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Saturday, September 17th, 2016
FFDM Collectors’ Room: This is many homeowners’ dream dining room.It is rustic, pristine, classy and sophisticated – everything that one could ask for in a room.
When you are out to choose a theme for your home, there are many styles that you could get confused over. There are period styles that could fit nicely to the interiors of the smallest apartments like Mission styling, Georgian, Art Deco, Minimalist and Retro deco. You could begin looking at these time-tested styles so that there won’t be regret in the end.
Go Georgian
If you would like to try the Georgian theme, you should look into colors that are muted such as off-whites and grays, browns, blues and olive green. Be sure to add gilding in your style. Don’t stop there – decorative molding is also a huge part of this design.
Use window treatments such as swags, drapes and tie-backs. Make good use of upholstered items for both furnishings and decorative items. The perfect backdrop would be white or cream which would depict flower arrangement or a serene pastoral scene.
Georgian furnishings include French repro, winged chairs, and roll-top office desks. Use Chippendale or Hepplewhite furniture styles as they are also appropriate.
Hooker Furniture Home Office Skyline Bunching Bookcase may look traditional but it sits perfectly inside this modern home office.
The Art That Is Mission
Mission style is also referred to as the Arts and Crafts style. This was a defiant style from the ornate Victorian concept. This was and is the right apartment look as it is comfortable and uncluttered.
Mission gets its inspiration from nature, therefore, it displays a monochromatic earth tone. Walls could be brown, tan, moss, or ochre. Cream is a common accent. The doors are almost always made of natural wood, a great way to be abreast with the period.
Stained glass is also a necessary décor, with stained glass lamps taking center stage.
Beautiful, Lustrous Art Deco
Art Deco is a theme that was embraced during the 1920s till the 1930s. It’s composed of simple, clean lines. Other events that could be included as inspirations to this style are jazz music, inventions, skyscrapers and discoveries.
Since this is art, go and paint your walls with colors that contrast the woodwork. Use muted gray with turquoise, bright green or deep blue. Don’t forget to bring a little black to this look. Use it on either the accessories or the furnishings.
Mirrors and chrome pieces are great accessories.
Awesome Retro
If you were born in the 60s or 70s, you know what wonderful years those have been. Retro is a theme that’s applicable to you if you love the richness of brown and other deep tones. Use prints and wall treatments along with geometric designs.
The Scandinavian furniture pieces will also look great in this theme.
Minimalism Means Green
If you choose a minimalist theme, then you are one person who loves the uncluttered look. This style asks you to keep everything simple, from the lines, to the furnishings to the accessories. Furniture must be constructed with materials like chrome, natural wood, glass or stainless steel. These materials offer an ultra-modern look which is why they are at the top of the list.
The Functional Layout
Sometimes, all it takes for a homeowner to decide on which style to choose is knowing what layout would be most functional for his or her home. Interior design, after all, starts with the functional layout. Figure out which one is most functional for your house structure. This is also dependent on your lifestyle, how much budget you are willing to shell out and living needs.
Keep in mind that there is no one ideal layout that’s applicable to every person on the planet.
If you are still unsure about which theme to use in your home, then look through interior design magazines or sit down and speak with an interior designer.
Tags: art, art deco, Art Deco style, designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, Georgian theme, luxurious home, luxurious interiors, luxurious living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist interior design, minimalist interiors, minimalist living, Mission design, Mission style, Retro design, Retro style
Posted in 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
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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
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016
Fine Furniture Design’s Antebellum Collection offers luxurious and sophisticated pieces such as this dining set.
A home’s primary purpose is to provide a place of comfort that also functions. Fine living is tantamount to having a luxurious home that goes beyond the fundamental amenities. It displays a lavish setting, with enough living space, high-beam ceilings, gourmet kitchen, and expensive architectural features. However you would set up your luxury home, it is all just about planning the design correctly and putting in all the elements that represent your personal taste.
Fine living offers intricate home details, amenities, elegance, and both formal and informal spaces. Emphasis is placed on precision and timeless quality. The modern buyer can also ask for the home to be tailor-fitted to her.
Designers can customize the home plans so that they meet your specs. Each unique plan is rich in detail, sophisticated and offers superior amenities. This kind of home can be serene, dignified or palatial – the choice is yours. The homeowners should take into account three things, though –
Building a home – especially a luxurious one – is an exciting venture. This all begins with a design specifically made for fine living. You may feel uncertain, at first, when you begin looking for a theme that would work in your home. Your goal should be to start this process with enough planning.
What To Do When Buying Luxury Homes
A lot of luxury homes are unlisted so that the seller’s privacy is kept intact. Get in touch with realtors or go to various online sources.
Look beyond the photos when considering a home. There are luxurious homes that are not photogenic but they offer the best amenities and features that some photogenic homes provide. Search the property, also the vicinity, in person. This is so you know what goes on in the community and what you should expect. Have an attorney represent you especially when you are buying a condo.
Find a local expert who is familiar with the area where you’re planning to buy a house. Set up an appointment with one such expert and set aside some time to shop around with her.
Be sure to document everything since this is crucial in a high-end market that scrutinizes more. The title insurance must also be in place so that problems that are often forgotten are covered.
Lastly, haggle.
FFDM’s Vintage Classics
Interior Design for Fine Living
As soon as you’ve bought your new home, the next thing that you have to consider is its interior design. Bring in some fresh flowers to decorate your consoles, coffee table, dining room table, bedside tables, and vanities. Vases of colorful flowers will surely brighten up a boring room. Flowers will also make the place look more luxurious.
You can also decorate with fruit. Display large bowls of oranges, lemons or apples. These can add a cheerful elegance to your home. Do not just limit your design capabilities to fruits, though. Be sure to display accent pieces that will bring out the beauty of the current backdrop. Carefully choose your furniture as fine living requires only the most elegant pieces.
Another element that you have to carefully consider is the lighting. This offers function and beauty. A couple of lamps can become the focal points in a room. Chandeliers have always been the star of many dining rooms and ballrooms.
Next, pay attention to the architectural moulding. This is an important architectural element that is unique to homes for fine living. Lastly, choose paint and colors wisely. A neutral background should be made exciting with bright-colored furniture and accent pieces while a colorful backdrop should house pastel pieces.
Tags: designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, fine living, furniture, luxurious interior, luxurious interiors, luxurious living, luxury home, luxury homes, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, posh interior design, posh living
Posted in Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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