- Follow us:
Monday, December 26th, 2016
Bernhardt Interiors Bedroom Chest 366-115 is made of teak that’s sturdy and ever reliable – great characteristics to begin your year.
As cliché as it may seem, it truly is the time for out with the old and in with the new. With the first month taking its rightful place once more this calendar year, don’t you think that it’s also time to take down the holiday décor to start stylizing your home for the exciting months ahead? Or is it your entire design that needs an overhaul? Perhaps the wall paint has had its moment for the longest time.
Looking through this year’s trends can be quite difficult especially when you’re trying to figure out the design that’s right for your home. For a little help, here are some of the bravest and most talked about trends for this awesome year –
Mind the Outdoors
Cleaning up the inside of your home might become your sole focus for the first month of this year but don’t let this be the case. The exterior façade style could beautifully represent what visitors would anticipate indoors. So whether you’ve chosen a traditional or contemporary setup indoors, it pays to set aside a little time for your patio, terrace, walkway, garden, the lawn, and every part that’s exposed to the scrutiny of other people.
There is a lot of work to do outside especially when it comes to setting up the furniture sets and the lighting fixtures. Let these design elements inspire the pieces that you also bring indoors.
Industrial Is In
Don’t think that you’re too late for this trend as it has been forecasted to become even more popular this 2017. Industrial means not minding the use of subway tiles on a raw concrete finish. Plastic and neon colors are also in since they mean you’re ready to break free from what’s conventional.
Everything gaudy is unwelcome this year.
Flexsteel Living Room Sofa Table 6722-04 highlights the industrial appeal that’s truly ‘in’ for this year.
Yes to Sustainability
This year, teak and other woods are making a huge leap towards center stage; this is, after all, their rightful place. The great news is that technology has introduced more eco-friendly and greener materials so rattan, wicker and bamboo are also highly sought.
Let There be Light
A beautifully-lit home is noticeable even from a mile away. This is because lighting can make a world of difference in terms of style and setting an ambience.
Make your home look amazing with the right lighting fixtures. Don’t focus on task lighting, have a little imagination this year and do have some ambient lighting.
The Leading Colors
Prepare for sophisticated colors this year because they are surely going to take center stage. See which among these colors you’d be most comfortable to use –
Reds, Blues and Greens
If you’re the social type, then you are going to love the shades of spicy reds, hazy blues and lime greens this year. The earthier the color for greens, the better it is. Taupes are also in as this is the go to color for traditionalists who are considering a contemporary setting.
As for the shades of blue, you could go for the Hamptons feel with dusky blue. Find paint, wallpaper, and textiles that represent the delicious colors of the ocean.
Blue green could be accentuated with punches of orange. This is the color combo to have for a more dramatic home this 2017.
Pastels, Grays, Yellows and Oranges
Pale pastels remain usable as are muted shades which introverts will surely love.
Lemon yellow is a wonderful, happy color to use inside rooms, this is if you’re willing to take the risk.
Shades of gray are the safest colors to use. These are solemn, rich shades that can help you safely set up the style of your home.
So, are you ready to embrace these tips this year?
Tags: 2017 color trends, interior design 2017, interior design trends, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Interior Design Trends – Are You In For 2017?
Friday, December 23rd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Latico Chest is an interesting home for your drabware.
Call it khaki, beige or greenish brownish, this complex color may often be used in drabware but it’s far from being drab.
Drabware is a term used to describe the color of tableware. These are the ultimate neutrals. It can also be a chameleon as it takes on a different tone based on the light that’s shining upon it.
Neutral is one of the finest backgrounds when you decorate. You can actually decorate with your drabware, more so if they’re vintage. Make your collection grow then store them inside equally interesting china cabinets.
Let these pieces inspire you to decorate the rest of your home. Think out of the box – go beyond the usual plates on walls or pairing drabware with the same-colored textiles. Neutrals sit beautifully inside any home because it is versatile.
