Thursday, August 4th, 2016
Many people are excited with colors but only a few are willing to go yonder and leave their comfort zones. Color is an integral part of any space. It is a crucial part of interior design, practically a part of one’s everyday life. Even a simple birthday cake can have lots of colors.
Black is a totally different story altogether. Black conveys different emotions. It can be contemporary, it can be traditional, it can be many things. Black can take inspiration from concrete industrial spaces or it can be as emotional as the Gothic theme.
Don’t think that black is just Gothic, though. It is dramatic, it is bold, it can be literally anything. Black can be paired with any color depending on what feeling or theme you are trying to achieve.
Black can be a tad scarier to handle especially when it comes to design purposes. It is sophisticated but it is a non-color but it can be effectively used to enhance any space. Having all neutrals in a space means there isn’t one thing to ground the eyes so black comes in handy at this point. You can use it as an anchor, for instance, when you purchase a black bed and place it in a mainly neutral room.
Black and Your Feelings
Your color choice for your home can be very subjective. This can be dependent on what you are feeling at the moment or what you are trying to convey through your design.
Black and white are base colors that you can use. This can be in your sheer attempt to be dramatic, bold and sophisticated all at the same time while not forgetting the privacy in your space.
Going through the design process, you would often subject yourself through a series of questions regarding the creation of a functional yet still beautiful space. If you want to achieve an airy and light feeling, then you have to think of elements that are not dark, heavy and compact.
Black means taking a risk because, eventually, it means never going out of style and being classy.
Black and Fashion
Did you know that what is in in the fashion industry also reflects in the world of interior design? Black is a universal hue that can be in concert with other hues. It can effortlessly provide crispness, weight, relief, definition and, yes, style.
In essence, every room is in need of a touch a black. It can add just the right amount of drama, even life to a boring room. There is no need to repeat black throughout the room. It is best used as a bold accent like a statement wall or an interesting ceiling.
There is no gray area when it comes to the use of black in interior design. Either you use a lot of it or just use a touch. Black trimming means you have effectively restrained the color while still contributing to the beauty of your interiors. Black trim on your windows can give a refreshing crispness to the room. It will make the windows pop and provide a cohesive look.
Black can keep white from being boring or stark. Without this non-color, the design would be ineffective. Black and white floors (usually checks) are the standard black and white duo. This design has been considered haute for centuries. To add a modern look, just place a colorful statement wall.
Black isn’t just the absorption of all colors, it is also good to be married with any color. There isn’t a color scheme in the world that would not fit this hue. Even purple – an often choosy color – is effectively complemented by black so, go ahead and use it to your heart’s content.
Tags: black, black color palette, black color scheme, black design, black interior design, black interiors, black palette, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
The term bay window is used for any protruding window construct whether or not it stands tall or it comes at a regular height. Common angles are 90, 135 and 150-degrees in polygonal or square shapes. Bay windows are supported by a bracket and a corbel.
Most of the bay windows during the medieval times up to the Baroque period appear highly ornamented. These are often constructed as a part of the building rather than a unique part of it. The Gothic period showed a lot of small home chapels complete with bay windows having an altar at the base. The most famous example of this kind of construct is the St. Sebaldus Church.
The Arab Mashrabiya is an example of a bay window that is made of wood that allows a great view of the outdoors while limiting visibility from the people outside. This is quite similar to the balcony.
Bay windows were also quite popular during the Victorian period. From then on, they have been effectively used to increase the amount of natural light into a home or a building. With ample lighting comes the illusion of a room that appears larger than its actual size so these windows are a welcome idea to people who have smaller homes.
Bay windows are often seen in semis, terraced and detached houses. While they have been based largely on British models, they also became popular in other countries such as Canada, the U.S. and Australia.
The Bay Windows: A Decorative Element
The bay window can either be a welcoming sight or an unsightly one depending on how it is presented. There are some people who have this kind of window in their home but don’t know how what to do with it. The proper presentation of bay windows (also called bow windows) is to picture a home in San Francisco. This is basically Victorian style architecture that can be adopted into any structure.
