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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Dark Walnut and Mappa Burl
‘Starting furniture shopping? Consider not just the furniture’s appearance this time. Try to study how the piece was made by an artisan’s hands, why it is durable, and what method of finishing application was used to make it look awesome.
Woodworkers and Finishes
Finishing is one of the biggest concerns for a lot of woodworkers. They may be experts in joinery, machining, and other precision activities but woodworkers – a lot of them, in fact – still take a step back when they are about to apply the finishing.
Now you might ask what the best finish for your furniture is – and that’s one great question. Having the answer to this question will give you much more confidence in overcoming other hurdles in the coming days.
Finishing products may be grouped according to working qualities as well as the kind of protection that they offer ranging from oils, to waxes, shellacs to varnishes, water-based finishes and lacquers. No single finishing is considered the best as one that excels on one furniture may be a total failure in another.
Wood Finishing Classifications
All kinds of wood finishes may be classified into how they dry or how they cure. Finishes that evaporate such as shellac and lacquer become as a hard film once they dry and the solvents evaporate.
Reactive finishes like tung or linseed oil also have solvents that can evaporate yet they cure when they react with air. Such finishes undergo chemical change when they cure. This kind of finish tends to hold better when subjected to chemicals and heat (with the exception of pure oils).
Other Finishes
Wax may not be such a great idea for furniture finish. Carnauba wax or any paste wax can be used to polish furniture but it is advisable to use them over existing finishes like shellac or lacquer.
Varnish is comprised of tough synthetic resins that were modified using drying oils. If you take a look at the labels of varnishes, you would see a list of resins like phenolic, urethane, alkyd, and other oils such as tung or linseed.
Varnishes cure just like true oils through a process called polymerization. The resins heighten the durability. If you want durable finish for your wood furniture, then use any oil-based varnish. Even an average woodworker will be able to apply this finishing product for you. varnishes surpass a lot of finishes when it comes to heat, water, chemical and solvent resistance.
Long oil varnishes are varnishes that contain a huge amount of oil (e.g. spar, marine or exterior varnishes). These are more elastic because they are softer than the short to medium varnishes which contain just a limited amount of oil.
Another type of finish is the varnish and oil blend. This mixture contains a huge amount of oil plus some varnish. This is also an easy-to-apply product though they tend to dry a lot harder than true oil finishes.
Lastly, water-based finishes are often made with either an acrylic urethane blend or an acrylic resin. Adding urethane makes the product scratch-resistant.
Remember that choosing the kind of finish depends on a lot of factors such as temperature in your home, the level of dampness, and the overall environment. The least temperamental when it comes to cold environments are shellac and lacquer; in humid conditions, use oils and any oil-based product.
You would need a bigger budget if you would require spray equipment for your project. If it’s a DIY project that you’re after, then know that there’s a learning curve when it comes to spraying. It would require a lot of practice if you want to get decent results with sprayed on finishes.
Hooker Furniture Clear Dark Oak
Tags: finish, finishes, finishes 101, furniture finish, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016
6002CR Gigi Settee 1586-80116-MULTI Aura Round Accent Table with Shell Top: The white, sheer curtains let natural light stream in, making the room appear airier and brighter.
Would you want to boost the look of your home? Most of the time, homeowners look into having walls torn down or painting an entire room but, at times, changing the look in your home is as easy as putting the right window treatments. Be inspired by beautiful drapes, valances, shades and curtains. Experiment also with other kinds of window treatments by learning about other terms such as Roman shades, balloon shade, box-pleat valance, and more.
Did you know that the kind of fabric used in a window treatment is just as crucial as the design of the treatment itself? Window treatments come in all sorts of materials from sheer, to bamboo panels, and silk. They also have different functions though, primarily, they are used to dress up the windows and provide a little (or a lot of) privacy.
Okay, now that you know the basics, your priority is to choose a window treatment that would provide the function that you require. Would you want to have some privacy but still have ample light during the day? Or would you want to have a decent shuteye and have the window treatments drawn while you take a rest?
Semi-Sheer Window Treatments
Family rooms and living rooms almost always require a good amount of privacy. The kind of window treatment that you use also hugely depends on the number of windows that a room has.
Natural light brightens a room during the day so you can make use of a semi-sheer curtain to allow the light into the room. Be sure to choose the thickness of the fabric well. Find one that allows light to pass. If semi-sheer still doesn’t work for you, then find an ultra-sheer one.
