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Tuesday, July 10th, 2018
Set up the Hooker Furniture Home Office Crafted Bookcase in the corner of your music room to prevent the ‘megaphone effect’.
Let’s say you have a spare room in your home and now you want to concentrate on your music career. It does not have to be as grand as this reason but if your family wants to have a dedicated music room, then it’s high time to turn that spare room into one.
This music room will surely keep your family together for many hours. Or if you’re a free spirit, you can also enjoy your me moments here. Here are the considerations that you need to make –
Size and Location
Find out what room you would want to be turned into a music room. As much as possible, try to have one on the lower ground floor because upper floors will need added soundproofing. Basements can be easily converted into music rooms because of their natural soundproofing capacities.
Be sure to measure the dimensions to know the kinds of equipment that you can bring into the room. Also, you need to carefully think through if major renovations will be done. There are some renovations that require complete floor replacements so find this out before you start bringing in the equipment, décor, and lighting.
the Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Ambre 8 Light Gold Sphere Chandelier 21269 isn’t just lovely, it will also provide the necessary overhead lighting for musicians.
Soundproof
Use soundproofing tiles to the music room’s ceiling and use studio foam on the walls. As for the door, make sure that you use sealing tape all around the frame so that sound will not leak out. The windows must also be covered with a dense blackout drapery fabric so that further soundproofing is achieved.
Now, as you turn to the flooring, check if the sound reverberates as you clap your hands. If there is still an echoing sound of sorts, then you should improve on the soundproofing. The floor can have a thick carpet as a soundproofed material.
Remember that a good music room is all about having a good sound absorption. The best techniques could enhance the room’s acoustics because of sound clarity. Sometimes, basic furnishings would already do well as sound absorbers. Be sure to stay away from hard surfaces which echo sound such as concrete, tiles, glass windows, hardwood flooring.
If you want to muffle sounds, then use pads (e.g. thick area rugs) or even plants.
To prevent the megaphone effect on corners, you can set up bookshelves, a bookcase or dividers in those areas.
Bring in the Equipment
The room’s size determines what sort of equipment you can bring in. A big room will be able to accommodate a piano or a complete drum set. Smaller rooms could do with an electrical keyboard, some string instruments, and music stands.
Do you want a karaoke machine to be set up, too? This can be stored inside a closet when it is not in use. Consider also how to situate the microphones along with the microphone stands.
Set Up the Electrical and Lighting System
Of course, your music room would need to have heavy-duty electrical outlets. You could consider increasing the power in your electrical box. The more outlets you have on the walls, the more instruments you can keep in the music room.
As soon as the outlets are set up, you can then bring in the lighting fixtures for the music room. You will need an overhead light like a chandelier. Recessed lighting with dimmers can also be used in controlling the room’s ambience. For added lighting, you can also have adjustable floor lamps.
See how LED music lights can be clipped onto the music stands so that musicians will not have a hard time reading their musical pieces as they practice. Lastly, check some stage lighting that will make your performances come alive.
Tags: decorating the music room, designing the music room, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, music room, music room design, music room essentials
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on The Contemporary Music Room 101
Monday, July 9th, 2018
Featured furniture is the Poster Cal King Bed from Fine Furniture Design’s Belvedere Collection: Light carpeting material such as the one found in this room is enough to support foot traffic in this room of relaxation.
Carpet-buying can be a taxing task. After all, you have a lot of styles, patterns, colors, and fibers to choose from.
You need to seriously take on this task especially when you are designing your home. Even that basic cottage becomes instantly glamorous the moment you place the right kind of carpet on its flooring.
Carpeting is everywhere – not only in places where people live but also where they work. It is also found in airports, convention centers, hotels, and other commercial structures. For now, let’s help you find that perfect residential carpeting.
When you are decided on having a new set of carpet, then here are the steps that you need to undertake to end up buying the most suitable one –
Take Your Time
It is important to take your time so that you will be able to check the best qualities and the perfect pattern, color, and even the weight of your carpet. Familiarize yourself with the local retailers of flooring products.
Ask your friends for any referrals. You will soon discover that the prices decrease during spring and fall.
Set a Budget
Of course, you need to know how much you are going to spend for the square footage. The prices differ based on how the carpet is going to be used and where it is going to be placed. There are carpets that can hold massive foot traffic so these are great for spaces such as the living room but it may not be that needful inside the bedroom.
