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Monday, October 16th, 2017
Uttermost Accessories Safari Views Silver Wall Art S/3 04121
If you’re a homeowner who’s claiming that your home is the best showroom in the entire neighborhood, you have to understand that your habitat must still have a homey atmosphere. It must not be cold or unfeeling as most showrooms are perceived to be.
You don’t have to come from a family of interior designers or artists to come up with your design preference. You can venture into this new project with just the thought that you want to express who you are or what you do with the things that you decorate your home with.
What Is Safari?
The word safari is derived from the Swahili word meaning journey. In colonial times, this word is also an implication of games, hunting, shooting, and many other activities that the local tribes people participate in.
It was no less than the late President Theodore Roosevelt who popularized this term when he said he ventured on a safari of enormous proportions. His intention was to fill up the Smithsonian Institute with a lot of African specimens. Approximately 11,400 animals fell prey to this project of which 512 were huge games ranging from lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalos. There were even six white rhinos.
All these led to the negative connotation of the word safari. These days, though, slowly, this term is evolving to a much more positive meaning. Many modern associations, with environmental and social projects, have slowly made safari travel an exciting expedition rather than a blood-filled sport of some kind.
Nowadays, the traditional African safari centers on appreciating the African wildlife and certainly not limited to just game viewing.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Black And Young Penshell Inlay Torchiere Table Lamp, Leopard Pattern, Brass Accents 1700-371
Modern Safari
While safari still includes wildlife appreciation, it is chiefly for adventure rather than a killing spree. Many of the safari expeditions, in fact, have benefitted the African wildlife because of their conservation efforts.
Safaris are now looked up to as holiday trips and a means to take part in the protection of animal species. Going on these trips also means you immerse yourself in the beautiful African culture while you enjoy nature’s wonders.
When it comes to interior design, there are many new African trends. All the warm colors that the Kalahari Desert is able to offer can now be beautifully replicated in your home.
All the beautiful and natural elements of angular wooden furniture, light-colored wood walls, ethnic motif, pottery, patterned textiles, and animal skins are highly appreciated in the design industry.
African Safari Design Characteristics
Simply put, this style comes all the way from Africa. This is no less than the sunniest continent in the whole world so you need the typical colors there. Look for warm, sunny colors that would remind you of the deserts, the oases that are scattered there, clay, dry leaves, the sun, and the bright, blue skies.
These colors, therefore, are mainly ocher, orange, shades of red, yellows, browns, burgundy, and bright blue. There are no cool colors since all things there are literally sun-drenched.
The eclectic beauty of African safari design is most appropriate in cold regions where winters linger. This unique style will surely draw warmth into your home even when all hell is breaking loose outside.
Light walls are reminiscent of the clay material in African homes. You can recreate this by using Venetian plaster, embossed wallpaper, or paint.
As for your furnishings, be sure to add dark wood pieces. These have to be slightly artisanal with eclectic accents or ethnic prints. Use faux animal prints for your fabrics.
Make use also of decorative materials that were made in African eclectic style. The African tribes are known for their unique art so go ahead and copy their different motifs of Ikat pattern, zebra design, tribal figurines, etc.
Tags: eclectic design, eclectic Safari theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Safari interior design, Safari style, Safari theme
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on How to Recreate Safari Influence in Interior Design
Thursday, August 31st, 2017
Flexsteel Living Room Oval Coffee Table W1433-033
Eclectic style may not be for everyone but it is a design that one can easily adapt to. Eclecticism is not easy to achieve. If you want to use this style in your home, then you had better be prepared to learn some rich history, the philosophy behind it, and why it is one of the most unique interior designs that one could ever use.
Eclecticism History
It was during the 19th century that eclecticism became highly known. Victor Cousin defined it as the selection of systems that are good and true and are potentially everlasting. He also longed for the moments when great schools peppered the earlier periods – all the things that are philosophically taught among the Scottish, French, and Germans.
