Friday, October 26th, 2018

Bedroom Headboard Only Wesley Allen Frame HO/WAF1364: To what era do you think this bedroom piece belongs?
These days, when you ask people to define vintage, what they would automatically think about is old or anything dated. The experts, though, know that none can be farther from the truth. Vintage interior design is there to make people reminisce and be nostalgic.
When you see a style that looks anywhere from the glamorous ‘40s till the ‘60s, then you’re seeing vintage in all its glory. The elements are obviously luxurious and the blend of colors are truly inviting.
Don’t be pressed to go for the perfect and finished style. Instead, mix and match the different pieces and styles. Here are some ideas that can jumpstart your vintage interior design –
Yes to Balance
Know that vintage interior design can get tricky. While this is one of the hardest to set up, a lot of people still want to use this design in their homes all because they want to recreate the elegance that is synonymous of the eras of the past. Go wrong with it, though, and you could end up with an unstylish replica of your Grandma’s house.
Always consider balance. The right kind of vintage look is one that has equalized both traditional and modern looks.
Old Pieces as Backbone
Vintage pieces are the backbone of this style. Whether your favorite decade is the ‘40s or the ‘60s, well-chosen vintage or – at the very least – vintage-looking pieces are the elements that will fortify your vintage style.
The look that you’re trying to recreate is one that will transport the guests to an era where contemporary pieces simply won’t defeat.
If you’re thinking that your Grandma’s antique pieces automatically qualify as default furnishings, think again. Just because a piece looks old doesn’t mean that it can go with the rest of the design. The vintage pieces that you use must be in great condition and must still be able to withstand the daily wear and tear.
To know whether the old piece will do, check its weight. See if the natural materials used are those that were specially crafted and not mass-produced. Check also the joints.
Are they still sturdy? The moment the joineries feel shaky or if the wood is already rotten, don’t use the piece anymore.
If there is too much discoloration or rust – the type that can no longer be dealt with – then it’s time for furniture replacement.
Define the Focal Point
As soon as you find vintage pieces that already suit the style that you’re trying to use, then consider how these can be made the focal points of your home. A focal piece is one that immediately draws the beholder’s eye towards it. More often than not, the right candidate is a piece of furniture.
Allow the focal furniture to take center stage. For instance, the dining room often has the dining table as the star while in the living room, the default focal piece is the couch. When you go to the bedroom, then what could be better than a vintage-looking bed to pull all the other design elements together?
Add Other Vintage Details
Finally, it pays to seriously consider the patterns and colors that will be used in a vintage interior design. Use some polka dots and you will immediately be transported to the 1950s. Display some deep shades of red and your guests will surely think that you’re recreating the Victorian era.
Knowing how to add the right vintage elements in the design comes with a large payoff even with just a minimal effort. Take the time to research on your preferred era then get a sense of the design elements that they used then. Try to create a mental picture of what you would want to copy.
If you don’t have existing pieces of the era that you choose, then visit our shop for the finest vintage-inspired pieces and you would never go wrong.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, vintage, vintage design, vintage interior design, vintage interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Vintage Style in Today’s World
Thursday, October 25th, 2018

TheAmerican Leather Living Room Recliner Chair AST-REC-ST spells comfort and simplicity to a T.
The nights of fall are ever drawing closer to the even colder winter evenings. Your days are going to get more hectic so your nights have to be restful to compensate for the eventful mornings and afternoons. Did you know that the Danes have been listed as one of the happiest people in the world? They all attest to one thing – hygge.
The whole point of hygge is living a lifestyle of warmth and calm. Pronounced as hue-gah or hoo-gah, this is the term used by Norwegians to describe wellbeing. This is the way of life of the Danish.
Hygge began in the 18th century. This appeared in the writings of that time and has long since remained as a wonderful lifestyle embraced by many.
Hygge transcends winters through summers, although, it becomes an even more apparent style when the cold season is at its peak. The power of this style is able to downplay the bleak, dark winters as it has made happy people out of those that do not see the rays of the sun for a long time.
Often referred to as togetherness or coziness, it is not the literal translation of the Danish term, though. No English word can aptly describe it, hence its meaning is a bit hazy.
What the world knows is that hygge is a mood or feeling more than anything else. This can also be used as a state of mind, too. It can be used to describe a warm bath one moment, then it can be the style of a home on the next instance.
You can also be hygge when you’re enjoying a mug of hot cocoa while curled up and reading your favorite novel. Hygge also means intimacy. It can also be a social event or gathering for the family.

