like effect in your room.
Use Dimmers
There are so many reasons to use dimmers in your home. First, if you would want to save on energy, then this is a good way to begin. A dimmer can lower the power usage of a bulb. The more that you use the dimmer, the less power used which results in lower energy consumption.
Dimmers can also make the bulbs last a lot longer. Less power delivery reduces the stress on any light bulb.
Dimmers are also great for the environment. Of course, the less amount of electricity that you use, you also reduce the carbon footprint left by your lighting piece. With fewer bulbs thrown away, there’s less landfill materials to expect.
Lastly, dimmers can make any room look better. A more romantic and inviting room is just one dimmer away.
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Nipa Palm Accent Lamp 29375-1
Lamps Can Wow
There are moments when you want to use lamps to blend with the rest of your decorative pieces. There are moments also when you want it to become the star of the show.
If you have no idea about how to use a lamp, then you’re not alone. Many people also do not have an idea on how to choose the right lamp for their home. Lamps that are used in the living room are for display, meaning, they are meant to be seen by everyone.
Living rooms are also areas where people hold activities and where they converse so you would want to study how you can use lamps there. Most lamps are ambient lights though – when used as a spotlight – they can also be used as an accent light.
The lamp has to be placed in an area where you and your guests won’t have to duck when you move around.
In the bedroom, it is always useful to have an overhead lamp. This can be done by using a floor lamp and having it placed beside your nightstand. If not, the good ol’ bedside lamp would do. This should be able to highlight the framed photo on your nightstand or the stack of novels that you have lovingly collected.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | Comments Off on Accent Lighting Explained
Monday, May 22nd, 2017
Andover Dining Table with wood top from the Humphrey Bogart Collection. You just gotta love the details on that wooden surface.
The history of dining in the U.S. is a rich story of shared family meals. Dinner is served on dining tables where the family share a joyous evening or occasions. Here, family members have the opportunity to communicate. Pretty soon, dining became a part of American life as it was institutionalized from being a time filled with restraint to moments of joyous expressions.
The 18th century dining was quite formal and it was quite difficult for families to eat together regularly back then. The tables and rooms had various uses and families do not eat all together, in fact, they had shifting dinner times.
There were also scenarios where dining chairs were not enough to accommodate each family member, hence, the shifting schedule. Women and children might even be asked to stand as male members finished their meals (yup, it was a highly patriarchal era).
The Evolution of Dining
Not long after, mealtimes became a moment to educate children about table manners and religion. In the ‘40s, James H.S. Bossard, a sociologist, declared the dining table as a place where the family should be at ease. It was also during that decade that families were photographed dining together during Thanksgiving. This was the focal point of American values in World War II.
Television and film did a lot to revolutionize the look, feel and manners inside the dining room. The family became less docile while dining as disagreements were even welcomed during family dinners. The dining table has, inevitably, become a symbol of human and family emotions.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Eastridge 42 inch Pedestal Pub Table
A Dining Room with a Statement
So, now that you know the importance and rich history of the dining room in American culture, what are you willing to do to dress it up as an important part of your home?
First, use window treatments. Use patterned curtain fabrics to make the room more interesting. Do this if the rest of the furnishings come in block colors. Use coppery tones on your pendant lighting to make the room appear warmer and in this 2017. Add interesting chairs to pair with your equally interesting dining table.
Speak of incredible lighting, have your dining room decorated with the most interesting dining lights. Use a chandelier – whether traditional or modern – and make it the conversation piece in that room. Amaze your visitors with classic chandelier, dual chandeliers or by effectively layering lights.
To layer dining room lights, use recessed and pendant lights along with table lamps. These should provide ample lighting in an open-space dining room layout.
Another way to make the dining room more upbeat is to include pops of bright colors. Use lemons as a centerpiece for your glass or wood dining table. A vase of colorful flowers could also offer the needed pop of color.
How about an art piece inside the dining room? You would never go wrong with a scenic painting hanging on your dining room walls. You can also have the Bless the Food prayer painted right on the walls or on a framed canvas.
