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Wednesday, March 27th, 2019
Now that 25% of the year about to be over, it’s time to revisit your resolutions. This weekend, make it a point to recommit to the goals that you’ve previously set. You probably said yes to decluttering, eating healthy, and even exercising, so it’s time to be true. Get up and out of that cozy blanket and let this weekend be the beginning.
Deal with Holiday Returns
Do you have opened yet unloved presents that remain in the basement? It’s time to gather them to donate, exchange or return. You may have kept the gift out of being a gracious recipient but if you really didn’t like it, then it’s no longer your duty to keep it for a long time.
If, however, you received a handmade gift such as a quilt or a knitted sweater, it’s best to show that you used it at least once or twice.
Fine Furniture Harbor Springs Collection
Set Up the Kitchen for Healthy Eating
Eating smarter is surely an awesome 2019 resolution but if you still haven’t started it now that April is about to begin, then this weekend is the right time to start.
Get rid of all the unhealthy snacks such as potato chips, those hardened pizza crusts, candies, and sweet goodies. It’s time to replace those with citrus fruits, berries, and vegetables.
It’s time to clean the kitchen counters so you could get started with your healthy cooking. Store all the appliances that you do not use daily and get rid of all the kitchen clutter.
Remember that good nutrition involves changing your diet for the better, making smart choices each time, and cleaning up the kitchen so that the meals you prepare are also clean each time.
Don’t cook and serve the same food over and over, you’d get a fatigue that way. Fill up your fridge with varieties of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, dairy, poultry, fish, nuts, and beans.
You can be adventurous with your food selections, too. Spend more time in the produce section of the supermarket and you’d soon realize how many options you actually have.
Declutter, But Of Course
A weekend project that’s common to a lot of families is decluttering. Join the fun. Getting organized needs a little motivation. Be excited to declutter the growing mountain of books by donating some of them.
If the inspiration still won’t come, you could read a few books about the subject such as Cary Telander Fortin’s New Minimalism.
Clear your desk this weekend. Put on some great music as you also set the timer so you remain focused on your desk-decluttering task. Shred the papers that are no longer needed and then put away the things that you no longer use on that desk or in any of its drawers.
Do Some Pipe Maintenance
You’ve just come out of winter so you know how much damage low temperatures can do to the pipes. Find the shut-off valve for your main water line and show this to the house sitter if you’re going away. If the area’s had a cold snap, then have the thermostat set to 55 degrees and keep it going, round the clock.
Never put antifreeze in the water sprinkler and swimming pool drainage unless explicitly directed. Antifreeze is dangerous to any form of life so be very careful.
Install insulation to the basement, attic and the crawl spaces in your home. Check your home for areas that are unheated. Search in the garage, in the bathroom cabinets, and under the kitchen sink. See if the hot and cold water pipes are insulated and if they’re not, you know what to do.
Tags: declutter, decluttering, home organization, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, weekend organization, weekend project
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on 4 Easy Weekend Organization Projects
Tuesday, March 26th, 2019
Have you noticed how even when a home is traditional or contemporary, subdued or bold, the living room is always the place that looks and feels comfortable? This is, after all, the very room where the family convenes and where you and your friends relax.
But there is both a science and art in decorating this room since it is that special. Here are some tips –
Fusion by Fine Furniture. You would surely love the stark contrast between the light furnishings with that of the dark-colored fireplace.
Figure 1. Fusion by Fine Furniture. You would surely love the stark contrast between the light furnishings with that of the dark-colored fireplace.
Use the Forces of Light and Dark
A room that’s too bright and light tends to look antiseptic. This is okay in a hospital but when you’re decorating a living room, it’s just wrong. Too much light could make a place look cold.
On the other hand, when the place looks dark, it could look like a cave more than a room in a house.
To optimize both dark and light hues, be sure to fuse them in a dynamic way. If you were able to, then you’d create the right kind of depth and balance in your home.