Draperies
A bedroom that is situated on the ground floor requires less privacy than the ones upstairs. Both types of bedroom require natural lighting, though. What you need to cover these rooms are draperies. This floor-to-ceiling window treatment offers ample privacy and enough shade if you don’t want the light streaming in.
‘Want some light again? Then just have the draperies drawn and – voila – you can enjoy the sunshine once more.
Use a track for floor-to-ceiling draperies or find a rod that suits the style of your bedroom.
Cellular Shades
A lot of bathrooms, especially the ones on the first floor, require utmost privacy. A cellular shade is a kind of shade that allows anyone to walk around unseen while still allowing a lot of light in. This kind of window treatment is manufactured with a honeycomb design so that heat stays in while the cold stays out.
Roller Shades
This kind of shade can give you the needed privacy from closely-situated neighbors. It is an easy-to-install type of window treatment that comes with perforation so that light is allowed to filter through.
Roller shades can also be hardwired so you can manipulate it using a remote control. This is most useful in hard to reach areas such as when you are in the tub.
Shutters
These are what you would want if you require a complete light block out. This is a window treatment that can blend seamlessly to the creative atmosphere that you have already set up. Have it installed with solid center panels so you can block out light. These will come in handy when your guests require total relaxation even after the sun comes up.
Stained Glass
Having a lot of windows around the front door can be an aesthetic blessing especially when you decide to install stained glass instead. This kind of window treatment will instantly become a focal point while keeping your home free from the prying eyes of passersby.
FFDM’s Antebellum Collection: The floral curtains give the perfect balance to the earthy, grounded look inside the room.
Tags: decorating windows, how to use window treatments, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, types of window treatments, window treatment, window treatments
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Window Design | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 21st, 2016
2960 Euphoria Wing Chair
An accent chair is a seating piece that can be placed strategically inside a room to provide style and added seating. There are two ways that you can use an accent chair; first, you can have it positioned at a place where it best complements or highlights the textures and colors of larger pieces; second, it can also serve as a secondary seating unit in a room.
There are many accent chair styles to choose from. You can have the simple, straight-back sitting piece, one with arms, or you can have a rocking chair. This chair can also be a bigger piece like a chaise lounge.
Accent Chair Placement
The whole point of using an accent chair is to have it work in conjunction with all the other furniture in a room. The look that you are supposed to achieve should be harmonious and functional. And, oh, don’t forget that they have to look pretty, too.
A wonderful example of a chair that has been strategically placed inside a huge living room is when it is grouped with other seating units in the conversation area. There always has to be a focal point like a fireplace. It is also attractive to have a secondary seating place for all your reading activities. This place is where an accent chair can also be used.
Whether you would want a reading nook or the living room as a home for your accent chair, it is important to pick the one that would define that space, give it personality, and a breath of fresh air.
Here are some basic tips in finding the right accent chair –
Find the Right Pattern
If all the other furniture pieces lack character, then it’s about time to add some spice. A patterned accent chair should be able to do this. A well-chosen pattern can pull all the other colors on other furniture, making the design look more unified.
A patterned accent chair is a wonderful focal point for any room. It can also add depth that no other piece of furniture will be able to give.
Choose the Right Style
There are many accent chair styles ranging from recliners, club chairs to wing chairs. Since this is so, make sure that you find the right one that will answer your requirements and fulfill your preferences. Make sure that it won’t clash with the current room décor or you’d end up having to shop for another accent chair, if not have it reupholstered and such. In short, if you want to have zero headaches, be sure to choose the right style from the onset. Of course, you would not want cramp an oversized lounger inside a cozy living room. That seating unit will surely gather attention but one that isn’t pleasant.
Now don’t be afraid to experiment with the styles, though. Even patterns that don’t match can fit perfectly together once they are placed in a room. The accent chair’s pattern may not be an exact match to your current furniture but you should be able to see some aspect that will anchor it to the rest of your design pieces. For instance, you can use the red on the rose painting and have it on as a base color for your accent chair.
The Right Fabric Matters
The fabric used on your accent chair is also important. One of the classic choices is suede but think twice about using it if you have kids and pets at home.