The Drabware History
Drabware has seen a lot of admirers in English pottery when it was introduced in the early nineteenth century. Back then, monarchs and commoners alike aspired to have a piece. Those who are able to, even print their coat of arms on every piece.
Drabware also became popular among the upper-middle class as it was also used in creating other objects. These include incense burners, ink sets, candlesticks and miniature toys for kids.
Cornish clay was used in making drabware as nickel and flint were also added. This resulted in the beautiful, earthy tone that is descriptive of drabware. These earthy drabware, however, did not have a consistent color. Variables like the amount of clay and minerals, as well as the kiln temperature result in skewed hues that look more like gray, brown or green.
A pinkish tinge is also a possible partner of drabware. In fact, drab grounds the pink so that you won’t have to worry about experimenting with this feminine color. Pick dusty shades so that they will also complement the drab. This will easily offer a more calming, tranquil effect in your dining room.
Light natural wood also pairs well with drab. If you want to bring in some patterns and textures, just install wallpaper.
Unlike ceramics that get colors from surface glazing, drabware is drab throughout. It only has a clear glaze though some pieces now have decorative paint, gilding, and colored enamel. Other embellishments are also available.
Drab-colored paint is also now available for cozy areas such as a breakfast nook or a small living room. Metallic pieces will be highlighted by a coat of drab paint.
The 20th century showed an on and off production for drabware. Smaller companies made their own versions with Tiffany & Company joining the bandwagon. Even Martha Stewart and her company took their inspiration from drabware and upped its visual appeal by offering it in both plain and gilded-rim types.
The earliest drabware were platters and pitches which – when you can find them today – are of great worth. These are valuable collections that only a few are able to get their hands on. The smallest pieces can amount to thousands of dollars with auction sites opening their bids at hefty amounts.
If, however, you would just want to take home the beauty of classic drabware, then there are also modern sites and shops to buy them from. A five-piece set that was made in 2000 could now be bought for $200. Of course, the later the year, the more affordable the pieces would cost.
Housing Your Drabware Collection
It is important to preserve your collection by keeping your pieces safe from dust, the natural elements, insects and breakage. You can effectively do this if you are ready to unleash your artistic potential.
There are many china cabinets to choose from. Pick one based on your chosen theme. Wooden ones go best inside rustic interiors while the sleeker ones will be at home in a modern or contemporary setting.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, neutral colors, neutral hues, neutral interiors, neutral palette
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Friday, December 23rd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Starling Pedestal Table
Do you have the sinking feeling that your lawn has been stuck in the ‘50s? Mother Nature will surely be happy once you make the switch to the new sustainable grass blends. With these, you can save money, energy and time from this year henceforth.
For the most part, U.S. homes are still cultivating the same old grass as they did 60 or so years ago. These grass growing and maintenance methods have had disastrous effects on the environment. For instance, the average homeowner applies pesticides 10 times for every acre when compared to farmers who treat their crops. These front and backyard doses amount to about 80 million toxic pounds per year.
On this same note, Americans burn an average of 1.2 billion gallons of gas each year and this is just for fueling their lawn mowers. This makes lawn maintenance a friendly task for gasoline dealers and businessmen though it is one of the environment’s fiercest enemies.
Lawn maintenance also equates to the release of greenhouse gases. This is one of the leading sources of today’s harmful fumes. As if this wasn’t enough, think also of the amount of water needed to maintain a single lawn.
A third of an acre can use up as much as 36,000 gallons of drinking water during the summer months. The great news is, grass can be made greener by the right specialists. Researchers have developed blends that are tougher and more self-sustaining. These also do not require the use of pesticides, fertilizers and excessive irrigation.
Modern lawn requires infrequent mowing. In the Northeast, a blend of delicately textured grasses provides a neat, lush cover with just two mowings for the entire year. Imagine that. Another mixture of short, native grasses from the West can withstand four weeks of zero watering and one mowing per month.
Lawn specialists can now be called turf specialists especially when they can convert your lawn to one that’s sustainable.
