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Monday, January 2nd, 2017
Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Warwick Corner Cabinet Base 1020-851
When it comes to space decoration, every single inch counts – yes, even those sharp, usually unused corners. These spaces prove that it takes a little imagination and wit to turn any unused spot to a striking area.
So how do you think you can punctuate such tricky areas?
The Slightly Curved Wall
If you want to accommodate that slightly curved wall in your family room, you could opt to have a faux vintage sofa or any seating unit that complements the shape of that corner.
You can also outfit this rounded edge with an antique screen or a lovely corner cabinet.
The Dull or Sharp Corners
These can be cut off with the use of a screen. These may be odd in-between spaces that tend to appear awkward or overlooked but they can be utilized, too, in terms of storage space or a reading nook. Just define the function that it would serve and what needs you have so you would begin looking for solutions that would make this corner pop instead of fade into the background.
That Ambitious Cat Tower
This is a unique way to give your pet cat a home, right at the corner where nothing used to sit, now, you can turn that into your beloved pet’s haven. Have a tower built for your furry friend or you can simply use the corner for some spacious vertical storage.
The Art Corner
With a space to spare, it would always be nice to accentuate t with an art or two. Art arrangements can be hung or simply placed on the floor. It is unexpected to find art pieces right by the corner of a home since this is often a neglected area but now, you can utilize it to highlight some of your most interesting art pieces.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Chester 3-Piece Stationary Sectional
A Corner Bar
What typically occupies a corner space? Radiators.
Put a stop to this conventional setup by setting up a shelf or a corner rack for some liquor. This makeshift bar could also be the spot for people who prefer to have a coffee station or a tea cart.
An occasional table could also adorn that space.
Blanket Corner
Now who says bedding and blankets just belong to the stockroom or the bedroom? Those awkward corners can now be turned into an area where you would stack your extra pillows, blankets, throws and duvets.
A blanket rack would come in handy; be sure to find one that is slim so it would fit right into that corner. This idea is handy during winter where warmth is always right within your reach.
Corner Lighting
Let’s accept it – corners tend to be shadowy so why not go ahead and transform those spaces into an area for special lighting. This is a trick that you can use especially when the sofa is near those dark corners.
Add a little lamp by the other corner to cast a warm, soft glow during the night. Hang a pendant to be more dramatic.
The Corner Hammock
This is a setup that would require a slightly bigger, unused corner. You could then leave the hammock draped when no one’s using it. This does not just save space but also adds an interesting splash of color to the room.
Traditional Shelving
This is the most used technique in utilizing corners. This works best when the corner is more like a nook. Picture your living room with some awkward nooks – now all you have to do is to add a vertical shelf or rack, place an ottoman near it and you’re done.
Don’t ignore those corners in your home. It may appear that there is no automatic solution at the moment but decorating needn’t become a limbo. Just learn how to turn these spots into usable, functional spaces and all would go smoothly from there.
Tags: corner design, designing corners, designing nooks, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nook design, utilizing corners
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Room Corners and How to Professionally Decorate ‘Em
Saturday, December 31st, 2016
Stanley Furniture Dining Room Captain’s Fluted Edge Mirror 018-61-36: For what is a bathroom without a mirror?
At one point (or two) in time, you might have encountered the stereotype features for farmhouse spaces now you can actually use your stock knowledge if you’re thinking of remodeling your bathroom. Imagine recreating a bathroom that’s now styled with a farmhouse effect.
The creation of a farmhouse bathroom can be an exciting endeavor for you and your family. With this, you will be encouraged to mix your personal styles, textures and unique features. So, are you ready to remodel your bathroom into something more appealing?
Begin by narrowing down the design elements that you prefer for this farmhouse bathroom. Use a foundation and theme to start your project. For instance, the contemporary version of a farmhouse bathroom looks a lot different than the rustic version. Whichever way you choose to go, keep in mind that it is all about the details and the pieces that come together to tell your style story.
Farmhouse chic bathrooms focus on having elegant yet simple décor. This has a white color scheme, often with a corner window, complete with dark flooring, bathtub and mirror. This just proves that there are many ways that you can infuse farmhouse style to your taste.
The Farmhouse Bathroom Mirrors
One of the leading features of any farmhouse bathroom is the installation of a mirror. This may just be a small detail but it is a significant part that you must not forget.
