Tuesday, April 24th, 2018
What comes to your mind when you read or hear the word loft? This is often referred to as an apartment complete with a huge, open space which is converted to a commercial or building space. There are now many homes with this area, although, in residential spots, this serves more like a landing space.
The loft is often located at the top of stairs. The bedrooms then branch out from this landing. More often than not, there are also adjacent hallways.
Lofts do not come with doors and are not installed with four walls. While this is so, they still offer extra square footage that is valuable because it can be used for many purposes. Aren’t homeowners just excited with any square footage to their disposal?
So what’s the first step in making good use of this space? Here are some tips to help you get started –
Sitting Area
What nicer way is there to begin remodeling your loft than to turn it into a sitting area? Since you have limited space, you have to learn to use every inch of that square footage with function and fashion in mind.
Since this is a sitting zone, it must be an area for relaxation and entertainment. You can decorate with mirrors so that the space opens up into a seemingly more spacious ambiance. You can also create vertical dimension by drawing the eyes from the floor to the ceiling.
Use neutral hues if you don’t want this sitting area to look cramped. Layer with different shades of the base color that you used. A palette of beige or off-whites should help you expand this area. Softer hues will also help you in reflecting light throughout the space.
When you shop for chairs and other furnishings for this spot, be sure to consider the visual weight of each piece. It is best to pick out those that have a lightweight appearance. Veer away from the boxy types. Instead, invest in a glass coffee table or end tables.

Imagine these two lovely Orson Bookcases sitting in your new loft-turned-home-library. These pieces are offered by Fine Furniture Design’s Meritage Collection.
Home Library
Another great idea for a loft remodeling project is to turn it into a home library. Who says you need to have a closed space for a reading zone? The loft is the right spot to add bookshelves, comfy chairs, proper lighting, and your collections of books.
Fitting a library into a small space may be challenging but not totally impossible. Invest in open shelves which you can line up to house your books. If you’re feeling up to it, you can also have a cabinet installed with light. That glass door on that cabinet should highlight your best book collections.
Home Office
Loft space can also be utilized as a home office. You’d need a little creativity to set up this zone on your loft. You can even turn a cabinet into your home office. All you need is a low, narrow profile desk. You can then set up some shelves right above it for your books, documents, and the printer.
Try painting this spot with the color that inspires and motivates. You can use lilac, classic gray, and any shade of blue.
Craft Room
Crafts are a huge stress reliever. This is a creative space so you need to be creative as well in setting it up. It must be a space that induces relaxation and comfort.
The first item that you need to bring onto the loft-turned-craft-room is a work table. This piece must have lots of room for you to freely spread your materials.
Next, you need to set up shelves where you can keep all of your crafting supplies when they are not in use. If you must, divide your craft space into zones so you can have a different area for sewing, painting, paper crafting, etc.

The Hooker Furniture Home Office Melange Dixon Writing Desk is perfect for your craft room. It has ample working surface plus drawers to keep your crafting supplies handy.
Tags: loft, loft design, loft remodel, loft remodeling, loft style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Loft Design: Function and Fashion in One
Monday, April 23rd, 2018

