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Monday, January 30th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody King Tufted Bed is perfect in a noise control setting.
Noise can easily interfere with one’s sleep and could eventually lead to fatigue, headaches, irritability and stress. Surveys have proven that noise is a concern in many households. This is why it is necessary to find solutions that would reduce and contain the noise so that homeowners can continue to live a healthy life.
The common sources of neighborhood noise are aircraft or road traffic, air conditioners, refrigeration units, TVs, pool pumps and sound systems. Even car and burglar alarms, dogs and other pets, music, and road building can all contribute to the noise.
Options for Noise Reduction
It is important to recognize these noise-inducing factors so that you can determine when others are already creating noise. This will also help you prepare on how to respond should the noise occur.
If the neighborhood noise is a concern for you and your family, then here are some actions that you can take –
Traffic Noise Reduction
This is the most common kind of neighborhood noise as it affects the highest population proportion. With travel increasing each year, the levels of road traffic also increases. A lot of people now complain about traffic noise and how it’s been disrupting their rest.
If you want to be an example of traffic noise reduction, then you can practice the following –
Consider the Design of Your Home
Take measures with regard to the design of your home. Use a suitable window glaze, be sure to manage air leakage, and design shared floors and walls that would limit noise transfer.
Structure-borne sound, also called impact noise, is the product of building fabric that has been directly or indirectly affected by energy that passes through the building. Examples are banging doors, heavy footsteps, scraping furniture, loud music as well as plumbing noises.
Consider moving away from noise sources. Remember that noise levels vary as the time progresses. Seal gaps so that leaks won’t go through. Here are other tips on how to keep your dwelling place a bit quieter –
Have a passive home. This is the kind of home that’s designed to promote airflow which would distribute heat or coolness inside. Provide added insulation for noisy rooms such as the laundry area. Utilize acoustic pads or mounts for washers and dryers.
Lastly, choose furnishings that also offer insulation. Tufted furniture is best as are materials that can buffer the noise (e.g. foam, plastic, etc.).
Tags: controlling noise in home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, noise control
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Noise Control In Your Home
Friday, January 27th, 2017
Hooker Furniture’s Hill Country Collection
A floor plan – also known simply as the plan – is a common architectural drawing. All sorts of professionals, from architects, builders, appraisers, to realtors use this drawing. This is used probably because it is the one drawing that tells a lot about the house from the kind of house that will be built, to what size it would become.
The floor plan also shows area, circulation pattern, structure, doors and window locations, stair situation and room layouts.
Floor plans also reveal functional characteristics yet they lack the home’s eventual feel. No matter, you have to remember that you are reading on a third dimension but it’s just a single view of the house still.
The Overall Plan
This is a flattened and a two-dimensional representation of the house’s floor level. Every floor is shown as are the other parts of the house such as the windows, doors, walls, stairs, even furniture and plumbing fixtures.
Each of the rooms is labeled so you would have no difficulty in understanding the relationship of each room to the adjacent one. You will also be shown how to get from one room to the next.
The Legend
Each plan has a legend. This should indicate the kind of project that is being done and which floor the plan has been made for. The legend also indicates the scale (e.g. ¼ inch equals a foot, etc.).
The scale could sometimes be written out or at times a graphic scale is provided. The latter is useful as the drawings become smaller or when they are enlarged or otherwise changed.
The legend also often includes a north arrow. Other items that could be included are the owner’s name(s), the address of the project, designers’ and architect’s names.
Interior Elevations and Walls
Walls are an important architectural feature whether they are indoors or outdoors. The thickness is always indicated on the plan. These are drawn as parallel lines with breaks.
The overall floor plan generally scales at ¼ inch is equal to a foot though certain rooms could be drawn at a bigger scale, say, ½ inch to a foot.
Interior elevations
It is always a great idea to have the interior elevations drawn. While cabinetry could be drawn as a part of the plan, their height, style or type is not indicated. Only the interior elevation would provide this information.
Doors and Windows
Are also important elements that are indicated on floor plans. Every window and door is given a size and location. Windows are shown with a straight perpendicular line to the wall. An arc also connects this line to the wall.
The door is also shown in the same manner so you get to realize which way it would open to once it is constructed.
