- Follow us:
Wednesday, July 27th, 2016
1586-75907-GRY1 Soiree Sideboard is the perfect home for your valued silverware.
Buying finishes and materials from discount shops may save you a lot of money on an interior design project but this choice poses higher risk. If you are not careful, you can also create a space that looks bland. This is why every homeowner must always buy high-end materials from the onset. The cost may be more but you get to maximize the potential of the material plus the impact that it creates is limitless.
If you want to make sure that you buy only the finest things without splurging too much, then here are a few tips –
The Tile Wall
A full-height wall made of tiles can have a huge impact whether it is set up in the shower zone or the powder room. A standard shower that is 60’ long and a ceiling at a height of 8 feet means you should have a 40-sq.ft. wall surface that is free for you to work on. This means that you can buy a marble tile for about $5-$6 for every sq.ft. and you get a stunning accent wall for just about $200.
Use a low-cost tile to balance your budget yet still achieving that high-end appeal.
Stone hexagonal mosaic flooring plus simple white walls will also provide the harmonized approach that you need in your home.
The Single-Slab Backsplash
Use a single stone slab for that huge surface that needs to be covered. This is the case with a kitchen island countertop. Imagine having a bronzite island countertop, oh, you’d surely be the talk of the town for months!
A smaller part of the single slab can be used as a backsplash for the bathroom. This is a more beautiful option than the usual tiling. Unbroken grains can have an awesome effect which spells customization. This will provide a subtle and classy appeal.
Ask stone suppliers about their slim cutoffs which are often left over from those huge slab countertops that have been previously cut. Here, you have a huge chance of getting a discounted price so ask well.
A Piece of Art
Do you agree that the most dramatic art piece is the one that is large-scale? You should. Investing on a painted canvas rather than a whole lot of smaller art pieces will give you an roomful of color and drama minus the fuss.
The Vintage West Collection of Hooker Furniture spells richness, luxury, comfort and style.
Huge Mirrors
One of the proven ways to dramatically increase the high-end appeal of a room is to increase the scale of the mirrors that you set up there. No mirror would overwhelm any space, in fact, it would even open up a compact room. So go ahead and invest in an expansive mirror that will not just make your place look great but also has the tendency to double your investment.
Wood Floor
Wood flooring has the power to up the look of any space. No other flooring material will be able to give your home the richness and beauty that wood can give – bear that in mind. Sure, wood costs more but its beauty and durability will more than compensate for the cost.
Large Accent Pillows
Throw pillows seem to be not worth anyone’s attention but none could be more wrong. Any pillow that is less than 18 inches is screaming store bought. Try finding larger accent pillows which will make your living room appear more high-end.
An Elegant Light Fixture
Another design element that has a huge impact in any home is the light fixture. Don’t immediately default to brass chandeliers, instead, go for the more modern fixtures such as wall sconces, pendant lighting, and such.
You see, achieving that high-end appeal wasn’t that difficult, was it?
Tags: characteristics of luxury homes, designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, glamorous interior design, glamour, high-end appeal, high-end interior design, high-end interiors, high-end look, luxury home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in 2016 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-90010-BLK1 Twin Peak Six-Drawer Chest on Chest is sleek and uncomplicated.
When looking at the American gothic style nowadays, you might not picture how it actually came about. Its beginnings were quite humble, with artist Grant Wood taking a stroll around Eldon in Iowa. He was then just looking for inspiration when he came upon the gothic style farmhouse called the Dibble House. Being an Iowan, himself, Wood sketched this dwelling place at the back of a simple envelope. Wood’s biographer later added that the artist was struck at the thought of adding a pretentious (we’re using the biographer’s word here, not ours) gothic window on an otherwise flimsy wooden house (again, the biographer’s words). This painting resulted into what’s known today as American Gothic.
Grant Wood’s American Gothic
Using Nan Wood – Graham (Wood’s sister) and Byron McKeeby (their family dentist) as models, Wood started painting the house along with this willing pair. The Art Institute of Chicago recognized him by giving him a prize for the said painting. The masterpiece was even purchased by the Institute and hung it for everyone’s appreciation.
