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Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
The Hooker Furniture Living Room Linosa Linen Accent Chair has basic lines and a simple design that are perfect for uncluttered surroundings.
Clutter isn’t a part of interior design so don’t think that it’s okay to leave the mess around. Whether the untidiness is due to poor habits or being a pack rat, the burden brought about by unclean surroundings could be staggering so it’s time to clean up.
Clutter clogs the smooth systems in your home. Because of this, you can be certain that costs will pile up pretty soon. Just imagine the amount of time lost in finding missing keys, receipts or cell phones and you would know how much – in dollar value – you lose.
The perfect time to declutter is – now – even when you can even peer through the piles of stuff anymore.
Look Downwards
Now let’s get started. From the beginning, look downward. Instead of trying to realize how large the mound of clutter is, try to look at the big picture then zero in on the more solvable areas. Begin with the kitchen counter, declutter the fridge, then the shelves, then find some drawers where you are going to store items that still have use within the next few days or weeks. Choose an item that you think would be a daily eye sore.
It pays to be happy about your small successes in cleaning. Do not expect to finish the project in just a day.
Slowly But Surely
Clutter can become intolerable over the weeks or months that it is left alone. Don’t let this dampen your cleanup efforts. Know that, slowly, you will eventually pile all boxes, box all small stuff, and put away those items that are used seasonally. Curing clutter takes time so don’t expect that there are shortcuts.
Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Just do this project steadily and you should be able to see the fruits of your labor soon.
Divide Decluttering Into Sessions
Attacking clutter means you have to use up energy, time and motivation.
Use a schedule. Working for just 2-4 hours daily, thrice each week is better than working for six straight hours on a single day. This is the most efficient time that you could schedule for your cleanup.
The Century Furniture Home Office Apothecary Desk T4H-765 has ample drawers for all your filing needs.
Change Your Lifestyle
Clutter accumulates due to a lot of reasons. Whatever your reasons were, it’s time to change and take on new routines. Poor housekeeping routines simply have to go. Sit down with your whole family then, together, create rules that will be strictly followed henceforth. Choose the one that’s most realistic for everyone.
Box and Banish Method
This is a method of decluttering wherein you clean up, not bit by bit but in a more drastic manner. To do this strategy, just gather all the clutter from chairs, drawers, tables, counters, ovens, the floor, even in bathtubs. Place these inside boxes or trash bags and have them stacked outside of your home. Work till the surfaces are clutter free.
Next, open every box one day at a time. Consider the items that were included in there. Decide, once and for all, if you will throw or keep the items that you see there as you check them, one by one, each day. All the items that remain inside the box after you carefully examined each need to go – no exception.
Imagine or Role Play
You can also use your imagination to declutter objects. Once you see an item that you’re having a hard time letting go, try asking yourself this question – If I’m buying this right now, how much am I willing to shell out?
This is a creative, psychological technique that you could use to remove unnecessary items from your home.
Tags: decluttering, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Friday, December 2nd, 2016
FFDM RayLen Vineyards: Weddings and wines have always gone hand-in-hand even as early as the biblical times.
Finding the right venue for your wedding reception could be a daunting task if you don’t already know what you want but if you already have a wedding theme and if you know the number of guests that you are going to invite, then it’s going to be a whole lot easier. The interior design for the wedding reception as well as the venue will be able to draw out a vision of the theme. If you are planning an indoor reception but you don’t know where to start, then you need to have these inspiring ideas –
Use White Lights
Who said that white Christmas lighting is just for the Christmas season? A lot of people now use these lights all year round. Some use it on their back porches, others as an elegant, decorative lighting. These lights will make a charming addition to any chosen venue. These can be hung all around the tables, from the ceiling, even around the wedding cake. Some of the potted plants could also use a bit more excitement that these lights would provide.
If Christmas lights aren’t your thing, then you can always go for lanterns.
Tie Bows
One of the most expensive wedding reception elements are the seat covers. So, if you don’t want to spend extra money in renting these, then use some wide ribbons instead. Tie the bows at the back of the chairs and you instantly have elegant seating units.
Ribbons are inexpensive and they are a great alternative to the usual fancy chair covers. Ask your friends to help you in getting the ribbons and tying them to the chairs for the big day.
