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Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
From Hooker Furniture’s Adagio Collection
Not every person is born with an eye for what’s beautiful, comfortable and a clean home. Most interior designers learned their skills, some even as young as when they were children in their homes. Perhaps one had a mother who loved buying interior design magazines or an elder sister who simply liked to mix and match the decor.
Imagination and a dash of God-given creativity pave the way for an artistic interior designer. Those who carve a name for themselves in the interior design industry eventually have an established client network or they are the ones who work for the biggest home stores all over the country.
Interior designers can take on different residential as well as commercial projects. Some are even tasked to design communities and institutional projects such as libraries, schools, offices and chapels.
Interior design is now a discipline that is widely appreciated by more people. This is why a designer should improve on her craft by expanding her knowledge and seeing with artistic eyes.
FFDM Brentwood Collection. The lovely, rustic contrast that the bedside table offers to both the bed and the chair is undeniable.
Interior Designer Inspiration
Inspiration for interior designers can come from history, culture, travel, architecture and especially the arts. Nature also influences some designers’ works, changing their perspectives as they touch the waters of the ocean or feel the breeze against their cheek.
The style that a designer eventually develops depends also on her own preference and her willingness to give in to the client’s whims. Furniture pieces and accessories are often carefully selected according to factors such as the client’s lifestyle, budget and personality.
If there is one rewarding thing about interior designing, it is that the designer knows that she did her best in setting up a beautiful home, one that her clients will be enjoying in style and comfort.
An Interior Designer Adapts
The interior designer might not have grown up in a family of artists or designers but through careful study and constant practice, she will soon have an eye for beauty. Continuously learning and improving one’s craft is a must in this kind of job. She should be able to look, individually, at her projects and say – through the years that – she has improved.
An interior designer knows through dedication and hard work what a client wants. Recommendations come from satisfied clients and so a designer should learn to adapt and not demand what he thinks is better.
A well-loved interior designer is one who makes it a point to make his clients happy. She should never give them a reason to feel dissatisfied on any aspect of her work. Designers have a duty to learn new things about their job from time to time so they can keep up with the changing trends.
A true artist makes a room functional yet beautiful at the same time. This is a skill that can only be mastered through time, constant study and practice. She is an expert when it comes to interior design element optimization.
Universal Furniture Home Entertainment Media Easel 026970 is an artistic way of installing a flatscreen.
An Interior Designer Is a Furniture Connoisseur
While everyone is enjoying an idyllic Sunday morning at home, the interior designer could be out shopping for furniture pieces. These are the very pieces that will define the home of their clients so they take time to choose every piece.
Delivering someone’s dream space is not easy. The furniture pieces used should have textures and patterns that match the client’s chosen theme. It is an invitation to imagine and find the furniture that the client will eventually love.
The greatest reward of being an interior designer is to spread splendour one home at a time.
Speak with our friendly staff here at McCreery’s Home Furnishings and find out which pieces are most suitable for your taste.
Tags: how to become an interior designer, interior designer characteristics, interior designer skills, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in The Interior Designer | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
Scandinavian theme can be used as well in the kids’ bedroom (Winners Only Bedroom Del Mar White Twin Storage Bed BDP1001TS).
What do Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway have in common? All these countries showcase perfect homes. Spaces featuring Scandinavian design are super stylish but not in an ornate kind of way. Also known as the Nordic design, Scandinavian design is all about keeping most design elements subdued. More often than not, such homes sport a stark white backdrop which is the best canvas for anyone’s artistic flair.
Scandinavian Design: A History
Simplicity and function are the foremost design principles for all of Nordic Europe. The homes in these places are airy, bright, and mostly serene. Natural elements are effectively used, with neutral color palettes taking centerstage.
The world had its first glimpse of this style during the 1947 edition of a design exhibit in Milan. Triennale de Milano specifically featured home accessories and glassware coming from the Nordic nations. It was a rage and pretty soon, Canada and the U.S. capitalized on its popularity. The years 1954 through 1957 made Scandinavian design the star of the interior design industry. It was a timely break from the designs enjoyed by Europeans during that time. Europeans generally favored ornate designs and opulent settings. Nordic design changed all these.