Framed black and white photos are also a perfect and elegant addition to any dining room. This is especially true in dining rooms where families eat most of their meals together. Your children’s artworks will also look great in there.
If the furnishings are too fundamental, then look down and find out how to make the flooring more interesting. Use black and white tiles for your floor then fill the room with yellow and blue furnishings.
Use pretty wallpaper if you’re uncertain about the final look that your dining room will have. Find a lacquered table plus some contemporary chairs then have a hand-painted wallpaper stand as the backdrop for this ensemble.
Don’t be afraid to match and even mismatch inside the dining room. This room is your turf so let it scream who you and your family truly are.
Tags: American dining, dining room history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, unique dining area
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Creating the Inimitable Dining Area
Monday, May 22nd, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Irina Recliner
You may think of beige as an overused hue but with the right mindset and a fresh set of eyes, you will see that it is just an undervalued color that is reliable. Beige is a color that may not scream party but it can be far from boring if you learn to use it in a non-default mode.
Beige is subtle, this one is certain. The shade of beige that you use will make or break the look of a room. The eventual look depends hugely on the kind of light that you use with this color and the architecture upon which it is utilized.
Other Names for Beige
Beige is also known as cream, buff, tan or khaki. It varies greatly from cream to almost brown. This color can have subtle to warm pink or yellow undertones. It can also be almost gray. Pink and beige also look great when combined no matter what undertone is used.
Ivory is considered a similar color as it is also calming, neutral and relaxing. This is close to the color white though it offers a warmer tone. Ivory spells pleasantness and a quiet solitude. It also spells elegance.
Meaning of Beige
Beige is flexible and conservative at the same time. It is neutral, relaxing and calm.
Beige can also offer the comfort that brown offers as well as the coolness of white. This is a relaxing hue insomuch that its wrong use could mean a boring or dull room.
Beige is shown here on many layers; featuring the Meritage Lazarus Queen Headboard.
Beige on Interior Design
You can begin your journey towards a beige-colored habitat by having this color on your walls. A cool, light beige can add warmth in a huge room. It can also look traditional or modern depending on what style you’re leaning towards.
Light beige is a wonderful alternative to stark white walls especially in modern spaces.
To make beige more interesting, you can fuse it with bright red. A white trim should keep this fusion clean and crisp.
When you choose to layer beige, say, from a light cream all the way to tan, then you create a calm and airy room that’s perfect for a living room setting.
Having beautiful architectural stairwells could also be the perfect spot to use beige. Have the walls painted with beige while the stairwell is shown with a white trim.
Use warmer beige with a light yet warm-toned blue. This is the classic sea and sand combination. Beige is also an awesome backdrop for any eclectic setting. It is the warmer version of white though it will never compete with other furnishings and accessories.
If you happen to love the grayish shade of beige, then you can use it on the hallway. It will surely provide an elegant and traditional look that is never jarring yet it also begs for the good kind of attention nonetheless.
Never look at beige as a mere base color. It can also be effectively used as an accent hue. Beige walls can highlight the beautiful angles in a room and it can even offer depth where other colors fail tremendously.
Again, beige doesn’t always have to be the default wall color. This can also be used as the trim. Dark beige door is the perfect focal point in a room that’s filled with white walls and beige furnishings.
Speak of furnishings, more specifically feminine furnishings, you can always rely on beige as an anchor color. Use it with gold and what you have achieved is a room to behold.
Use beige in any room that you want. The trick is to look beyond it being a backdrop hue and to use it as a highlighting color or the focal point of the room if you may.
Tags: beige, designing with beige, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, stylizing with beige
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Working with Beige: The Hottest Ways to Make This Hue Look Awesome in Your Home
Saturday, May 20th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Elixir Round Dining Table 42in
The breakfast nook is an awesome place to drink your orange juice in the morning and read the newspaper. This is also the spot where your family can eat those Saturday pancakes. All in all, the breakfast nook is the best place to begin your day.
