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Thursday, March 8th, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Cachet Collection: The Wall Etagere
If you’re still thinking that bookcases are merely for books, then you belong to a bygone era. People nowadays know that there are more uses for bookcases or display cases but, mostly, they are there for style statement and to showcase collections and pieces of artwork.
Pay one museum a visit and you’d know the importance of display cases. Glass cabinets are also quite common in many retail stores since they are the best furnishing to showcase what needs to be sold. Also, glass display cases often evoke sophistication and class. No wonder all the diamond engagement rings are displayed in beautiful glass cases.
But where would you begin when you’re about to shop for a display case? There are some things that you need to assess when buying a sturdy and stylish display case.
Display Case Size
You need to measure the space where you are going to display your collections. Assess your needs by knowing what sort of collections will be displayed into this storage unit. Measuring will narrow down the display case size so you can now focus on your style choices.
Don’t forget to measure the shelf space if you intend to buy a display case with a fixed shelving. Always factor in the head room to your measurements.
Also, it wouldn’t hurt if you double check the dimensions. Display cases vary greatly when it comes to sizes so it is best to carefully measure the ones that will fit your room. Consider also if there’s a window, you should measure the space between the wall and the window.
Always take the measurements with you as you go shopping. Check these numbers against the dimensions of the display cases. The key is to make sure that the display case is aptly-sized so that it won’t jut out far from the wall which could impede foot traffic.
Consider also if there are doors on your display case choices. These doors may keep your collections safe from dust but they tend to open out. This means that you have to measure the amount of space that these doors eat up whenever they are opened.
You could opt for sliding glass doors if you have limited space.
Display Case Materials
A display case will be able to serve its purpose no matter what kind of collections you will put in it. You have to consider, however, that there are materials that will last longer than others. There are also materials that are more difficult to move around.
Solid hardwoods such as walnut, maple and oak, as well as metals, are a great way to go since they are known to last for many years. However, you have to consider that you may not be able to move your display case about because of the weight of such materials. Since this is so, you might want to decide on a final placement for your showcase.
Don’t be tempted into buying display cases made with cheap materials. Layers of thin boards are commonly used in making bookcases – and they may be cheap – but these won’t last. Remember that sturdier materials don’t just last long, they also tend to look a lot more stylish than the dirt-cheap ones.
Finish or Style
Keep in mind that what looks great in one home might not suit another. So before you make your final decision with regard to the style and finish, be sure to consider all of your options. There are bold-colored display cases if you really want them. If you favor the more traditional look then you should search for the best rustic style display cases.
Tags: bookcase, display case, display cases, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for display case, shopping for display cases
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Display Cases and Your Collections
Thursday, March 8th, 2018
Featured furniture pieces are from the Biltmore Collection of Fine Furniture Design.
Don’t you just love spring? This is your chance to draw the curtains and eventually open all of your windows. This is your chance to feel the breeze once more and to enjoy the streaming sunlight. So go ahead and let the fresh air in and start prepping for your spring cleaning 2018.
Here are the zones and things that you need to clean in the –
Foyer
It’s time to dust the lighting fixtures. They’ve been hard at work during winter so it’s time to clean them up. This is also the perfect time to wash the trim and walls. Clean also the knobs, doors, as well as the switch plates.
Dust the bench and other furnishings. If your seats come with cushions, then this is also the time to have them laundered.
Go and check the closets. The best way to tackle this is to empty it out. Sort the stuff you are ready to give or throw away.
Bedrooms
Right after opening the windows, it’s time to get down and dust the furniture especially the bed. Have the drawers cleaned out. Remove the items then place them back only once you’ve donated those that you no longer need and use.
Move the bed then sweep and vacuum beneath it. Check also the stuff that you store underneath your bed.
Have the curtains and bedding removed and replaced with fresh ones. Wash the duvet and pillows, too. Air out the mattress so you won’t have to worry about bed bugs.
Living Room
After letting in some breeze into the room, it’s time to vacuum the seats. Spot clean as much as possible. Dust all the shelves, decorative items, and furniture. Clean all the lamps, window sills, windows, and window screens.
Clean the electronic items as well and be sure to tidy up the wires. Spring is also the perfect time to sort your DVDs and music collections. Purge all the items that are no longer needed or wanted. Donate all the books and magazines that no longer suit anyone’s interest.