Function over embellishments became the new trend.
The design’s popularity declined during the 80s but upped again in the next decade.
Artistica Dining Room Crystal Stone Round Dining Table 373-100.
The Scandinavian Textures
It is important to play with textures when you are designing your home with a bare white environment. The colors can still participate in the whole picture but they should be muted. Rich textures must be seen on the furniture pieces, lamps, the accent rug, textiles, the bed and the couch. The secret is to keep things exciting.
Mix rich textures with a little shimmer or a touch of nature (as simple as a flower arrangement inside the living room will do wonders). A bit of black will also look nice as it will provide a striking contrast to the white background.
Colors can be added one bit at a time. Abstract paintings are a nice addition; they will surely pop in a mainly neutral space.
The flooring does not have to be white, too. If you do not want the flooring to appear sterile or too cold, then you may install wooden flooring. If you love dark colors, then don’t worry. You can still use such colors without making the room look gloomier. Begin with an accent wall then work the rest of the design from there.
Scandinavian Furniture
Wood is a primary feature of many Scandinavian homes. Life in that region of the world has long winters and just a few hours of daylight. Since this is so, people often stayed indoors for a long stretch of the wintry season. Small houses featured wooden furniture pieces that were masterfully crafted by artistic hands.
The Hickory White Living Room Sofa 5104-05 has throws that make a colorful and interesting contrast to the all-white fabric.
Scandinavians love organic materials such as natural wood, metal, leather and natural textiles such as cotton and linen.
Statement pieces such as tables and chairs do not even have to match. You have the leeway to mix and match different pieces to make the dining space look more interesting. Natural materials like oak, suede, leather, linen and cotton comprise many Scandinavian furniture pieces.
Leather furniture is also welcome in a Scandinavian setting since it can effectively add warmth and texture. To complete the elegant look brought about by the wooden and leather furniture, see if you can have a fireplace in your living room. A column fireplace can be used as a focal point in a huge living room or in a family room. More often than not, the fireplace is just a bunch of columns located in a corner of the room.
Tags: leather, leather furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Nordic design, Nordic interior design, Nordic interiors, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors, white, white color palette, white furnishings, white in interior design, white interior design, wooden, wooden furniture, wooden materials
Posted in Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
What could spell glamour more than this sturdy table from FFDM’s Raylen Vineyard Collection?
Many homeowners feel a sense of accomplishment when they look at their places of residence. Each one of them wants their condos or bungalows to look their best, one that represents who they are, what they do and what kind of lifestyles they live. These people often look for things that inspire with regard to interior design. Of course, there are magazines, books and the internet to provide them with design guidelines. Looking at the glitz and glamour displayed on the pages of these interior design media, you might think that they are too magazine-y or that they are unattainable. With the right set of hands, though, there are ways that you can replicate those glamorous home designs.
Razzle Dazzle ‘Em
You’d be surprised at how simple it actually takes for you to make your home stand out. So where should you begin?
The fundamental in creating a glamorous home is to have a knack for organization. Being organized and clean in your home will make your dwelling place a haven, not just another structure. From now on, make sure that the surfaces are all clean, glass and metal furniture and frills are polished, and your accessories are up-to-date.
Know how to rotate the collections that you have – when it’s wintertime, bring out your darker, texture-rich furnishings and accessories. There are different color palettes for every season so be able to find out what palette works on a certain season.
Glamorous living also means always being inspired. This does not automatically mean embracing the latest trends. Being glamorous entails class so know which designs are considered classic.
Hickory White Bedroom Hall Eglomise Mirror 903-42
Glam also means knowing how to put a sparkle in your place. Bling and sparkle do not mean the same thing, though, so be careful. A thing that sparkles is shimmering and lovely while a bling it over-the-top.
Through patience, you can find sparkling items such as crystal pieces, gold accents and such. Those shiny metallic candelabra will also look perfect in a glamorous setting.