For those who are looking for a more classic vibe, you can choose leather. This can give the room a more organic look. Of course, your choice of accent chair fabric all boils down to what is best for day-to-day living. It is also important to note what would best achieve your perceived look.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Paris Accent Chair
Tags: accent chair, chair, chair styles, chair types, how to use accent chairs, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, types of chairs
Posted in Accents, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Monday, June 20th, 2016
1586-75203-GLD3 Shangri-La Gilded Dining Table Base: This two-seater setup is perfect for that nook in your home. Don’t forget to decorate with vases and framed art.
Any room that lacks space either for seating or cupboards needs a little inspiration. Sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination, a smart storage space, a smaller sofa, and the problem is solved. Add a spotlight to the underside of a shelf and you’ve just created a reading nook. So, here’s the thing, you have a space problem and every home has an unused nook to spare – got the solution?
Breakfast Nook
If you don’t have ample room for dining table and chairs, that tiny space right where the walls meet could serve as a cute breakfast nook. This is especially if you don’t mind dining cozily. Use a bench if you want to fit in more people to that area. Chairs take up more area than one long bench so consider ditching them when you want to use the tiny corner.
Reading Nook
The reading nook need not look intentional. You can incorporate a small library just by having a tiny desk paired with a stylish chair and have them placed in a corner. Have a small pile of books at that desk, and that’s it. Your home library doesn’t have to comprise of a huge bookshelf. Just grab one book, read, finish reading, then put it right back to the pile.
Office Nook
A small space is perfect for working niches. Most people just have their laptops these days so these won’t even require more than 30 inches of space. A little closet can be easily transformed into your dream office nook.
Laundry Nook
How much space do you think you need to move freely in a laundry space? Just 30 inches by 30 inches! Just have the stackable type of washer and dryer and you should be able to transform the tiny nook into a laundry area. Handle the spills by having it diverted towards the bathroom.
Play Pen
As a kid, didn’t you just love having your tiny play spot? Having kids of your own now, that nook could be a nice spot to hide kids’ mess. The world of possibilities just seems endless with that tiny nook. You can now store all the kids’ toys there, their storybooks, etc.
Pet’s Nook
Your pet would surely love his own nook, too. This could serve as a retreat spot where his mess could be contained. Set up your pet’s tiny bed in that corner and you just might get the extra blessing of having an unscratched sofa.
An Entertainment Corner
If you want an entertainment spot but do not want the TV to be the focal point in the room, then just set up that tiny nook to become the TV’s home. That dedicated nook will be used for TV viewing only while you can have the rest of your home for socializing.
Resting Nook
Who says you can’t sleep in that tiny corner? Set up a sofa bed and this is the perfect spot for all your guest sleepovers. You would be surprised at the stylishness that sofa beds can offer. You can also have two sofa beds pushed together to create an instant double bed. This part of your home could also be utilized as a reading corner during most days of the year. Just prop the sofa bed and what a relaxing reading time you’d have. The linens could be hidden neatly inside a trunk during the day.
Kid’s Bedroom
Believe it or not, you can actually fit a loft bed into a nook, one that preferably has a drawer so that bed linens can be concealed. Put a little color and a small partition and your kid will surely love you for ‘em!
BLOG 1. 1586-85005-GLD1 Harlequin Four-Drawer Accent Chest 1586-75410D-GLD6 Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair
Tags: bedroom for kids, breakfast area, breakfast corner, breakfast nook, designing a kid's room, designing nook, designing nooks, designing the breakfast nook, entertainment center, entertainment room, kids' play room, kids' playroom, laundry area, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nook, nook design, setting up the breakfast nook, tips, unused nook
Posted in Interior Design 101, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Monday, June 20th, 2016
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Biltmore Select Bidjar Rug 1773RS10001400450
Are you recently going about looking to interview the best carpet dealer and installer? There is a series of questions that you need to ask the salesperson before you can make your decision. ‘Wanna know what these questions are?
What Kind of Room?
Ask what sort of room will be installed with the carpet. Know also if this room is formal or informal or whether it sustains heavy foot traffic.
What Do You Expect?
It is also notable that you ask what he or she expects as the best carpeting for your space.
How Would It Feel?
This next question is super important because it involves comfort. Ask the salesperson how the carpet would feel underfoot. Better yet, walk on it and know the actual feeling.
How Much?
There are two sub-questions to this question; first, how much does the carpet cost and how much is its installation charge?
Carpeting cost is not always the same as quality, though, so make sure to check on durability. The more expensive carpets are not often better; the price is just higher because more fibers have been added.
