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Monday, April 24th, 2017
Where do you eyes go when you are asked to look into this photograph? The Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody King Tufted Bed is, effortlessly, the central piece in this ensemble.
Who doesn’t love a good stay at the hotel? After all, there is where you get to lie down on Egyptian cotton and the fluffiest pillows. And when you wake up in the morning, imagine your feet resting on the lush, thick-pile carpeting. Then you take your bath inside the spa-like bathroom – it’s simply heaven.
These are just some of the things that you love inside a luxury hotel so why allow the indulgence to end when you get home? Wouldn’t it be better if your trip to the hotel extended all the way when you got home?
A Lavish Boudoir
A luxurious bed is always the star of the show. Just think of all the hotels that you have already visited – each of their bedrooms are well-designed. This should be fit for a King or a Queen. It must have a unique headboard. And try to remember the bedding, curtains and pillows – everything is coordinated.
You can begin by having a supportive mattress. You can then layer the Egyptian cotton bed sheet, plump down pillows and comforter. If you’re feeling a bit more in tune for a more luxurious look, then add a duvet.
The bed isn’t the star without its supporting cast – a pair of end tables, side lamps, cozy chairs, a desk, and armoire for your clothing.
The Spa-Like Bathroom
Coming from the bedroom, let’s move to the bathroom. This must be an equally serene place but with posh decorative elements. If you are going to pick a favorite among the hotels that you’ve stayed in, which one would it be? And what amenities did it have?
You will probably remember a glass-encased walk-in shower, a huge shower head, and full body jets. The more luxurious hotels could also have a Jacuzzi tub.
Hotels also come with double sinks and the loveliest wall sconces. Now don’t go stingy on those soap, shampoo, conditioner, body gel, lotions and scents now. Don’t forget, too, the supply of towels and bathrobes.
The best hotels in the country also have heated towel racks or heated tile flooring.
The Posh Entryway
The lobby is the first place that you see when you enter the hotel. This is usually surrounded with flowers in the loveliest vases, glitzy mirrors, dim lighting, artwork, and comfortable seats.
This same entryway can also be recreated in your home. The key is to guide your visitors’ eyes to a central design element such as a credenza or any entryway table. You can then add a lovely table lamp, a knickknacks bowl, and a gallery of your family photos.
This place is technically the first and last sight that your guests see so be sure to create a lasting impact.
Maitland-Smith Bathroom Two Cast Brass Sitting Monkey Soap Dishes 1254-302 will surely be a conversation piece.
Classic Curtains
Draperies, blinds and curtains all work to achieve a hotel-y experience. Wooden blinds are best since they are easy on the eyes. Just make sure that they blend with your chosen interior design or you end up looking like you’re trying too hard.
Set up pinch-pleated draperies. Again, be sure to spend some money here since this will make the room appear more gorgeous. Pick fabrics that look gorgeous but, at the same time, descriptive of who you really are. Luxury is best attained, though, through linen, damask, silks and other durable fabric choices. Add blackout curtains more so in the bedroom.
Climate Control
What is a hotel without temperature control? A hotel room is neither too hot nor too cold. The temperature must be just right. Have a wireless control system that will do the adjustments for you.
Lastly, enjoy what you have created. You now have a hotel for a home.
Tags: hotel, hotel decorative elements, hotel-like home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Hospitality Industry, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Hotel-Like Home – 5 Key Elements to Remember
Monday, April 24th, 2017
Awkward corners will cease to exist with this lovely Victoria Corner Banquet from the Protege Collection of FFDM.
The kitchen is the home for appliances, gadgets and cookware but this can also be the home for boxes, food cans, and bags which tend to clutter. Add to these the limitless accessories and you would realize that having a small kitchen means having less space.
If you happened to flip through the pages of different interior design magazines, then you would realize that there are now many ways organize the room in your home. There are now a lot of organization techniques that can solve pot storage and pantry needs.
Corner Drawer
The first technique that you can employ is to set up a corner drawer. This is an impressive way to maximize the space in a limited kitchen. It will look equally great, too, even inside a spacious one.
The corner drawer is a great way to use that blind corner.
Unique Pantry
Another storage solution is a walk-in pantry. Homeowners simply love pantries because it houses just about every kitchen need. If you are able to see everything that you have, then you don’t end up buying things that you actually already have.
