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Wednesday, June 15th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Isadora Vineyard and Isadora Hickory Recliner
The recliner is what’s known in the furniture world as an upholstered chair complete with a mechanism that can be activated by the user. This metal mechanism controls the back of the chair to be pushed out while the foot rest rises. Many recliners have arms which make them a lot more comfortable.
Motion Furniture History
One of the first designs of the reclining chair was featured in Ackennann’s Repository of Arts, a British periodical. This prototype in 1813 became the pattern for hundreds of others that were manufactured throughout that century.
Ash and Browne, both upholsterers and cabinetmakers from New York introduced the improved recliner in 1855. Soon enough, cabinetmaker George J. Henkels also featured a recliner that could be manipulated by the sitter himself.
By the late nineteenth century, the recliner was called the Morris Chair named after William Morris who owned the Morris and Company manufacturing firm.
The rest is history as others contributed to the chair’s improvement. Other mechanisms were simple involving basic rods and pegs. The frames are often made of wood and the cushions are upholstered to make the chair one comfortable seating unit.
Recliner Prototyping
Product development teams take the recliner from mere sketches to the working prototypes. These prototypes, once tested, will then be handed over to the manufacturing department. More often than not, the team consists of the upholstery designer, pattern layout technician, sewing technician, wood technician, and the CAD engineer.
Recliner Raw Materials
The essential components of the recliner are its frame, the activating mechanism, the upholstered foam and the upholstered fabric. The materials used greatly vary depending on the manufacturer’s style and preferences. Generally, though, the materials used are as they are described. Where the frame is made of wood (often hardwoods) complete with metal nut reinforcement, steel corners and bolts; there may also be some fiberboard used to support the back.
The activating mechanism is often made of metal more specifically stamped steel. The springs used in the upholstered seat are also made of metal.
The padding for the upholstered backs may or may not be sculpted. All the hard corners are padded for safety. Back in the day, foams contained CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons but, these days, for ecological reasons, manufacturers have already abandoned such materials.
For manufacturers who create recliners with exposed wood arms and feet use more expensive types of wood such as oak or maple. This is either varnished or stained for added beauty.
The style of the upholstery fabric varies dramatically. Are all fairly durable since the recliner has to be pushed and pulled many times during the furniture’s life span. Recliners are also upholstered with cotton, leather, natural or natural-synthetic fiber combinations. The synthetic fiber types are the easiest to clean and are known to be fire resistant.
Each of these parts is assembled in phases where the components are installed in sections.
Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Power High-Leg Recliner 501R-503M
Recliner Quality Control
Unlike furniture used in public buildings, businesses or schools, pieces that are used in residential areas are not required to undergo consumer tests. The manufacturers do inspect each piece, though, visually through careful inspection. While the inspectors are all trained to look for puckers, protruding nails and such, they are still human and could miss some manufacturing defects.
This is where you come in. You should be able to check the quality of recliner based on the features mentioned here. Check how far the fabric would stretch, if it is colorfast, if the materials used are readily flammable, and other such specs. Take the time to check out the recliner if you want your seating piece to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Tags: history, history of motion furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, motion furniture, recliner, recliner chair, recliner chair benefits, recliner sofa, reclining chair
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Sunday, June 5th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Etcetera Credenza
Credenza is defined as compact furniture that was named and created by Jason Phillips, a famous designer. This is a piece of furniture that has a rich history. In essence, credenza is an Italian term that means “belief”. This was the act of tasting food by a slave for his master. The term later became a popular name that was used in different domains including interior design. By the 19th century, credenza was already the name used to refer to the fashionable furniture made with wood and some decorations.
The Credenzas’ Past
Back in the day, the credenza was a sideboard that was used for the preparation of food. By the late Middle Ages, it was already being used as a display case for expensive plates and vessels. It was also often draped with expensive fabrics.
The credenza was surprisingly well-preserved in an era when medieval furniture almost always suffered from the ravages of the climate. The brothers Lorenzo and Cristoforo Canozi from Northern Italy were often attributed for the style of the credenza.
