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Sunday, November 26th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Boheme Saison Oval Cocktail Table
The modern world is a world that offers many significant alternatives to things. Stone which used to be just quarried and cut to the needed size can now be reproduced in many factories. Such is also the case with wood furniture. Though there may be replicas out there, wooden furniture remains one of the best-selling pieces in the furniture industry and for a good reason.
People still love to invest in indoor and outdoor wooden furniture pieces. This is not a fad that will fade away soon. It seems that wood is here to stay.
But what would you benefit from wood?
Wood Is Gorgeous
Wood offers unique lines, patterns, and textures that are all naturally made. The finishing of the furniture should highlight these natural beauties.
Wood Is Resilient
Wood is one of the leading materials that come to anyone’s mind when the word durable is mentioned. Scrapes and dents do not easily affect wood as it is naturally resilient and strong. When properly maintained, a wooden furniture piece can even last for hundreds of years.
This resiliency of wood also comes with great responsibility. Termites, rots, and poor attention to construction details, and exposure to the harsh weather elements all lead to weakened wood furniture.
Just give wood the attention it needs and you sure won’t be needing a replacement for many years.
Wood Is Easy to Maintain
Wood furniture care is a must for every homeowner especially if you intend to make an heirloom of your current pieces.
Don’t fret, cleaning wood is as easy as wiping the surface with clean water. Just be careful that you don’t soak it.
Be sure also to wipe off the dust and dirt off the surface then protect the finish with quality paste wax. A thin coat, as directed on the product label, should do it. Let the furniture stand for 1 to 2 hours then buff or brush vigorously. You will soon see a lovely shine to your wood furniture.
And here’s the ultimate wood care – do not let wood sit out under the sun.
Wood Is a Wise Investment
The price for wood is especially high for the most durable pieces so, in essence, you are making an investment in buying a lovely piece.
Understanding how furniture can become an investment all begins with finding the right furniture provider. Find a brand that embodies quality, timeless quality, and balance. Find McCreery’s quality furniture here.
McCreery’s Home Furnishings offers the most beautiful traditional furniture pieces. There are standalone ones and others that come in a lovely ensemble.
There are also those that come in contemporary designs which may be influenced by trends and research but they still show the same level of quality, beauty, and durability.
Wood Is Eco-Friendly
You cannot find a more environment-friendly material than wood. They are produced from trees, to begin with, and so they come from a renewable resource. Wood can be grown each year and then eventually harvested for different uses.
Wood and wood byproducts virtually eliminate waste since the trims, bark, and sawdust can all be used as energy sources.
Wood also offers longevity of homes and business structures, hence, it significantly reduces carbon footprint compared to the concrete and steel greenhouse gas emissions produced during manufacturing.
Wood is also recyclable which means you can find other uses for it once it has served its purpose as a furniture. A study conducted by the CORRIM or Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials showed that wood, indeed, has less environmental impact as compared to steel.
An even greater news is this – most wood materials now come from conservation efforts so you’re using a renewable source.
It’s time to think wood, don’t you think?
Tags: benefits of wood furniture, designing with wood, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood, wood furniture, wood furniture benefits
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Solid Charm: The Timelessness of Wood Furniture
Saturday, November 25th, 2017
Uttermost Floor Coverings Balgha Red Rug 70029 is both functional and fashionable.
Taking the step to improve the energy efficiency of your home offers a plethora of benefits for you and your household. You do not just contribute to a fresher and greener community, you also get the added benefit of reducing your household expenses.
Whether you own or rent a home, and whether or not renovation is affordable for you, there are various ways to begin switching to a greener home. Smart energy consumption should be your family’s new mantra.
A Cool Roof
You can always begin with a cool roof. This is no less than your first line of defense against the ravaging elements outdoors. Make sure to have a roof that reflects the rays of the sun. Doing this will help reduce the heat that emanates from your roof, thus, improving the overall coolness of your home – no need to turn on air-conditioning.
The cool roof can be done by painting it with a reflective color or the use of tiles (the latter offer a different level of coolness both figurative and literal). Shingles and sheet covering can also have the same effect.
It could be costly at first since you have to add a few features to your roof but it is going to save you a lot of money on energy bills so it’s more than worth it in the long run.
