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Monday, March 27th, 2017
Well-built structures serve as sturdy and beautiful frames to these charming dining room pieces. Featured here is the Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sanctuary Round Dining Table.
The construction of a new home or remodeling an existing one can be a pretty complex and expensive process. In an ideal world, everything goes the way you planned it and when the dust is cleared, you happily settle into your lovely home. Unfortunately – and more often than not – this is not the case. The building and remodeling process can take months to accomplish. Also, you find out that months later, the shower isn’t working anymore and roof shows a leak. So what do you do then?
Good Thing There’s Warranty
So what is a warranty? This may seem like a small piece of paper but it is one of the first things that you should ask your contractor. Warranty protects both you and the builder; you, from shoddy projects and the builders from being liable for their work for a lifetime.
Warranties are often included within a contract. There isn’t a standard length of time on which warranties are set. It is negotiable so this means that you and the contractor must come to an agreement regarding the timeframe in which the warranty is still in effect.
Warranties also describe the probable problems as well as the remedies for which the contractor is responsible for. The mechanism on how to address disputes is also discussed. Again, this is the ideal case.
Before you say yes to warranty, you must understand some basic rules that govern this protection. In the U.S., there is the so-called implied warranty that does not have to be spelled out in your contract. This includes good workmanship as well as habitability. These simply imply that the house must be habitable and safe by the time the homeowners move in.
Statutes of limitation state how long the homeowner can invoke legal claims (e.g. breach of contract). Statutes of repose, on the other hand, are applicable to construction projects and set the specific time on which the contractors are reliable for their projects.
Lastly, the right to repair law states that the homeowner must first give the contractor a chance to repair the problem before suing him.
There isn’t a single standard for the entire industry when it comes to warranties. A lot of residential contractors adopted the one year warranty for their projects. This is beneficial to the builder because it limits their risk. The homeowner, on the other hand, might end up trading away the implied warranty in the process.
Since this is so, be sure to review your contract and see if the one year warranty is ample for you. You could actually go beyond warranties. A lot of good builders – may you find one – continue to be accommodating even beyond a year. Repairs and fixes can be made even after the one year warranty has already expired.
Don’t worry, though, as warranty issues are quite rare. Builders have to do quality projects so that they protect themselves and the owners as well.
Remember that as the homeowner, you can actually request for a longer warranty period. You could state that you’re amenable to one year warranty except for latent defects. After all, these kinds of defects are those that take years to discover (e.g. foundation issues).
One other option is to ask your contractor about their insurance. Most of them have products that offer extended warranty. There are even some that offer as long as 10 years; these are, of course, already backed by insurance companies. Such insurance is often paid for by the contractor but the cost is passed on to the customer.
You can also ask the help of an attorney so that you ascertain that you’re not giving up any rights. You also need to screen your contractor carefully so that the home construction or renovation project goes smoothly.
Tags: construction warranty, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, remodeling warranties, remodeling warranty, warranties, warranty
Posted in Design Contractor, Interior Design 101, The Interior Designer | Comments Off on Of Warranties, the Home Contractor and You
Monday, March 27th, 2017
The sleek Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Fleur de Glee Writing Desk is all you need for that hallway to become your new workspace.
If you’re thinking that you need an extra room in your home so you can set up a home office, think again. Work-friendly spaces can appear from an unused corner, just a few inches off a wall, or even other areas that you thought to be unusable in the past. Explore the possibilities, wonders await you.
Home Office with a View
Nothing should hamper you from having a home office with ample sunlight. Neither should this natural light keep you from your decorating style.
Set up a desk and chair right in front of a window then fill that empty corner with a bookshelf. Make sure the furniture harmonizes with the rest of the current pieces. Be sure that your new corner home office seamlessly blends with the entire ensemble.
Dual Purpose Home Office
Don’t think that working at an ordinary desk will make you more productive – the traditional look of a desk won’t have any effect on your productivity. So, why not repurpose an armoire as a home office desk as it still serves its purpose as a storage cabinet for your china, silverware, stemware, etc.
Home Office Palette Blues
Remember the key pieces to every home office (chair, desk and shelves). Choosing the right pieces can help you transform a quiet, unused space into something more productive. If the space still permits, keep the zones distinctly different by setting up a work area a few feet away from your bed.