The breakfast nook is a mixture of banquettes, booths, tables and chairs. These pieces can be curved or rectilinear. It can also be installed with dimmable light. If you want to add a little character, then add colorful throw pillows. These are perfect additions to the cozy spot where you can jump start your day.
The breakfast nook can also be your homework station. It can also be an intimate spot for those candlelight dinners that you will share with your loved one. You might want to rethink your kitchen layout now that you know the benefits of having a breakfast nook.
Here are some suggested ways to set up your breakfast nook –
The Separate Booth
Millwork can easily separate the design of your furniture especially when it is compared to the rest of the standard pieces. When you create a separate spot – a snug spot – you can create coffee and omelets outside of the kitchen.
The Three-Sided Booth
This means hurrying around the dining table as bigger groups gather. Just think of the setup in a restaurant – what you need is a tufted upholstery that will cozy up to a breezy space.
That Booth by the Bay
Windows on triple sides create a breezy space. This is necessary since you need a little prodding in order to wake up in the morning. If there is a need to add space in order to accommodate more people eating, then try a bay window as it is an affordable micro addition.
The Corner Banquette
A tucked-in banquette should be able to maximize seating for everyone. A round table should help in keeping things more open. A lot of banquettes are customized though there are versions that can be readily bought to be quickly enjoyed.
Wesley Allen Dining Room Table & Chairs DT319H30
Other Ideas
Before they hit the wall, make sure that you cut the countertops as this will save a corner for a table and two chairs. A room could also make use of a thick wall that could be the home for your recessed cabinet or shelves.
You can also design your breakfast nook around a bench. This will work best for dining tables that are rectangular in shape. Cushion up those corners using throw pillows. Doing this will make the nook a great reading spot, too.
An island can also be used as a banquette part. A kitchen table may also be used to replace an island. Yet you don’t have to compromise. If you choose to combine the island and the kitchen table, then what you achieve is a workstation and a layout that maintains their traditional looks.
Another idea to consider when setting up the perfect breakfast nook is to use stain-resistant fabric only. These can be treated or you can just invest in outdoor fabrics such as Sunbrella.
Vinyl is also a great material to use as it is easy to wipe and clean. Green can be fused with bamboo chairs, leaf print as well as pink accents. To make the place more interesting, mix prints on your seats.
You can also go curvy by using a circular pedestal table. Likewise, a curved banquette will also be able to offer a pleasant eat-in space. Think also of warm colors and chrome finishes. These autumnal colors will create a comfy nook.
If you love everything that’s traditional, then you can also set up a farmhouse style breakfast nook. This should feature whitewashed pieces, rustic textures and old-style.
Tags: breakfast corner, breakfast nook, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, setting up the breakfast nook
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Breakfast Nook: The Building Block to Cozy Breakfasts
Friday, May 19th, 2017
The Belvedere Chest
One of the few materials used by humankind is wood. Since this is so, woodworking history is a bit more difficult to trace. In the earliest days, wood was just used for tools as well as weapons. Later on, even instruments were being made out of wood. Even the roughest forms of furniture were made of wood which is a far cry from the earliest stone furniture pieces.
Tracing the History of Wooden Furniture
It was not till 3,000 BC that the Ancient Egyptians started using wood in order to create furniture, though. Chairs, beds and tables were soon made with the most ornate designs. Some were even preserved up to our time as is evidenced by the furniture found in tombs for royalty.
Approximately 2000 BC, the Greeks were able to pick up. They also began using wood in creating their furniture pieces. Though the Greek types weren’t as ornate. Theirs had boxy frames so this says a lot about the influence that Ancient Egyptians have had with regard to their furniture framework.
As their furniture making developed, the Greeks began showing different designs. The pieces became less rectangular, thus, less stiff. They soon made furniture that was more apt to the shape of the human body, taking into consideration the curves and gentle lines of the human form. Rounded edges also became the new style to beat.
From 500-1450 AD or the Medieval times, wood furniture pieces turned out to be starker. The pieces were boxy and squarish, much like the earlier furniture. While the framework wasn’t too exciting, it was the furniture’s intricate and decorative carvings that made a whole lot of difference.