Find a long, horizontal mirror that has a wooden frame. In addition to this, a round mirror that has wicker borders will also complete the look. These will add a surprise element that also offers delicious texture.
The Farmhouse Bathroom Wall Décor
Choosing the farmhouse bathroom wall decorative items is one of the most exciting parts of stylizing this part of your home. Look for floating shelves, wicker baskets (that will serve many storage purposes), ladder shelving, unique signs and containers, even plants. All these elements will work together to make your bathroom come to life.
Maitland-Smith Bathroom Sitting Dog Tissue Holder 1254-233
The Farmhouse Bathroom Flooring
It might be easy to just forget about the bathroom flooring but this will make or break the entire design. Promise that you won’t fail in selecting the flooring color scheme as well as the materials that will be used.
Wood tile planks, multicolor squares or tile hexagons are great options. Incorporate earthy tones and airy elements that would go well with the rest of the wooden accents.
Another great idea to use in your farmhouse bathroom is to replicate the look or design on your walls. Imagine how you would make the mirrors, wood elements, walls and now the flooring, work as one.
The Farmhouse Bathroom Paint Colors
White accents and earthy tones are the kinds of colors that would work best with your chosen bathroom style. It’s time for you to start loving pastels or anything that’s warm and inviting such as light brown, sienna, and different shades of white.
The Farmhouse Bathroom Sink and Vanity
Now that everything’s set, it’s time to think of the vanity and the sink. Use these two exciting elements to create more country flair. Make them complement the rest of your decorative items. So, are you rustic, vintage or shabby chic?
Once you’ve chosen the style for the vanity and the sink, be sure to match the faucet, too. It’s also time to shop for a new countertop that would set the tone for the theme. No, it doesn’t have to be made of wood but it must be able to work opposite all the other features that you’ve already set up.
The Farmhouse Doors and Lights
Lastly, add a charming barn door and recessed lights and you’re done designing your farmhouse bathroom!
Tags: bathroom style, farmhouse bathroom, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Bathroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Your Farmhouse Bathroom
Saturday, December 31st, 2016
I.M. David Bar and Game Room Backless Barstool 3509
Have you ever experienced gathering people in the kitchen and you ended up bringing them to the living room or the dining room instead? No matter how your kitchen is configured, it is crucial to give yourself as well as your guests a comfy place where they can be entertained as they sit and relax. Seating units are necessary if you have to accomplish this. The stool is one furniture that can help you sit these guests.
The Stool History
The stool is a seat with no arms or back and is intended for just one person. Since this is so, it was a fundamental seating unit for various centuries and was, in fact, reserved as the seat for the most important people.
The earliest stools had three splayed legs that were created and attached to the seat as is done in benches. The more developed type was the one that was created as a small trestle table. This then had two solid sides that were connected by a sturdy stretcher. The stretchers and the sides were often pierced in Medieval times and given opulent curves. These carved surfaces were highly sought.
During the Roman times, X-shaped stools were quite common and was used by prominent people. These were sometimes folded and, at times, upholstered.
Eventually, the stool became the four-legged and jointed type. Its distinguishing features were the turned legs which were often a bit splayed for increased stability. Low stretchers connected these legs and all together, they formed what looked like miniature tables. The turned legs also made use of basic joinery where joiners were the only ones constructing stools with joineries of mortise-and-tenon.
Richer household stools were often upholstered and they reflected the quick-changing tastes of the owners. The stools were either ornate and luxurious or basic but nevertheless sturdy.
The term stool also implied another piece of furniture that’s basically a footstool.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chabli Barstool
Stool Shopping
Looking for the right kitchen stools can be challenging since there are various factors to look at such as spacing, height and the level of comfort that you want. Here’s a simple guide for you if you’re looking to shop for stools for your breakfast nook, kitchen island or the kitchen in general –
Don’t worry and don’t get confused. Measure the height of your kitchen table or island where the stools will be placed. This way, you can adjust the maximum or minimum height for your stools.
Bar stools are often paired with pub tables.
Tags: history of stools, kitchen stool, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, stool, stool history, stools
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on The Kitchen Stool: Its History and Shopping Guide
Friday, December 30th, 2016
FFDM Fusion Collection: Art, natural elements and colors pop from the background as they effectively accentuate this lovely dining area.
Have you ever bothered defining style and tried establishing whether it is actually synonymous with interior design? Style is something that catches your attention whether it’s innately there or acquired over time. It could also be something that one craves or something that is achievable if you follow certain instructions.