Getting a carpet pad means you should know how to fit it to the kind of carpeting used. The most common misconception about thick carpets is that they are the best. Plush carpets ask for thicker pads so make sure you are ready for such.
When it comes to carpet fiber, there are three types being used in the industry these days, with each having a different price range. The first is polypropylene (e.g. the loop style), polyester (made from recycled pet bottles), and nylon which is the most popular fiber.
How Often?
It would also be great to ask what maintenance guidelines the salesperson could give you. Do you need to vacuum more often? Would there be extra fibers flying about?
Easy-to-clean carpets are those that are resistant to stains or are just easy to clean. Polyester is one such material which is why it is also being used to manufacture carpets. This is a crucial material in applications where there are issues on stains.
Nylon can be treated when stained. Ask the salesperson about the treatment that would best take the stains out on this kind of carpet.
How Durable?
Carpets with flat and denser cut-and-loop can wear like iron. It is highly dense especially when there are more stitches used every square inch. This is the reason why most commercial buildings use this type of carpet.
The trackless carpet is also a great choice for rooms in your home. It comes with crimped fibers, a great texture, and the fibers are cut to varying heights so that the light would be reflected and the tracks would not show. This makes it the best choice in high traffic rooms of your home such as the living room or the dining room.
How Stylish?
You get to ask this if you want the plush kind of carpet. This is that kind of carpet where you would want to run through with no slippers on!
Although stylish, the plush carpet also has its drawbacks. Since it is thick, vacuum and foot tracks are easily seen. This should be placed in areas with very low foot traffic such as the master bedroom, powder room and the drier sections of the bathroom.
An example of a unique and stylish carpet is our example here, a carpet from the Biltmore Collection. The Bidjar style comes with quality wool which is the traditional rug design from Capel and Biltmore rugs. This comes with a stylish flair which makes George Vanderbilt’s global travels and carpet purchases worth everything.
Tags: buying a carpet, carpet, carpet buying, carpet choices, carpet design, carpet installation, carpet shopping, carpeting, installing a carpet, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for a carpet, tips
Posted in Accents, Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Sunday, June 19th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Ambre 8 Light Gold Sphere Chandelier 21269
One of the chief elements in a well-designed space is lighting. How you light the space in your home reflects how you and other people perceive it. Since lighting is that important, then it just makes sense that you should put ample time in deciding what sort of light you would have for your home. When you mulled over what you want, has your mind ever come across the decorative chandelier? Or are you, just like the others, afraid of using it?
A Design Element of Its Own
The chandelier might just be the right finishing touch that you are waiting to have. It can be rustic, modern, Mid-Century, and just about anything. If you want a timeless look, nothing beats the classic glass or crystal chandelier.
The chandelier can be a scene stealer. They are a great addition to any room but if you don’t know how to handle this decorative lighting’s strong presence, your space might end up looking pretentious.
First, know the size of the chandelier that would fit inside the room. This can present a few setbacks but measuring can eliminate future problems. The right size of chandelier can be computed by adding the room’s dimensions (in feet) and then converting the sum into inches. Your answer should be the same diameter that you would use for the fixture (e.g. a 10’x 15’ room measurement should equate to 25” in diameter.
Consider also the size of the dining table (if you are placing your chandelier inside the dining room). The dining room fixtures’ diameter must be approximately ½ to 2/3 the table’s width. This could be about a oot less than the table’s width (at its widest part).
It is also advisable to use a large chandelier even in a small dining room. Should the fixture appear too large, then be sure to hang it closer to the dining room ceiling. This is so it won’t overwhelm.
Now that you’ve recognized the Do’s, it’s time to find out what the don’ts are. First, no furniture should come close to the chandelier. The minimum amount of distance between the lighting fixture and the furniture should be 48 inches.
Remember also that the chandelier has visual weight. This means that visually heavy chandeliers can be light when carried but the smaller ones could be a tad heavier. Just to save you from measuring the room size all over again, here are the standard measurements –
Whether your taste is mainly traditional or contemporary, there is a chandelier that would suit your needs. You just have to learn the general rules above plus some hanging procedures.
The rule of thumb in hanging chandeliers for dining rooms is that the bottom part of the lighting fixture should hang at 30” to 36” from the tabletop. This is assuming that your home has an 8’ ceiling.