A French or double door is drawn as a double arc and line. These are just two single doors that have been joined together, though. Just like a single door, the door’s swing direction is also indicated.
The Fireplace
This is another architectural feature that can be shown on a floor plan. This is an outer rectangle which indicates the fireplace’s exterior wall. The inner rectangle, on the other hand, indicates the firebox itself. The plan will also tell if the fireplace is going to be centered inside the room or if it will be placed between two windows.
The Stairway
Stairs take up a large amount of floor space and they will have an effect on the headroom. It is, therefore, important to show where the stair will be specifically located. They are drawn as a series of lines that are parallel to each other. Staircases also show an arrow as well as a note which indicates the direction of the travel.
Tags: floor plan, floor plans, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, reading floor plan, reading floor plans
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Reading a Floor Plan
Friday, January 27th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Blanco 46in Foyer Dining Table
Marrying your remodeling dreams with your pocketful of dollars can be a challenge. At least this is the case with most homeowners. But there are a lot of things that you can do in your home if you know how to manage your expenditure. What you need are a few tips that will help you get the hands that you need at the initial budget that you have set.
Today, you will focus on working with professionals that will help you realize your remodeling vision and understand the realistic cost behind it. You will also refine your plans so that your budget for the remodeling project will be commensurate to your visualization. You will, in essence, be acting like your own general contractor though you are expected to hire a team of professionals in the end.
Concocting the Dream Plan
Once you have chosen which experts to hire, it is time to sit down and discuss your renovation plan and budget with them. They are the professionals so expect to hear suggestions.
Make a list of all the things that drive you crazy in your home (excluding your mother-in-law). Show also a collection of home images which inspire you; this way, the pros will have an idea on what to begin with. Also, they will have an idea on what materials as well as styles you prefer.
Are you the eclectic type? Or do you prefer the stark yet elegant look that Scandinavian style offers? This will soon be clearly defined.
Have a measured drawing of your current home often referred to by architects as the as-built. This will come as a useful tool on the duration of the project.
Check the Budget
As the initial dimensions are set, it’s time for the rough order of magnitude. This is the cost comparison when you send the first plans to contractors for a quote. This is not similar to bidding so reasonable ballpark figures would do.
Your final number depends hugely on the kinds of materials and finishes that you choose. Majority of contractors do the price comparison for free though there are some who already charge for a minimal fee so be sure to ask.
Redefine Your Vision
As you receive the cost estimates, your architect will be your best friend since he will help you scale back especially when the ideal budget does not suit the project. He will also suggest alternatives so that you will remain on budget. This is referred to as value engineering.
Even if you have cash to burn, it pays to create features that are only worth their price. Ask yourself this important question – does this really matter?
Reward Due Diligence
As you near the completion of your design plan, ask your contractor to find some trivial things such as rotting walls, which walls are load-bearing, which rooms have water damage, etc.
It is not good to set foot to a project with a handful of unanticipated issues. Remember that a single mistake could cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
A few contractors offer pre-construction due diligence as a part of the project. When you contractor does not go through this step prior to work commencement, you could always ask how much he would charge for it.
Minor research on which parts of the home will affect the overall remodeling budget could be as cheap as $200 or a bigger researc could cost as much as $12,000. The latter is for a full set of the architectural plans.
This is an effective step to take prior to signing off on your final plan with the general contractor. Remember that this research is all too important and could definitely affect the scope of the eventual work (as well as the price).
Tags: home remodeling, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, remodeling, remodeling budget, renovation, renovation budget
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Match the Renovation Project With Your Budget
Thursday, January 26th, 2017
Uttermost Dining Room Mara Fireplace Screen Candleholder 20179
A fashionably designed mantel is one of the most crucial interior design aspects in a living space. This has the power to draw the eye when a guest enters the room. Much like the rest of your home, the way that you decorate the mantel shows how stylish you really are.
If you’re thinking of updating the mantel in the living room or dining room, then you probably have no idea where to begin. These tips should help you get started –
Learn Balance
An important element of decorating any mantel is balance. This is all about balancing the objects in a space. Make sure that the objects you bring to decorate that space are symmetrical. For homes that have a more conservative and classic look should follow the rules of symmetry to a T. For a more modern approach, though, you can just put in accessories that best fit your personality.
