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Thursday, May 18th, 2017
Featured furnishings are from FFDM’s Fusion Collection
The three-arm candelabra consists of a single stick with a stem that’s trumpet-shaped. This comes on an oval base with eight lobes. This holds the double-branch inset complete with spiraling arms and a socket at the center. It also has a bell-domed cover. This cover has a shell and flame finial. These are the basic descriptions of a lovely candelabrum.
The History of Candelabra
The candelabrum and candlestick both have an interesting history to offer. They date all the way back from the 17th century. Candelabra then were made of silver sheets and had hollow stems. Practically speaking, the earliest versions were quite flimsy which made them quite fragile.
Die-stamping as well as industrial manufacturing methods beginning in 1760s paved the way to the quality candelabra which we know today. These Georgian and Victorian candelabra were carefully made by Birmingham and Sheffield silversmiths.
A huge bulk of the antique silver candlestick designs all follow the fundamental principles. These are the flat base, thin nozzle and column. There were very few variations in construction.
The candlestick’s value is hugely determined by the quality as well as the aesthetics of their designs. The candlesticks from before 1760 can actually still be found in a wonderful condition. There are some signs of aging but, overall, they are still usable.
Candelabra are rarer than the candlesticks especially when you are searching for the 18th century pieces. Most candelabra were made during the 19th century before electricity was invented.
These days, talented craftsmen dedicate their skills to the preservation of the traditional construction of the antique candelabrum design. The silver candelabrum can hold about two to six sockets. The arms are ornate but are also removable. This makes cleanup and maintenance a lot easier. The central stem often features a flame-shaped finial that is used as extinguisher.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Urn Candelabra 1653-754
The Elegance of a Candelabrum
Adding a touch of elegance to your home or even to any social event is as easy as using a crystal candelabrum centerpiece. With this piece, you can add visual interest in a room especially during wedding receptions, a dinner party or any other festive affair.
Enhance the sparkling crystals using colors innovative designs and textures.
Taper candles look beautiful when inserted into the crystal candelabrum holders. Find a colored candle that will enhance the color of your dining table. Choose also a style that will easily blend with the theme that you have chosen for your celebration. If a neutral hue is more like you, then just use ivory or white tapers to complement the rest of the décor.
As if the candelabrum isn’t already chic, you can still up the level of sophistication by draping long strands of clear or colored glass beads on the candelabrum arms. These beads will also add shimmer to your sparkling table centerpiece.
You can also use a wire flower garland all around the crystal candelabra base. This should soften the look of the lighting piece while providing a more natural element. Use florist wire cutters in snipping the garland. Add hot glue right between the garland and the crystal base. Be sure to secure the flowers in place.
Pick a flower type that will help set the tone of the special event. Roses, of course, highlight the romantic venue while holly berries look great during a holiday celebration. Use the candelabrum as a vase of sorts, a piece that will hold the flowers while candles are burning brightly above the floral arrangement.
You can also scatter flower petals right at the base of the candelabra. Place some small glass holders with tea lights to complete the look.
Tags: candelabra, candelabrum, designing candelabra, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Candelabra: A Rich History and A Bright Future
Wednesday, May 17th, 2017
Did you feel intimidated by the pleated skirt sofa in the past? Is it because you associated this style with that of the couch that you saw whenever you visited your grandma? Have you embraced the contemporary lifestyle so, by default, you are saying no to the skirted sofa? Or are you simply not sure what style of sofa you would like to use in your living room?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then worry not, you’re not alone. The skirted sofa can actually make or break the look of your stylish living room. It can easily become the star or it can be an effective background.
Here are some wonderful ways to make the skirted sofa a usable piece in your home –
It Is a Balancing Factor
The skirted sofa is a wonderful way to balance any leggy space. This is that space where the chairs and tables have prominent legs.
When used inside the neutral living area, the skirted sofa can be the perfect supporting cast so that other components will stand out. Leopard prints and strong blue colors will surely stand out with a simple skirted sofa.
The skirted sofa can also serve as a pit stop for the eyes once they travel from a monochrome ceiling, walls and flooring. The skirting will arrest the eyes especially when the sofa itself offers a delicious array of palette that’s not found on the backdrop.