Constricted Doors and Windows
Do not let cool air escape. One effective way to do this is to have tight doors and windows.
If you have aluminum window frames, then it’s time to change them. Vinyl or wood is a better alternative.
As for the windows, you can try the low-E (emissivity) glass panes. This is a kind of energy efficient glass that was specifically designed to prevent heat from escaping through the windows. These come with an invisible coating which can reduce heat transfer and, eventually, reduce your carbon footprint.
Use Energy-Saving Appliances and Fixtures
Everyone seems to be signing up for the energy-saving bandwagon. You can see this with the constant improvements on gadgets and equipment, with each one surpassing the first in terms of energy consumption.
Speak of using less power, you must also check the Energy Star rating of each appliance. This symbol is backed by the government where people use products that are energy efficient and can help save money.
The label of Energy Star is supposed to symbolize the reduction of greenhouse emissions and pollutants brought about by the misuse or inefficient energy use. Check out the list of energy efficient lighting, air-conditioning units, and electrical appliances.
Just Do It
Just like the Nike campaign, you can always begin any endeavor by just doing it, especially when you are stuck with what you have. If there is no way, at the moment, to change the appliances and fixtures that you have at home, then you can follow these quick tips –
Tags: energy efficient living, Energy Star, energy-efficiency, green home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Energy-Efficient Household – Make It Yours
Friday, November 24th, 2017
Jessica Charles Living Room Ginny Sofa 1721: A comfy sofa by day and an uber restful bed at night.
Studio apartments and condo spaces have one thing in common – they are cozy – yet this very coziness is also these habitats’ weakness. The smallness of the space could hamper the decorative creativity of a homeowner – or should it?
Divide the Space Into Zones
Zoning makes you visually divide areas that you usually use for sleep, work, relaxation, eating, etc. These separate zones act as the rooms wherein that smartly-placed credenza or ottoman could already signify the change from the living room to the bedroom.
Even the color of the walls can signify a change in environment, for instance, the entryway could be painted lilac just to separate it from the rest of the areas in your home.
You Gotta Love Change
Find pieces that have dual or multi-purpose. Since you don’t have ample space for both a seating unit and a center table anymore, then why not have both in an interesting ottoman? Or why not use your dining table not just as for purposes of eating but also for family meetings, home office-related conferences or simply as a desk for your kids’ projects and assignments?
The right kind of sofa can also be used once a part of it is pulled out. At night, it could serve as a comfy bed. Even those simple cubes in the living room can easily double as side or coffee tables.
Protege Collection’s Miraval Cubes can be your easy-to-store seating unit or it can be your stylish side tables.
Optical Illusion Is Your Best Friend
Interior design applications for optical illusion is not limited to the use of mirrors on walls. With small interiors come many design problems and a great way to solve them is not always redesigning things or even destruction of walls.
Elements such as the right materials, lighting, color, forms, textures, patterns, shapes, and even the correct placement of furniture can make a huge difference.
Direct lighting on ceilings can create an impression of an enlarged room. Of course, you can even double this effect by placing mirrors on correct angles.
Natural lighting is the best kind of lighting to improve the spaciousness of a home. Bright, large windows, with natural light streaming in, can make any room appear larger.
As for colors, use light ceilings to raise the height of your space. Deeper and darker colors tend to make things appear tighter and smaller so it is best to use them at a bare minimum.
This does not mean that you are not supposed to use dark colors anymore. A dark element placed against a light background. Just as long as the contrast is highlighted, then you can use both dark and light colors in the same room.
Another way to enlarge a room is to use translucent or transparent materials. Rather than have full-color furnishings, try to invest in translucent furniture and appliances. You can also expand space by using horizontal stripes on your walls. Use just the slim stripes and not the wide ones or you’d have an overwhelming space.
Veer away from large patterns and obvious, rough textures. Go for sleek and minimal lines.
Declutter
What better way is there to open up space than to let go of things that are no longer in use? Living in a tiny space should seriously make you consider living a minimalist lifestyle. You have, after all, limited space to work with so you need it to be clean, organized, and still with ample breathing room for everyone.
Creatively declutter by starting small. Pick up a clutter or two for the first few days then gradually increase your cleanup to one trash bag each day.