Neutrals Need Contrast
Go beyond the use of white and black. There are more dark and light hues that you could actually play with. If you want to have a living room that’s rich yet welcoming, then be able to contrast the right colors with neutrals. For instance, white walls need to be contrasted with brass hardware or the density of leather.
Make use of different finishes as well as undertones. This is the only way to make a palette richer and textured.
Runway Collection by Fine Furniture Design
Don’t Overlook the Textures
Speak of texture, this is an element that you must never overlook especially when you’re decorating your living room. Texture can’t only be felt but also seen. This is crucial in making a room feel cozier.
Adding plush textures will increase the tactile experience while using harder textures could add to the contrast. Use a lot of cotton, leather, stone, metal, wool, glass, and even plant life to add contrast.
Pillows are also a great way to decorate and add texture especially when you’re not ready to commit yet, design-wise. Even the smallest doses of furnishings and accessories can already add to the richness of the living room palette.
Figure 3. Wood perfectly framed this setting. Featured is Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Home Collection.
Wood perfectly framed this setting. Featured is Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Home Collection.
Warm Up with Wood
Of course, texture cannot be discussed in its entirety without wood being added to the topic. You can add wood as wall paneling, mobile stools, side tables, as sofa legs, picture frames, and even carved pieces of art.
Figure 4. Veranda Collection by Fine Furniture Design: The fabrics are delicate yet they are the stars of this show.
Veranda Collection by Fine Furniture Design: The fabrics are delicate yet they are the stars of this show.
Add Personality with Fabrics
There are furniture sets that come in matching upholstery but this does not mean that you should use this set, too, in your living room. You could experiment by mixing and matching instead of relying on organization and order at all times.
Gamble with the colors and textures that you use on your fabrics. These upholstered pieces can add character easily. If you’re still uncertain where to begin, you can get a few leather chairs then mix those with a fabric couch or vice versa.
This intentionality to diversify the style will make the living room a lot more interesting.
Still on upholstery, while you’re looking for stylish and comfortable fabrics, you also must not forget about durability. Fabrics have to last especially when you have small children in the family or furry friends as companions.
Corduroy and denims are both amazing materials that feel and look inviting while also being durable. They are also an amazing twist to the usual wool or cotton upholstery that people expect.
Power Patterns with Rugs
Pattern is yet another design element that’s powerful enough to energize a room. Use some area rugs to add character to the living room. You even get the added benefit of minimizing wear and stains as you anchor your seats on these alternatives to carpeting.
Tags: decorating the living room, designing the living room, living room accents, living room color palette, living room colors, living room designs, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | Comments Off on 6 Designer Tips in Living Room Decoration
Monday, March 25th, 2019
The Le Cercle Round Dining Table from Fine Furniture’s Deco Collection can be the ‘meeting table’ for your next neighborhood activity. It’s reliable and fashionable, just like the good neighbor that you are.
Haven’t you noticed that there is at least one house on every block that’s considered the social hub? It is easy to spot one – just take a careful look at the number of kids that drop by there and the parents who chat while sitting on the porch – everyone just seems to be drawn to that spot.
If you know, deep inside, that you’re not meant to be a wallflower, then it’s time to take some drastic steps. You can be the next hangout house on your block. And, yes, there are ways that you can bring more people to your lovely home.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
What better way to begin than to paint your front door a bright color?
Red is known to be the most welcoming but if you want something more cheerful, there’s always sunny yellow.
And please don’t stop with that welcoming front door. You can always add pops of colors on the porch. Some flowerpots will certainly increase your home’s cozy vibe.
A Furnishing That Says Hello
Another way to draw in some neighbors is to hang a porch swing. This will certainly catch the attention of kids and adults alike.
If you have a spacious lawn, then you can also hang tire swings for the young ones. These will pretty much scream irresistible to all the neighborhood kids. It’s also an effective way to detach the younger generation from their gadgets.
Attract the neighborhood kiddos by inviting them to snack indoors with your little ones. They can raid your well-stocked cupboard or buffet. The simplest things such as lemonade and cookies or some popsicles should be good enough for these little ones.
