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Thursday, May 26th, 2016
The Living Room Uttermost Parris Pillow Soft Ottoman 23203 combined checks and stripes in an straightforward way.
When you hear the word preppy, what comes to your mind? Preppy design may pertain to social gatherings, ethics, country clubs, the genteel approach, even family traditions. Some people think of snobbery when describing the preppy style but it is not this at all. This is more of a confident style that is optimistic and has a look of its own.
Preppy style works because it is classic and comfortable. These two words are definitions that you do not contend with when it comes to interior design. Meticulous eyes and hands cooperate to produce anything that’s remotely preppy. It evokes a refined taste and a level of aspiration that is uncommon. Now who wouldn’t want such a kind of dwelling?
Say Yes to Layered Patterns
Being preppy means you have to be collected all of the time. This means that even the design elements that you use have to be well thought of in order to produce an aesthetic appeal that is hard to equal.
Plaid will forever be preppy as are stripes, gingham checks, herringbone and hound’s-tooth. Pay close attention to palette and scale when mixing these patterns. A lot of large-scale patterns will only drown each other. A bunch of the small-scale ones will only render the mixture scattered.
Don’t think of color coordination as this is no concern for preppies. While you don’t need to match colors all the time, you must remember to stay within the same hue family.
Traditional Is In
Since preppy is always classic, it would be safe to use hues that are strong and traditional. The perfect and oft-used color scheme is pink and green. Lately, the combination of red and navy has also taken the interior design world by surprise. As have the fusions of mellow gold, pine green and leathery browns.
There is no need to go overboard and flood the room with your chosen preppy colors. You can balance the usual pink and green combo with a douse of white.
Flexsteel Living Room Power High-Leg Recliner 5936-503M
Preppy Furniture Pieces
When it comes to preppy furnishings, it is safest to go with time-honored bits and pieces. Always include club chairs, Oriental rugs, leather sofas, and the like when choosing furniture for your peppy home. The most beautiful hardwood pieces are the perfect pieces to use.
If old school pieces don’t beckon to you, then find newer pieces that still retain the preppy look.
When it comes to beds and bath linens, monograms keep popping up. They are also evident in many throw pillows and barware. It’s up to you to make these monograms discreet (or not so discreet). You can give monograms a fresh look by adding fun colors. Monogramming objects like chair backs would also be interesting.
Nautical Touches
Boating and preppy life will always go hand-in-hand. You will never be questioned if you use nautical maps, prints and stripes to liven up your room. Don’t overdo it, though, as you could end up with a garish-looking space.
Always remember that preppy is never vulgar so keep it within the allotted boundaries.
Keep the accents graphic yet simple. For instance, you can display framed maritime flags in a grid. This will offer a visual punch that will be further highlighted if you use rope knots, oars and a model sailboat.
Say no to fussiness, though. You should limit your trims to just a single space. Use a dainty lamp, for instance, to balance the sleek accents that you used. Make sure everything is within the same color family so that you will achieve a streamlined look.
Blue and White China
Fill your dining room with ginger jars, pitchers and plates in blue and white. These are the mainstays of preppy style. These look timeless which is why they can easily blend with any kind of palette or furnishing.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nautical, nautical design, nautical style, Preppy, preppy design, preppy interior design, preppy interiors, Preppy style, traditional, traditional interior design, traditional interiors, traditional style, traditional theme
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-90010-BLK1 Twin Peak Six-Drawer Chest on Chest is sleek and uncomplicated.
When looking at the American gothic style nowadays, you might not picture how it actually came about. Its beginnings were quite humble, with artist Grant Wood taking a stroll around Eldon in Iowa. He was then just looking for inspiration when he came upon the gothic style farmhouse called the Dibble House. Being an Iowan, himself, Wood sketched this dwelling place at the back of a simple envelope. Wood’s biographer later added that the artist was struck at the thought of adding a pretentious (we’re using the biographer’s word here, not ours) gothic window on an otherwise flimsy wooden house (again, the biographer’s words). This painting resulted into what’s known today as American Gothic.