As for the toys, be sure to wash each of them with warm, soapy water. Rinse then allow to dry. As for the stuffed toys, have them dry cleaned. Again, donate those that your kids no longer play with.
Clean all the floors as well as the walls, trim, knobs, even the vent covers.
Dining Room
As for the dining room, you should take down and wash the curtains. Wipe the tables and chairs then dust every furnishing. If there are cushions or chair pads, be sure to clean those, too.
If you have time, polish the table then create a lovely spring vignette to welcome the upcoming season.
Shine the silverware and glassware.
Bathroom
Just like you did with all the other rooms, open the windows and empty all of the cabinets. Be sure to replace all the items that have been used or are expired. Wipe and clean the cabinets and vanities. Be sure to clean the bathtub and apply some wax if necessary.
Clean the shower drain as well as the drains on the sinks. Check the faucets and see if everything is working. Shine each one just as much as you clean and make the mirror shine.
Dust all the bathroom lighting fixtures. Reseal any grout lines that need a little retouching.
Kitchen
Just after opening the windows, remove and clean the window coverings. Check the drawers and cabinets then remove items that no longer have any use. Place any items back that you would still use.
Be sure to sharpen the knives and to clean and organize the rest of the cutlery. Clean also the stove top and remove any elements that just clutter the fridge and your freezer.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for spring, preparing for spring cleaning, spring, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on The 2018 Spring Cleaning Checklist
Wednesday, March 7th, 2018
This dining room collection from Fine Furniture Design’s Brentwood is the finest that you could go to enjoy the beauty of spring outdoors.
Spring is not officially here until the 20th of March but this does not mean that you cannot get started on your spring activities. There are many house projects that are normally accomplished during spring so don’t make this year any different. It’s time to get started on spring cleaning.
Plan
It is best to make a list of all the projects that you will be tackling this upcoming spring. Whether your home would undergo some deep cleaning and decluttering or some bigger projects such as remodeling the kitchen, you always need to plan.
Have all your ideas plotted on paper and organize it into an idea checklist or guide throughout your spring cleaning and remodeling projects. Always tackle the most difficult ones first so that your task becomes easier as you go along.
Create an Inviting Bedroom
Restful and peaceful sleep only comes with an inviting and relaxing bedroom. So take the time to clear the clutter especially in this part of your home. Put some fresh sheets and give the entire room deep vacuuming. Don’t forget to clean the underside of your bed, too.
Bring in Houseplants
This is spring 2018 so it’s time to prep some greeneries that you can display all around your home. Pay the local nursery a visit and browse through their decorative plant collections. Pick up some potted plants and their plant foods then take them home, prepped and ready to be displayed this coming spring.
Check the Roof
It’s going to be okay to go out to check on the roof shingles soon. Be sure to examine those that were damaged or even lost during winter. If your home happens to have an older covering, then you might want to plan and create a budget for the replacement.
Remember that the summer sun is also a culprit for roof shingle damages so before you even reach the next season, check on any cracks or buckling. Even loose granules should be already be replaced. Find a qualified roofer to do the job.
Check the Gutters
The winter season brings with it many damages to properties. You might want to check on the drainage system and see if there are leaky or loose gutters. Prepare to do some repairs before the rains come and do more damage to your home.
See also if the downspouts have drained properly and that they are clear from any type of debris.
Find the Low Areas
See if there are some low areas right in your yard. These are those areas that are sometimes found right next to the foundation which can lead to flooding and damage. These tend to create water pools and in the summer, these could easily become the breeding ground for many kinds of insects.
Check the Chimney
There are ways to check whether your chimney was damaged during winter. Don’t underestimate leaks. Instead, think of these as signs that your chimney might need a repair specialist soon.
Water leaks are the absolute worst enemy of any chimney and the coldest winters can bring about freezing temperatures that can ultimately produce these problems.
Other telltale signs of chimney damage are missing bricks or mortar, discolored bricks, rust-colored stains on bricks, and damp odors.
The chimney parts that are more difficult to check are the chimney cap and the damper. These are situated at the topmost part of the chimney. Have them checked by an expert so that you won’t run the risk of wasting energy in the next months.
Move the Firewood
It’s going to be a lot warmer soon so it’s time to move the firewood that are stored near your home. Have them placed in a shed that is at least 18 inches off the ground.
