- Follow us:
Monday, January 16th, 2017
FFDM Vintage Classics: Free up space in the bedroom by having ample drawer or cabinet space.
Do you have a lot of clothes and are stuck with very limited closet space? There are ways to cram your favorite clothes to that minimal space. Women are the likeliest to benefit from these tips as they need more guidelines than the simpler clothing storage needs that men require.
Here are some general tips –
First, make good use of every bit of space that you have. This does not mean that you press all your clothing into that space, though. Be sure that every corner or every nook is still neatly organized.
Keep all the clothes that you wear often where you can see them. Remember that you are likelier to wear something that you see often.
Be sure to keep a hook or two empty for a quick clean up. Also, do not forget to use the back of shelves as well as the high places.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Lakehills Wardrobe: A good wardrobe is indispensible in every bedroom.
How to Properly Store Clothes and Accessories
First, try to set up a second closet rod right above the one that you are using now. This is an effective way to double the hanging space. Purchase a stool or a reaching rod so that you’d be able to access the higher rod. This is also a less costly way of adding more space.
Are you particular about the look of your storage space? Then buy matching hangers. They look nice and they also make the space look more organized.
Another way to hang clothes is to create a series of cascading hooks. Use two hooks at a time for more hanging convenience. You could also have set up a tiered hanger for your skirts. Find hangers that have spring-clips as well as rubber grips.
An over-the-door shoe organizer is also a great idea that many homeowners have already discovered. This is even better than the hang-in-the-closet types because hanging space is quite precious. Ideally, find ones that can place the pair in just one slot.
A bookshelf that is no longer in use could also be a great storage space for booths. Some people even keep their shoes’ original shoeboxes for a more organized living area.
As for your bags, be sure to stuff them with tissue or old newspapers if they are not in use. This is so they keep their shape for a long time. After stuffing them with tissue, you can then sit them on shelves than hang them by their handles. This will prevent the handles from being stretched out. Find bookends that can prop them up so they stay upright when stored.
If you really must hang, be sure to use an over-the-door coat rack to hang the bags, even your hats.
For bags that are not used often, make a drawer out of your long boot box. Line the bags up in the box then slide them to the shelf. This is great for those deep shelves.
For different sized wallets, you may want to use a junk bowl where you can also store purses, hand sanitizers and those little things that have no permanent home elsewhere.
As for your scarves, you can go ahead and hang them on towel racks. You can buy one for less than $4 from any home improvement shop. Set up one to two racks for each closet door or you can also have them installed over a boot shelf.
For your other accessories such as sunglasses, jewelry and belts, buy screw-in hooks in bulk then have your cabinet space lined with them. These are also highly usable in your kitchen. Even smaller items could go into open cups, boxes and jars.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small closet, storing clothing
Posted in Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Small Closet, A Gazillion Clothing: What To Do
Saturday, January 14th, 2017
FFDM Ancestry Collection
You are bound to spend a third of your life in bed. No, this isn’t a prophecy that’s going to happen because something bad is going to happen. This is truth – people will spend one-third of their lives sleeping. Since this is the case, you need to shop (more like invest) for a bed that will last a long time.
If you have been having difficulty trying to sleep lately and if you toss and turn a lot, then you could be having a problem – not just with your sleep routine but also – with your mattress.
If lying in the middle of the night means feeling backaches in the morning, then it’s really time to shop for a bed replacement. Here are some useful tips –
Remember Comfort
The most important factor that you need to consider is comfort. You will never enjoy sleeping in a bed that’s uncomfortable. No matter how fashionable it may appear, a bed is a bed and it is meant to be slept in.
To shop for a new bed, you need to know how it would feel to sleep in it. Remember that a bed is your long-term investment which means you’ll own it for no less than 10 years. You can gauge the level of comfort by feeling how soft and firm the bed is. This should be comfortable but it must also be able to give you amole support.
Will the bed need to conform to your body shape and size? In a manner, yes. If you are having difficulty finding the best position to sleep in your choice of mattress then that isn’t the mattress that’s meant for you.
Mattress Matters
The heart of any bed is the mattress so you have to study this part thoroughly before you settle in buying it.