The trick here is to make sure that the decorative elements such as the furniture, its finish, as well as the color palette all play well as a team.
The Bold Home Office
Why fear? Go bold and bright on the primary palette that you will use for your workspace. If you want a space for your child right beside yours, then find a color scheme that blends with your fun work corner. Add lots of shelves and functional storage units to work both your styles.
Hooker Furniture Home Office Viewpoint Wall End Unit L_R: Even the tightest spot can accommodate this wooden corner piece.
The Confidential Home Office
Have you already considered a corner? Then be able to dress it up. Even formal living room setups can offer a workable home office. Just place a small desk, chair and some accessories (e.g. storage bins and task lamp) and you can already call that spot your tiny workspace. This will become your perfect spot for writing a letter or reading the day’s itinerary.
The Floral Home Office
There simply isn’t any sense in wasting a usable corner. So, yes, even the hallway can become a spot for your workspace. A not-so-narrow hallway can easily accommodate a slim desk, a stool and small storage bins. To complete the look, install some printed floral wallpaper.
The Split Home Office
Who says the kitchen can’t have an adjacent home office? You can have your kitchen on one side and your home office on the other. Think of a large china cabinet as a possible divider. Just make sure that you keep the color palette congruent. Consistency in your chosen colors sets the harmony in your design.
If You’re Simply Tired of Your Current Home Office
Or you may already have a home office or corner but are growing tired of its look. If this is the case, try these simple tips –
Tags: home workspace, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, working at home, workspace at home
Posted in Home Office Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on You’re the Boss: Designing the Ultimate Home Office
Friday, March 24th, 2017
Hickory White Dining Room Round Back Arm Chair 171-61
If you are a homeowner who loves the look of rustic, earthy tones, then Tuscan style is especially for you. Tuscan interior design is a decorating style that looks like Old World, Mediterranean, or Southwestern architecture. Areas in the country that exhibit such look are Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, parts of Texas and New Mexico.
Tuscan Influences
Though this countryside in Italy got its influences from Spanish and French countryside, it is also common to find Mediterranean influence, too. If you find some ancient Etruscan features and Renaissance elements, then you are correct to note that they are also present in Tuscan style.
Other influences that come from nature are grapes that are grown in rich vineyards, cypress, olive trees, pears, and the lovely colors of jasmine, bougainvillea and rosemary.
Tuscan Hues
Tuscan colors are naturally warm. Just imagine the climate of the Mediterranean countryside and you’ll know exactly why. You can start with beige or any earth tone. Neutral shades are most welcome like terracotta, creamy shades, and clay.
Shades of green are also representative of the magnificence of cypress trees. These trees line the Tuscan countryside and, therefore, are welcome in a Tuscan style home. Rich ochre, golden yellows, and cobalt blue also reflect the skies and the seas.
Tuscan Ceiling
Tuscan design can also have beautiful medallions right above lighting fixtures. Dark wooden beams are regular features of every Tuscan ceiling. These create a rustic contrast to the light-colored plaster walls. Angels and clouds that are painted on can be used to decorate the foyer ceilings as well as those in the dining room.
Tuscan Furnishings
It is also a must to have stained wood cabinets in a Tuscan home. Complete the Tuscan kitchen with decorative elements such as wrought-iron pot rack, copper pans, terracotta pots, and planters. Have a small garden or planters filled with rosemary, basil, and oregano. If you’re feeling great, you can add bougainvillea or a lemon tree in it.
Use bright-colored ceramic bottles and have them filled with olive oil. Invest in countertop wine racks, garlic baskets, and accentuate with fresh vegetables and culinary tools.
Tuscan-style kitchen can have appliances that look sleek. You can invest in units with stainless steel finishes. Have copper range hoods as well as lots of Tuscan art.
If the kitchen has limited lighting, you can then mimic the brightness of the sun with added lighting. Use lighting under the counter, as a skylight, as recessed lighting, or as pendant lighting.
Classic or Mediterranean furniture with ironwork, stained wood and highly polished surfaces should be prioritized. Hand-painted designs can also be found featuring flowers, fruits, scrolls, even leafy vines. Wrought iron doors, hammered copper and other rustic features are added to most wood furniture.
When it comes to the Tuscan bedroom, you should look into owning a wrought-iron bed complete with floral quilted bedding. Add wooden nightstands and a bench to be placed at the foot of your bed.