Grant Wood’s American Gothic
Using Nan Wood – Graham (Wood’s sister) and Byron McKeeby (their family dentist) as models, Wood started painting the house along with this willing pair. The Art Institute of Chicago recognized him by giving him a prize for the said painting. The masterpiece was even purchased by the Institute and hung it for everyone’s appreciation.
While Wood wanted to depict a positive image for the Americans, his painting was seen by a different pair of eyes among his critics. To them, it was a satire on the life spent in a farm. It took many years before the painting became a symbol for strength and steadfastness.
The Hancock and Moore Living Room Norvell Ancient Thunder Horse Painting Chair 4797-AT has an unpretentious farm appeal to it which is perfect for your American Gothic home.
What Is American Gothic?
This style is evident in many early American imagery and symbols. Just think of pitchforks, red-colored barns, aprons, gothic windows, blue, black and denim and you’re thinking American Gothic.
This style often works because it centers on farm life. Do you ever wonder why most children’s books feature farms and farm animals? It’s because farm life is uncomplicated and it shows a life that is easy or laidback. If you take a closer look at the industrial spirit brought about by farm structures of the past, then you would also realize that American gothic has an almost modern feel to it.
You will surely love American Gothic style if you prefer the unfussy sort of design. If the elaborate workings on furniture and architecture do not please you or if you consider apron to be an everyday wear, then you are embracing the Puritan way of life and would definitely feel comfortable in an American Gothic home.
Do not mistake American Gothic for Victorian gothic. The latter offers dark walls almost depicting haunted houses. Victorian Gothic also shows ornate architecture and the most gorgeous furniture. So, here are characteristics often associated with Victorian gothic that you must not link with American Gothic –
Drama
Victorian Gothic will always be dramatic and elegant. Say no to making dramatic statements whether in your choice of furniture, lighting fixture, or decorative details.
Wallpapers are also items that are associated with the Victorian gothic style. So keep your walls simple and nod not to patterned wallpapers, more so those that have a velvety texture. Use simple wall paint rather than the bold colors used in many Victorian homes.
Thick, Rich Textures
Draperies are both decorative and functional. The heavier, layered types of draperies are glamorous and elegant enough for a Victorian Gothic home. Should you choose the less opulent American Gothic style, be sure to go for simple draperies minus the tassels and fringes.
Opulence
Ornate furniture pieces are regal pieces of artwork. They are for homes that are rich and often dramatic. So, since you are embracing the American Gothic look, just look for straightforward designs. If you’re uncertain as to whether you can use black or not, well, you can. Just make sure that the black furniture you invest in has simple lines and a pretty uncomplicated design.
Tags: American Gothic, American Gothic design, American Gothic style, characteristics of luxury homes, designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, glamorous interior design, glamour, gothic, gothic interior design, gothic interiors, history, luxurious home, luxurious interiors, luxurious living, luxury home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, Victorian gothic
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley has been making waves in the fashion industry for the longest time. And now, she’s out to conquer another dimension that is relative to what she’s already dominated. Before you get to know the beautiful, new creations that she has done, let’s take a look at Cynthia Rowley – the person.
Biography
Cynthia Rowley was born on the 29th of July in 1958. She’s one of the finest New York West Village designers. She’s a native of Illinois, born to Clementine and Ed Rowley. She was a graduate of Barrington High School back in 1976. She completed her education at the School of the Arts Institute of Chicago in 1981.
Cynthia’s business life began when she ventured with the $3,000 given to her by her grandmother. Her name became an icon in just a short time. By 1988, she began to create handbags, eyewear, women’s wear, shoes, leggings, belts, cosmetic hats, and fragrances.
Ten years later, Cynthia Rowley also became a brand name for the latest menswear together with a secondary women’s clothing collection. By 2003, Illene Rosenweig, The New York Times reporter and also a good friend of Cynthia’s, joined hands with the iconic fashion designer to create the Swell home accessory line.