Check These Also
Tags: checklist for spring cleaning, getting ready for spring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for spring, spring, spring cleaning, spring cleaning checklist, spring preparation, spring projects
Posted in 2018 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Spring Season | Comments Off on Prepping for Spring 2018
Wednesday, March 7th, 2018
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Jazzy Shag Rug 5820RS Purple
There is very little doubt that many people would consider purple to be a unique, quirky color. First of all, it is not always that easy to get it right. It is not a color that you can wear with anything, in fact, you need to carefully think it through before you pair it with anything.
Purple got its name from the Latin word purpura meaning a Tyrian dye made with the mucus of a sea snail from the Mediterranean coasts. This dye was not affordable insomuch that only kings are able to buy it.
Purple is also not an easy color to work with when you want it to become the dominant color in your home. You are certain to get questioning looks if you suddenly announce that purple is going to be your chosen color palette for the year.
Yet this year, 2018, purple does take center stage in so many industries. First, in fashion, it is the hottest color to be used for wardrobes and accessories. The interior design industry, as always, follows closely behind.
Purple is either repellent or a magnetic color for you. Some are scared of its boldness but this does not mean that you have to belong to this group of purple-scared individuals.
Purple Equals Sophistication
Purple is the fusion of two remarkable hues – the passionate color of red and the active color that is blue.
Purple may be the union of these two exciting colors but it is not one to sit in between. It is a bold color and one that is often selected when there is a feature that needs to be highlighted or a room that needs to stand out.
Purple is so beautiful that it is often associated with royalty, spirituality, and wisdom. There is a reason why the Roman emperors loved this color so much as do the Catholic bishops of today. Purple looks amazing on statement pieces, especially on velvet.
It is especially amazing with Mediterranean design where lots of blue are acceptable and hints of red are encouraged.
Vincent Van Gogh loved purple and he used it often in his paintings. His famous painting Starry Night is chiefly purple with touches of yellow and blue. Leonardo da Vinci even believed in meditation being 10 times more powerful when done under a purple light.
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Charoite Deep Purple Buffet Lamp
Purple is Stylish
Where purple is featured, you are sure to find a strong, striking presence of the color. It can be a featured artwork or a piece of furniture. It can also be a lovely rug that anchors furniture sets.
The aubergine type of purple can also be a relaxing color, especially when used in the bedroom or the bathroom. Combine this with green or white and you will have a spa-like ambiance to relax in.
Working with Purple
While it is easy to just default to the plum shade of purple, this color offers so many varieties that could better express who you are. Purple is so versatile that you just need to find the right shade to work with or choose the best color to pair it with.
First, let’s have plum with chartreuse. This fusion looks amazing throughout the year. It does not choose a proper season as it is forever connected to Mother Nature. This color fusion blends well with natural materials such as leather, wood, woven items, silk and wool rugs.
Purple also goes well with warm metals. Let’s emphasize on that once more – you need to work with warm metals so stay away from silver. Instead, find copper, gold, brass or bronze pieces that will warm up your interiors.
Other colors that also work well with purple are lime green, light cobalt blue, olive green, pale gold, winter white, dusty turquoise, pomegranate red, charcoal, and teal.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Pantone color of the year, Pantone Ultra Violet, purple, Ultra Violet, violet
Posted in 2018 Trends, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Reasons to Love the Quirkiness of Purple
Tuesday, March 6th, 2018
Featured piece is the Hooker Furniture Dining Room Crafted Counter Stool.
A lot of homeowners love the comfortable and worn-in look that rustic interiors offer. This is understandable as it is the epitome of the beauty amidst wear and tear. It is the effortless charm that comes with a lot of history.
Getting this effortless look is not always easy, though. There are ways to make it doable. Creating the rustic look may prove to be an arduous process but it is one that’s worth every hour that you spend setting up the look.
Whether you are setting up a farmhouse with a lovely porch or a simple log cabin, or you might even be thinking of a timber lodge, it will always be the details that will truly define whether your home is rustic or not.
But what are the four basic style of this interior design?
The Quintessential Cabin
The cabin comes with a dark-stained outer wall and a fieldstone chimney. These materials are found, traditionally, from surrounding lands and some even come from the surplus pieces that litter industrial spaces.