Know Where to Install
It is also important to know where you will place the carpet that you will buy. Know what carpet to place on the stairs, the family room, dining room, etc. For instance, the most durable carpets should be situated in the living room and the stairs while the medium quality carpets should be place on hallways and the dining room.
Now, where do you think the lightest carpet should be installed? If you answered the bedroom, then you are correct.
Decide on the Color
This is the next thing to do. Why? Because the color is crucial in influencing the other color choices.
Do you just go for trendy hues? Or would you pick the carpet based on long-term aspects?
Of course, in choosing, eliminate the hues that you do not want. You can then find the colors that you fancy and then take home some samples. You will not know how the carpet color would manifest in your home until you have seen it in your home.
Now, if you want to make your room appear bigger, then go for light-colored carpets. A cozier room should have darker shades to help create such an effect.
If you have children or pets in your home, then you might also want to invest in a carpet that can easily hide the stains. A solid, dark-colored carpet will help you conceal mishaps but just make sure to regularly clean it still.
Choose the Material
The major categories are natural and synthetic. Every fiber comes with its own characteristics. Wool is your classic type because it is soft, is fire-resistant, and is easy to dye. It flattens easily, though.
Nylon, on the other hand, is strong and is often used together with wool to strengthen the latter.
Polyester is the type that wears well because it does not flatten and can also be easily cleaned.
Lastly, polypropylene is the stain-resistant type which also wears well. The downside is that it is not fire resistant.
Ask your carpet dealer about the warranties of each product especially when it comes to wears and stains. Be sure to read and understand the fine print since not everything is covered.
Tags: buying a carpet, carpet, carpet buying, carpet shopping, carpeting materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on What’s Your Best Carpet Match?
Friday, July 6th, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Home Collection
Summer is a lot more than the perfect time to go to the beach and enjoy some picnics or a barbecue with your family. This can also be the time to have some items taken off your maintenance checklist. Take note, though, that summer is a season for relaxing so you might feel a bit of resistance when it comes to cleaning up during this season.
First Day Cleanup: Cooling Units and Detectors
The first day does not have to be a difficult one. You can check on your detectors (smoke, home timers, and carbon monoxide detectors) and replace their batteries. You can also use a damp cloth or rag to clean the ceiling, fans, vents, dryer and washer units.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can also clean the air-conditioning units by replacing the filters. This simple cleanup task could result in reduced energy bills.
Second Day Cleanup: The Kitchen
You can then proceed to conquer the kitchen. You can dust off the condenser coils and clean also the range hood and the filter. Don’t let dust and grease accumulate as these can cut short the lifespan of a range hood fan or any electrical appliance for that matter.
Deep clean the kitchen this summer by disinfecting the food prep surfaces and getting rid of spattered grease and dirt on your oven. As you clean up these appliances, though, make sure that you protect your eyes and skin as you use the correct kind of clothing. Wear long-sleeved clothing, rubber gloves, and safety goggles.
Use green alternatives as much as you can. Instead of chemicals, try using baking soda and other such natural cleaning agents.
Third Day: The Bathroom
As soon as you have tackled the kitchen, it’s time to go to the bathroom. Use efficient means to clean this part of your home. Get rid of toothpaste dribbles, grime, scum, and just about every type of bathroom dirt that you could find.
Find an all-purpose bathroom cleaner that can remove film and light soil. For the hardened type of deposits, use a scrubber or abrasive cleaners that can be easily rinsed. Use green homemade cleaners if you can’t handle formulated bleach cleaning agents.
Spray and let stand. This time will allow the soap scums and oils to dissolve. You will then need less energy to clean up and remove the rest. Scrub with a toothbrush on the nooks and crannies while the good bowl brush should do the trick on the toilet.
After all these cleanup, disinfect and leave some deodorizing agents.
Fourth Day: The Outdoors
It’s summer! You have all the time in the world to clean up any outdoors part of your home. Turn the heat up on the gas grills and allow it to burn for about half an hour. Once this cools, scrub with a grill brush.
As for the charcoal grills, empty it out and then clean with a soapy, lukewarm sponge. Clean the deck and porch while you’re at it. Sweep the porch then mop where there’s more dirt to clean up. As for the deck, roofing, and other outdoor structures, look for damages made worse by leaks, termites, etc.