Line up the things that have been in your storage for a very long time. Those that you have not used for half a year or more need to go. Give them away as donations or just have the others placed in trash bins meant for recyclable materials.
Tags: decorating a small space, interior design for small spaces, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small space interior design, space optimization
Posted in Apartment Living, Condo Living, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Small Space Optimization: 4 Tiny Living Hacks
Thursday, November 23rd, 2017
Universal Furniture Bedroom Wardrobe 543A160
Folding clothes – definitely not a task that one would look forward to doing but, day in and day out, it simply needs to be done. If you have lots of clothes, then wardrobe organization just became doubly taxing.
There are general tips to be learned and some things that you simply have to learn on your own. After all, not every wardrobe is created equal.
Universal Furniture Bedroom Drawer Chest 543A150
Wardrobe Organization: The General Tips
First, of course, you have to make good use of every possible amount of space. To maximize your storage (especially when you have limited closet space), be sure to pack and keep out-of-season clothing out of the closet.
Hang the clothes that you wear often. It’s been proven that clothes that are not seen or just folded away are often not worn anyway so display or hang those that you use in the office or at school.
Always keep one or two hooks empty inside your wardrobe. This is for those moments when you need to have a quick clean up yet you’re so tired so you just end up hanging your clothes.
Never forget the backs of your wardrobe as well as the deep shelves. Check also how you can further utilize the high places.
Hanging a second closet rod right below the main one basically offers double hanging space. Buy a reaching rod or a stool so you can have access to each and every garment that you hang.
Buy hangers that you love so that you will find joy organizing your clothes. Use cascading hooks. These work well with just about any type of hanger. Use more than one – use two at a given time.
You can also have tiered hangers for those lovely skirts and trousers.
As for your knitted clothing, be sure to fold them rather than hang them since hangers create bumps that are pretty unpleasant.
If you happen to have deep shelves, then fold clothes neatly. Use those spaces behind your shelves to store those sweaters or even your sandals. For drawers or dressers, be sure to stack your clothes vertically instead of horizontally.
Avoid stacking clothes so high on open shelves.
Now when it comes to your shoes, you can invest in those affordable over-the-door shoe organizers. These are better since closet space is too valuable and with too many shoes to hang, they have the potential to eat up most of your wardrobe space.
Bookshelves can also be utilized as boot shelves. ‘See the play of words there?
As for those precious bags, be sure to stuff them with tissue or balled newspapers so that they are able to keep their shapes. Sit them on shelves instead of hanging them so that the handles don’t get stretched out. To keep them up, find bookends that complement the theme of your room.
Now, lastly, let’s organize those accessories. Use towel racks for hanging your scarves. Have two installed on the inside of your closets.
As for your jewelry, belts, sunglasses, and everything else, they can be stored in open boxes, cups, jars, or hung on screwed-in hooks.
Cabinet Shopping
Now that you know how to organize, let’s find you the best wardrobe, cabinet or drawers for your fashionable items.
A basic wardrobe is the quickest way to have clothing storage. This typically comes with a frame, rail, and a shelf. The more decorative types come with more drawers at the bottom of the wardrobe.
The armoire, on the other hand, is the more ornate version of the basic type. Most of these are made of durable wood. They have the basic parts of a wardrobe plus other options such as adjustable rods and shelves.
Pick the wardrobe that suits your room from our long line of wardrobe options here.
Tags: closet organization, how to organize a cabinet, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing the closet, organizing the wardrobe, organizing your wardrobe, wardrobe, wardrobe organization
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The All-Female Tips on Wardrobe Organization
Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017
L’Arc King Upholstered King Bed from the Deco Collection of Fine Furniture Design was aptly framed by the pops of orange all around.
How do you feel around the color orange? This hue is an energetic and strong color because, to begin with, it is the fusion of two powerful colors – red and yellow. No wonder, orange is attention-grabbing which is why it is often used in ads.
People look at orange and they feel suddenly happy, bright, and uplifted. Too much of it and it can be overwhelming, too. Just like purple, this bright and standout color is a controversial one. You either love or hate it – there are no gray areas or feelings for it.
So how do you use orange so that you won’t appear vulgar or blatant?
It is crucial that you understand how the feelings associated with orange are not universal, meaning, culture and other factors also play a role in how you perceive this color.