Eclecticism was mainly an architectural design wherein one piece infuses many other elements from different historical styles. In our time, this is something that is nostalgic while being a melting pot of many cultures and time periods.
Eclecticism in North America has also profoundly affected architecture. Architects who finished their education in Paris, more specifically in Ecolé des Beaux-Arts, were the ones who spurred eclectic architecture in America.
Skyscrapers, courthouses, churches, libraries, city halls, and movie theatres were popularly designed with eclectic elements.
Ocean liners also became the home for many eclectic designs. This is mainly due to the people’s wish that they are reminded of home when they spent days to weeks traveling abroad.
What Is Eclecticism?
So what really is eclecticism?
It is a style that enforces creative freedom. It is a style that has zero guiding rules. The chances of creating a thing of beauty are high as is the risk for having an unsuccessful design. Remember that eclecticism, though without rules, is still an interior design style. This means that the other design elements have to harmonize.
Eclectic Layout
When you are designing an eclectic space, remember that it is so easy to get lost in the varied styles and periods. You could also end up being confused between Mid-century and rustic styles. While it is great to think outside of the box, you must tread this path with care.
Search Google and you’d immediately see hordes of eclectic house plans. One thing that you’d notice is that all these spaces have furnishings in proper placement.
The furniture layout must be comfortable (as comfort is always key).
Eclectic Focal Point
What is an eclectic home without a focal point? It could easily be that quirky chandelier that you bought years ago. Bring it out and find out how you can use it to brighten up your unique home.
Design around the layout that you initially made. While there can be different styles fused, make sure that you don’t lose focus. Create a focal point that highlights an existing one. This can be the accent wall, a fireplace, or that bold decorative piece.
Eclectic Function
As you find proper décor, do not forget that you will live in this home together with your family. Consider having bookshelves, tables, baskets, and trays for all your storage needs. These elements do not just store stuff but they also provide your home with a lived in appeal.
Eclectic Uniformity
Okay, don’t be confused. You’re not asked to match everything. Eclectic is naturally varied, true, but all the pieces are still complementing each other. Your place is sure to look disjointed if the design elements do not harmonize in any manner.
The simplest way to achieve this is to have a single go-to hue. This will serve as the color that will pull everything together. Remember, you must always return to this color whether you’re picking your decorative items, furniture or wall color.
Tags: eclectic, eclectic design, eclectic interior design, eclectic interiors, eclecticism, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Organized Chaos – How to Make Eclectic Design Work in Your Home
Friday, November 11th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Connelly Hall Console
Everything that people do comes with a reason. This reason is not something that’s appealing all the time, though. Each person has his or her own taste and preferences, design and styles, even their own life spheres.
A Rad Movement
The field of art had a movement called Eclecticism. This is still an unrecognized style on its own despite the movement’s success. For many this is still seen as a distinct movement. The term eclectic was first brought to the public’s attention by Joha Joachim Winckelmann. This was a term used by Carracci when painted and fused traditional and Renaissance pieces.
There’s a wonderful story behind this art movement. Eclectic style means the combination of elements or styles coming from different eras or periods. These then become a single project despite their varied origins.
Balance Is Key
Don’t think that eclecticism is all about putting in different styles and praying that they would work. On the contrary, there is a beautiful harmony that is happening in every eclectic piece. Let eclectic style into your home by adding different pieces of furniture coming from various unique places. Think also of all the elements that you could add to make the entire design look like a whole, willed piece.
Achieving Eclecticism
The eclectic style is very easy to love. While this is so, it is not easy to achieve. If you want your next design project to center on this style, then you need to outline and do’s and don’ts. Here are the DO’s –
Do remember the layout. When you are planning the space for an eclectic space, you might get caught up on what textures, colors or patterns you need to bring together that you forget about proper placement.
The layout is one of the fundamental things that you need to consider when setting up a room. The furniture layout is equally important. This is what would give you comfort and aesthetics. So before you begin purchasing the things that you will bring in, check out the furniture options. You might end up realizing that you don’t actually have ample space to welcome a sectional.