Cynthia was also later commissioned to design the uniforms of pilots and flight attendants, ramp servicers, as well as maintenance workers from the United Airlines. This was in 2009 and in 2011, she launched her impressive eyewear collection named after Bill Powers, her husband. Tagged Mr. Powers, her eyewear collection swept the fashion industry in complete awe.
Roxy, Target, Band-Aid and Half Gallery soon partnered with this phenomenal designer.
A Life of Fashion and Passion
Cynthia Rowley’s works could not be kept hidden. They were things of beauty, hence, they had to be displayed and enjoyed. Her fashion masterpieces were featured twice every year during the NY Fashion Week. She has also set up stores in Taiwan, Japan, Hongkong, Boston, East Hampton, Charleston, Chicago, New York and other specialty shops all over the U.S. and abroad. Her company now also has its own commercial website.
Cynthia got the Perry Ellis Award once in 1994 when she was awarded the New Fashion Talent award. She was also nominated once for her menswear collection.
Being an icon in fashion, she was inevitably invited to act as a judge in the 24 Hour Catwalk, a reality TV show. She also guested in The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Cynthia has also co-authored books such as Home Swell Home, The Swell Dressed Party, Swell Holiday, and Slim: A Fantasy Memoir.
Cynthia Rowley is an artist at heart which is why she has a huge collection of contemporary art. Art is what inspires her to design. Her other inspirations include her family, music, movies and places that she has already visited. She may have begun with sewing but she eventually coupled this with her passion for fine arts. Her hands followed what her creative mind dictated. At first, she created a wall against anything that the world produced but soon enough, she started looking at other insightful things.
The Furniture Crossover
Cynthia Rowley has proven so much when it comes to fashion but now, she wants to share more of her talent. She recently crossed over to the furniture business. Her newest collection, as expected, doesn’t disappoint. You will surely be blown away by the unique living room, bedroom and home office pieces.
She may not have envisioned this happening years ago when she first became a Fine Arts student bent on becoming a painter. Thanks to her discoverer from a top department store, the world may not have seen the beautiful things that Cynthia Rowley could offer.
Here are some of her awesome furniture works of art –
The oft featured 6000CR Coco Daybed
The oft featured 6000CR Coco Daybed
Tags: Cynthia Rowley, Cynthia Rowley designs, Cynthia Rowley furniture, fashion and interior design, interior design and fashion, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 24th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-10458-GRY1 Note-To-Self Writing Desk 1586-75410D-GLD6 Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair
Vaulted ceilings come in many different names – raised ceilings, cathedral ceilings, also high ceilings. The history of these unique kinds of ceilings dates back hundreds of years. By definition, these are arched forms that are extruded to the third dimension. These are used as provision for a roof or ceiling.
Vaulted Ceiling History
Vaulted ceilings were used, originally, only in basilicas and cathedrals. This was centuries ago. They were used because of their visual capacity to make any space look a lot bigger. Call it an optical illusion if you want but this is one thing that has had a profound effect in architecture and interior design.
The most popular vaulted ceiling design is the dome. Imagine a hollowed out half of watermelon and this is what a dome looks like. Different materials were used to create domes from stone, mud, brick, wood, metal, concrete, glass and plastic.
The barrel or wagon vault came from the dome design. This is the simplest vault design as it is a semicircle that is just stretched to a continuous arch. Following the wagon vault is the groin vault wherein two barrel vaults intersect and to create an ellipse intersection which is called the groin.
The medieval era saw the birth of the rib vault. The fan vault became a fancier version of the rib vault.
Now that you know a bit of the history of vaulted ceilings, would you now like to know what benefits come with them?
Influx of Natural Light
Vaulted ceilings create an airier atmosphere because they let in more sunlight into a home. Nothing can be more spectacular than natural light so letting in more of its rays into your home ups the cheerful ambience, even the heating capacity of your dwelling place.