Take note that the secret to having a good night’s sleep is to have a bed base and a mattress that suit your sleeping style. These two components must always work hand-in-hand. If you observe that you sleep better in a hotel room than in your own bed at home, then you probably have the wrong kind of bed. You should start shopping for a replacement soon.
Tummy sleepers should go for a softer mattress. If you are a back sleeper, then you might want to shop for something firmer. You need to try lying on the mattress so you’d know whether it’s the right one to buy. If you don’t feel comfortable in the mattress, then move on to the next bed and so on.
Don’t be ashamed to test mattresses in stores. If you’re sharing a bed with someone, then make sure that you shop together. Lie with your sleeping partner then attempt to roll towards each other. One of you must not feel the motion as the other one gets out of bed. A bed that’s too soft will sink one or both of you in while one that’s too hard will not mould yours or your sleeping partner’s body contours.
Consider the Bed Size
You might be led to think that you should buy the biggest bed that your money can afford. This should not always be the case. Remember that size is not always width, it could also be the bed’s length. This means that you should buy a bed that’s no less than 15 cm longer than the tallest person that would sleep in that bed.
Buying a bed does not mean that you just find a piece that you would want to sleep in at night. There is more to just lying in bed. This piece of furniture must primarily ensure that you get the best night’s sleep. If not, then it’s not the right bed or mattress for you.
Tags: bed shopping, mattress shopping, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for a mattress, shopping for bed
Posted in Bedroom Design, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Bed Buying 101
Friday, January 13th, 2017
Coco Daybed by Cynthia Rowley. The French door behind this lovely piece served as the perfect frame.
As you begin designing your home’s interiors, you will soon realize that there are many choices for interior doors. Now it is up to you to choose which ones you will use that would cater to your requirements on function or aesthetics. In simpler terms, interior doors are doors on furnishings such as closets, bedroom door or any enclosed space in your home.
The Hinged Door
This is also often referred to as the passage door. This is commonly used in many homes because it saves space as it swings into the room. A hinged door can be bought as a huge slab or as a pre-hung unit.
The Sliding Door
This kind of door is also referred to as the bypass door. This is often used in areas that feature wide openings such as in walk-in closets or the master bedroom. This does not swing open so you have to use a track to slide it.
Because of its sliding element, this door will not disturb other design elements in a room. Only a small part of the opening is accessible to you at a single time.
The Pocket Door
A pocket door, on the other hand, has gained popularity lately. This is the kind of door that slides in and then out of space. It is an inside-wall provision that can be used either as a single or a double door.
The Bifold Door
This is a set of doors that are joined together by a hinge. These doors are often mounted on a track that hangs at the head of an opening. This kind of door is often used in areas like the pantry, laundry room and closets.
The French Door
Going for a French door means you are ready to go dramatic. This door is hung on hinges that are installed on every side of an opening. The doors swing towards each other and meet at the very center. As both side doors open, they offer the most beautiful, unobstructed view that’s perfect for sceneries outside your home.
French doors are extremely customizable. They can match any interior design theme while also offering an illusion of wider space.
A French door can also function as a window as it allows more light into your home. It is a beautiful design feature as well as a functional addition to any home.
The Dutch Door
This is a kind of door that is quite easy to identify because of its design. This is horizontally divided and has separate panels for both top and bottom. This is a wonderful option for kitchens.
This door is also referred to as the stable door among the English people or a half door. The primary purpose of this kind of door is to keep animals out of the farmhouses or simply to keep small children indoors. Opening the top half of a Dutch door also allows a draft to go into the house.
This door is found in Dutch cultural areas of New Jersey and New York.
‘Want a Dutch front door? Why not?
The Roller and Pivot Doors
The roller door is often used in garages and warehouses. This can also be a chic addition to any living room. Use this kind of door to separate the garden or deck from the interior living space.
Pivot doors, on the other hand, rotate on two pivots made of metal. These are installed on the top as well as the bottom part of the door. It is simple yet chic as it does not have any handles. This would look great in any modern or contemporary setting.
Tags: interior door, interior door types, interior doors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Office Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Interior Door: 8 Gorgeous Types
Friday, January 13th, 2017
Apart from the Hooker Furniture Home Office Vintage West Accent Desk, how many other office essentials can you point out in this photograph?