An obvious benefit of having a kitchen pantry is having an easier access to your food and beverage stock. And since you get to see the foods, then you end up having less food waste and having more money saved.
Having an accessible pantry also spells calorie reduction since you get to move about and cook more.
The see-through doors of Hooker Furniture Dining Room Arabella Bunching Display Cabinet can be the permanent home for your chinaware, kitchen collectibles, etc.
Kitchen Drawers
Containers and cabinets are the leading kitchen organization furnishings that you should also look into. With these, you can decide on what to store and what you should already cast aside. Having drawers and cabinets also spells heightened safety inside your kitchen since you get to store sharp tools and utensils.
The absence of these furnishings will lead to a disorganized kitchen. A cluttered kitchen will lead to impatience and a lot of things that could go wrong. It is also more difficult to organize a kitchen that does not have these furniture pieces.
Imagine where you will store your cookie sheets, cooling racks, muffin tins, trash bins, utensils, broiler pans and such.
Another way to utilize a kitchen cabinet is to make it into a spice storage unit. There is no one-size-fits-all type of spice cabinet. The more spices you have, of course, you will need more storage space. A smaller cabinet would do for more limited spices.
A dish drawer is also another way to free up space in your kitchen.
Or Simply Clean Up
Sometimes, all that a kitchen needs is a little TLC. You can begin with an empty sink and dishwasher. Then be sure to implement the rule – clean as you go. Make sure that every member of the family will be able to comply especially when clutter drives you nuts.
After this, make sure that you clean up your sink after you washed the dishes. Be sure also to oil your cutting boards monthly and have the cleaning tools on standby. You can also soak the dishes while you focus on freeing the rest of the kitchen from trash.
If you want quicker ways to keep your kitchen tidy, then you can also grab the supplies that you need – dish cloths, cleansers, sponges, etc. These are a part of the basic cleaning kit that should always be ready. The rest are a vacuum cleaner, a broom or two, dustpan, mops and duster.
Lastly, wash down the sink, appliances and countertop as you end the day. Wash also your cleaning equipment and tools.
You see, kitchen organization is not impossible, is it?
Tags: cleaning the kitchen, kitchen maintenance, kitchen organization, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing the kitchen
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Friday, April 21st, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Thicket Console creates a powerful statement for your living room or the entryway.
Let’s begin getting to know silver by discussing its spot price. The spot price is the current price in which silver is being traded. The spot price is the reference for both silver and gold markets, crude oil, and other types of commodities.
Silver ores are mined by underground and open-pit methods. This refining process makes use of electrolysis where the ore is placed inside an electrolytic cell (containing positive electrode and negative electrode in an electrolyte mixture. The ores are then ground or crushed.
But how will you use the beauty of silver to make your home a more sophisticated place to live in?
Your Home and Silver
A person might be an expert in mixing and matching outfits but when it comes to home décor, mixing can be a tad more difficult. The fusion of metals is okay. In fact, it is a wonderful way of adding depth and character to any home.
Back in the ‘80s, it was taboo to mix metals. This advice has long been quashed, thank goodness. Mixing metals is now considered as the perfect strategy in adding depth and interest to any space. This is actually an effortless way to beautify your home. Just be careful that there won’t be too much metals so that your home would start to look too tacky.
Make Silver the Dominant Metal
Choosing metal finish means you have to define also which metal will take center stage. Select just a single dominant metal plus two metal accents to complete the look of your home. With silver as the primary metal and having it throughout your home guarantees that there will be a sense of unity. Accent metals are the ones that will guide the visitors’ eyes towards the focal metal.
Blend Silver
Be sure also to fuse warm and cooler tones of metals. For instance, gold and brass is a classic combination. Silver is a cool metal so you should marry it with warmer toned metals like brass and bronze.
A touch of silver would do but if you really have to show a little more, then be sure to soften it. The trick to using metallic pieces, especially when they are used to frame a mirror, is to mix them with softer textures. Velvet, mohair and wool can easily soften metallic accents or main furnishings.
This may be an age-old debate – whether metals can actually be mixed – but looking at sterling silver and polished brass, you know that you’re concocting something fashionable.
Bernhardt Interiors Bedroom Metal Wrapped Bed 369-H09_F09_R09
Silver + A Neutral Palette
When you are about to mix metallic pieces into any of your rooms, you might want to subdue your color palette a little. Brass will pair well with silver just as well as chrome and satin is a combo for palettes like white, gray and blue.