Check also the irrigation systems for your plants. Remove any dead trees or plants and make sure that there is ample mulch to keep the weeds at bay.
Fifth Day: Thorough Checkup
When you’re done with the deep cleaning, it’s time to go through the interiors and outdoors once again. Recheck for leaks, mildew, mold, cracks, holes, and even excessive moisture in some crawlspaces. You may not be able to get rid of every single problem this summer but doing your best will definitely make a huge difference.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer cleaning, summer cleaning checklist, summer cleaning tips, summer cleanup
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Summer Season | Comments Off on The Five-Day Summer Cleanup
Thursday, July 5th, 2018
The Fine Furniture Design’s Veranda Collection shows a beautifully-designed, enviable living room.
There are many reasons why you should become an interior designer. Here are some of them –
First, an interior designer is creative and has a good technical skills set. If you are this and more, then you could easily get educated and be qualified by obtaining the needed license. Combine these qualifications with your base knowledge for art and design and you’re the best person to inspire the design of a space.
An interior designer can have a huge impact on the lives of people. He can be the expert in creating corporate spaces, fitness centers, courthouses, restaurants, libraries, and just about any interior space that you could think of. The way an interior space is designed can make a huge difference on how space is actually experienced.
An interior designer constantly learns, creates, recreates, and continues to educate himself. He or she also has a good mind for research.
The interior designer is also a professional who works with engineers and architects. These people have specific disciplines in doing their jobs whether they are addressing the requirements for plumbing, lighting, and other design fundamentals.
If you are the type of person who wants to lead people to their vision, goals, and decision-making then you can be their guide, you can be an expert interior designer. Working with industry partners, you can also be the go-to expert when it comes to sustainable design (which is the in thing these days).
An interior designer is also someone who loves to solve problems and put functional pieces to aesthetic use, too. The clients could collaborate with this professional to make the magic take place.
If you see interior designing as fun, then you definitely have to consider a career in interior design.
Interior Design Accredited Education Now
If you have always been receiving compliments on the way you design your home and if you love decorating spaces and even arranging furniture, then you’re the correct person to consider a career in interior design.
But before you make this huge decision, there are some things that you need to consider about the world of design. An interior designer faces a lot of challenges each day. Some of these may seem easy to you but there are also others that may not appeal at all to you.
On your way to becoming an interior designer, you have to know the difference between a designer and a decorator. Anyone can become a decorator. If you like playing with textiles, colors, and fabrics and if you already have a business card that says you are an interior decorator, then you are. But being educated can make a huge difference.
An interior designer, on the other hand, comes with accreditation. He or she has an Associate or a Bachelor’s degree before this person can work in the field of design. If you are willing to pursue an education on design, then you have to make time for it and not just have a knack for design.
Know Your Tasks
An interior designer does not just center on fun, colors, and fabrics. There are many other tasks that come with this career and some are not that fun.
An interior designer needs to know the history of design, study about structural integrity of buildings, ergonomics, spatial concepts, psychology, ethics, CAD (computer-aided drawing), and more. In short, you have to have a broad skills range that’s just a few learnings short of being an architect or builder yourself.
You also have to love what you do because the salary range for this profession isn’t that high. The entry-level designer could earn about $42,380 annually. Again, there are factors here such as location, education, and work experience.
Tags: designer or decorator, how to become an interior designer, interior design career, interior designer, interior designer versus interior decorator, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, The Interior Designer | Comments Off on Why Be A Designer?
Wednesday, July 4th, 2018
Thomasville Bedroom Kristiania Daybed
Your big move from a house to a tiny apartment is a great way to have a new start. This change, of course, comes with some adjustments that may feel foreign or even overwhelming. Some might even be downright scary. But this does not have to happen to you. When you finally make this big leap, then you have to know what to expect.
These days, a lot of people have decided to downsize. Just go to the Internet and you will see hundreds of options. The news is that downsizing is just a small part of moving from a house to a smaller housing unit.
Smaller Space
This is probably the most obvious change that you will encounter. The reduced living space is needful for efficiency, meaning, every square footage is used even when the rooms are smaller. Since this is so, you need to rethink the furniture that you bring in. You will have to say goodbye to that oversized sofa and find a sleeker version.