It Describes You
If you want to lend a touch of your personality in your habitat, then you might as well find furnishings that represent your characteristics. You should also learn to define where furniture would begin and stop. You should also seriously consider using a chic trim to your skirted sofa’s hem. Imagine a Greek key trimming on a skirted sofa while a soothing wall sits right behind it. With these, you have just defined the absolute chic place.
The skirted sofa may appear too traditional for many reasons. It is this style, though, that makes it a personality-defining piece. Imagine a painted and exposed brick wall, some exposed concrete and lines that show industrial design – these are the best frames to an otherwise basic skirted sofa.
It Pairs Beautifully
The traditional skirted sofa often pairs wonderfully with any modern velvet chair. Preferably an armchair, the skirted sofa and velvet armchair combo offers a graceful, inviting and a luxurious living room that is difficult to achieve with any other material.
It Is the Perfect Frame
At times, there are living room pieces that are a tad more difficult to see. For instance, a glass coffee table can be hard to immediately see. Continue the visual plane from the flooring all the way to the cushions then the skirted sofa should provide the perfect backdrop for the rest of the design pieces.
Buy Quality Skirted Sofa
The best way to check for sofa quality is to scrutinize the construction and engineering aspects. While your hands are limited to the touch as well as the feel of the materials, these can pretty much tell you a lot about the skirted sofa that you are about to buy.
The best frame is made of kiln-dried wood held by nails and glue. You can enjoy 15 years and more with this kind of frame.
As for the seating support, make sure that it provides a good support on your back. Check for the suspension which is the webbing across the back and the seat itself. Feel also the cushion filling as you sit on the sofa. The firmer cushions come at a higher density and the softest materials foam wrapped with cotton.
Of course, quality skirted sofa has to be an investment, it won’t come cheap. But if there’s one thing that you can be sure of, it’s that you will feel comfortable in it and you would use it for a long time.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, quality skirted sofa, shopping for skirted sofa, skirted sofa, skirted sofas
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Skirted Sofa – Why You Shouldn’t be Intimidated by It
Wednesday, May 17th, 2017
FFDM Boulevard Collection: The fireplace is the perfect background for these rustic dining table and chairs.
One of the favorite amenities in homes that are about to be bought is the fireplace. This feature is a vital architectural part that offers an added touch of comfort, beauty and hominess. There are also a lot of benefits in having a fireplace in your home –
Coziness Achieved
No other kind of heating appliance will be able to provide the cozy warmth that a fireplace can offer. Whether you have an insert, open hearth, a wood stove, or pellet stove, it is amazing to see dancing fire while it is freezing outdoors.
The fireplace offers an awesome place where people gather as they read a book, enjoy board games, or simply spend time all together.
A Dreamy Setting
Isn’t it an amazing feeling also when you sit in front of the crackling flames with the person that you love most? Nothing can be more romantic than this. There are very few architectural features in homes that can offer this same romantic venue.
Parents who are having a hard time going on a date because of the lack of a reliable babysitter can just spend their date nights in front of the fireplace.
A Lighting Source in the Absence of Electricity
Why scramble for a lighting source during blackouts when you can have it with a fireplace. You can keep warm inside your home and you even have plenty of light when you keep the fire burning in your fireplace. Homes without fireplaces spend time waiting for the restoration of power by the utility company.
A Rustic Way to Cook
If your home happens to have a wood burning stove, then you can also cook in there. You can save lots of money on your utility bills as you use the fireplace to heat your coffee or soup. The stove also warms the room while you do your simple cooking.
If the electricity is out, you don’t just get a lighting source but also a place where you can prepare home cooked meals.
Enjoy the fireplace further by roasting hotdogs and marshmallows on sticks.
Green Heating
The wood burning appliances of today are amazingly efficient. This means that you use less of the fossil fuels to keep it burning. The latest models can even distribute heat throughout the rooms in your home. Just use the existing ductwork to dispense the warmth equally.
Wood is also a sustainable source of energy unlike fossil fuels that would – someday – be depleted.
Save on Energy Costs
Electric bills have a tendency to climb especially during the winter season. Fireplaces have become a popular heating source. They cost much less than fossil fueled appliances.
Fireplaces also offer independence from utility companies. You can now take responsibility over the source of fuel for your home, even how much you pay. If you happen to have a woods right at the back of your property then you can even have an almost limitless supply of firewood.
Rustic Beauty
Simplicity is the characteristic of many fireplaces especially when the accessories that you use all around them are monochromatic. The fireplace must be coordinated with the rest of your interior design especially since it has a tendency to become the automatic focal point.