There are designers who recommend that every additional foot on height for the ceiling should be an additional 3” to the chandelier’s suspension height. Not all designers agree, though. There are also those who feel that the height of the ceiling should not, in any way, affect the fixture’s distance from the tabletop. Should you choose to follow the second case, then the best thing to be certain about the chandelier that you’re going to buy is to move it up and down as you prep to install it. You and one other family member can go about with this simple project. Just move the chandelier up or down till you reach the height that you feel is perfect.
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Brandon, 5 Lt Single Shade Chandelier 21233
Tags: chandelier, designing with chandeliers, installing chandeliers, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, use of chandeliers
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Transcend Nightstand
Posh and handy nightstands are functional as well as decorative must-own pieces. It becomes easier to create a theme if you have a lovely nightstand to begin with. The first step is to use this furniture as a decorative element. It should be the perfect companion to the other functional pieces of furniture in the room. The nightstand is often used to hold lamps and bedside clocks but these aren’t the only items that can be placed on it.
How to Use the Nightstand
Begin decorating your bedroom by keeping the nightstand right beside your bed. Doing this will make it easier to access the clock, book or lamp that is placed there. Make sure also that it is snuggled against the wall in order to keep things from falling off the back of this decorative table.
Next, make sure that you always add a lamp and a clock. Place the lighting piece near the head of the bed. This position maximizes your reaching ability which is handy especially when you need some light in the middle of the night.
The alarm clock, on the other hand, is there to rouse you to wake up during the morning. Place this at the right distance so that you are only able to reach it when you sit up. This will prevent you from hitting on snooze many times before you get up.
Add a phone, too. This should be close to the lamp so that the numbers are still visible. Always place the base of the landline phone on top of your nightstand. It is also a wonderful idea to keep a cell phone charger nearby.
You can also use the nightstand to decorate your bedroom further. Personalize your room by adding some framed photos, flowers in vases, and some accent pieces on the nightstand. The merrier the photos are, the better. Have the vacation photos placed all around the lamp. Even souvenirs from your last beach expedition such as some seashells are also a great addition on your nightstand.
Now make sure that you also use the drawers of your nightstands. At night, empty your pockets into a tray right on top of your decorative nightstand. Most nightstands come with mini drawers so you can place some miscellaneous items in there.
Winners Only Bedroom 29 Inches 3-Drawer Nightstand BQE1005
Correct Nightstand Shopping
When you’ve decided to buy a nightstand or two, there are also some questions that you need to answer before you go out and shop. First, find out your bedroom space requirements. It would be best to keep the nightstand at a size that leaves ample room for other design elements. It shouldn’t be too big, too high, too low, too wide or too many.
When it comes to height, know that the perfect one is at the same level as the top of your mattress. This will provide an even visual across the bed.
If you love to read books before dozing off at night, then make sure to have a lighting source on your nightstand. It doesn’t have to be a posh lamp, it can be as simple as a reading light.
If you are shopping for a smaller room, then the nightstand should be small enough to fit right next to your bed. A narrow table takes up but little room yet if it has some shelves, then it even adds extra storage to other bedroom items.
Minimalists prefer to have the platform right around their bed serve as a place to serve a drink, place novels, or place electronic gadgets.
Whether or not the nightstand matches the bed is up to you. More than matching pieces, you should be more worried about balance. Two nightstands could have different sizes and colors but they can still offer a collected look if you know how to visually link one to the other.
Tags: bedside table, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nightstand, uses of nightstand
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Bedroom Design, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, June 17th, 2016
FFDM’s Candence Collection: The elements that pop in this photo are the accessories such as the lamps, colorful pillows, vases, ceramics, potted plant, framed photos, etc.
The look that could make or break any home all boils down to details. It is the addition of decorative objects that can make the space posh, dramatic, simple, cozy, or whatever you would want it to be. The right art pieces, for instance, will be able to tie all the design elements of an interior design.
While furniture and other larger pieces are the framed objects, the accessories could serve as the frame that will lure people into looking.
Decide Early On
Pick only the objects that you love. That cherished birthday gift can serve as a centerpiece of your design. The yardstick in which you are measured with regard to accessory arrangement is how visually enticing the space eventually becomes.
It is important to note that the room décor should have a natural flow. Also, the beholder’s attention should shift from one decorative piece to another. Your visitors’ attention should be drawn to a particular object not because it is ugly but because it is an essential piece that harmonizes with the rest of the elements.