DIY Sustainable Lawn
If you’re not a huge fan of hiring a team each time that you need some remodeling or reconstruction, then you can also maintain your lawn without harming the environment. Begin by getting rid of your current, water-hungry grass. You can do this by scalping or mowing repeatedly or by some acetic acid applications. Eight-percent solution would do.
As the weather cools during fall, you can then sow a sustainable grass seed mixture. Irrigate in the morning then in the afternoon for about three weeks. A new lawn should then appear. Grasses of this kind are slow-growing which is why you won’t need to mow often.
You can also cultivate lawn clippings, even falling leaves so that your lawn gets organic nutrients. This will save you time and energy while keeping your lawn healthy and fertilizer-free.
Grass clipping can also effectively reduce the need to water and fertilize. This can even prevent the most common turf diseases. Provided you do not mow too short, you won’t have to worry about the clumps of dead grass impeding your lawn’s growth.
It also helps if you mow when the grasses are dry as this will guarantee that the clippings will scatter more evenly.
Clippings or leaves that are too heavy should be raked up. When left as a whole, they decompose slowly, thus, the grass underneath tends to die. Store these instead in a corner of your lawn and it should serve as mulch and compost in a few years.
Lastly, be sure to use a reel mower instead of one that runs on gasoline. Just push this mower and you’ll have toned muscles, healthy ears and a thinner wallet by the year’s end. Plus, it’s healthier for your grass.
Tags: lawn maintenance, maintaining the lawn, maintaining your lawn, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable lawn
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Thursday, December 22nd, 2016
iComfort® by Serta Mattresses HB300Q SmartSupport
It shouldn’t be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Remember to layer pillows and toppers atop a sturdy mattress to achieve this.
Do you remember those days when shopping for pillows means choosing between firm, medium and soft? The only fills that were available then were synthetic down and down. These days, the choices are almost boundless. From construction to materials used, the new generation mattresses, pillows and toppers are no less than spectacular.
There are now mattresses and pillows made with gels, latex foams, memory foams, and other high-tech stuff. There are also pillows with micro denier fibers which beautifully mimic the feel and foam which are designed to fit almost every kind of snoozer.
Do you sleep on your back at night? Don’t you notice how your back tends to overheat and you end up waking early in the morning drenched in sweat? Put a stop to this dilemma when you invest in a pillow and mattress that will surely improve your snoozing.
There is a pillow that prevents this very scene. This, together with zero caffeine intake after 2:00 P.M. and following the same bedtime should stabilize your sleeping pattern. If you’ve been used to sleeping beyond 12 midnight, then it’s time to re-establish a healthy and normal sleeping pattern.
Make it your goal to sleep on or before 10:00 in the evening. You’ll feel more refreshed in the morning, more so when you took the time to buy the best bedding.
Just about anyone can purchase a new pillow these days. Look for the sagproof ones that are designed to improve deep sleep and decrease your tosses and turns.
Such is also the case with mattresses. The market is now flooded with every possible style, form, color and thickness. Your options include the following –
iComfort® by Serta Mattresses Epic™
Memory Foam
This is a curved pillow or mattress created by Tempur Pedic© (the company that introduced the revolutionary Swedish mattress to the U.S. market). Memory foams are meant to cradle the head and the whole body whether you sleep on your back, on your side, or are a stomach sleeper. NASA recognized this foam as its roots can be traced to their own technology.
There are even memory foams that come with green tea which make your sleeping experience more tranquil. Invite your guests to your home with these soft, comfortable pieces. Imagine having every bed equipped with this wonder.
Latex Foam
If you’re the type that does not want of a sinking head or body, then this is a more preferable type. Latex is derived from rubber trees and has a more buoyant feel. This is best for people who sleep on their side.
The firmness of latex is a welcome sensation for those who feel that they would drown from the softness of other mattresses.
Contoured Foam
These are ergonomically-shaped for potential relief from pain. This is a high-density choice for those who sleep on their back. The pillow versions are meant to support the neck and the shoulders.
This is a great foam for the elderly since it offers the most support as well as relief for existing pain.