Neutral palettes are always a classic choice. Silver may not be the most common choice in kitchens (copper is the king with regard to metallic kitchen colors) but it can be used to such an extent that it can look just as timeless as other metals.
Silver Tinges First
Sure, silver ceiling is a great way to add interest in your space, but you have to know first if this is really for you. You gotta try something small first – a faux antique silver platter perhaps, or a silver tea set. These are a lot easier to change later on than having to paint your entire home in silver.
When still in doubt, just trust in your instinct. You can incorporate silver on your mirrors, gold furnishings, chandelier, and just about any decorative element. It can be a vignette or the main attraction, your interpretation of silver is really limitless.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, silver, silver color palette, silver decor, silver interior design, silver interiors
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Rediscovering Silver
Friday, April 21st, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Jared Swivel Recliner
The very first reclining chair was believed to be the one owned by Napoleon III. Tit was the two American cousins named Knabush and Shoemaker who have gained the patent on the wooden recliner, though.
Background
The recliner is an upholstered seat that comes with metal mechanism. This mechanism has to be activated by the user so that the back will be pushed out. The foot rest also rises up and serves as a rest for the lower legs.
A lot of recliners are armchairs. Upholstered seats and backs make the comfortable chair into what it is. This mechanism is also what led to this seat being called motion furniture. There are a few recliners that can be activated when the person pulls the lever; others activate it by pushing the chair back with a little force.
One of the earliest recliner designs was published in 1813, Ackennann’s Repository of Arts, a British periodical. This reclining patent chair served as a prototype for a lot of chairs that followed throughout the next centuries.
In the late nineteenth century, the Morris Chair came into existence. A different mechanism was used where a series of pegs or rod was used. The frames were made of wood and were often massive. Upholstered cushions were also added for the seat and the back. This chair was advertised as a comfy seat just as all recliners are being marketed these days.
Recliner Materials
The primary parts of the recliner include a metal activating mechanism, frame, foam (upholstery padding), and upholstery fabric. These materials depending on who manufactured them. There are also different styles to choose from.
The frame is often made of wood, often hardwood. And since the chair moves a lot or the weight shifts from a conventional chair to a recliner often, this frame is reinforced with bolts, metal nuts, and steel corners. There could also be some fiberboard that’s used as a minor frame support.
Upholstered backs of recliners are made with a foam that is sculpted (often polyurethane foam). All the hard corners of the foam blocks are softened and padded.
There are also exposed wood on the feet, arms or the back of the recliner. The fabric used on the upholstery varies from one company to the next. If there is one thing in common with their recliners, it is the fact that they are all fairly durable. This is needful since the chair is pushed and pulled many times during its lifetime.
Recliners are often upholstered in cotton, leather, or natural synthetic fibers.
Recliner Benefits
You might have considered a recliner as an alternative to a sofa and an ottoman. More than space reasons, there are even more benefits to this more than you know. There are many ways that the recliner can benefit the body.
Studies have shown that there are a wide array of health problems that come from stress – from migraines to heart disease, to depression to asthma. Stress triggers a lot more these illnesses and this is one reason that the recliner can be beneficial.
Here are other recliner benefits –
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, recliner, recliner chair benefits, recliner sofa, recliner sofas, recliners
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Thursday, April 20th, 2017
FFDM Protege Collection: The Romi Chair’s fabric shows the best of nature – from birds to twigs and flowers.
Research has shown that the environment – a green one at least – significantly reduces stress. What you see, hear and experience will inevitably alter your mood. Having an unpleasant environment, on the other hand, causes anxiety, sadness, even feelings of helplessness. These will elevate heart rate, blood pressure and cause muscle tension. They even have the power to suppress the immune system.
Nature’s Healing Power
Just viewing sceneries of nature can significantly reduce fear, anger and any unpleasant feeling. Lingering exposure to nature contributes to your wellbeing, eventually, it can even reduce mortality. There are scientific studies that support these claims.
Nature can help you cope with pain. Humans, after all, are genetically-programmed to search for plants, trees, water, and other natural elements. Those who are ill are generally shown to have an improved health by the time that they spend some time outdoors.
There are ways to bring natural elements to your home. Here are some tips –
Water Feature
What could be more natural than the sound of rushing, clear waters? If you are looking forward to basking in the stress-relieving sounds of running water and also to impress your guests, then you should consider installing slate water wall.