If you want to optimize the use of this window as a beautiful home feature, then begin by using a window seat. You can place a lovely table in front of this seat which means you’ve just created the perfect setting for intimate family games.
Bay windows may also be used just as long as its height permits banquet-style dining. Use a pedestal table to achieve just this. The window height should leave ample legroom underneath. Make sure to consider the height of the seats as well as the legroom as you install a banquet in a bay window. See also the height of your back cushions.
For a more casual look, the bay window that is located on the first floor of your home can accommodate a banquet right below the window sill. Toss a few colorful pillows and you’re good. Be sure to cover the cushions with washable slipcovers. The fabric should, preferably, be an indoor-outdoor sort of fabric.
Placing desks at a proper angle will also be a beautiful way to use the bay window. The desktop must be at the same or lesser height than the sill. Ascertain that the glare of the sunlight isn’t too much since you will be placing your laptop or desktop computer here. Use window treatments should the glare become intolerable. Wood blinds can help in moderating the sunlight while still allowing a great view of the outside.
If you happen to own a home wherein a radiator is right by the bay window, then don’t fret. You can still make that part of your home be fused to the rest of the design elements. Just use a chair to define that space. Any single, decorative chair would do.
For those who have floor-to-ceiling bay windows, well, you’re in the best of luck. They are the best kind of bay windows to offer an elegant look. Make the most of them by dressing them up in silk or drapery panels, Roman shades, or contemporary valances.
Tags: bay window, kinds of window, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, types of window, window designs
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Window Design | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016

The rustic beauty of the 1586-75907-GRY1 Soiree Sideboard can perfectly house your fine silverware. Use fresh fruits as decorative enhancers.
Summer is all about relaxation and reveling in the season. You get to use cooler interior color palettes plus you get to a respite from the formal look. With casual interiors come summer décor and thoughts of evening breezes and warm, sunny outdoors. See how you can use these summer décor ideas in your home –
Furniture: Screaming for Airiness
Everything that’s dark and muted is the right thing to use during fall or winter. The colors of summer are different in such that they are light and airy. It would be correct to use removable slipcovers, colorful decorative throws that bring brightness and pigments into your home.
The greatest finds for this season can be found in FFDM’s Summer Home Collection.
If you prefer neutrals, then use khaki or white slipcovers because these are the most casual that you could use to dress up your usually formal throw pillows.
Window Treatments: Instruments in Achieving Picturesque Views
If you want to feel the cool night air while keeping the blistering heat of the sun from entering your home, then use curtains. Draperies have dark and heavy materials while sheer curtains are versatile and could be flexibly used during the summer months.
Having lovely outdoors views are things that you can savor during these warm months so do not try to cover them up. Use valances to keep the windows as a picture frame that offers amazing views at all times.
Valances also come in delicious summer colors and textures.
Bring Nature Inside Your Home
Bringing the outdoors is also a wonderful idea if you can’t keep your windows open all the time. Summer, after all, is all about the feeling of being outdoors so you might as well bring in some fresh fruits and use them as centerpieces. Potted green plants and flowers in beautiful glass vases are sure to make your home smell wonderful while also looking very pretty.
For a more rustic vibe, you can use green materials such as hemp, bamboo, or jute. Woven, colorful area rugs are most welcome as these bring in an exotic feel to your home.
Keep in mind, though, that actually entertaining people outside is a welcoming break that most people look forward to. If the idea of open windows doesn’t exactly excite you then you can always buy a painting or any wall décor that you would love to look at. Again, summer is all about spontaneity and being flexible.
Get Ready for Some Kiddie Action
Summer means kids are out of school which also means that they are going to be around the house a lot. Make sure slipcovers and fabrics used are machine washable. These are fun and casual so you won’t have to worry too much about their upkeep.