Gel Foam
This is a memory foam that is breathable and even enhanced with gel that will help you feel more comfortable at night. Just imagine the feel of cool gel against your skin during the night and you’d surely sleep more soundly.
Kids will surely love the coolness and softness that gel foams offer. Even adults will feel that their sleeping patterns will improve if they give gel foams a chance.
All these mattress and pillow choices have their own strengths. Find out which one would make you sleep more soundly.
Tags: bedding, mattress, mattress shopping, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for mattress
Posted in Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Thursday, December 22nd, 2016
FFDM Belvedere Collection: Christmas dinners are best shared by families, friends and other loved ones.
Christmas is a special season for so many reasons and this isn’t so just because of the wreaths or mistletoe or Santa Claus figurines. Christmas is Christmas because of the beautiful traditions that are being observed all over the world.
Now that we’re celebrating Christmas, you might want to borrow some interesting foods served in different countries during this festive season. Here are some foods that you might consider adding to your Christmas menu this year –
With more guests coming in this Christmas, it’s best to have extra storage and serving surface for food. Hooker Furniture Dining Room Retropolitan Buffet will provide both.
Christmas is delicious also when you serve special dishes or complete meals that have been traditionally enjoyed. Mince pies are a modern classic which are now replacing wholemeal bagel, cranberry sauce and strawberry jam.
Truffle oil still reigns supreme as is the greenish hint of kale in 2013. Culinary trends are fused with unique ingredients this year. All have the power to offer a tasty twist on your upcoming Christmas dinner.
The flavors of 2016 offer versatility such as the creamy texture of the pork belly. Pork belly is a traditional Oriental ingredient especially among the Chinese. These days, this is an ingredient that’s not just found in Chinese menus anymore.
Your first choice should be roasted pork belly – it’s easy to make and the crispy skin is simply irresistible. This is also a wonderful alternative to ham if you’re willing to try something different.
Another traditional Christmas food is the pomegranate. This is mainly Turkish but with a twist of sweetness. It is also a super food that has the potent antioxidants. Decorate your roast lamb or rocket and almond salad with this fruit.
Who says Christmas dinner isn’t the right venue for a new venture such as an octopus dish? Lino Sauro, a winning chef from Sicily, just adds olive oil to the succulent tentacles of the octopus and what he’s achieved is one of the Sicilian favorite dishes. Sauro states that no Sicilian summer is complete without this special dish.
Octopus is both versatile and texture-rich so you can use it in just about any dish from pasta to salads. Braise the octopus with red wine then serve it with bone marrow and rice pasta.
Christmas Dining Table
What are these dishes without a dining table to frame ‘em? Choose the beauty of sleek metal for your modern theme or a wicker ensemble for your rustic interiors to complete your Christmas dinner.
Tags: Christmas dining, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Winter Season | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Nesting Tables are just right in a bungalow. They save space while providing a visual appeal that’s difficult to match.
Stylizing the bungalow home isn’t a job for the half-hearted. Knowing what to work with means you also have to be able to define what a bungalow is to begin with.
Bungalow homes are defined as low houses, cottage or cabin at about one to 1.5 stories. They come with hipped roof or low-pitched gables with dormer windows, exposed beams and rafters, plus overhanging eves. They often have wide porches and are often built with rustic materials.
The origin of this style of home is believed to be Hindi or Urdu bangla (Bengal house). This style first existed in 1676 and has transcended centuries to still captivate the contemporary market.
Features of a Bungalow
You might want to look at this checklist if you want to properly identify and eventually design your own bungalow. The most common architectural styles that influence many bungalows these days are Prairie, California, Rustic, Cabin, Cottage, Tudor, Spanish and Chicago. When viewed all together, these are nothing but different kinds of American bungalows.
Arts and crafts define most floor plans for bungalows in the past and also in the present. These relate to the natural environment as well as the surrounding communities. These plans include philosophical lifestyle aspects that are applicable in today’s new home construction. They can also be applied in restoring and preserving historic houses.