The Relationship of Style and Interior Design
Style means a lot of things in relation to interior design. Overall, though, it is defined as the summation of the ability to create interiors that have a good taste which flows throughout the home, is well-balanced, practical, comfortable and aesthetically pleasant.
Style has formulas or sets of parameters that order what needs to be placed in a home. This could be French Provincial, English Country, Contemporary, Bohemian, etc. Different periods have different styles to offer such as Louis XV and the Victorian periods.
Styles were also fortified by decorative art such as Rococo and Nouveau. Furniture artisans have also come up with their own styles such as Chippendale and Sheraton. There are also styles that depend on where you live such as minimalism or eclecticism.
Finding Your Style Vibe
This task is not easy especially if you are designing your own home. You need to define your taste but to be able to do that, you should be able to identify the design elements that captivate you.
Begin reading interior design websites and magazines then bookmark pages as you go along. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to see a pattern that will become your style. You will observe that there are certain styles of paintings, furniture, lighting fixtures and color schemes that make your head turn.
Do all these sound easy? They will as soon as you get a general feel of your fashion preferences. If you’re blessed with a Georgian home, for instance, this doesn’t necessarily equate to stylizing in that same time period. You can just ignore the Georgian pieces and start building a style that’s truly yours.
There are also styles that rely on environments. Country style homes have a practical style complete with a rural feel, solid hardwood furniture, and easy maintenance flooring. This also offers easy to clean fabrics.
A contemporary home, on the other hand, has minimalist pieces, clean lines and nothing that’s out of place.
Style does not drastically change throughout a home. Kitchens are the rooms that often look different from the rest of the rooms in a house yet it still has elements that carry the style from those other rooms. This could be as simple as that continuous timber flooring or the cabinets.
Creating your own style is, in essence, being a neophyte interior designer. You might not have the natural ability to create and match design elements but this is something that can be developed over time. You will also eventually learn to create functional and beautiful spatial environments.
Just picture it this way – anyone can get dressed on his own, right? But not everyone will look stylish as soon as they dress up. Some are just born with the natural ability to create a fashionable ensemble while others take time to learn. This is the same with interior design and decorating.
Style may also be defined as charm or taste. This is also the ability to make something harmonious or visually pleasing. That’s the X factor in the modeling world or it is the ability to appreciate fashion.
Style may mean you love Edwardian homes but others may not necessarily feel the same way.
In summary, what is style in interior design then? Style means you have a particular period or decorative approach. This is created with your enthusiasm and personality.
Tags: defining style, defining your style, definition of style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, style, style and interior design, what is style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Is Interior Design Synonymous With Style?
Friday, December 30th, 2016
FFDM Summer Home Collection
There are very few feelings that can compete with the joys of home ownership. To some, what could have been a joyful experience becomes a harrowing one when they realize the expenses that come with painting, maintenance and such. Deferring such a substantial cost means you have to learn how to maintain design elements of your home without spending too much.
Paint Repairs
Begin looking for areas that have sustained some damage like scratches, holes or gouges. Repair these before you proceed on doing any maintenance project. Depending on how you categorize yourself in terms of being a paint expert, you can make these repairs on your own or you could just hire a professional to do the job.
There are different techniques to use in painting walls. There are factors that affect the end result such as the texture of walls, orange peel, how smooth the surfaces are or if you’re ready to just splatter the color.
The simplest task that you can take on is that of a smooth wall. This wall just needs a putty knife plus a single can of spackle. Use the knife to distribute the putty and fill up the minor scratches and dings on walls. After this, just sand the surface and paint over. Extensive damages require patching that’s a bit more complicated since the surface is textured.
Aerosol spray can offer fairly satisfactory paint results even when you’re not experienced in painting. Just remember to mask off amply in order to protect nearby areas.
Matching
Another critical step in painting is to match the surface that you want to touch up. If you have the original paint still on, then you will just have an easy task ahead. If, however, the surface has been soiled or has faded, then you might need to completely repaint certain areas.
If you ever kept a can or two of the original paint and would still want to keep the same color, then you can go ahead and begin painting. The batch number of the paint as well as its brand name will help you shop for the same hue should you wish to repaint.
If both choices are not available, then you can cut a tiny section of the wall board and take this to the paint store. If this is also not doable, then the best that you can do is to match. As best as you can, try matching the paint that you previously or currently have with the hues that you find in the paint shop.