A slate water wall is the closest that you can get to having waterfalls right in your own home. This innovative feature is worth every dollar that you would spend. If a fountain is like biting off more than you could chew, then you can just invest in water feature for now.
There are tabletop versions of water features. This can serve as the best centerpiece for your living room. Just imagine how much this can contribute to a calmer atmosphere.
Flower Deliveries
Do you know of anyone who does not love the sight of lush flowers? Every human on the planet will benefit when looking at a gorgeous bouquet. Scientific research has proven that flowers and life satisfaction are linked. This is because flowers are natural mood enhancers (just picture the excited smiles that recipients of bouquets show and you’ll understand just why).
Flowers are also known to have a long-term positive effect on humans’ moods, reducing the occurrence of anxiety, depression and agitation.
Any Plant Life
Not all people are gifted with the so-called green thumb. Succulents can be a great alternative, they are the hottest plants for interior design. These days, you can find different types of arrangements which you can mix and match. Set up a succulent gallery in the sunroom or the bedroom.
Herb Garden
Go ahead and bring in some fragrant nature to your room. You can do this especially in the kitchen where you can have baskets bolted onto the walls. You can also do this with little wooden crates where herbs can be planted. Just make sure that the herbal plants are placed under optimal sunlight.
Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom Harbour Point Footboard 6-6 King 537-134FB: Open up the windows to let in fresh air and natural light.
Stone Treatment
Don’t think that stones are just for walkways. Bring in beautiful rocks and pebbles to your indoor décor. Get an opaque vase or any decorative bowl then arrange different stone hues within this unique rock terrarium.
To take this project to the next level, consider installing stone backsplashes in the bathroom or the kitchen.
Natural Furniture
You can also add a rustic appeal by adding the right kind of furniture. Think of adding wood chairs, tables and shelving units. Look for the most natural-looking pieces, ones that can even take weathering and stains which you want to personally apply.
Let In the Sun
One of the easiest approaches to letting in nature is to open your windows. Say goodbye to those bulky curtains for now.
Go sheer for now for that more natural-looking interior design.
Tags: designing with nature, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nature in interior design, nature's colors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Nature-Inspired Interior Design: Optimizing Your Wellbeing
Thursday, April 20th, 2017
Uttermost Living Room Aviana Blue Velvet Armchair 23257
Velvet is very much like silk and it is one of the most grandiose fabrics that you can use to show elegance in your home. This fabric has always been associated with the monarchs because it feels soft, looks shiny and dazzling to look at. Add to this the fact that velvet was also worn by the rich and was quite expensive.
Velvet History
Velvet, during the Renaissance age, was an economic marvel that made money for Lucca and Florence, cities in Italy. It was associated with being chic and luxurious, and it never ceased to be popular since that day – that’s 4,000 years of rich velvet history.
Velvet is also known for its warmth and beauty, which is why it is suitable for colder climates such as that in Europe and North America.
There are many different theories about the origins of velvet. A lot of people agree that it came from the Far East. Velvet was believed to have come along the Silk route taken by the Arabs on their way to Europe.
Velvet soon reached Italy where Sicily along with Florence and Lucca showed the biggest production from the 12th till the 18th centuries.
Back then, velvet contained linen or cotton with silk pile. It was also made with other fibers such as synthetic silk or rayon acetate.
Technological and innovative advances have made it possible for manufacturers to come up with cheaper versions of velvet. Velour is one of these. It has a stretchy property along with the rich appearance of velvet.
Manufacturing Velvet
Velvet is a compact silk pile fabric. It is woven as a type of double cloth, one with a set of filling thread and dual wrap thread sets. The two wrap heads are then woven into dual pieces of cloth in special looms. The wrap is then cut by blades. When these two pieces are separated, they are then rolled out individually. This is what’s known as pile cloth.
The pile cloth ends are sticking and they eventually form a soft pile. Velvet was once made from silk (which was quite expensive), but is now manufactured from other fabrics.
Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Antoinette California King Gilded Upholstered Bed 1586-90260-GLD1
Should Velvet be Washed?
Having kids or pets in your home should not stop you from owning a velvet couch or velvet draperies.
Before you set out to clean your velvet piece, make sure that you know the cleaning code for it. Velvet is normally a code S, meaning, it should be cleaned with solvents. This means that you generally have to dry clean it.