Use dark, wooden or wrought-iron curtain rods for your bedrooms drapes.
Hickory White Dining Room Bunching China 170-41
Tuscan Elegance and Romance
Tuscan interior design invites the vibe of the traditional Old World. Furnishings are inviting and warm as they are also equally appealing. The range of hues is what makes Tuscan interiors an interesting place to live in.
The amount of yellows used inside such homes is just amazing. This ranges from deep gold to muted ochre to intense sunflower hue. Any room could easily pop with these accents color used correctly. A lot of designers choose to keep the warm colors inside their Tuscan-inspired homes but they also veer away a bit with still natural colors like burgundy wine and poppy red.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Tuscan design, Tuscan interiors, Tuscan style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Tuscan Habitat Made Simple
Friday, March 24th, 2017
FFDM American Cherry’s Bedford Pineapple Post King Bed
Plantation style homes were built during the pre-Civil War era which is also known as the antebellum era (1830 till 1860). These homes were quite numerous in the Southern states with structures featuring the prominent Green Revival and French Revival styles.
The plantation homes in Louisiana featured Spanish architectural ironworks completed specifically for balconies and stairways.
If you want to take this style to your home, here are guidelines that you need to consider –
Plantation Architectural Features
The plantation design was built specifically to beat the piping hot summers. These homes used natural cooling methods such as building open porches and porticos. These were often referred to as galleries along with every story.
Arched windows are also ever-present. These give a soft curve to the straightforward look that the plantation symmetry offers. Accents include rosettes, keystones, medallions and inlays.
It is also common to find wainscoting, chair railing, door capstones, and moldings. Greek Revival molding is not decorative and is often very wide. This was designed to duplicate the look of Greek architecture moldings and stones.
Have a plain, dull door transformed into something more exciting by adding capstones and molding.
Have you ever seen the film Gone With The Wind? This is the perfect epitome of plantation style home complete with fireplaces. These fireplaces were not just decorative because they were also a source of heat and light in each room.
Have your fireplace retrofitted or have one constructed. To make the look more authentic, you can also add French doors that will allow more natural light to come in during the day.
Plantation Interiors
There were two chief features of every plantation home. This is that large entrance hall and the drawing room (also referred to as the parlor).
An entrance hall is important during the pre-Civil War period. This served as the reception area where the homeowners welcomed guests. It was also a place where one’s wealth is displayed. This entrance hall was also a part of natural ventilation as it dispersed hot air that has been trapped.
More often than not, there is also a sweeping staircase that leads to the second floor. This staircase was located in the entrance hall itself and usually opposite the double door main entrance. This staircase was often the location for introductions to the most frivolous events.
The plantation home also pays close attention to entrances especially the foyer area. You should consider hanging a crystal chandelier and wrought-iron railings on those curving staircases.
As for the parlor or drawing room, this was located by the front of the door. This allowed a more private way of welcoming guests. Large plantation homes even had two parlors with one being larger than the other. The drawing room was where formal entertaining is done. This was also where the gentlemen retired right after their formal dinner. This was where they smoked those cigars and drank cognac. ‘Remember Titanic the movie? Men then had this after-meal tradition.
The parlor or the smaller room was often used by the family. It was also where day visitors are welcomed and where women retired after attending formal dinner. This is also where they sip their hot coffee and tea and, yes, catch up with gossips.
You can also further transform the look of a room by including these elements –
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, plantation design, plantation interior design, plantation interiors, plantation style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Plantation Style: Bringing a Fresh Look to Something Old
Thursday, March 23rd, 2017
American Leather Living Room Aiden Chair ADN-CHR-ST
Cleaning mildew off your outdoor furniture is one of the many aspects of furniture maintenance. This can and will extend the life of your furniture. How you clean counts, though, as this is dependent on a lot of factors.
Mildew is a microscopic organism that isn’t a plant or an animal. It is a type of fungus such as yeast and mushrooms. And just like any other fungi, it produces enzymes that allows them to digest as well as decompose organic matters.
Well, your furniture is organic, so, mildew can produce spores right on those areas that moisture touches.
Mildew grows best in humid, hot weathers such as during the summer season. It takes life in an environment that is damp, dark and warm. Mildew often gives off a musty odor so you are sure to know that there is an ongoing furniture rot that’s happening somewhere if you smell it.