Adds Character
Ceiling beams that are exposed add to the character of your home. This appeal is quite hot at the moment (though it has been a means of showing opulence for the longest time). If you are claustrophobic, then the rafter beams that are high up above your head should no longer pose a problem to you.
8110-066CR Cornelia King Complete 1586-90017A-BLK1 Epoque Eglomise Bachelors Chest
Practical Use of Space
While attics can be useful in storing things that are not needed at the moment, they can become a sort of dead space in the long run. Admit it, most of the things that are stored there never get out. If this is the case with your attic, why not have it turned into a vaulted ceiling instead?
Wasted space will surely turn into an architectural wonder that would make your home look grander and more posh. The vaulted ceiling will become a critical visual beauty that would add elicit oohs and aahs from your visitors.
Another functional use of the vaulted ceiling is for ventilation. All the unwanted hot air will rise and escape there. This kind of ceiling is also useful inside a bathroom where drying out would become quicker.
Added Rustic Appeal
A vaulted ceiling – when made with wood – will add a rustic charm to your home. Ceilings are positioned at an angle where the eyes tend to rest. You can capitalize on this by using wood as a major material for your vaulted ceiling. Whether you want a traditional or contemporary setup, this is the go-to ceiling for you.
A single word of caution before you jump into owning a vaulted ceiling straight away – cleaning the ceiling should be done by a professional. This is also the case when lighting fixtures or ceiling fans need to be fixed. ‘Cept for these cleaning and fixing concerns, you should be able to enjoy the vaulted ceiling without any other worries.
So go ahead, dress up your room with vaulted ceiling. Put in that tufted armchair, ornate bed and the most beautiful draperies.
Yours is a home of opulence.
Tags: history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, vaulted ceiling, vaulted ceiling design, vaulted ceiling style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, May 20th, 2016
Imagine having this Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Piper Credenza welcome you and your loved ones each day. What a wonderful sight it is!
Probably one of the most underrated spaces in any home is the entryway. This is no less than the place that creates the lasting first impression yet it is ironically one of the least decorated one. Across many nations and cultures, entryways and doors symbolize thresholds to new experiences or passages. This is a major reason why you should make this place more appealing.
A Simple Definition
The basic definition for an entryway is a place or area that is situated in front of an enclosed structure. This is supposed to separate the interior from the exterior part of the home.
Going Beyond the Definition
We all live a life outside of the usual definitions found in dictionaries and so the entryway is a lot more than a division of the indoors and the outdoors.
An entryway – when properly executed – can represent the transition from a high traffic area into a more private one. This could also separate the receiving from the waiting area. This is also a place where you can best set the expectations that your visitors are supposed to have for the rest of your home. The mood that you set up there will determine whether your visitors will consider your home to be homey, daring, or boring.
Now that you know how important this area is, you might be feeling the pressure to stuff the area with many interesting pieces. After all, you’ve got many interesting collections, right?
Wrong!
This is an area where you are supposed to think twice when it comes to furniture planning and accessorizing. Whether you have a small entryway or an area that is as huge as a hotel lobby, this is the perfect time to reach into your designer side to make a difference.
This American Leather Living Room Chair TRW-CHR-ST is a great alternative to the common wooden bench in the entryway.
The Hard and Fast Rules – Are There Any?
Ancient Egyptians were the first to set the rules when it comes to entryways. They deliberately separated the public and private areas of their palaces. The Romans added the vestibulum which became the mother of the modern-day vestibule. This is supposed to be an area that keeps the harsh weather from reaching the main living space. The fauces comes after the vestibulum and this became the modern foyer.
Today’s entryways are largely influenced by Roman design. There is a heavy use of ceiling lights, interesting vistas, and flowing site lines.
The American contribution to the entryway design is its metamorphosis through time. From the stately entryways to the dark areas during the Victorian era, this space has gone a long way. It is now a lot more than a functional space. The entryway can also be used to create a higher level of interest in your visitors.