Consider utility as well. Remember always that the room is meant to be lived in, eventually, so let utility lead the decorations. Utility is a wonderful decorator. Allow it to make the decision for your fabrics and colors. Consider bookshelves, baskets, card tables and drink trays. These provide a lived-in look to any home.
As for the don’ts, let’s begin with don’t forget the focal point. As you arrange your layout, while you are combining different pieces from different eras, you must still remember to have a focused look. This means that some of the pieces will serve as accessories while one significant piece should serve as the focal point.
Be consistent. The nature of the style that you chose is varied so every room – while being different – must still complement the others. Have eclecticism throughout your home but create a flow that’s obviously there.
Always make sure as well that you’d pick one dominant color. This will serve as the unifying factor for the rest of the design elements. Color is also a great equalizer so you need it to create an overall look. While color is quite powerful, make sure that you do not compare hues. Don’t go sampling on all available paints for your wall. The trick is to make a decision then create a lineup of colors that are a shade or two lighter and darker than your chosen color. Don’t confuse yourself into lining up so many different colors that you end up feeling nauseated.
Tags: balance, eclectic, eclectic design, eclectic interior design, eclecticism, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, symmetry, unique interior design
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Friday, May 27th, 2016
1120CR Kit Club Chair by Cynthia Rowley
If you want some time away from the minimalist perspective being offered by modern living, then you will find refuge in maximalism. This is the grand antidote to clean lines and the simplicity of neutral color palettes and streamlined furnishings. Maximalist dwelling places are daring and dramatic yet still welcoming. Your eyes will never be bored as there is a visual feast in every room.
One Rule: There Is No Rule
Maximalism is all about conveying your personality through your home. It can be fun, romantic, rustic, even dramatic. Say goodbye to design rules as they are not that important in this kind of style. In fact, the only rule that you need to remember is to say throw any rules outside of the window.
Maximalism means playing with design elements in your own terms. Play with colors, patterns, scale and textures. Do not be contented with little embellishments, go to the hilt and decorate to the brim.
You can always evolve as there will always be room for improvement inside a maximalist home.
Leave Very Little Space
The maximalist is always a busy person. Her home comes in visual layers that build up in phases or stages. You could begin with some anchor pieces in neutral hues. Begin with chairs, sofa, a table, dresser, and blinds. These are the anchors upon which all the other interior design pieces will hold on to.
Keep in mind that a maximalist must be sociable, too. This means that you should have lots and lots of seats. Surround these seats with elements of blue, green, red and gold. These will look great when used all together on wallpaper.
FFDM’s Antebellum Collection features bulky furniture pieces that will fit right into a maximalist home.
Experiment with Colors
The maximalist is never bound by anything so go ahead and experiment on the different hues that you can use inside your home. You’re not bound by the pastels required of a preppy home or the black and red fusion of Gothic design.
Don’t be afraid to use dark or bold shades. Walls painted with dark colors and furniture pieces in equally hot hues will spell drama at every level. Again, there is no need to be bound by tone, harmony or contrast.
Find out what sort of mood board you can work with. Blend different colors and discover what results excite you the most.
A Lot of Mixing
Bohemian and eclectic are two of the closest words that you can use to describe maximalism. You don’t have to stick to one era or style. Mix to the max! There, that’s your rule.
Do the patterns clash? Who cares? Patterns everywhere will make a maximalist home crazier.
What about textures? The secret is to build the layers. Bring in wool, sheepskin, velvet and silk. Of course, you mustn’t forget the walls. Wall texture can be added if you hang a rug or embossed wallpaper.
Maxed Lighting
Maximalism can also be reflected in the type of lighting that you use. Go for clusters of light instead of the usual, single pendant lighting.
Lighting can add a different level of visual interest in a home so play and tweak the lights that you will use. Bring in the floor lamps, colorful chandeliers, and table lamps. Look for pop pieces that are the exact opposite of classic beauty and elegance.
Up to the Ceiling
A maximalist won’t stop designing her home the moment the rooms are filled with furnishings and colors. Look up and you would find out that there is still so much to do.
