Tuesday, December 11th, 2018

Credit: Pantone.com
Purple and its different shades are often associated with wealth, power, and royalty. It is no surprise that this year’s Pantone Color went high-flying-adored with its luscious UltraViolet shade. If you want to end the year with a bang, then why not redecorate your home with this lovely color?
From Tyrian Purple to UltraViolet
Purple was the hue worn by the magistrates of Rome. The Byzantine Empire’s rulers also regarded this hue to be the imperial color. The Roman Catholic church also has a high regard for it.
But where and when did purple begin?
The Old English word purpul derived from the Latin word purpura is where the modern term purple came from. The first recorded use of this word was in 975 AD. The Neolithic era showed the first prehistoric art containing this color. Sticks of hematite powder and manganese were used in drawing animals and outlining the cavemen’s hands (between 16,000-25,000 BC).
Violet sits closer to the color blue than purple. It is also a spectral color as compared to purple which is always a fusion of two hues.
Manufacturing the purple dye used to be a long and arduous process. It was also expensive to make since thousands of small snails were needed to provide the color needed. Tyrian purple was the standard color for royal personages, nobles, magistrates, and priests.
Purple is so beautiful that it was even mentioned in the Bible when God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to make an offering blue, purple, and scarlet cloth. This Tyrian color varied greatly from a reddish to bluish purple.
The recreation of the Tyrian purple in modern times required 12,000 mollusks to provide just 1.4 ounces of the dye. This dye now costs more than 2,000 euros in our time.
Han purple became the synthetic source of purple pigment. This was invented in China at about 700 BC. It was then used on potteries and wall painting. This looked more like indigo and was often the result of the breakdown of the chemical Han blue.
French purple was born in the 18th century while the synthetic pigment Cobalt violet became available on the second half of the 19th century. In 1856, aniline purple or mauve was finally discovered.
By the 1950s, quinacridone became available to the market. While it was discovered in 1896, it was only synthesized in 1936 and manufactured in the ‘50s.

Accentuate a space with this Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Panache-Ziegler Rug 3126RS Purple.
UltraViolet Winter
It’s the end of the year now but before you declare that UltraViolet is going to fade, make good use of it instead in your home.
UltraViolet has an energizing effect which is great because people have a tendency to feel depressed during the wintry months. This hue is so versatile that it can be fun and subdued at the same time.
You can make use of an UltraViolet accent wall before winter ends. None can be more enigmatic than this color for this year. This also provides a cosmic vibe to your home.
UltraViolet can also add the needed feminine vibe in the bathroom. ‘Want the tub to stand out? Have it in UltraViolet. This room has never been more majestic and mysterious at the same time. You can literally spend hours dipped in this exciting tub.
Sweet, soft, regal and proud – all these represent purple. So you can use vibrant UltraViolet as a blanket in the bedroom or as an area rug. It can also be the color of your walls if you’re feeling more adventurous.
Pair UltraViolet with creamy whites and you’d get a feminine vibe indeed. Fuse silver and white with it and it’s the perfect combination for Christmas.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Pantone color of the year, UltraViolet, UltraViolet decor, UltraViolet in interior design
Posted in 2018 Trends, Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on UltraViolet 2018: Ending the Year on a High Note
Friday, December 7th, 2018

The clean, clear windows poured in ample natural light to show the beauty of these Villa Cascina pieces during the day.
There are only a few things that can easily add to the curb appeal of a home. While the windows may not be noticed frequently by guests and even your own family members, this is one thing that can make or break the look of your home.
Depending on your home’s location, the windows of your home may be more prone to dust and dirt and other such properties. Houses situated in high traffic zones are likelier to accumulate more dirt than the ones that are far-removed from such areas.
The cleanliness of a window can affect its fragility. Debris that accumulates over time will cause issues on visibility and natural lighting. After all, how can you take advantage of natural lighting if there is a reduced amount of it reaching the interiors of your home?