The Renaissance paved the way to a whole new level of furniture design. Art was at an all-time high especially during 1350 to 1550 AD. The furniture pieces showed a lot of curvature in their frames. Floral designs and scroll carvings were also born.
The Wooden Furniture in the U.S.
By 1500 to 1754 AD, wood furniture pieces have already reached the U.S. This was not surprising as new settlers were also pouring in during that time. Known as colonial furniture, these pieces came from different parts of the world from France, Great Britain and Spain. Their styles varied just slightly and there was also still a lot of curvature but less than the carvings seen during the Renaissance, the Medieval era and the Ancient Egyptian furniture phase.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Vintage West California King Wood Panel Bed features lovely carvings on its headboard.
Woodworking: The Modern Times
Between the time when wooden furniture reached the U.S. and today, furniture making has really gone a long way. Throughout the Rococo period, the furniture pieces became ornate once more. These pieces were not just simple furniture anymore. These were also considered as a form of art. In fact, even up to today, they are still art pieces in the sight of many.
Still later, more and more furniture have been manufactured. Pretty soon, furniture making was being done in bulk, with more and more houses investing in wooden pieces. These were able to follow the trends of every new period. Even home decorating has become renowned.
Bauhaus and Art Deco were born and modern, wooden furniture has become less pricey and more accessible. Through the years, more and more mass-produced pieces were created. While this is so, people still look for the same things in furniture – they should be sturdy and beautiful. Some even look for those that they can pass on to their descendants.
At McCreery’s Home Furnishings, we offer only the best, most durable and stylish furniture that will surely stand the test of time. And our promise is this – our furniture will surely not disappoint.
Tags: history of wood carvings, history of wood furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood furniture, wooden furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Furniture Wood Carving: Traveling in Time
Friday, May 19th, 2017
BIBELOTS DISPLAY CABINET from the Deco Collection.
Reading a great book is one of the most pleasurable things to do on the planet. All you need is a comfy chair and a sturdy desk, some good lighting source and you’re good. It is crucial to designate a spot, though, so that you can curl up as you read your favorite novel or self-help book. Choosing the right spot means you are ready to enjoy your treat.
Some people end up reading in their bed or while seated on the couch but wouldn’t it be nice to read a book in a special spot where you can have your me time? The bedroom presents less foot so it is, generally, the best spot to set up your reading nook.
Never think that having a small bedroom means you won’t be able to set up a reading area. Even the tiniest bedrooms can even have a spot in a corner for that special reading nook.
If you would come to think of it, there are just three essentials for your reading nook – the chair, a desk and a good lighting source. There is always the option to add extras for your reading corner. These will help make the area more special but it all just comes down to the necessities just mentioned.
The Correct Chair
Alright, it’s time to discuss the right chair for your reading nook. The only word that you would need to keep in mind is comfort. Of course, comfort or the level of comfort is relative. This varies from one person to the next.
For the greater majority, a chaise lounge, upholstered chair or even an overstuffed chair is the most awesome choice for a reading chair. For some, though, especially when setting up a nook for teens or children, a comfy seat could be a pile of cushions or a beanbag on the floor. Whichever seat you end up choosing, the idea is for you to feel comfortable while you’re reading.
Make sure that the overall style of the chair is complementary to the rest of the design of your bedroom. Don’t hesitate to play with shapes, patterns and colors. Add a splash of bright color or pick upholstery in soft pastel.
The Best Light
Reading will always require ample lighting. This is because insufficient light will make reading difficult.
If you’re thinking that overhead lighting would do, well, think again. The best illumination would be a floor lamp that comes with an adjustable neck. This should allow you to direct the light to the pages of the exciting book that you are reading. This will also keep your eyes from looking towards the floor.
Easy reading means you choose a lamp that uses 50-100-150 watts. Top this using a translucent lampshade, never opaque.