Colors that are glamorous are blue and white in porcelain; velvet stuff, purples, greens, especially gold. Black and white, when used in moderation, can also be glamorous. Neutrals in gray or weathered woods complete with gilded details evoke a French feel. Deep gray in wool and tweed can also be paired with deep woods to show sophistication.
While shopping, be sure to search for quality items. Do not look for cheap items as these will not give you the endurance that a glamorous home requires. Instead, invest in timeless pieces of wood, metals and rich fabrics. Add luxury to your home as you put trims and silk panels.
But have you ever wondered what makes something evoke glamour?
Become a collector with this Century Furniture Living Room Console SF5424.
A glamorous thing looks and feels special. If you have seen the designer pieces on clothes such as Christian Dior or Vera Wang, then you know that there is a certain aura that befits them.
Metals can also be glamorous as are bright and colorful pieces. Black and white can also evoke glamour, sophistication and richness. These are the pieces that are worth splurging on. Touch the furniture and you will know that master artisans worked with them. The draperies and carpets also come in rich textures and patterns. Now these are the very reasons why you should not look for things that are trendy when shopping for glamorous items. Think of it in this manner – will these items still be around after 20 years?
There, you’ve got your answer.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, glamorous interior design, glamour, interior design theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, timeless, timeless design, timeless interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2016
The Flexsteel Home Office Hutch W1201-747 will neatly sit on that cozy corner of your home office, allowing more space to be utilized.
Many people find themselves living in homes with an open floor plan. These days, if you still do not have one but are thinking of jumping on the bandwagon, then you have to consider which walls to tear down or to cut away from. The airy and open feeling of this kind of layout is awesome though it also comes with home design quandaries.
The most common questions that people ask with regard to the open floor layout are these –
These are just some of the many questions that open floor layouts conjure.
Space planning is the step that comes before color, fabric or finish selection. This should be done whether you are designing your first home or when you are remodeling. Planning, when done right, can give you a room that looks and feels much larger.
Well, there is no need to be paralyzed with fear. If you’re not ready to dive into the totality that open space planning offers, then know that you can still section off the space into smaller areas. Make a list of functional spaces that you will set up within the bigger space. If you can, assign a specific square footage for each room.
You also have to consider the foot traffic per area. For example, there should be ample space between the dining area and the kitchen (no less than four feet is ideal) so that diners will be able to walk to and from both areas without hindrance.
With an open floor plan, you will have more space for this lovely wooden piece from the Hyde Park Collection of FFDM.
Space adjacency should also be considered. Rooms that are commonly placed next to each other are the bathroom and the bedroom, the kitchen and the dining room, the living room and the kids’ play area. Of course, this all depends on your lifestyle.
Consider the current and future locations of doors, electrical outlets, windows, and columns. The kitchen should be situated on an area where there’s amply water supply – and so should the bathroom. You will surely minimize costs if you plan the adjacent rooms properly.
An open space layout does not necessarily translate into rooms that are not properly defined. Say no to the temptation of lining up your walls with furniture. Instead, use area rugs to define the conversation clusters in your living area. Doing so will let you add coziness and warmth to your home, making it a lot more inviting.
If you are the entertaining type, you might want to consider buying a chaise or daybed. These come with open sides and can serve as seats for two rooms. An alternative can be that lovely upholstered bench that is both a seat in your dining area or an anchor for a work of art propped against the wall.
Chaises offer two open sides; this is a piece that you can use in two areas (Century Furniture Living Room Cornerstone Chaise LTD7600-5).
As for the walls, Instead of the usual, you can just invest in some dividers, double-sided bookcases or decorative screens. These simple items will be able to provide the privacy that you need on a daily basis.
Open floor planning is all about color harmony (read about our previous blog on how to do this – http://mccreerys.blogs.eprevue.net/2016/02/04/interior-design-101-fundamental-color-harmonies/). While colors are a major part of your open space layout consideration, it is important to note that all walls do not have to be painted with the same color.
Whatever happens, do not allow yourself to freeze with fear. Open floor plan should bring out your creativity and vivid imagination!