Is there a drawback to this technique? Well, yes, since you might end up not getting an exact match. You could end up repainting walls upon walls if you end up with the wrong tone or shade.
Let’s presume that you’re using water-based paint. To touch up, use polyester or nylon brush, one that’s no less than three inches wide. If you’re painting with an oil-based paint, then use a china bristle. To clean china bristle later, be sure to use mineral spirits, never water.
Use ample masks for protection. Just get a small amount of paint onto your brush then spread it over the areas that need touching up. Use consistent, even strokes. With darker marks, be sure to use several applications for a more even coverage. This is also the case with stubborn stains and marks. In fact, these might even require using a stain sealer.
If you are already satisfied with the paint coverage, cap your repainting project with light and side-to-side strokes. This is to lay off or even out the coats. This is also an effective way to blend the new paint to the surrounding areas.
Expect to see some imperfections with high gloss paint and when the walls are illuminated by external light sources.
Tags: maintaining paint, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, paint, paint preservation, preserving paint
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Extending the Life of Paint through Repainting
Thursday, December 29th, 2016
The Hooker Furniture Bedroom Sandcastle Leg Nightstand is a great home for jars of your favorite scents.
Isn’t it lovely coming home to a fresh-smelling home? It feels like you’re in heaven or in the middle of a meadow or as if you’re enjoying a wave of the sea breeze. There are many ways that you could make a home smell great minus the harsh chemical odors. The greater news is that most of these scents are readily available around your home.
Apart from having a clean-smelling ambience, the National Institute of Health advocated that aromatherapy can even help alleviate certain illnesses. There is a theory that states that scents have a huge impact on a person’s brain emotional center. Aromatherapy can also provide sedating effects.
Basically, a nice-smelling home can help anyone de-stress. Every person on this planet needs that once in a while (if not more often).
‘Ready to feel calmer? Here are nine tips to make this happen –
Pine Cones with Essential Oils
Use essential oils together with pine cones for a great-smelling and pretty décor. And it’s winter this time of the year so this great-smelling decoration is just the right dose that you need.
To create this, just add some drops of essential oils such as cinnamon or lavender on pine cones which you gathered from your yard. You just need a drop or two of essential oil per pine cone then have them all arranged in a decorative basket. Put in different baskets in every room or you can have the basket transferred from one room to the next as you move about.
Cinnamon Water and Oranges
Simmer water on the stove then add a few orange slices plus a few sticks or tablespoons of cinnamon. Turn off the heat then let the pot remain on the stove for a few minutes. In a few minutes, you should start smelling the sweet scent that will emanate from the kitchen then throughout your home.
Essential Oils Spray
One other way that you can replace harsh chemicals as air fresheners is to use essential oil spritz. To do this, just add three to four drops of essential oil (any scent that you love will do) to a cup of water then pour it inside a spray bottle.
Shake the solution before you can use it. Spray it on the air, on pillows, on fabrics, on the couch, even on your bed.
FFDM Harbor Springs
The Baking Soda Jar
You can also create air fresheners in jars. To begin, just poke holes on the lid of a mason jar then add half a cup of baking soda plus four to six drops of essential oils.
Cap the jar then place it wherever you need deodorizing or air freshening. If you don’t have any mason jars at the moment, don’t fret, you can also use a cloth and rubber band for this concept. Mix the same amount of baking soda, and essential oils, wrap and tie with a rubber band and you’re done.
Should you need additional scent, just add another four to six drops of essential oils.
Personalized Gel Air Fresheners
These may not be easy to make but you won’t regret making them. They can be used as a decorative item in any room in your home.
To create, mix 10 drops of essential oils in two cups of water. Add this mixture to a bowl with salt and gelatin packets. Dissolve the mixture then pour in mason jars. Again, in the absence of a mason jar, you can use any heat-proof container.
Deodorize Your Carpets
Carpets may appear harmless but countless bacteria live in there. So you won’t feel yucky each time that you step on your carpet or if you start smelling unwanted odors coming from this floor covering, then it’s time to mix baking soda, borax and essential oils. Mix all three in a bowl then shake or spray to the carpets.
Leave the solution on for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can begin vacuuming the area after the carpet has dried.
Create any of these DIY scents, place them on a credenza, end table or nightstand and what you have is no less than a fresh, sweet-smelling dwelling.