Washing velvet is not an easy task. It is not like washing normal fabric. What you need to do is to have it dry cleaned. If you see small stains, then gently remove these with the use of damp cloth. Wet this cloth with warm water then rub it on the stains.
Make sure that you do not rub too hard or you may end up totally damaging the cloth. Dab the fabric till it becomes dry. If the stains remain, then just repeat the process. If the stains are too large, then it is best to have them dry cleaned.
There is also a homemade recipe for stain remover for your velvet piece. Here are the things that you will need –
Procedure
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, velvet, velvet care, velvet design, velvet furniture, velvet in interior design, velvet pieces
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Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
Hancock and Moore Living Room Parisian Sofa 1279
The definition of fine furniture can be pretty straightforward. To others, though, it is a lot more than good furniture. Fine furniture is created to last and would only be called as such once it has proven its worth.
When you are out to invest in something, you may as well make the endeavor worthwhile – it should last forever. And in order to solidify this claim, an artisan must not be afraid to give at least a warranty on the product.
Fine furniture, in essence, is a fusion of strength, structure and good design. It also comes with a full finish that can easily go in and out of styling eras.
Fine furniture defies trends because it will always have a place in anyone’s home. It is classic and chic, it is everything that you would want in an heirloom.
But what makes fine furniture?
Fine Materials
The key indicator that what you have is fine furniture is how well-matched the timbers are. This means all the materials used to create that one piece of furniture are coordinated.
The creation of furniture with just one kind of timber is not enough, though. Fine furniture takes furniture making to a higher level. The fine timber must also be selected for a certain look as well as an awesome presentation.
Don’t think of fine furniture solely made of wood. It can also be progressive, modern and non-traditional with its look. Wood is just one of the many materials which can be used to manufacture furniture. Wood furniture makers sometimes approach the most complex ways to use wood when a different material could be the more feasible option to keep the costs down.
Construction and Design
A great design is a lot more than an aesthetically created piece. When keeping timber, you must remember that the best ones must always be on the move. This means furniture makers must seriously think about the furniture piece moving more often.
Simply put, bolted and screwed furniture pieces are usually not fine furniture. You should look for slotted screw holes and joints that have no gaps or even dark shadow lines (indicative of poor joinery).
The furniture finish must also be considered. A lot of fine furniture have a Danish or oil finish instead of the mass-produced, haphazardly-done pieces.
Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Pedestal Dining Table Top 1150-819
The Artisan
When picking a furniture maker, it is crucial to take a careful look at the body of work. Take the time to scrutinize the actual pieces and, if you can, ask about the furniture maker’s experience and trainings.
Be able to match your aesthetic with the furniture maker that can deliver your kind of furniture requirement. If you have done your homework well, you should be able to understand what you are requiring and how you can get that result.
Cost, Cost, Cost
When you are buying fine furniture, what you are investing in is the attention to detail. This translates to time and, yes, cost. What you will pay for is labor. We need to stress the importance of making the furniture last for many years which is why you must be ready to invest, not simply buy.
At McCreery’s Home Furnishings, we commit to delivering only the finest pieces that will satisfy your aesthetic and permanency requirements. You can realize your design ideas through our finest ensembles. You can take a virtual tour and have fun seeing our finest pieces on display. If you’re feeling a bit more experimental, you can install Java software on your computer and enjoy our room planner..
With over 60 years of experience in making people happy at the Sacramento area, we offer the finest level of service and design possibilities for your home. McCreery’s Home Furnishings offers you more than 50 fine furniture manufacturers that are renowned for their quality. It’s time to see what options you have and enjoy the decisions that you eventually make.
Tags: fine furniture, fine furniture making, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
Wesley Allen Bar and Game Room Bar Stool B207H30B
Art Nouveau is a unique style that is rarely rivaled – those beautiful swirling lines, unrestrained aesthetics and timeless look – it is simply one-of-a-kind. This style first came into existence in the 1880s, yet on the advent of the World War I, it started to disappear from architectural features.
Yet Art Nouveau is a lot more than the expression of designers and artists of a new style. It can also be found in the beauty of nature and, ironically, also the expression of anxiety among these art masters. If you see violent lines and curves, then you are looking at the artists’ expressions of fear. There was so much pressure to look for something different at the time so Art Nouveau was both a relief and a form of rebellion.
Lead light, more popularly known as stained glass, became quite common during this movement. Architects from the Australian federation used decorative lead lights on bay windows, front doors, fanlights, fire screens, cabinets and interconnecting doors. The flowing art that is characteristic of Art Nouveau is everywhere.