Tags: color harmony, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, open floor, open floor layout, open floor plan, space planning, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2016
The black and white Maitland-Smith Living Room Bench 4230-382 is available at McCreery’s Home Furnishings.
The meaning of different colors varies depending on culture and other factors. Every hue comes with different aspects though you can learn color language by comprehending some simple concepts. Color is a kind of non-verbal communication of who you are. It is never static and its meaning could change in every individual. But what comes to your mind when you see black and white combined?
When you see the color black, what does it make you feel? Since black absorbs all colors in the spectrum, it is dark and has a tendency to be foreboding. This is often the color used on villains like witches and vampires because it seems to evoke menacing feelings. In Ancient Egypt, though, this color was used to represent life, even rebirth.
Black may come with not-so-great meanings but your reaction to it may differ. In fact, in the interior design industry, it is perceived to be elegant and classy. This color can fit in almost any concept of design. It can also add contrast or it can make other hues stand out.
Black also evokes a feeling of mystery; in color psychology, it is even known to protect from emotional stress.
White, on the other hand, is the absence of all colors. It symbolized innocence, purity and integrity. High priests, back in the day, wore this color to perform sacred rituals. Today, it is still a major color when it comes to marriage ceremonies as it invokes feelings of spotlessness, even godliness.
White represents perfection. It also leaves you free to do whatever you would do creatively with it. White is impartial or neutral towards anything. In the world of interior design, it brings out a person’s simplicity, sophistication, individualism and cleanliness.
Uttermost Accessories Vino Nobile Art 33472: This oil repro showcases a hand-applied dab finish. A black inner panel and brown distressing make up the wood frame. The inner as well as the outer edge come with a medium wood medium wood tone finish and black distressing.
Black + White = Dramatic Interiors
Black and white, when used in interior design, look bold, stunning and dramatic. Rooms that are filled with these colors feel balanced yet powerful; they are also attractive and highly impressive.
McCreery’s Home Furnishings offer a wide selection of black and/or white furniture pieces and accessories that demonstrate sophistication in design. These pieces also serve as inspirations for the creation of modern black and white interiors.
Minimalist rooms often feature one or both colors. When combined, they create a powerful contrast that becomes the canvas to spectacular show of architectural features and furniture pieces.
Black and white artwork, framed photographs and accessories are all versatile and elegant. It is the simplicity of these two colors and their neutrality that makes them harmonize and create a unique interior design.
Here’s how to use black and white in your home –
The Accessories Uttermost Ali Textured White Bowl 19923 will look perfect with other black or white accessories.
Black and white design involves the use of correct shades of furniture and other design elements. You can experiment with any neutral color and allow it to enhance the modernity of your interiors. Personalize your home by pairing the black and white duo with another color accent.
Monochrome also has an enduring appeal that will surely captivate the beholder. If you are crazy over this color scheme then check out our mammoth collection of black and white pieces soon – start investing for your monochrome heaven soon!
Tags: black and white, interior design theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, white and black
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, February 4th, 2016
This Flexsteel Living Room Sofa 7399-31 spells urban fashion and comfort.
You may just be in your mid-30’s or 40’s but if you have already accomplished a lot of things in life, then you deserve to have another feather in your cap. The next best accomplishment for you at this point is to obtain your dream home, try urban living, and dress your home up according to your liking.
Would you want a big home right away or would you choose to have a condominium unit as your first home? You can be hands-on with the design process. Whichever you choose, be sure to review your choice of a dream home from the day you get your hands on the blueprint.
Next, find an interior designer whom you can trust. This expert should be able to discuss your personal preferences, what you would want the house to evoke, and your spatial needs.
There are a lot of responsibilities that come with your new home. If you are a hardworking professional, then you deserve to glam up your urban dwelling. You can begin with a white color scheme.
Stylish living begins with this simple color. Shades of white can create a bright and airy atmosphere while creating an aura of peace and balance. As you enter your home, you would soon understand how white opens up the space and gives the dweller a welcoming feeling. Be careful in using white, though, as it can have a stark appearance when left without complement.