Dine Outdoors
Did you know that food can actually taste better and can even be digested more easily if you dine outdoors?
This means you could be healthy as you also invite your neighbors to bring food as you spend a few hours of neighborly feast. So go ahead and de-stress by firing up the grill and inviting your neighbors over. Don’t pay too much attention on the food that you’re going to serve. What matters is that you leave your gadgets behind and you just enjoy an evening full of conversations.
If you prefer to eat outdoors in the morning, and you should because it’s spring and it’s warmer out, then you even get the added benefit of being flooded with Vitamin D.
A Neighborhood Tradition Does It
You can also begin a tradition such as setting up a porch table every weekend. This is a great way to catch up on neighborhood gossip – ahem – life stories and also a wonderful way to share some baked goodies.
Putting out some coffee and pastries out in your porch is also a relaxing way to begin your weekend mornings. If you’re a night owl, then you can always set up cocktails on Friday evenings after work.
If doing this weekly is a bit tiresome for you, then you can always hold a monthly tradition instead.
Begin a Garage Biz
If you’ve been meaning to clean out your garage, then this is also the perfect time to do so. Hold a bazaar right in your garage.
You get to revamp this part of your home plus you also earn some cash as some of your neighbors purchase your old stuff as bargain pieces. Be sure to set fun prices so that the activity is more exciting rather than a serious endeavor to earn money.
Imperfect Is Fine
Lastly, if you want to be the next social hub, try to relax. If you’re so tight and caught up with fixing and making things perfect, then you fail to enjoy the moment.
Allow the kids to run around. It’s okay to set limits but resentment should not be built all because of these rules. It’s also alright if you run out of food, just ask some of the neighbors to pitch in and you’d be surprised how obliging they would be.
Your genuine presence is the most important thing so be there.
Tags: dining outdoors, hangout spot, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, neighborhood social hub, outdoor dining, outdoor dining area
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on 6 Tips on Being the Next Neighborhood Hangout Hub
Sunday, March 24th, 2019
Traditional fireplaces will look more stylish with these Uttermost Accessories Daymeion Metal Fireplace Tools.
Thousands of years ago, ancient fire pits were already in existence. These were the predecessors of the modern-day fireplaces that we now enjoy and these are a far cry from the fires that were placed inside dwelling places.
Beginning in 500 AD, in the Medieval era, houses with different luxurious levels were made and along came fireplaces with fitted chimneys. Materials used were bricks or stones and the typical fireplace contained different parts including the flue or chimney, smoke box, fire box or the fireplace itself, and the hearth.
The English peasants who lived in tiny huts used a central pit for their warmth and cooking. The smoke exited through a hole on their roofs. By 1066 AD, these fire pits became fireplaces which were moved to the outside walls. It then became possible to place a fire in every room.
By the 1700s, there was a scarcity of timber so it was during this period when coal became a necessity. This was during the time of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol.
By 1741, the Franklin stove came into existence. It was a free-standing stove that was made of iron. It was often situated at the center of a room and looked very much like an inverted siphon. The Franklin stove was able to radiate two times the heat with just 25% of fuel used.
In the late 1700s, Count Rumsford came up with the shallower and smaller fireplace. This is what we now have in our modern-day homes. And with the advent of central heating in the 1900s, the fireplace became less of a source of warmth. It became more of a focal point that’s decorative in nature.
Parts of a Contemporary Fireplace
The vent, back in the day, was used to channel up the smoke outside of the building. It was not until the 11th century when the chimney was invested. This paved the way for different fires to be placed in different rooms. Fumes and smokes were no longer a problem.
The next part is the smoke-box. This is the chamber found at the bottom of a chimney pipe. It is there as a buffer from downdrafts. The fireplace is right under this box and this is where the fire is lit.
Another part is the hearth which is the brick or stone platform where the chimney and firebox are both built. This could sometimes go outside the fire-box then into the room. It offers that added protection from any rolling logs.