Consider the designs, colors, textures and styles that would create the ambience that you originally planned.
Group ‘Em
Try to apply the rule of three. In interior design, these are creating interest, depth and rhythm. It helps to think that what they is the composition of elements that are placed there to draw people’s attention throughout the room. The eye should be able to recognize the shapes, patterns and colors that jive together.
Add symmetry and focal point. If not, be bold enough to –
Keep It Odd
If you want to use more than three objects at once, then do so. Have five or seven but always keep the number of the pieces odd so that better symmetry is achieved. This is also applicable when grouping. Again, be sure to keep an odd number for that unique asymmetry.
Know Your Space Requirements
Take note of spatial composition. This means you should assess how much available space you have and design it accordingly. Don’t just look horizontally, check also how the heights vary from tall to short and the sizes from small to large. All the irregularities should provide the needed interest and odd balance in groupings.
Just Be You
Even if it will involve experimentation, make sure that you put in objects that you prefer. Don’t pretend that you love modern design if your heart actually lies in traditional setups.
Learn the Technique of Showcasing
This technique can be used in centerpiece grouping. The grouping can be repeated throughout the living space. Go ahead and group non-related objects. Use a bowl or tray, for instance, to display different-colored candles. This should serve as the aspect that would tie the candles together.
Different decorative trays can serve both functional and decorative pieces. Use mirrored tray to highlight the flickering candle lights. Other trays like silver, wood, bamboo, copper, brass and hand-painted items may also be used. Display other object like floral arrangements, crystal vases, ceramic figurines, even perfume bottles.
Now how about bowls and baskets? These can also be used to display or showcase your collections such as books, seashells, and some knickknacks which you bought during your travels abroad.
FFDM Belvedere Collection: Didn’t your eyes go directly to these two wooden dogs?
Other Means to Display Objects
There are other means to highlight special accessories in your home. Rare objects can be placed inside vases, domes or jars. Have a display cabinet set up so that your valuable collections will get the attention that they actually desire.
Frames can hold special photographs, paintings can be grouped in galleries, and books in shelving units or bookcases.
Lastly, always consider design composition, sequencing, repetition, motif colors, rhythm, contrast, and balance texture when grouping objects.
Tags: accessorizing, effective use of accessories, how to accessorize, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Thursday, June 16th, 2016
1586-90001-BLK2 The Poet Eight-Drawer Dresser
Modern design embodies a lot of elements which is why it is not easy to define it. In the most basic terms, though, this is the reflection of modern art movements inside homes. There are different central features and design themes that can be considered modern.
Modern designs were society’s objection and rejection of the ornate styles like Renaissance, Gothic and Victorian. Furnishing designs that you could include are Art Deco, Mission Style, and Shaker.
Modernism Means Clean, Straight Lines
Modern design – since it was designed to become the antithesis of complex themes, heavy textures, wood tones and carvings – is supposed to have nothing but linear designs. If anything geometric is to be placed, then it has to be controlled and scarce.
Modern furniture and other design components include clean lines with no frills. It differs from contemporary design which can include sweeping lines and curves. The lines in modern design are more crisp and sharper.
Materials that you could pair with your furnishings include oversized tiles, sanded wood flooring with minimized grain and smaller shelves and bookcases. The open space layout is most welcome as is the lack of molding and trimming on doors, windows and walls.
Say Hello to Metal
Stainless steel and chrome are two of the biggest elements used in modern design. In fact, a modern home would be less, well, modern in the absence of metallic pieces. Stay away from traditional metals, though, such as wrought iron. Instead, go for the cleaner, most polished metals.
For your home to be considered modern, be sure to use a lot of stainless steel and chrome. Have the exposed chair frames and table legs covered with any of these two metals.
Chrome is also used extensively in other home components such as doorknobs, faucets, lamps, cabinet handles and railings. It is known for its polished beauty and a slightly blue undertone.
Less Is More
Modern homes are also minimalist homes. The basics of being a minimalist are the absence of complex details, less color, and just the right amount of textiles. Even in the absence of a lot of things, it is safe to say that minimalist homes are well-planned homes. They are actually comfortable since all are streamlined for efficiency.
The minimalist and modern approaches share one other great aspect – zero-clutter. Clutter could mean different thing to different people but if you want the modern design, then just retain the essential pieces. This means saying no to pottery, vases, trinkets, and a lot of throw pillows.