You would also want to pay attention to another element of design – scale. Remember this so that your design pieces will not overwhelm the space. Experiment with different textures, shapes and colors. You might be surprised at how much you would like a bold color or a lofty statement piece.
Layering Is In
In the South, it is common to see stylized fireplace mantels. With more layers that are added, the prettier the finished look becomes.
A famous mantel decorating idea in that area is to layer different sizes of unframed or framed art. These adorn the mantel. Don’t get the idea that all you can do is hanging. You can either hang or you don’t.
If you have to hang a framed piece of art or a photograph, make sure that you don’t do it above eye level. Just hang it a few inches above the mantel as this is the ideal height. Local artwork is a more meaningful mantel accessory. Imagine having a locally painted scene of your city or town hung above your living room mantel. It will surely be a conversation catalyst.
Mirror, Mirror on the Mantel
Another wonderful fireplace mantel designing tip is to hang various shapes and sizes of mirrors instead of the usual one piece. Either way, whether you use a statement piece or a group of mirrors, be sure to make the mantel frame the decorative element.
An antique-looking mirror will surely draw the eye to any impressive living room mantel. Add a more modern approach by installing a metal-framed piece.
Mirrors also help in brightening up a living or dining room.
Uttermost Accessories Costa Del Sol, Potted Greenery Botanicals 60090
Greenery for 2017
A fireplace is often made of hard and heavy materials like stones or bricks so they tend to weigh down a room especially if they are not dressed properly. To break the monotony and dry look that these materials project, then you have to soften them with fluid lines. And what better and easier way to do this than to bring in some potted plants?
Having a pop of green can complement a wide array of designs. Floral arrangements, on the other hand, add a more feminine look.
Artistry Is the Key
Whether you are an art connoisseur or just an admirer of works that are visually pleasing, having an art display is the way to go. You can settle for the gallery wall or you can just have one piece sit atop the mantel. Alternatively, you can also make a strong statement by using a single piece of art which reflects your taste.
Switch Like the Seasons
The mantel can also reflect the current season. Embrace the season by adding flowers when it’s spring and putting a bowl of pinecones during fall.
Remember that the hearth is the focal point of a room so consider which among these decorative elements you will soon put to good use.
Tags: decorating fireplace, decorating fireplaces, fireplace, fireplace decor, fireplace design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Living Room Design | Comments Off on Fireplace Cozies and How to Make ‘Em
Thursday, January 26th, 2017
Accessories Uttermost La Costa Greenery, Set3 60115
It’s almost the end of January but are you still looking for ideas that you can use in your home? No worries, there are a lot of design ideas that’s previewed for this year. Industry leaders have spoken and fashion experts have agreed – the trends for 2017 are as follows –
The Satin Brass Comeback
In recent years, it has been observed that brash finishes have been reappearing in homes. These are cherished for their shiny, golden tones that can make a place look expensive without the exorbitant price tag. More than these lovely finishes, though, designers have decided to embrace a softer tone such as that of brushed brass or satin.
Satin brass is a warm and muted version of the popular brass finish.
The satin brass finish offers a transitional look and it can even complement a lot of styles in many beautiful ways. This finish also looks amazing against any color within the rainbow spectrum.
Those who are aiming for a more eclectic look will also find the satin brass finish to be a useful element.
Converted Vanities
If you are having a difficult time finding the right vanity for your bathroom or bedroom, then think outside of the box for a moment. Find some chest of drawers or consoles that you could convert into lovely vanities.
Greenery
The verdant color for this year as announced by Pantone is greenery. This became an instant hit for those who are on the look out for something that’s revitalizing and could add zest while still managing to fuse with wood and other warm tones.
FFDM’s Brentwood Collection: Nicole Pedestal Table 1581-815.814
White and Off-White
Have you ever stepped into a room that’s painted solely in white? There is simply something refreshing about it but when it’s done in a stark tone, then it seems to project a clinical feeling.
What you need to be in this year is to balance the white palette with the beauty of creamy off-white hues. Natural linens could also offer a more breathtaking look that’s also brimming with character.