Tags: aromatherapy, home scent, home scents, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural home scent, natural home scents, scents
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Amazing Scents for Homes: 6 Natural Fragrances to Choose From
Thursday, December 29th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Sandcastle King Woven Panel Bed
There is no doubt that winter is the coldest season of every year. A lot of living things go into hibernation during this season, including people inside their homes (well, sort of). People turn to heaters for warmth but there are more choices that can be made if you want to stay even warmer. Having warm textiles inside will also keep you toasty –
Energize with Patterns
Welcome the busiest patterns as well as rich colors for winter. Try the larger scales this time instead of the busy yet tiny designs that are more common in spring. Remember that larger patterns have the capacity to also make a stronger impact in any room.
Pamper Your Feet
No this is not your regular visits to the spa. A dramatic way of altering things up during winter is to bring in a plush rug inside the room. Sheepskin rugs are great during winter months since they feel lavish under your feet. They could also literally and visually make a room warmer while still keeping an airy feeling.
Skins Should Do the Trick
Winter decorating means trusting in textiles that have an interesting texture and high pile. So go ahead and decorate with chenille, furs, wools and velour. Have you seen a cowhide rug somewhere? Then have it as quickly as you can. These lovely textures and visual pleasures will add to the layer of sophistication and luxury in your home.
Dramatize with Drapes
Make the mid-phase of winter the perfect time to install heavy draperies. Create a warmer and more insulated feeling as you also up the drama. This is the best time to mix and match patterns and prints.
Set up feature windows, too, then bring in lighter weight solids for a more inviting and interesting ambience.
Let It Shimmer
Adding silk elements to your décor will also make any room appear more elegant and warm. Chenille, velvets, and silk all work beautifully together to set up a luxurious living space.
Orient Express Furniture Dining Room Morgan Dining Chair – Stone Linen with Gray Wash Finish 6018KD.GW STO-GRY
Fabrics on Walls? Why Not?
Set aside the boring wallpaper and go for more interesting fabrics this season. All you’d need are your favorite fabric, some water and cornstarch. With these, you can already create homemade adhesive that will not even affect the current paint on your walls.
When you’re in for a change, all you would need to do later is to peel away the fabric, wipe the walls clean. Have the fabric washed and you could even reuse it for another project (perhaps next winter?).
Top Fabrics to Consider
Fleece: Staying warm this season means you would need even a tiny bit of fleece in your interiors. A lot of people use fleece in their bedding sets or they just let the pieces lie around for a warmer ambience.
Fleece blankets are your go-to bedroom or living room items this season.
Faux Fur: It also pays to feel warm not just physically but also visually. Faux fur also known as mohair is a gorgeous alternative to the real deal this winter season. This typically comes in blanket form or you can search for this rich texture on accent pillows and other accessories.
Leather: Very few textiles look warmer than leather. This is notorious for its texture and appeal yet it is still a fun material to work with when you are decorating. Use leather (or faux leather depending on your setup at home) as unique accent pillows. Or have it as coasters or wrapped on trays.
For a more traditional approach, make sure you clean your leather couch and have it take center stage this season. You could either be modern or traditional with this piece of furniture and you would never, ever go wrong with it.
Velvet flannel: If your current bedding isn’t giving you ample warmth, then exchange it for velvet flannel bedding. This will not just feel glorious but would also look glorious. Velvet may be pricey but it is an investment that’s worth your effort and money. This can also be reused so long as you keep it in a safe area during the other seasons.
Lastly, animal skin, cashmere and cotton knit are also viable options for your winter textiles.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, textiles
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Coziness Galore with Winter Textiles
Wednesday, December 28th, 2016
The Hooker Furniture Bar and Game Room Waverly Place Memory Swivel Bar Stool is the best piece for your basement turned home bar.
Do you believe that your basement isn’t supposed to remain as a mere extra space in your home? Or that it should be more than just a stockroom?
If you are willing to go through the trouble of remodeling this part of your home and cleaning it up to reach a whole new level, then you’re making a good decision. After all, it would make sense to remodel if you up the livability and functionality of your basement.
Creating a better basement is a different decision for every homeowner. Some remodel to enhance the appearance of this room; some to increase its value. Here are a few ideas that could work for you so take your pick –
Neutralize It
The lower-level or basement is the darkest place in any home. It could be this or it is next in darkness to an attic. The evident reason why you should pick pastel or neutral colors for your basement wall paint is to brighten up or illuminate this room.