Apart from white, earth tones are the next best colors to use when going with the urban look. Green, brown and yellow can be used in varying shades. If you want to contrast the starkness of white, you can bring in potted plants. Just be sure to water it daily and place it atop a side table that is not directly hit by sunlight.
Sam Moore Living Room Urban Ottoman 1061 offers patterns that will stand out in a neutral background.
Create a Homey Aura
Urban interior design makes use of the design concept where only essential furnishings are brought into the home. This means you have to let go of any trinkets or furniture that can clutter the overall look.
Choose your furniture and accents wisely. A quick look on our lovely furniture pieces will soon give you an idea on how to spruce up your new home.
Area rugs will make any living room stand out. Find one that has varied designs since you will be using a neutral backdrop. A decorative area rug will complement, say, a shiny marble flooring. Other attention-getters inside a living room can be a baby grand piano, art sculpture, chandelier and any abstract painting. These will provide the much-needed contrast for the white scheme.
When it comes to the couch, any upholstered kind will do. Here’s a tip – be sure to rotate the cushions. It’s been observed that most homeowners have a tendency to stay on just one side of a couch.
An urban dining area will also look great with a 10-seater table made with wood. Find mirror panels to reflect this grand sight. Hang a crystal chandelier right above this set. The kitchen space can have a breakfast nook right by the window overlooking the garden. Find cabinets and shelves to store your kitchenware.
FFDM’s Boulevard Collection features this streamlined bedroom piece,
The home office for someone who knows success can have an old-meets-new motif. Modern conveniences such as a laptop and LED TV can be placed in the same room as the antique manual typewriter seated on a streamlined desk.
If there’s space to spare, then take time to find an ottoman that will match your office couch. This ottoman will not just serve as a seating piece but also as a table should you nephews decide to play a board game while you’re busy working.
Frame some of your black-and-white photographs and hang them proudly on your office wall. You can also use this room to store your favorite books, trophies, and some personal items.
Have fun with urban glam!
Tags: harmony, homey, homey ambiance, homey ambience, homey interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, urban glam, urban interior design, urban living
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, February 4th, 2016
‘Notice the play of colors in this photo? The colors of nature were excellently used inside this cozy bedroom. Wooden pieces come from the Summer Collection of FFDM.
For many interior designers, the color wheel can serve as their guide when mixing and matching stuff. As many would attest, a designer can never go wrong with a color wheel in hand. This nifty tool can help you see the combinations in a glance. From there, you can let your imagination take over and allow color harmonies to naturally take place.
Designers do not just resort to magazines, the Internet or interior design books for guidance. There are also tools such as the color wheel that can help them decide on color schemes, theme, and color combinations.
Harmonizing Hues
There are so many colors and the design possibilities are actually limitless. But before you roll up your sleeves to begin shopping for your home’s needs, you must first learn the basic color harmonies. Mainly, there are three to keep in mind – the primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Each one will be able to help you understand the color wheel better.
The primary colors are also referred to as the anchor hues. These are the pure colors which serve as the foundation of all the other colors that you will ever encounter. The primary colors are red, blue and yellow. Remember that every hue comes from a mixture (in varying degrees) of these basic colors.
These colorful cows will definitely pop in a stark white background. Made with metal and green, blue, red, and orange finishes, these playful accessories are sure to get your guests’ approval.
Next are the secondary colors. These are a mixture of two primary colors. These include the following –
Just like the primary colors, there are only three colors under the secondary color category.
Lastly, there are tertiary colors. These are those hues result from the mixture of primary plus secondary colors. Examples include –
So now you may be wondering how you would be able to pick the right palette when you have been presented with a lot of inspiring combinations. The initial step is to make a decision on what scheme you really want.
You can just go with a primary color though it is also tempting to pick from the rich hues that are available, after all, there’s the entire spectrum to pick from.
Color harmony can help you make this difficult decision. Harmonizing creates a pleasant ambience, one that is not just visually pleasing but also well-balanced.