There are various ways that you can design an entryway. Consider the Feng Shui of this area. You can create a positive impression by adding a water element. This is believed by the Chinese to be a source of harmony and health. Apart from this possible positive effects, imagine the beauty that a small fountain or water feature can create. Just the sound of trickling or running water is enough to relax the senses.
Double the luck and visual interest by hanging a mirror; carefully plan where you will hang this accessory. The mirror will not just visually enlarge the space but also provide a gracious welcome to your visitors. Don’t let it face the front door as this is considered to be bad luck.
Use wood furniture to welcome the people into your home. A simple wooden bench should do the trick. A wood credenza that comes with interesting patterns could also serve as the focal piece in your entryway.
Tags: entryway, entryway design, entryway designs, entryway style, entryway styles, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Friday, May 20th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn’t this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?
The world of interior design is not as stylish without the beauty of wood furniture. Both contemporary and traditional homes can use this unique material to their advantage. Wood can be locally sourced, it can be recycled or it can be harvested from a sustainable environment. Wooden buildings are also a great way to seamlessly fuse your interiors with the beauty of nature.
Since the dawn of time, man has been living close or even on trees. Many wooden homes have been built over thousands of years. Wood offers organic warmth, softness, and classic beauty. This is no less than the best construction material today and in the years to come.
Be Mother Earth’s Best Friend
Stylizing your home with wood furniture, walls or flooring makes it a haven of nature (more so when the materials were harvested from a sustainable society). Build a home for your loved ones that harnesses and highlights the beauty of wood. This can be the perfect home to grow old in or become a nest. Either way, you are utilizing the incomparable beauty of wood which no material will be able to equal.
Wood Properties
Wood is a construction or building material that comes with many useful properties. It is strong and is a natural thermal insulator. It is an effective storage for heat. It is also able to control humidity under the right setting.
You can be innovative with wood. You can even cover or create everything with it. So go ahead and use wood on your roof, walls, the flooring and just about everywhere else.
Lumber is often used in joists, columns and beams. The house is surely going to be much more durable if you use wood in these parts. If you used conventional wood, then there is also the added protection of it being fire-retardant.
Controlled Temperature
Because of wood’s property to insulate, your home will have a comfortable temperature. The thick walls, floor and roof will keep you and your loved ones warm especially during the coldest seasons. In essence, you won’t be feeling too cold or too hot so you’ll surely live in a home where the temperature’s just right.
An Awesome Aesthetic Appeal
The lumber market is a huge one and there is a great reason behind that. Wood is a classic material whether you use it to build your home or on furniture. Lumber looks great whether you bought it directly from the mill or if you pay the best home furnishing shops a visit. Our site, www.mccreerys.com features the loveliest wood pieces which you can proudly display in your home.
From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.
The Acoustics Are Phenomenal
The simple reason why most homeowners choose wood as a staple material in their home is that it is one of the best building materials on the planet. Its acoustics are great plus you get to contribute to the lengthening of Mother Earth’s days.
Cabinetmaking would not have been as phenomenal were it not for wood. Wood is a major furniture material and this shouldn’t come as a surprise since it offers so much more than a beautiful look.
Wood Is Holistic
In a world where holistic living is now an ongoing trend, there is no recourse but to join in. Your home could have an ambitious space or it could be homey but if you use wood in either, what you achieve is an aesthetic beauty coupled with durability.
Try living in a wooden home and bring in the rustic beauty of wood furniture sets. Your home could also come with wood insulation and wood finishes. Use treated wood so it is fortified against pests and the onslaught of the harshest elements.
Isn’t wood divine?
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, wood, wood accents, wood design element, wood elements, wood furniture, wood furniture pieces, wood pieces, wooden elements, wooden materials
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, May 19th, 2016
The Hooker Furniture Chatelet Collection
If this is the first time that you’re remodeling your home, then you probably don’t know what to expect – just yet. This is a huge undertaking so it is but natural that you would feel nervous. There is that never-ending concern about the total cost of the project, the length of time needed to finish it, and what interior design elements would make it work. Setting your expectations is necessary in addressing the fears that you might be feeling at the moment.