It is typical to find firewood door as well as a breezeway roof. You can recreate this look by using new materials yet setting up a traditional look. Notched logs were originally stacked to create beautiful log homes. You don’t have to shape and chink the wood gaps anymore.
The Romantic Cottage
Just like any home style, there are also different variations of the cottage. The small ones are often viewed to be the most romantic. To recreate this look in your home, have some worn cedar shakes with siding made of white clapboard.
Be sure to incorporate a lot of natural light indoors. Your rooms must be bright and airy. Another classic characteristic of the cottage is its painted wood. This is seen almost everywhere from the ceilings, floors, the walls, even on the furnishings. It is also typical to see all-white interiors, especially in beach cottages.
The Rural Farmhouse
More than any of the styles featured as a rustic style, this is the type that is most deeply linked to lands. Its most common elements include huge porches, pitched rooflines, and basic siding. This is a home that is built without fuss or luxury because it was traditionally built using materials that are readily available such as fieldstones, rough-hewn beams, and wide planks for the flooring.
The Industrial Lodge
This style is massive compared to the others because it comes with big timber trusses, oversized fireplaces, high ceilings, and equally massive chimneys. More often than not, the roofing is made of slate shingle or thick cedar.
Having a lodge is all about having a good view so the windows need to be huge. The exteriors are built with different materials such as timber posts, vertical boards, board and batten, to name a few. The trim around the windows and doors are also significant because they are wide and noticeable.
Walking into a lodge almost always means walking into a living room with the fireplace situated in the middle. Thick pillars and timbers are also seen as the basic framework of the home.
The Homely Rustic Style in a Nutshell
Tags: cottage style, farmhouse, lodge, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, rustic, rustic elements, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, rustic style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Rustically Impromptu
Tuesday, March 6th, 2018
The Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Bachelors Chest is perfect for a traditional bedroom.
Are you one of the people who think that traditional interior design is outdated and, therefore, non-fashionable? This style is getting some bad raps only because it is misunderstood. When applied correctly, its inspirations from the past actually give the homeowners a sense of familiarity, propriety, and comfort.
There is a reason why this style has gone on for so many decades. It is welcoming and warm but it also promises to be exciting and fab. Only in the right hands, though, would traditional design become sensational.
It’s All About Symmetry
The traditional style is all about balance. Just take a careful look at the structure’s seemingly antiquated architecture and the furnishings that go with those and you would realize just how organized this style is.
While symmetry could mean subtlety, it does not mean static. You can create grouped formal arrangements that are situated along a room’s axis but these don’t necessarily need to match. So, yes, a traditional interior design could also be beautifully eclectic.
Soften the Edges
Traditional design has simple rules, though. Begin by having soft edges. There is no room for sharp angles in a traditional home. There is a need to emphasize the beauty of curves and skirted pieces here and there. You also need to have plentiful cushions that are plump and ultra-comfy.
Going for skirted couches might dampen your spirit, though, since you might be picturing the pieces from your grandma’s place. To keep the look fresh, find skirts that are beautifully tailored. Avoid the dated look by picking textural and neutral fabrics.
Remember also that you don’t have to cram a lot of tufted pieces into a room. If you do this, then you’re doing a Victorian look rather than the simplicity that traditional style offers.
The Hooker Furniture Living Room Jacob Swivel Club Chair is the epitome of comfort in the living room.
Be Conservative
Any traditional space needs to be conservative. There is no need to shout your presence or to create bold statements. It is a style that is laidback to the point of being mellow. Since this is so, your color palette should be around the neutral choices such as tan, beige, cream, and taupe. Deeper browns, greens, and reds, even blues, also tend to look fabulous in traditional interiors.
While neutrals are your go-to colors for your traditional home, you don’t have to be imprisoned in blandness so go for something fresh as well such as lavender, spring green, pale blue or chamois.
Being tone-on-tone when it comes to hue is the key to making the colors work in a traditional setup. Turquoise, yellow, fuchsia or lemon yellow all feel new yet they can still be acceptable in the traditional category. Always remember to balance them with the more subtle hues so that you still stick with the conventional look.
Wood is also one of the most common elements placed inside a traditional home. Go for mahogany, walnut, oak or cherry pieces. These darker wood tones are the ones that rule the traditional style. Don’t go for blond maple or bamboo as these are too pale to be considered for the traditional look.
