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Sunday, August 14th, 2016
Universal Furniture Dining Room Chelsea Kitchen Table 311751
Floors take the most beating compared to any other parts of your home. This case is most true inside the kitchen. The kitchen is no less than the hub for homework, parties, family get-togethers, and the command central for prepping food and cooking. This is why it is vital to look for a kitchen floor that will be able to withstand rigorous foot traffic. While it does show sturdiness, make sure that you won’t sacrifice the look in the process.
Polished concrete looks great on kitchen floors though it can take its toll on your joints. Walking on such floors for longer periods could result in hip or joint pains which are common complaints among homeowners who installed hard floor surfaces. Other examples of such flooring material are stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles.
The good news is, there are softer yet equally resilient flooring materials that can be used for your kitchen. The list below, however, provides the most common kitchen flooring options and the pros and cons.
Ceramic Tile
This is no less than the model kitchen flooring as this is your fail-safe option in terms of budget and style. Your choices for size, shape and color are almost limitless so this means that you can create the look that you want whether it is contemporary or traditional.
The advantages of ceramic tiles include being able to stand up to constant wear and tear. This means you can easily clean splashes and spills. You also have some low-priced tile options and one that are modular. This means that you can come up with a customized pattern according to your budget.
The downside to using ceramic is that there could be cracks as the floor begins to settle. A glass or dish that is dropped could easily shatter ceramic tiles. This kind of tile could also be hard and cold underfoot so be sure to use an area rug to offset any discomfort.
Natural Stone
Whether it is made from slate, limestone, travertine or granite, natural stone flooring has one great asset – variety. No two pieces look alike since every piece has a different pattern, color and texture. Stone can also offer an elegant look. It has been around for centuries so what could be more classic?
Natural stone also requires less maintenance while offering natural beauty to your kitchen.
The downside? Natural stone can get expensive. It is also not a material for DIY enthusiasts. There are tiny crannies in stone that can trap dirt. It is also prone to chips and scratches especially in the case of softer stones like travertine. Slate is known to peel over time.
Rubber
This may be an unusual choice for your kitchen but this kind of flooring is actually becoming more common in many homes. Rubber is springy, soft and durable and it is a wonderful choice if you spend a lot of hours standing inside the kitchen.
Rubber flooring comes in tile and sheets. It should be sealed upon installation and again after each year or two. Another great thing about rubber is that it only costs $6-12 per square foot.
Linoleum
This should not be confused with vinyl flooring as it is made from an all-natural, renewable material like pine rosin, linseed oil and powdered cork. This feels soft underfoot though it is still quite durable. It also comes in various colors and patterns.
Cork
Another soft kitchen flooring is cork harvested from the cork oak tree. This may be soft but it is resilient and it comes in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. This is available in plank or tile formats. It can get dented or scratched but you can prevent this by applying a protective wax layer.
Tags: flooring, flooring choices, flooring finishes, flooring materials, flooring options, flooring types, kitchen, kitchen flooring, kitchen flooring materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tile flooring, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Friday, August 12th, 2016
Wesley Allen Bar and Game Room Bar Stool 209
Galley kitchens are kitchens that have two parallel units that run to form a central corridor where you can cook and move about. The galley layout is a great design for any kitchen style. A lot of professional chefs also prefer this kind of kitchen because it fosters safety and efficiency especially when prepping food and eventually cooking.
Galley kitchens are comparable to the compact galley on most ships. This is why they are named after this ingenious design. Galley kitchens optimize space as they come with an abundant work area as well as storage. This is why they are ideal for smaller kitchens.
If you are thinking of a galley layout for your first kitchen, then here are some simple guidelines that could inspire you –
Measure, Measure, Measure
Galley kitchens do work well in smaller spaces but they can also be great in medium-sized ones. Just make sure that the opposing runs are not too far apart as this would contribute to the inefficiency of your kitchen.
Know also that the galley layout may work on a professional level but it is still an enclosed space minus the usual adjacent dining area. This may not be the most sociable option if you are planning to – not just cook but also – dine with your guests. If you love both galley kitchen and a sociable dining environment, then you might as well have the former installed in an open space layout. This way, the enclosure sits in the middle as the rest of the area is allocated for dining and entertaining.