Since hygge is all about being warm and cozy, it’s a must to choose your lighting fixture well. TheUttermost Lamps and Lighting Brant Aged Brass 8 Light Chandelier 21316 is one such choice.
How to Hygge
Invest in a lot of candles. It is believed that Scandinavian countries including Denmark, of course, are the biggest consumers of candles annually. Whether you prefer scented or unscented, it really doesn’t matter. But Skandinavisk, a Danish brand, has come up with a hygge fragrance with hints of baked strawberry cakes, brewed tea, rose petals, and even wild mint.
The next step is to add textures. Warmth and coziness are instantly added to a habitat when the eyes see soft textures and if the hands feel the lushness of fabrics. Imagine adding knitted cushions, fluffy woolen rugs, and fur throws – these are capable of stylizing your home while providing the needed comfort.
Add a roaring fire in the furnace and some soft candle lights and you’ve set up the perfect hygge.
The third concept that you must remember is that the simple things are welcome in a Danish home. There is no pressing need to overhaul your home. Just treat yourself to an afternoon tea, immerse in a bubble bath or create a gallery of your favorite paintings and you’ve just achieved hygge, too.
The fourth step is to update your clothing. Invest in loose tops, onesies, harem trousers, and just about any comfortable piece of clothing. The more relaxed you are when wearing the clothes, the more that you should seriously consider it to become a part of your wardrobe.
Hygge also means being with friends and enjoying a social gathering. Whether this is a simple dinner or a more complex party, the idea is to have fun while eating wholesome foods.
Plan all those winter nights when you would gather together your family or your friends in front of the fireplace. Now don’t think that hygge is all about staying indoors. You can still wear warm clothing and circle roundabout the fire pit – this, too, is very much a hygge experience.
Tags: hygge, hygge design, hygge style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Winter Season | Comments Off on Goin’ Hygge for the Holidays
Wednesday, October 24th, 2018

Notice the straight and simple lines of thisAmerican Leather Bedroom California King Bed MEN-BED-CK.
Minimalism is a word that is recently taking the world by storm. This carries with it a lot of ironies since it means living in a stressful world but with less stuff.
Books, documentaries, and podcasts have all been raving about minimalism and how it can actually alter the life of someone who is willing to free-fall.
A lot of minimalists swear by the philosophy of living a life that’s free from excess and worldly possessions. They testify on how having less stuff actually gave their lives more meaning.
It’s No Fad: The Benefits of Minimalism
You may think that minimalism is just a millennial fad but it is a lot more than this. When done with the right reasons, it is a means to make your life more significant.
So what are the benefits of living a minimalist life?
First, those who sign up to live a minimalist life get rid of their financial worries. They also get rid of all forms of clutter in their lives. They learn how to classify the things that they really need from the things that do not add value to their existence.
Minimalists also spend more time on experiences and less time in the acquisition of material things. Eventually, they feel a lot happier and freer.
Minimalism Means Green
Minimalists also sign up to become green enthusiasts. In fact, sustainable living or green living is equated to minimalism. Green living means buying less and having less waste.
Minimalism also means seeing consumerism for what it is. This has contributed to the issues on earth’s climate and other such problems. If you want to live ethically, then minimalism is the best way to go.