Use lighter paint even if you’re a huge fan of darker hues. Even when you’re planning to set up a home cinema, it pays to have the room painted in a lighter hue as there will be moments when you would want that space to be bright and airy. This is so you can entertain or read during the daytime.
If you still prefer to have darker pieces, then invest in dark cabinets, carpets or countertops.
The Function-Centered Basement
Don’t think that basements are just for lounging around, though. You might want to take a step back and brainstorm with some of your family members regarding what to best do with this extra room.
If you want the basement renovation to become more functional and livable, then you could use this space as the kids’ play area or a home bar.
The Bar or Wine Cellar
Basements need not be all business or function. This is also a great room to add a more organized storage space but not for the usual unused or seasonal items. This time, think of creating a fully-stocked wine cellar or a home bar. Add stools and some wine racks or cabinets and what you have is a place where the entire family or guests can unwind. This is surely a new room that you won’t regret when you’re already hosting parties.
If a home bar or wine cellar isn’t your thing, then just turn this space into an interesting kitchen space. Just add a fridge, sink, TV and a few cabinets to have the perfect cooking and entertaining nook.
How About a Bathroom?
A lot of people do not automatically think of bathrooms when it comes to renovating basements. Yet this is a huge mistake especially since this is the perfect spot to set up a beautiful, spa-like bathroom.
Have a shower cubicle, toilet and small vanity to have this place turned into a restful getaway.
Or how about a home library? Featured open-shelf cabinet is from FFDM’s Portfolio collection.
Organized Storeroom
The basement is always the right space for you to store almost anything. If you’re really in need of storage then you might as well create a storeroom. First, be sure to remove all junk from your basement then place boxes onto durable shelves.
Don’t limit yourself when it comes to shelving units. Have a more organized storeroom as you put in more shelves and set up your new cabinets.
Store your stuff inside plastic bags or have them placed in plastic bins if you have a basement that’s prone to dampness.
Remember that your basement has almost limitless potential but you have to be more open to trying out new styles and functions. Upgrades become more successful if you’re motivated in inspiring your basement and remember to enjoy the renovation project as you go along.
Tags: basement design, basement makeover, basement remodel, basement remodeling, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Basement Design, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Making A Better Basement
Tuesday, December 27th, 2016
Imagine snuggling under the Thomasville Bedroom Bainbridge Duvet Cover (Super Queen) TV-DV1-11…what a wonderful life.
Do you live in a poorly insulated home? A lot of people do and most of them spend thousands of dollars on energy bills each year. Back in the day, though, people snuggled for very little to zero cost. Theirs were effective methods no matter how basic.
The key to comprehending how warmth is kept is by knowing how you lose more heat through radiation than by convection up in the air. A house feels cold as you get back from the winter break though you have turned the heating. Air warms up quickly, though, while the walls take a bit longer to do so.
Also, poorly insulated homes have external walls that are many degrees colder compared to the internal walls. This is why you feel chilly even when the heating’s been turned on. There are ways to overcome the cold weather and also to minimize your energy bills.
Close the Curtains Please
More radiant energy is let in during the day and your windows serve as their portal into your home. Sunlight enters through the glass but at night, single-glazed windows get very cold. Even double glazing does not guarantee great insulation. This spells energy losses amounting up to a hundred watts for every square meter. This is equivalent to using an old-fashioned light bulb.
You can prevent this kind of heat loss by simply drawing your curtains and lowering your blinds during dusk. These are extra barriers that can prevent radiant heat from escaping, thus, adding insulation.
Have the Walls Covered
Stone or solid brick walls are better at insulation than glass though they can still get pretty cold. External walls made of sandstone, for instance, could get as cold as 16 to 17°C which is about 3-4°C cooler than the room’s air.
Cover the walls with mirrors or framed photographs. Even those poster ads are additional layers that will serve as insulation, thus, raising internal temperatures. You could cut your energy bills by a quarter as you bring down the room temperature by 1°C.
If you want more than just framed photos and mirrors, then go Medieval by having tapestries and carpets on your walls. These prove to be even more effective in keeping warmth inside your home.
Now what could be better than bookshelves or cabinets in covering your walls and keeping the cold air right where it belongs which is outside? If you’re an avid book collector, then those books could also serve as the best insulators. So start loving your printed books all over again.