A Little Warning
Being a fireplace owner means you also have to take a few safety rules in mind. First, you must dispose off any coals or ashes after they are done using the fireplace. Also, these must be disposed outdoors then cooled using water.
Instruct bigger children to stay away from the fireplace but when you have smaller kids and pets, then make sure that you have a fireplace screen at the very least. An adult must also be present when smaller kids or pets are lounging in the living room fitted with a fireplace.
Tags: designing the fireplace, fireplace, fireplace benefits, fireplaces, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Fireplace: A Favorite Home Amenity
Tuesday, May 16th, 2017
Uttermost Accessories Gilli Glass Decorative Containers, Set_2 19148
Modern interior design has welcomed the use of lovely water features in many homes. These homes now have the most peaceful and serene living spaces with water being the mysterious and versatile element that is used.
Some of the water features that are commonly used nowadays are fountains (both indoors and outdoors), pools, water gardens, aquariums, even walls with dripping water.
Water features are known to add a one-of-a-kind character in home décor. They have been effectively used in enriching many modern interiors as water easily appeals to the senses. These features also offer a calming effect while adding a sophisticated softness to organic styling.
If you’re not ready to use the biggest water features just yet, then just opt for small fountains or just a small water garden at first. The living room, entryway and the foyer are perfect spaces to begin your water decorating.
An Ambitious Yet Rewarding Undertaking
Bringing nature in to homes is an ambition that a lot of homeowners are now slowly striving to achieve. For centuries, people have been setting up ponds, gardens and waterfalls in interesting spaces in their homes. The loveliest accent walls these days don’t necessarily have to be painted a bright, flaming shade of red. It can be a wall with waterfalls. The space where the corner rack used to sit can now be utilized to set up a small pond complete with natural pebbles.
Fountains and Feng Shui
Have you heard of Feng Shui fountains? These are the hottest thing in Chinese culture these days. It helps if you can set up a lovely fountain within your home but for these to be used as a cure, it isn’t even necessary to make them look Oriental.
It is best if your feng shui water fountain works well with your home décor, though. Fountains are quite popular especially among Asians because they are believed to bring good luck and positive energy in homes. Others even believe that these water elements can bring prosperity and wealth.
Feng Shui placement for these fountains are –
North for career
Southeast for money and wealth and
East for family and health.
Here are two more important things to keep in mind when setting up your Feng Shui fountains – first, never use them in the south area. It is believed that you should use a fire element there. A fireplace would be a nice addition in the south portion of your home.
Also, do not use water features in the bedroom. Water element is known to bring sorrow and worry when placed inside the bedroom – any bedroom for that matter.
When you choose to be more practical, it is best to choose water features with good quality and a silent motor. You should also check the design especially when you want to clean the water feature regularly. The more intricate the water feature is, the more complex it would be to clean it – it’s as simple as that.
FFDM Del Mar Collection: The water feature need not necessarily show flowing water; sometimes, a little artsy version of it is that decorative ‘koi’ art right above the headboard.
Other Soothing Indoor Water Features
Add a Zen vibe to your home as you place a small pool or running water within the foyer or the living room. A waterfall that’s added in the dining room or the living room should make the place more inviting and active.
If you do not have a lot of space in your home – don’t fret – you can install a standing water feature right on your wall. If you want to impress the guests further, then be ready to install a ceiling-to-floor waterfall. It could get a tad more difficult to hear each other but you would surely get the hang of it pretty soon.
Tags: fountain, fountains, indoor waterfalls, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, water elements, water feature, water features, waterfall walls
Posted in Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Home Decorating 101: Water Features and Other Natural Elements
Tuesday, May 16th, 2017
High windows, when properly situated, can provide ample lighting during the morning. Featured here is the beautiful Hooker Furniture Dining Room Elixir Round Dining Table 42in.
With regard to architecture, daylighting makes reference to the utilization of natural light. Whether this natural light is brilliant or an overcast illumination, either is used to support the visual needs of the occupants of a home.
Most daylighting purists argue that the natural light should be the primary illumination source during the day. It must also be able to create thermally and visually comfortable lighting that’s linked with the scenic beauties outdoors. Others simply view natural lighting as having a home that has windows with a view.