Get wallpaper to cover your ceiling or find the paint that suits your taste. Patterned wallpaper, for instance, will look great with light walls but they are also sure to stand out with dark paint.
Make your choice now, maximalist.
Tags: bohemian, bohemian interiors, Boho, Boho charm, eclectic, eclectic design, eclectic interior design, eclectic interiors, eclecticism, maximalism, maximalist, maximalist home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »
Monday, January 25th, 2016
mix
This sofa from the Fine Upholstery Collection of FFDM is oozing with eclecticism.
Imagine finding a streamlined L-shaped couch and a lovely shag carpet in the middle of your living room. These can provide the modern side to an eclectic home while any wooden piece will lend the eclectic vibe. The eclectic design is a spectrum of many different styles. It is the gathering of different elements coming from various sources then used together in perfect harmony. This style, however, is not an easy one to replicate more so to create. You need to learn to mix and match certain interior design and decorative elements coming from different themes.
Yeah, this is not as easy as it seems since taking different elements from your favorite styles and throwing them all together is not the way to go. So whether you will design a bungalow or a much wider space, make sure that you have an eye for balance and harmony. Now going back to that L-shaped couch and the wooden center table, such pairing will become acceptable if the background features neutral or any light-colored wall or floor-to-ceiling curtains.
Though you may like different elements separately, these may not look great when brought together. If you want to avoid creating design mess, then you have to be careful about your choices. Moderation is key to creating the contrasts that you need. Variety and contrasts, after all, are what comprise eclectic interior design.
What Strikes Your Fancy?
Think of eclectic as the union of the luxurious and simple; neutral and bright; even the East and the West. The leeway that you enjoy is what makes this whole design scheme tricky. Keep in mind that the borderline between chaos and acceptable contrast is very thin. The leeway that you enjoy is what makes this whole design scheme tricky.
Do you think you have the skill to mismatch something systematically? This is the very core of eclecticism. Find enough elements that will become the foundation. This common ground will be responsible for harmonizing everything else.
Any room, for instance, can showcase wooden furniture pieces that can give your home a rustic and earthy feel. Yet they could also turn out to be overpowering or monotonously boring if you do not use them carefully. Find decor pieces that will soften the overall look of your home (bright throw pillows or colorful area rugs for instance).
Don’t bother about matching chairs. Use a narrow palette and a dash of both shimmer and silhouette. Find artwork, accents, rugs, and lighting elements that play well with your background. Use light against the dark, flat and glossy, traditional and modern. Always look for prospects of creating analogous unions.
This inspiring dining set from the FFDM American Cherry Collection is a powerful anchor to the ornate carpet.
Another great rule of eclecticism is to edit as you go. It will be impossible to cram all your ideas in one room. As you go along, you will observe that finding the right balance becomes easier. Establish optical marriages of furniture and artwork, shapes and finishes, even focal point and accent pieces.
The fundamental pieces should serve as the anchor to your whole theme. Architectural elements can be repeated throughout, say, a gold-colored chair propped against a distressed white desk in your home office, all against pearly white painted walls, trim and door posts.
Before bringing any piece to a room, consider its relationship to the rest of the design elements. Will it overwhelm or become a dull addition? If this is so, then it is certain that your furniture piece should go someplace else.
Accessories Uttermost Iced Trees Abstract Art 31304 is a frameless masterpiece that spells eclectic throughout. This artwork will surely leap to life in any room.
Scale, composition and proportion are always important when it comes to interior design, however, they become crucial the moment they are used in a home with incongruent design elements. Pay attention to the mixture of artwork and accessories as there should be nothing unintentional in your space.
Lastly, eclectic design is also about texture layering. Create depth by bringing in on Oriental carpet onto a wooden flooring and trim. Upholstery pieces look great when paired with sleek desks. Different textures can create visual sensations that will surely excite the senses.