Common bungalow exterior details include –
The Accessories Uttermost Thatcher Teak Root Mirror 05031 stretches vertically which opens up the space upwards plus it’s a mirror so light that’s reflected on its surface brings in a different level of brightness and airiness to any home.
The bungalow interiors, on the other hand, have these features –
Bungalow and Light Colors
Since the bungalow is a small house, it is best to steer clear from dark colors. Darker colors can make homes appear smaller. Use lighter shades in order to open up spaces and make them appear airy and bright.
Bungalow and Wall Mounts
Floor space in bungalows are primed spots so you might want to utilize all the available wall space for your bookcases and wall sconces.
Bungalows and Rounded Furniture
Arrange your furniture against the walls or you can invest in rounded pieces that would fit into corners.
Bungalows and Pocket Doors
Doors can also take up floor space when they swing out so install pocket doors instead. Sliding doors spell easy entrance and exit into your bungalow.
Tags: bungalow design, bungalow living, living in a bungalow, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Tiny Homes | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2016
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sanctuary Rectangle Trestle Table
As cliché as it may seem, Christmas is definitely just around the corner. It is a season that could require a more formal table than the usual five-seater in your dining room. The good news is the art of modern table setting just has a few basics that you need to learn. Commit them to memory and you’ll be confidently welcoming your fine dining guests to your home soon.
Table Setting Prior to the First Course
Table setting makes use of logic. You don’t need to be intimidated by it. For instance, you must begin a meal by getting the flatware at the outermost sides (left and right). You can then work your way in as Cathy Bates’ character in Titanic advised the young Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio).
The flatware must align with the bottom parts of a large plate so that it can be easily removed once the napkins are spread on everyone’s laps. You can use napkin rings as a festive décor for your napkins this Christmas. If you can have golden rings or anything Christmassy to hold the napkins, then do so.
The stemware is set at the right above the dinner plate. On the upper left are the bread and butter plates. Water glass should be above the dinner knife with the white wine on the right and the red wine placed, top center.
Table Setting for Soup
The soup dish holds the heated soup which will sit atop the dinner plate. Use the soup spoon which can be found at the outer right. The spoon, bowl and plate will only be removed once everyone’s laid his soup spoon.
Let the bread and butter plate as well as the butter knife remain.
Table Setting for the Main Course
Now the table’s set for the main course. A large dinner plate could be brought in empty or with a portion of food. This plate can be preheated unless the main course is supposed to be served cold.
Use the dinner knife and fork.
FFDM Highlands Collection
Table Setting for Salad
A midsize plate is used in serving salad. Use the remaining fork with the broader end. Beyond this course, the bread and butter plate, the wineglasses and butter knife will all be cleared together with the salad fork and plate.
Table Setting for Dessert
A dessert plate will arrive together with a teacup or coffee cup and a teaspoon. Use the dessert spoon and the cake fork which have been laid atop the setting before the meal begins.
The only stemware left at this point is the water glass.
Fundamental Table Etiquette
Formal dining is all about knowing your dinner’s context. Will the dinner be held in Boston? Paris? Shanghai maybe?
There are differences in these key cities but there are also fundamental protocols that need to be met –
Tags: dining etiquette, fine dining, formal dining, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, table setting, table settings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 20th, 2016
FFDM’s RayLen Vineyard offers this traditional take on stocking wine.
What is a bar cart and where is its proper place? This furniture piece offers something that’s unique for your guests. It is not just your wine carrier, it too can be something that your guests would talk about.
Lately, it seems that the interior design industry has been talking a lot about bar carts. This is no less than a trendy décor that is also useful and beautiful. But did you ever wonder why bar carts are such popular pieces these days?
The Resurgence of Bar Carts
While it is impossible to point out a specific event that spurred the popularity of modern bar carts, one could deduce with some clues. The Cocktail Renaissance during the early 2000s possibly gave birth to more bar cart design ideas. How about the show Mad Men? Just imagine this show’s influence to the modern cocktail culture.