There are many advantages to working in a home office. This means that you don’t have to get into the rat race anymore, instead, you would be able to spend more time with your family and friends. If you’re looking to live a balanced life, then having your work moved to your home is the best decision to make.
Working at home also spells increased opportunity and less risk. It also offers tax advantages wherein you get to deduct your home’s depreciation and operating expenses from your business expenses. This could comprise a huge chunk of the insurance, mortgage, property tax or utility payments.
Having a home office could mean one of two things – less or more stress depending on how you balance your work time with your personal time.
Even with all these benefits, no home office is totally the same. Though it is generally carved out as a section of the bedroom or the living room, it is never the same no matter what part of the globe you go.
The Home Office Door
It would be nice to have a barrier from the noise and the activities that happen in your home. Even when you’re working at home, this does not mean that you should lose concentration just because no apparent division is seen.
A home office door can be closed during the day when you are busy doing your work and while the rest of your family members are also up and about. During weekends and holidays, this door will have a different role and that is to keep you from sneaking in and sending one more email.
The Home Office Internet Access
This is a must-have. Businesses and just about any type of work these days are all about emails, large file exchanges and such. WiFi, therefore, allows you to work faster. It could even give you the freedom to work in your garden, by the poolside or on the back porch.
Just like internet access, of course, it is essential that you have a laptop in your home office. Laptop, unlike desktop computers, is mobile. Laptop allows you to be more flexible. It can give you the freedom to work elsewhere when you’re in a creative rut.
The Home Office Window
This would be nice to have so you can have a little inspiration when you’re starting to feel a bit bored. Looking into the outside world and feeling your connection there makes for a wonderful source of inspiration.
If rainy days make you feel blue, though, just close the drapes and go on with your pending work.
The Comfy Home Office Chair
This is a must have especially since you will spend most of your time in front of a computer. The more comfortable you feel when seated on this chair, the better.
This lovely chair must also be paired with a desk that’s at a comfortable height. This duo is the most important furniture pair in your home office.
Home Office Ergonomic Computer Accessories
Highly recommended are keyboard tray, wrist or palm rests, and glare guard. These are a nice addition to the right office desk and chair.
Other Essentials
Here are other home office necessities –
Now let’s discuss the last one a bit more. A vision board is a tool of empowerment. When you visualize, a lot of experts agree, you are actually emitting a potent frequency to the universe. This vision board, whether it is made of cork or whiteboard should be a representation of who you want to become and what other things you want to achieve in your life and career.
Place this board above your desk or wherever you can glance at it many times during your work hours.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, office furniture, office supplies
Posted in Home Office Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Home Office Essentials: 18 Must-Haves
Thursday, January 12th, 2017
Luscious beige pieces are displayed in this FFDM Highlands ensemble.
Beige is a multi-faceted color. It is flexible, conservative, reliable, relaxing and neutral. It represents many other things with the meanings taking place based on colors that beige is fused with.
When used incorrectly, beige could turn out to be dull and boring which is why you have to know how to work around this wonderfully flexible color.
Beige is often undervalued and even overused. This is a color that rarely gets all the attention as it frames other design elements.
Beige need not be boring. It only becomes such as a lot of homeowners default to this hue without fully understanding its potential. You need to value its this hue according to its tone and worth. Give it thought before jumping to use it in your habitat.
Beige is subtle yet it can also be exciting depending on the play of light and architecture upon which it is used. Yellow beiges look wonderful when paired with turquoise, teal, yellows and blues. Vivid red looks more, well, vivid and elegant when it sits right next to warm beige. Pink and beige will always be lovely no matter what undertone you use.
Beige Layers
You could also layer beige to create a more calming look. If you are able to achieve this, then it would feel like you’re walking into a room made deliciously with cashmere. Every single beige tone (light to dark) work well with white trim. Traditionalists would never fail with this combo.
Beige is also literally in every traditional space. Wide open spaces that are in boho, eclectic or modern homes also use splashes of this color.
Beige on Walls
Nice, cool beige inside a huge room will add warmth while remaining modern. The lighter shades of beige are a great alternative to stark white in many modern spaces.