While Wood wanted to depict a positive image for the Americans, his painting was seen by a different pair of eyes among his critics. To them, it was a satire on the life spent in a farm. It took many years before the painting became a symbol for strength and steadfastness.
The Hancock and Moore Living Room Norvell Ancient Thunder Horse Painting Chair 4797-AT has an unpretentious farm appeal to it which is perfect for your American Gothic home.
What Is American Gothic?
This style is evident in many early American imagery and symbols. Just think of pitchforks, red-colored barns, aprons, gothic windows, blue, black and denim and you’re thinking American Gothic.
This style often works because it centers on farm life. Do you ever wonder why most children’s books feature farms and farm animals? It’s because farm life is uncomplicated and it shows a life that is easy or laidback. If you take a closer look at the industrial spirit brought about by farm structures of the past, then you would also realize that American gothic has an almost modern feel to it.
You will surely love American Gothic style if you prefer the unfussy sort of design. If the elaborate workings on furniture and architecture do not please you or if you consider apron to be an everyday wear, then you are embracing the Puritan way of life and would definitely feel comfortable in an American Gothic home.
Do not mistake American Gothic for Victorian gothic. The latter offers dark walls almost depicting haunted houses. Victorian Gothic also shows ornate architecture and the most gorgeous furniture. So, here are characteristics often associated with Victorian gothic that you must not link with American Gothic –
Drama
Victorian Gothic will always be dramatic and elegant. Say no to making dramatic statements whether in your choice of furniture, lighting fixture, or decorative details.
Wallpapers are also items that are associated with the Victorian gothic style. So keep your walls simple and nod not to patterned wallpapers, more so those that have a velvety texture. Use simple wall paint rather than the bold colors used in many Victorian homes.
Thick, Rich Textures
Draperies are both decorative and functional. The heavier, layered types of draperies are glamorous and elegant enough for a Victorian Gothic home. Should you choose the less opulent American Gothic style, be sure to go for simple draperies minus the tassels and fringes.
Opulence
Ornate furniture pieces are regal pieces of artwork. They are for homes that are rich and often dramatic. So, since you are embracing the American Gothic look, just look for straightforward designs. If you’re uncertain as to whether you can use black or not, well, you can. Just make sure that the black furniture you invest in has simple lines and a pretty uncomplicated design.
Tags: American Gothic, American Gothic design, American Gothic style, characteristics of luxury homes, designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, glamorous interior design, glamour, gothic, gothic interior design, gothic interiors, history, luxurious home, luxurious interiors, luxurious living, luxury home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, Victorian gothic
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, May 16th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-75203-GLD3 Shangri-La Gilded Dining Table Base
Not too many homeowners immediately resort to gold when decorating their dwellings. Others think that it’s a pretentious color while some feel that it represents their personality. But are you one of these people who are willing to get out of their comfort zone? There is no doubt that the timelessness of gold is what makes it an awesome choice in interior design. It is rich, daring and invaluable. It effortlessly symbolizes power and wealth.
Compromising with Gold
If gold is a little too much for you to use as the dominant color in your home, then you can always use it as an accent hue. Small accents of gold can have a huge impact in any interior.
The holidays often use gold to represent the merriments and luxury enjoyed by families during the holidays. But you don’t have to wait till the Christmas season for your home to look glamorous. You can already decorate your home and make it look glitzy and glamorous for your loved ones.
Gold accents are one of the hottest trends (if not a classy trend). There are so many fun and surprisingly easy way that you can add the beauty of gold in your home.
Golden Chandeliers
The chandelier is a wonderful piece to infuse the shining glory of gold. It is highly recommended that you pick an elegant chandelier that adds the needed luxury in your room. For example, find one that does not concentrate on the metallic side of gold. Find materials such as glass or fabric then use gold to frame or highlight your chosen material. Doing so will give the living room, dining room or the bedroom a more stylish feeling.