Lots of Dust
Yes, expect plenty of dust. Don’t expect just a fine layer as this can gather in all parts of your home as the construction pushes through.
There are some ways that you can control this. If it’s possible, close off the area where construction is being done, from the rest of your home; set up a temporary wall so that the noise and won’t fill your entire home.
Any running air filter or air handler will surely pull some dust from the air towards the parts of your home which are not under construction. If you can, completely block warm air so that cold air will go back to the construction site. If you don’t do this, then you will inevitably pull the dust from the area that is being remodeled.
Before you go about in blocking the vents, though, make sure that you get in touch with an HVAC company first. This is to ascertain that your furnace will still work properly.
And Then There Was Noise
The noise that you will be hearing will be incessant. There will be lots of scratching, sawing, and sanding, even thumping. There will also be bellowing compressors so don’t expect a quiet home for the duration of the construction.
Try to set up a place where you can get a quiet nap. Don’t expect to have restful nights unless you set up a tent far away from the construction site.
FFDM’s Villa Cascina
Zero Visitors
Don’t fret; your zero visitor zones won’t stay that way for long. Pretty soon, once your friends find out that your major renovation is finished, prepare for a flood of visitors. You will have ample time by then to show them around and be proud of the changes that have taken place in your home.
Always Expect the Unexpected
Any construction project has unexpected events. You could encounter asbestos (especially if you are remodeling an old home), irregular framing, incorrect plumbing, electrical systems that are waiting to burst, etc.
Of course there won’t be laughter once you see these things so if you don’t want to worry about these, then you have to consider hiring a contractor. Count on having these major mishaps turn into working systems by the end of the construction project.
Another unexpected event is the change order where added or reduced costs take place. It could be because you preferred a different theme in the beginning and you ended up just improving your current theme. Cash concerns such as this is quite normal.
Setbacks
There might be workers getting ill, snow falling, or cars breaking down. Whatever the event that will take place, it could turn your two-month project into a three-month gig for the contractor. So talk to your contractor and meet halfway. Both of you should have the resilience to adapt to any schedule shift.
Furniture Decisions
Once you change the look of your home, you also need to change your existing furniture. If you’re tired of the mounted cabinetry, then it’s time to embrace the lovely wood pieces either for the bedroom or the dressing room.
Depending on your themed, find the correct set of furniture to seal in the look.
Tags: house construction, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, reconstruction, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Remodeling | No Comments »
Thursday, May 19th, 2016
The flag needn’t be made of fabric all the time. This Uttermost Accessories American Flag Metal Wall Art 13480 is an awesome piece to behold.
Growing up, you might have seen old homes displaying red, white and blue buntings with every bit of decor showing Uncle Sam. The porches of such homes are the most patriotic that one could see. People who take pride in their nation can always find ways to bring a sense of patriotism and history into their homes. More often than not, they adorn their porch with the star spangled banner.
But being patriotic even in your interior design is a lot more than just displaying the American flag. With enough creativity, you can modernize your patriotic decor while still keeping your sense of pride.
Inspiring, Patriotic Ideas
Okay, so the great ol’ American flag deserves its own domain. Choose a significant part of your home to display it. Sure, use the porch just like other homes but there are other rooms, too, that can feel just as patriotic.
Apart from the flag, you can also adorn one or two walls of your home with paintings highlighting the image of Uncle Sam. An unframed canvas will surely play well against a rustic, antler-adorned wall. This creates a marriage of sorts and an automatic country theme.
Uttermost Accessories American Flag Metal Wall Art 13480
You don’t have to own an Andy Warhol painting just to get into the patriotic vibe. There are many other ways to inspire your loved ones and friends to appreciate their beloved nation a bit more.
Hang colorful paintings of wagons, cattle, galloping stags, and cacti-filled deserts.
First, always say yes to the rustic theme. This is the default style for anything pertaining to the Old West. Display equine accessories such as a saddle.