If you’re thinking of the best backdrop in an eclectic home, then use beige walls. It is warmer than the usual white and it will never compete with other colors, even the furnishings.
Just Like Beige
If beige is a little too warm for you, then you can also use ivory which is its calmer and a more neutral version. Ivory is the perfect color for that understated elegance. It is also the traditional 14th wedding anniversary present while the deeper and more classic color of pearl is the traditional 20th wedding anniversary present.
Opal or pearl, both interesting shades of ivory, are also considered precious gems. The tusks of elephants are highly valued across many cultures. They are also widely used in creating décor, jewelry and furnishings.
Other Tints and Shades
Here are additional terms that represent varying shades, values and tints of beige: biscuit, tan, buff, oatmeal, camel, ecru, cream, and mushroom. Other terms include pearl, off-white, milk white or opaline.
Winning Beige Combinations
Beige is the best hue partner for every color that you can think of. But there are certain colors that become magical as they fuse with this base color, making your living areas come to life.
Beige and blue is the perfect balance. Find light beige furniture pieces and have them framed by the blue walls. Accents like pillows and rugs could also be in blue.
Experimenting with blue means you are ready to be dynamic. It is also a sophisticated and classy combination that would certainly impress each guest.
Beige with turquoise, cream or lilac is the ultimate shabby chic solution. This is a fusion that evokes romantic and gentle feelings. The warmest that you can go with this combo is to use purple, olive or chocolate tones.
Beige is also modern if you make it the accent color of details in your home. Beige may appear simple to the naked eye but it has wonderful benefits to give to those who are willing to explore it.
Tags: beige, beige paint, designing with beige, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in 2017 Trends, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Beige: The Color of Adaptability
Thursday, January 12th, 2017
Lulu Ottoman by Cynthia Rowley
Have you ever considered who and what dictate the trends in interior design? This could be defined as a passing style in home design. Or it could be something revolutionary like a new chair design or a sofa that immediately catches the attention of the public. While these are all acceptable definitions of the term, there is a bit more to a trend than these.
A trend is actually a behavioral shift that has a significant influence on many people. This is usually a profound alteration in behavior that is brought about by a smaller population and eventually spreads to affect many more. These people then choose to adapt the trend into their lifestyles.
Trend is also a shift that is strongly based on a sturdy vision and concept. This is often initiated by artists and designers with their decisions based on color, predictions and materials research. The world of fashion and interior design will always be interconnected which is why a fashion trend that says orchid is in will also translate into interior design.
Trend and Seasonal Color Schemes
The hottest colors comprise different color palettes. Each year, there are different layers of colors that designers feel to be influential. This year, on the color category, what’s in are sophisticated hues. These are the colors that are easy on the eye yet they have a classic beauty about them that’s hard to ignore.
The spiciest reds, dusky blues, yellows and lime greens are definitely a part of this year’s color trends. Earthy colors remain hot as are taupe and pastels.
Say no to copper and marble for now as the in color palettes also include terracotta and other warm materials. White and cool tones are also still hot as are clad fireplaces and bathroom walls.
Don’t use the border tile style of the ‘80s, though. Instead, make use of a matte finish – the more natural the better – on feature walls.
Cork is also making a huge comeback. This is a stylish material that can add texture and warmth to a space. It is also an effective material in noise absorption. With more and more homeowners opting for the open space design, cork is sure to have a lot of clients this year. Coffee tables could be made with solid cork as are side tables and stools.
Even home office walls could be made of cork so you won’t have to worry where to pin your notes to anymore.
The darker shades of green are going to be the stars of many homes this year, too. Say goodbye to midnight and navy blues as dark green creates an interesting backdrop to reindeer fur, leathers, natural linen and brass lamps.
Bottle green and other such shades of green will be featured in cushions and armchairs as well as many decorative items this year. This color adds depth to your home while subtly bringing in the delicious colors of the outdoors.
Creating the Non-digital Arena
The creation of a spot where there is very little trace of technology is also fashionable this year. With more and more people communicating only through their devices, it pays to have a space in your home where there won’t be any digital distraction.