Art Nouveau Today
Art Nouveau may be found in a lot of historic villas and homes yet modern-day homes also beautifully preserved this style. This design can be infused into the architectural design of your home but just make sure that there are still some fresh and contemporary elements for balance.
Art Nouveau may also be short-lived décor-wise but this is one innovative style that is difficult to ignore. Those curves and swirly lines are just so dynamic, full of tension and an ornamental force to reckon with.
Apart from the still prevalent stained glass, there are other interior design elements that reflect the beauty of Art Nouveau. Take, for instance, the floor tiles that show organic yet intricate patterns. These patterns go all the way up to the walls then through windows. To finish off this look, an Art Nouveau framed mirror can be used.
Wall tiles can also show a wallpaper-like texture. If you’re thinking of adding dimensionality to flat walls, then this is the go-to style. Art Nouveau tiles use combinations of colors and often have reflective surfaces. These very same surfaces can also cast shadows, hence, your home becomes a zone of various shades and tones.
Don’t stop on your walls if you really want to embrace the Art Nouveau style. The patterns can be taken all the way to the ceiling. They can serve as stucco relief or a beautiful trompe l’oeil (three-dimensional pattern).
If you want to go the extra mile, then do so with custom mantel or fireplace. Keep in mind that this style is a breakdown of sculpture, decorative arts, and architecture. Iron railings are also common. Picture the Paris Metro by Hector Guimard. This urban project was created during the Paris Exposition. In his work, he wonderfully fused organic forms and technology paving the way for fabricated iron.
Front entrance awning is also big on Art Nouveau. The Paris Metro entrances show fan-shaped iron and glass awnings but with opaque paneling. The beauty of this artwork does not end here. The paneling is also decorated with florals.
Now wouldn’t your front door be a feature to behold with such an awning?
Apart from florals, peacocks have also been a preferred pattern. This bird symbolizes beauty and opulence which are both fitting reasons to include them as Art Nouveau. Even wallpapers have peacock patterns which can be effectively contrasted with pops of yellow (a very fashionable color for 2017).
Decadent yet extremely beautiful, the textures have also been taken to painted murals. The peacock, when used ineffectively could also become the symbol of vanity and pride so you might want to be a little careful with its use.
Tags: Art Nouveau, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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Tuesday, April 18th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Arabella Trunk Cocktail Table
Industrial architecture is known for its safety and efficiency. Industrial style is always functional, even iconic. Industrial homes were once factories abandoned warehouses and huge open structures. Since these buildings were originally meant to house many people and huge machineries, they are tough and secure.
These industrial structures have a rich history to offer even with their distressed walls, worn flooring, and aged pipes. These may appear like scars to the eyes of their beholder but they can be highlighted to stress the industrialist appeal of the structure.
Industrial Architecture History
The primary industrial buildings were constructed in the late 1700s. These were supposed to be utilitarian and since there was no electricity then, narrow structures were built with large windows so that natural light could stream in.
Minus the common frills of homes of today, these structures were built to facilitate production. The manufacturing process was housed in a single place which led to faster processing and production streamlining.
Still in the 1700’s, safety issues began to be noticed. Mill factories were especially problematic. The fear of fire was widespread insomuch that buildings were built to reduce such dangers. It was also because of this that industrial architecture was starting to be influenced by insurance companies. Attics were discouraged and, in their place, flat roofs were made.
Flat roofs became the staple features. Along with these, plain facades, isolated stairwells, open spaces, ornamental pieces, pipes, and exposed bricks have become the iconic looks of industrial design.
In the 1900s, manufacturing became more robust because of the advent of fuel from regular coal. Mechanical power became available inside these factories, hence, there was a demand for more adaptable spaces and more modern construction.
Steel and concrete also entered the picture during these times. Albert Khan was the visionary architect who worked with these durable materials in his architectural designs.
Industrial design changed for the better and the looks of buildings have become the structures that we know them today. Steel and reinforced concrete made sturdier structures. The bigger, newer buildings then required bigger parcels of land. This led to the factories being built outside of cities and the metropolitan zones, hence, more and more structures were being uninhabited.
Flexsteel Living Room End Table W1404-01
Resurrecting Old Factories
With very few to zero walls, blocking natural lighting, these abandoned factories were viewed as the perfect structures that can be repurposed. The late ‘60s and ‘70s brought about the renewal of these spaces. The changes began in Lower Manhattan and in New England.