The way you perceive orange also plays a role in how you are going to successfully use it in your home. If orange is linked to autumn then, in your mind, you will feel positive feelings about it. It could be inadvertently linked to activities done during the holidays.
Orange can both be energetic yet spiritual. If there is one universal thing about orange, it is that it almost always become the center of attention. This is a color that is definitely begging to be looked upon.
Orange Interiors
Just imagine carrot-colored area rugs or apricot bathroom tiles – all these achieve a reputation of being retro-chic. Are you going to be in when you decide to use orange at the end of this year?
Oh, absolutely. Just try not to think of this exciting color as something that you should avoid. Use it, instead, to your advantage.
Orange + White
Just like lime green and banana yellow, if you do paint your walls with a vibrant color such as orange, of course, every activity there will be equally vibrant. Don’t let this color make you overexcited, though, as it can be toned down to compliment other color schemes.
The most basic way of doing this is to opt for the simple combo – orange and white. Time to break up those orange carpets with white details then keep repeating the look with white cornices and whitewashed woodwork.
If you like the idea of having an orange accent wall, then be sure to keep the other three plain. Break up this look by placing whitewashed cabinet right in front of that exciting accent wall.
Not too many people decide to use orange in their bedrooms but should you do so, be sure to use white linen and mix with orange and white pillow covers. White and orange drapes also work well in a more relaxed environment.
Be retro-chic with the Uttermost Accessories Valda Orange Wool Pouf 23953.
Orange Living Room
An awesome way to use orange is for it to add the necessary warmth in an otherwise cold ambiance. Just imagine a reception room with an orange accent wall – it’s like screaming welcome, we love having you here!
Predominantly white living rooms badly need a breath of energetic orange. Mid-orange tint should do the trick and should be amazing enough to create a little excitement in any boring space. Add natural light and you can even get away with two orange accent walls.
Twin Tone It
‘Tired of using orange as mere accent color? Then you’re one of the bolder few. Go ahead and use it alongside other vibrant hues such as yellow and red. Mid-orange walls work well with sienna ceilings just as yellow ceilings also work with a single orange wall.
Orange Details
Now, down to the details. Your guest bedroom, for instance, can be the home for orange, brown, and gray hues. Orange will dominate, of course, especially when you use it at the center of the activity such as when it is an area rug or a lampshade.
Detailing works for chairs, too.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, orange, orange as a design element, orange color psychology, orange in interior design, orange interior design, orange interiors
Posted in 2017 Trends, Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Orange Picks for Your Home
Friday, November 17th, 2017
American Leather Living Room Astoria-Sectional: The lighter walls provide the perfect transition to the upcoming winter season. The neutral shades all around it point to the change that is about to take place.
Colder conditions are right around the corner so this is the time to prepare your home for the sub-zero temperatures. There are so many things to do and check so here is a short checklist –
Once you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to set up the design for your home as you subtly transition from fall to winter.
Winter Colors
Here are five suggestions on how you can expertly do this transition. These colors will match the wall paint colors, home furnishings, wallpaper, and other design elements. You can be stylish both fall and winter as you choose these hues.
First, light blue colors such as turquoise and sky blue are favorite tones for winter decorators. Create a more spacious room as early as fall then just wait for the season to transition.
These light blue hues also blend well with greens. Vibrant turquoise and pale blue tones are trendy colors for fall and winter because they add freshness and they also look great with other paint colors. Green and sky blue are also amazing hues to choose from.
If you want to
Comfy Textiles
Find soft accessories complete with the most comfortable cashmere, flannel or wool sheets. Cotton quilts are the star of winter interiors. You can opt to have them draped at the back of the sofa if you intend to use them in the living room or just spread it all over the bed when you want it to keep you warm throughout the winter nights.
Knitted stuff are also default decorative elements during winter. Instead of the usual weaves used during fall, slowly transition to cable-knits.
There are many forms of textiles which would look great this upcoming winter. Faux fur is a form that’s amazing when used on seats. Sheepskin rugs also offer awesome warm underfoot.
Timeless Wood
During cold weather, it would be useful for your home to have wood elements. These offer the much-needed warming effects. Wood panels and flooring create a warmer impact more than any other design element, however, you can also swap the wooden elements with a mere tree stump if you’re feeling artistic. This is a simple rustic solution that’s easy to create.