Have patience in looking for pieces that will suit your home. You can come up with a display that depicts vintage but is not necessarily vintage. All it takes is a little creativity. Old West pieces were built to weather the harshest climates. So it is common to find dust and even grime in some of the authentic pieces. You don’t have to stage a pigpen, though. Just use a little saddle soap to clean that dirty piece.
If you are not sure of what cleaning products to use, pay the local tack store a visit and ask for some guidance.
Red, white or blue furnishings are definitely in. These are expected to be fun and inspiring especially when used altogether. Use nautical flags as bookends and come up with an oversized art collage that, of course, features a lot of red, white and blue.
Don’t think that you’re stuck with red, white and blue colors, though. Remember that this country was mainly inhabited by the Native Americans so you can also pay tribute to these great people by using their beautiful geometric patterns.
Find an awesome fusion of textiles that can be used on your flooring or as covering for your furniture. Even minimalist space can make use of these elements.
How? Just add prints to put in texture to a minimalist setting.
If you’re not sure of what to do with an old, tattered flag, then try framing it. A mounted, old flag can easily become the focal point of a living room. This can be preserved for many more years to come and be given as an heirloom to your posterity.
If you want to elevate the look of the room some more, then use longhorn skulls as decorative elements. These will bring back memories of covered wagons and cowpokes while still providing a sculptural effect in an entryway.
Use a wooden bench at the same entryway or elsewhere in your living room. Instead of the usual upholstered chairs, why not decide to use a bench in your dining room? Wood is also your best friend when trying to use the patriotic theme.
FFDM Vintage Classics: Wood is your new best friend.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Native American design, patriotic interior design, patriotic interiors, rustic design
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 18th, 2016
Artistica Living Room Quatrain Recycled Bamboo Buncher 314-380.
Over the last years, a species of grass has been used considerably to create affordable furniture. This is no less than the favored material among clothing manufacturers, landscape artists, athletic shoemakers, and interior designers. There are various reasons why bamboo is chosen to create different kinds of stuff. The green spirit that is now enveloping the globe is one huge reason.
Bamboo Means Sustainability
Manufacturers from all over the world are now responding to the call for environmental consumerism. Sustainable products are in and plastics are becoming less and less popular.
Bamboo clothing is made with breathable fabrics that are also eco-friendly. It doesn’t just look great, it also wears well. Bamboo fabric is exceptionally absorbent. Moisture tends to evaporate more quickly even in warmer temperatures.
Bamboo fabric is also hygienic. Scientists have proven that it comes with a unique anti-bacteria as well as an anti-fungal bio agent known as kun. This natural element is also a non-chemical deodorant that does not irritate the skin.
The bamboo trend does not end in clothing choices. Remember that there are more than a thousand species of bamboo all over the world. In landscaping, this is the perfect alternative to plastic. Bamboo is being used as an eco-friendly fence in a lot of homes. Some landscape architects even go as far as planting bamboo plants in gardens for a lush, fresher feel.
Tommy Bahama Home Living Room Hibiscus Round Accent Table 593-953
Bamboo and Your Interior Design
Hotels all over the nation are now signing up for different kinds of green programs. This is because business travelers now require eco-friendly accommodation. People also now believe that going green is not just environmentally-friendly but also a money saver of sorts.
Environmentalism is the hottest issue these days and you have to take part in it.
As more and more bamboo products are being sold in the market, it is now time to make your decision whether you would jump to the bandwagon or not. Bamboo can be a great substitute for hardwood floors, ceilings, even walls.
Bamboo furniture and accessories are not only green but can also be superior to other interior design materials. It is naturally resistant to wear and tear for as long as it is sheltered from the harsh elements. With sufficient maintenance, it should be able to resist staining, warping and cupping.
Bamboo comes in a wide spectrum of finishes which is why it is becoming a favorite among interior designers. It is also easy to maintain and clean while offering the versatility and natural beauty of hardwoods.
The West has fallen in love with everything that’s Asian so it’s no surprise that interior design has incorporated a lot of eastern elements these days.