The convection chamber for fireplaces was inveted in the 18th century. It was Benjamin Franklin who came up with the concept which led to the creation of more efficient fireplaces and stoves.
The first design for modern fireplaces, made by Count Rumford, drew the smoke out of the structures. Because of his design, the fireplace is no longer where cooking and warmth are done and sought respectively. The fireplace has become an attractive part of a room.
Make Your Choice
Many homeowners of today want to have a traditional fireplace in their habitats. They want to replicate the look of wood-burning fires. The warm ambiance that flickering and cackling fires create are just difficult to surpass.
There is one other option that is also becoming more popular each year – the contemporary fireplaces.
These gas fireplaces are styled with colored glass encasing the flames. Shiny metal is also often used as a material to decorate the fireplace. Just like traditional fireplaces, these versions, offer the same benefits but with a different style or look.
Modern or contemporary fireplaces now have unique designs which push the boundaries in terms of poshness. Choose from panoramic angles, black onyx, flickering flames in unison, and other such features. The contemporary ones have become a piece of art to many homeowners.
Tags: fireplace, fireplace design, fireplace elements, fireplace history, fireplace parts, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Architectural Elements, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Traditional or Contemporary Fireplace?
Saturday, March 23rd, 2019
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Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Wall Sconce, Floral Decor 8112-19
Ever since man discovered fire and its many uses, he has been doing everything to harness it for heat and light provision. With the advent of newer technologies, fire became candles and candles became bulbs, and pretty soon, fire has become mobile. With it came hazards and some unpredictability, though.
So, is there really a way to catch fire and have it safely contained?
Candle sconces were the first to have it contained. Monks in dark monasteries lit their hallways with these. Pretty soon, elaborate structures had darker hallways so more light was needed. Candle wall scones then came in different styles and materials.
Light display is often linked to religious activities. Every place of worship seems to have its own sets of candles or other sources of light. The Jewish menorah, for instance, is placed on the southern side of the temple, with each of the seven branches representing human knowledge. The central lamp is the representation of God.
The predecessors of wall sconces have had different forms, colors and materials. They also often come in pairs so that they can satisfy the needed symmetry in space.
More often than not, wall sconces are circular and they come with brackets for arms. At least this was the case during the 17th till the 18th centuries. Those wall sconces come with drip pans on their arms are also used to provide light to mirrors like those in a dressing room.
Oval sconces came at around the late 1700s. The rectangular ones followed during the early part of the 19th century. It’s amazing to remember the evolution of these sconces. They also came with heat shields and reflectors and they soon accommodated candles that burned longer.
Wrought nails were also used to hang the wall sconces or these lights were simply hung on a wall bracket.
Modern Wall Sconces
These modern lighting fixtures are now made with different sorts of materials. They can be used as an accent art or as ambient lighting. The history of the candle sconce is pretty rich and its modern alternatives are now being used to contribute to the moods and auras in a home.
The wall sconces are flexible when it comes to decorative uses. They are a good source of illumination while they also offer an aesthetic beauty to the walls. They are an effective means of getting attention to areas that are often ignored.
There are now many designs options plus you can already use them with dimmers so that you can adjust the light according to the mood that you want to evoke at a particular moment.
Wall Sconce Installation
Now that you’re ready to install wall sconces in your home, then you have to follow some simple rules.
First, pick the location of your wall sconces. Now make sure that the power to that room is turned off while you’re working on the installation. To be safe, have an electrician take care of this activity for you.
Remember that the ideal height for wall sconces is about 72” off the floor. Mark the spot with a pencil. Pick also your light switch location or at least point that out to your electrician. If there’s already an existing outlet that you can use, then do so.
Draw the locations for the sconces as well as the light switch. Use the drywall to saw cut those portions out. You could cut initially at the draw lines but you will have to trim some more so you can insert cut-in boxes.
The third step is to drill the holes inside the wall. Be sure to locate this as the same stud bay as that of the light box.