Use walnut railings on a mainly white staircase and complete the look with cedar beams all across your ceiling. Altogether, these combine to provide the homey feeling and warmth that is essential to the traditional look.
If your home has hardwood flooring, then let them shine. Never leave the floor completely bare, though, as it provides the needed warmth. Always go for thick rugs which you could layer in your wood furnishings. Be sure to invest in carpets or rugs that come in the same color as your existing furniture pieces. This way, you will still have a collected look.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, traditional interior design, traditional interiors, traditional style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Traditional Interiors and Why They Are Electrifying
Friday, February 23rd, 2018
American Leather Living Room Malibu-Sectional
For the longest time, people have been raving about minimalism and how it is the way to live one’s life. We’ve seen a lot of white spaces with their floor lamps and streamlined seats. But what if you love boldness and abundance? Then maximalism could be the best trend for you.
Maximalism has been around for a bit in terms of visual art and multimedia. The world of interior design is trying to make sense of this new style. It is a movement that is seen to be unafraid of embellishments, bright colors, and a lot of sensual luxurious and sensual elements.
You might ask, is maximalism the very opposite of minimalism? The answer, quite simply, is yes.
But maximalism is not new. It has been featured in many post-modern novels as well as in the music industry. The periods covering 1890 to 1914 – especially in regions that speak German – was a time when people were encouraged to be more bold and dynamic with their personal style and home design.
There are many ways that you can set up a maximalist home. Whether you want to have a Victorian, Bohemian, or vintage maximalist home, it is possible. Here are some tips that can help you in creating your new home design –
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It’s All About Excessiveness
The key to having a lovely maximalist space is to embrace excess. The interiors have been inspired by Bohemian parlours and Victorian collections. If you can search for the most outrageous spaces online, you would soon realize that most of them are maximalist homes.
You would typically find huge art paintings, busts, bold paint, and huge furniture.
Maximalism is not an easy design to get right. You must have an eye for the luxurious as well as the overstated elements. if you’re thinking of a cluttered space right now then you’ve got it all wrong. Backtrack then find out which pieces were mismatched since these could easily clutter your maximalist space.
You can also use antique-looking pieces and mix them with different eras. Your focus should be to communicate your personality through your interior design.
The Bold Color Palette
Treat your new home as a canvas so you now have the freedom to be brave and bold when it comes to picking your home’s color. Set the tone for the rest of your maximalist space as you use shades of gold, fearlessly paint with indigo, or create a moody gray setting.
If you’re not that daring yet, you can always go for monochrome such as silver, chrome, white or black furniture. These tones can be used as the base colors while the brightest tones can be used on your accent pieces, area rugs, and accessories.
Find monochromatic wallpapers but with contrasting, bold prints. This should help you achieve the overstatement that you are trying to set up right now.
When you want to pick a lighter color palette, then look forward to paintings hanging on your walls or huge accessories to fill up the space that was opened up by the light colors. Pastels can still be used in a maximalist habitat, just try to mix the bright colors as you would mix red roses with the greens and the pink paper wrapping on a bouquet.
Go Scandinavian
Scandinavian style can also go maximalist. This is a new take on the usual less is more look that Nordic design usually is. If you’re doing the maximalist thing, then feature a lot of white ornaments, silver details, and the bolder, bigger finishing touches.
Finish with a Bang
It is also your duty to set up some show-stopping finishing touches. Use the decorative and baroque frames for your pictures. Use golden mirrors on your walls. Hang that lovely, bulky chandelier. Let the rugs, sofas, and pillows be adorned with floral, animal or tropical prints.
Be bold, be you, be maximalist.
Tags: maximalism, maximalism interior design, maximalist design, maximalist home, maximalist style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Maximalism Is Abundance, Richness and Beauty in Excess
Thursday, February 22nd, 2018
No stylish walk-in closet should be found minus this Hooker Furniture Accents Melange Encircle Floor Mirror.
Count how many times you open your wardrobe each day and you’d realize just how useful this piece of furniture is. When it comes to walk-in closets, though, people do not seem plan just as they would layout their bathrooms or the kitchen. It’s time to take this part of your home more seriously.
The Ideal Measurements
The depth of your wardrobe, of course, varies. The ideal dimensions for a regular-sized one, though, is at 60-65 centimeters (this is already including the doors). This should allow more room for hangers, clothing, bulky pieces of clothing, and you.