Offer warm beverages to everyone as you also gather around the fireplace. Of course, it would be lovelier to watch the flickering wood.
Speak of fireplaces, this is one of the most amazing places to socialize at during fall to winter. A fireplace is a natural focal point so you won’t even have to try hard to create a statement. Now all you have to worry about is how to create your own style and patterns using this awesome piece de resistance.
Light Up with Candles
What could be warmer than the flickering light given off by candles? Candles are especially calming and their glow offers a romantic but at the same time, a festive element to your design.
Tags: designing for winter, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for winter, preparing your home for winter, prepping for winter, winter decorating, winter design
Posted in Color Schemes, Fall Season, Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Winter Season | Comments Off on Transitioning to Winter from Fall Design
Thursday, November 16th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Thicket Console
Scandinavian design has swept the globe with a lovely look featured in blogs and magazines. The focus is on minimalism, simplicity as well as functionality. The movement began in the 1950s when people wanted to have something understated yet still elegant in their homes.
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland – all Nordic nations wanted to prioritize function hence they used leaner, cleaner lines and the most basic aesthetics. And since the Nordic region has long winter nights, houses there require brighter and more practical lighting.
Here is a guide on how Scandinavian design can be yours, too –
Scandinavian Lighting
Lighting is always a key component in any design. Scandinavian designers create the perfect lighting by using neutral color palettes, clean lines on furniture and homeware, and optical illusions on walls and flooring.
These people know that they only have seven hours of daylight so they need to have lighting fixtures that would give them ample lighting during the longer nights.
Natural light should also be complemented with the use of modern lighting. Pendant lights come in a variety of options and is flexible enough to be used in different settings. They are also widely used above the star of the kitchens, the island. They are also widely used at the center of dining tables as well as staircases.
Here are two ways that you can use Scandinavian pendant lights in a unique way –
If you’re not a huge fan of pendant lighting, then you can also go for wall lights. Choose from the unique designs then make sure that you get the LED type so that you also get to save money.
Scandinavian Form and Function
Scandinavian design is the platform for designers and architects. While this is so, all you will find are pieces that are extremely practical. Front doors are simple hardwoods though they have simple designs. The doors, in essence, serve their very purpose which is to keep the entryway closed or open depending on the current situation.
It is also okay to mix and match materials for furnishings. You might think that white is the only option for furniture but you will also be surprised to find plastics and metal. Experiment on different fusions to show off the design that you have chosen to embrace.
Scandinavian Furniture
It is easy to understand the look that Scandinavian furniture has if you go back to the 1950s designs. The chief aspects are light hues, minimalism, functionality, and wood use. Also, locally available materials were used to make the functional pieces.
Make your furnishings as comfortable as possible since the home should be cozy and would act as a refuge during the cold, wintry nights.
Be sure to center on classical designs yet paving the way to some newer interpretations.
Scandinavian Flooring
Do not use wall-to-wall carpeting even though you are setting up a home for a colder region. This does not happen at all in this part of the world so don’t try to create something that isn’t traditionally done.
Hardwood flooring should be left in its natural color. This light-colored feature adds to the overall brightness of the room. Bathroom could be fitted with heated tiles for warmer underfoot during cold nights.
Scandinavian Plant Life
It is also crucial to bring in living elements into your home. Your first choice is to have fresh flowers or succulents.
Why the need for flowers?
Copenhagen natives are used to seeing sidewalk florists selling tulips in many different colors.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Nordic design, Nordic design elements, Nordic interior design, Nordic interiors, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Scandinavian Interiors: How to Set Up a Divine Home
Wednesday, November 15th, 2017
American Leather Living Room Three Cushion Sofa ALE-SO3-ST
Leather products’ prices are often determined by the kind of leather used and how it was also produced. The one that is considered to have the highest quality is the full grain leather. The lowest type is bonded leather and, surprisingly, the ones that are referred to as genuine leather.
Expect to see sofas and other seating units to be cheaper if they were just made of bonded leather. High fashion producers such as American Leather provide you with full grain leather or what’s known as calf leather. There are even manufacturers who offer unique leathers like ostrich. The cheaper animal leathers include buffalo and goat.