The Credenza Now
A credenza is decorated with eight panels with the top two-thirds containing a circular form that looks much like a rose window with a single row of lancets. The square fields are individually covered with rectilinear outlines in intarsia. These fill the bottom thirds of the eight panels.
The six panels forming the front face come in three pairs, with every pair opening to a two-shelf interior.
These days, when you ask someone to describe a credenza, he would probably say that it is furniture that comes with a long, flat top with storage units below it. This is now a very popular choice among interior designers, renters and homeowners.
Modern definitions of the credenza extend to various pieces besides the usual sideboard. Here are a few tips on how you can buy the best piece for your home –
Universal Furniture Dining Room Serving Credenza 543A679
Buffet Credenza
This kind of credenza is also what’s known as the sideboard credenza. This is the most antique among all credenzas and is used as buffets inside a dining room. These can also be referred to as the serving credenzas because they are used in placing platters, unserved food and serving dishes.
Office or Desk Credenza
This is a famous alternative to the traditional credenza. This offers knee space unlike the dining room piece. Credenza desks offer a place where the seated can comfortably stretch out his knees, hence, it is referred to as the knee space.
Entertainment Unit Credenzas
These may not be as popular as the traditional or desk credenzas but they are quite a useful piece of furniture. The bookcase type of credenza is dedicated units that can be used in storing books and collectibles instead of the usual chinaware.
The bookcase credenzas can also be converted into hutch additions, sideboards or shelves. These can be used in the home library, office or any space that needs an extra oomph when it comes to design.
Entertainment credenzas could also be the home for video and audio systems.
Credenza Display Case
This kind of credenza is an offshoot of the entertainment and desk credenzas. This can be used as an add-on to a desk or simply a traditional glass-door unit.
This credenza can be used in any room in your home, whether to display china, books or figurines.
Tags: credenza, credenza history, credenza types, designing with credenza, history, history of credenza, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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Thursday, June 2nd, 2016
The geometric beauty of this Cynthia Rowley 1118CR Delancey Club Chair is great for this modern setup.
Modern design comprises various materials and perceptions. This is why this design can be a bit difficult to characterize. In fundamental terms, modern design is a reflection of modern art movement inside homes. There are many focal characteristics and themes that can be classified as modern design. Modernism is the exact opposite of more opulent designs including Renaissance, Gothic, and Victorian.
Modern Design: A Rich History
Modern interior design is just a small section of a much larger modernist movement. Modernism is often attributed to the end of the 19th century where modern thinking was given birth.
Modernists were bent on deviating from the creative, intellectual and cultural norms that have been set during the period of Enlightenment. Movements against organized religion and old norms and mores were established and the fusion of politics and creativity was given emphasis. Everything else after this fell under the category of modernism with the sub-genres defined as futurism, cubism, Bauhaus, abstract expressionism, Neo-Dada, and minimalism.
Here are some of the common components of what could be categorized as a modern home –
1586-75200-GRY1 Dinner at Eight Dining Table w 2-18in leaves: Notice the absence of curvy lines and complex designs in this modern dining room.
Everything Is Minimal
Minimalism is a huge part of modern design. The fundamentals of minimalism embraces the less is more concept. The design in a modern home does not include complex moldings, columns, cabinet trim, or excessive color on textiles.
Minimalism is living – not in scarcity but – in simplicity. It may look simple but this kind of style takes a lot of careful planning. This is necessary so that comfort is still attained while the layout is efficiently streamlined.
The open floor layout can join different rooms in just one space. The counter in a kitchen, for instance, can provide a visual division between the areas for cooking and the areas where people can sit down and converse.
Clean Lines
Modernism, simply put, is the exact opposite of previous interior designs what use carvings, heavy textures, and wood tones.
Majority of the components of modern rooms – from the furniture to room shapes – include straight, clean lines with no intricate details. These differ from contemporary design which can have some curves and sweeping, sharper lines.
With these said, there are different designs that fall under this furnishing category like Art Deco, Mission Style, and Shaker.
Paired with furnishings are oversized tiles, sanded wood floors (with minimized grain), shelves, bookcases inset in walls, open floor layouts with very few walls, and the lack of doors, windows, moldings and trimming.