Also, the weight of the dust and dirt can easily shorten the window’s lifespan. Regular window cleanup will remove the dust and cobwebs, thus, it is highly unlikely that your guests will see these instead of the beautiful greenery that they are supposed to see outside.
So, how often should you clean the windows?
The recommended schedule is for the windows to be cleaned each month. If you live in an area where pollen and dust tend to gather more quickly, then you should schedule window cleanups more often.
For areas that do not have a lot of issues on dust and pollen, you can clean the windows every two months.
Window damage is often caused by any of these –
Dust
Pollen
Dirt
Salt
Pests and other insects
Hard water
Sap
It’s Time to Clean Some Windows
There are many benefits in having clean windows all the time. The cleaner the windows, the more that your home will look lovelier in the sight of others. Pristine windows will also lengthen the lifespan of the glass panes. Since there is no dirt to compromise the material, then you can count on the glass surfaces to last longer.
Dust, sand and salt can collect over time and these are the very things that can cause staining. The tendency of the windows as the stains get out of control is to give in. You will have to have the panes replaced because of the excessive dirt.
So, are there any rules in cleaning the windows?
Many experts suggest that you should not clean your windows during a particularly sunny day. During these moments, everything will dry up so quickly that the glass surfaces tend to streak.
It is better to – believe it or not – do the window cleaning on a cloudy day.
To get started, be sure to clear the windowsill and the area near the windows of any knickknacks and furnishings. The primary things that you need to protect are your walls and the floors. Make sure that there is a drop cloth or sheet that will protect the flooring or the carpeting from being damaged or even from getting wet.
As soon as you have prepped an area, don’t immediately resort to pre-packaged cleaners and mixed solutions. It is best for you to create your homemade window cleaning solutions.
Just a drop or two of dish soap is often enough to mix with every gallon of water. You can then grab a sponge and start scrubbing the windows.
There isn’t a single way of cleaning the windows. There are those who swear by newspaper while others say paper towels clean better. There are those who like using dish soap while others prefer vinegar. Just find out which among these will cut through the grime and grease. Then wash the edges, go to the glass surfaces, rinse, then wipe dry.
Tags: how to clean windows, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, window cleaning, window cleanup
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on How to Clean Windows Like a Pro
Wednesday, December 5th, 2018

Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Sleigh Queen Bed is the focal piece in this lovely room. But how would it look without the framing elements roundabout?
Home staging of any house that’s about to be sold can be a time and energy-consuming process. Experts computed the average cost to be anywhere from $200 to $2,000 depending on the type of work that was done. But is home staging really worth all your effort, time, and money?
Increased Chances of Selling
Your goal as you plan to sell your home is to be able to dispose it at the maximum possible price. Your chances in selling it goes high as you decide to stage prior to listing. This is, after all, the whole reason for staging which is to show to the market how wonderful your home is.
First Impressions Last
As potential buyers walk into your home and see it for the first time, they are constantly making observations. Of course, they would want to see how comfortable they are going to be in this home and how the layout, number of rooms, and the house’s size would affect their lifestyle.
These people are also searching for clues that would show the true condition of the structure.
A well staged home gives an impression of a well-kept house. Home staging does require basic repairs so, yes, you are going to have to do some minor repairs prior to staging your home. Cosmetic touches such as redecorating and repainting will create a house in tiptop shape.
Pack Ahead of Schedule
You will have to pack all of your stuff eventually so why not do it ahead of time? begin now as you pack and prepare your home to be staged. Remove every clutter within the premises.
Pack every personal belonging so that no buyer would be able to see them.
Haggle the Asking Price
Many homebuyers are now educated buyers and most of them know all about property values and such. This is in light of the housing crisis so they now scrutinize and haggle.
But when you stage your home, you get the upper hand by being able to haggle the price. Seeing that the house looks great and all will give them the impression that you are justified to ask for the price that you’ve set and while you still need to check the market value for homes such as yours, the buyers’ emotions would be hugely affected by what they already see.