If the reading chair is near the nightstand or dresser, then the bedside lamp is the best lighting piece to choose. This reading lamp can also add to the beauty of your existing bedroom décor. Pick a metallic floor lamp or a unique table lamp depending on your needs.
Jazz up your reading area using a lighting source that’s stylish but not attention-grabbing.
Still from the Deco Collection, here’s the La Meridienne Bench
The Optional Desk
Yes, this can be optional for some people though there are also those who cannot concentrate unless they are reading from a book that’s seated on a desk. Still others clear off their shelves from any other knickknacks to make room for their book collections.
The Extras
As soon as you are able to set up your lamp and chair, then pamper yourself with a few more extras. A decorative box or basket can also hold magazines. An area rug would also define the area where you set up the reading nook.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, reading chair, reading desk, reading nook, reading nook essentials, reading nook setup, setting up a reading nook
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Reading Nook: Your Adventure Corner
Thursday, May 18th, 2017
Has it ever come to your attention that a lot of people are confused between modern and contemporary design? We all live in a busy world and everything is quickly changing. Just look at the models of cars, the appearances of houses, and the surroundings in general, you would notice the lifestyle that now differs from the ones enjoyed in the past.
Contemporary with Modern Architecture
Contemporary interior design, pretty much like architecture, reflects the life’s trends. These days, you would easily recognize what is traditional and what’s modern. Architecture for the modern world does not have curves, heavy ornaments, or complex shapes and lines. These features are often associated with traditional style, hence, their opposite – clean, straight lines or curvilinear silhouettes are seen in modern structures.
The rooflines of modern architecture have turned flat. There is also the increasing idea to blend the home with the nature outdoors. Large windows are definitely in and they have actually become the trend for contemporary habitats.
Light is also an essential psychological part of human existence. It has created a huge impact on the surrounding area as well as on the inhabitants’ health. Just like plants, people are also in need of natural light. Its importance to contemporary living, therefore, cannot be questioned.
Since light is very important in contemporary settings, you should learn how to incorporate skylights, large windows, and ceiling to floor panorama windows. These are crucial in letting in natural light and having the occupants see the scenic views outside.
Gone also are the dark rooms of the past. These days, people make use of a lot of mirrors and they are busy setting up airy, light rooms.
Pretty much like modern homes, contemporary furniture designs also reflect the current trends and fashions of our time. Don’t expect to see ornate furniture. While the contemporary pieces are more streamlined, they are still stylish without breaking functionality.
Contemporary and Green
To comply with the green interior design and architecture, it has become apparent that the use of natural materials is inevitable. The popularity of green living and buying organic has taken the world by storm. Today, the use of materials such as wool, leather, cotton, slate, natural linen and stones has become a hot trend.
Decorative accents and patios all over the world are now enjoying the beautiful look that natural elements offer.
Contemporary Equals Minimalism
Interior designers usually recommend using subtle colors called neutral. These colors include brown, gray, black and white. These hues are also the right base for any contemporary home. Neutral hues should never be perceived as monotonous or boring. Furnishings and flooring with subtle colors can be accentuated by pieces that complement the overall design. These accent pieces are often stainless steel or any other metal.
Since the overall concept of contemporary design is about spaciousness, airiness and ample lighting, more and more homes these days are turning minimalist. Everyone is also saying yes to less or zero clutter.
Contemporary finishes include ceramic tiles, hardwood flooring, marble and natural stones. The comfort and coziness of contemporary homes also feature area rugs that define the different home zones. These are also popular for the living and dining rooms which are often unified even in an open floor plan.
Contemporary houses feature flexible, open floor space which unify the grand areas of a home. The kitchen, dining and living rooms all fit to the whole new meaning of the great room. These zones can now be easily blended using visual barriers rather than bulky furniture.
Details and accents are also important in a contemporary setting. Don’t forget to add simple yet stylish glass, metal railings, lighting fixtures and modern art.
Tags: contemporary, contemporary interior design, contemporary interiors, contemporary style, contemporary theme, contemporary vs. modern, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern vs. contemporary
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Contemporary Design: Light, Breezy and Free
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