Pick Your Galley Look
There are two layout choices for the galley kitchen. The first is symmetrical where the length and look of the runs mirror each other. It can also be asymmetrical where you are given the freedom to design according to your preference. You could have the tall cabinets installed one just one side of the room while the wall and base units are located right across them. You can also mix tall with wall units right along one side if you want the open-space concept.
If you have to put tall cabinets on one side of the wall, then it would be good to have no less than 12 feet of wall length. This is so the cooktop and sink can be placed away from each other. The safest distance between these two is at least one foot. This may not leave ample work space so if you still have some space available, then have the sink and the cooktop positioned three feet apart. A 12-foot run allows for maximum sink capacity with drawers or cabinets right beneath the range. Also, this setup allows the fridge, pantry storage and oven housing to be installed on the opposite run.
Use the Galley Corridor
Whether you will be able to set this up or not depends entirely on the layout of your home. A galley kitchen may not always be closed at one end. One end could lead to another room or even the garden. This kind of setup could invite chaos and foot traffic, though, so be careful in setting it up.
Keep in mind the number of people in your household including small kids and your pets. A relatively small family with no young kids could make use of this setup.
Enhance the layout’s safety by having the cooktop and sink right on the same run. This may be less efficient but it works well when the corridor is quite narrow.
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The Closed-Off Kitchen Wall
A galley kitchen that is closed-off on one end is a safe layout. This means that there is only one entrance so the chef is aware of who is coming and going. It would be preferable that the closed end would have a window so that more natural light is allowed in. Putting a stool at the far end will also allow you to sit there while you plan your grocery list or while you speak with someone over the phone.
Tags: galley kitchen, galley kitchens, kitchen, kitchen concepts, kitchen essentials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 27th, 2016
Wesley Allen Bar and Game Room Bar Stool B263H24
There are a lot of options from trendy to traditional when it comes to the materials that you can use for your kitchen backsplash. Your options can range from rustic wood, metal to trendy glass. Tile may be the most used backsplash material at the moment but there are many other choices to look at. Natural stone is also a fast-growing option. With the right installer, your options grow even more.
What to choose?
Wood Mosaic
A mosaic tile backsplash can be fashioned out of any antique or old thing. For instance, an old boat wood can be used as a moisture-repellent material. This kind of wood mosaic backsplash no longer requires sealant or grout.
Reclaimed Wood
Whoever said hardwood is just for flooring and walls has clearly not seen the beauty of hardwood backsplash. A standout feature of open-concept kitchens is a modern backsplash. You can stray from tradition by installing a wood backsplash instead. This reclaimed wood backsplash should warm up any concrete or stainless steel environment.
Marble Plus Wallpaper
Not a lot of people opt for a white kitchen and those who do tend to set up an all-white environment. A white marble backsplash will work wonders if paired with the correct floral wallpaper. Who will come out the star? In this case, the more patterns or fanciful features the design element has, then it tends to be the star of the show.
The Photo Wall
Again, you can break away from tradition by customizing the backsplash of your kitchen. Instead of the usual tiled backsplash, go for a photo wall instead. Give your kitchen a more sentimental twist by having a cutting-edge family-wall-of-sorts backsplash.
Add orange accents to liven up any monochromatic palette.
Mirror, Mirror
A mirrored backsplash is a beautiful option for those who are in love with any mirrored surface. Any small kitchen space would immediately look and feel bigger once a mirrored surface is used as a backsplash. Use this together with bright white marble as a kitchen countertop and what you’ve achieved is sublime.
Distressed mirrors can also be used to reflect the light inside the kitchen. This will brighten up the space without being too glaring. The vintage look will also pair well with wooden cabinetry.
Coffee Bean and Tea Bar
The coffee bean backsplash will surely catch the attention of any guest. This will effortlessly become the focal point in the kitchen as it provides the unique texture to your wall.
1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard
Bold and Energetic
Any homeowner or chef would surely feel at home in a colorful kitchen. Try white tiles, with anything green and blue for your backsplash; no matter what materials you use, for as long as you use this tri-color scheme, then you’re sure to energize the room.
Concrete
Embossed concrete used as a tile backsplash may be an intricate project to take on but these interlocking patterns can offer a sense of formality in any kitchen. Pair these with traditional cabinetry to achieve a classic appeal.
Metallics
Practically any color can work well with a metallic backsplash. Stainless steel tiles provide a contemporary contrast to bold-colored cabinetry. You can also opt for a more geometric design if you will dress up a modern kitchen. White bronze tiles can be finished with light patina to add visual interest.