If you like to have a wardrobe that has doors, then consider having the sliding type as this would save you much space. Hinged ones are suitable for more spacious walk-in closets and, even then, you can still use that extra space where the door swings out.
Consider having glass doors. They will help stop dust from accumulating on most of your clothes, shoes, and bags. See if you can also have a mirrored backboard to help reflect the light.
What is a walk-in closet without enough hanging space, right? Long coats and dresses need more space than your regular clothing so give them enough room to hang freely. This should be a space where you don’t need to fold your dresses or coats anymore. The right measurement is 188 centimeters.
Always consider the advice of a professional designer when you are going about your internal choices such as gaining extra space as well as height.
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Add the Right Furniture
The walk-in closet can be as exciting as you think it to be. The only limit is your imagination so go ahead and add the best-looking furnishings. A set of drawers can be placed there that is about 80 centimeters tall. This allows for three drawers to accommodate your clothing storage requirements.
Always be consistent with the lines in your space. This ascertains that you will have a visually pleasing walk-in closet to use and also to show off from time to time.
Any fashionistas would also agree that proper shoe shelving should be set up in a walk-in closet. This is so the pairs of shoes will look new and are also easily accessible. The ideal height for a shoe shelf is about 22 to 26 centimeters. This is a home for your flats and heels and even some men’s shoes.
Maximize the Space
Since walk-in closets also make use of space, you might as well maximize what you have. You can add storage units all the way to the ceiling. Higher shelves should do the trick as well as stylish pigeon holes where you can put your off-season clothes and accessories.
Remember those boots that have been causing storage problems lately? You can now have them displayed in your walk-in closet. Just double the measurement for the shoe shelves meant for regular shoes. Your boots can now become decorative elements during those months when they are not in use.
If you have to add boxes to your shelves then do so.
A Place for Everything
Since this is a haven of sorts, then clutter should have no place in it. Everything must be in its proper place so your bags should not mix with your shoes or your clothing with your accessories. You gotta keep this room organized so that it will be one aesthetically pleasing sight to behold.
Display all your bags and other accessories just as you see them inside high-end shops. Achieve this kind of look and add some pigeon holes for your belts and the hubby’s neckties. There should also be a separate area for the millinery (or the hats).
Tags: designing walk-in closets, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, walk-in closet, walk-in closet essentials, walk-in closet furnishing, walk-in closet style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Walk-in Closet 101
Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
The Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sandcastle Buffet’s color is perfect for your urban beach home.
If you have long dreamed out living by the sea but you simply cannot, then you no longer have to simply envision a beachfront property. Coastal living is now possible even in regions that are far from the beach.
Beach houses can be single or more levels depending on your requirements. If you want to live in a simple cottage or if you need a luxurious beach property, then figure out the design elements that come with the simple project (cottage) or the posh plan (luxury beach house).
But what are the typical features of a coastal home? Here are some of these characteristics so you won’t go astray from the real deal –
Raised Levels
Coastal homes are usually built on piling or on piers. These raise the main living spaces high above the ground (usually one or more levels). The parking area can be found below the home. This kind of arrangement prepares for the rising tides or the flood waters that might suddenly surge in.
With such a setup, the home is kept free from flood, thus, water can freely flow underneath without you worrying over structural damage.
Open Floor Plan
Another characteristic of a coastal home is their open floor layout. The living areas all fuse to create one huge space of fun and excitement. This setup allows gentle breezes to circulate throughout the home, making it the perfect replica of a beach setting.
These floor plans also include large windows that are placed at a strategic point where you can maximize your view of the beach.
A Deck or Two
A porch or a large deck is always a part of the outdoor space of any coastal home. This part enhances the already beautiful home. They are also a wonderful addition that could help you enjoy the stunning views outdoors. If there are none, then a landscape artist should be able to help you set it up.
You can then relax and entertain guests as you all enjoy the picturesque view of your new landscape. And since this is a relaxation spot, you must remember to put in ample throws, a fire bowl, bar stools for your outdoor bar, table, chairs, magazines, books, etc.
Beige is ‘beachy’: Featured here is the Winners Only Dining Room 60 Inches Table With 18 Inches Butterfly Leaf.
Sturdy Cladding
What is a beach house without durable cladding outdoors? When you choose the material, be sure to get the one that can stand up to exposure and one that also has an interesting aesthetic. A material that you could consider is concrete.