Stanley Furniture Living Room Floating Parsons Console Table 704-45-05
Start Now
So how do you begin living a minimalist life?
First, learn to reduce, reuse, and recycle. You must say no to excessive purchases. You must also promise to decrease the amount of waste that your home produces. And you must swear to recycle and reuse stuff. Composting is something that you also say yes to.
As a minimalist, you must also unplug. Save energy and money when you unplug those electronic devices that consume electricity even when they are just plugged.
Assess your possessions. Find something that you will keep (this is typically something that you will use in the next three months). If you pick an object that you won’t use continuously in the next three months, then it’s okay to finally let go.
This 90-day test is far from easy, though. For instance, you may not use your book collection in the next three months but this does not mean that you should let throw or sell them straightaway.
Another tip here is to live in a smaller place. More probably, you won’t need a big apartment with less stuff. Plus, studio apartments and condo units are a lot cheaper than renting a huge house. Tiny homes are quite popular these days so it’s time to join the bandwagon.
Smaller units also require fewer utilities. Just compare the heating needs of a bungalow with that of a studio apartment.
Another step in minimalism is to buy fresh food weekly. Always buy in bulk so that you’d save more.
Own less furniture, clothing, and appliances, too. This means owning the pieces that are right. Always prioritize quality over quantity.
Buy a laptop that will last a number of years; this has to be a piece that won’t have you worried that it could break down any time. As for clothing, buy the pieces that will also last many years. These are the staple pieces such as a pair of jeans, a few shirts, and a pair of boots.
As for furniture, find the pieces that have multiple uses (e.g. an ottoman that is also a storage unit).
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist design, minimalist interiors, minimalist lifestyle, minimalist living, minimalist space, minimalist style
Posted in Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Holistic Minimalist
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018

Thomasville Bedroom Etienne Iron Bed (California King) 85019-557
It’s Fall. It’s the perfect season to infuse an eclectic design to your home. While the rest of the world may be intimidated by this style – don’t. You can unleash your creative side and create a space that’s all too dreamy for others to even venture into.
Okay, don’t think that eclectic interior design is all about mixing a lot of designs with a whole lot of different interior design elements. Even a stylish person can become a fashion victim if she’s not careful. Eclectic style does not require an impeccable sense of fashion so don’t fret.
The best eclectic pieces celebrate harmony even in the differences in textures, styles, and colors. There are a few tricks, though, that can help make these varying elements cohesive. Here are some basic guides –
No to Sets
The initial step in eclectic interior design is to resist the temptation to buy furnishings as a unit. While buying furniture in sets can cut your shopping time in half, still, this is the straight line towards a showroom like home.
Do not coordinate your pieces, instead, find varied styles and vibes especially with your larger furniture pieces. If you’re a bit uncertain because you have always done pairings with your furniture, then do not worry. You will still be able to unify the pieces with some underlying methods.
Go ahead and fuse different accent chairs but those with related color families. Using more furniture to connect the different pieces is also an effective strategy.
Plan Your Color Palette
Don’t think that eclectic design is supposed to throw all guidelines in picking colors. Your color chart still has a purpose. What you will need is a deliberate and well-chosen color scheme that will harmonize all the mixture of genres and styles in your home.
If you still want to play it safe, then go ahead and pick a single color palette but one that comes in different shades. The shades will give your room ample variety so that it won’t look like one solid block of color that hit your guests in the head.
‘Tempted to go wild? Then don’t hold back. Pick a feature that will pull all the hues in the room (e.g. a Persian rug as an accent wall), then find accents that will all ground this one piece.
Different Eras In One Style
The furniture pieces that you eventually pick for your home must be diverse enough. Pair that modern desk with an Art Deco chair. Go rustic but, at the same time, Parisian – now ain’t that sublime?
The twist in eclectic interior design is knowing how to fuse two different eras and styles to achieve a stylish room.

Thomasville Accessories Butterfly Mirror 85037-255
Texture Is Life
If you’re in an eclectic space, then you have to remember to make sense of the chaos. Add layers without creating heavy aesthetics. You must learn to create just enough visual layers from sleek pieces, velvet bedding, mud cloth, natural hide, and wallpaper.
These different textures create an amazing impact while limiting the palette. If you want to establish a more masculine look, then pair dark metals with exposed bricks and other such natural elements.
If you’re feeling more experimental, use lacquered pieces with velvet and other plush fabrics. It is also not wrong to mix rough with smooth textures. These opposing looks will add visual and tactile interest.
Now don’t forget to use a single texture many times. Use it in different rooms to, once again, achieve a cohesive look.
Eclectic Means YOU
The whole point of eclectic interior design is making a space that suits and describes you. So go ahead and keep the stuff personal. Fuse all the colors and textures that you love because, at the end of the day, these will make you happy.
Tags: eclectic, eclectic interior, eclectic interior design, eclectic interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Fallin’ for Eclectic
Monday, October 22nd, 2018