Golden chandeliers aren’t just for dining rooms anymore. This is an unexpected and often unutilized glamour enhancer.
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-90004B-GLD1 Antoinette Gilded Mirror
Gold Prints, Fabrics, Furnishings, etc.
Nothing can be more glamorous than gold furniture. Just try perusing through any interior design magazine or website and you will surely see one gold furniture or two. The most elegant rooms have gold accents. These rooms look posh because gold accents are placed strategically throughout.
You, too, can pull off this kind of look without looking tacky. Swap your linens, curtains, pillows, area rugs and fabrics with ones that come with accents of gold. You can also choose to switch a neutral-colored wall with glimmering paint. If the gold wall is a tad too much, then just place an accent piece such as a coffee table.
Accentuating the dining room is as easy as adding a gold runner. This is the kind of accent piece that can be used all year long especially when paired with the correct centerpiece.
Should you host a special dinner, the table can be decorated with gold napkins and gold-trimmed china.
Add More Sparkle
Candles are meant to burn and give glamour but be careful when adding a touch of gold in your home decor. It is easy to go overboard if you use a lot of both elements. Just try to add glittery candles instead. This is like hitting two birds with one stone.
The Gold Hardware
Brass is definitely in! Don’t think of the ‘80s kind of brass fixtures, though. Brass hardware can level up the touch of formality in your home. Fuse gold with your brass hardware, accessories and fixtures. Do this and you won’t have to worry about being too flashy.
Gold Frame It
The simplest way that you can add gold into your home is to use a gold picture frame. Just replace the usual wooden frames and use gold borders instead. Watch your walls come to life!
Tags: designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, glamorous interior design, glamour, gold, gold accent, gold accents, gold in interior design, gold interior design, gold interiors, luxurious home, luxurious interiors, luxurious living, luxury home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Friday, May 13th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody King Panel Bed offers curvaceous lines that spell elegance and romance.
It wouldn’t hurt to have a little romance in your life, would it? Romance doesn’t come often to some people, meaning, you have to work hard to get a slice of it. Adding a little love and sensuality into your home is as easy as following these guidelines –
Candle-Lit Atmosphere
Candles are the cornerstones of all romantic ambiences. Don’t just get any kind of candle, though. Settling for paraffin candles is like saying yes to pollution. These are made from sludge found at the bottom of barrel oils and are hazardous when inhaled.
For a more environmentally-sound romantic lighting, go for beeswax or soy candles. Light some scented candles if you want to stimulate your senses.
Say no to glaring lights that will only detract the romantic atmosphere. A dimmed, soft light is the way to go. There should be zero fluorescent lighting at this point. You could be the most energy-conscious person on the planet but it’s time to forget about LED lighting during this time.
Bring out those warm, incandescent lights. These are just as good as candles in stimulating romantic feelings.
There is really no point in arguing about the inspiration that candles evoke. Their warm glow can create flattery and a heightened level of intimacy.
If you want to splurge, there are many other ways of romantically lighting your home. Invest in a crystal chandelier to extend the romantic feel of the home for many, many years to come.
Sometimes, you don’t have to spend much. You can also place light behind a potted plant and you can already change the aura inside the living room.
Find Moroccan lanterns to add mystery in a corner. Their subtle glow will surely invoke passionate feelings.
Roses Are Red
Don’t forget roses when trying to achieve a romantic setting. The colors of roses could mean a lot of things – one could mean friendship, another purity, etc. Don’t get confused with these different meanings. Only red roses mean love so choose this color when wanting to achieve a romantic setting.
Add a crystal vase with a little water for your bouquet of red roses. This should effortlessly provide the romance that any home needs. Place a drop of lemon into the water in the vase so that the roses remain fresh longer.
Soft Music
What would a good movie be without proper music to excite your senses? This is also true when you’re trying to set up a romantic home (or just the bedroom). Keep the music low and soft as you would only want to have a background that won’t irritate or distract.