Contemporary kitchens can have a more sophisticated look if they use a penny-tile backsplash. The round metallic tiles pop against any dark-colored walls, black door, or lacquer cabinets.
Among the metallic, the most famous is the copper tile. This is a ceramic tile covered with a thin coating of copper. This protective coating will give the material a natural patina over time, one that you would surely love.
Use a pH-balanced cleanser so you won’t damage the copper finish.
Tags: kitchen, kitchen backsplash, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, planning the kitchen, remodeling the kitchen, tips
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 28th, 2016
Maitland-Smith Kitchen Island 5130-649: Make your kitchen remodel worth every dollar you spent with this awesome piece.
Okay, you’re excited to remodel your kitchen. But do you even know where to begin? Some homeowners begin their journey by looking at appliances, initially. Others begin by looking at kitchen photos online or in magazines.
Kitchen remodeling could be the result of many reasons. First, some decide that they need more room. Others just want to upgrade their current theme. As soon as you know what your purpose is in remodeling, then it’s time to learn these essential steps –
Know What You Need
This is the first step in remodeling your kitchen because this is that stage when you need to get ideas from books, showrooms or magazines. Knowing what you actually need will help you stage a more targeted approach in finishing the project.
Know your priorities. Find out how many people will usually gather there and how much room is needed to cook the food or even to just move about. Is there a need to topple down walls because of these needs? Or would you be fine with the current space and what you would need to do is to just alter the placement of some furnishings?
Plan
A huge part of planning is researching. Figure out the budget that you can shell out while considering the duration of the project. Find out also what the essentials are and learn to separate them from the mere wants.
Hire Professionals
You might have chosen a DIY project but there are certain aspects of kitchen remodeling that require the help of experts. For instance, plumbing and electrical works require professional expertise. Find persons to interview by asking for referrals from your friends and relatives. If they are not able to provide any, then visit showrooms or hire a designer who knows where to get these kinds of professionals.
Professionals can also help you in aspects of your project such as what permits and contracts to apply for, budgeting, space planning, choosing furnishings, and deciding on fixtures and finishes.
The Schematic Phase
This is the part when space planning, sketching, and drawing the preliminary floor plans are all done. While you may be tempted to concentrate on how the kitchen would eventually look like, you must also remember that the space and layout should be well considered, too.
A well-thought plan will help you figure out where to get the materials, how many square feet will be needed, and how much the project would cost.
Design Development and Documentation
This is the phase when design is finalized and the floor plans, details, elevations, lighting switch plans, electrical drawings, and exterior elevations are all reviewed. This is also when the construction drawings are used. Have the fixtures and finishes selected by this phase so that the contractor can draft the final price for the project.
Ask for Estimates
If you haven’t found a licensed contractor yet, then your next step is to ask for project estimates from at least three different contractors. Ask for preliminary walk-throughs as soon as the schematic designs are finished.
Ask for a Demo
See if the project requires you to move out or if the kitchen would just be closed off while the construction is ongoing. Ask regarding the logistics so you get to keep your sanity. The contractor will need to discuss if he requires that you meet weekly or monthly. Ask also who will remove the dust and debris after the construction. These are seemingly small things that cause a lot of headache at the end of most remodeling projects.
The Checklist
As soon as the kitchen remodeling is done, there’s that time when you start looking for missing items or jobs that have been forgotten. Create a checklist and stand by it as you go through the project. This need not be a formal list. Sometimes it is as informal as an email that lists the things that need to be finished or fixed.
Canadel Accessories Lazy Susan MIS1300 will make your kitchen functional and visually attractive.
Tags: kitchen, kitchen organization, kitchen remodeling, kitchen remodeling tips, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, remodeling the kitchen
Posted in Interior Design 101, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Monday, April 25th, 2016
Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Rectangular Dining Table 1051-818 spells cozy and comfortable.
The kitchen is known as the heart of your home and don’t you agree that it is referred to as such because it is more than just a place where you could cook and eat? The key ingredients to a welcoming kitchen are your family, friends and your guests. This is an area of socialization, a place where relationships flourish and remain intact.
So what can you do to make the kitchen a grand social spot?
It’s All About Coziness
Generally, people do not like hanging out inside desolate rooms. This means that your kitchen has to be comfortable so that people will be drawn to it.