Marge Carson Living Room Zen Sectional
We all live in a stressful world. This lack of genuine tranquility in people’s lives is one of the reasons why more and more homeowners want to create a habitat that does not need an airfare to go to. The Zen interior design has principles that have increasingly been used by many homeowners.
Why could this be?
The word Zen, itself, is in reference to meditation. The Japanese use this term when they are also referring to relaxation, balance, and harmony.
Zen may not be a widely recognized interior design but it does have its own audience. There are also rules to follow with this sort of style. This is also a style that is linked with purity, minimalism, and living a simplistic life.
If you fancy having a Zen home, then here are some rules to commit to memory –
Earthy Hues Only Please
The Zen-inspired style is all about the use of natural hues and soft tones. Use a lot of grays, white, shades of beige, a touch of pink beige, and other such soft hues. These colors are soft enough to induce calmness.
It is important to consider chromatic harmony between all the design elements. Be careful also in establishing visual seamlessness especially between the furniture, flooring, and the walls.
You also need to fuse a dominant color with textured fabrics like moleskin, for instance. Don’t be afraid to create diversity by fusing two matching hues. Play also with a degradation of your favored color.
Lots of Natural Light
If you want to set up a truly relaxing home, then discard all the harsh lights that are currently displayed. Have these replaced with the most calming lights such as candles or nature-inspired lighting fixtures.
Set up various sources of light so that you can control the amount of intensity on different areas. Never project a direct light from your ceiling. Be sure to take advantage of wide windows in letting in ample sunlight.
Bare Furniture
Straight, simple lines characterize Zen furnishings. These pieces do not come with excessive ornamentation but each has a high quality. The materials that were used to manufacture these pieces are all natural. This also brings a sense of relaxation and warmth to your Zen home.
As for the storage pieces such as the cupboards, closets, and drawers, these can look livelier when they match the color of the interior.
The Zen Bedroom
Since the bedroom is the most naturally Zen among all the rooms in your home, you should concentrate in designing this. Begin by placing the bed closest to the natural source of light but never place it right in front of a passage area.
The bed’s height must be one that you’re comfortable with, although, higher beds tend to feel more comfy. Choose upholstered or leather.
Never over decorate your bedroom. You may use fleece, wool or mohair as covers. Throws are allowed but remember not to exaggerate. Find pillows with different sizes.
Be sure to invest on an armchair if your reading nook is also in your bedroom. This has to be a super comfy seating unit that still comes with the simple lines that are the ultimate requirement to every Zen home.
Few Ornaments
For your wall décor, the rule is also the same – keep it simple. Never create a gallery of paintings or framed photographs when you can just actually hang a single piece. If you can, cover your book collection with monochromatic paper.
Add Scents
You can also enhance the Zen feel in your home by enhancing each room with natural scents. Ylang Ylang and Lavender are popular calming scents.
Tags: Japanese style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Zen, Zen interior, Zen interior design, Zen interiors, Zen style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Zen In and Out
Friday, October 19th, 2018