Summer also means arts and crafts so get ready to pick some pine cones, seashells, and many nature-inspired finds. Such projects can also be turned into summer décor which you can use proudly in your home.
Sunshine Yellow and Cheerful Orange
Hands down, the happiest colors that you could find to use in your summer theme are orange and yellow. Both colors remind us of the sun, pretty flowers, even citrus fruits. They can grab the attention of any person especially if you want a certain room to stand out.
Different interiors come with different lighting and the lack of lighting means you have to use bolder colors sparingly. The brightest and boldest colors can easily overwhelm any space more so a compact one so be sure to use color swatches before you actually paint a wall yellow or orange. There is also a wide selection of these colors in different tones so take your time before you finalize your selection.
Tags: bright colors, bright hues, brightening up rooms, brightening up your home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer color scheme, summer colors, summer home, summer theme, summer vibe, tips
Posted in Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Friday, July 29th, 2016
Do you believe that designing a comfortable and safe deck is easy? Some could answer this positively while others might be a tad more hesitant. Designing a home deck requires that you initially get in touch with your local building department or the homeowners’ association. There are deck restrictions as well as requirements that you should ask about. There are also zoning ordinances that put a cap on the deck size, its location and its general construct. In many cases, you would need a building permit before you can begin constructing or designing a home deck.
That Lovely Sketch
Find a tape measure then go out with a pencil and paper. Sketch your dream deck, don’t be afraid, go ahead. Include your home’s location including the number of doors and windows. Place also the location of trees and other primary landscaping structures. Sheds are also an example of such structures.
The Proper Location
Decide whether the house exit will lead directly to the deck or if it will be located elsewhere.
A freestanding deck comes with two or more beams. This can be installed right next to your house or right by the swimming pool. If it is away from any of these two locations, then make sure that you have a clear path or walkway leading right to it.
Think also of the kind of view that you would want on your deck. If you require privacy, then you can have a wall built for a portion of the deck. You can also use a nearby shade in keeping the deck cool especially during the summer. You can also place the deck away from a shrub line so you can have some cool breeze pass through.
Essential Deck Parts
Attached decks have ledger boards that can replace one of the support beams. This can be attached using bolts; a tool that greatly reduces material costs. This, however, comes with pest or water damage, eventually.
A lot of building codes require metal flashing for moisture prevention between the house wall and the ledger. If you want to prevent this problem, then have the ledger treated for mold or pest infiltration.
If you are thinking of building that luxurious two-story deck, then you have to provide a long stairway. It would help to break up the stairway with a transition deck. Plan the right connection for the stairs and the deck and where this connection would end.
Figure Out the Deck Function and Size
If you are a frequent party host, then you would definitely need a larger deck. This is a place where tables, chairs, a bench or two maybe, and other outdoor furniture can be placed. It’s a place where you grill and drink and have fun so make sure that you turn it into a pleasant retreat, one that is comfortable.
Avoid layouts that put a railing right in the middle of any of the windows in your home. Assure also that the doors swinging outward would clear the railings. Should the need call for it, you should adjust the location and size of the deck.
Pick a Style
Decks with some architectural lines made with lumber and vertical metal balusters are complementary looks. If you want a more traditional or classic appeal, then use lumber with visible grain lines as balusters; as much as possible, choose pressure-treated lumber.
Remember that the deck can be exposed to harsh elements. So in installing wood decking, make sure that you use weather sealants and staining. Redwood and heart cedar are often resistant to decay, hence, they are used extensively. If you use any other type of wood, then have it treated with any kind of preservative.
Tags: deck design, deck style, deck styling, designing the deck, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor living, outdoor view, styling the deck, tips
Posted in Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Friday, July 29th, 2016

1586-80151A-GRY1 Lulu Shaped Console Table 4056CR Henry Exposed Wood: Achieving this look is easy if you know which design elements to balance. Don’t know what to do? Hire an expert.