Majority of outdoor furniture already comes with cleaning instructions. If you lost the manual that contained these guidelines then you can ask your local home depot for cleaning solutions that were particularly made for outdoor furniture.
Bleach for Canvas, Fabric and Cushions
The most common chemical that is used to kill mildew, even molds, is bleach. This can be used on fabrics and canvas. What you risk, though, is discoloration. If you made a bleach solution that is too strong, then you cause the fabric or canvas to deteriorate and look faded.
To make the perfect bleach solution for mildew, dilute half a cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Transfer some of the contents to a spray bottle and use to spot treat.
You can spray the bleach solution to the entire cushion or you can just concentrate on the spot to remove the stain that the mildew was already starting to create.
The Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Sea Glass Rug 0110CS Shell is perfect for your outdoor setting.
Other Solutions
If you do not like the idea of using bleach on your furniture, then use other means of cleaning it up.
You can just brush the mildew-infested spot then be sure to vacuum dry. You can also mix a solution of one gallon hot water with half a cup of Lysol. You can then wash the canvas or fabric with the Lysol mixture. Follow-up by rinsing with a mixture made from the following –
Be sure to dry the canvas furniture under the sun.
Bleach and Detergent for Acrylic Cushions
If the cushions are made of vinyl or acrylic, then you can also use this solution –
Apply this bleach solution using a spray bottle all across the surface of the affected area. Let it stand for half an hour then follow by wiping with a clean rag. Rinse the area with clean water then let dry.
Pressure Washer for Wicker
Wicker is a bit trickier to clean because the mildew can also grow in the weaves. To clean this, you need to use a hose or a pressure washer but make sure to use the lowest setting. Also, be sure to wipe the furniture prior to power washing. Use a sponge to wipe the surfaces with a solution made of cold water and mild soap.
To avoid the recurrence of mildew, apply paste wax as soon as the furniture has dried.
Vinegar for Plastic Mesh
Plastic mesh pieces are also time consuming to clean. The mesh is also tricky to maintain because of their overlaps. To kill mildew in this situation, use two cups of white vinegar and mix it with two tablespoons of liquid dish soap and a gallon of hot water.
Tags: furniture mildew, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, removing mildew, removing mildew from furniture
Posted in Home Office Design, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Your Outdoor Furniture and Mildew: How to Break This Damage-causing Union
Thursday, March 23rd, 2017
Bedside Commode Stone Top from FFDM Viniterra Collection.
There is an ever-growing interest in the creation of homes that are timeless and sustainable. Sustainability is today’s latest craze and may it stay that way because decorative elements and materials are now being manufactured with environmentalism in mind. Natural stones are one of the best options for homeowners who are embracing green living.
Stone Is Natural
Designing buildings in a green way requires planning and careful implementation. Stone is sustainable in such a way that you preserve the beauty of these elements right in your own home. Also, you improve the natural environment by using an element that comes from nature.
Stone never requires other materials for it to be created. There is also an abundance of this material. It offers the most unique colors, textures, veining, and shapes. Natural stone does not contain toxins or harmful chemicals. This spells a healthy interior environment for you and your family.
Stone Is Diverse
Because of innovations in the stone industry, you can now have more options with regard to stone applications and looks. Natural stone is, well, natural looking. It is something that cannot be replicated inside a laboratory. When kept in its natural state, stone has textures and colors to offer.
Stone Is Tough
What better way to design your home than to find a material that can stand the test of time? Using natural stone also means that you won’t have to worry about material replacement for a long time. Stones such as travertine, limestone, slate and granite also age beautifully so they will provide years of enjoyment and charm for your kitchen, baths, foyers and other rooms.
Compare natural stones with other materials and you will see the reason for the slightly higher cost. Over time, you get to save more since you will no longer be bothered about replacements in the future.
Stone Spells Easy Maintenance
When properly maintained, stone will last beautifully. There is a wide range of choices for fabrication as well as finishes that you can apply to natural stones. These will also enhance the material’s performance as well as extend its life. These can also help the stone become more slip resistant.
A lot of natural stones can be easily cleaned with dish soap and water. You can also use cleaners that were specifically manufactured to clean stones. A lot of these cleaners are now approved to meet the standards of sustainability.