Of course, you also wouldn’t want your special someone to go dancing to the beat of the music when all you want to do is snuggle.
Words are unnecessary, just let the music flow. There is no need for those forced conversations.
Glamorize the Dining Room
A huge part of any romantic home date is having dinner. This indoor event should highlight only the luxurious furniture, accessories, food and wine.
Forget about paper products for now. Bring out the nice china and silverware as well as the cloth napkins. These can add an elegant touch to your planned romantic setup. Cap the dinner with a bottle of champagne and chocolates and you’re a runaway winner in the romantic department.
Once again, no romantic dinner is complete without the candles, vase of roses and soft music. Add these to your elegant dining furniture and chinaware to complete your romantic getaway project.
Remember these two words and you should be fine – soft and sensuous.
Wesley Allen Dining Room Table DT204H40: Most of the time, romance is all about being intimate. What could be more intimate than sharing a glass of champagne on this petite dining set?
Tags: elegant interior design, glamorous interior design, glamour, luxurious home, luxurious interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, romantic design, romantic home, romantic interior design, romantic setting, romantic setup
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
What could spell glamour more than this sturdy table from FFDM’s Raylen Vineyard Collection?
Many homeowners feel a sense of accomplishment when they look at their places of residence. Each one of them wants their condos or bungalows to look their best, one that represents who they are, what they do and what kind of lifestyles they live. These people often look for things that inspire with regard to interior design. Of course, there are magazines, books and the internet to provide them with design guidelines. Looking at the glitz and glamour displayed on the pages of these interior design media, you might think that they are too magazine-y or that they are unattainable. With the right set of hands, though, there are ways that you can replicate those glamorous home designs.
Razzle Dazzle ‘Em
You’d be surprised at how simple it actually takes for you to make your home stand out. So where should you begin?
The fundamental in creating a glamorous home is to have a knack for organization. Being organized and clean in your home will make your dwelling place a haven, not just another structure. From now on, make sure that the surfaces are all clean, glass and metal furniture and frills are polished, and your accessories are up-to-date.
Know how to rotate the collections that you have – when it’s wintertime, bring out your darker, texture-rich furnishings and accessories. There are different color palettes for every season so be able to find out what palette works on a certain season.
Glamorous living also means always being inspired. This does not automatically mean embracing the latest trends. Being glamorous entails class so know which designs are considered classic.
Hickory White Bedroom Hall Eglomise Mirror 903-42
Glam also means knowing how to put a sparkle in your place. Bling and sparkle do not mean the same thing, though, so be careful. A thing that sparkles is shimmering and lovely while a bling it over-the-top.
Through patience, you can find sparkling items such as crystal pieces, gold accents and such. Those shiny metallic candelabra will also look perfect in a glamorous setting.
Colors that are glamorous are blue and white in porcelain; velvet stuff, purples, greens, especially gold. Black and white, when used in moderation, can also be glamorous. Neutrals in gray or weathered woods complete with gilded details evoke a French feel. Deep gray in wool and tweed can also be paired with deep woods to show sophistication.
While shopping, be sure to search for quality items. Do not look for cheap items as these will not give you the endurance that a glamorous home requires. Instead, invest in timeless pieces of wood, metals and rich fabrics. Add luxury to your home as you put trims and silk panels.
But have you ever wondered what makes something evoke glamour?
Become a collector with this Century Furniture Living Room Console SF5424.
A glamorous thing looks and feels special. If you have seen the designer pieces on clothes such as Christian Dior or Vera Wang, then you know that there is a certain aura that befits them.
Metals can also be glamorous as are bright and colorful pieces. Black and white can also evoke glamour, sophistication and richness. These are the pieces that are worth splurging on. Touch the furniture and you will know that master artisans worked with them. The draperies and carpets also come in rich textures and patterns. Now these are the very reasons why you should not look for things that are trendy when shopping for glamorous items. Think of it in this manner – will these items still be around after 20 years?