Flexsteel Living Room Leather Reclining Sofa Without Chaise Footrests 1127-62: This leather piece is that one masculine piece that every man needs.
It is no rocket science that men and women are wired differently, hence, they have different approaches in design and just about any aspect of life. This isn’t an unfair generalization because many others, in the past, have proven this to be fact.
It is a journey to get through the different stages of married life. If you want to attaint the happily ever after, then you’ll have to learn to meet halfway. Differences can have their compromises and here are some that you might want to apply –
Define Your Home
What is a home according to each spouse? You would be surprise to find out that your spouse may have a very different definition of what a home should be.
Of course, you need to agree on where you will both live and what house you will both agree on. Most couples already have furnishings before they get married and so these are extra pieces that might or might not help in designing your new home.
Be sure to view the house, make the necessary measurements, and account for every piece of furniture that you will use and those that you will have to put on storage or give away.
Define Your Couple Style
Just like your marriage, this is also something that you need to agree on. After identifying the house style, the next thing that you have to compromise on is the interior design.
You will see that it will be much easier to determine the décor and furniture later if you’ve already defined this one early on.
If you want to play safe, then you can always resort to the traditional look. Leather is a common material that respects both genders. It can be suitable for couples that want to have a classic look for their homes
A Common Ground
It also matters that you decide together on all aspects. Where there are disagreements in terms of design or style, then what each spouse can do is to learn to compromise. There is always a middle ground for everything, yes, even interior design.
Don’t forget also that you will be living in this home with your partner. This isn’t a home for a solo person anymore. Determine the style by including the preferences of each spouse.
Pick the Right Colors
When choosing the color palette, be sure that the hues are appropriate for the style that you picked. A modern home, for instance, should not have any jarring colors just as a traditional home must not be linear and block color-themed.
In using colors, be sure to marry the wall and floor hues. Don’t be afraid to use contrasting colors. And if you have a light-colored surroundings, then be sure to pick dark furnishings.
You can also always begin with a consistent palette. Two to three colors are easier to manage than having 10 different hues all at the same time. Grays, blues, greens, and yellows, and just about any neutral hue is acceptable in a gender-neutral home.
Set aside some dark colors for the man cave and some lighter colors for the feminine rooms. Charcoal or navy blue also exude masculinity while grays and blues are colder tones that can help you balance the warmth of brass, woods, and even leathers.
Learn to Prioritize
You’re practically starting with a clean slate. So you need to prioritize the things that truly matter and these are the things that you can bring with you to your new home. All the rest are just clutter.
And, yes, do prioritize the bed. You’re newly married so you have to have the best bed in the world – you both deserve it.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody King Tufted Bed: Every good marriage needs a good bed.
Tags: couple home, couple's home, designing couple homes, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Single No More: Design Fusion for Couples
Thursday, October 18th, 2018

Small spaces are all about making the most of every square footage. The Fine Furniture Design Home Office Cambrion Occasional Bookcase 36 Shelving Unit is vertically fit to optimize a small space.
Have you noticed just how condominium units are becoming ever smaller? Nowadays, the home has to be functional and beautiful at the same time and no one can afford to have a spot that’s unused. All the square footage in those four walls simply have to be put to good use.
Thank goodness, these condos also come with high ceilings so the loft that results from this extra space can have its practical and aesthetic uses. So, if you have a loft and you’re wondering what to do with it, here are some ideas that might help –
A Continuous Corridor
Another way to look at lofts is to build a mezzanine that winds throughout the living area, thus, creating a seamless corridor for your tiny space. This expansion beyond the usual walkway can fit in a corner where you and your friends can play cards or where you can compete in a game of darts.
A Study Room
What about if the loft is slim, tall and it comes in twos? A dual loft space will effectively become a functional bedroom. This much bigger loft that sits on top of your condo’s open kitchen can become the study room that you have long ago wished for.
The smaller platform, on the other hand, can be delegated as a walk-in closet.
More Sleeping Spots
Having a loft means you can think in terms of bunk beds but on a much larger scale. The extended ceiling can be separated into two self-sustaining bedrooms. Each zone can have its own bed, a study desk or even a small wardrobe.
A TV Corner
And who says you always have to fight just to be able to watch your favorite TV show? With that extra space, you can now create your own private corner where you can set up your own TV set.
This TV corner can also be the perfect snooze spot if you no longer have the energy to walk all the way to your bedroom. Just add a couple of bean bags or floor pillows and you’ve already created a tiny bedroom that’s cozy, elevated, and the perfect spot to binge-watch.
Storage Space
Tiny spaces need all the extra space that they can get. Stack some shelves and what you get are more storage units for your home. These much-needed storage racks or shelves don’t have to be ugly, though. How about unleashing the artist in you by choosing the most stylish racks and shelves? Remember that you also have to consider the visual punch and not just the functionality of the furnishings that you add there.