Concrete is dense so it is likely to stand the rigors of weather elements. This is also great to use in a place where the hot sun always shines.
Another beach-worthy material is timber. This can be painted or stained according to your taste. Wood has a coastal feel that is difficult to match plus it blends well with your natural environment vibe.
A Lovely View
Of course, yours is a coastal home so it must have a lovely view not just from your deck or patio. You can have sliding glass doors and sheer curtains to create the breezy setting of most beach houses. Have the largest windows face a beautiful garden or a wonderful view of a body of water (even a water element or fountain would do).
Abundant Lighting
A coastal home isn’t a coastal home without sunlight and ample lighting at night. Do not overlook this simple element of coastal design. This is one of the hallmarks of this style so be sure to set up lots of windows, draw those curtains, skylights (where possible), and a warm yet exciting glow at night.
Beach Colors
The style secret to a coastal home is to embrace neutral and natural hues. These are crisp white, khaki, and the colors of the deep oceans and the lush palm trees.
Tags: beach design, beach house, beachfront property, coastal design, coastal home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Coastal Home – Setting Up a Beach House in an Urban Site
Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
This cat is surely lounging peacefully on the Hooker Furniture Dining Room True Vintage Upholstered Arm Chair.
Have you ever wondered whether your home will ever look stylish again? You could be wondering this because you have your furry friends in mind. But there are a lot of stylish folks out there who did not have to sacrifice style, even comfort, just because they have a pet dog or cat, or even both.
You, too, can now remodel your space to accommodate your pets as well as make it look so stylish that you will be a trendsetter. Yes, a beautiful, stylish home is possible even with a pet lounging around.
The key to a pet-friendly home is to pick the right kinds of materials that will accommodate both your needs as well as your pet’s. This home must not be comfortable for pets only but also for humans. If a house does not work well with humans, then this will transcend to your pets as well as your family members and guests.
Even when you do get a set of furniture that matches your pet’s fur, be sure to clean up regularly. This is no excuse to skip on vacuuming and your pet’s grooming essentials.
Keep in mind, too, that pet fur has odor. It contains oil that tends to attract dirt so better follow these suggestions to maintain your pet-friendly home –
Groom Your Furry Friend
Keep the cat and dog clean so that your home will stay cleaner a lot longer. Be sure to trim their nails so they won’t be able to scratch the upholstery and floors. Bathe and regularly brush them so that loose hairs are removed before they even become a problem on your floor.
The rugs and furniture should also be cleaned, if their materials are washable, then that would be more awesome.
Use Only Stain-resistant Fabric
Don’t go for chintz or silk, of course. These are pet fur magnets. Their cousin, velvet, is also not a good material to use when you have pets in your home. Crypton is one such synthetic fabric that is almost indestructible. It is also stain and mud resistant, odor-resistant, and bacteria-resistant.
Find furnishings that come with this amazing fabric or others like it.
Leather is also another amazing choice since it is easy to clean and is also durable. Many leather grades can be scratched but these scratches can eventually add to the patina. Pleather is the more inexpensive option and it also has a timeless appeal.
Yet another kind of fabric that you can use for your pet-friendly home is the Ultrasuede microfiber and machine-washable fabric. It is seductively smooth just like the real deal. Even your pet beds can be upholstered with this beautiful fabric.
Use Washable Sheets on the Bed
If your dog or cat loves to sleep with you, then you simply have to deal with accidents especially with the latter. Cats tend to barf – a lot. You can protect the mattress from permanent damage by covering your bed with a thick pad.
Use a cotton bed sheet in medium color. You can also use patterns to hide some of the inevitable fur and stains. For your bed spread, be sure to use duvet which you can take off when your furry friend does the mishap.
No to Wall-to-wall Carpet
Carpets tend to absorb odors as well as trap loose pet fur. Carpets are quite difficult to clean up but if you really have to have a carpet, then use a low pile. This type is much easier to clean after your pet has an accident.
Install Durable Flooring Materials
Bare floors will always be the way to go but they could be boring. You can paint your concrete flooring with a color that matches your pet’s fur. Brick and terrazzo are also lovely and durable choices. Nothing beats ceramic tiles, though, when it comes to stain resistance and cleanup.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, pet-friendly home, pet-friendly house
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Pet-friendly Interior Design
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