The kitchen that comes with a small (or large) dining area has to have a generous amount of seating. Each chair must have comfy cushions. A beautiful dining table accessorized with a big bowl of fresh fruits will give the place a lived-in feel and a more inviting vibe.
You might also want to consider including a casual seating section. You would soon notice that people would take more time to spend with you as they sit in that comfy chair in your kitchen. A sofa, cushioned bench or chair would effortlessly create a welcoming ambience. Placing the sofa perpendicular to the kitchen island would give the cooking area and chill out zone a more defined division.
Fusing the Dining Area and the Kitchen
If your kitchen was naturally built with a dining area, then it would require you less effort to make that area feel like a hub. This can become your entertainment hub as opposed to the usual spot which is the living room.
You would be surprised at the number of people that you can actually accommodate even in a small space.
Set Up a Breakfast Bar
If you don’t want to dedicate a dining table inside the kitchen, then that’s okay; you can still set up a spot where guests, friends and family members can sit down and have a chat while you are busy prepping the meal.
Having a breakfast bar right at the end of the kitchen peninsula or island is the right solution. This provides a comfy place for people to relax, tuck their knees in, and just be themselves.
The Winners Only Dining Room 48 Inch Bench DJ1455 will sit 2-3 people, making it the perfect addition to the kitchen’s social hub.
Kitchen with a View
What if you are one of the few who are blessed with a picturesque view right outside the kitchen window? What do you think you could do with that?
When you are planning a kitchen remodel, then think how you can include that view. Make the kitchen more inviting by facing the dining nook towards the window. If the kitchen has glazed windows or doors looking out the terrace or garden, then make sure that everyone faces the beautiful scenery outside.
Lighten It All Up
If the kitchen is opening directly to the outdoors, the kitchen will immediately become the center of your home. Bi-fold doors can open to the terrace which makes the division between the outdoors and indoors a tad more blurry.
Natural lighting is great but come dusk or the evening, of course, no one wants to be found inside a dingy or dark room. Make the kitchen as bright as possible. You would want people to be uplifted when they enter that part of your home so better fill the kitchen up with light.
Having the place painted with a pale or white shade is also an easy way to make the kitchen appear brighter. Shutters can be used to cover just the lower part of the kitchen windows, allowing sunlight to naturally flow in during the day.
Tags: dining nook, guidelines, kitchen, kitchen as social area, kitchen organization, kitchen plan, kitchen planning, McCreery's Furnishings, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Thursday, March 24th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room North Hampton Bonnet Top Display Cabinet. Organization is key to a beautiful and functional kitchen.
Are you a recent graduate who wants to move into your own apartment soon? Or are you a newlywed settling in your first home? Whatever your current situation, you will need some recipes and the right kind of kitchen equipment to start this new phase in your life.
Take a long look at your parents’ kitchen and see if you can do some window shopping in houseware shops. This should help you make a list of essentials that are needed for prepping, baking, or cooking the most flavorful dishes.
You might be tempted to buy new products straight away but you don’t have to break the bank just to obtain quality in your kitchen stuff. You can search for different pieces that offer durability, value and beauty.
Cooking and Baking Tools
You can splurge on your set of knives. Yeah, go ahead, it’s okay. It is essential to have a sharp chef’s knife inside your kitchen. This is one of the major tools that you need to always have. Stainless steel, high-carbon knives won’t stain or rust so they are your best option.
The knife that you buy should feel comfortable in your hand as you slice and dice. Invest also in paring knives, and a serrated knife. The types whose metal blades extend to the back of the handles offer the perfect balance.
Other cooking tools include the cutting board (plastic, glass or wood should work); vegetable peeler (the stainless steel type); can opener (the non-slip type); a salad spinner; cheese grater preferably with soft rubber handles; grater; steamer; etc.
Must-have appliances include a steamer, oven, toaster oven or a microwave oven.
Universal Furniture Dining Room Chelsea Kitchen Table 311751 is what every kitchen needs.
Kitchen furniture
Update your dining/kitchen furniture by investing in McCreery’s Home Furnishings. There is a wide array of chairs, dining tables, bar stools, dining benches, buffets, and kitchen islands to choose from. Gather your family around the table for a scrumptious dinner with your new kitchen furniture. Entertain your guests in style with your new dining room set.
The dining room is no less than the place where you enjoy your meals with friends and family. In order to create the perfect space, it is crucial to invest in the right kind of furniture. Our shops have individual pieces as well as coordinating choices for both casual and formal dining functions.