Colors can give life, add drama or pique interest. They can also affect the way people interact. For instance, blue elicits productivity so shades of this color are used in many offices all over the world. Red, on the other hand, is used in many restaurants because it is known to create hunger pangs as it also excites the senses. The way people associate with their surroundings rely greatly upon the colors that are found in that environment.
Now it’s time to learn basic color combination techniques. First, there’s monochromatic. This kind of harmony makes use of a single color even when it is mixed with its tints or shades. Tint is a mixture of white plus any color while shades result when a color is mixed with black.
An effective way to achieve color harmony is to install lighting fixtures. This lovely chandelier will surely elicit oohs and aaahs. (Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Fascination, 3 Lt Chandelier 21138).
So if you’ve been wondering if you can work with different shades of yellow, then do so.
Complementary is a kind of harmony that offers a striking contrast between hues. This is especially great when you want a room to stand out. To use, find colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.
Analogous colors are those that are adjacent to one another on the color wheel. These are often nature colors, therefore, they can match easily.
Triadic scheme makes use of colors that have been evenly spaced on the color wheel. They have been given this name because you can literally draw a triangle to connect these colors.
Split-complementary is great for beginners. The formula to use is –
Tetradic is a scheme that uses four different colors at the same time (two colors plus their complements). What you get is a brazen, multi-colored palette.
Lastly, the square scheme makes use of four colors that are equally spaced from one another. Connect these four and you will be able to form a square. To offset the hues, just remember to use a light-colored, neutral background.
Color harmonies aren’t difficult to achieve. With a little patience and creativity, your home is sure to stand out.
Tags: adding colors to a home, color harmony, color in interior design, colors, harmony, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Interior Design 101: Fundamental Color Harmonies
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016
Apartment living doesn’t have to be a drab. The Hancock and Moore Living Room Member Apartment Size Sofa 4106 will make your cozy place an elegant one.
There are a lot of benefits to living in an apartment. If you are still undecided on whether to choose an apartment or that spacious, single family home, consider this list –
Amazing Benefits of Living in an Apartment
First, just think of the amenities such as tennis court, pet sitting services, gyms, and swimming pools – these are all available when you live in an apartment complex.
Apartment living also means flexibility. If you are not in for the long run, then this short-term sort of arrangement is just the thing for you and your family. Regular houses require at least a year for leasing; apartments have options ranging from three to nine months.
Homeowners can be in constant worry of house repairs. If you live in an apartment, this is one less thing that you would worry about. Minor repairs will be your landlord’s concern from now on.
You might think that having limited storage is more of a disadvantage than a benefit, but think again. Over the years, how much stuff have you accumulated that are not really needful? Living in a place with limited storage will make you more conscientious regarding the acquisition of new items. You will also learn to value the furniture and decor that you have used for a long time.
Living in a cozy setting will also make heating or cooling a lot easier. Say hello to lower utility bills! You will also say hello more often to your family members since there are only a few places where you can bump into each other. Also, get ready to meet new neighbors.
There are also some apartments that already include the utilities as part of the rent. This means you will have pooled bills. Add to these benefits the increased security in your home and you would surely consider living in a smaller complex.
FFDM’s Boulevard Collection features this streamlined bench, a great piece to add to your new apartment.
Interior Design for Small Spaces
Begin your apartment interior design by choosing your color palette. Make sure that you stick with a solid array of hues that balance and complement the rest of the decor and furnishings. Color cohesiveness is your goal and since you have a smaller space to work on, make sure that you do not cram all the colors that you want in one room. Spread the different shades of blue, for instance, in different rooms.
Make use of lighter colors such as shades of white, pastels, or just about any pale shade. If you really have to use a darker shade of paint, then just use it on your accent wall.
Next, find furniture items that are suitable to apartment living. Bookshelves can double as dividers and can even create an illusion of having two rooms when you actually just have one. Speaking of optical illusion, you can also create more space if you install mirrors all over your place. A large mirror that is installed horizontally on one wall will make a huge difference.