Efficient and Productive Lighting
Daylighting is highly regarded for its health and aesthetic benefits. A lot of researchers and designers agree to this. Daylit habitats are also believed to increase the productivity of its occupants while also upping the comfort in the home.
As if these weren’t good enough benefits, you can also enjoy visual and mental stimulation which are essential in regulating the human circadian rhythms.
The use of natural light also leads to a substantial amount of energy savings. Buildings’ electrical light consumes roughly 15-percent of all the U.S.-generated electricity. This information is according to the U.S. Department of Energy also the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Did you know that homes that have been fitted with daylight-sensing controls reduce their energy consumption by as much as 20% to 60%?
Natural Light and Your Mood
The natural lighting level in the rooms in your home can truly affect your mood. These rays contain vitamin D which is also an added benefit. This vitamin makes people feel more positive. Brighter rooms, therefore, make us feel a lot happier, more vibrant and alive.
When adding a light color to your ceilings or when you use a glass pendant lighting fixture, the room will surprisingly feel lighter. Glass doors also let in more natural light, therefore, polished floorboards and the rest of the rooms look instantly more energetic.
Begin planning your rooms especially the ones that are too dark. Of course, you cannot just allow every room remain brightly-lit all day. There must also be areas where shadows play an interesting contrast so that your home will retain its character.
Who says bedrooms have to be dark? Let in a generous amount of sunlight during the day. Featured here is the Lazarus Queen Headboard from the Meritage Collection of FFDM.
Decorating Dark Rooms
It always pays to make good use of mirrors. The shinier the surfaces, the more light will be reflected off of them. This means you have to learn to effectively use brass lighting (this is so in this 2017), gold doorknobs, brass candelabra, silver photo frames, and such.
You can also install mirrors directly opposite to one another so that they would bring about infinite reflections on both sides.
Adding a mirror at the end of a limited hallway will make the space appear much longer. You can also create the look of a larger window by placing a mirror that’s as big as the window opposite it.
Conclusion
If you are designing or about to renovate your home, be sure to check how the windows would relate to the movement of the sun throughout the day. The windows that face south have a steady supply of daytime warmth and light. Even during the winter, you are sure to find a generous amount of light there.
North-facing windows admit the softer, more indirect lighting. These windows offer very little to zero glare. The rooms is that area are also not able to maintain the warmth during the colder seasons.
The west and east-facing windows are able to funnel the light during the mornings and the afternoons, respectively. These windows might cause some glaring so learn how to angle the windows where natural light is easier to control.
Balance is the ultimate solution that you would need in order to utilize natural light effectively. Remember that anything excessive – even natural light – is never good.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural light, natural lighting, sunlight
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | Comments Off on Daylighting: Enjoying the Positive Effects of Natural Light in Your Home
Monday, May 15th, 2017
Lexington Dining Room Oxford Square Arm Chair 4011-463-201511
The design term known as shabby chic was first mentioned in the ‘80s. It’s a term that is being attributed to Rachel Ashwell, an English interior designer. It first graced the pages of The World of Interiors and has since become a renowned trans-Atlantic feature.
Shabby chic is the marriage of country style British and the lovely chateau of France. This style emerged from the posh ‘80s when a lot of the interior design trends progressed to the charm of English homes. Pretty soon, shabby chic went global and homeowners were going gaga about it.
Rachel Ashwell moved stateside when she had to open her first Shabby Chic store in 1989. This Santa Monica shop took on the world of interior design by surprise. It is nearing its 30th anniversary in 2019. The design, by itself, now has a following of its own and it’s only the business model that needs a makeover.
Constant Revamp
The shabby chic style is in constant need of reconditioning, mixing and matching. It also pays homage to mending and making do with what’s existing. But you don’t have to strip your current furniture of its paint just so you can achieve the shabby chic style.
Nowadays, there are a lot of shabby chic furniture pieces in the market. While these furnishings are practically new, they have the lived in or worn appeal. In fact, shabby chic is also now infused with some rustic elements such as the 18th century Shaker style.
Shop for Shabby Chic
When looking for the perfect pieces for your shabby chic home, be sure to find the ones that look vintage. Take a careful look at the paint finish, look for the ones that have a distressed look. This means that the lower layer of paint has been exposed to suggest wear and tear.