Necessities are books, keepsakes and electronics. While these are still needful, they are almost always kept out of sight through proper storage.
Modernism Is Bold
Many homes designed in modern styles make use of neutrals, black and white. Yet this does not mean that you should shun using brighter colors. You can break the monotony created by the neutrals by setting up focal points. The primary colors are often used sparingly.
Hang a colorful wall art, a bold-colored sofa, brightly-colored pillows, or an accent wall.
Modernism, Modern You
In essence, all the things that you see in modern design are the result of modern thinking. Modernists were allergic to excessiveness, too much intellect, and cultural norms. They wanted to push off boundaries with regard to creativity and culture.
The modernists’ movements also included saying no to organized religion and the belief in a god. To them, modern norms had to be created and more suitable norms be instilled, hence, the birth of futurism, cubism, Neo-Dada, Bauhaus, abstract expressionism, and others.
To the world they shouted – Make It New. So, are you ready to apply what you have read?
7067-001CR Wallis 2 Cushion Sofa
Tags: bold, bold design, bold interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist design, minimalist space, minimalist style, modern, modern design, modern interior design, modern interior design tips, modern interiors, modern style, modern theme, modernism
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 15th, 2016
You have got to love how the candles jived with these American Cherry FFDM pieces.
There are many ways to decorate a room, don’t you agree? But of all the decorative elements, there is one that is a favorite by those who want to achieve elegance, drama, or a romantic mood – candles. Candles can tickle the senses in ways that are difficult to explain. Gone are those days when they were just used to illuminate homes. These days, they are very much a part of the decorative charm in dwelling places.
Are you ready to begin decorating with candles?
Gorgeous Décor
It makes sense to take note of every little detail in the room where you would be putting the candles. Whether there is wall art, a vintage trinket somewhere or large furniture at the center of the room, consider how you would be placing the candles and what sort you should be displaying in the first place.
Candles can bring in that needed prettiness. There are even designers who choose to decorate with candles more than any other accessory.
Candles also come with sweet scents these days when they are lit. So imagine smelling that sweet aroma while you have fun with your friends, while making dinner or just watching TV with your loved ones.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Ronana Mirrored Wall Sconce 07693: Who says candles have to have actual flames every time?
Where to Place Lovely Candles
Now let’s talk about decorating your space with beautiful candles. You can begin with your bookshelves. Candles are your go-to decorative pieces when it comes to emphasizing book collections. Insert a candle or two at the end of a stack of books (just like you would a regular bookend). You can also simply place the candles on top of a stack.
See if you could tie the color of the candles with the books.
They can also serve as the perfect centerpiece to your coffee table. Coffee tables should not only be functional but also stylish. It would be more relaxing to spend your time in the living room if the coffee table displays, say, aromatic candles in lavender scent.
Use a tray to hold the candles before you place them on an equally decorative coffee table. Add fresh flowers, a coffee table book or two, plus some other trinkets. The candles plus these other bursts of color on the tray will also add a bit of height to the table.
Imagine cuddling with your loved one as you both drink a glass of wine as you wind down during the evening. Those lit candles will surely bring a romantic flair without even trying too hard.
Now don’t think that the coffee table is the only table that can house your candles. The dining table can do this exact same thing. Candles can be the most sophisticated centerpiece for your dinner parties. Simply arrange some candles at the center of the table while the lovely china and silverware are placed directly in front of each chair.
The home office desk could also become your candles’ home. Believe it or not, these sources of illumination could add a dose of inspiration. You can place a gold tray to hold the candles at the side of your desk or you can just have them placed at different sections of the desk. Add your favorite song playlist and you will definitely become more productive.
What about the staircase? Oh, that would be a lovely place to put your glass candleholders on.
Votive candles can also be anchored in pebbles or sand. Those wineglasses can also be turned upside-down and voila, they become unique candleholders.
Candle Vessels
Fall in love with candles some more as you put them in different reusable holders. Make sure to find the holders that are fire retardant, preferably unbreakable, and are also easy to clean.
Don’t be afraid to introduce different textures of candles and candleholders. Find a resting spot that will highlight the candles’ beauty without overpowering other design elements inside the home.
Tags: candelabra, candelabrum, decorating with candles, decorating with scented candles, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, scented candle, scented candle decorating
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
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