Little Yard
Do you detest mowing the lawn? Busy working people and families with smaller children might view lawn mowing as a chore rather than a treat. A smaller yard means having a smaller landscaping to work on. Most apartment dwellers are contented with a container garden – maybe you would, too.
Limited Storage
It’s time to take a hard look into your cabinets, cupboards, and drawers. What do these storage units contain? This is the perfect time to declutter your life and keep your possessions in check.
Are all the things stored in your cabinets used on a daily, weekly or monthly basis? Or have then been used at all in the last few years? It’s time to decide which things you would want to keep and which things need to go.
Here are some things that you might want to check again –
See if you can give away some items that you no longer use and be sure to create a list of the things that you do use every day.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Cheshire Drawer Ottoman is a seating and storage unit in one.
Safety and Security
Living in smaller quarters means you are within an earshot from your neighbors all of the time. It also becomes easier to make friends with your neighboring units so anyone who doesn’t look familiar would be easier to recognize.
Also, rental communities come with security guards or pass cards or even security codes when you need to enter the premises. Ask your landlord about the kind of security that is in place on your premises. Most homeowners are surprised with the added safety measures which they are able to get for zero cost.
TV and Internet
Apartment living may come with TV and Internet subscriptions. Do not immediately consider this as a downside. The advantage to this is that you no longer have to worry about an extra expense for these things that you regularly use anyway.
Be sure to check the internet situation before you decide to move in. Many complex owners are able to get better packages or deals for TV or internet packages.
Love the Daybed
Moving to a tiny apartment might mean using multipurpose furnishings. Instead of putting the bed in the middle of your living room, why not have a daybed which folds to a couch in the morning? Why not add an ottoman with storage when you’re thinking of adding another storage box?
Remember always that you have limited square footage so learn to use furnishings as functional pieces and also as aesthetic stuff. Instead of creating tiny rooms, why not have one room serve as a living room in the day and a bedroom at night?
Tags: living in a small house, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small home, small houses
Posted in Apartment Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Tiny Homes | Comments Off on Downsizing to Apartment Living
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018
Uttermost Accessories Raimondo Wooden Wall Plaque 04036
When you hear the word accent, what immediately comes to your mind? Do you think of interior design or décor? This is a huge part of any home’s interiors but what does it mean when you use it inside the bedroom?
Defining the word accent should be done in terms of fashion. Consider the top and the pants as the base and then the bags, shoes, and jewelry are your accessories. These are your accent pieces.
When talking about the bedroom, an accent can be anything from a window treatment, bedding, artwork or pillows which can add to the patterns, color or texture of the room. There are many other accents to consider inside the bedroom.
Here are some of the most popular options –
The Accent Wall
Keep in mind that the bedroom is an intimate zone. This means that you can have unlimited means of expressing your artistic flair. When setting up an accent wall, you have to remember that this is a single wall that is different from the other three. It has to stand out, it is unique, and it is a class of its own.
A good way to begin this is to create visual impact by letting textured concrete become your bedroom’s accent wall. Any concrete wall is sure to become eye-catching when you know how to create the proper contrast. You don’t even have to install wall art when you have a concrete accent wall.
You can erase the paint layers to expose the concrete beneath. Or you can just have your concrete mix and coat one bedroom wall with it.
A fireplace – made with whatever material – can be a striking accent wall in the bedroom, too. Brick fireplaces, for instance, have made an amazing comeback lately.
White painted panels can also be used as the accent wall. After having installed these, you can then use it as the canvas to a lovely photograph or painting which you would want to feature in your bedroom.
The Trim
The trim can either be the crown molding or the baseboards. The baseboard is that strip along the walls right at the floor while the crown molding is that wooden or plaster strip on the ceiling. Many old homes have also used trims as accents on the windows.
Trim can also be included on beadboard although many homeowners just paint the trim with the same color that they have painted the rest of the walls in the bedroom. If you’re feeling up to it, you can use this opportunity to paint the trim with a bold splash of color.
Uttermost Accessories Silver Starfish Wall Art
Lamps and Other Lighting Fixtures
Lighting fixtures could also become the accent pieces in the bedroom especially when you would place chandeliers or lamps. Ceiling fans, the types that come with light bulbs, have also been an added accessory in many bedrooms these days.
Semi-flush mount lighting fixtures and the pendant types are also an amazing way to update the look of any bedroom.