There, you’ve got your answer.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, glamorous interior design, glamour, interior design theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, timeless, timeless design, timeless interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, February 1st, 2016
This lovely Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Gianna Chest 638-50066 fuses the Old World and the New in a seamless manner.
The Tudor monarchs, according to history, were able to bring comparative peace and prosperity throughout England, Ireland and Wales. The wealth of many landowners was invested in buildings. Theirs was a moment of cultural bursts and classical architecture revival for Italian style. The Tudor style is a class of its own.
Europeans had a moment when gothic was at the center of their style. The perpendicular style has broken away from all this. The Tudors were the ones who developed fan vaulting (evident in the Gloucester Cathedral cloisters).
Now let’s go to a dating feature known as the Tudor Rose. This is a red rose badge with a white rose badge within. This signified the union of Henry VII to Edward IV’s daughter. This is now a decorative piece that is used to signify posh and sophistication to the highest levels.
Renaissance features can also be seen inside Tudor dwellings. These features are confined to the wealthy and the elite members of society then. Henry enthusiastically built Italianate motifs.
Then came Elizabethan homes where old homes were torn down only to be built anew. Most homeowners were then yearning for improvement as that was the great period of building. If you have ever seen those narrow yet all townhouses complete with borough walls, then these are the homes of artisans and merchants who built their homes slowly through the years.
Homes of the wealthiest members of the society are often built with huge windows and decorative chimneys. Glass was then used in Elizabethan homes with glittering glazing designs. The most elaborate fireplaces are set up and ceilings were slowly decorated with strapwork.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Gianna Chest 638-50066 comes with a feminine pair of cabriole legs but with a masculine Old World design.
Tudor Is Symmetry
Symmetrical plans will always be favored in Tudor settings. Otherwise, Renaissance in classical details appears so then you can find fireplace, doors, and columns. Round-headed arches and niches together with all the other features of Tudor style were revived during the Victorian period.
Tudor may be an old fashioned style but it can become a part of modern living, too. The styles come originally from the UK during the 15th to the 16th centuries and are now a huge part of tourist attractions.
Genuine Tudor design can now be recreated but your place doesn’t have to look like a tourist spot, though. Only a few are lucky to live inside a genuine Tudor dwelling so for the rest of the world, repros are the answers.
Mock Tudor generally refers to black and white semi timbering on the facade of buildings. Interior design, however, is much more distinct. If you are careful enough in making your design decisions, then you can even recreate the Medieval era of trade, arts, crafts and intellectual awakening right inside your home.
There is no architectural detail that is more recognizable under the Tudor style than the iconic half timber structures. The exterior of homes can be laden with stucco, wood or stone. Imitate this same style by exposing the very structure of your home.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody Urn Pedestal Nightstand 5070-90015 comes with classic designs and a rustic finish.
Gable roofs are also common which give the homes their gingerbread appeal. Modern-day Tudor replicates the genuine Tudor Dynasty through architecture and interior design revivals. If you haven’t yet, you should install tall, narrow windows with small panes. Modern day cladding is acceptable such as flagstone, brick and stucco.
As for the outdoor landscaping, be sure to have manicured hedges, brick walkways, fencing and pool houses. These amenities should set you apart from the neighbors but in a nice way.
The Old World style can also be brought inside the kitchen through wrought iron and wood combinations in furniture pieces. Custom islands and wrought-iron lighting fixtures are also a huge part of Tudor interiors.
Are you ready to take on Tudor design, a unique style right inside your home?
Tags: 16th century, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classical design, designing based on culture, designing with glass, European interior design, European interiors, European style, fireplace, glamour, glass, glazing, Italian style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, old home, old homes, revival, symmetry, traditional, traditional interior design, traditional interiors, traditional style, traditional theme, Tudor, Tudor architecture, Tudor design, Tudor furniture, Tudor interior design, Tudor interiors, vaulted ceiling, Victorian, Victorian interiors, Victorian style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