Metal: The Star Material
Stainless steel and chrome are huge parts of any modern home. Modernism does away with wrought iron and other such traditional metal details. Any clean, polished metal is most welcome in a modern home. It is common to see stainless steel and chrome in furniture specifically on table legs or exposed chair frames.
Chrome is also extensively used on railings, lamps, cabinet and door handles, and faucets. This metal, when polished, shines brightly and has a slight blue undertone which can make it appear quite cold. Using metal, therefore, is awesome for those who are moving away from the lived in lifestyle.
Zero Clutter
What’s tied with minimalism is the lack of clutter. Clutter can be defined in many different ways and among different people. Sometimes, lack of clutter could mean zero pottery, vases, knickknacks, collections, and any excessive accessories.
Books, keepsakes, electronics, and other necessary items should be stored out of sight.
Dramatic Colors
Many modern homes use shades of black or white while the bold colors are limited to the accents. The bolder colors are used sparingly and rarely used as an overall color. Bold colors could be included in abstract wall art, a large piece of furniture (e.g. a bright red sofa or an orange plastic table), throw pillows, an accent wall, or a throw rug.
Tags: 19th century, chrome, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, metal design, metal furniture, modern, modern design, modern interior design, modern interior design tips, stainless steel, stainless steel furnishings, stainless steel furniture, tips
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Thursday, May 26th, 2016
Artistica Dining Room Axiom Wood Back Side Chair 560-021
While baroque may have a certain characteristic that is entirely its own, it has different versions to offer from Europe to Latin America. While they have a slightly different look for every country, there is a reason why only a single term is used to describe them. All come from a common aesthetic beginning.
Baroque, in Spain, originally referred to an oddly-shaped pearl. In Italy, this term is used to describe a sophistic argument with little dialectic worth. It soon became known in every European language and most used it to define anything unusual, extravagant, irregular, even absurd.
A Little Baroque History
During the second half of the 19th century, Heinrich Wolfflin together with his followers brought a whole new meaning to the term baroque. This Swiss critic used the term to define more specific features such as movements (e.g. a curving on the wall or a water feature showing different water patterns).
Baroque could also be used to represent infinity. So this could be used to define the whole horizon or a trick of mirrors which can alter optical perspectives.
In Renaissance architecture, baroque is the right term to use when describing churches and palaces. These could be royal palaces, cathedrals, parish churches, monastic buildings, country mansions, etc.
The Baroque Building
A structure can be given form in various ways. It can be a piece of sculpture in the middle of a building. It can also be a mere box which is given definition by regular-shaped walls. As a skeletal framework, it is what architects see as a mass that needs to be worked on.
Churches during the Baroque period were always built with vaulted ceilings, hence, the term cathedral ceilings.
Manipulation of Light
The light that focuses a certain point in a physical structure may vary but the effect that it renders will always be the same. So imagine using the same kind of lighting on a brick wall and a smooth, granite one. Baroque architects used this fact to give emphasis to texture and proportion. The difference now lies on the level of appreciation that the spectator shows for each rendition.
Accessories Uttermost Beatriz Baroque Mirror 07673
A Touch of French
The greatest look that the French were able to contribute when it comes to the baroque style could not be found in architecture. You will appreciate French baroque if you take a careful look at beautiful landscape gardening. Baroque gardens have always been Italian in nature with small parks, flower beds and plants. It wasn’t until Andre Le Notre, a landscape architect that a new perspective for garden landscape was born. The French garden often stood at the center of the palace with gravel-filled carriage areas, gates, and the drive all around it. The French-inspired baroque style was the inspiration for The Netherlands and Belgium architecture.
Urban Baroque
Grand staircases are reminiscent of the aristocratic buildings during the 17th century. Having these in your home would be a good way to let people know that you mean to use the baroque style.
Baroque, more often than not, is a kind of art illusion. There are scenery paintings and other false perspectives, sculptures abound, ornaments everywhere.
For a more modern baroque style, try to use a lot of white. The elegance of marble is most welcome, as are opulent moldings, curvaceous lines, jewel tones, and gilded finishes.
You can also mix eras to create a result that is surprisingly baroque. An example is installing metallic wallpaper, and mixing it with a painting of a raven on the wall, a glass chandelier, and a modular credenza.