Leather Colors and Dyes
It is also not surprising that the more expensive types of leather are fully dyed. The semi-dyed types are easier to prep and paint, hence, these are more affordable.
There are now producers of leather who machine spray their products. These are cheaper but you should choose the ones that have been antiqued manually.
White leather is the most difficult to produce, thus, a white leather bag, jacket or couch is sure to cost more but you will surely have a unique piece to be proud of.
High-quality leather furniture often uses vegetable tanning. This is tanning that does not use chemicals to dye the leather. Natural methods are used such as coloring with tannin and tree bark. While these methods take a lot longer as compared to chrome tanning, the products are a lot more beautiful and durable.
Italian leather is also often associated with high-end products. This is true. Italian industry is centered on treating leather in a lengthy process. They also use only quality hides unlike buffalo or goat hides (which originated in India) which have thinner, more odorous skins.
Understanding Leather Grades
In a world where product replication is widespread, it seems acceptable for everyone to have like-looking materials. Yet handmade leathers are the best kinds that are known to last for many, many years.
To know what you are paying for, here are the different leather grades –
Full-grain leather. This sits at the very top of the chain. It is referred to as full-grain because it has not been buffed out or sanded down. The marks as well as imperfections that came with the hide remain. The thickness of the skin is also kept intact.
Some may find sanding down this hide as a more appealing way to manufacture the product. Only the highest quality luggage, footwear, and furniture are produced from full-grain leather types.
Top-grain leather. The second one on the list is top-grain leather which shows a split layer with the imperfections no longer seen. Since the skin has been sanded down, it also becomes thinner making it a lot more workable for manufacturers.
The top-grain leather products are smoother to the touch and they are more resistant to stains. While the breathability is affected because of the finish, the fact that you won’t have to worry so much about cleaning it up offsets this negative aspect.
Suede. This is the one that has that napped surface when you look at its underside. This type is formed by using split leather with the top-grain rawhide taken off and the drop split left behind. When sanded down further, this can reach the right thickness that is required for the furniture, shoes or bags.
Cow leather is rougher to work with which is why goat, deerskin, and lamb are often chosen instead.
Though suede may feel great, it is not that durable because it can easily absorb liquids due to the pores on its surface.
Nubuck. This is generally regarded as the more durable counterpart of suede. It is manufactured by using top-grain leather hide that was slightly sanded. This feels velvety to the touch.
Tags: leather, leather shopping, leather types, manufacturing leather, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for leather, types of leather
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on All About Timeless Leather
Tuesday, November 14th, 2017
Whether above ground or in the basement, the Tommy Bahama Home Bar and Game Room Cable Beach Bar Cart 558-862 is sure to stand out.
Before you begin planning for your basement home bar, would you like to know how this idea all began? This bar craze started way back during the time when the Second World War ended. This was right around the time when it was every American’s dream to have his own home. And since many were first-time homeowners, they needed to make good use of every dollar which they used in building their homes.
These dream homes were places that they wanted to show off to their friends and family members. Bars and restaurants were urbanized back then and it took quite a revolution to turn this around and make the adults enjoy cozy, adult conversations while enjoying spirits right in their own homes.
Back then, homeowners were also evening hosts to their parties which were held in their basement bars. It was pretty much like attending a supper club downtown. Couples gather every weekend no longer dressed in their cocktail dresses and suits but in more relaxing clothing such as t-shirts and short pants.
Setting up their own home bars also led to the mastery of a unique skill which was to create the most awesome cocktails. Martini was born, umbrella drinks became popular, and Manhattan became more than just a place.
The key to holding the most successful home parties was to have a fully-stocked bar. This is a zone where you have everything that you need – the spirits, flavors, and comfy furniture.
So what are the necessities of a home bar?
Alcohol That You Actually Drink
When this is the first time that you’re stocking your home bar, then you must buy the spirits that you actually like. These must be the bottles that you are willing to share with your guests and proudly concoct for them.
These are the drinks that you can picture yourself sipping while you’re enjoying a game of billiards or simply chatting the evening away.
You must begin small. Don’t make the mistake that most homeowners have already confessed to wherein they thought of stocking home bars as a marathon of sorts. Do not equate being a good host with that of having more than you can handle.