You don’t have to reuse or recycle furniture that is already frail. Find the hottest ones in the market. Blend both fresh and new as well as pretty florals and antique lace. Shabby chic is mainly English so go ahead and set up your dining area for an afternoon tea. If there are tea stains, don’t hesitate to show ‘em.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Three-Drawer Chest
Shabby Chic Rooms
Shabby chic is a style that keeps living on. If you want to make it your own, then you can begin in your kitchen. None can be a more sophisticated color for your kitchen walls than the lovely gray. All the country elements would feel right with this hue.
After the kitchen, you can go on to the attic. Here, you can set up a unique bedroom complete with painted rough floorboards with white walls. Just add a charming Persian rug and you’re done.
When it comes to the dining space, it would be nice to begin with rustic walls. Use paneling and other elements that look vintage.
As for the bedroom, you can prominently display your furnishings with the distressed look. Even out-of-season cushions and sheets can be used as a display. Just wallpaper your armoire with the same wallpaper on your bedroom walls.
If you love colorful spaces, then have the shabby chic reinvented with a Boho twist. If you’re aiming for this, make sure to veer away from white and work on pastels instead.
All in all, shabby chic is far from shabby. This is a design that will surely add elegance to any home. It is popular so you also won’t worry about being out of style. Shabby chic pieces are very easy to find. This is added great news since there are hundreds of options to choose from.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Spring Season | Comments Off on Shabby Chic This Spring 2017
Saturday, May 13th, 2017
Summer Home Collection by FFDM: Featured here is the Poster King Bed.
Okay, so spring is about to come to an end and summer is just about to break forth. The summer home can be a place relaxation, reflection, retreat, quiet and peace. While this is the case, it can also be the hub of exciting activities especially since summer is the season for water sports and vacations.
Summer Is Bright
Summer is a season for bright color trends or it can simply be white. A warmer weather spells moments when people would spend more time cleaning and uncluttering.
A pure white color palette is clean, crisp and refreshing. Bathrooms and kitchens could use white on tiles and cabinetry. Say no to clutter and oversized furniture.
No to Patterns, Yes to Tonal Palette
Say goodbye to energetic patterns. Summer is the time to embrace tonal palette with very minimal use of patterns. People are going to be busy this summer so you must be able to create a place of calm and relaxation.
Your body isn’t the only one that should rest this coming season. Your eyes must also be able to rest as they behold the design elements in your home.
Swap throw pillows or curtains with busy patterns with elements that are more solid and textured. Remember to keep your colors within the same hue family.
Display Spirited Sculptures
Add a different level of appeal in your home by displaying a statement sculpture. This is an ideal trend during summer because is spells a carefree and whimsical attitude.
Summer is all about having fun and celebrating. Pick a sculpture that will surely magnetize the visitors’ eyes.
Paint the Concrete Tiles
These are quickly becoming more widespread. These tiles often show intricate patterns and they are sold in a number of stores.
These tiles work best inside a traditional setting but with the right elements, it can also be used in a modern setting.
Go Boho Chic
Midcentury furniture is slowly making a comeback in homes. Designers now mix Midcentury and Modern pieces together with Moroccan or Bohemian-inspired pieces.
Trendy Pools
One of the biggest trends in the past years are pool parties. These are no longer just for the suburbs anymore. Swimming pools are now being integrated to outdoor spaces – no matter how small.
Even small outdoor spaces can be opportunities to create a sense of relaxation and intimacy.
Still from the Summer Home Collection, here is the lovely Landscape Mirror made more summer-y by the rooster figurines and other colorful elements.
Muted + Natural
Summer is setting the path for muted palettes and fresh materials. Organic shapes are also in according to some well-known designers. Anything that’s breezy and bright will never feel boring. So go ahead and embrace this trend and painting your walls with a neutral hue. Sand hue is perfectly embodied in Sonoma Clay 1242 by Benjamin Moore.
Pop a Little Color
Summer bring with it a lot of bold sounds, flavors and sights. Don’t fear bright and bold colors this upcoming season. Those who shy away from the boldest trends might as well use small pops.
A wonderful example of this is when you use a red chair and let it sit in a mainly neutral room. The color is just enough to be noticed but not in a way that’s intimidating.
Another way to bring the color in is to let in the yellows, blues, oranges, and reds of Mother Nature. Sandy hue is also appropriate for this season.
Brass Is Trendy
The year 2017 is a wonderful year for the reintroduction of brass. Use this lovely metal in interior finishes. Go ahead and be obvious with nautical elements. Let go of your non-metallic furniture knobs and replace them with brass instead. A white dresser would surely be noticed once you install brass knobs.