Good Ol’ Accent Pillows
The accent pillow is used in adding patterns, colors or textures to the bedroom. Compared to the bed pillow, this is more for visual effect than function. If the bed pillow is meant to cradle the head when you sleep, then the accent pillow is meant to beautify and, perhaps, add a bit of comfort now and then.
Little Furnishings
The bedroom showcases the bed, a closet, and a nightstand or two. Smaller furnishings, therefore, serve as the accent pieces. You can add a statement headboard a small table or even a bench at the foot of the bed to accentuate the bedroom design.
Tags: bedroom accents, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Bedroom Accents with a Flair
Monday, July 2nd, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Cadence Collection: Nothing beats hardwood flooring in serving as the perfect frame for this bedroom ensemble.
When you are wracking your brain on what flooring material to invest in, there is actually a plethora of options. Do know that cost and looks are main factors in any homeowner’s flooring decision? While this is so, never forget that the floor’s eco-friendliness must also be considered.
What’s a Sustainable Floor?
A sustainable floor is anything that can be produced from renewable materials. The processes used are also eco-friendly, meaning, they have very little to zero impact on Mother Earth. A lot of sustainable flooring materials come with a social aspect. The traditional flooring materials like sisal or bamboo are rated high in terms of sustainability.
Visit American National Institute of Standards and Technology’s BEES or Building for Energy and Environmental Sustainability when you want to learn about the assessment-based life cycle data regarding the flooring materials that you are considering.
At the top of this list are natural materials such as wood, cork, linoleum while composite marble and wool are at the end of the said list.
What greener options are there for you?
Hardwood Choices
One of the most popular options for the longest time are wooden floors. For centuries, they have been the go-to pieces when it comes to color and warmth in any interior design scheme. Unlike carpets, wood is an amazing option for people with allergies. Also, depending on the kind of timber that you eventually pick, this is an environmentally-sound flooring option.
Trees are renewable, hence, when they are grown and harvested commercially, you can be ascertained that there will be more materials to use in the future. You can now order pre-finished hardwood flooring materials.
Bamboo: From Asia and Beyond
Bamboo has been a well-loved interior design material in Asia for thousands of years. It can easily resemble hardwood but it grows more rapidly, hence, it is more renewable.
Bamboo, as opposed to the popular notion, is not wood but is actually grass. It becomes mature in as little as 3-5 years. There is also no need to worry about replanting because for as long as the root system is intact, the grass can grow once again.
Bamboo flooring can be varnished, stained or just left with its natural look.
Cork: Highly Renewable Flooring Material
Cork planks or tiles are harvested from the bark of a live cork oak. This highly renewable and is a sustainable source of flooring material. Cork tree can be harvested every decade when the tree is at least 25 years old.
Every cork tree can live up to two centuries and is a wonderful insulator, is springy, and is even fire-resistant. Cork also rates high on the green scale.
Imagine a Rubber Flooring
Why not? Rubber is often associated with industrial and commercial spaces but when you let your mind become more creative, you could also use it in kitchens, bathrooms, especially in laundry areas.
The true rubber tree is harvested from a living resource, hence, it is a hundred-percent renewable. When used as a material, it is easy to install and maintain. It is also a wonderful option for people with allergies.
Rubber is also a great vibration and sound-proofing material which makes it perfect for areas with high foot traffic.
The Rare Coconut
Not a lot of people are going to look for coconut timber when they are building their floors. Yet coconut is one of the greatest sustainable resources on the planet. Coconut palm is quick to grow with the timber being harvested once the tree is no longer producing fruits. This at around 60-80 years.
Coconut timber is a lot cheaper than teak but it is as hard as mahogany.
Tags: flooring choices, flooring options, green flooring choices, green flooring options, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable flooring choices, sustainable flooring materials
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on 5 Sustainable Flooring Options
Saturday, June 30th, 2018
Hooker Furniture Living Room Esme 4 PC Power Sectional
For thousands of years, people have been using furniture to make homes and offices more comfortable or suitable. The very concept of furniture began in 3100-2500 B.C. The most ancient pieces that were created for household use were initially made of stone. Wood wasn’t readily available at that time. The first few pieces of furniture were beds, dressers, cupboards.
Back then, it was the dresser that was made in abundance. This was apparent in the number of dressers that were seen facing the entrances of homes. As the modern years came, furniture became more functional although they still kept the artistic looks that they used to have during the Neolithic era.