The fireplace is an ever reliable part of your home when it comes to warming up during winter. Featured here is the Maitland-Smith Dining Room Scrolled Brass And Metallic Brown Iron Fireplace Screen 1351-397.
Install Screens
Even when you’re done reducing the heat loss coming from the outer walls, you can up the shield some more by drawing up wooden screens. This is how people of old huddled up as they formed a circle around a fire.
Screens are effective in keeping people’s backs warm during the olden days. You could mimic this by protecting your back and your face from the damaging effects of the fireplace as you use fire screens.
Position Furniture for Warmth
How warm you feel in your home depends hugely on where you are standing. The farther you are from the external walls, remember, the warmer you would feel. Since there’s science behind this, it is best to position your furniture sets right next to internal walls, this way, you would feel a lot warmer.
So say no to stiff neck brought about by your bed’s headboard placed against a cold external wall or cold legs brought about by a desk sitting against one of the external walls. Beds with solid headboard and a four-poster bed are the best solutions if you wish to have warmer nights.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for winter, winter design, winter interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Warming Up On Winter
Tuesday, December 27th, 2016
Uttermost Accessories Susana, Candleholders, S2 20182 are a great substitute for traditional flames.
Cultures and humans all over the world have used and loved fireplaces for many centuries. They have traditional uses especially back in the day when they have been literally used to cook food. They are mainly built to give warmth to people during the coldest winter day or night.
A fireplace can also be used as a gathering place for people or relatives who want to bond in the warmth of its glowing light.
So which among these reasons prodded you to research about fireplaces today?
Fireplaces of Antiquity
The ancient fire pit is believed to be the predecessor of modern fireplaces. It sits in the middle of ancient rooms and is used as a meeting place where people also gather to warm themselves. A hole up top provides the needed draft though which smoke escaped.
This ancient fireplace was used for thousands of years but when the two-story architecture became common, another design was needed to accommodate the change. The fireplace was then moved on the walls outside. It was a lot easier to put it there as well as the chimney right off the side of the housing structure.
Prince Rupert, in 1678, designed an improved grate where firewood is supposed to sit. The air could then easily get underneath the pile of fuel. In the 1700s, it was Benjamin Franklin’s turn to improve the fireplace. He called this the Franklin stove. The stove was moved to the center of the home in order to produce more heat. This was made of cast iron, therefore, it radiated heat even long after the fire’s put out.
In 1796, Count Rumsford came up with exciting new design. It was a shallow, tall firebox complete with streamlined throats for an improved way of drawing smoke out. The fireplace was then incorporated as a part of the walls of homes rather than something that’s built outside.
In the 1950s, ranch houses that have central heating turned the fireplace into a decorative part rather than a cooking or heating device.
In the ‘70s, prefabricated fireplaces were manufactured and homeowners rushed to purchase these cheaper versions.
In the ‘80s till the present day, homeowners started to search for wood burners and pellet appliances.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Pair Of Iron Anchor Bookends 1253-456 will make an interesting addition to your new and unique fireplace library.
Your Fireplace: The Center of Attention in Your Home
Visualize your fireplace as a stage where you should showcase your style. Be creative, be bold, and with the right supplies, you should be able to turn even an unused fireplace from being an eyesore to the room’s focal point.
Before you set out to decorate the mantel, be sure to check for broken bricks or cracks. The average cost for repairing a fireplace is around $380. Clean away the ashes and grime.
Your fireplace is the best place to display every little thing from flowers to art. You could also have your personal collection perched on the mantel.
The mantel actually says a lot about your style – whether you’re a minimalist or a lover of ornate things.
The mantel should be considered as a separate piece of furniture. It is similar to the console which can be easily set up as the focal point of a room. Don’t be stuck with the idea that fireplaces are a part of your home’s architecture. Think of it as the possible star of your interior design instead.
A classic way to decorate an unused fireplace is to mimic the look of a working one. Use candles and candle holders in different shapes and sizes. Use a riser to hold the candles above ground. Just be sure to follow fire safety protocol when decorating with candles.
Another decorative option is to put a mirror in that empty space. This should help spread the light in the room. ‘Remember the candle idea? Just add a mirror behind the set candles for a replicated effect.
‘Running out of ideas? Then gather all the books that you collect and have them arranged inside the fireplace. These will surely liven up the room.
Tags: decorating fireplace, decorating fireplaces, designing a fireplace, fireplace, fireplace decor, fireplace design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Fireplaces: Decorative or Merely Functional?
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