Stone Can be Recycled
Natural stone can also be recycled, in fact, it has the potential to offer various uses over its entire lifetime. Recycling stones is a viable choice as well as a sustainable one. Recycling also ensures a material that will be used to its fullest.
Environmentally, recycled stones can decrease or totally eliminate the water, energy and other resource use. You can avoid impacts on ecosystems as well as other resources since there are no off-gases that will impair air quality.
Stone Is Quarried
Technological advancements including extraction, quarrying and fabrication methods have led to more choices, even reduced costs of many stone products. Because of this, natural stone has become one of the most desired or sought-after products in the world today especially in furniture making.
The use of stone also means you conserve many resources, prevent pollution and even minimize the amount of waste. As you select natural stone for your home, you can take part in the use of a material that is long-lasting and sustainable. Discuss your options with your design theme. Find out how you can incorporate natural stone in your furnishings.
Use natural stone for your interior design needs as it is beautiful, green and valuable.
Tags: designing with natural stone, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural stone, natural stones, stone, stone sustainability, sustainable stone
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Natural Stone: Sustainability at Its Best
Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017
Uttermost Accessories Western Skull Mount Print 51106
The Old West has a rustic kind of charm, hasn’t it? If you love this part of history, then you might consider setting up a saloon theme right inside the kitchen, basement, or the home bar. For this particular article, let’s take a look at the guidelines that can help you set up the cowboy sort of home bar –
Keep in mind that saloons were social hubs of many Old West communities. These days, you can have a lot of fun designing your very own saloon home bar.
Everything Rustic
Say no to modern furnishings as much as you can. The Old West saloon has wooden floors, ceilings, walls, paneling, etc. Wood is the star of the show especially on the walls and floors. You can take the Western feel a tad higher by putting woven area rugs. If you can, find pieces that were made of reclaimed wood or weathered barn wood.
Wood paneling should be added to the walls to add to the rustic feel of the room. Faux panels would do, just make sure that each piece plays the part well enough.
A lot of old saloons also have pressed tin ceilings. This look can be replicated in your home bar by having the ceiling fitted with tiles. These should be the lightweight type that can be easily installed with just a little glue or by simple nailing.
You can also hang the ultimate symbol of the Old West – those swinging saloon doors. Decorate the home bar’s entryway with these doors as you add ceiling hooks right above the doorway.
Existing Home Bars
If you already have an existing home bar but would like to have one that has the look of the Old West, then you can have a portable bar as your primary option. Pick a bar that’s made of rustic hardware and distressed wood.
Look for someone in your family who can help you set up your wood home bar. Include rustic barstools with cowhide or leather as upholstery. Find those that have nail head trim.
Antique Replica
Antique oil lamps are difficult to come by. Instead of spending too much or wasting your time looking for one, then you can have the replicas. Kerosene lamps are the best lighting choice for your saloon-themed home bar. These now come in fuel and electric varieties.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings L’alhambra Rug 3633RS Pigeon Salmon
Wall Décor Galore
No Old West saloon can be called as such without vendor signage as well as posters. These are those tobacco or beer ads that you can post all over your walls. Theatre production posters are also suitable inside saloons.
Give your saloon home bar a more authentic feel by stacking whiskey and spirits in antique-looking bottles. These aren’t complete without those equally antique-looking whiskey and beer glasses. Find a brass spittoon to complete the look.
You can also use Wild West wood signs and photos of Old America such as Native Americans, miners, cowboys and burlesque dancers. Those Wanted: Dead or Alive posters featuring faces of your family members are a funny way to decorate your new rustic home bar. An old piano can also be an awesome prop.
These will serve as your artworks and décor for the home bar. Take black and white snapshots of each family member or all together and have those framed and hung on the wooden walls. Remind everyone to not smile as you take their pictures as this will be reminiscent of those straight-faced photographs during those days.
Use rustic chandeliers, elk heads, racks, and mounted deer heads and get more inspiration for your saloon-themed home bar from areas that featured saloons like Virginia City, Nevada, Arizona, etc.
Tags: cowboy style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Old World design, rustic design, rustic style, Western saloon design, Western saloon style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Your Home Bar: Western Saloon Style
Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017
The Small Sofa 6002–2 is from FFDM’s Protege Collection.
Anyone who lives in a small house will surely agree that the way to be comfortable is to get rid of huge furniture pieces. This is just an option, of course, since you can also declutter and replace the bigger pieces with more efficient pieces.