Step 4 is to run a 12×2 wire to the second sconce. Use a fishing tape. Run the wires till you reach the last sconce. You can then run the electrical wire from the last sconce to the location of the light switch.
Lastly, run a 12×2 electrical wire from your switch to your electrical outlet, the cut-in boxes, and then insert the boxes to the wall.
You are now ready to mount the sconces.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wall sconce, wall sconce installation, wall sconces
Posted in Accents, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting, Wall Design | Comments Off on Wall Sconces: History and Installation Guide
Friday, March 22nd, 2019
Uttermost Accessories Texoma Galvanized Tin Mirror 09314
Tin is a chemical element; it’s a silvery metal when it is refined. It is known for being able to resist corrosion. It is also being used to coat other metals and as a plating on steel sheets. It is also the main material for cans.
Tin can also be combined with copper and the resulting metal is a kind of bronze. Fuse it with lead and what you form is solder. A tin compound is also a common ingredient for toothpastes as it is effective in tooth decay prevention.
A Little Tin History
The earliest records of tin dates all the way back to 3500 B.C. in what’s now Turkey. It was there that tin was first mined and then processed. The ancient metal workers used it together with soft copper which led to a more durable form of bronze. This metal was then used to create weapons and tools because they were much more durable and were able to stay sharp for a long time.
The discovery of this kind of bronze spurred the beginning of Bronze Age. This era lasted for about 2,000 years. After this, tin deposits – lots of them – were dug up in England and the traders eventually brought it to Mediterranean countries. Their source was kept secret, though, and it was not until 310 B.C. that Pytheas disovered the mines’ locations.
The Chinese and South African peoples used tin as did the metal workers of Thailand who also mixed tin with copper. By 1600 BC, bronze plows were already being utilized in Vietnam.
Fast forward to the early 1800s, Pierre Durand from France patented his method of food preservation. This was sealing food in tinplate cans. Bottles were quickly replaced by the mid-1800s and by the 1830s, alloy bearings were already being used in high-speed machinery and transport developments.
These days, tin is widely produced in Australia, Bolivia, England, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Thailand. The United States has no known major tin deposits.
Tin in Interior Design
Metallics are widely used in interior design for the last years. Gold, brass, silver, and chrome are shining supremely in homes as they are mixed and matched with every possible interior design element.
Metallics have made it to the elite in terms of style. Tin as made it to this circle as it is now one of the trends for 2019. Pinterest was bold enough to declare that tin will be big this year. The searches for this metallic material has risen to 563% each year.
It has definitely captured the hearts of many homeowners and interior designers. Touches of tin can effectively add personality and spunk in different spaces throughout your home.
If you want to use tin in the bedroom, then have it as an accent wall. Use patterns and textures to make this metal even more interesting. Create an industrial look effortlessly with this material.
Consider adding complementary materials like pewter, silver, chrome, copper, and even ceramic tiles.
If you’ve decided to use tin on the ceiling, then you can do this in your dining room or kitchen. Pick a shiny kind of tin so that light could be reflected throughout the room. This could brighten up the space as you cook food or serve the meals to your family.
Tin is an instant urban accent. It can be your corrugated, focal wall in the living room. add pops of bold hues such as orange to make the room even more interesting.
If you’re not ready to commit, full-time, to the installation of tin or any metallic sheets, then that’s fine. You could begin with the tin headboard or a tin planter outdoors. There are also tin-colored wallpapers to try first so you can have a feel of how tin will beautify your home.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tin, tin elements, tin in interior design
Posted in 2019 Trends, Accents, Color Schemes, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Tin Is Absolutely In
Thursday, March 21st, 2019
Fashion, art or interior design, the world today is all about showcasing your personal style. We’re now in an age where identities are shared on social media and digital photography seems to be everyone’s hobby. Individual identities are now being embraced and accepted so you have a leeway on how you would want your home to look.
Creating your home’s style is not all about living alone, being with your significant other or living with your whole family. All these factors can contribute to the style and layout of the house but, of course, at the end of the day, the homeowner tends to show his or her artistic side.