A lot of residential contractors take on design projects here and there usually with the cooperation of the homeowner. The latter could bring photos, sketches, even tear-outs from interior design magazines or books. This is true when it comes to remodeling where the design choices are constrained by some pre-existing circumstances.
Technically speaking, design contractors provide the design-build services yet they are not referred to as design builders. They also do not charge separately for their design project so long as this is not a line item on their estimate.
On bigger home remodels, though, a lot of contractors prefer to work off another person’s plan unless design is a part of their service. Still some allow homeowners to terminate the contract right after the design stage, allowing you to make use of another contractor’s plans. This is a crucial choice that you would want to see in your contract. Contracts may offer discounts if you would be working with the same contractor during construction.
There are various approaches to design-build bidding as well as contracts. A lot of design-build companies work through negotiated bid since they don’t generally put out the plans to different contractors for bidding. In this case, a contractor will share a portion of the costs with the homeowner and would negotiate a fee (whether hourly, by percentage or fixed) for the services that they offer.
Choosing the Right Design-Build Contractor
If you are hiring a designer and a contractor which is the same person, you need to ask the kind of questions that you would ask an architect/designer and the contractor. When you evaluate a company, be sure to separate the construction from the design side. This is because you might like their design projects but not their construction ones.
Talk to people from the design team and ask about how they work together during the design stage. See how they have previously worked with clients and how they charge for their designs. As to the construction side, ask questions that you would ask a general contractor.
Ask for references then ask their previous clients regarding the design and building phases. You need to know what went well, what surprises or problems came up, any cost overruns and how they were handled, and how much the clients eventually liked the project.
Another important thing to remember is the total cost of the project and a breakdown of the fees.
Make it a point to have the design company take full responsibility of the mistakes should anything happen. Have this stipulated in the contract.
Advantages of Hiring a Design-Build Contractor
The greatest things that you will enjoy when you hire a design-build contractor are the same advantages that you get from a general contractor. You also get to simplify the process by hiring a one-stop-shop for construction and design.
Hiring just one company for design and construction means you save significantly. There will also be no disputes between the design and construction departments since they are technically in the same department.
You get to have more design freedom when you deal with just one company. Here, you can control the specs such as the fixtures that you use, finishes and mechanical equipment.
Lastly, find a reputable design-build contractor. He should also be someone who you would like to work with. You would also be likely to save money if you hire a single expert rather than a team of professionals. Make sure also that you keep the plans that you would work with so you can still use them with another contractor (should the need for another expert arise).
Tags: benefits of having an interior designer, design contractor, design-build contractor, finding an interior designer, hiring an interior designer, how to find an interior designer, how to hire an interior designer, interior design contractor, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, working with interior designers
Posted in Design Contractor | No Comments »
Thursday, July 28th, 2016

1586-10443-WH3 Swan Room Divider with File Storage is neutral-colored but the eye-popping details make it more interesting.
Wall colors have the power to impart drama or beauty in every room. What you need to do to achieve these both is to choose the colors perfectly. Sometimes, though, some homeowners use an excessive amount of bold colors on walls and other parts of their home. Among the rooms in a home, the living room tends to be overdone when it comes to paint colors.
If you don’t want to make this same mistake, then you have to know the effects of the colors that you choose for your living environment. Consider the amount of natural light when used inside the living room. Your choice of color can also be dependent on the style of the room.
If you want to achieve a calm yet elegant ambience, then settle for neutral paint colors. You can choose from creams, whites, grays, taupe, and browns. These are the classic options for the living room as they tend to please just about everyone.
Choose from monochromatic, analogous, triad, complementary, warm, split-complementary, neutral or cool hues. Apply paint that will surely highlight the living room design.
The Green Living Room
Green is a fresh color that you can use to invoke a relaxing feeling inside the living room. It is advisable to use light hues such as green because they offer a more comfortable feeling. Use a bit of white or yellow to go with your green paint as this duo will create a more dashing appeal.
Those who love natural beauty should add fresh plants or flowers as accent pieces in the living room. Put some wood furniture pieces to have an enhanced interior.