The Small Living Room
Majority of family bonding moments are spent inside this room. The number of activities that can happen there could also lead to the amount of clutter that could accumulate there. So, it’s time to downsize and declutter.
Begin by buying smaller furniture and trade them off over the huge couches and overstuffed chairs. You can also buy furniture pieces that come with built-in storage space. These versatile pieces can be an ottoman during most hours of the day and an extra storage unit during those times when you need a room for your extra stuff.
Say goodbye to bulky entertainment systems and find a sleeker and more slender console table. Make use of shadow box shelves for that uncluttered look where you can also display your framed family photos, knickknacks and collectibles.
The Small Kitchen
A small kitchen can pose certain difficulties. First, it can be difficult to cook meals there since the space is limited. When this is the case, think vertically in terms of storage. You can vertically hang pots and pants on the walls and even up to the ceiling.
The secret here is to use every available inch of space. Have a pegboard installed so that you won’t make multiple holes onto the walls.
Say goodbye to appliances as well as cookware that are just too bulky. If you don’t even use them that often, then let those pieces go.
Organize the drawers using dividers that will optimize the storage in the kitchen.
The Small Bathroom
Make the most out of your tiny bathroom by cleaning up. Use baskets that hang over the shower head. This can store your shampoo, washcloths, body wash and conditioner. Make the storage units attractive by having a cabinet with open shelves become their room. You can also check out some racks here..
Never overlook those unused nooks such as the back side of your bathroom door or those corners. Install hooks onto the door then hang robes and towels there.
The Small Bedroom
The bedroom is also a wonderful space to place your multipurpose furniture. A great option for families is the trundle bed that pulls out from underneath the bed. These also come in various finishes.
The Small Tiered Table is from FFDM’s Harbor Springs Collection.
Make Organization a Reality
It’s time to switch out your winter clothing for the flimsier fabrics of spring. This is also the time to store those bulky blankets, pillows and comforters. Remove the air from each one of them by keeping them inside sealed vacuum bags.
You can also maximize closet space with a ventilated closet organizer that already includes a shoe rack. Make good use of your drawers; learn to fold blouses and undergarments in such a way that you have a clear view of each.
The Small Sunroom
Light-colored furniture is the way to go when it comes to decorating small sunrooms. The sunroom is an addition to a home so it serves as a porch as well as a second living room of sorts. The sunroom windows can make the room appear larger and open but if this room is just too narrow, then you can buy furniture that blends well to the floor and walls. Don’t go for the bulky types as these have a tendency to compromise what could have been available space.
A narrow sunroom could also appear bigger with the right kind of paint. Paint the ceiling and the walls with a single, light color. Dark accent color can only be used as an optical illusion, if you desire.
Tags: decorating a small home, designing a small home, furniture for small home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small home, small home furnishings, small home furniture, small living
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Miniature Living
Tuesday, March 21st, 2017
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Montage King Canopy
From the Middle Ages even earlier, there was nothing that could stop things from caving into a house. This was a problematic situation back then especially in the bedroom when the owners were fast asleep. Also, droppings and bugs could easily mess the clean bed that was set up, hence, beds with posts complete with a sheet hung over the posts offered the much-needed protection. This was how canopy beds were welcomed into the world.
Canopy Beds: European Style
Canopy beds date all the way back to 13th century Europe. A lot of manors and castles used wood, stone and clay tiles for their roofing. All these were perceived to be better than the famous thatch that kept things from falling into the sleeping inhabitants.
The poor peasants were likelier to suffer than the rich townspeople so they slept on straw pallets right on the floor. No canopy beds were available to them so rat droppings or dead wasps were a common night’s incident. Wealthier folks did not have a need for canopies yet they had beds with canopies and curtains.
The earliest days of European lords and ladies who lived in castles slept in great halls together with their servants. One end of the said hall was set apart for the nobles while the servants stayed at a different part of the hall, separated by curtains.
Pretty soon, castle makers created chambers for the nobles while their attendants were only allowed to go in for security purposes. It is for this sake that the nobles’ beds were curtained while his attendants were on pallets or trundle beds.
Canopy Beds through the Ages
Through time, beds have taken a lot of forms. Ancient Greece showcased beds for the powerful and wealthy alone. Even these looked crude and were made of unpolished wooden slabs.