A house that seems move-in ready is a house that can afford to ask for a hefty price.
Size Matters
Staging a home can also maximize the usable space which means you’ll be able to give the impression that the house is bigger than it seems. Try walking in a house with just a few pieces of furniture and you’d know what’s meant here.
Fill up your house with the correct sizes and number of furniture so it won’t feel cramped. Be wary of the flow that you need to establish in every room. Take note that every door must be able to swing open with ease and completely. It must not hit any of the furniture in a room.
Define the Purpose
What a chaotic scene it would be if the buyers would keep asking what the room is for. A buyer must never guess, or worse ask, the purpose of a room. You might have set up a basement slash gaming room in the past but this is your setup not the buyers’ so it is best to give every room a single purpose when you’re staging it.
There are also buyers whose vision might not be as expansive as yours so they must know what the room is for the moment they step into it. Take the guessing game out of your staged home.
Tags: home selling, home staging, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, selling home, staging
Posted in Home Staging, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Why Do Home Staging?
Tuesday, December 4th, 2018

Marge Carson Living Room Cross Channel Small Console CRC06-2S
The year 2019 is the Year of the Pig. It may be a month more before the year officially ends but a lot of people are already clamoring for Feng Shui tips. Are you looking for ways to make your home lucky this year? What are auspicious and what are no longer auspicious for the upcoming year? If you want your home to remain auspicious in the upcoming year, then here are some simple tips –
Southeast Energy
Remember that improper Feng Shui, according to the Chinese, can bring villains, declined luck, and other such obstacles. Getting rid of these unlucky happenings means you should not situate the door, seat, window or even the bed on the southeast part of your home.
A good way to block the negative energy (if these architectural features are already set up in this direction) is to place a blue or black carpet right at the entrance. This should serve as the cure, thus, balancing the energy in your home once more.
Calming the South
The south could bring liver, skin, and gall bladder diseases when not properly set up for 2019. People are advised to calm down especially in this part of the home because disputes could bring about bad qi.
The cure for this is to take out any blue or green plants that have been staying in this part of your home and have them replaced with purple or red blanket at the entry.
Success in the East
This is the direction that will bring you luck if you set it up auspiciously this year.
Be careful in using wood and metal together at this place. The right arrangement in this place will lead to profits and smooth transactions.
If the window or door faces east or if the bed is located in this direction, then be sure to have it corrected right away. Avoid using hat stands, mirrors, and metal pieces in this area. Avoid putting fish tanks and water dispensers in this area as well.
Art pieces would instantly correct any wrong element or architectural part situated in the east this year.
Fortune in the West
West is the direction that wealth, affection, and beneficial careers would take this year. Make sure that the headboard, door or entrance is not located at this direction. Place a desk in the bedroom or the study in order to improve your luck in your studies.
If you’re having problems with your relationship, then try to bring in water plants or bright flowers in your home.
The Academic North
Wen Qu or Four Green is pro literature if it is auspicious. In 2019, academic or business progress is yours to have if you arrange the northern portion of your home. Have a wooden pagoda placed in this corner to improve the academic standing of your children. Have the office desk face north to improve your business.
Pick blue or green curtains for bedrooms that are located in this direction.
Belief in Feng Shui
The whole universe is made of and filled with energy and the Chinese believed in being able to harness these powers to make one’s life better. Feng Shui literally means wind-water and this is the Chinese way of creating harmony through energies in a given space.
This is a form of art to them.
A lot of interior designers and homeowners swear by the power and the effects of Feng Shui in their homes. They believe that happiness, health, wealth, and positive energy all came to them once they learned and followed the principles of Feng Shui.
Try these Feng Shui tips and see if your 2019 will be a more auspicious year.
Tags: auspicious, lucky designs, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in 2019 Trends, Feng Shui | Comments Off on Home Feng Shui for 2019
Monday, December 3rd, 2018

A place for everything and everything in its place: Featured here is theMaitland-Smith Accessories Coat Rack:Umbrella Stand 8118-13.