Another way to divide the place and also to have some privacy is to use a screen panel. This is an effective way to close off the bedroom area. This is not just a functional addition to your home – it is also aesthetically pleasing.
Taller shelves are also ideal for this kind of dwelling. They take up just a portion of the floor and make good use of the apartment’s height. Going vertically is the way to go now that you have chosen to live in a smaller place.
Apartment living is not a bed of roses, of course. You will have to learn how to deal with that neighbor who will do her laundry at 2:00 A.M. or those party animals who live next door. Depending on your circumstance, apartment living can still be ideal for you and your family as long as you make a home out of it.
Tags: decorating a small home, designing a small space, furnishing small apartments, furniture for small apartments, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small space design, small space organization, small space solutions, storage, storage advice, storage planning
Posted in Apartment Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016
For Four or More. The Denmark Collection (Bottom figure) is best for modern home bars. The set is made of American walnut veneer and solid hardwood. The Winners Only Bar and Game Room Westchester Barstool
DFWT145124 is versatile yet comfy. It’s made with walnut veneer and solid hardwoods as well.
One of the most unused rooms in many homes is the basement. Horror films even depict this as a scary, dark and dank place, a common notion as this is space plays second fiddle to the attic in terms of storage area. But aren’t you tired of doing your laundry down there or throwing all your out-of-season decor? Instead of allowing dust to settle in this extra space in your home – why not turn it into something useful instead?
A Home Bar
The basement can be remodeled into any room that you want. It offers a wealth of living space many different purposes. For example, it can serve as a wine cellar/bar. You might be looking into entertaining guests during the holidays or if you simply want to relax after a taxing day at the office – a home bar can be a place of refuge or entertainment.
Your home bar should reflect your taste not only in wine but also in interior design. Now you won’t have to rack your brains to set up your home bar. Just invest in the fundamentals – stock up on wines and the best liquors plus buy furniture that will make your guests nod in appreciation and approval.
With regard to liquor storage, know that most wines store for a very long time, more so since the basement is a cool and dark place. The rule of thumb is this when it comes to wine consumption, though, the lower the level of the liquid, the more that you should hurry and consume it. Air can make diminish the wine’s fine flavor. Vermouth, in particular, must be refrigerated (not just stored on a wine rack) and consumed once opened.
Once you have the wines, start shopping for the barware and glassware. Purchase ice bags, jigger, bar spoon, cocktail shaker, strainer, and ice cube trays.
As for the furniture, check out what McCreery’s Home Furnishings has to offer – from bar stools and tables, to wine racks, down to the most elegant glass door cabinets.
Hickory White Home Entertainment Hal Frank Cabinet 108_106_1023
A Game or Entertainment Room
Game rooms can have a flexible look. There are a variety of functions to be infused in one look so be sure that you delegate space for the board gamers, table tennis enthusiasts, video game experts, and a seating area for those who would want to just relax. These dedicated play areas don’t have to fill up the rest of the space. An entertainment area can also be allocated or a banquet corner.
A Library
What could be quieter than that room downstairs? Bookworms would love the idea of turning their basement into a room filled with books and, yes, more books!
Library fundamentals include two or more shelves (depending on the amount of available space that you can work on). Just like the rest of the rooms in your home, make sure that you also choose a theme. For the more traditional bookworms, there are always those wooden shelves while the contemporary aficionados should find a more streamlined shelf design.
Hickory White Bedroom King Upholstered Panel Bed 895-25 is the ultimate man cave essential.
A Man Cave
An awesome bachelor should have his equally awesome man cave. Pick the furniture, tools, and decor that you will set up here, wisely. Man colors are often blue, black, brown, green, and metallic hues. You can ask your buddies and family members to build it with you. They will be especially helpful once you set up the patterned or textured wallpaper and when you balance the decor with the rest of the furnishings.
Men are also all about memorabilia and collections. A sturdy display cabinet is perfect for collectors and hobbyists.
Lastly, of course, what’s a man cave without a relaxing bed down that basement, right? So you better choose it right.