Universal Furniture Accessories The Bakery Rack 313674
People who bake can assure you that there is so much more to this activity than just producing yummy goodies. To them, baking is a means to express themselves, it can both be science and art. And with stress eating away at society, this is one activity that can relieve people of both physical (believe it or not) and mental concerns.
There are no hard rules in setting up a baker’s kitchen but there are some guidelines that can help you create that baker’s haven. If you love the smell of baked loaves and cookies, then it’s time to learn a few concepts –
Open ‘Em Up
Bakers need to have a ready access of their equipment and tools and so it could help if you set up open shelves for those canisters of sugars and flours as well as the mixers and the baking pans. Open shelving also helps in visually presenting what’s taking place in a kitchen.
Shelving is also proof that the baker is an organized person. It’s up to you on what shapes and colors you would use or what theme you would want to follow in this part of your home.
Cookbook Display
Bakers need to follow recipes because the procedures need to be exact. Standardized recipes help bakers and cooks attain success in terms of taste and even visual presentation.
Most bakers also love collecting cookbooks as well as printouts of recipes from the internet. These, again, require organization as well as efficiency so it would be best to put these in a specialized cabinet. The ideal setup is for the cookbook gallery to be placed right next to the workstation. This facilitates easy acquisition of the books once they are needed.
Roll On, Roll Out
It would also help that you set up solid surface countertops. Baking requires a lot of kneading and rolling as well as working with chocolate. Marble surfaces (especially when they are chilled) keep pastries and dough from sticking. This is an effective way to avoid adding too much extra flour to the dough.
And the Spotlight’s On
Any baking show fan would attest to the importance of lighting when it comes to baking perfection. Whether you will utilize natural or artificial light, it goes without saying that lighting is an important element of baking.
Bakers need a baking studio and since it’s a studio, it must be well-lit. Remember that all lights have colors. LED lights and the sun cast a bluish light while lamplights cast a yellow illumination. If you want that buttercream to remain white under lighting, then be sure to shy away from fluorescent lighting which could give it a greenish tint.
Be consistent when it comes to your lighting especially when you would light your baker’s racks. The baked goods should be presented in a clean and consistent manner. You must also learn to control the lighting intensity. No bakery is over-lit so if the sun shines directly on your racks during the day, then consider hanging some shades or curtains.
Do not forget the production area as you set up the lighting design. Evenly lit zones should become the work areas.
All Focus on the Oven
GE appliances has shared how to set up a wall oven. Before you get started, locate the main circuit box in your home. Find the oven breaker and take note of the amperage. The oven must not exceed this number.
Of course, you must measure the cutout dimensions prior to bringing in the oven. Remember that ovens could easily weigh over 200 pounds so ask for help, just to be safe.
For the rest of the wall oven installation procedure, read here.
Tags: kitchen of a baker, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, setting up a baker's kitchen
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on Baking Essentials (And We’re Not Talking of the Ingredients)
Friday, April 20th, 2018

Accessorize with this industrial Uttermost Accessories Nakul Industrial Wall Clock 06449.
Industrial design rooted from the need to have safety and efficiency in terms of architecture. Just recently, this style has become iconic insomuch that people rushed to search for old buildings such as warehouses and factories. This sudden demand for industrial spaces welcomed the trend for industrial chic.
The first industrial structures, these days, are many sought-after locations for weddings, company events, and other such occasions. These structures were, of course, originally meant to protect workers and house machines. Yet people are not deterred by the aging columns, distressed walls, and old pipes; each buyer seems to be able to see the stories that are represented by the imperfect buildings.
A Short History
The late 1700s were the years when the first industrial structures were built. These were meant to be utilized as working structures. But with the advances in electricity, engineering, and architecture, these have long since been used for more than their utilitarian value.
Industrial structures originally have zero frills. These were, after all, buildings that are supposed to facilitate work. Fear of fire became prevalent during those years, too, that flat roofs were recommended and owners were discouraged from constructing attics.
This unfinished, raw look is what now characterizes the beautiful industrial chic homes of our time. Exposed bricks, ductwork, and pipes are all but common features in industrial chic homes.
By the 1900s, bigger spaces were needed because of the advent of new energy sources. Steel and concrete then became the new go-to materials for industrial buildings. These structures are now more in line with what you see as an industrial home today.