The bar cart actually began during the Victorian Era at about 1837 to 1901. This was not immediately associated with booze then. The bar carts then were trolleys for – guess what – tea! That’s a party trivia to remember. The bar cart has transcended Tea Time to where it’s at now – a cocktail party star – thanks to the ‘50s generation when entertaining became a necessity.
Nowadays, people all over the world are partying and celebrating whenever there’s a special event or occasion. Even homemakers are entertaining their friends by inviting them over to their homes and offering the best possible meals and liquor. Let us not discredit the role of Hollywood is glamorizing the home bar cart.
Well-stocked bar carts can easily take your imagination to the charming years of ‘50s and the ‘60s.
It was in the ‘70s when homebuilders began building built-in wet bars. These were often made of leather and dark woods which were lacking in style. Back then, people stopped buying bar carts and began to embrace the wet bar.
Before long, people realized the limits of a wet bar. Talking about mobility or saving more space for entertainment means a lot to people these days, hence, were quickly re-embracing the home-friendly designs of bar carts. The greater news is that there’s almost an endless array of options in terms of bar cart design.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Rattan Bar Cart 3041-032
How to Decorate with a Bar Cart
Call it a comeback – the bar cart is now showcasing the personalities of homeowners worldwide.
When using the bar cart, make sure to use the nooks in your home. It can also be placed between couches, by the side of your kitchen island, or in your pantry. Since it is mobile, you can take it with you wherever you would want to hold your cocktail party.
‘Wanna take the party outdoors? Then just wheel away the bar cart from your kitchen and bring the fun to your guests outdoors.
No matter what theme you’ve chosen, don’t fret, there’s always a bar cart that would match it. Look for faux vintage pieces or the sleek metal and glass designs. There are designs for men and women. Plus, even the intricately-designed pieces have a certain level of masculinity in them so the missus doesn’t have to worry about feminizing their home’s style.
For a well-stocked bar cart, be sure to have these fundamentals –
The bar cart is truly something that will make you the perfect host (or hostess) to your guests so it’s time to shop for one soon.
Tags: bar cart, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 20th, 2016
The Uttermost Accessories Preserved Boxwood, Spiral Topiary Botanicals 60094 is a unique addition to your courtyard.
In the history of language, courtyards have not been well defined for many years. These spaces’ architectonic presence heralded the exciting phase for human contact. The usage of the term courtyard crosses many boundaries and this is no surprise as this has been a weakly-defined word.
A courtyard has an exceptional charm that adds to the social presence of any home. Its enchanting spatiality is one of its winning features since it is often a part of the grandest estates. This inner sanctuary may also be found in the middle of modest dwellings from antiquity till the late nineteenth century.
A courtyard turns its back on the outdoors which lends it to be a place of refuge and serenity. This is often a place for more intimate conversations (remember the conversations of the characters in the epic film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?). It is also common to hear the clip clops of horses’ hooves as they arrive just outside of this space in many classic or period movies.
The courtyard persisted from antiquities, to the Renaissance, even till the industrial period where it became a common, large-scale local architectural part. The most spacious apartments in New York and Paris, these days, have these lovely centers as a part of their layout. The urban principle of buildings which occupy an entire block without any kind of setback but with a courtyard for air and light is highly efficient. The ratio for the plots is a lot higher than when the block’s periphery is used for equivalent advantages.
Talk of advantages, the courtyard also has social and economic benefits as well as being a representation of prestigious architectural work. Add also the fact that both air and light enter through an inner courtyard or the façade. At times, a courtyard could also be shared between two properties. Just picture two properties the shape of a magnet; connect the edges and what you get is ample space for a delightful courtyard. One would wonder why courtyards are seldom used these days. Their beauty and function are surely noteworthy.
Canadel Dining Room Wooden Seat Bench BEN0232D
Decorating the Courtyard
Don’t let your creativity be stymied by the fixed walls of a courtyard. You can become as flexible as you can be when you have an indoor wall to work with. You can begin by painting the walls with a color that excites you. This could be a hue that blends well with the outdoors or would tie up the space to the interiors of your home.