Dress Up Laundry Rooms
Bathrooms and kitchens often get the biggest chunk in any remodeling budget. Now it’s time to make your space look great down to the last nook and cranny. So, go to the laundry room and have some storage space installed. Have some color splashed across the walls there – you often go to the laundry area so why not make it a good-looking space, too?
A laundry room remodel for 150 square foot would cost an average of $2,700. Leave the appliances and you get to spend more on tiles and other detailing tasks.
Dress Up Entryways Too
The entryway – much like a powder room – is a small place where you can experiment with design without going overboard on your budget. To avoid spending $2,500 or more on a small entryway, consider having wallpaper or a statement mirror. Or you can use a narrow table with tray for your pairs of shoes underneath. Remember that you’re still working on a first impression for your future guests so you have to present your home in a stylish manner from the onset.
Outdoor-Indoor Shower
Outdoor showers are a wonderful idea in tropical settings. The downside here is that they are not a practical thing to set up all year-round. So, to solve the problem on weather, find a strategic area where you can create a shower area that’s still connected to the outdoors without being problematic with privacy.
Black Steel and Glass Door
This steel-framed and glass-paneled door is wonderful when installed in dark entryways. This is so some natural light could go in.
Tags: 2017 trends, design trend, design trends, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on 2017 Design Ideas
Wednesday, January 25th, 2017
Rachael Ray Home by Legacy Classic Furniture Accessories Vanity Tri-Fold Mirror 6020-0700
There are many uses for mirrors inside homes. First, these are beautiful, reflective elements that can help bounce off light. They can also help open up space to enhance any home’s interior design. There are a few guidelines, however, that you need to consider when you’re hanging mirrors in your home. Here are some of those –
Large Mirror, Tiny Room
So what’s the rule when it comes to hanging large mirrors? Large mirrors can be hung even inside a tiny room. Don’t be scared, just do it. Place a huge mirror right on the wall where the dining table sits so it can reflect the beautiful crystal chandelier. You can also install a mirror right across a lovely piece of artwork. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, then go even bigger!
Have you had a misconception about wall-to-wall mirrors? How about you overcome your fear of them and distress them or install them with wall sconces? The former should give them a traditional look while the latter is the perfect modern tone.
Mirror as Focal Point
Lean mirrors can effectively dress up any space. These are those big, upright mirrors that you don’t install but place on the floor then rested against one wall. These are the ideal mirrors in corners and dressing rooms. Again, if you’re feeling adventurous, then put a spotlight behind this mirror. This should create a lovely corner glow.
Install one bold piece that will set the tone for the entire room.
Say Yes to Feng Shui
According to the laws of Feng Shui, it is not really a good idea to use mirrors inside bedrooms. It is also believed that a bed that faces a mirror interferes with the person’s energy as it can also invite a third party to an intimate relationship.
Alternatively, you can have a strategy for a few well-placed mirrors. Do put a mirror atop a fireplace as it will bring good energy into the room. Remember that the mirror is a water element and when it is placed over the fireplace, it creates a balance. Also, it is good Feng Shui to put a mirror right by the door entrance.
FFDM’s Bishop Mirror 1660-950
Mirrored Hallways
Small, horizontal mirrors work in narrow staircases or hallways. This is an effective way to widen the space as well as to create better flow from one room to the next.
Acquire Mirrored Furniture
There are many innovative ways that you can use mirrored furniture like a mirrored coffee table or chest of drawers.
The eyes are often tricked by mirrors that they don’t exist so if you have a huge furniture right in the middle of a room, then make it seemingly disappear by having mirrors installed on it. You can also place mirrored desks and drawers right next to a wall inside a small room. This will make the floor look like it’s extending beyond the wall, thus, an illusion of extra floor space.
Just be wary in using mirrored furniture in a busy room, though. It is not necessary to put in mirrored furniture when the room already has a lot of accents.
Now the Don’ts
Tags: decorating with mirrors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mirror, mirror in interior design, mirrored interiors
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Mirror Decorating: The Do’s and Don’ts
Wednesday, January 25th, 2017
Decorate your bedroom this Valentine’s Day with these lovely Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Lamya, Candelabra 19569
Valentine’s Day is a moment each year when lovers or couples celebrate their affection for each other. This day was named after a Christian martyr named Valentine and at a time when courtly love grew. It was a moment when the day was linked to everything that’s romantic.