Don’t go for the looks that you see in magazines. Those are lovely to look at but there are other things that you need to consider such as practicality and functionality.
Yes, it’s not all about aesthetics.
So when you’re finding a balance between all the elements that you use in your habitat, which style do you think would suit you best? Minimalism or maximalism? Or do you favor any style in between?
Defining Minimalism
Minimalism is thisUniversal Furniture Living Room Drink Table.
Minimalism centers on empty spaces, lots of straight lines, patterns, neutral colors, some pop of bold hues, decluttered spaces, and simplicity. It means getting rid of visual noise with only the practical and useful things left.
Minimalists know how to effectively use storage units. It is not equal to having zero stuff. Minimalism only means getting organized and putting away things that are not in use and having them close by if they need to be accessed now and then.
Minimalist rooms often feature light colors or neutrals as a color palette. It’s common to see white walls with just a few wall décor. The furniture in the rooms is also basic which means there is no bulky stuff.
Plain and linear is the name of the game where adornment is kept at a bare minimum.
The bedrooms are also dressed simply with just one bedside table or a pair that’s linear. There could be a simple area rug with few books, clothes, shoes, bedding options, etc.
Living a minimalist lifestyle could also mean being able to live with less. It means owning only the stuff that the person values (so this is different for each person). What could be minimalist for a family may not necessarily be so for a single person.
Minimalism also means not being obsessed with material things or consumerism.
The Meaning of Maximalism
The Flexsteel Living Room Leather Three-cushion Sofa is perfect in a maximalist home.
Maximalism, on the other hand, is the very opposite of minimalism. This does not mean that you embrace clutter or chaos, though.
Maximalists go for bold hues, patterns, and textures. There is so much room for creativity since you have the freedom to set up a house that’s brimming with life.
Maximalist homes are dynamic and intricate. You will find an abundance of choices. The surfaces are covered with useful as well as decorative objects. Your guests will not run out of options for seating and lying.
Depending on what activities the homeowner wants to hold, no maximalist homes are the same. If one is a voracious reader, then you could find a home that’s filled with line upon lines of shelving units. If an artist owns the home, then the space could look like a studio.
Every inch of the home is utilized and there might or might not be a theme.
Could You Be Both?
You could be somewhere in between these styles. For a lot of homeowners, it might be close to impossible to maintain a totally minimalist environment especially when they have kids and pets.
For most, they just allow their living environment to grow and be as opposed to planning everything to look like a hotel room or an exotic habitat.
Tags: maximalism, maximalist design, maximalist elements, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist design, minimalist elements
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Maximalism or Minimalism?
Wednesday, March 20th, 2019
A lot’s starting to happen now that spring is finally here. Flowers are all abloom and the days are, once again, longer. Let’s not forget that the air is also fresher and warmer so this only means that the outside world is ready for your scheduled activities.
If you love making activity lists during the warmest seasons, then you’re not alone. Everyone’s getting ready to move on from the cold days and nights to the warmer, cozier days of spring.
Spring is tantamount to having a fresh beginning. During this time, leaves grow once again and the flowers start to show their colors so let’s see how you would like to take part in these activities –
Bike or Hike
Since winter may have left you cooped inside for a long time, then spring is the season for you to shake the coldness and to enjoy the warmth outdoors. This is the perfect time to ride a bike or to take a hike.
Biking is an aerobic activity so this translates to healthier blood vessels, heart and lungs. As you breathe deeper and perspire, you increase your fitness level.
Hiking also does all these. Before you ride your car to the nearest hiking trail, it is best to prepare and do the following first –
Inform everyone where you’d go on a hike.
Study, graph your hiking route, and then bring the maps on your hiking trip.
Determine, beforehand, your walking speed and factor in the elevation of the area to know how long the hike would take. And it’s also wise to know which among your hiking mates are the slowest.
Check the weather on the day of your hike then pack accordingly.