Fine Furniture Design’s Cachet Collection sits perfectly in this industrial building.
Old Factories, New Homes
Majority of industrial buildings have no walls to block natural light. These are, therefore, easily repurposed as Lower Manhattan and New England homes. It was during the late ‘60s and ‘70s when these spaces were renewed and were reclaimed by artists due to their abundant lighting.
Interior designers have long since caught up. They have successfully glamorized industrial chic because of its renewing and reusing characteristics. The defining features of such homes are now the open lofts as well as the exposed structural details.
Industrial chic is one of the few designs that can perfectly blend with any style. It can be traditional, modern, rustic or elegant. Industrial chic is not cold but neither is it too warm. This is the right style that effortlessly strikes a balance.
Remember to include elements such as metal, bricks, and reclaimed wood in your industrial chic home. The very building which your home is was made to celebrate perfect lighting, open floor layout, and accommodate large social hubs.
Industrial chic can also be masculine once the steel, concrete, and bricks are not softened. The steady rise in industrial chic space demands has risen up with the ever-rising concerns for gender neutrality. It is now easy to see neutral elements such as Edison bulbs, reclaimed wood flooring, ceremony altars, factory windows, and doors.
Other Industrial Chic Key Traits
Industrial chic is all about proudly displaying the building materials that were used to construct the building. Loft apartments, commercial spaces, and modern homes make use of these past utilitarian spaces.
The warehouse look proudly shows the exposed ducts and pipes and other such raw elements. It is also common to see metals on walls as a feature of an industrial chic home. Those who long for this look may also incorporate metallic furnishings. Polished metals as shelves, as well as feature metal brackets, are features that you can also use.
It is also okay to combine metal with wood surfaces. You can see a plethora of this fusion throughout the more subtle industrial chic homes.
Tags: industrial, industrial chic, industrial design, industrial interior design, industrial structures, industrial style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on From Building to Industrial Chic Home
Thursday, April 19th, 2018

Hooker Furniture Home Office Modern Romance Writing Desk
Interior design has evolved through the years but one staple remained – the black and white combo. If you choose to live with a monochrome palette, then you’re one of the very few who are taking the plunge. The monochrome palette is not for everyone, this is certain but there is no denying the appeal that this offers to any home.
Monochrome décor is all about choosing a single color which will serve as the foundational hue. This single color family is used on every wall, surface, and space. This does not mean that the space is bathed in one color. Stunning monochrome design is all about using different tints or shades from the same color family.
So, do you think that you have what it takes to set up a monochromatic-themed home?
Monochrome Benefits
If you’re one of those who are confused about which color goes with which, then having a color palette that’s already decided for you is the way to go. Black and white are considered achromatic, meaning, they can be included on any monochrome palette that you choose.
Another benefit of the monochrome palette is that you’re working with the same hue but with slight variations. These colors, therefore, work effortlessly altogether. If you want tints of the same color, then mix it with white. Create shades by mixing your chosen color with black.
Decorating with a monochrome palette is also easy. You practically take the guesswork out since you no longer have to wonder whether the pieces would work well with each other. You can then turn your attention to the incorporation of details like shine, texture, depth, and shape.
Achieving balance is also fairly easy. Just define the mood that you would want to evoke then create the colors according to those moods. More design probabilities also open up to you. You will soon discover that there are more textural and color variations to play with. Before you know it, you have already created an amazing space which you have just dreamed up for so long.
The Neutral Bathroom
Creating a relaxing and tranquil bathroom is not that easy when you also want it to be functional. You need to learn balance early on. Try installing black moldings or drop-in black tiles. These can be used on glossy walls or a field of white. Brick walls would also be perfect.
If you want to create a more dramatic look, consider setting up a feature wall made of glass tiles (again, colored black). A black flooring is also great for a chiefly white bathroom suite.
Bold Monochrome Kitchens
White or black kitchens are able to remain relevant for years. This is also true with fittings and fixtures in the same color family. Don’t be afraid to go all out on your black or white splash back.
The Seasonal Neutrals
Black and white fusion is a style that can be used all-year-round. This is especially the case when you use patterns. Geometrics have been hot for the longest time. Victorian tiles also have a classic look that is great to pair with geometric shapes.
Monochromatic Downsides
There are also disadvantages in opting for a monochrome palette. First, you might feel confined by this theme. Refrain from imploding and excluding other interesting colors. It could also be difficult to create contrast if you’re not able to mix the right tints or shades with your chosen color. You need to be highly creative to make monochromatic style work.
People who use muted colors also tend to mutate towards blandness. It can be a bad thing when vibrancy is already limited. Remember that you can be subtle while still being visually interesting.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, monochrome color palette, monochrome design, monochrome interiors, monochrome palette
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Monochrome Interior and Its Benefits
Wednesday, April 18th, 2018