If you’re an artist or you know one, then consider having the walls as your canvas. Paint a lovely mural. Seal this mural to make it last.
The hottest colors for courtyard walls include orange, red, lavender, light green and blue.
An advantage of a courtyard on being not quite outdoors is that you get the chance to grow your favorite plants, even add a fountain, but never saying no to weatherproofed artwork or wall sconces.
Since most courtyards have limited space, it is best to use the walls when adding color and life. Add greens to the walls by having an espalier (a shrub or small tree) or trellises. The latter could be a permanent wooden framework where vines could grow. Pretty soon, they will cover the walls of your entire courtyard.
The advantage of having a permanent wooden trellis is that it adds beauty and freshness to your courtyard. This is an attractive answer to your growing deciduous vines which leave bare walls on some parts of the year.
Plants need something where they could grow in. If well-planned from the outset, you could fill your courtyard with the most interesting greens and florals that would show a spectacular sight the whole year round.
Tags: courtyard, courtyard decor, courtyard design, courtyard style, decorating the courtyard, designing the courtyard, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Monday, December 19th, 2016
The Hooker Furniture Dining Room Grand Palais 72in Round Pedestal Dining Table is the star of this show with every element working to highlight it.
Do you agree that a beautifully designed interior would function well and also create a positive mood among the dwellers? There are three essential elements that need to be met should you want your home to become a haven. These three are – function, mood and don’t forget personality.
Prior to rearranging or painting, be sure to spend some time planning. Your house, after all, would only become a home if you have an inspired idea (or ideas) on the overall look. Look for stuff around the house that will help you with the color cues. These colors might also dictate what would eventually be the mood that the rooms would evoke.
Now lets’ begin with…
Function
Designing a home is more than just creating an eye candy. Interior design is a lot more than this since your goal is to make the rooms work for you.
First, look for natural focal points. These are those areas where the eyes natural rest upon once you enter a room. It could be a fireplace, a bookcase, or a bay window with a picturesque view of the outdoors.
If these natural focal points don’t exist in your home, you can just create one by, say, adding a dynamic artwork or an eccentric area rug.
Determine also if the furniture for each room satisfies all the functions that you have originally planned. Should you discover that the piece does not work, or if it is too big or small for the room, then just invest in some new pieces. Add something that is more suitable for your home.
Don’t forget that the main function of light is to illuminate your home and not just for visual appeal. Each task requires direct lighting from an overhead light or a lamp. Accent lighting, on the other hand, could enhance color, textures and room details.
Mood
This is the feeling that is created by your preference in colors and furnishings as well as the amount of patterns and textures as you choose the accessories.
Just as you would need to find a focal point, it is also crucial to find an inspirational piece for the overall mood. It could be as simple as a decorative pillow or an interesting magazine photo.
Find a theme that will summarize the ideas that you have used – this could be rustic, traditional, contemporary, modern, Mid-century, transitional, shabby chic, industrial, to name a few.
Add Some Personality
This is your chance to add your own stamp in your home. You can begin by planning the accessories that would adorn every room. Carefully choose the pillows, vases, pictures and area rugs that you will use in each room. Place these special pieces on mantels, walls, tabletops, furniture and floors.
These should generally support your theme but they shouldn’t be too uptight that your artistic flair or flexibility ends up being limited.
Family photographs of travels and special occasions are common mood enhancers as are the most interesting paintings, sculptures and other forms for art.
How about creating a castle in the sky? This is optional but definitely a great way to counteract any stark environment. Remember that following design guidelines are good but to be strictly confined by them could result in a sterile dwelling that’s totally not you. For example, a country sitting room could have some relief from a colorful quilt – made by your family and – displayed over the fireplace. And since it’s the holiday season, you could even add Christmas décor to make your home appear more festive.
At the end of the day, the principles of interior design would come to work if you created something unexpected in your home. It might not be the most eccentric look but it’s definitely a style that shouts you.
Tags: interior design principles, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, principles of interior design
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