It’s December! How time flies. If you’re dwelling in the coldest states, then you’re definitely prepping for snow while also getting ready for the string of social gatherings ahead. December, after all, is the busiest month of the year.
But what are the things that you need to include on your December to-do list?
Shut Off and Disconnect
You have to disconnect the hoses and shut off the water source for all of your outdoor plumbing. This is especially true if it snows heavily where you live.
Be sure to carefully drain and roll the garden hoses before you store them in the shed, only to be brought out in spring.
Check the Trees
Heavy snow can cause an awful amount of buildup that can easily break tree limbs. Be sure to brush off all snow off the tree limbs after every heavy snowfall. Use a broom with extension to do this task.
If you’re too late in saving a tree limb, then that’s fine, just be sure to remove the limb as soon as the weather permits.
Make Space
Winter is the season for coats, hats, boots, mittens, and scarves so there has to be a dedicated spot for these. These winter pieces seem to multiply as the season progresses so setting up the coat rack or a hat stand would go a long way in helping you keep your home decluttered throughout the season.
The main entrance is the best spot for these supplies so be sure to set up a dedicated closet in that zone. Make room for even more layers of winter clothing and stuff.
Put Up the Holiday Décor
It’s time to bring out those Christmas lights and check if they are still working. Replace the non-working ones and hang only those that you deem safe. Exterior wreaths and lights must use only a safe outdoor outlet.
Do ample research if you plan on using living Christmas tree. Be sure to buy early because nurseries will not hold trees that are not paid for and ready to be taken home.
Make sure to put the tree in a transition zone and to limit the size of Christmas bulbs that you would use. After the Christmas holidays, you can move the tree outdoors and have it planted for next year’s use.
Make It Simple
A lot of people tend to feel overwhelmed by the parties and whatnot during the holidays when, in fact, it should just be simple. Just focus on what truly matter such as your family and the joy that you feel when you hold the activities that you have scheduled.
Preparing in advance will also help you in avoiding stress. It also won’t hurt to delegate some of the responsibilities to other family members.
Practice Dealing with Winter Storms
Are your snow shovels in their greatest condition? Check also the window scrapers, gloves, and other weather supplies. Make sure that all of these are accessible and near the door.
And even if it does not snow heavily where you live, it pays to have ample stock of food in the pantry. There must also be enough supplies of flashlight batteries, candles, and bottled water.
Refresh the Guest Rooms
The holidays are the perfect excuse for most people to show unannounced so don’t be caught unaware. Prep the guest rooms now by making the beds and replacing any lighting fixtures that need to be fixed.
Just like a hotel, you should ascertain that your guests would receive the best kind of accommodation. If you can, add the following as supplies and amenities –
Vacuum and dust these rooms now and then so that you will always be prepared to welcome a guest into your home.
Tags: holiday to-do list, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, to-do list for the holidays
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Winter Season | Comments Off on It’s December and Here’s Your Checklist
Friday, November 30th, 2018

The ultimate movie experience is achieved with this Hancock and Moore Home Entertainment Monterey Theater Seating 2200 Monterey Theater.
What was your priority when you first moved to your home? While many homeowners may not think of the home theater as their priority, most actually rethink about their space planning once they realize how awesome it would have been if they had an entertainment hub.
So, if you’ve been imagining of a 5.1 or a 7.1 channel surround system and rows upon rows of movie collections, have you actually considered where you would put these?
Lucky for most homes, there is a basement. You can make the home theater as a complete basement remodel.
The basement has natural advantages for a theater room. First, more often than not, the floor is made of concrete. This means that you won’t have to worry about vibrations as you would when you have a wooden floor. While some would profess to the wooden floor vibration as something that adds to the life of the music, still, concrete floors take the vibrations to zero and that’s often advantageous.
The basement foundation is also often made of poured concrete or if you’re even lucky enough, cinder blocks. These, again, help in muffling the sounds, thus, you won’t have to worry about explaining to your neighbors all those late-night karaokes.