Finish the look by adding lamps, your collections, knickknacks, and a mirror.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer colors, summer design, summer interiors, summer style
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Summer Season | Comments Off on Your 2017 Summer Home
Friday, May 12th, 2017
Biltmore Collectors’ Room at two different angles.
Is your home office designated for running your new business? Or is it a place for the random telecommute? It could also be the nook for organizing your week as well as planning how to pay your bills.
You deserve a lot more than the usual desk and chair for your home office. A home office – your home office – should reflect who you are and it must also be comfortable enough so that you can expect a lot of productive days ahead.
Pick the Perfect Location
You are likely to spend countless hours in this home office so never be frugal with the space. Rather than keep a rarely-used guest room, it is best for you to set up a spacious home office instead.
Think also of the amount of foot traffic that would flow into your home office. How skillful are you in terms of keeping distractions at bay? If you’re not that good in shutting out noise and other distractions, then it is best to find an area that shuns these interruptions.
Form + Function
The desk, chair, storage units and shelves should serve your requirements and not the other way around. Think of the workflow and the stuff that you need within your reach especially during the work hours.
Find pieces that are both functional and beautiful. These pieces must complement all the other rooms in your home. These should not spell characterless.
If your home happens to have a traditional décor, then go for warm and soft, comfortable chairs. A loveseat would be an awesome seating unit for your visitors. A contemporary home, on the other hand, can feature metal furniture or artistic pieces.
The Chair as an Investment
You will be spending many hours in your office chair so make sure that you invest in an ergonomically-correct seat. This means that the chair offers lumbar adjustment for both depth and height. The backrest must be about 12-19n inches in width.
Consider this home office chair as an investment.
The Home Office Palette
Don’t automatically resort to beige. You would need a hue that will turn the cogwheels in your mind. For a few people, this is cheerful orange or the exciting tone of lime green. Still, others require a calming shade such as sea foam blue or botanical green.
The Home Office View
Be sure to position your chair and the desk at an area that is more interesting than the back of a building or a blank wall in the room. Even when you love the wall color, refrain from positioning your office furnishings in front of a blank wall.
It is important that you are able to look at a scenic view as you go about your day. The natural light offered by an open window is most ideal. If you happen to have a windowless home office, then at the very least, hang a lovely picture right above your desk. Also, be sure to position your chair right across the door.
Homey Home Office Accessories
If you’re not going for a contemporary look, then you must enhance the comfortable look and feel in your home office. Look for a rarely used mug and have it hold your favorite pens and pencils. Use a decorative waste basket, hang a bulletin board that’s wrapped in fabric, and conceal all utilitarian bookshelves.
If you can, invest in a more rustic bookshelf. Be sure to hang framed family photos or inspirational prints on the office walls.
A home office that does not have much square footage, could make good use of horizontal and vertical organization. Use a basket to file your papers, notes and mails. As for to-do papers, designate a lovely drawer.
Tags: home office design, home office furniture, home office style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Office Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Home Office of an Executive
Friday, May 12th, 2017
FFDM’s Antebellum Collection: Side Table
If history were to be the basis for the definition of Antebellum, then it is that period when civil war was at its peak and when it ended in 1812. This also includes a brief part of the after-war era till the 1789 adoption of the Constitution.
Cotton plantations were quite profitable during this time. The South enjoyed this cotton boom and their economy soared.
The Industrial Revolution started with the New England textile industry. This was brought about by Samuel Slater who was an apprentice in one of the biggest textile factories in Britain. He was the first to open the fully-mechanized mill.
There are many other historical happenings that affected the characteristics of anything considered to be antebellum.
Antebellum Architecture
Antebellum architecture focuses on the elegant and huge plantation homes in the South. Antebellum is the Latin word for before war. These days, it is used to define the style of a house or even furnishing style. But if we would have to be technical, it represents a historical place and time.
Southern architecture is hugely inspired by whoever inhabited the land – the French, Spanish, Native Americans or Creoles. These entrepreneurs dominated the Southern economy and also the architectural features of many homes.
A great many antebellum homes are in Classical Revival, Greek Revival, Federal Style or French Colonial in symmetry and form. Just take a careful look at the boxy balconies, pillars and columns and you’d know that you’re looking at an antebellum home.