For now, scout your local liquor store then check out their various liquors. The key is to grow your stock gradually. Get the ingredients that you need for the basic drinks that you’ll serve then slowly grow your stock from there.
Mixers and Garnishes
As you become more and more comfortable in mixing your drinks, you can then slowly expand your liquor menu.
The basic liquor stock includes – gin, vodka, scotch whiskey, bourbon whiskey, tequila, rum, and other beverages for those who might not enjoy drinking alcohol.
You will also need mixers such as tonic water, club soda, Sprite, cola, orange juice, tomato juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and Angostura bitters which you use in splashes that add flavors to drinks.
Garnishes, on the other hand, are decorative stuff that you can use to make your drinks more visually appealing. These are also those things that you nibble on when you sip your drink. Of course, the kind of garnish that you use depends hugely on the kind of drink that you’re serving. Gin-based tonics, for example, use onions and olives.
Other garnishes include horseradish, lemons, lime, salt, and Tabasco sauce.
Glassware
Home Bar Furniture, Fixtures, and Appliances
Tags: home bar, home bar essentials, home bar necessities, home bars, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, stocking home bars
Posted in Basement Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Basement Bars: Why You This Traditional Setup Still Works Today
Monday, November 13th, 2017
Hancock and Moore Living Room Cooper Tilt Back Chair 2043/2042: Can you picture how relaxing it would be to sit in this chair?
Stress is a word that’s becoming more and more common in modern society. There are those who even believe that a little stress could even be good. Sure, a little boost of adrenaline to push you through the day is good but being up and about all the time just isn’t healthy. What counters stress is just this one word – relaxation.
Relaxation Is Heart-friendly
High blood pressure, heart attack, and all sorts of heart problems could occur in the absence of relaxation. Stress is actually considered to be on the same level as other health risk factors. Those moments when a person experiences shock or stress, whether positive or negative (e.g. winning a contest or losing a loved one) can trigger adrenaline rush, thus, causing the heart to not function normally.
Relaxation Boosts Memory
Chronic stress impairs the human prefrontal cortex which is the part of the brain that is involved in cognition, abstract analyses, and the appropriation of behavior at any given circumstance.
Stress tests in mice led to an impaired center of the brain leaving them struggling in remembering the usual maze where they were placed at. Studies have also proven that certain brain proteins are created during stress which leads to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Relaxation Makes You Happy
Chronic stress has been known to kill brain cells or even prevent the hippocampus’ creation of new ones. The prolonged presence of stress leads to upped cortisol levels which, in turn, decreases dopamine and serotonin. This eventually leads to depression.
People who are under stress are not able to think clearly.
Cortisol is also known to increase people’s appetites, thus, when you’re relaxed, you tend to say no to junk foods and sweets more easily.
Relaxation Means Having the Right Kind of Chair
Chairs are often taken for granted. But can you imagine a dining room without them? Or a living room without a seating unit for everyone?
Though people spend more time in their beds, it still makes sense to find a chair that you are truly comfortable in. After all, you spend your waking moments there.
The Hancock and Moore Living Room Copper Tilt Back Chair is one such comfy chair. It can beautifully match any décor and it has an amazing back support to make you even more at ease.
Just imagine relaxing in front of the TV after a long, tiresome day at work. Or imagine curling up in your comfy chair during an extra cold wintry night.
So what are the characteristics of a comfy chair?
Adjustable. Every comfortable chair has an adjustment feature. Most office chairs come with adjustable height (this can be used by spinning the chair round and round or by stepping on the base of the chair) while home chairs come with tilting positions (these normally come with adjustment levers on the side).
Durable fabric. The chair’s fabric is permeable so that the skin can easily breathe while you’re seated on it. It is also durable so that you get to use the seat for a very long time.
Rounded edge. The back of the legs is spared from pressure when you have a chair that comes with rounded edges.
Stable. A comfy chair also does not topple sideward. It must have a base that can amply support the rest of the weight of the chair.
Armrest. The most comfortable chairs come with armrests. It must also allow room for movement. This feature is also required on chairs that are used for reading, working or even that relaxing evening when you’re watching movies with your family.
Tags: features of a comfortable chair, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, relaxing chair
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Relaxation Epitomized : Why You Gotta Have Your Own De-Stressing Chair
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