Dining tables range from rectangular, oval and round styles. Dining chairs can be traditional wood with fabric, leather, or wicker. There are also dining room collections to choose from.
How about the benches? These work in either formal or informal dining. These are often used as extra seating to a dining table. Benches can match the dining chairs or they can be oddly different yet still look cohesive.
Buffets can store extra stemware, dinnerware, and table linens. The sideboards can also be used to display vases, lamps, and other decorative accessories.
Apart from the dining tables, chairs and benches, you can also invest in a kitchen island. These are great for prepping meals. It can also serve as extra countertop for your kitchen. Kitchen carts can also provide extra counter space inside the kitchen. These are smaller than the kitchen island yet they can still provide ample space for storage.
Bar stools are often used for casual seating for guests or family members. There are short and tall stools that you can pair with the kitchen islands.
All kitchen furniture shouldn’t be merely stylish but also durable. Being the foodie that you are, and having invested in these kitchen essentials, all you need now is that first casserole dish to prove that you’re ready to please palates.
Tags: foodie kitchen, kitchen, kitchen design, kitchen essentials, kitchen of a foodie, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing the kitchen, planning the kitchen, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016
The marriage of white and anything wooden is a lovely fusion that will make the white kitchen more exciting.Featured kitchen piece is the Universal Furniture Dining Room Kitchen Table 323653
A lot of people are drawn to bold patterns and bright colors in their kitchens; only a few even have inkling of the beauty that a white kitchen could offer. You cannot, of course, specify to use white materials for all your fixtures, furniture and finishes. Doing so won’t finish your kitchen makeover task. Remember that this hue is not the most forgiving color, don’t you automatically see even the most minute dirt or details when they are placed against a white backdrop?
White easily reflects light. Compared to dark hues, it does not absorb light so it is best used in accentuating materials or keeping them right smack on centerstage.
In the wrong hands, white can feel sterile, unwelcoming and too cold. If you have to use white, then know which materials will make it less boring. Natural wood has a tendency to make white more interesting. Adding wood in your furniture or flooring, for instance, can add charm, warmth and character. Dashes of bold colors will also look great on a white backdrop. If you want a serene surrounding still with dashes of white, then use it together with tan, shades of beige, gray or any other neutral colors.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Glacio 2 1 Light Kitchen Island Fixture 21249 will provide illumination in a white kitchen, making it appear more spectacular.
White Kitchen Personalized
Get ready to shell out $60,000 USD all for good results according to the National Association of Realtors. This is how much every homeowner needs to prepare for when renovating a kitchen. If you want to renovate without breaking the bank, then come up with a white kitchen.
The white kitchen allows the homeowner to make his own personal touches. The accent colors, artwork and accessories will surely pop out if you use white as your canvas. If you are serious about using white on your upcoming kitchen remodel, then you have a lot of thinking to do. This is a color scheme that can stand the test of time as it will always look fresh and clean.
Psychologically, it has also been observed that white releases positive vibes. It can also add space visually which is great if you are stuck with a small kitchen.
White is also the artist’s playground. It can feature artwork, framed photographs, wall sconces, fireplaces, and just about anything that you would want to highlight.
White is also highly available when you are out to find tiles, sinks, faucets, even appliances. There are also white countertops, shelves, even white concrete.
White is the ultimate canvas.
Why Is White So Popular?
The color white became quite popular in the mid-20s till 30’s. This was the sole color offered by all manufacturers then. If you would look back then, it makes a lot of sense because white is linked to health and sanitation, two things that were needful to keep the flu epidemic from spreading then.
These days, though, times have changed. White is an enduring color, it is timeless, it is clean, but it can also show even the slightest amount of dirt.
The popularity of white wasn’t just used in furniture creation and in room painting. Even appliances that are colored white tend to outsell the colored ones. The number of white cabinets also made waves because people tend to favor this clean color for their cabinetry. Just think of white as a monochromatic means of beautifying any room.
White simply says no to going out of style.
Should the White Kitchen Be All White?
The answer is – of course not. You can still have stainless steel appliances even when you have a kitchen painted in white. The key to keeping this color exciting is to balance it with the rest of the theme. Be sure to scale your options properly so that white still remains the dominant color in your white kitchen.
Tags: kitchen, kitchen organization, kitchen plan, kitchen planning, kitchen remodel, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, white kitchen
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
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