The Yellow Living Room
Yellow has a welcoming appeal that will add to the hominess of a living room. Applying yellow paint will only be deemed effective if you choose the right design elements to go with it. Poorly-lit surfaces such as dark hallways and foyers will be brighter if you paint them with yellow. Try a medley of purple and yellow as this is the best contrast that you could come up with. Just make sure that you use one color as a dominant hue and the other only as an accent.
The Blue Living Room
Choose blue also for a cool look. If you use this color together with red and yellow, then what you achieve is the so-called triadic color. This is an awesome and interesting color to use in the living room because it is unique or one that is not used too often.
The Red Living Room
Are you bold enough to use the color red in your living room? This can comprise one statement wall – an accent wall – that will surely catch anyone’s attention.
Red is luxurious and energetic. Most restaurants use red for a good reason. Be careful in using this color as this tends to make one feel restless after quite some time. Combining green and black with red will give you a fantastic triad, too.
The Brown Living Room
Brown is a classic color, one that is reliable and is often seen in most wood furniture. The deep brown hue of most furniture pieces can match a dark green wall or any natural wood accents. What you achieve with brown and green is a natural contrast that is pleasing to the eyes.
Nearer to the color brown is orange which can also be used to add warmth and zest to the living room.
The Neutral Living Room
Are you still unsure of what color to use in your living room? Then go ahead and play safe with neutrals. The neutral palette is used extensively in many living room themes. Here, you can display colorful artworks, bright décor, and just about any hue-laden masterpiece.
Tags: colors for the living room, living room color scheme, living room color schemes, living room colors, living room hues, living room paint, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, wall colors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Living Room Design | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 27th, 2016
There are a lot of options from trendy to traditional when it comes to the materials that you can use for your kitchen backsplash. Your options can range from rustic wood, metal to trendy glass. Tile may be the most used backsplash material at the moment but there are many other choices to look at. Natural stone is also a fast-growing option. With the right installer, your options grow even more.
What to choose?
Wood Mosaic
A mosaic tile backsplash can be fashioned out of any antique or old thing. For instance, an old boat wood can be used as a moisture-repellent material. This kind of wood mosaic backsplash no longer requires sealant or grout.
Reclaimed Wood
Whoever said hardwood is just for flooring and walls has clearly not seen the beauty of hardwood backsplash. A standout feature of open-concept kitchens is a modern backsplash. You can stray from tradition by installing a wood backsplash instead. This reclaimed wood backsplash should warm up any concrete or stainless steel environment.
Marble Plus Wallpaper
Not a lot of people opt for a white kitchen and those who do tend to set up an all-white environment. A white marble backsplash will work wonders if paired with the correct floral wallpaper. Who will come out the star? In this case, the more patterns or fanciful features the design element has, then it tends to be the star of the show.
The Photo Wall
Again, you can break away from tradition by customizing the backsplash of your kitchen. Instead of the usual tiled backsplash, go for a photo wall instead. Give your kitchen a more sentimental twist by having a cutting-edge family-wall-of-sorts backsplash.
Add orange accents to liven up any monochromatic palette.
Mirror, Mirror
A mirrored backsplash is a beautiful option for those who are in love with any mirrored surface. Any small kitchen space would immediately look and feel bigger once a mirrored surface is used as a backsplash. Use this together with bright white marble as a kitchen countertop and what you’ve achieved is sublime.
Distressed mirrors can also be used to reflect the light inside the kitchen. This will brighten up the space without being too glaring. The vintage look will also pair well with wooden cabinetry.
Coffee Bean and Tea Bar
The coffee bean backsplash will surely catch the attention of any guest. This will effortlessly become the focal point in the kitchen as it provides the unique texture to your wall.
Bold and Energetic
Any homeowner or chef would surely feel at home in a colorful kitchen. Try white tiles, with anything green and blue for your backsplash; no matter what materials you use, for as long as you use this tri-color scheme, then you’re sure to energize the room.