Tags: contrast, eclectic, eclectic design, eclectic interior design, eclectic interiors, eclectic Safari theme, eclecticism, guidelines, interior design contrasts, match, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mixing and matching furniture, mixing designs, mixing interior designs, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | Comments Off on Eclectic Design: Your Home, Your Style
Monday, January 11th, 2016
Wine bottles in this photo are from FFDM’s RayLen Vineyards Collection.
Choosing to highlight the rooms in your home with a vineyard or wine theme can add a casual ambience that is often linked to country French or Tuscan style. Wine accents permeate your place with a glamorous yet tranquil atmosphere. Pick hues that are commonly found in nature to harmonize with your wine accents. Use sage green, burgundy, and deep blue for a calming effect. Sunshine yellow and red, on the other hand, can make a room come to life. If you want to add a hacienda feel or mission touch, then use rustic textures.
This lovely wine rack is also from FFDM’s RayLen Vineyards Collection
Guidelines for the Innovative Vineyard Theme
First, what is a wine theme without bottles of wine, right? Keep those wine bottles in a wine rack made of wrought-iron. If you can find those with grapevine and grape bunch embellishments then do so. Display this kind of rack inside your Napa Valley design kitchen.
You can also set up a wine bar with different kinds of wines placed on a glass-topped, wrought-iron table. If you don’t want to take the risk on metal, then go safe with the traditional beauty of wooden racks. To add a country feel, wind some grapevines among the wine bottles.
As guests arrive, place fresh grapes with cheese board showcasing a number of cheeses, crackers, crusty bread, and fruits. Place a terracotta ice bucket complete with a vineyard logo and wine glasses and you’d be the talk of the town!
Now don’t think that the wine theme is just great for your kitchen. You can bring this same rustic look to your bedroom by grouping grapevine wreaths on the place where the headboard should have been. Embellish these with sunflowers to achieve the sunniest Tuscan atmosphere. Here, you should opt for faux grapes complete with dried herbs or some yellow starflowers.
Put this same treatment above the couch in your living room. You can pick one oversized wreath or settle with a group of smaller ones.
Of course, just like any design, one of the fundamental guidelines in achieving cohesion or balance is the use of a focal point.
Make a focal point inside the dining room or kitchen by using a wine puller collection showcased on a bead board backsplash. Put this on the side of the kitchen island or right above the counter.
You can reach a higher level for this look by filling up a pottery bowl (preferably brick red or muted yellow) with different fruits. Use purple and green grapes with all the other fruits, of course. Place this fruit bowl in the middle of your vintage farm dining table. None can be more perfect as a rustic centerpiece.
The bathroom can also be given an eclectic flair as you place vineyard-themed towels, bathrobes and a shower curtain. If you cannot have these theme towels made, then you can just combine white towels with towels in red or purple shades. Highlight the walls with wallpaper in the same hue or print.
Winners Only Dining Room 52 Inch Franklin Server DFD470B at McCreerys Home Furnishings
Designing a Wine Cellar
You may not be a wine connoisseur but if you enjoy a glass of wine after dinner, then it won’t hurt to use this unique them when you remodel your home. Here are some ideas before you set out to build or remodel –
Never think that the wine cellar is merely a storage area. This is an important room just as much as the dining or living room. Obviously, wine bottles need to be kept in a quiet, undisturbed, cool and private place. While this is so, you should not decorate the space as if no one is ever going to see it.
Add a wooden wine rack or cabinet, even a wrought-iron bar in the corner. These furniture pieces are not just there to beautify; they can also serve as storage units in your cellar or wine room. Add a framed artwork on the wall to complete the artistic vibe in your wine-themed home.
Tags: color harmony, country, country cottage, country style, country style interiors, eclectic, eclectic design, eclectic interiors, eclecticism, French design, French design elements, French furnishing, French furniture, French interior design, French interiors, French Romantic, harmony, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Napa Valley design, rustic, rustic charm, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, Tuscan design, Tuscan interiors, Tuscan style, vineyard theme, wine bar, wine cellar, wine cellar design, wine theme
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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