Chairs have become more than just a piece to sit in. It has become a symbol of relaxation, comfort, and even luxury in many modern homes. This piece of furniture has changed a lot throughout history. There are many types of chairs depending on how you want to use them. There are folding chairs, dining chairs, lawn chairs, patio chairs, etc. There are also ottomans, recliners, coffee table chairs, and the couch.
Protege Upholstery’s Amelia Sectional Two Seat Armless
Shopping for a Sectional
If you have been craving for a sectional, then you have to know that there are three shapes to begin with. The L-shaped, U-shaped, and the semi-circular type. Know the configuration according to your lifestyle and needs. In order to figure this out, you need to draw a floor plan. Have your room drawn to a scale then cut the squares and do some trial and error. Do as many combinations as you can.
Would the length of your living room require one end of your sectional to be much longer? Would you require extra seating? When working with a small space, you just might end up with a chaise. Larger homes can allow larger seats such as a sectional sofa.
Another thing that you need to consider is the traffic pattern in the room where the sectional will be placed. A rule of thumb is to place the seat on the side where there’s less traffic (preferably the least amount).
RAF or right art facing label on your sectional means the arm will be on your right as you look at the seat. LAF means left arm facing with the arm on your left side as you face the furniture. As soon as you have decided on the configuration, it’s time to check if the dimensions are accurate.
Majority of sectionals have a substantial depth, meaning, you have to carefully measure your current sofa’s width and then ask whether you would need to have more seating space. Measure also the height of the sectional especially when you don’t want your feet hanging off.
Know also if the sectional will be able to slide through the doorway when it is going to be delivered. A sectional can be one or two pieces, again, depending on how they are going to be transported and eventually placed inside your home.
Positioning the Sectional
When your sectional was successfully delivered to your home, then it’s time to arrange the room where it’s supposed to go. Check the color and scale coordination so that harmony would be maintained. You need to understand a bit of furniture placement so that you can create a laidback atmosphere according to your needs.
Sectional sofas might be awkward to place. Don’t automatically push it against the wall. This is not your only option. Create an intimate seating arrangement instead. Place a coffee table in the middle of the room. Position the sectional around the table leaving ample room to access the seats and push any footstool.
Don’t forget about balance, too. Position an equally large piece of furniture right across the sectional. Create symmetry with your seating units.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sectional, sectional sofa, sectional sofa buying tips, shopping for a sectional
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | Comments Off on The Sectional Fundamentals
Friday, June 29th, 2018
Orient Express Furniture Living Room Hilton Accent Table: Reclaimed materials with an ancient past combined with stones and metals create a collection unlike any other. Each piece exudes character and charm.
As opposed to the popular notion, cement and concrete are actually not the same. Cement is only a concrete component. If you would study it more closely, concrete has three components namely cement, water, and aggregate rock (e.g. sand, rock or gravel). Cement is usually in powder form and it acts as the binding element when it is mixed with the other two ingredients. Then referred to as the concrete mix, this will harden to that durable material which is used everywhere.
Concrete – A Building Block
Just imagine a world without concrete. This is no less than the basic building block for modern structures. Just think of all the major construction projects throughout the world, then take out concrete from the picture, and you can just imagine what a project it would have been.
The environment is an important matter and concrete is being produced from a few of the world’s abundant resources. The concrete industry does recycling during the manufacturing process. It has a good lifespan when compared to other materials.
The concrete’s thermal mass can play a huge role in terms of energy efficiency. Urban areas can be kept cooler with it. It can also help in maintaining and protecting the environmeReady-mixed
Mixed concrete can be used in many beautiful options. For starters, it can be made into a concrete driveway which adds to the value of any property. Most home buyers prefer driveways that are made with concrete rather than any other material.
Concrete driveways can also stand up to heavy foot traffic. It can last for as long as 30 years. It is also versatile because it can be stained, colored, stenciled or even stamped. Just imagine the plethora of decorative finishes that you can use with this material.
A concrete basement is also an economical way to set up this part of your home. It can be easily turned into another room for play, work or just about any use. You can remodel this into an additional bedroom, another storage room, a den, game room or an office.
Concrete is also durable so it won’t burn or even rot. This becomes the best shelter during hurricanes, storms, and tornadoes.