Concrete
Embossed concrete used as a tile backsplash may be an intricate project to take on but these interlocking patterns can offer a sense of formality in any kitchen. Pair these with traditional cabinetry to achieve a classic appeal.
Metallics
Practically any color can work well with a metallic backsplash. Stainless steel tiles provide a contemporary contrast to bold-colored cabinetry. You can also opt for a more geometric design if you will dress up a modern kitchen. White bronze tiles can be finished with light patina to add visual interest.
Contemporary kitchens can have a more sophisticated look if they use a penny-tile backsplash. The round metallic tiles pop against any dark-colored walls, black door, or lacquer cabinets.
Among the metallic, the most famous is the copper tile. This is a ceramic tile covered with a thin coating of copper. This protective coating will give the material a natural patina over time, one that you would surely love.
Use a pH-balanced cleanser so you won’t damage the copper finish.
Tags: kitchen, kitchen backsplash, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, planning the kitchen, remodeling the kitchen, tips
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 27th, 2016
Buying finishes and materials from discount shops may save you a lot of money on an interior design project but this choice poses higher risk. If you are not careful, you can also create a space that looks bland. This is why every homeowner must always buy high-end materials from the onset. The cost may be more but you get to maximize the potential of the material plus the impact that it creates is limitless.
If you want to make sure that you buy only the finest things without splurging too much, then here are a few tips –
The Tile Wall
A full-height wall made of tiles can have a huge impact whether it is set up in the shower zone or the powder room. A standard shower that is 60’ long and a ceiling at a height of 8 feet means you should have a 40-sq.ft. wall surface that is free for you to work on. This means that you can buy a marble tile for about $5-$6 for every sq.ft. and you get a stunning accent wall for just about $200.
Use a low-cost tile to balance your budget yet still achieving that high-end appeal.
Stone hexagonal mosaic flooring plus simple white walls will also provide the harmonized approach that you need in your home.
The Single-Slab Backsplash
Use a single stone slab for that huge surface that needs to be covered. This is the case with a kitchen island countertop. Imagine having a bronzite island countertop, oh, you’d surely be the talk of the town for months!
A smaller part of the single slab can be used as a backsplash for the bathroom. This is a more beautiful option than the usual tiling. Unbroken grains can have an awesome effect which spells customization. This will provide a subtle and classy appeal.
Ask stone suppliers about their slim cutoffs which are often left over from those huge slab countertops that have been previously cut. Here, you have a huge chance of getting a discounted price so ask well.
A Piece of Art
Do you agree that the most dramatic art piece is the one that is large-scale? You should. Investing on a painted canvas rather than a whole lot of smaller art pieces will give you an roomful of color and drama minus the fuss.
Huge Mirrors
One of the proven ways to dramatically increase the high-end appeal of a room is to increase the scale of the mirrors that you set up there. No mirror would overwhelm any space, in fact, it would even open up a compact room. So go ahead and invest in an expansive mirror that will not just make your place look great but also has the tendency to double your investment.
Wood Floor
Wood flooring has the power to up the look of any space. No other flooring material will be able to give your home the richness and beauty that wood can give – bear that in mind. Sure, wood costs more but its beauty and durability will more than compensate for the cost.
Large Accent Pillows
Throw pillows seem to be not worth anyone’s attention but none could be more wrong. Any pillow that is less than 18 inches is screaming store bought. Try finding larger accent pillows which will make your living room appear more high-end.
An Elegant Light Fixture
Another design element that has a huge impact in any home is the light fixture. Don’t immediately default to brass chandeliers, instead, go for the more modern fixtures such as wall sconces, pendant lighting, and such.
You see, achieving that high-end appeal wasn’t that difficult, was it?
Tags: characteristics of luxury homes, designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, glamorous interior design, glamour, high-end appeal, high-end interior design, high-end interiors, high-end look, luxury home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in 2016 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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