The basement also has zero windows (at least this is often the case). This is also amazing for controlling the light. This would mean that you can easily darken the room when you want to experience a movie theater feel.
Now that you know why the basement is the primary choice for home theaters, it’s time to act –
Define the Sound System
As much as you can, put your speakers into the recesses of walls or the ceiling. Installing the speakers into the drywall is often not a great idea. Doing this will help eliminate visible wires. This will also help create a surround sound feel.
If this isn’t possible, then at least have the speakers line the room in a stylish manner so that they do not appear too technical, rather, amazing decorative equipment.
Set Up a Media Storage
Are you a gamer or more of a movie buff? No matter, have a closet or some shelves set up to hold all of your media equipment. Make sure that the TV becomes the star of the show. This is that one piece of appliance that must not compete with all the other elements.
Ensure the long life of your electronics by using louvers, doors or screens to keep your electronics cool.
Bring in the Seats
What’s a home theater without ample seats? Find the most amazing seating units to make a stylish media room. Again, don’t forget your TV because this is going to be the focal point.
Have the sectional situated at a good angle. Find electronic recliners that will amp the level of viewing excitement in your home theater. Install some floor receptacles so that you will have wire-free walls. Even just a small slit on your carpet can allow you to run the cord up to the chairs.
Do the Acoustic Math
Remember that there are soft and hard surfaces in the home theater and these can affect sound quality. Improve the acoustics by installing thick carpeting (if you can do wall-to-wall, then do so). If you’re not a huge fan of carpets, then at least have an area rug that can aid with the acoustics.
Control the echoes in the room by using Roman fabric shades.
Have Total Control
The most awesome theater experience is achieved through the universal remote control. With just a touch of a finger, you can already control the lights, AV equipment, and even lower your window shades.
Tags: basement entertainment zone, entertainment room, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, media room, theater room
Posted in Basement Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on The Basement Theatre – How to Make This the Social Hub in Your Home
Thursday, November 29th, 2018

Imagine yourself relaxing in the Sam Moore Living Room Ceira Swivel Glider 1644. What could be more perfect?
‘Had another stressful week? With the demands of work, school or lifestyles, people are often encouraged to take a breather. Between your family, work, the rigors of keeping a home, and everything else that needs your attention; you absolutely deserve a me time.
Spending time with yourself may seem simple to do and it actually is. There are so many ways that you can spend this quality time so you can rejuvenate your senses.
Read
Do you remember when the last time was that you enjoyed a good novel?
Reading is one of the most awesome ways to unwind. Not only is it relaxing, it can even take you to different places without you actually leaving your home. so go ahead and create your chocolate beverage, curl up under a blanket, and read a novel.
Pamper Yourself with Manicure and Pedicure
Head to a salon and get a good manicure and pedicure. This hour of pampering will take you a long way in terms of relaxation. Spare no expense in having your toes and fingers polished and moisturized.
Get a Mug of Yummy
Another way to spend quality time with yourself is to enjoy a cup of English tea, have a mug of beer or just have a glass of red wine right after dinner. You can also do this right after you finish your work or following the kids being tucked to their beds.
Your beverage choices are limitless. So just sit back, sip and relax.
Have a Massage
Having a manicure and pedicure is just the tip of the iceberg. There is an even more awesome way to extend your me time. Choose to pamper yourself with quality massage. This can also be your alone time as you feel all your stresses disappearing as you get a good rub of essential oils.
Just imagining this makes you want to rush to the spa straightaway, right?
Walk Away Your Worries
Also another way to spend your me time is to take a short walk outside. It is advisable to do this in the morning so you can also soak in Vitamin D while you breathe in some fresh air.
Take the time to enjoy the beauty of nature all around you. Just make sure to bundle up if it’s cold outside.
Have a Little Retail Therapy
What’s a little shopping spree in exchange for relaxation? So head on to you fave clothing, home goods or accessory shop and spend a little time buying some stuff. Just make sure to leave all your worries behind when you shop. And don’t bring your little one who might end up saying, “Mom, could you buy me this?”.