These days, Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout the globe with special thanks, of course, to advertising and marketing execs throughout the world. This magical day need not end, though. You can relive this day over and over again as you set up your bedroom to a more romantic and magical setting.
Here are some vital tips on how you can decorate the bedroom during Valentine’s Day (and beyond) –
Romantic Lighting
Lighting is an effective means to spice up the romantic ambience in the bedroom. Soft lighting is the way to go.
If you want to go beyond wall sconces or lamps, then try candles. These evoke intimate feelings effortlessly. They can also effectively make stress go away while giving the room a romantic glow.
For the best romantic effect, group similar or different-colored candles together in different corners of the bedroom.
Add some dimmers to the lighting fixtures in your room. These are, again, an effective way to up the romantic ambience in the bedroom.
Reflect Some Love
Make it a point to place mirrors right where they will be able to reflect the softened lights. Add depth to your bedroom by hanging a mirror or two.
Lovin’ the Curtains
Select some curtains or window dressings that are plush and alluring. Anything that’s dark such as purple will work. The purpose for the darker curtains in this room is so lights outside won’t be able to penetrate the restful bedroom. The thicker varieties such as drapes will also be able to muffle external noise.
See how you can match the curtains with the bedding. Achieve this and you will have a room that’s bursting with romantic appeal.
Speak of Bedding
The central point of the bedroom’s interior design rests upon your choice of bedding. Satin and silk are the best fabrics for a romantic bed. These will provide a relaxed yet sexy ambience inside your room.
If you cannot afford satin or silk, then just settle for sateen. This unbelievable fabric offers the same luxurious feeling that the other two offer. You don’t have to pay your arm and leg plus you will remain comfortable while you go to bed with your loved one.
It is also crucial to pick the right color for your bedding. A romantic night (or string of nights at that!) can be achieved when you work hard in choosing the color palette. Go for bronze, pearl or gold since these three are known to create a romantic setting. Some of the more popular colors for bedrooms also include white, black red, green and blue or a combination of any two of these hues.
Your choice of bedding also includes picking the right texture for your room. Pick velvet, faux fur or velour. These are soft, rich fabrics that you could consider for your blankets, comforters and pillows.
If you’re a huge fan of good ol’ fashioned romance, then you could choose coverlet and boudoir pillows. These will give an interesting impression due to their fabrics.
The Canopied Bed
Add a canopy to the bed. This won’t just give the bedroom a more spacious look and feel but also a way to romanticize that space.
Music and Romance
What’s romance without a little music? So go ahead and play your favorite romantic song, spread some potpourri and light some scented candles and the bedroom will surely be a place of fondness and warmth.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Valentine's Day bedroom, Valentine's Day decor, Valentine's Day decoration, Valentine's Day design
Posted in Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Valentine’s Day Bedroom
Tuesday, January 24th, 2017
The Winners Only Bedroom 29 Inches 3-Drawer Nightstand BQW1005 can be maximized with the use of drawer dividers.
Home organization is, ironically, such a mess. This is especially true when you don’t know where and how to begin. So if it’s your New Year’s resolution to create a semblance of order in your home, then you should consider learning these tips –
Establish a Schedule
Maintaining a schedule is crucial in home organization. As you consistently organize and clean up during the same days, you would avoid the headaches that come with accumulated dirt and dust.
This is your effort to stay on track so you have to set the days on your calendar when you will declutter. A lot of people focus on bathrooms, kitchens and other common areas of their homes that they end up ignoring the home office.
Paper Clutter No More
It is so easy for paper to accumulate in a home office so whether your paper clutter consists of receipts, mails, magazines or business cards, you have to have a solution for every kind of clutter.
As you receive copies of your magazine subscriptions but you end up reading them on your tablet anyway, then you might as well cancel your subscription and move on to digital subscription.
Throw your mails in the junk as you sort them and consider each one that’s not needful. To cut down on receipt clutter, use an app to scan then manage your numerous receipts. Receipts by Wave is one such app.
Well-Used Wall
If you’re a little short on cupboard space, it’s time to get your stuff out in the open. Go ahead and display the dishes on a chalkboard wall. This dark background will allow you to indicate a place for every item. The added benefit is that you even encourage others to keep their stuff right where they belong. If you’re artistic enough, go ahead and draw shapes; if you’re more of a poet, write poems, and if you’re more of a writer, then go ahead and concoct words that inspire.