Antebellum homes also feature the most opulent details such as –
Are you picturing the home in the movie The Sound of Music? That’s actually already pretty modern. The home in Gone with the Wind is more like it.
The American antebellum represents everything that’s grand, stately and powerful. It reflects the idealism of the rich plantation owners of the South. Here are some of the best and well-known examples of Antebellum homes –
Most of these homes were damaged during the Civil War and also during Hurricane Katrina.
FFDM’s Antebellum Collection: Landscape Mirror
Stylizing the Antebellum Home
So, if your home has those wide, spacious porches, extensive grounds and huge rooms, then you are blessed. You probably own a Southern plantation home. You can begin looking for the best paint colors, cabinetry and lighting fixtures to decorate your home with.
Begin with styling the Antebellum porch. Nothing can offer a more relaxing vibe than to have this classic porch transformed into an easygoing area. Install lantern-style fixtures and ornate yet still laidback furniture pieces.
Blue green is the most apt color for porch ceilings. This is because it was originally considered as a means to ward off evil spirits. White paint is also the look of antique. Just like every Farrow & Ball color, white can change with the light. So this can appear off-white, pale gray, cream, even yellowish.
Speaking of light, you can use pendant fixtures, still in lantern style.
To complete the look, install also a ceiling fan or two.
As you go indoors, expect to find coffered ceilings. If these are not installed in your current home, then don’t fret ask a professional to do everything.
Having a luxurious flooring is also a must. As much as you can, save the original floors. If that’s no longer possible, it would be nice to have a reclaimed heart pine installed as your Antebellum home’s new – yet old-looking – flooring.
Tags: Antebellum, Antebellum design, Antebellum furnishings, Antebellum interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Antebellum Architecture and Interior Design
Thursday, May 11th, 2017
Arabella Collection by Hooker Furniture showcases the beauty of gray.
Are you one of the few who personally like gray interiors? This can be a difficult hue to work with and it can also be pretty controversial. Most people, though, find gray to be a depressing color. So, is gray a drab color or is it something that will turn your design positively around?
Gray Is Industrial
Gray is a hue that is typically associated with an industrial environment. To the right person, gray is neither black nor white but it can be a hue that gets attention to itself.
As you think of industrial settings, think of elements that are utilitarian. Industrial settings are most beautiful in gray.
Gray Is Popular
In the recent years, the world of interior design has seen the rise of gray as a huge part of a neutral color palette. It is also a cool color that can be paired with just about any hue. If you’re looking for a color palette that is secure, then gray should be your go-to hue.
Gray Psychology
Gray is a hue that may not evoke positive psychological feelings – if it is used on its own. With other colors, though, it is the perfect frame to an otherwise cluttered home.
Gray is also the go-to color if you want to achieve a more serious look in any room. This is the color that screams – I mean business.
Gray may be seen as an unconfident color as it is interpreted as being cocooned from the world outside. It can be a draining color if not used properly. There are many colors that you can fuse with gray which will make it non-draining.
It is believed that the colors we pick for our design palette represent our psyche. Gray interiors are seen to be a representation of the current economic situations around the globe. Subconsciously, people are protecting themselves from things that could happen that could bring about negative feelings.
Gray can be your source of calmness when you are nervous or feeling anxious. Without any color support, though, know that gray can be a color that drains positive feelings. This means that you must also be cautious in using gray.
Gray Resonates Your Personality
The best shade of gray which you picked represents who you truly are. Yellow-based grays are considered warm and homely while cool grays are often blue-based.
If you have to use gray inside the bedroom, make sure that you use the cooler tones. This is especially true when you are going to use this hue inside the nursery or a child’s bedroom. Rooms that require creativity must also veer away from gray.
The Marriage of Gray
Gray – since it does not have a personality of its own – must be paired with other colors. When you do this, allow gray to take the backseat while the other color will take center stage.
Find a color that harmonizes with gray. Since summer is just around the corner, you have to learn to combine gray with a summer color palette. Pair gray with pink, green or yellow. Red – in a watermelon shade – would also be a perfect partner for gray.
Other colors that would stand out when paired with gray are –
Top interior designers have also taught us the hottest gray paint colors –
Tags: gray, gray color palette, gray interior design, gray interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in 2017 Trends, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Gray Interiors: Neither Detached Nor Unemotional
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