To cap the baroque design, make sure that you create a focal point that is sure to catch everyone’s attention. A well-placed chandelier or a wooden sculpture will do the trick.
Tags: baroque, Baroque design, baroque furniture history, baroque style, French design, French design elements, French furnishings, French furniture, French interior design, French interiors, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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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
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-10458-GRY1 Note-To-Self Writing Desk 1586-75410D-GLD6 Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair
Vaulted ceilings come in many different names – raised ceilings, cathedral ceilings, also high ceilings. The history of these unique kinds of ceilings dates back hundreds of years. By definition, these are arched forms that are extruded to the third dimension. These are used as provision for a roof or ceiling.
Vaulted Ceiling History
Vaulted ceilings were used, originally, only in basilicas and cathedrals. This was centuries ago. They were used because of their visual capacity to make any space look a lot bigger. Call it an optical illusion if you want but this is one thing that has had a profound effect in architecture and interior design.
The most popular vaulted ceiling design is the dome. Imagine a hollowed out half of watermelon and this is what a dome looks like. Different materials were used to create domes from stone, mud, brick, wood, metal, concrete, glass and plastic.
The barrel or wagon vault came from the dome design. This is the simplest vault design as it is a semicircle that is just stretched to a continuous arch. Following the wagon vault is the groin vault wherein two barrel vaults intersect and to create an ellipse intersection which is called the groin.
The medieval era saw the birth of the rib vault. The fan vault became a fancier version of the rib vault.
Now that you know a bit of the history of vaulted ceilings, would you now like to know what benefits come with them?
Influx of Natural Light
Vaulted ceilings create an airier atmosphere because they let in more sunlight into a home. Nothing can be more spectacular than natural light so letting in more of its rays into your home ups the cheerful ambience, even the heating capacity of your dwelling place.
Adds Character
Ceiling beams that are exposed add to the character of your home. This appeal is quite hot at the moment (though it has been a means of showing opulence for the longest time). If you are claustrophobic, then the rafter beams that are high up above your head should no longer pose a problem to you.
8110-066CR Cornelia King Complete 1586-90017A-BLK1 Epoque Eglomise Bachelors Chest
Practical Use of Space
While attics can be useful in storing things that are not needed at the moment, they can become a sort of dead space in the long run. Admit it, most of the things that are stored there never get out. If this is the case with your attic, why not have it turned into a vaulted ceiling instead?
Wasted space will surely turn into an architectural wonder that would make your home look grander and more posh. The vaulted ceiling will become a critical visual beauty that would add elicit oohs and aahs from your visitors.
Another functional use of the vaulted ceiling is for ventilation. All the unwanted hot air will rise and escape there. This kind of ceiling is also useful inside a bathroom where drying out would become quicker.
Added Rustic Appeal
A vaulted ceiling – when made with wood – will add a rustic charm to your home. Ceilings are positioned at an angle where the eyes tend to rest. You can capitalize on this by using wood as a major material for your vaulted ceiling. Whether you want a traditional or contemporary setup, this is the go-to ceiling for you.
A single word of caution before you jump into owning a vaulted ceiling straight away – cleaning the ceiling should be done by a professional. This is also the case when lighting fixtures or ceiling fans need to be fixed. ‘Cept for these cleaning and fixing concerns, you should be able to enjoy the vaulted ceiling without any other worries.
So go ahead, dress up your room with vaulted ceiling. Put in that tufted armchair, ornate bed and the most beautiful draperies.
Yours is a home of opulence.
Tags: history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, vaulted ceiling, vaulted ceiling design, vaulted ceiling style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Thursday, April 28th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Home Office Archivist Writing Desk
Paris is a place that has been made synonymous with elegance and romance. Parisian style is effortless in the incorporation of both traditional and modern aesthetic elements. This is the right style to use when you want to have an air of sophistication in your home.
Use a light color palette as the base for your design while taking the freedom to add vibrant colors in works of art and polished topiaries. Refined elements can be effectively mixed with grandeur. Use velvet pillows as haute statements.