The Unique Tub
What better place is there to congregate clutter than at the entry? So get a galvanized tub, put some discreet compartments using foam cores and you’ve just created the best cylinder for keys, mittens, hats, caps, gloves, bug spray, and just about anything that you can add in there.
Winners Only Home Office 32 Inches Metro Open Bookcase P132BR: Books shouldn’t be a part of clutter.
The Correct Nightstand Setup
The bedroom is a place of rest so to have it look cluttered just defeats this very purpose. It’s time to turn that messy nightstand into something more organized. Create compartments within the nightstand’s drawers so you can place your reading glasses, some novels, the remote control, cell phone, etc.
Toy Tagging
Children’s play stuff are a common clutter inside homes. Yet homes can actually still look pristine even without curtailing your kids’ play time. Stock your shelves with tagged toys or label the containers with photos of the toy that is placed inside. When you want to update, just swap the photo of Buzz Lightyear with that of Bumblebee.
Don’t Forget Electronic Clutter
The electronic clutter that you have on your computer shouldn’t be treated differently from paper clutter. You should also sort the files especially the ones on your desktop. Know that people who are organized with their electronic files tend to be orderly in their home office.
An example of an organizing tool that you can use is Evernote. This is an app that will help you remember the big and small things on your tablet, phone or computer. You can also organize recipes using the Evernote Food app. Here, you can also record the places where you have dined at.
Conclusion
Organization requires discipline so you have to commit to your New Year’s resolution. If you want your home to declutter and remain decluttered, then you have to have a resolve to make your home stay immaculate – there’s simply no other way.
Tags: declutter, decluttering, home cleaning, home decluttering, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Your New Year’s Resolution – Clutter Busting!
Tuesday, January 24th, 2017
Drexel Heritage Dining Room Evolution Counter Table 640-601
Granite is the leading counter material but with its stunning beauty, it has a tendency to steal the limelight. Its mirror finish is what makes it difficult to be subtle. There are moments when it works but most of the time, it simply hogs the scene.
Great news is here – there are a good number of choices out there that you could pick as an alternative to granite. Here are some non-granite pieces that are also great for counters –
Quartz
A lot of people love the look of granite but if you want to avoid the pitfalls that come with owning this pricey piece, then you could always settle for quartz. This is made from quartz aggregate together with some pigments and binders.
Quartz countertops mimic the beauty of natural stone but it offers an advantage that natural pieces aren’t able to give – it is virtually impermeable. This means that you won’t have to worry about sealing. Even the lightest quartz pieces won’t register stains under regular use.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a non-porous, soft, natural stone. It may be soft but it is quite resilient. This is often a dark stone – almost black – and it shows off a honed surface. Those who cook love soapstone because it is a great heat insulator.
Wood
Wood is recently enjoying a huge comeback. It is no less than a standard for kitchen countertop so no one can discredit its aesthetic appeal as well as its renewability.
Wood countertops are also economical compared to other choices. It could stain more easily, though, but a lot of people still choose it because of its look. With the right maintenance such as light oiling (make sure to use food grade oil), wood countertops can be used for years. Occasional sanding of the stains is also highly recommended.
There are also inexpensive types of wood countertops such as those made of beech.
Wood also works well in bathrooms. Imagine a mahogany piece used beautifully as a bathroom counter.
Recycled Glass
If you love a little sparkle and shine, then the material to have this year is recycled glass. A lot of glass countertops are terrazzo which is an age-old method of making hard surfaces. This involves the fusion of aggregate, concrete and marble chips. The resulting material is then poured into place then smoothened with the use of polishers and grinders. Some recycled glass makers replaced stone aggregates with recycled glass chips. What they have achieved are lovely surfaces that are worthy of homeowners’ attention.
Lexington Bar and Game Room Hidden Lake Bistro Table 714-873
Steel
This is a material that spells durability, light maintenance and sleek. Steel countertops project a lovely yet sturdy aura. It is also crisp and modern which is why it is chosen by many professional chefs.
Steel can last for hundreds of years, if not thousands. The great news is that stainless steel can also be recycled.