Head to the Beach
Be sure to tpick the right beach when you decide to go swimming this spring. What sort of experience would you want to have there? If you like lively crowds and water sports, then find the beaches that offer those.
For those who prefer quieter beaches, well, be sure to research first and find that sort of beach.
Always make sure that there is a lifeguard on duty when you decide to spend some time in a beach.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Purchasing from your local farmer gives you the opportunity to support agriculture in your area. You don’t just eat fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, you also become a helping hand in your local economy.
With safer foods and foods that are in season, you’re sure to have an interesting meal variety this spring.
You could also scour for a food festival near your area.
Get Clean and Organized
Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Ladies Chest 1345-115: Spring means organizing stuff and doing some major cleanup.
Spring cleaning time. This is what spring is also famous for.
This is a season to rejuvenate so it’s time to get rid of the things that you no longer have any use for. ‘Time to put all your organizational skills to work. Decluttering is also hot, hot, hot these days so you might as well join the millions who have started to clean up their habitats.
Attend an Outdoor Film Showing
This began in New York City with a few other cities following as they hold outdoor productions and plays.
Check out the event listings in your area so you can plan your night out with family or friends.
Hold an Outdoor Party
Since it’s warmer out, it’s time to invite some friends over and have fun.
Organize an outdoor buffet of chips, veggies, salsa, and salads. Prep the cutlery by wrapping them in napkins or tying them with a pretty ribbon. Pick lightweight plates that your guests can eat on. Melamine dishes are a popular choice.
Don’t forget to create a table décor such as floating tea lights or some inexpensive lanterns. Lastly, make sure that everything is prepared before the big day such as the ice, beverages, and even the garbage bags.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor activities, spring activities, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Outdoors Style, Spring Season | Comments Off on 6 Fun Activities to Do This Spring
Sunday, March 17th, 2019
The Flexsteel Bedroom King Poster Bed is beautifully shabby chic.
If you’ve ever appreciated shabby chic style before, what was it about this design that truly caught your eye? Are you able to recall a French country distressed piece that truly matched (or mismatched) the crockery? If this style excites you, then this spring might just be the perfect time to redress your home.
When asked to define, though, will you be able to tell what shabby chic really is? Where did it come from?
Shabby chic isn’t your regular interior design. It has a mind of its own and it is rebellious, in a way. You should learn about the philosophies behind this style so you can truly appreciate that it can offer and so you can also invest the correct furniture pieces.
Not a Shabby History
To study the origins of shabby chic means going beyond modern times.
The architectural roots of shabby chic started in the Middle Ages when a great percentage of Europe’s population had been wiped out by the plague. During this time, the lost Roman and Greek relics were being rediscovered and appreciated.
Baroque architects wanted to recreate the glorious days of these two great civilizations by building stately homes and installing monuments. It is also easy to find plum cherub and gold leaf ornaments.
By the 18th century, the Enlightenment Movement has taken over the secular world. During this time, the architects felt freer so they zeroed in on wit and humor which were a lot different from the traditional principles.
Comfort also became a priority as the backs of chairs were lengthened and then cushioned for added support. The posh Rococo curves were difficult to ignore but when Marie Antoinette was beheaded, those who loved this style went underground.
From the 1980s Onward
History wasn’t kind to the Rococo style. It wasn’t till the ‘80s when designers and architects wanted to push the boundaries of style yet again. The oldest aristocratic estates were scoured for old furniture and these pieces were eventually repurposed.
Shabby chic is also referred to, these days, as cottage or farmhouse style. This is quite similar with the French country style. It is warm, friendly, welcoming, and a style that’s not difficult to love.
Other characteristics of shabby chic are – uncluttered, textured, simple, natural (because it makes use of materials such as burlap and linen), and worn.
Of course, worn.
This is the very feature that you should strive to achieve when you want to have a shabby chic home. And when you’re able to pull this off, what an appealing home you will surely have.
Always Neutral
Okay, here’s a general rule for shabby chic – you must love neutrals. Every successful interior design project has harmony. Every element used plays a crucial part in the whole ensemble so there are elements that shine and some that are subdued.