Now how about your home’s curb appeal? If the highways are built using concrete, then think also on how concrete’s durability can help improve your home. A concrete pavement can last for as long as 20 to 30 years without even any repairs. Compared to asphalt, this can only last for about 8-12 years.
Other uses for concrete are on streets, parking areas, silos, dams, bridges, swimming pools, and skyscrapers.
Concrete In Your Home
Over the years, there has been an obvious spike on the use of concrete in interior design. The industrial look is quite hot. Those who are lucky are even able to get an old warehouse and convert that place to a stylish home.
If concrete becomes the main component of your interior design, then be ready to embrace an industrial look. Use industrial materials together with concrete. Don’t conceal those steel trusses and plumbing systems. Show them to the world.
The industrial look can be further achieved by using concrete flooring and softening it with neutral-colored area rugs and furnishings. Some have even installed utilitarian concrete lighting fixtures, used concrete tables and stools, and concrete plant boxes.
Keep everything balanced when using concrete. It is a hard and cold material so it very easily becomes utilitarian. Try balancing this stark property with warm colors so that your place won’t look and feel like a huge factory.
Know also how to use contrasting textures. Use a lot of plump pillows and throws. Using colorful fabrics in a chiefly concrete environment is the best way to go.
Tags: concrete, concrete furnishings, concrete interior design, concrete interiors, designing with concrete, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Cosmo Concrete
Thursday, June 28th, 2018
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Verdigris And Antique Brass African Wildlife Chandelier, Shell Bowl, Leather Shades
It’s summer and the sun is up and shining. Just as the weather outdoors has changed, so should your interior design. One of the key designs that are often ignored is the beautiful African theme. This style has got to take center stage – it’s high time.
The African continent is a huge one. It stretches from Morocco to Egypt up in the north and then down to Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa. Every country offers its unique style, however, the designs from these regions usually infuse earthy tones and some neutrals that go well with the nature-inspired hues.
African style is chiefly inspired by Mother Nature. It comes with colorful fabrics, charming wood carvings, and wild animal prints. There are various reasons that some people gravitate towards this style because who wouldn’t love an African Safari? Others just enjoy the historical and cultural perspectives of this continent.
Anyhow, whichever aspect inspires you the most, there are many ways that you can use the African theme in your own home. Use design techniques that come from this region to show just how enamored you are with something that looks and feels different. Plus don’t forget that African theme is in this summer season.
Look for colors that are both deep and rich and use additional natural components. These will effortlessly give your home a sense of comfort. Don’t just hang a stuffed animal head onto your walls because this style isn’t like that. Instead, make good use of earthy tones and the right patterns to complete your home’s new theme.
Have Less
When you are out to decorate your home with an African theme, don’t think that you should stuff the rooms with African Safari photos, decorative masks, tables, and chairs. When it comes to your flooring, consider the installation of either sandstone or terracotta tiles.
You could also choose to have a plain concrete flooring. Make sure to stain it, though, because this is also quite popular in South Africa. These are preferred in the said region because they remain cool even when the outdoors are scorching hot. If you choose to go with this, be sure to use sisal mats.
As for your walls, use neutral shades like brown, beige or cream. Alternatively, you can also paint the walls with terracotta or rich clay shades. Textured paints are also welcome, the ones that have a sandy kind of texture when applied to a surface.
Uttermost Living Room Naeva Gold End Table 24422
Warm Colors
Because African style obviously comes from the African continent, the use of warm colors is the most typical approach. Use lots of yellow, orange, ocher, red, brown, and burgundy. Don’t look forward to using cool colors because there are none. The purpose of the warm colors is to depict the warmth of the sun and the dry savannah.
Natural Only
The items used for African home décor are often made from wood, straw, leaves, and clay. Consider using pieces that are made of a hundred-percent natural materials such as woven blinds and wooden frames.
Wood, no matter what form you use, is a crucial part of any African design, more so if you are going for the full-fledged African look. Artifacts and earthenware will also help express just how African your theme really is.
There are also a lot of tribes throughout Africa that use different arts and crafts. How about displaying something relevant about one of the continents by having a wet plaster fresco?
Lastly, you could go for the more obvious stuff such as a zebra print rug or clay pots. Even ethnic textiles are a wonderful addition to this kind of home.
Tags: African design, African interior design, African interiors, African theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on African Theme for a Warm, Welcoming Summer
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