Invented in the early 1900s, it has made its way to a lot of commercial kitchens. Since then, residential kitchens caught up and this material has become a standard of sorts when it comes to modern look.
Concrete
Whether as slab or lightweight, concrete is a lovely and versatile countertop material. When pigment is added, as well as surface detailing and aggregates, this durable material can be skillfully customized.
Concrete is advantageous in the sense that it is valuable in the creation of integral sinks. There are now a lot of artisans who specialize in the creation and installation of concrete countertops.
Granite’s Out
See, there are many reasons why granite shouldn’t be your only option. It is being quarried which causes irreparable damage to the environment. Bacteria can also build up in the micro-fractures across the granite surface. You also need to worry about sealing the micro-fractures every year or two.
If you don’t want these hassles, then it’s time to turn to the materials suggested above.
Tags: granite, granite alternatives, granite countertop alternatives, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on 6 Amazing Granite Alternatives
Monday, January 23rd, 2017
Credenza with marble top 1150-851
There is no doubt that 2016 was a great year for home design. The hottest things ranged from woven wall décor to Nordic interiors. As this year passed, it’s time to explore the possibility of freshening up your home. It’s time to recognize the decorating trends that you could replicate in your home.
So, what’s in?
Everything Green
Most trends are inspiring and chic and these two characteristics perfectly describe this first trend. Green is very strong this year. You could use emerald to lime green as a wall color or even on your area rugs.
If you’re not that keen on using green in most of your furnishings and accessories, then just add a fun dose. For instance, use emerald glasses together with your white plates.
Goin’ Tropical
Interior design, no doubt, takes its cues from the world of fashion. This year, Prada, Marc Jacobs as well as Emanuel Ungaro are quite huge when it comes to tropical prints. This print continues to appear on wall papers as they get their inspiration from designer fabrics.
If tropical prints are not you, then don’t fret. You can still be in by just adding some throw pillows with this trendy pattern. When you do this, though, make sure that you have a plain sofa to match the busy prints.
Shopping for accent pieces is much like purchasing a piece of classic clothing. Just refresh it with new shoes or a bag.
Beautiful Textures
Woven textures are more inviting and the very idea of fusing fabrics with other materials is a huge thing this year. Texture is quite important as it is being seen in every form from wallpapers to brass tables to lighting fixtures.
One quick way to test this trend is to drape a wool throw over a beautiful chair made of leather. You can also mix fabrics when decorating with throw pillows.
Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Living Room Horizon Line Round Metal Cocktail Table 1586-50009-GLD5
Muted Hues
If you feel anxious about bold colors dominating your home, then this year is going to be great for you – it’s all about neutrals for the year ahead. Beiges, whites, camel, pale gray and pale pink are truly trending and piping hot!
Brass and Marble Combos
Young Huh envisioned brass and marble being the dominant pair in 2017. This top young interior designer wasn’t at all wrong when the prediction was made in 2015.
Brass and marble offer a natural yet clean combination. It can be both clean and industrial with a touch of glamour offered by brass.
Bronze
What is brass without bronze as competition? This year offers loads of bronze details. This metal can effectively warm up any space as it also offers a classic look.
Bronze can easily complement different decorating styles. It looks great in accessories and lighting whether on lamps, vases or decorative kitchen bowls.
A Dash of Geometry
Your goal this year is to set up a home that looks and feels curated. An effective way to achieve this is through the use of patterns. Be inventive as you use geometrics that depict ancient cultures. Whether you would choose Asian or African patterns, you have the power to modernize the setting. Think of triangles and simple lines and you’re in good hands.
Unique Lighting
One of the best accessories that you can use in your home is lighting. So bring out your design sensibility and search for the quirkiest lighting fixtures that you could get your hands on. The more unique, the better. So go ahead and create a distinctive dining room this year.
Consider freshening up the bedside lamps, too.
Artisan Furniture
This year’s big on uniquely-crafted furniture. Think of furniture as an investment so shop at a place where you could find pieces that speak to you and what better place to shop than at McCreery’s Home Furnishings?
Browse through the hottest pieces for 2017 here.
Tags: interior design trends, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, style trends
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on What’s Trending in Interior Design?
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