French Furniture History
French monarchy during the 17th and 18th centuries has been partial to the florid surpluses as well as feminine lines. This brought about a revolutionary change in furniture design which we all know of today.
French royalty insisted on having only the highest quality in interior design aspects. They hired the most skilled European craftsmen.
French furniture history can be divided into three time periods. The Sun King, King Louis XIV was first, then the reign of King Louis XV followed, and the reign of King Louis XVI (executed through the guillotine) all featured the most beautiful French furniture.
It is easy to spot French furniture. just look for the cabriole or curvy chair legs. Look also for serpentine lines, swirling scrolls, embellishments, and the most intricate designs.
Boullework surfaces are also common. These are made of brass inlaid to tortoiseshell or ebony. Bronze is also treated to represent gold and pastel silk upholstery with a lot of florals is also common.
The Empire Style
This was a propaganda that Napoleon brought about. He insisted on a tyrannical centralization of the artistic productions back in his day. He declared that furniture production (and other art media) was to be controlled by Paris and then overseen by Fontaine and Percier (both renowned architects). Jacques-Louis David was also commissioned to oversee the projects.
Noble people were then impoverished or were all in exile. The elites who have risen owe their fame and fortune to the partial master who imitated works of art without embarrassment. The resulting style was a huge success and, eventually, there was uniformity in all of France.
The Empire style is dominated by the Greco-Roman models. Their features may be a bit stiff and imposing because of their sharp corners and flat surfaces.
This furniture style lacks moldings thus, offering beauty and grandeur.
George Jacob was king of the Empire style in furniture. Boat beds, decorated only on one side, became widespread. The minister desk and the psyche mirrors also became famous. Characteristic of the Empire table are the numerous versions of gueridon type which were often used as dining tables.
Mahogany seating is quite common with backs that are often upholstered. It was rare to find small pieces which were used for more specific purposes. Console tables appear more solemn and rigid with their rectangular and marble tops.
Orient Express Furniture Living Room Humphrey Ottoman – Bisque French Linen 6460
Materials and Methods
Mahogany was a popular choice in Parisian furniture making. Because of the blockade that took place, this wood became unavailable, and in its place rose the beech, burled elm, walnut, ash yew root, boxwood, maple and olivewood.
Ornamentation
Ornaments are often marked with precise symmetry. Common motifs include the bee, eagle, the initials I and N, and the stars. The imperial laurel crown as well as figures bearing swans, palm branches, rose wreaths, lions, grape vines, etc. were also used. Those who embraced an Egyptian motif used squares, circles, ovals, octagons and squares.
It’s time to bring the magic of Paris right into your home. Mix chic pieces with neutral ones. Use soft yet glamorous colors. Add iconic designs with the contemporary ones in order to capture the combination of traditional and contemporary.
Tags: 17th century, 18th century, French design, French design elements, French furnishing, French furniture, French Romantic, history, luxurious home, luxurious interiors, luxurious living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Parisian style, Parisian theme
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Wednesday, April 20th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Retropolitan Queen Poster Bed 5510-90650-MWD
The four-poster bed is known as no less than the king of beds. The reference to royalty came about because of the fairy tales told about princes and princesses, kings and queens who slept in this kind of bed. Apart from this, it was also originally created for use among nobles in the 13th century.
The four-poster bed’s materials and shapes evolved over time. Everything began from the ornate carvings of oak and the most luxurious tapestries. Pretty soon, shimmery silks were used as well as embroidery and velvets.
The Four-Poster Bed Today
These days, the four-poster bed is still highly sought by a lot of people. If you are looking into owning one, you have to make sure that you know how to dress one. Draperies spell tradition while swags are equal to contemporary styles.
Four-poster beds have already evolved from the old canopy beds. These were called tester beds which were manufactured mainly for functional reasons. Curtains used to hang from the ceiling yet they eventually became frames that supported an overhead canopy.
The canopy kept the critters from thatched ceilings from falling directly to the bed.
Bed canopies used to be made of solely of wood, often of heavy, carved oak. These were used with drapery panels. Later on, fabric took over and the wood canopy disappeared. The former was preferred because of its lighter look.
On a few beds, the outer canopy remained while others completely removed the said feature. The four supports remained because of the psychological comfort they offered. This is still one of the reasons why four-poster beds are still popular.