Tags: basement, basement design, basement entertainment zone, basement makeover, basement remodel, basement remodeling, design for home library, designing a home bar, entertainment center, entertainment room, home bar, home bar essentials, home bar necessities, home library, home library design, man cave, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, setting up a home library
Posted in Basement Design, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Monday, February 1st, 2016
This lovely Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Gianna Chest 638-50066 fuses the Old World and the New in a seamless manner.
The Tudor monarchs, according to history, were able to bring comparative peace and prosperity throughout England, Ireland and Wales. The wealth of many landowners was invested in buildings. Theirs was a moment of cultural bursts and classical architecture revival for Italian style. The Tudor style is a class of its own.
Europeans had a moment when gothic was at the center of their style. The perpendicular style has broken away from all this. The Tudors were the ones who developed fan vaulting (evident in the Gloucester Cathedral cloisters).
Now let’s go to a dating feature known as the Tudor Rose. This is a red rose badge with a white rose badge within. This signified the union of Henry VII to Edward IV’s daughter. This is now a decorative piece that is used to signify posh and sophistication to the highest levels.
Renaissance features can also be seen inside Tudor dwellings. These features are confined to the wealthy and the elite members of society then. Henry enthusiastically built Italianate motifs.
Then came Elizabethan homes where old homes were torn down only to be built anew. Most homeowners were then yearning for improvement as that was the great period of building. If you have ever seen those narrow yet all townhouses complete with borough walls, then these are the homes of artisans and merchants who built their homes slowly through the years.
Homes of the wealthiest members of the society are often built with huge windows and decorative chimneys. Glass was then used in Elizabethan homes with glittering glazing designs. The most elaborate fireplaces are set up and ceilings were slowly decorated with strapwork.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Gianna Chest 638-50066 comes with a feminine pair of cabriole legs but with a masculine Old World design.
Tudor Is Symmetry
Symmetrical plans will always be favored in Tudor settings. Otherwise, Renaissance in classical details appears so then you can find fireplace, doors, and columns. Round-headed arches and niches together with all the other features of Tudor style were revived during the Victorian period.
Tudor may be an old fashioned style but it can become a part of modern living, too. The styles come originally from the UK during the 15th to the 16th centuries and are now a huge part of tourist attractions.
Genuine Tudor design can now be recreated but your place doesn’t have to look like a tourist spot, though. Only a few are lucky to live inside a genuine Tudor dwelling so for the rest of the world, repros are the answers.
Mock Tudor generally refers to black and white semi timbering on the facade of buildings. Interior design, however, is much more distinct. If you are careful enough in making your design decisions, then you can even recreate the Medieval era of trade, arts, crafts and intellectual awakening right inside your home.
There is no architectural detail that is more recognizable under the Tudor style than the iconic half timber structures. The exterior of homes can be laden with stucco, wood or stone. Imitate this same style by exposing the very structure of your home.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody Urn Pedestal Nightstand 5070-90015 comes with classic designs and a rustic finish.
Gable roofs are also common which give the homes their gingerbread appeal. Modern-day Tudor replicates the genuine Tudor Dynasty through architecture and interior design revivals. If you haven’t yet, you should install tall, narrow windows with small panes. Modern day cladding is acceptable such as flagstone, brick and stucco.
As for the outdoor landscaping, be sure to have manicured hedges, brick walkways, fencing and pool houses. These amenities should set you apart from the neighbors but in a nice way.
The Old World style can also be brought inside the kitchen through wrought iron and wood combinations in furniture pieces. Custom islands and wrought-iron lighting fixtures are also a huge part of Tudor interiors.
Are you ready to take on Tudor design, a unique style right inside your home?
Tags: 16th century, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classical design, designing based on culture, designing with glass, European interior design, European interiors, European style, fireplace, glamour, glass, glazing, Italian style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, old home, old homes, revival, symmetry, traditional, traditional interior design, traditional interiors, traditional style, traditional theme, Tudor, Tudor architecture, Tudor design, Tudor furniture, Tudor interior design, Tudor interiors, vaulted ceiling, Victorian, Victorian interiors, Victorian style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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