This means you have to set up a room that’s free of computer screens and flatscreen. Create a haven of tranquility and relaxation whether it’s a reading nook or a bedroom. Find relaxed furniture that you would place there. Invest in deep sofas, oversized loveseats, daybeds, sheepskin and linen slipcovers. Add some floor cushions and knit wool rugs to complete your haven’s look for 2017.
Tags: interior design trend, interior trends, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, trend, trends, trends in interior design
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on When Is An Interior Design A Trend?
Wednesday, January 11th, 2017
Fine Furniture Design Living Room Sofa With Seven Accent Pillows 0810-01A
People love sofas. Most spend the lion’s share on their budgets in buying the best couch. Just imagine sitting in a comfy sofa sipping a hot mug of cocoa as you peruse a bestseller. It is this level of comfort that’s being offered by this piece of furniture why you need to spend time browsing through websites, magazines and interior design books.
Let’s make your sofa shopping fun by studying how many sofas there are in the first place and what benefits you’d get from each –
The Sectional
This may be called a sofa but it is, in essence, a multi-piece furniture. The common number of pieces is at three or five. This can be arranged in different configurations. The more pieces you have, the more configurations you can experiment with. Common configurations include the U and L shapes.
Ideally, every sectional purchase includes fixtures that will connect the different pieces to keep them from separating. Because of the growing popularity of this furniture, there are a lot of styles and materials to choose from. Some are huge while others are smaller.
Sectionals are also great because they are mobile.
The Mid-century Modern Sofa
This is a piece that reigned supreme during the 1940s till the ‘70s. Don’t think that it has stepped down of its lofty position just yet. It has made a comeback recently and people are taking notice.
This sofa style is all about minimalism and highlighting clean lines. There are various styles of this sofa and it was designed to primarily give comfort. Coupled with your choice of home theme, it would surely look fabulous.
The Chesterfield
This sofa offers a tufted design solely on the arms and back. Others include the bench section, too.
‘Wanna be hip and in this year? You would never go wrong with a Chesterfield.
The Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Modern furniture is not what most people think it to be – it is not the same as contemporary pieces. Technically speaking, modern furniture is anything that showcases a mid-century design. Also, contemporary is used for furniture pieces that have been recently made available to the market.
So choose from a contemporary chesterfield and a modern chesterfield because they’re different.
The Lawson-style Sofa
This sofa spells C-O-M-F-O-R-T. Its signature design is the set of pillows that is separate from the frame. These pieces are separated to up the level of comfort.
This is a popular design even these days. Buy Lawson-style in different colors, sizes and materials. Move the large pillows as you sit to optimize comfort.
The English Sofa
This is referred to as English because its full term is the English rolled arm. This has low arms compared to the high back.
English also has tight upholstery throughout though it still offers a decent cushion including its arms. This is just like Bridgewater because it has taut upholstery as well as low arms.
The Bridgewater Sofa
This is very comfortable and casual. The arms are also slightly rolled to the sides. These arms are also lower than the back of the sofa.
Any room design could accommodate the beauty of Bridgewater though don’t rely on it to become the highlighted piece in the room. This is reasonably comfortable and it offers a traditional look so it’s best for classic and rustic homes.
The Cabriole Sofa
If you see the equal-height arms and back of the sofa, then you’re definitely staring at a cabriole. The arms often curve inward which create a long, continuous line from one arm to the next.
There are cabriole designs that have ornate elements while others offer more comfortable features.
Look also for the exposed wood trim at the top of the arms and back as these are also the distinguishing features of the cabriole sofa.
Watch out for our other blog on other sofa styles – chaise lounge, sleeper sofas, pull out sofa bed, Futon, bunk bed, daybed, divan, loveseat, and the settee.
Access our link for your Sofa Choices.
Tags: couch, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, seating units, sofa, sofa choices, sofas
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Sofas (And Why You Love ‘Em)
Wednesday, January 11th, 2017
Cynthia Rowley’s Mystique Nine-drawer dresser in white sits wonderfully with all the other Nordic elements in this room.
White is the color of snow and decorating with white could mean one of two things – it could make you feel anxious or you could feel at ease. Many homeowners veer away from white because it is too stark, too antiseptic, it even makes them feel like they are inside a hospital building.