There are real and faux bamboo furniture pieces but it pays to have the real deal. At times, oak, pine or maple is used to resemble the beauty of bamboo while keeping a sturdier piece of furniture. This isn’t a new technique since the Chinese have been manufacturing faux bamboo since the 1300s.
There are so many ways to fuse bamboo into your interior design. You could paint a bamboo headboard with black especially when you are pairing it with a Japanese style chest of drawers. Bamboo can easily mix with any kind of design, you will surely notice this soon enough. A duvet in paisley plus a modern lamp will also mix well with bamboo.
Bamboo is also very much at home when used as a bed material. It can work well with many English antiques. It is a beautiful way to have an Eastern pull into an otherwise Western setup.
Accessorizing with bamboo is a good way to mirror the eastern look throughout your home. Find bamboo accent chairs, accent tables or knickknacks.
So, would you dare to go green?
Tags: bamboo, bamboo furniture, bamboo interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable design, sustainable materials
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 18th, 2016
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-428 blends perfectly with the brick background.
The right kind of table lamp has the power to make a room appear and feel cozier. Yet figuring out what sort of lamp to buy can be a bit tricky. Before you learn how to pair the right table lamp with the best table or desk, here are a few tips in shopping for the right decorative lighting –
Take a Seat
A big or small lamp could function as a source of light but if you don’t consider certain design elements, then it could look like it was not originally a part of the room. Consider both form and function when choosing the correct table lamp. Be sure to set the function first then have the size follow suit.
To measure the correct size of table lamp, be sure to take a seat on the sofa or chair right next to the table where the lamp will be situated. Measure the distance from your eye level right to the table surface.
Find a shade that comes with a diameter which is no more than two inches smaller than the base length. For instance, a fixture with 16” base should have a shade width that is no more than 14”.
Buy a fixture that has a bottom to base shade length which will not exceed your eye-level-to-table measurement. Shade length should have 65-80% of the length of the base. If the lamp is going to be used on the bedside table, then the length should still be sitting at your eye level coming from the bedside table.
The guidelines are still applicable even if you’re setting up a tiny table that comes with a reading light. It could be difficult to shop for a small scale lamp which is still tall enough for this kind of setup but there are options out there. Should you have trouble looking for the correct size of table lamp, then just settle for a floor fixture.
A Useful Tip
Here’s a useful method of estimating your eye level for those impromptu shopping. This is an age-old florist’s trick in doing this estimation.
Put your elbow on the nightstand or desk and have your arm perpendicular to the surface with your fingers extended. Begin measuring from the table surface to the tip of your middle finger. This measurement should serve as your guide for eye level when looking for the right table lamp.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-428 blends perfectly with the brick background.
Credenza + Pottery Lamps
Here’s a table and lamp combination that will surely excite people who want to embrace the midcentury look. Make good use of proportions. Use a petite credenza with a chunky sort of pottery lamp. You can also look for a statement lamp to balance the miniscule look of the credenza.
Hang a huge piece of painting slightly off-center beside the lamp to complete the look.
Bamboo Table + Small Ceramic Lamp
The bamboo table can be an elegant nightstand yet a big lamp will crowd it out. To avoid this, or the use of a task lamp, use a small-scale lamp complete with an empire-shape shade. This ceramic lamp should cast ample light according to your needs.
Media Center + Tall Glass Lamp
Place a tall glass lamp on one end of the media center. This placement takes the eye away from the center of the TV screen (and reduces glare) when it is not being used.
Lovely Sofa + Glass Lamp
If you situated your sofa at the center of the living room, it would be aesthetically great to have glass lamps roundabout. This sort of lamp will not obstruct the sight lines.
Make these glass lamps more interesting during the summer by filling them up with fine sand.
Find out which among these table and lamp combos would work best in your home. Have fun doing this project.
Tags: decorating with lamps, decorative lamps, lamps, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for table lamp, shopping for table lamps, table lamp, table lamp combos, table lamp shopping
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
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