In the case of shabby chic background, it should be neutral. Even when the shabby chic furniture is also neutral-colored, there is a certain beauty in having it blend with a different shade of yet another neutral hue.
You may also use some shabby chic pieces that are colorfully bold. If this is the case, then the neutral background would, again, serve as the perfect frame. And when talking about background, we mean features of your home such as the walls, floors and the ceilings.
Go for wooden flooring. Nothing beats this material when you want to have a shabby chic setting.
Vintage Is In
Shabby chic style is, simply put, vintage.
Take a look at these pieces from our lineup – https://www.mccreerys.com/itembrowser.aspx?action=attributes&itemtype=furniture&event=reset&wcsearch=shabby-chic
There are no limits when it comes to the accessories that you can use. Use lavish picture frames, ornate chairs with comfy backrests, and many other nostalgic pieces.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shabby chic, shabby chic essentials, shabby chic furnishings, shabby chic history
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Shabby Chic Reviewed
Saturday, March 16th, 2019
Uttermost Living Room Avner Wooden Cube Table 25603
There is a reason behind the popularity of low-impact homes these days. Apart from energy costs saved, there are health and ecological reasons as well that drive homeowners to choose to live green.
If you’ve just signed up to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, then it would be good to have a few guiding principles to help you on your new journey –
Purchase Responsibly
Green living means you purchase only from businesses that are serious about natural resource conservation. As a homeowner, you should also use energy optimally. Do this as well with your water consumption and other material use.
Buy only the products that have been certified to meet the strictest environmental standards. Always prioritize your environmental and social responsibilities as you make each and every purchase.
Buy Locally
If you have neighbors with local businesses, then support them. But make sure that they also know how to conserve energy and preserve Mother Earth.
You might think that buying locally has nothing to do with the well-being of the planet but think again.
First, food that you buy from the farmers market is fresher. You don’t just get to support the local farmers, you even improve your health and the local economy.
Compared to store-bought food, too, local foods have less transportation time. You can even drive to the nearest farmers market to pick your own peaches, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
Another upside to local purchase is the amount of packaging involved. You can bring your own reusable bags when you buy from the farmers market. As you can see, saying no to plastic is a major decision that you have to make when you want to live a green lifestyle.
Assess a Product’s Environmental Impact
If you want to be truly sustainable, product suitability and longevity must also be balanced with sources and materials that are sustainable. Be involved in the life cycle analyses (cradle-to-grave concept) of the environmental impacts of products that you buy.
Say no to products that harm animals such as alligator or snakeskin products, ivory from elephant tusks, etc.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Just buy products that make use of recycled materials like salvaged timber, reclaimed tiles, recycled pet bottles, etc.
You can help protect the environment by remembering these 3Rs. Reducing means you’re willing to decrease the amount of waste that you and your household produce.
In reusing, you can think of ways that you can use something more than once. For instance, you can shred paper for your pet hamster or you can use glass jars for multiple uses.
Recycling, on the other hand, means you imagine ways to use the product again without having to buy new products. You can compost food wastes and recycle those UPS boxes after you empty them.
Be Energy-Efficient
There are simple ways to begin your energy-efficient lifestyle.
First, you can begin lowering your thermostat especially when you’re away from home. You can also seal your windows and limit your use of space heater.
Be sure to unplug appliances that are not in use and to replace the incandescent bulbs with LED lighting. You can also ask an electrician about the installation of a lighting control system. This should reduce your electrical consumption by 40%.
The 3Rs in Interior Design
And now that you know what the 3Rs are in green living, you can also apply these to your interior design.
If you have to remodel or renovate a part of your home, see if you can find materials that come from recycled sources. There is now recycled construction debris that you can use for your own construction projects.
Ask your interior designer about how to get your hands on such materials.
Tags: green living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainability, sustainable design, sustainable home, sustainable home design
Posted in 2019 Trends, Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Sustainability in Interior Design and Everything Else
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