For a more traditional approach in dressing up your four-poster bed, you can pair the upholstered headboard with some draperies behind it. Partial panels can also be installed on both sides of the headboard. Fabric canopy is set inside a shaped wooden frame with fringed valance on all three sides.
Another thing to remember with the four-poster bed is the amount of yard and type of fabric that you are going to dress it up with. Choose from sheer, solid-colored linen, woven, or printed fabric.
Simplicity is also a great way to dress up your four-poster bed. Use gauzy fabric and tie it to the bed frame through the little grommet holes.
A valance can also be used at the ceiling together with headboard drapery. This will result in partial canopy. The turned bed posts fit right up to the valance at the head of your bed.
Loose swags like a piece of fabric that is draped over the bed frame are probably the easiest way of dressing up any four-poster bed. This is a casual approach that makes use of sheer, gauzy cotton, or any other reversible fabric.
Instead of just swag, a bed can also have a pair of draped swags. These can create the much-needed balance in the bedroom.
Creating the Lit a la Polonaise (French name for Polish bed) means you need to create an overhead crown. This is a romantic look that displays the most beautiful frills. Attach the fabric right at the crown using ties. A pocket also can also allow the fabric to become swirling swaths right around the supports.
You may also take advantage of the rail supports. Adding drapery panels is one of the most popular choices in dressing up four-poster beds. A flexible way to alter the bed’s look is to tie the panels right to the support posts. They can also be opened up to make a headboard. Use fabric with ample weight for all drapery panels. Use metal grommets with sewn heading as well as a medium-weight fabric.
Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom Candaleria Poster Bed 6.6 King 552-174C
Tags: bed, four-poster, four-poster bed, history, McCreery's Furnishings, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, romantic bedroom, romantic setup
Posted in Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Saturday, March 5th, 2016
Accessories Uttermost Paisley Vintage Art 55009
Stanley Furniture Bar and Game Room Bar Stool 208-11-73
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Paisley Accent Chest 638-50081
Paisley, as you already know, is an intricate pattern. This isn’t for the simpleton as it comprises a complex blend of colors on a harmonized palette. Many cultures influenced the paisley design. It came to the west because of cashmere trading coming from the Vale of Kashmir, then to India, and all the way to Europe. Kashmir is at the border of various cultures. It is near China, India, the Middle East, which is no surprise that these cultures influenced paisley designs.
The Paisley History
Paisley was first introduced on the 18th century in the west. Though this may be the case, its real origin, even the shawl patterns (more popularly known as paisley shawl) are a lot older.
There is a difference between the original designs and the later styles. Early paisley depicted flowers and every possible part of nature while the modern designs show a lot of style and intricacies. It is also notable how there are similarities between the floral designs of paisley and Chinese calligraphy.
As you now know, early designs are naturalistic. There was also an awkward phase as paisley became more blocky and geometric.
Cashmere paisley shawls were then exported to Europe and the Middle East. When this happened, due to a different requirement in these regions, the designs deviated from the usual naturalistic depictions. Pretty soon, Islamic nations craved for geometric designs, but none of the representations of people and objects.
The West soon has its own aesthetic desires. There was a demand for anything that is exotic. Soon there were imitations of cashmere shawls that were being produced all over Europe. These pieces lacked the originality and imaginative designs that were characteristic of original cashmere shawls.
Europeans produced their own shawls with designs replicating the beauty of Kashmir and Indian designs. Notable European producers came from Norwich in England and a place in Scotland called – Paisley.
Europeans made more affordable shawls because they did not have cashmere access. They used wool and silk blends yet they could not weave more colors. Compared to their Indian counterparts, the European paisleys were quite subdued.
Interior Design Applications for Paisley
The activity that is often seen in paisleys can be hushed by certain colors. Use baby blue, lavender or vanilla to create visual interest without overdoing the design. These color combinations can be good enough for nurseries or bedrooms.
Muted paisley wallpapers can also be used especially when accented with bright accessories.
The paisley rug can effectively harmonize a room that uses color blocking. Find a rug that uses the same hues in the space so that it can unite the look.