To others, though, white can be a refreshing color since it evokes cleanliness, purity, even sophistication.
Before deciding whether you would or would not use white, here are some guidelines that could help you decorate with this hue –
Think of It as a Blank Slate
Instead of feeling animosity towards white, look at it as a way of freshening things up. You could go any way you want to go, creativity wise. White rooms could inspire you to frame a scenic view of your garden outside. It could also be the canvas to beautiful stencils, stickers and photo murals.
Instead of automatically resorting to bright colored walls, see what white would translate into in your home.
White Kitchen: Traditional or Modern
White is deliciously versatile. It can be creamy and the perfect partner to wooden furnishings, thus, it is the foundation to a classic or traditional kitchen. Wooden kitchen cabinets would pair well with gleaming, white, marble counters.
Homeowners also love white because it confidently blends in a modern environment. In fact, a lot of kitchen appliance manufacturers have long made appliances in an array of white options.
Be Timeless With White
If you’ve been paying close attention to interior design trends, color pairings use grays, blacks and tones of white with metals. White has been paired with brass, stainless steel, gold and copper. This pair looks warm and inviting even when metals have reflective properties and white is crisp.
If you’re brave enough, you could also venture into white upholstery. Sure, it is more difficult to clean as it gathers dirt more quickly, but just consider which room it would go to and you could control dirt through regular maintenance.
Use white denim slipcovers if you have kids and pets in your home. Don’t let white’s stark cleanliness hamper you from using this wonderful hue.
Decorating with white doesn’t default to an all-white interior as proven by this single piece Hooker Furniture Bedroom Sandcastle Twin Wood Panel Bed.
Frame Artwork with White
One of the best assets of using white is its ability to highlight other stuff. It could emphasize personality and it won’t even compete with the other colors that you choose to use.
Sculptures, paintings and other works of art demand attention so you need a color that won’t compete with them. Here is where white would come in. You would notice how all eyes would instantly go to the artwork without you asking the guests to.
Choose from Shades of White
There are, believe it or not, hundreds upon hundreds of shades of white in the market these days; some even look closer to beige. Some even look like yellow, green or pink and this is not surprising since every color that you can find in the spectrum has a version of white.
Pick flooring, furnishings, countertops and just about anything in white for your interior design. Just be sure to layer tone upon tone for a warmer appeal. Don’t forget to add textures and patterns in similar hues in order to keep the room interesting.
A room that lacks warmth or personality needs layers of white. White hues create depth and interest. This setup works best in bedrooms as you layer the headboard, bedding and window treatments.
White makes your home versatile all year round. Whether you’re cuddling indoors with during winter or awaiting the exciting colors of spring, white will always be a welcome basic color.
Tags: designing with white, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, white in interior design, white interior design, white interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The White Décor: Exciting, Docile and Many Things in Between
Tuesday, January 10th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Accents Chatelet Floor Mirror with Jewelry Armoire Storage
Did you ever ask yourself what distressed furniture is? Simply defined, this is any kind of furniture that has bruises and nicks, or is cracked or crackled. Yet new furniture, these days, can also have a distressed appearance.
Distressed furniture should be made of solid wood and never with plywood or particle board. While there are many pieces in the market nowadays that may not be following this rule, once again, it pays to invest in your furniture.
If you’re looking into having the distressed look in your home, then you’re probably going to fall in love with shabby chic, cottage style or farmhouse.
There are plenty of furniture pieces in the market that were intentionally distressed. Take your pick from these beautiful options. Remember to look for solid furniture so that you will have them for a lifetime (perhaps you can even turn them into an heirloom).
If you have existing furniture that have been kept in the attic or basement for a long, long time, then why not bring them out and learn a few distressing techniques? A new piece could also be stained and sanded down to a distressed look.
Okay, let’s try to make your furniture look older. Of course, the first to dinge up would be those corners because of constant bumping. Begin, therefore, with a hammer and hit these corners and edges. You can also add nicks and gouges to the seat top.
You can also have the claw end of your hammer dragged along the surface of the furniture piece. This would cause scratches and scrapes which are common in old furniture. This is a lot easier to do with softer woods such as pine wood.