Black and leather go elegantly well. Featured here is the Hooker Furniture Living Room Conner Club Chair.
If Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 is UltraViolet, PPG also announced their preferred color which is black, more specifically, Black Flame. PPG is no less than a global paint supplier that also supplies industrial materials and coatings and it has given its nod to this deep, dark color.
You may immediately think that black is the very absence of all colors but when you take another look, it is a shade that has a lot to offer. Experts love this new ink shade because it is soothing, intimate, and modern.
Black is definitely back and many interior designers have become more addicted to it.
Black isn’t just that single accent wall anymore. The dark wall has now joined other interior design alterations. But before you learn about the other dark elements, here’s a toast to the –
Classic Black Wall
Many designers are comfortable with white walls. This is their go-to wall. These can open up rooms and make them appear airier. White can also make a home look cool and crisp. Designers also do not have to worry about what to pair it with.
Sure, black is not a hue that you would excitedly go to when you’re out to design a home. But this is the year to reconsider. It is trickier to handle but there are guidelines that can make you an expert in no time.
When you’re using a black accent wall (or have decided to paint all four walls with this dark shade), then you have to make sure that the room has plenty of light. The room has to have wide, open windows for you to have a bright room but if you have limited wall openings, you should rethink your decision.
When painting your walls with Black Flame, make sure that you’re ready to embrace the modern, elegant look, though. Its crispness may not look as elegant in a traditional home. If you want to go classic, then use the black and white combo.
Use the single black wall for smaller spaces. Painting just this one wall brings about a more dramatic look without the room being enveloped in darkness. Dark hues make space recede but with just one dark wall, the room will be visually enlarged.
Another key to making black walls look fabulous is to make sure that the stuff they frame do pop from the backdrop. All this means is that you should bring in furnishings that have a lighter or bolder color compared to the walls. With darker stuff brought into an already dark space comes an imposing, dark, cave-like zone.

Bernhardt Interiors Bedroom Drawer Chest 375-115: Black and patterns galore.
Black Is Universal
Everything else about the color black is universal, meaning, it is not that difficult to pair it with other design elements. Black may be the deepest hue but it has the power to create a serene atmosphere. Black can be an exception to the dark-color-smaller-space notion. It is up to you, though to create a seemingly infinite space with it.
Combine black with mirrors to create depth. You can also pair it with playful colors to create a gorgeous space.
Black and wood also match perfectly. They are best used in ethnic style and even Chinese design. It is fairly common for Asian interiors to feature black and wood. Even black complements leather and fur which are both elegant pieces to use inside a bedroom.
If you want black to dominate your interiors then you should learn to balance it with bright accents. Use carpets, drapes, paintings or cushions to achieve this. Accentuating colorful paintings is as easy as hanging them on a black wall.
Tags: black, black color palette, black interiors, black palette, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in 2018 Trends, Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Why Black Is Hot in 2018
Tuesday, April 17th, 2018