These days, paisley is being revolutionized as it is mixed with large scales and bright colors. Let this design do most of the talking in your chosen theme.
Mixing paisley with other patterns is also a wonderful way to up the style, even the personality of a room. Many people freeze at the very idea of mixing different patterns, though. Most of the time, they are just not sure how to begin.
If you want to use paisley with other patterns, then use the odd numbers scheme. Use no less than three different patterns that vary in scale – from small, medium to large. Fuse different kinds of prints like check, florals, stripes, geometric, polka dots, plaid, toile, and paisley.
Choose your largest pattern first as this will serve as the anchor of the design for the rest of the room. The largest pattern is the one that will make a bold statement for the rest of the design. if you intend to use paisley as your large scale pattern, then there won’t be much effort on your part. Paisley will definitely speak for itself.
Tags: designing with paisley, history, history of paisley, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, paisley, paisley design, paisley history, paisley patterns, patterns
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Saturday, January 30th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Cognac Entertainment Sofa with 2 Glider Recliner-Stg Console
For hundreds of years now, cattle hide was used to cover books, even to bind them. Cowboys from the West also used this material as a huge part of their outfit. Later on, leather became a luxurious addition to pricey car interiors. Today, it has dominated the world of fashion and interior design.
Many people just dream of owning a leather sofa situated inside their spacious family room. The smooth Italian leather can be used on a long sectional or that cute ottoman.
Leather can be mixed and matched or you can just pick a piece to balance the fabrics in a room.
Leather furniture pieces have the capacity to stand on their own in terms of aesthetic appeal and quality. Mix it with other fabrics or use it as base for fabric or silk covered cushions. It can also add a twist to your home if you use it on architectural detailing or finishing.
Leather has gone a long way from being a cowboy hat or boot. It is now the star of many furniture shops. McCreery’s Home Furnishings offers the best leather sofas and chairs. If you want to go beyond furniture pieces in utilizing this wonderful material, then have it installed as a part of your flooring or walls.
Wood wainscoting may be a lovely design idea but you can surprise everyone by using leather tiles. What you will get is a unique and sophisticated look. You will be amazed on how this wall finishing can make a bland place appear more elegant if not sophisticated.
Wesley Allen Bedroom Headboard with Surround HB1231. Who says leather should only be installed on sofas?
As to interior decor, there isn’t a material out there that can be more adaptable than the good old leather. It is versatile, meaning, you have the leeway to use it in modern settings or on timeless dwellings.
This is a wonderful neutral piece that should be used sparingly. It can be easily mixed and matched with different furniture groups which consist of upholstered pieces. Remember that too much leather can also make a room appear daunting and cold. Avoid this result by including just a single leather furniture as a feature piece. You can finish off with colorful accent pillows.
Leather also gets better with age so you won’t have to worry about replacing it soon. Leather furniture bought today will look amazingly wonderful two decades from now.
Shopping for Leather Furniture
Not all leather items come with the same standard. Some leather grades have a higher quality than the rest that are being sold in the market so it is up to you to distinguish which ones you will take home.
Identifying genuine leather is a matter of getting used to the touch and appearance of this material.
Uttermost Accessories Brunella, Magazine Holder 19543. This living room piece depicts class and elegance
Full grain leather is the la creme dela creme of all leathers. This is also the toughest kind. A basic way to find out full grain leather is to search for scars and other small imperfections. If nothing has been done to hide such, then these natural imperfections will point to the genuineness of the material.
Top grain, on the other hand, is a notch below full grain. The split layer is taken off from the layer of the top grain. Majority of the imperfections have been removed, thus, making the piece look a tad like plastic.
Corrected grain leather is manufactured hides that contain bite marks, scars and many imperfections. Such imperfections are unsuitable for sofas, hence, they were removed through buffing and pigmentation.
Lastly, faux leather can also be a great alternative but your concerted effort should be centered on inspecting edges, examining the pores, and touching the skin. Real leather can have a course feel and it has a distinct smell that can never be replicated in any manufacturing shop.
Tags: genuine leather, history, history of leather, leather, leather couch, leather design, leather furniture, leather shopping, leather sofa, leather upholstery, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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