Add a Water Feature
A wonderful addition to the wedding reception entrance is a water fountain. It doesn’t have to be huge, even a small one that sits right on a table in your home at the moment would do. The sound of running water is refreshing to hear and would relax your guests as they sit through the reception program.
Use Food and Candies
Decorate with whatever food and drinks you have on your menu. Ask the caterer to help in arranging the platters on the main table. You can also add a little glamour by putting assorted apothecary jars. Set up a dessert bar for a more festive mood while you line the gorgeous trays, fresh cheeses, and breads at the side. These should give the reception a more rustic and organic feel.
There is also another way that you can romanticize the reception area. You’re in luck because candies are also inexpensive. Dim the room, leaving only the faint glow of candies as the guests wait for the bride and groom to arrive from the church.
Decorate with Fabric
Purchase yards of fabrics in your favorite color. Use this in covering tables and draping from the ceiling. Use sheer fabrics for a more romantic look. Be creative by using materials that are soft and intimate. Use Your Engagement Photos
Since this is your big day, anyway, why not let your guests look through your engagement photographs? The reception is the best venue to display those, in fact, for most weddings, the reception is the sole place where guests will ever get to see your engagement pictures.
Bring your favorite photos when you were both single, too. Make a slideshow that loops for the rest of the reception.
Maitland-Smith Accessories White Hammer Shell Inlaid Lidded Vase 2100-472: What’s a wedding reception without flowers?
Adorn with Flowers
You can hang large, elegant flower displays. These are the kinds of décor that would leave a lasting memory on your guests. These flower balls can be made by the bride and groom plus some of their friends, a day or two prior to the wedding. These can be made to look like professional flower balls; all you have to do is to buy Styrofoam balls. Insert flower stems in those. It’s up to you if you want to use fresh or silk flowers.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wedding design, wedding reception, wedding reception hall, wedding reception hall design
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Friday, December 2nd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Benjamin Club Chair: Be wary of color harmony at all times.
Every home design task is laden with challenges. There are some that would require the help of a trained interior designer. There are some moments also when homeowners take on the task but they fail to deliver the look that they are trying to achieve. The sad news is that they don’t even know why they have failed. You don’t have to go through the same mistakes that they made. What you need now is to learn some decorating do’s and don’ts to create a home that looks like it was professionally-styled.
Design No-No #1: Don’t Push the Furniture Against Walls
Instead of driving that sofa against the wall, try creating a flow all around it. This breathing space around pieces will make it seem like the furniture is floating in the room. This will create an interesting conversation grouping.
Remember that the distance for effective conversational seating is at 4 to 8 feet.
Design No-No #2: Do Not Buy Cheap Throw Pillows
Pillows must be generous, formable and overstuffed at best. Use down-filled, plush and soft pillows. If you are allergic to any of the natural materials, find those that have synthetic filling. To check the blockiness of a pillow, make a karate chop at the top edge. This should tell you if the pillow will shape up.
Don’t keep pillows that sit like lumps. Say goodbye to matched pillows also, instead, find overstuffed pieces that have 18-inch pillow covers and 20-inch inserts for a more professional look.
Design No-No #3: Using Good Enough Paint
The paint will make or break the look of your home. Poorly-matched pieces will look weak, even lifeless. Be sure to read the correct undertones. It is best to consult a pro If you are uncertain about matching paint colors with your furniture and accessories.
Design No-No #4: Sacrificing Light Quality
Another common mistake that homeowners do is to trim their budget by sacrificing the quality of the lighting fixture. Check the scale of your lighting fixture. This is a styling element and a major statement piece so be sure to inject some personality to it.
Design No-No #5: Room Isolation
Be sure to create a flow from one room then onto the next by having a visual link. Repeat the pattern throughout the rooms or have an accent color carried over to the adjacent room.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Phyllis Club Chair is timeless, meaning, you can never go wrong with it.
Design No-No #6: Don’t Skimp on Draperies and Area Rugs
Professionals use a lot of fabric yards so go ahead and do the same. Your standard should be 2 ½ to thrice the width of the window for every drape. Having fixed side panels, you could easily get away with fabric that’s twice the window width.
As for the area rug, remember that this should define furniture grouping. Buy one that is big enough to contain all the four legs of every piece of furniture in the grouping.
Design No-No #7: Avoid Matching Pieces
Do not match furniture with the textiles – this is a wrong notion. Be sure to relate them, though. The task of an interior designer is to create a more cohesive look. Find a collection of pieces that have common colors, style, history, material, mood or motif.
Design No-No #8: Forgetting Special Details
The tiny details that are often unnoticeable are the very elements that make furniture and accessories special. Custom pillows, nail heads, millwork trim as well as inlaid floors could make a huge difference in interior design.
Train you eye to look at the tiny details. You will soon see a huge difference between a mass-produced chair and one that was skillfully crafted by an artisan. The special details are evident in works done by professionals.
Tags: decorating guidelines, decorating tips, designing guidelines, designing tips, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Thursday, December 1st, 2016
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting African Wildlife Chandelier 1900-027
African décor is artistic, dynamic and inspiring on so many levels. Colors used are evocative such as the deep greens of the rainforest, sunburnt earth, the soft hues of the savannah plains, sunsets, sunrises and the busiest market places. Don’t forget the classic look of black and white in this theme as is represented beautifully by zebra stripes.
Scour galleries and original artwork shops from African locals. Visit this place and find out which designs you can use to make a safari out of your home.
The newest trends in African style include the warmest colors, angular wooden furniture, textiles, pottery, masks and animal skins. In the last ten years, people have been shifting to what is ecologically sound in terms of interior design, hence, the Safari or African theme is now in demand.
Safari Colors
Remember that this style came from Africa so this is no less than the sunniest continent. Use all the colors that are typical of this place, think of the shades that are in nature such as the brightness of the sun during sunrise, its warmth during sunset; the bright blue skies; clay; sand; and dried leaves. This means you can use a lot of reds, burgundy, ocher, orange, yellows and browns. Don’t attempt to find cool colors in this style because warmth is the name of the game. Remember that lighter colors depict winter season, hence, you need to own the warm African hues. The smaller accents can be arranged using brown and burgundy hues.
Light Safari Walls – Are They Possible?
Try to picture the walls inside the homes of Africans – these are little huts that are covered with clay, so, find paint that has the same color as clay. This could be Venetian plaster, embossed mixture, and structural wallpaper.
Angular Wood
Safari style is also all about dark wood furniture. Find African accents in small stools and other furniture pieces. Be sure to find the ones with sharp angles. If you have to use upholstered pieces, make sure that they come in ethnic prints or those that imitate animal skins.
Rattan furniture is also welcome as are other natural, durable pieces.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Skyline King Upholstered Panel Bed
Safari Décor
Remember that in Africa, all the decorative items are improvised materials. These are made of straw, dried leaves, wood or clay. Select materials that are natural or natural-looking. Suitable ceiling structures are beams or trim beamed ceiling.
Use woven blinds and photos inside wooden frames.
African tribes are very passionate when it comes to arts and craft so repeat this in your home. So go ahead and display a warm-colored artwork on your wall or you can just stick with the photo wallpaper patterns.
Use zebra patterns and other tribal designs on your pillows, carpets, curtains and woven mats.
Other interesting pieces include pottery, other animal hides, masks and statuettes. These may seem like mere decorative items but in many African tribes, they are sacred objects. Wooden statues and masks are often parts of their worship. Wooden statues of women symbolize hearth and fertility.
When using figurines, be sure to consider the aesthetic point of view. You wouldn’t want to have an imbalanced look because of all the wrong proportions or erroneous placement of furniture.
Another distinct African element is the palm. Place huge, exotic flowers as well as potted trees outside and inside your home. You could even begin your small garden with just 3 to 5 pots of macrophylla plants.
Remember to match your taste with your chosen interior design. In short, you should embrace the exotic beauty of African theme only if you truly want the Safari look.
Tags: African design, African interior design, African interiors, African theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Safari design, Safari interior design, Safari style, Safari theme
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, December 1st, 2016
FFDM Portfolio Collection: The movements in this artwork will give the much-needed activity in this open space habitat.
Small spaces may be, well, small but there isn’t a shortage of design solutions for such limited square footage. It may also be challenging to design for comfort in such spaces but it isn’t impossible. It is your duty, therefore, to find that small window of design strategy that will help you set up a more harmonious and well-planned open space layout.
Open Space: The Beginning
Decades ago, all homes were built with separate rooms given with distinct functions. That was the notion then but with a world that makes room for less spacious habitats, it’s time to step up and find ways to make small homes that are still functional.
Dining rooms were almost always formal while living rooms had a relaxed ambience. Both rooms are set apart from the kitchen which is always bustling with activities.
The ‘50s and ‘60s welcomed the concept of open space living because of the homebuilders’ desire to come up with efficient homes with less square footage. Split-level and ranch homes became the popular styles then.
These days, architecture as well as interior design still take some elements from the said styles; they also infuse cultural norms and convenience to their design melting pot. Such is the contemporary world – it is a world of multitasking and mixed gender roles.
Open Space Benefits
Also referred to as an open floor layout, this is a favorite among apartment and condo dwellers. It is a favorite because it makes even the smallest places look seemingly bigger and brighter. Small apartments with windowless kitchens and tiny living spaces can be transformed to a spacious haven by toppling down walls and replacing them with tables or dividers.
Entertaining is now a breeze when a kitchen island is used in place of the usual kitchen walls. This will also give you the chance to chat with guests while you are busy cooking. Tables and kitchen islands are usually used as room dividers and they almost always become focal points, too.
An open room is also great for making sure that your little ones are still safe. Keeping an eye on them is now a lot easier.
Place a desk and computer right against a wall or the back of your sectional or sofa. This will give the space a more multifunctional look.
Open Space Challenges
While open space layout offers benefits such as spaciousness and brightness, there are also challenges that come with it. The most obvious downside is the probable loss of privacy as walls are torn down. Since every room is joined to an adjacent room, talking might also disturb others who want to rest. The loss of wall space also means you will have limited space for your artwork and framed photos. Fewer walls could also mean fewer electrical outlets.
Once you overcome these challenges or at least learn to live with them, then you will find that open space living is a wise design to pick.
FFDM Portfolio: Large glass windows give this living room/home office a bright and airy appearance.
Tips in Arranging Open Space Elements
The first rule in open space living is to clearly define areas. For instance, you may place a sofa and a console table back-to-back. This pair can be placed right outside the kitchen in order to delineate the living room. Define the space further by placing an area rug at the center of the living room.
Create a design feature that will stand out in certain areas. A gallery wall would be nice right in the area where the family dines.
Another tip is to maintain aesthetic flow throughout the space. Use recessed lighting to save visual space. Use color palettes that complement and not clash with each other. Put textured layers as well as different colors for accents and highlights.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, open space, open space design, open space layout, open space theme
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 30th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Damasque Demi Console
This may or may not be the first time that you encounter Victorian interior design but, definitely, it is a style that catches attention. There isn’t an easy way to setting up such an interior but with this guide, you should be able to make a charming Victorian interior. There are four basic elements to remember in this kind of design – pattern, color, romance and opulence. You are not creating Victorian out of boring, dull stuff.
So what is Victorian style?
Queen Victoria’s Style
The Victorian interior design is a broad term that is used in reference to the fashion, architecture and home décor features from the late Queen Victoria period. This is approximately from the year 1837 till her demise in 1901.
Victorian style gets its inspiration from geometry, theory and nature. You are free to find from other resources, though. This encompasses other sub-style such as –
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Filigree Rug 9225RS Persimmon
Victorian Elements
Victorian home design means you should be ready to use a sophisticated palette. You must put emphasis on the tertiary colors. These hues are created by mixing primary and secondary colors. Dark colors are often associated with this style so you could go gothic and get away with it.
The earliest Victorian homes showed light-colored walls while the ambience came with rich colors. The libraries and dining rooms were elegant and had deeper tones. The dark, deep tones are used to emphasize the importance of certain rooms.
In urban areas, colors such as dark green, gray and grayish blue are used to minimize the grim effect of the dark surroundings. These hues soften the usual dark backdrop that is truly Victorian. Dark walls – back in the olden times – were used also to deviate the attention from soot and coal dust which come from oil and gas lamps.
In choosing other colors for your Victorian home, you can also look for any subdued and warm color such as cream, mahogany brown or deep, rich walnut. Shades of teal, plum, mustard yellow, aubergine, rust, green, blue and gold are also usable. Colors chosen by modern homeowners often reflect organic colors such as rose ash and subdued lavender.
Complex patterns often cover surfaces of Victorian homes. Use different wallpapers to cover your walls and to make them more fit for this style. Cover everything – from ceiling to walls – then be sure to use luxurious fabrics that have silk tassels, embroideries and trimming. Use rugs that come with intricate weaves such as Persian and Oriental rugs.
Victorian style may be posh but it isn’t supposed to be uncomfortable or excessive. Design with plush fabrics and with damask. Use them on your upholstered furniture and window treatment layering. Layer the rugs, too.
Remember that Victorian is tantamount to flaunting wealth. You can mimic that further by adding fine wood panels on your walls, marble fireplaces, and some mass-produced yet still elegant paintings. Use elaborate furniture and accessories ranging from subtle to massive. Find ornately-designed lace, china, stained glass, busts, flower vases, souvenirs, prints, and accessories.
Use replicas of electric lamps to perfectly accessorize your rooms. The results often vary per home but what are achieved – in the hands of a skillful designer – are complexity, sophistication, refined look, and a romantic setting.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Victorian, Victorian gothic, Victorian interior design, Victorian interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 30th, 2016
The Wesley Allen Bedroom Iron Bed 7162
Metal is a tricky element to use in designing homes. This isn’t always the case, though, especially during the holiday season. Metal looks good during this season to be jolly since it offers a beautiful gleam that is difficult to match.
Using metal for Christmas décor means you have to get to know which types will be available and would look good in interiors. You have to comprehend the application and the uses of the metal so that you won’t be mixing it with elements that it’s not supposed to be with.
Metal is totally hot in the world of interior design these days. Tout metals and lustrous metallic accessories are the most sought-after decorative items nowadays but are you ready to infuse them to your current home theme?
Metal is a dense element that light easily passes through it. It is also a great conductor of electricity (especially copper wiring) and heat. Metals are often hard but they can be melted to form usable alloys.
Metals that are used in most buildings today conduct both electricity and heat. They are ductile, meaning, they can be hammered to thin sheets. They are also malleable so they can also be rolled or bent even when they are dense and durable.
Some Warnings
Stainless steel benches are also metal so don’t put them too close to sources of electricity. If they have to be near a socket, then be sure that they are properly earthed.
Bring luster and illuminate your home at the same time with this Uttermost Accessories Iron Branches, Wall Sconce 19736.
Bring on the Metals
How comfy you will feel about metallic elements depends hugely on the current style of your home. Modern design enthusiasts will feel at home straightaway in a metallic interior design. Those who love rustic and country styles will also be able to find good use for metals when they want to add drama or intrigue as well as texture to their homes.
Here are the sleek elements that you can use for different themes –
Contemporary metallic touches should be seen on some of your fixtures, accessories, mirrors, furniture and room dividers. Great conversation pieces are mirrored and metallic furniture pieces. An example is a chrome table that will add a little excitement in a somber room.
Country style has an Old World element so make sure that you don’t overuse metallics. Too many metals would make the place look unnatural or too bold. Instead of bold metallic items, use those that are barely noticeable but, nonetheless, create a classic impact such as small fixtures, pots and pans.
The best metallic finishes for eclectic style is – everything. This is such as a wacky design that you can use any metallic finish that you set your heart on. Metallics can give you the opportunity to make a statement so, don’t be shy, and include metals on whole pieces of furniture, large mirrors and even on an entire wall.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal design, metal theme, metallic, metallic interior design, metallics, metals in interior design
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 29th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Saffron Crackle Chest is red and apt for this joyful season.
The Christmas season is just around the corner so it’s no surprise that fairy lights and trees evoke warm, fuzzy feelings once again. As early as now, decide on the theme that you would like to have for your home. You can go traditional with the red and white decorative theme or you can go distinctive and allow your home to stand out.
Everyone loves to bring out the decorative items for Christmas so why not ask the help of your family in setting up your home? Get ready with your wreaths and garlands, prep the mantel and the front door, clean the mailbox, prepare the card holders, ribbons and Christmas balls. It’s surely that wonderful time of the year once more.
So, go ahead, grab a mug of hot chocolate and start being inspired by these decorating ideas for Christmas –
Lustrous Table Toppers
Decorating your home for the holidays needn’t be stressful, what it should be is beautiful. Why not give your holiday table a little glimmer by buying metallic toppers or table runners? The more colorful and shimmery, the better.
Christmas Card Spectacular
Create a Christmas display by using wintry branches. On their own, they are actually beautiful but when you arrange them in a vessel or large vase, they become even more charming and festive. Scour through the Christmas cards that your loved ones gave you and find the ones that you will use as display during this merry season.
Let the Garden Inspire
Display ornaments right under the garden cloche. Find a bell-shaped glass cover which will serve as the mini greenhouse for the outdoor plants. These can be bought in many garden supply shops. You can also fill these with sparkling trimmings which can add radiance atop the dining table.
To fill, have the cloche turned upside down then balance then balance in a teacup. Put in the ornaments, invert the plate right on the open end. Turn the cloche carefully with the plate, right side up, then display.
Christmas and Mistletoes
What is Christmas without the traditional mistletoe? This is referred to as the kissing ball and it should be one of your decorative items this season. These will encourage your visitors to show a bit of love.
You can also turn the walkway to your home into a winter wonderland by lining up embellished urns that overflow with greenery and Christmas ornaments.
Pinecone Still Life
Another simple arrangement that you can use is to fill your home with the aroma of having that walk in the woods. Find a branch with unique, sculptural lines, fresh needles then find some pinecones which you can use as frog to keep the branch from tipping over.
Woody plants look good as ornaments just make sure to cut the end parts which will be dipped with pruning shears. This should allow the water to seep through more easily. Find a wide-mouthed glass vase to show the pinecones inside, fill it up with water then put the branch right among the cones.
Hot mug of chocolate, wreaths, mistletoe, Christmas tree, and the Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Botanical Rug 0609CS Poinsettia – what could be more Christmassy?
Some Wreath Ideas
Tags: Christmas decor, Christmas interior design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for winter, winter decor, winter decoration, winter design, winter interior design, winter interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Winter Season | No Comments »
Monday, November 28th, 2016
The Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Chairside Table will sit comfortably in any ’50s-inspired home.
One of the ideas that best captured the look during the 1950s was the 1957 Chevy advertisement. The wide array of beautiful pastels was pretty hard to ignore as well as the angles and long, low designs. Just like the designs of today, there isn’t a single look that could really be categorized as the sole style of the ‘50s. There were several 1950s look that gained popularity during that time. As technology, preferences and social norms evolved, so did the look of interiors.
Economic changes in Europe and America also led to changes inside the household. The economy for both regions grew, as a result, families wanted to widen their habitat, thus, increasing construction of Ranch style houses.
Hipster Interiors
Architectural style focused on industrialization and people were begging to become modern. Homes that were being built during that time were often airy and bright. The rooms were separated with screens instead of the usual walls. These made homes appear more spacious. Sliding glass doors were also common while windows were fashioned from floor to ceiling. It was also imperative to let in a huge amount of natural light.
Home interiors during this era were inviting, homey and bright. The wall colors were often neutral, people loved white or those light wood panels. The homes were pretty colorful despite the homeowner’s choice of wall colors and this was hugely because the flooring, furniture and accessories all popped with bursts of colors.
Wall to wall carpeting using cork, vinyl and concrete was also quite popular and all for the love of low-maintenance interiors. Living areas that used these materials also featured colorful area rugs which softened the floor.
Clean, basic lines were easily contrasted by the most interesting, rounded geometrical shapes. The said shapes were commonly found in furniture pieces, lighting fixtures as well as the decorative pieces spread throughout the home. There were occasional statement pieces but the main stuff was quite low key.
Living areas were generally minimalist insomuch that the windows were even left bare.
Twentieth Century Designers
It would be wrong to leave out the husband and wife designer team of Charles and Ray Earnes. Majority of the Mid-Century pieces were made by them. They also greatly influenced many architectural details in homes during that time. The Earnes, together with other designers, created and mass-produced furniture by using plastic, plexiglass and glass – all new materials at the time. All the items free-floated in rooms with no defined arrangements.
Kitchens: The Star of the Show
Back in the ‘50s, the kitchens were no less than the heart of homes. Turquoise, pink, aqua and other pastel colors were the leading colors used because of the carefree feelings that they evoked. The kitchen is often visited by family members to eat when they don’t want to dine formally inside their dining rooms.
Chrome and Formica dinette sets were common kitchen pieces used for informal family meals.
What is a ’50s concept without artwork? The Uttermost Accessories Blue Waterfall Art 32240 has delicious pastel colors that are most suitable in your living room or bedroom.
Features of ‘50s Homes (That You Mustn’t Do Without)
Tags: 1950s, hipster interior design, hipster interiors, hipster style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Saturday, November 26th, 2016
Vintage Classics by FFDM
When deciding on a getaway, you would want to find a place that’s relaxing complete with breathtaking scenery. One would think of Lake Tahoe and other such locations. Apart from the location, it is also important to find a dwelling that’s tranquil. More often than not, log cabins and cottages use the rustic theme.
Rustic Characteristics
Rustic interior design offers an eclectic look that highlights the timeworn beauty of nature. When you choose this theme, be ready to embrace distressed items, handcrafted stuff, and natural materials such as wicker and wood.
The rustic furniture family makes use of wood, stone, rattan, bamboo, nubby cotton, sisal, paper, clay and glass. Metals are also widely used because of their warm hues. This is why you would find a lot of copper and bronze elements in homes that are designed to be rustic.
The structural features of rustic homes include exposed wooden beams, an exposed column here and there, stone or hardwood flooring. Should these elements go missing in our home, then you can always install faux columns or beams.
Other rustic style basics include suede, leather, metals with patina, bark, twigs, wrought-iron, hemp, animal hides, concrete and natural garden elements.
Rustic Is Warm and Cozy
Rustic interior design is chiefly comfortable. Homeowners who are trying to achieve the rustic look should have a natural eye for warmth and elements that could provide comfort. This can be easily done by incorporating hardwood elements from wall features, visible ceiling rafters, heavy wooden cabinets, and stone countertops. Unadorned hardwood flooring is the perfect base to all the above elements.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Blakeley Ottoman’s leather upholstery makes it the perfect piece for your rustic home.
Country Hues
Since you are focused in keeping the warm and natural colors of the rustic theme, then you also have to consider repainting. This is especially true when your current home paint does not coincide with your new theme.
Rustic means you have to include a lot of browns, grays, tans and greens. For a more customized look, you can use patterned fabrics. This same effect can be achieved in the kitchen and the bathroom. You can also have a customized tile installation where colors are mixed and matched. Use bright, bold tones and blend them with lighter tones.
Many decades ago, the home’s comfort depended solely on the way windows were installed and how the walls were lined. Sometimes, the way the fireplace was positioned also makes a difference. These days, there are advanced varieties of these and have become major principles in rustic design.
Heating and cooling systems now make sure that the weather outside won’t leave the homeowners cold or roasted.
Rustic country design also makes use of natural fabrics like linen and cotton in manufacturing curtain and cushions. Fabrics must also come with basic patterns and hues and most have been handmade.
Here are two styles that fall under the rustic category. There are many more to choose from but it would be wise to differentiate these two basics and to see which one will look great in your home –
The Southwestern Style
This is the Native American, Mexican and Spanish influences fused to offer you that laidback style. Typical rooms here have rough surfaces, earthy colors, wrought-iron furniture, bold textiles and painted stoneware. Terra cotta is also fairly common.
Southwestern colors include greens, desert hues, clay red and yellows, oranges, as well as turquoise. Suede and leather are common in ottomans, chairs and sofas. Distressed knotty pine pieces are also useful in this kind of rustic design.
Country Style
This other style commonly features vintage textiles and more subdued colors. It also makes use of simpler furniture and accessories that are very down-to-earth. It has a more worn-out look compared to the Southwestern style.
Cottage chic is also often referred to as Country style.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, rustic, rustic design, rustic interiors, rustic theme
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