The luxurious types were soon imported to Persia when Alexander the Great reigned. These beds gradually became the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. It was during this time that embellishments such as canopies.
Since most people spend a third of their lives in bed, this is one furniture that you should invest on. Buying a bed is a crucial decision that will affect the way you rest and how your design will work out. Should you choose a canopy bed, you are sure to have a focal point that will be the place where you’ll dream and where others will look with awe.
The canopy bed is romantic without even trying hard. It is also luxurious insomuch that it is the bed used by princesses (at least that is what we see in movies). This comes in different sizes and shapes.
When you are about to shop for a canopy bed, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
First, take careful measurements of the bedroom before you begin shopping. There has to be no less than two feet left on each side of the bed so that you will have ample space to move around.
Comfort should always be your primary consideration. So, your canopy bed must have the mattress type that gives you the most amount of sleep. It must also be sturdy and you can check this by looking underneath the bed. If it is made of wood, then be sure to check that the frame is bolted.
You should also check out the fabrics that are available to you. Canopy beds can have a simple mosquito net or you can get something richer such as a velvet canopy. Pick the fabric that suits the climate where you live.
Lastly, indulge your fantasies, this is, after all, your canopy bed.
Tags: canopy bed, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Canopy Beds – Why You Should Have One
Tuesday, March 21st, 2017
FFDM Protege Collection featuring the Luna Tufted Modern Sofa.
Modern design embodies a lot of things which is why it may be difficult to define at times. In its most fundamental form, modern design in homes is the reflection of modernism in art. There are different characteristics to consider here so find out which ones you can use to alter the look of your home –
Straight and Clear Is the Way to Go
Modern design is a form of rebellion. Modernism was the world saying no to ornate art, homes and furniture pieces. Just imagine the flourishing designs of the past – Gothic, Victorian and Renaissance – and you would realize the huge difference and design leap that modern artists had to take.
Modernism is the antithesis of these luxurious designs. It said no to heavy textures, wood tones and carvings. Modern design, therefore, shapes the look of a home with the use of straight and clear lines only. No additional details are added.
Modernism is a bit different from contemporary style because the latter makes use of sweeping and curvy lines. Modern pieces are sharper and crisper to look at.
There are sub-styles that can be categorized under the major style that is modernism. Furnishings from Art Deco, Shaker and Mission Styles will work inside a modern home.
Choose from any of these styles or you can just have spare furnishings become the crucial piece of your interior design. Furnishings can be paired with oversized tiles, sanded wooden floors with minimized grain, open floor layout, molding, and trimming on walls, doors and windows.
Yes to Metal
Stainless steel and chrome are the main metals of modern design. Say no, though, to traditional metals such as wrought iron. Be sure to open up your space to polished metals especially on table legs and other exposed parts of chair frames.
You can take your metallic look further by having chrome used on doorknobs, faucets, lamps, cabinet handles and railings. Polished chrome that shows a polished surface with a slightly blue undertone is the perfect metal to use.
Minimalism Is Modern
What other style can be categorized as modern? Minimalism plays a huge role in modern as well as modern contemporary styles. The fundamentals of minimalism focuses on less is more, meaning, the less details that are included, the more that the elements can be used in modern setting.
Minimalist habitats may appear cold but they are actually more comfortable than they actually are.
Minimalism also means having less to zero clutter. The absence of clutter means not having a lot of accessories that do not really matter. So say no to pottery, knickknacks, and other bulky collections.
If you have electronics, books and other keepsakes that you cannot impart with, then you better find a storage space for all of them. This is the way to go with modern interiors.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Curata Rectangle Cocktail Table showcases the linear beauty of modern style.
Go Bold with Colors
A lot of homes that are considered modern use black and white or a fusion of several neutral colors. You can break away from this usual definition by using primary colors in your space. Use these in accents, they should be able to break apart the neutrals that have been previously used. These colorful accents could also easily become focal points where visitors’ gaze could default to.
To use bold colors in a modern home, you could include any of the following –
Remember that modern design is a huge part of a much bigger movement that is known as modernism. This dates back all the way to the 19th century so there are many choices to look into including abstract expressionism, cubism, Bauhaus, Neo-Dada, futurism, etc.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern design, modern style, modernism
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Doable Modernism
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