Be sure to disassemble the Cambrion Occasional Wall Bookcase (24″) and other such furniture prior to moving day.
Moving home incorporates many tasks. The closer you get to the moving day, the easier it could be to lose your momentum. This is a shocking truth for so many people, even the most organized ones. This is why you have to find an experienced professional moving company which can help ease the stress during this time.
Here are some things that you need to check out before the actual day –
Utility Company and Insurance Provider Notification
You need to inform your insurance provider as well as the utility company of the date when you’re supposed to be moving. This heads up is so they can discontinue the service that’s provided at your current address. You also need to inform them of your current address.
Read the meter right on the moving day. Pass this to the suppliers so that they will be able to send you your final bill.
Forward Post
You also need to inform the postal company regarding a mail redirection. Have your mails forwarded to the new address. If not, then arrange a day when you can pick up the post right from the postal office.
Plan
Most movers offer furniture disassembling. If you require this service, then be sure to mention it beforehand. Have this service included in your quote. The appliances must also be professionally disconnected. Such appliances include the driers and washers.
Proper disconnection will ascertain that no water leaks will result. The mover can make sure of this for you or they can hire a third party to finish this task.
Next, clean your home. Just because you have been busy packing in boxes doesn’t mean that you’ll just leave the house unclean. Also, cleaning prior to the moving day will help reduce the stress that you’d feel during the D-day.
Remove all wall-mounted things. Uninstall all drapery rods, paintings, and towel bars.
Don’t forget the keys. The moving day can get so demanding that you end up forgetting the keys that you’re supposed to leave for your buyers. And just as important as these keys, you also need to organize the boxes for your records and other important documents.
Don’t get lost during the moving day. Be sure to memorize the route and to plan how you would travel to that destination. As much as possible, use a route that does not have too many low bridges or sharp corners – remember your removal company that will use a large truck.
Be sure to organize the boxes according to the rooms wherein they will be unpacked. You can either color-coordinate or label the boxes. Organizing before the movers arrive is another good way of keeping unnecessary stress at bay.
Go through the boxes one more time before you tape them up. This is so you know that you’ve packed all the things that you need. Take note of the things that could break or spill.
Moving Day Checklist
Now, here’s a checklist that can make your moving day a lot simpler –
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, movers, moving day
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Moving Day 101
Sunday, April 15th, 2018

Featured here is the Cadence Collection’s Vivi King Panel Bed. Notice how this piece stands out because of the neutral paint shade that was used.
Face it – choosing the right color for the walls or ceilings of your home is important but it is a task that can be daunting. That shade which you eventually pick to paint your walls with is a huge part of the interior design. This is the color that can also become the anchor element throughout the design.
Choosing the right shade is not easy, though. There are many options to begin with and each one is unique. For a lot of homeowners, this dilemma on color choice is what hampers their design project.
No worries, your design problem is about to end. Here are some tips –
Begin with Textile Purchase
People often think of textiles as the finishing touch of an interior design. You may also think that it is counterintuitive to follow this tip but one of the best ways to ascertain that the paint will fuse with the rest of the design is to buy fabrics and use them as the design inspiration.
Just think of it this way, if you buy the paint first, you could end up with just a few fabric options in the end. Yet if you base the color palette on a fabric, then you are likelier to find coordinating shades to go with it. If you’d take the time, you could even ask home improvement shops to mix a distinctive shade especially for your home.
Begin your design project by building from one piece which can easily catch people’s attention. One of the best options is to use patterned items. These already use different shades which can also become the basis for your eventual color palette.
Anchor on Nearby Spaces
Have you ever walked into a house and felt that the wall color is simply out of place? And when you moved from one room to the next, did it feel like you’re still in the same house or it’s like going from one different dimension to another?
Be able to set up your home in such a way where there is a place where your eyes rest now and then. Don’t be overwhelmed with the need to design. Give every room a distinct look and color but do not forget the element of cohesion.
Paint is your unifying element so before you pick a specific shade, think of how it would look with the current interiors. Every hue must work in harmony but you must also remember how to effectively transition from one room to the next.
Use Correct Lighting
Whether you agree or not, lighting has a huge impact on the way a room generally looks. Every light temperature uses a color undertone, the very reason why rooms look different during the day than during the night.
Since light is so important, be sure to pick a fixture that can help illuminate the room at any time of the day. It would be more helpful if you can have windows or a skylight set up so that more natural light could come in during the day.
Test the color by having a sample made for you at an improvement store. As you go home, paint just some small sections on the walls. Be sure to check the color as the day progresses. If the color makes you happy on both natural and artificial lighting, then that’s the color that you must pick for your wall color.
Consider the Finish
Do not make the mistake of overlooking the finish. Just as important as picking the shade itself, you also need to think how the finished product would eventually look like. Take this into account as you decide.
Your options include eggshell finish, flat, stain, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finish.
Tags: choosing paint, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, paint, picking paint color, shopping for paint
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Perfecting Paint Shopping
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