Small but aptly illuminated- this is what your condo should be. Here is a stylish way to light your loft, the Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Caperana Black Buffet Lamps come in sets of two.
A Master Bedroom
You can even add extra value to your home as you convert the loft space into your master bedroom. The loft may be that unfinished attic or it can be that extra vertical space in your tiny home, it really doesn’t matter. What you need to initially do is to consult with the local government regarding the building codes for residences.
Obtain the necessary permits before you even begin measuring the space and planning on what to put there.
For unfinished lofts, always consult with an engineer or an architect so that you’re ascertained that the rafters will be able to support the drywall for the walls and ceilings. Any HVAC or electrical system will also be an additional consideration.
Ensure also that the floor joists are able to support the weight of the remodeled zone. Check, yet again, with a licensed structural engineer or an architect. A room that’s lacking natural light would do well to have a skylight or even a solar tube.
Use the slanted ceiling or low areas as storage spaces. You can place small drawers and shelves there. These alcoves are also perfect as cozy reading nooks.
Tags: loft, loft design, loft design elements, loft design ideas, loft essentials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Apartment Living, Condo Living, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on 6 Must-know Loft Ideas
Wednesday, October 17th, 2018
Posters are a great way to beautify an empty wall. They are inexpensive and they even come in different genres, sizes, colors, and styles. You can buy a frame from furniture shops and craft stores or you can also order online.
A poster is easy to hang on your own but there are a few basic things to consider and keep in mind before you are able to do so.
Matting a poster depends on several aspects. First, what do you prefer? You have to decide, early on, whether you want a mat or not. There are also posters that come in odd sizes and shapes so it could get difficult to find the right frames for them.
Consider these things prior to buying posters but if you already own one, then what’s left to do is to find the best options in the market. In most cases, there are generic-sized mats that will fit the poster that you have. There are also craft stores that can custom cut the mat or frame for you.
Matting does tend to cost more especially when you don’t have a generic mat that will go with your poster size. If you want to play it safe in terms of design, then it is best to buy a standard sized poster.
Don’t buy the dirt-cheap mats if you want to preserve your poster for a long time. Often, the best posters, mats and frames that cost more are those that will last you a long time.
When picking a poster for your bare wall, it is best to keep it simple, unless you’re decorating an eclectic space then go ahead and be bold. The simplest posters are always the easiest to hang or install, although, you have to consider the interior design prior to buying a poster. A minimalist setup would do well to have an equally minimalist poster. A classic home can make use of a traditional black and white poster such as this Humphrey Bogart 16×20 poster.

Humphrey Bogart poster 16×20
Poster Framing Guidelines
Let’s say you’ve already bought a mat and frame, so what now? Putting the poster in is the easiest part. The difficult steps are making sure that everything else that you’ve already bought will fit.
Step one is to take the back off of the frame. Place your poster into the frame then smoothen out any wrinkles that form. For a mat, you also have to place the poster evenly onto the surface. Tape the corners then replace the back of the frame.
Hanging the Poster
There are many methods of hanging a poster on a wall and there are also many aspects that will affect your decision on what method to use. First, the size and weight of the poster matters. But, of course, if the poster is light and small, then you can easily hang it using a hook, stick-ons or a nail.
You would want to be extra careful with heavier posters. A monkey hook will do the trick since all you have to do is to thrust it into the wall, lock it in place, and then hang the poster. This should be able to carry as much as 50 pounds – aint it awesome?
Say no to taping posters on the wall. If you have a plaster wall, what you need is a hook that’s especially designed for such a material. You might need to use more than one of these hooks so that the poster’s weight will be supported.
There are posters that come with hangers so all you’ll need to do is to find the hook that matches the said hanger.
Follow these simple instructions and you’ll surely hang your chosen poster with ease.
Tags: hanging poster, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, poster, poster installation
Posted in Accents, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Hanging Posters in a Jiff
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy