• Follow us:

Posts Tagged ‘McCreerys Home Furnishings’

« Older Entries Newer Entries »

You, Your Neighbors and That Thing Called Privacy

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

FFDM Antebellum: Carpeting in this room absorbs noise effectively.

FFDM Antebellum: Carpeting in this room absorbs noise effectively.

Living in close proximity with your neighbors may be the trend these days but it still poses quite a challenge. What you need is to plan smart so that not every person from your neighborhood would be able to smell what you’re cooking, see what you’re viewing, or even hear what your family is talking about.

Noise Control

The initial thing that you need to consider when living within earshot of your neighbors is the noise. This may be the music that is being played, kids running and laughing about or those regular parties. Any noise that you don’t make is considered noise.

There are two kinds of noise transference – impact and airborne. Impact noise includes footsteps or the whirs of washing machine. Airborne noise, on the other hand, includes muffled or audible voices, the sound of TV, or music. The solution for both is this – sound insulation.

Sound Insulation Equals Peace of Mind

If your neighbor’s barking dogs are starting to drive you mad, then you should definitely consider leveling up your home’s sound insulation. To significantly reduce the noise level coming into your home, be sure to use a fusion of sound-absorbent material and void.

Have the frame fixed into the interior wall or into the floor. This should create a void. It could be a wood lath frame or, for better results, use lightweight steel frame. Rubber sound-absorbent material can be bought by the roll.

Calculate

There are two chief points to think about when installing sound insulation. First, you need to consider the price for every square foot. Second, you also have to measure the depth of the system as far as how it protrudes from the current wall. The adjoining structure’s size will show what product standard will be viable for your home. For instance, if it’s just a bedroom wall, then you should pick the high-end kit.

Modern frame and clip kit offer minimal profile so you won’t lose more than an inch or two out from the wall’s surface. This will add up where three to four walls should be insulated as two inches from every side will have a relevant impact on the floor space.

Always consider your choices carefully.

Clean Air

Apart from sound, there is also another concern which is the smell. This could be the sewage, garbage, cooking or your neighbor’s pets. These are all issues especially when you are living in an apartment or a townhouse. More often than not, space restrictions come with an obligation to make the airflow breathable.

Have a duct installed and make sure that this is centered either on the bathroom or the kitchen. An air duct will extract any unwanted odors and vent them outside. In a few cases, this can be achieved by having voids between the stud work and joists. Exposed ducts can also be used as a contemporary feature in your living room.

You can also extract cooking smells by using a high-powered fan. Just make sure that the one you invest in does not contribute to the level of noise, though. If you want to make good use of a kitchen ventilation system, then be sure to keep the speed under maximum speed. If you have to use the fan at this speed, then be sure to keep your usage under 10 minutes.

If you happen to live in an apartment and you’re sandwiched between units, then your only option is to have a filtered exhaust fan installed. Change the filter regularly so that the fan will remain effective and quiet.

Shun Those Prying Eyes

Lastly, even the friendliest of neighbors could be tempted to look into your terrace, patio, balcony or even the rooms. To avoid this, you must screen aesthetically, meaning, have the windows dressed with Venetian blinds, curtains or drapes.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

The Stairway Fashion Update

Tuesday, August 9th, 2016

The Accessories Uttermost Iron Fish Wall Art 04273 is an interesting alternative to the usual framed photos or paintings.

The Accessories Uttermost Iron Fish Wall Art 04273 is an interesting alternative to the usual framed photos or paintings.

The stairway is an integral part of any home renovation.  This is especially true for multiple-floor homes whether they have the budget for a rebuild or just a refinish project. Here are some guidelines that you might want to consider as you try to tackle this remodeling project in your home –

Replace Not                            

If you want your stairway project to be cost-effective, then try to update your old staircase by refinishing it. You would be amazed at how you can transform the look of your stairs by merely painting the risers or the vertical part of your stairs. Be sure that the trim and the risers have the same color and the treads are refinished.

You can also update the railing by having the balusters painted and having the handrails refinished. You could achieve a more traditional look by accomplishing this but if you want a contemporary vibe, then all you have to do is to add a modern carpet runner.

Repaint or Clad with New Treads and Risers

Another less expensive way of updating the stairs – whether old or new – is to having it painted. Be sure to paint the treads, railings and the risers. Use contrasting colors like black and white to achieve a more dramatic flair.

If a painting job is not your cup of tea, then you can always have the stairs clad with new treads and risers. Here, you won’t have to worry about overspending on rebuilding or tearing out your stairs.

Choose the Right Materials

One other magnificent way to spruce up a contemporary or traditional staircase is by using non-traditional materials for your balusters. Add steel or iron to the railing then alter the whole look as well as the character of the stairs.

Adding glass will also modernize the look of your stairway. There are a few reminders that you need to remember when considering this route. Primarily, know that fingerprints will show when you touch glass so it won’t be enough just to install a glass railing. You would also need to install a handrail atop the glass so that the fingerprint concern will be reduced, if not eliminated.

Go Horizontal

There is now a popular look that is being used in many modern spaces. This is the use of horizontal railing. Be extra careful when using this kind of railing as it is easy for a little child to climb onto. If you still have kids at home, it is better to look at other options so as not to worry about their safety.

A safer choice is a horizontal railing that would go all the way up to the ceiling. This would completely eliminate the problem on kids climbing over the railing. This railing wall will also provide a dramatic backdrop to any adjoining room.

A Floating Staircase

Bring in a little magic into your home. A floating staircase comes at an amazing price as it needs a steel structure for support. Steel can be quite pricey so see if you are ready to bring this look to life. In addition to this, there is also the added danger of kids squeezing between the tread spaces. Make sure that the space between each is no less than four inches.

Accessories Uttermost Citrus Study Hand Painted Art, S2 36109

Accessories Uttermost Citrus Study Hand Painted Art, S2 36109

Be More Imaginative

You can also customize your stairway based on your preference. Think of clever ways to beautify your stairway. You can have an open riser as you beef up the size of the treads. Doing so will also minimize the gaps. Use steel balusters for a minimalist appeal.

Wood or steel railings can also be customized and can add an interesting detail to your home.

Create Storage

Storage may not have anything to do with railing, risers or treads but there is always that extra space beneath the stairs. It would be a waste to not have a function for this available space. Even a floating staircase will always have a space to offer underneath so make good use of it. This is a great storage space for shoes, books and knickknacks.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

Moisture in Your Home and Its Telltale Signs

Tuesday, August 9th, 2016

The 1586-80110D-MULTI4 Serendipity Rectangle Cocktail Table is the kind of furniture that can withstand an upped level of moisture in your home.

The 1586-80110D-MULTI4 Serendipity Rectangle Cocktail Table is the kind of furniture that can withstand an upped level of moisture in your home.

There are but a few things that can wreak havoc when it comes to indoor air quality than moisture. The non-removal of water vapor could result in the formation of mold, an increase in the population of dust mites and condensation. You all know what would happen should these start to invade your home so it’s time to fix your moisture problem once and for all.

Knowing how to get rid of moisture issues begins with being able to tell if it has gotten into your home. So where does it all begin?

People Are the Culprit

You may or may not be surprised to learn that people are the leading culprits when it comes to the occurrence of water vapor inside homes. Did you know that even in the hottest and most humid months, moisture can get in? Yet the environmental factors pale in comparison to the moisture produced by cooking, showering, even your breathing.

A family consisting of four members can produce up to three gallons of water vapor daily. If you’re thinking that merely opening windows would solve your problems, well, think again. Rather than doing this because it could bring in more moisture into your home, it would be better to dehumidify the area.

Shading is yet another strategy that you could look into.

Spot the Moisture Buildup

So how do you know when moisture is already starting to build up? First, you might notice some water drops along the edges of your glass windows.

Look up and you might also be able to see some mold or mildew forming right where the ceiling and the wall meet. The damp smell that is associated with mildew is also a common telltale sign that moisture is trying to destroy your home.

Seeing these things only means that what you have is either a very old home or a poorly-designed new building. There could be thermal bridges where insulation is quite weak as it allows heat to escape at a quicker rate.

A home renovation or remodel should include a consultation with a building science expert. Ventilation and envelope should be properly-designed so that moisture issues can be avoided.

Beware of Unseen Moisture

There could also be widespread condensation happening inside the roofs, walls or slabs where the human eye won’t penetrate. Yet there are also telltale signs that would tell you something is happening in those hidden areas. Called interstitial condensation, the moisture is escaping towards a cooler environment right on the other side of the warmer wall. When this happens, you would observe that the wall would start to degrade. Also, the efficiency of the insulation would start to be reduced.

FFDM Antebellum Collection: Take care of furniture pieces made of hardwood if you suspect that there is an increased level of moisture in your home.

FFDM Antebellum Collection: Take care of furniture pieces made of hardwood if you suspect that there is an increased level of moisture in your home.

Concentrated Condensation

Spot this right at that point where the roof, wall and slab are assembled. These are often visibly wet so you don’t need a pair of glasses to see where the plumbing issues are ensuing. This type of moisture intrusion is caused by an air leak that is localized, meaning, in just a single spot, there is a hole or crack where air escapes to the outside.

Should you know where to find the actual leak, then it is pretty easy to fix by simply checking the airtightness layer. At times, a simple blue tape could fortify punched areas.

Measure the Humidity

You might not see any of the above problems yet you know, somehow, that moisture is beginning to affect the indoor air quality in your home.  If all you have is a gut feel, then it would be wise to invest in a hygrometer so you’ll know the levels of humidity in your home. The ideal measurement should be anywhere between 30 to 50 relative humidity.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Home Maintenance | No Comments »

The Awesome Bathroom Remodel

Monday, August 8th, 2016

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Monkeys Soap Dish 1253-470

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Monkeys Soap Dish 1253-470

Have you recently decided to remodel your bathroom? Then what an amazing decision that is. As you already know, there are a lot of tasks to do ahead of you. Even when you are in collaboration with a bathroom designer as well as a general contractor, there is still a lot of mental and physical work involved in this project. As a homeowner you should be above these things.

It is up to you to decide where things will be placed, how much budget will be allocated, and how the layout will be done. There isn’t just a single book when it comes to the step-by-step process of bathroom renovation but there are fundamentals that could guide you as you go about with this project.

Know What You’re Achieving

There is a simple answer to this – you are in need of a new bathroom. Yet this journey will eat up some of your savings and a lot of your time. You need to determine, from the onset, the kind of result that you would want to achieve. Know your ideal bathroom. Don’t think about the constraints of money or time at first so that your creativity can take flight.

Envisioning the end result asks for you to know who the bathroom is for. A kid’s bathroom is a lot different from the powder room. How often this room will be used will also determine the eventual look. Consider also how many people would be using the bathroom. It also pays if you could determine how much time will be spent there during the morning, afternoon or the evening.

Other things that need to be addressed include knowing which routines will be done in the bathroom. Will this be the home where you will grow up in?

It also pays to determine if older people would be using the bathroom because, then, you will consider how to deal with poor eyesight and arthritis. It would also be good to have a bathroom that is a looker, nevertheless, one that’s easy to clean.

Lastly, know if you are remodeling for a resale because you will have to consider adding towel warmers, a fireplace, steam showers, even a television.

Define Your Remodeling Reason(s)

There are three chief reasons why people opt to remodel their bathrooms, the first being to update the look of this part in their home. If this is your reason for remodeling, then be sure to pick new cabinets as well as plumbing fixtures.

The second reason for bathroom renovation is upping the home’s resale value. When selling, it pays to know what your buyers actually want. Random buyers could be a tad more difficult to anticipate but you could survey what most homeowners love in purchasing new or pre-loved homes.

The third reason why people renovate their bathrooms is for added storage and better functionality. There are many changes that you could apply such as adding another sink or having shelves for the toiletries and make-up. This third kind of remodel could lead to a gutted bathroom but this is also the one that would end up with a high-end look.

Research

Before you set out to spend money on your bathroom renovation, see that you know what you’re getting into. You could estimate what you could roughly afford but your allotted budget would be more concise if you do your research. More than 50% of homeowners, according to some surveys, are willing to spend beyond $10,000 on master bathroom remodels.

Hire a Pro

It would definitely cost more to hire an expert but you get the added guarantee that the result would be professional-grade. So rather than risk having to redo the remodeling project, it is best to ask for help from a team that knows.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bathroom Design, Interior Design 101, Remodeling | No Comments »

The Renovation Plan, Your Schedule and Budget

Monday, August 8th, 2016

 1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard

1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard

As a home renovation client, you might feel that you have very little influence when it comes to the makeover project; yet you have more control that you might actually lead yourself to think. Keep in mind that the scope of the project and the materials to be used are all going to be up to you.

The secret to working on a renovation project and keeping it on schedule and on the right budget is to plan all the details before the ground even breaks. If you have not renovated or rebuilt a home in the past, then it’s time that you learn some tricks on how to complete the project.

Know Your Goal

Before you even meet up with a professional, you must know what you would want to accomplish. Would you like to renovate the entire kitchen or just a portion of it? Would you want an elegant upgrade, complete replacement of the furnishings, or would you just like to replace a long-loved backsplash?

A few homeowners know when it is time to renovate their current home yet most of them aren’t sure how to go about with the project. Most of them end up deciding to work with professionals who help in interior design advice and developing a plan.

Prepare the Construction Plans

One of the most crucial documents that you will use are construction plans. These building plans should have the approval of an agency to ascertain that the home meets safety and local codes. If you are not familiar with the building codes as well as construction methods, then you should think of hiring a professional to draft the plans for you.

Different states have different drafting rules. These can also depend on the type and size of the renovation project. Ask people from the local building department to explain the current rules in your area.

Every profession emphasizes different roles. Interior designers and architects are the ones that come up with concepts. They are also the ones that usually draw plans. General contractors are the ones that build the plans while landscape architects create plans and designs for the outdoors.

Know Your Options

Many experts provide a range of services from project management to the final construction. There are those who charge by the hour and those who compute per project. There are also architectural firms that provide design services.

After knowing which team to handle your design project, then you should make your choice regarding who to become your first member. Most hire a designer, architect, builder or a remodeler depending on their current priorities.

Interview a few people then ask for references. Take the time to drive to their past projects. Follow these basic guidelines when hiring an interior designer.

FFDM American Cherry Collection

FFDM American Cherry Collection

Set the Right Budget

Not everyone may stay on budget, in fact, only about a third is able to work on a renovation project within their initial budget. Another third exceeded their budgets while only about 3% were able to achieve a project that’s below their budget. The worst group was those who had no budget to begin with. Those who went over their budgets reasoned that they chose more elegant materials and finishes.

Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $50,700 or more depending on the square feet that need to be worked on. Master bathroom renovation could include furniture and appliance replacement. Asking for an estimate should give you ample leeway in terms of budget. Rather than do the project yourself and risk possible mishaps, it’s way better to ask a team of professionals to complete the project for you.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Design Contractor, Interior Design 101, The Interior Designer | No Comments »

Going Tropical with Wicker and Rattan

Sunday, August 7th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed

Wicker is often viewed as a material but, in essence, it is a term that is often used to describe a category of man-made or natural materials that are woven. This can be rattan, cane, willow, rush, reed, resins, grasses, splints and vinyl.

Wicker can also be the term used to describe the weaving process itself. Wickerwork is known as an ancient technique that is applied using natural materials. These materials are often made wet so that they can be subjected to the weaving procedure.

Apart from natural materials like rattan, wicker can also be created using synthetic materials like resin or vinyl.

Wicker Furniture Benefits

You might be deliberating on what makes wicker furniture the best solution for your home. First, choosing wicker furnishings means owning a lightweight design element; while you can move it around easily, it is sturdy enough to accommodate people of different shapes and sizes.

Wicker is also durable especially the pieces that are made from rattan. Reed and bamboo furniture pieces are strong, too. Wicker with metal frames is even sturdier and is comparable with those made synthetically like resin.

Wicker is also famous for being flexible. It can come in various colors such as black, brown, tan, white, even olive green. Homeowners have the leeway to add colorful cushions to make the wicker chairs more stylish.

 Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053

Different Wicker Options

The first kind that you might want to look into is cane. This is made from rattan’s peeled bark. The strips of bark or the skin are cut into uniform strips. What is achieved is an end product that can be used as a sturdy material for the backs and seats of chairs. Cane can also be used for the legs of tables and chairs.

Another type of wicker is rattan. This is a common material that is used in manufacturing stylish wicker pieces. Rattan comes from the climbing palm named Calamus. This grows at about 36 inches each day which makes it a fast-growing furniture resource. Apart from the skin eventually processed as cane, rattan is then cut to different sizes of reeds. These can be used for wickerwork because of its durability, strength and resilience.

The third type is called reed. This is actually the pithy interior of a rattan. It can be processed to different sizes and shapes like wedge, flat or round.

Another type is what’s known as willow. This is a natural U.S. and Europe material that is commonly used in weaving. It can be harvested from willow shrubs and trees. They are blonde and have small knots right where the offshoots have been removed during processing.

Add to this list the ever-famous bamboo. This comes from the grass family which features an outer bark that may be less weather resistant so you just have to use it inside your home. Bamboo is the best material for homeowners who want the classic look of wicker without having to spend too much.

Traditional wicker coming from natural materials is the best pieces to use as indoor furniture. They are your best choice for living room, bedroom, and dining room pieces. They can also be used outside your home but just make sure that you fortify them against moisture and the glaring heat of the sun.

Synthetic wicker has recently emerged because of the growing demand for sturdy yet inexpensive wicker furniture. Vinyl and resin are made from plastic yet they can also be cut into different sizes and shapes just like the natural materials. There is no better wicker furniture for the outdoors than this last kind of wicker material.

So, have you made your choice?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

The Dream Home Office – Is It Within Your Reach?

Saturday, August 6th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Cherry Creek Modular Group

Hooker Furniture Cherry Creek Modular Group

Working from home has its perks. This is no longer a secret – just ask those hundreds and thousands of people who have not set up their home offices in the privacy of their homes. Most probably, you will be hearing about these benefits that they are already enjoying –

Flexibility

Probably the first thing that you would hear is the amount of freedom that home office owners enjoy. Just picture yourself being caught in the Monday morning traffic and you’d cringe at the idea of having to report to an office far, far away.

These small things can add up and eventually take a toll on you so if you really want to, go ahead and emancipate yourself from the cogs of the corporate wheel.

This flexibility extends beyond the normal day-to-day happenings. It can even open up opportunities to travel throughout the globe or to live in a location that you have wished to live in for the longest time. Referred to as a digital nomad, this is someone who can travel anywhere in the world and enjoys a life of independence.

Zero Morning Commute

Traveling to a traditional office could take 1-3 hours. Just imagine the things that you could accomplish with these three hours being freed up. You can either wake up early or you can finally decide to set up a home office.

You Get to Dress Down

Imagine having to dress down all days of the work week! You can literally work in your PJs as you finish the tasks that you have lined up for the week. This is related to the first benefit which is flexibility. Admit it, there are days when you don’t feel like working and there are moments when you just want to work during the evenings.

You are your own boss so you get to decide when and how to work.

Zero Corporate Restrictions

People who work from home don’t have to deal with office politics. There is no need to worry about bosses and people who annoy you, even people that interrupt your productivity. There is also no need to worry about unnecessary meetings.

These problems do not occur when you work at home. You decide what to do, when to do it, and you buy the supplies and furniture that inspire you the most.

Fine Furniture Design Home Office Writing Desk 1150-925

Fine Furniture Design Home Office Writing Desk 1150-925

More Time with Loved Ones

One of the biggest changes that will take place in your career when you set up a home office is that you would have more time for your family. You don’t have to worry about coming home late at night because you had to finish something in the office. Now, you can postpone tasks and get back to them when you are most ready.

Get Comfy

Everyone loves to feel comfortable. Wouldn’t it be great to have this even while you’re working? In traditional offices, you don’t get to choose your chair or desk. In your home office, you get to pick an ergonomic chair or any seating unit or work station that comes in your favorite theme.

Increased Productivity

Placing a home office can have the added benefit of upped productivity. You will find yourself more focused on tasks as you find no one hovering over you. What comes with this is for you to do more planning and some micro and macro management of tasks. Just plan your schedule and you should be fine.

Increased Use of Technology

Technology has made the workplace a lot more flexible which is why more and more people are working in their home offices. Now that you know the benefits of having a home office, it’s time to shop for the needful items there –

  • A desk
  • Swivel chair
  • Couch
  • A lamp light
  • And some storage units.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Home Office Design, Interior Design 101, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »

Virtual Designing Through Interior Design Apps

Saturday, August 6th, 2016

FFDM's Highlands Collection

FFDM’s Highlands Collection

Home making is not just a visual but also a tactile endeavor. It is an art that needs attention and time. There are now a lot of interior design tools that homeowners can utilize especially when designing, decorating, choosing paint or picking the right kinds of furniture. While there are a lot of them, not everything is useful or even amusing; but those who can’t design using the good ol’ fashioned mood boards or tester pots, then these apps are the next great thing.

Here are some of the leading apps that you can consider –

PhotoMeasures for iPhone and iPad

Using this app is as easy as snapping a photo of the rooms in your home, adding some measurements, and then zooming in and out to the details that you need. This is quite handy for someone who is always on the go. This is also amazing for those who are shopping for new furniture.

Do you want to email the photos to designers? Then there’s no problem; just use PhotoMeasures.

Magpie by Conran

This is an easy-to-use app that is available for free on iPad. Think of it as an online scrapbook that can help you in taking pictures or shooting videos. You can also create notes that would inspire you as you go about with your designing tasks. It is also easy to print your notes or photos and use them as arranged mood boards.

Remodelista

This is an app that comes with the claim – sourcebook for the considered home. You can check daily postings of interior design news throughout the world. You can easily spot cool chairs from abroad, to textural throws for different seasons. It also has the click-to-buy function which makes it a handy app.

The lite version can be downloaded for free.

Phaidon Design Classics

This app can be had for a fee. This is based on the famous book series which is an impressive collection of designs for the last 200 years. This app features items from great minds such as Rams, Dieter and Erro Saarinen.

iHandy for iPhone and iPad

In essence, this is that app that can be considered as the soul of your phone. The Elle Decoration team has downloaded this app free of charge.

Peppermint 2 for iPhone and iPad

This is an amazing app for those who are struggling with their choice of color palette. With it, you can play with various combinations, alter and adjust the shades, even save ideas for your interior design schemes.

1586-75900-BL1 Curiosity Credenza

1586-75900-BL1 Curiosity Credenza

Sun Seeker for iPhone, iPad and Android

This is the app that you need if you want to calculate the amount of natural light or sunshine that’s going to be made available inside a room. This app makes use of the iPhone’s GPS system which is a built-in feature. The GPS system tells the owner which direction he should face when mapping out the potential rays. This is extra useful when you are shopping for a new home.

The Sun Seeker lite version is free of charge.

Architonic

This is an app that you can use on both iPhones and Android phones. This is also available on iPad. This is useful for designers and architects because it showcases finished portfolios of past projects. It also catalogs just about everything pertaining to interior design and architecture.

‘Looking’ for free guides in buying an armchair or a sofa? This app has it, too.

ColorSnap

The paint brand Sherman-Williams has come up with the wonderful app that allows you to use the inspirations from the outdoors landscape, textiles or works of art into your home’s interiors. It can analyze any photo’s colors and allows you to find which shade of paint they actually match. There are more than 1,500 shades to choose from.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

Turquoise Interiors: Achieving the Casual Coastal Appeal

Friday, August 5th, 2016

Accessories Uttermost Baram Turquoise Vases, S3 20017

Accessories Uttermost Baram Turquoise Vases, S3 20017

Turquoise is a color named after the gemstone. It brings to mind soothing beach waters and the most relaxing bay breeze. This color is considered soothing and is used in a few mental health facilities because it helps create a serene atmosphere.

There are, however, a few colors that are called turquoise but are not actually turquoise. This is not teal, neither is it light blue, it is not aqua, too. Turquoise, simply put, is a mixture of green and light blue. Tints of this color come with infused yellows in different shades. This color can be anywhere from cool to warm, pale to vibrant.

Pairing Turquoise

Turquoise is a best friend to many colors. It effectively complements citrus tones such as lime. It can also work with its cousin color, blue, as well as in different shades including navy blue. Put the navy blue, turquoise and red altogether and will have achieved a Mexican, Caribbean vibe. Add some Native American motifs and art, consider also if you can set up a Mid-Century modern design.

Go ahead and pair turquoise with warm or bright white and that’s an instant beach look for you. Use mustard or amber and what you would evoke is an Old Mexican vibe. Put turquoise with gold and what you would have achieved is instant glamour.

Fall In Love with Turquoise

You can fall in love with turquoise if you are the type that loves sticking his toe in the water. A jaw-dropping turquoise chandelier is a grand way to use this color in your living room or dining room design. You can use olive-colored walls as an equally breathtaking backdrop for this interesting lighting fixture.

You can also paint that old chest that you’ve been keeping in a distressed color. You can then add accent pillows in, guess what – turquoise! This is both an energizing and soothing way to try turquoise in your home.

That Turquoise Wall

Just like other vibrant colors, turquoise can also be painted on an accent wall. This can add energy as well as light to any neutral-colored room. This is especially wonderful inside the dining room or a kitchen.

Turquoise accent wall paired with natural wood as well as warm whites simply spell happiness. If neutrals don’t fascinate you, then add a little dimension to the room by having turquoise painted right next to dark coral walls.

BLOG 7. Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Nina Bombe Chest - Turquoise

BLOG 7. Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Nina Bombe Chest – Turquoise

A Turquoise Bathroom

Turquoise can enliven and calm at the same time especially when you use it inside the bathroom.  Gold and turquoise will also work wonderfully inside this space more so when you decide to use it on your wallpaper.

Use turquoise and white in this room and you would create a glamorous beach-like bathroom. That style is very Miami.

Personalizing with Turquoise

Popping turquoise in a traditional setting is a unique way to personalize a room. A desk made of natural wood, for instance, could just be another nondescript piece inside a hotel room. A touch of turquoise could make a huge difference.

Lastly, are you interested in creating pale turquoise on your own? Here’s a simple method to do just that –

  • Find white paint as the base color; this is needful if you want to create a special mixture of pale turquoise. Begin with just white paint or a light blue one.
  • Mix the paints. To make the result right, try the 2:1:4 ratio, with two parts of blue, one part green and four parts white. Combining these three will give you the perfect turquoise.
  • After mixing these, all you have to do is find the best rooms to paint them with.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

The Lovely, Summery Entryway

Friday, August 5th, 2016

 

FFDM's Summer Home Collection features these wicker chairs and hardwood pieces which lovingly frame the freshly-picked fruits on the glass top table.

FFDM’s Summer Home Collection features these wicker chairs and hardwood pieces which lovingly frame the freshly-picked fruits on the glass top table.

It is always nice to come home to an inspiring, fresh entry with summer décor on display. Just imagine walking into this lovely, summery concoction as you come home from a busy day at the office. Just embrace that warm feeling as you step into your home each day. But do you know how to create the summer-themed entryway?

Set a Beachy Tone

Okay, now that you’ve imagined how the summer look is going to be, what elements would you actually like to see? Pick one that represents summer through and through. This should be prominently displayed in your entryway. This can be that unused surfboard or colorful sand complete with seashells right by the entryway corner. A beautiful seaside painting or a stack of beach books and magazines would also be nice.

Other beachcombing finds could also be included such as sea glass, driftwood, and smooth stones. Welcome summer with a display of these  beach finds.

Summer Essentials Out in the Open

Apart from the things just mentioned, you can also bring out your straw hats and display them on hooks. Even simple items such as colorful beach towels can also be a soothing, welcoming sight to look at. With your new summer look being staged, it’s wise to leave your beach gears out in the open.

You may also leave a beach bag filled with beach essentials such as sunscreen, swimsuits, and sunglasses. These can be packed and placed right by the door. After every trip that you take to the beach, wash your beach stuff then repack them so that you would always be on the go in terms of enjoying in the beach.

A Relaxing Atmosphere

Summer is a season when you should relax and take it easy. Have a small, woven tray set up by the entryway where your mails could be placed. You could also have a hidden storage and some carefully chosen accessories. The secret is to streamline. Remember that keeping the design simple is the secret to achieving a more relaxing atmosphere.

It would also help if you imagine that a magazine photographer is coming over to shoot a few pictures of your entryway so go ahead and throw all the junk-like stuff that you are still keeping. Get rid of your old mails, ratty shoes and clutter. This way, you get to bring out your creativity.

Smart Storage Solutions

There might be things in your home that are not photograph-worthy. This does not mean that you’d leave them sprawled all over the living room floor. Just so you get to keep the streamlined look, make sure you have ample storage units in your home. The clutter-free look gets covered when you have ample cabinets or shelves to house the unused items.

Still from FFDM's Summer Home Collection: The decorative jars, green plant and hardwood pieces create a brown-inspired summer vibe.

Still from FFDM’s Summer Home Collection: The decorative jars, green plant and hardwood pieces create a brown-inspired summer vibe.

Go All White

Who says white isn’t fit for a summer theme? You can go for an airy feel even in a small entryway. It would help to put things away, as usual, and then have a whitewashed mirror bracketed onto the wall. Add some baskets on the floor to balance the white mirror. Add shoes and other summer essentials into the baskets.

Dress Up the Stairs

An entryway that opens to the stairwell might look a bit boring. Add bold color strokes then delegate one wall as a photo gallery. You can try painting the runner on the stairs. Do this by taping off the mid-section then coating it with the summery color that you choose. Match the frame color to the runner for a fresher look.

Placing a woven rug at the foot of the stairs can also literally flood the room with a summer vibe. Just make sure that the rug material is sisal, sea glass or jute.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »

Next Page »« Previous Page