Retail therapy is something that you can do from time to time. This may not be a conventional way to have one’s therapy but it can have a lot of positive effects on you. Psychologists have observed that individuals tend to shop right before making a major decision in life. Americans, for one, spend money shopping when they are about to have a child or get married.
Shopping relieves anxiety and stress when done in moderation. Make sure that you don’t overspend or you’d end up being pained over extravagance.
Enroll in a Class
Your me time can also be an opportunity to enroll in a class. You can sign up for piano lessons, a few hours of painting lessons, baking, and whatnot. You can also sign up for a vocabulary class or learn a new language.
There are so many exciting things to do. What would you like to learn first?
French? Korean? The choice is up to you.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Me Time, meditation room, relaxation room, room of relaxation
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Your Me Time on Your Me Zone
Wednesday, November 28th, 2018

This is as sublime as a perfect room could get. Featured is the Hooker Furniture Living Room Beaumont Cocktail Table.
Here’s a disclaimer before you read any further – reading this might cause embarrassment or feelings of shame, but please don’t be. These are the most common things that you would not want inside your home because of so many wrong reasons.
Okay, you might have one or two of these stuff and you might even have a level of fondness for these pieces. That’s fine, but consider why these should not be found in some of the rooms in your home –
Negative on Laminate Floors
Laminate flooring materials are cheap. And as the rule goes, more often than not, the cheaper the materials, the cheaper they also tend to look.
While laminate flooring has gone a long way, still, they look manufactured so they are – and will always be – different from hardwood, natural stone, and tiles.
No to Vertical Blinds
There may be a lot of homeowners who currently use vertical blinds so hear us out first.
Some of the glaring disadvantages of having vertical blinds in your home include noise, significant wear and tear, and issues on privacy.
With regard to the noise, this is produced each time the columns collide when they are being swung open. This could get problematic when this is used in the bedroom. As for the wear and tear, the daily swinging motions can take their toll on the blinds. And with the privacy, there are gaps that could occur where the blinds come together, hence, outsiders could easily look into the room.
Sorry, No Preserved Animals
Yes, we’re talking about taxidermy. You have probably hunted before and for those who grew up in regions such as in Texas, taxidermy could be a common thing. There’s no request here to discuss your moral, ethical and environmental advocacies but taxidermy is a no-no.
While most hunters might disagree, a lot of homeowners have said no to this practice simply because it could get freaky. But for those who are married to hunters, perhaps, a compromise could be made, say, the home office is where the preserved décor should go. Other than this room, the other spouse should not be compelled to see any taxidermy mounts.
Faux Flowers Are Unacceptable
Actually, every fake thing should not be given space in your home. It is not nice to find a vase of fake flowers on top of the most beautiful credenza table that you have laid your eyes on – this is just wrong.
Never draw attention to anything that’s fake. These are things that are pretending to be something that they will never be. To make a home more inviting, you gotta keep it real.
Draw attention in a good way by bringing in fresh flowers and potted greens.
Good Lord, No Wallpapers Please
Do you still remember the floral prints in your grandma’s living room? That room is where they should have stayed. Being her favorite grandchild does not make it a requirement that you mimic her style.
Let those wallpaper styles peel away from your mind. If you cannot find a chic roll of wallpaper to match your stylish furnishings, then it is best to stick with paint. Paint is not just beautiful and more elegant, it is also more long-lasting.
Knickknacks Gathering Dust, Nope
You should make it your daily mission to avoid collecting knickknacks that will only gather dust on your shelves. While we’re encouraged to fill our homes with the best memories, this does not mean that you put every bit of memorabilia on your shelves.
Either clean the pieces regularly with a feather dust or a vacuum cleaner or just choose a few good ones to display.
Tags: design booboos, design mistakes, design no-nos, designing errors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Trust Us You Don’t Want These 6 Things In Your Home
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