FFDM Cachet Collection
Distressed Furniture: The Painting Technique
Surprisingly, it is fairly simple to do the painting technique in distressing furniture. Your initial step is to find out which piece to work on and what the finished look would be. Using new furniture, you could paint two coats if you want to achieve the look of a distressed piece with some paint color showing underneath. This gives the illusion that the furniture was painted many times in the past.
Consider a brighter color for your base coat so that it will surely show up even as you paint over it. You can also have some bare areas revealing the wood. Do this by painting only with a single coat.
Tools and Materials
Steps
Remember that the optimal temperature for paint application is at room temperature. This is also the best condition to allow the paint to dry. If it’s too humid or cold, then the paint takes a lot longer to dry.
With your newly-learned techniques, are you ready to create distressed furniture pieces for you and your family?
Tags: distressed furniture, distressing furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Distressed Furniture: Old-Looking Yet Chic
Monday, January 9th, 2017
Tommy Bahama Home Dining Room Lanai Side Chair 536-880
Lanai is a Hawaiian term for a tropicalized patio or porch. This often has screens, open sides or removable glass panels. If you love airiness and everything that’s open space then you would love this extension of your living room, kitchen or family room. Lanai is also the perfect spot for relaxation, entertaining guests and dining with your family. The next time you redecorate your home, remember this lovely part of your home.
A lot of people from Florida agree that one of the best things there is the outdoors and the pristine beaches, hence, a covered patio is just the right spot where they unwind on their own or with family and friends.
You, too, can enjoy this same benefit by taking advantage of your outdoor space. Here are some useful tips on how you could start with your lanai décor –
Begin from the Bottom
Bare concrete is a material that easily shows dirt and stains. Eventually, this can get difficult to maintain so it is best to choose lanai flooring that’s easy to clean. Look for tiles or concrete stain. There are also water-based sealers that can keep your floors from fading, cracking, staining and accumulating moisture.
Lanai Furniture – How to Choose
Since your lanai is located outdoors, you will need to consider the harsh elements in your planning. There are three things that you need to remember when picking furniture for your outdoor haven –
First, consider the furniture size. Don’t cramp in a lot of furniture as this could lead to a feeling of being crowded. You can only do this if you have massive square footage. Then be sure to find pieces which will fulfill your requirements whether you would use the lanai for dining or mainly for reading, sunbathing and relaxation.
Just like sizing for your needs, the next thing that you need to remember is to pick materials that won’t give in once the rains or rays of sunshine hit. Look for plastic or wicker. If it’s the latter, be sure to cover the pieces once the elements start to ravage.
Cast aluminum, teak or synthetic resin will also do well in an outdoor setting. Metal is one of the greatest options so go for aluminum or wrought-iron. Each has unique designs to offer. Both of these can rust, though, so if you don’t want to worry about rust-proofing and such, you can also rely on stainless steel options.
As to fabric options for your outdoor cushion needs, you would want to find those that are waterproof. Rain might just last a few minutes but the damage it can bring can be huge.
Lanai furniture often gets wet so be sure to look for fabrics that can withstand the weather – whether it’s sunny or rainy, if not snowy. Sunbrella fabrics are examples of such fabrics since they don’t fade and they’re extremely durable. It’s a good idea to invest in a bit more money to purchase cushions that will last longer.
Lanai That Spells You
Begin with a theme that you chose. Whether you’re going for tropical, modern, classic, pastel or bright, it’s up to you. Define the mood that you would want to evoke. Will the place be soothing and calm because it’s where you’re going to relax? Or will it be hip and energetic because people will be entertained there most of the time?
If you choose to dine in your lanai, then have a table that’s weather-proofed and has a lovely centerpiece. This can be a group of glass vases containing colorful pebbles or stones. Seashells and colored sands are also wonderful glass vase fillers.
Throw in some pillows and rugs to add pops of colors in this area. Change these pillows as the seasons also change. For now, keep an eye out for winter colors that would turn the lanai into a warm and cozy space.
Tags: decorating the lanai, lanai, lanai decor, lanai design, lanai style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Outdoors Style | Comments Off on Lanai: Decorating From Top to Bottom
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