Initially, these structures became the home and studios for artists and their masterpieces. These people received a different kind of inspiration inside these buildings. Magazines even began to glamorize industrial chic. Recycling and renewal also became the in things to do.
Industrial Design Today
It is no surprise that weddings and other such celebrations are now being held in old industrial spaces. With huge windows allowing natural light to stream in, it is the perfect lighting for such lovely events. Even the huge, spacious walls seem like canvas to any work of art.
Industrial design is brimming with masculinity, what with the presence of brick, steel and concrete. Since this is so, they are the perfect elements to contrast the femininity of weddings.
It isn’t just the events industry that has opened its doors for the use of these industrial spaces. There are more and more homeowners who are signing up for these probable homes.
Industrial design, in a nutshell, is all about using etched glass, worn wood, rough metal and everything utilitarian. It is a traditional style that is simple and comfortable, in essence, the archenemy of slick.
So, are you ready to own or build one of these industrial structures?
Tags: industrial design, industrial interior design, industrial style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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Tuesday, April 18th, 2017
Uttermost Accessories La Belle Jardiniere Crop Framed Art 56056
What goes through your mind when the word pastel is mentioned? If you’re unsure about this term, then know that this is any hue that has tint. Pastel-colored clothing often looks great during spring or summer so, yes, this is the perfect season to use this color palette in your home.
Pastels are innately feminine. They are also perceived to be cool. Don’t worry about these descriptions, though, since man caves and other areas where men are supposed to stay can also take such colors.
Pastel also often remind us of cakes and anything sweet, babies, Easter eggs, and marzipan.
There is also something really comforting about pastels. Through the ‘50s, ‘60s, ’70 and ‘80s, people have embraced these colors for their freshness. If you want to optimize the use of pastels in your home, then it’s time to follow some fundamental guidelines –
Explore Pastel
There were moments when the leading colors for baby girls’ and boys’ nurseries were pastel pink and blue. While these colors were once associated only with babies and femininity, the ‘50s and ‘60s welcomed a bolder and more striking use for them.
Interior pastels then and up till today have the power to create the most powerful makeovers. Pastel is no longer just a hue for wall paint. Pastel touches are now used in other interior design elements such as art, furniture, accents, etc.
Go ahead and be playful with this color palette, experiment, breathe, live. You can make contrasting hues add drama or you can have pastel textiles pop on your ensemble.
Pastels in the Kitchen
Black, white and beige are no longer the only colors to choose from when it comes to kitchen appliances. Almost every rainbow color is now available for stoves, refrigerators, blenders, stand mixers, and ovens.
If you’re not ready to go big on pastel appliances, then you can use this calm color palette on other design elements in your kitchen. Imagine a buttery yellow fruit bowl or lavender kitchen tools – it becomes more exciting to cook and move about the kitchen with these colorful stuff doesn’t it?
Relax with Pastel
Since pastels are relaxing colors, you should use them in rooms where you need to unwind or rest. The bedroom and bathroom are two such rooms that are in need of pastel-colored elements. For a more masculine edge, mix pastel with darker colors especially on hard surfaces such as hardwood flooring.
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Pastel and Country Cottage
Shabby chic offers a laid-back appeal that can also be seen on rustic weathered style. Pastel colors will look great as an added hue. Begin with furniture; mix solids, patterns and interesting textures. Distressed wood can also create a wonderful backdrop. Invest in faux antique pieces in pastel inspirations.
Reupholster with Pastel
A lot of homeowners are not too sure when it comes to pastel colors. They feel hesitant because they do not know if pastel can be sophisticated or if it will be nothing more than a soft hue. Instead of being worried about these colors, pick furniture that you are most familiar with. Your fave sofa and end tables can have hints of stripes, florals and polka dot pastel fabrics.
You will soon realize that you have enhanced the look of your home with your reupholstered pieces.
Pastel and the Right Wood Finish
Pastel colors are quite versatile which means they can blend with any natural material like wood floors, wood paneling, sea grass, rattan, and others. Gear towards lighter woods – bamboo, white oak, lighter maple and similar varieties – to compliment the pastel decorative elements.
To add contrast, choose woods such as cherry wood.
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Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Pastel Colors: Comforting, Welcoming Hues for Your Home
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