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Thursday, January 17th, 2019
What’s a spa without candles to make the ambiance more relaxing? Featured here is the Uttermost Accessories Gilded Bath Prints that come in sets of 2.
While vacations away from the comforts of your home can be really fun, they may not always be that relaxing. And what’s the best time that you can do your vacay, two or three weeks? But what if you can design your home so that it becomes just as relaxing (if not even more relaxing) than the average spa?
A Homey Alternative
Here’s an alternative for you – a mini spa right in your own home. There is no need to drive anywhere far or even to spend an awful lot of money just to enjoy many relaxing days.
All it requires is a bit of planning and the full cooperation of your family members and you should be able to experience relaxation and pampering the way you should.
Achieve a Relaxing Effect
To begin, you need to pick a day when you could have your home just to yourself. If there are small kids, then you might want to ask the help of your partner, spouse or any trusted person to take them away for a few hours. They could go to the park or to the mall, even a relative’s house would do.
As soon as you’ve already set the date, plan what you would want to do during your spa time. For instance, you could shop for bath products and enjoy them once you go home. You can also prepare a special meal just for you.
The week before your assigned spa day, take note that you need to clean up and declutter all the rooms in your home. Spend time doing this because you will feel the benefits during that day. Imagine zero clutter and shiny floors on that day – divine!
Sweet Dreams Are Made of Fresh Sheets
Have you noticed how the spa resorts seem to have the cleanest sheets all the time? Well, it’s time to replicate that. Go to your storage cabinets and bring out fresh sheets for your spa day (or week).
You can also prepare simple meals and have them presented beautifully. The appreciation and nods of approval will surely make you feel special so if you love cooking and if this activity relaxes you, then by all means, do it.
Move About
Yes. A huge part of feeling great is having a surge of endorphins running through your system. A simple morning workout can become a regular exercise regimen by the end of the week.
If you’re currently not into the habit of exercising, then you could turn on the TV and – not watch but – find an exercise program that you can follow. Go ahead and stretch your arms and legs as your TV fitness friends guide you.
You can also raise your heartbeat by riding a bike to a nearby park or by simply stretching your arms and legs as you wake up in the morning.
Shower and Refresh
After exercising, yet another relaxing thing to do is to take a quick, cool shower. And while you’re in the bathroom, you might as well enjoy some of the spa treatments such as aromatherapy and water massage.
Exfoliate with a body scrub using a bath mitt. Condition your hair and don’t hesitate to soak in the tub that’s been fortified with scented bath oils.
Let Nature Heal You
It is said that Mother Nature is one of the best healers. Since this is so, you might also want to spend a bit of time outdoors. Do this before the sun gets too hot. Walk around your garden or a nearby park.
Be where the green things are and be sure to breathe in the fresh air in the process.
Uttermost Accessories Gilded Bath Prints S/2 33677
Tags: home spa, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, relaxing home, spa ambiance, spa-like home
Posted in Bathroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on A Spa in Your Home, Why Not?
Wednesday, January 16th, 2019
Uttermost Accessories Oink Ceramic Wine Holder 18757
The Chinese New Year is yet to come but the whole world already welcomed the Year of the Earth Pig. This is the zodiac of 2019 according to the Chinese calendar. Brown is a prominent color that’s connected to this humble earth pig so it can also be the Year of the Brown Pig.
It is believed that this year brings luck and fortune to those who are optimistic and responsible. The Chinese believe that it is an excellent year to invest and to become more efficient.
This luck and fortune can be extended to all areas of your life, even your home’s interior design.
Earth Pig Auspicious Colors
Pigs are known to be good mannered and even friendly. These are animals that are not seen to willfully hurt another. Since this is so, you should up the level of calmness and comfort in your home.
Good Feng Shui for this year means you should use shades of yellow, dark brown (remember how brown is the color mostly associated with this farm animal?), gray tones, pink pastels, and even golden hues.
You can also concoct your own color schemes for this year so long as they have the power to brighten the rooms and create a more optimistic ambiance. Brick walls are believed to be an optimistic wall design.
Earth Pig Lucky Numbers
It is believed that the lucky numbers for this year are 4, 6 and 8. You may use these numbers when designing your home. Incorporate them when setting up candle centerpieces or when you’re about to hang a piece of art.
Earth Pig is Earth-Friendly
Sustainable living is also an awesome lifestyle that you might want to consider transitioning to. Here are some ways that your home could go green this year –
Use CFLs. You can now make the choice to switch to compact fluorescent lighting. There are now many options that will fit different lighting fixtures.
Turn off lights that are not in use. Should you or your household be the forgetful type, then you can opt to install movement sensors so that the lights only turn on when there is someone in the room. Installing automatic timers is yet another option.
Set room temperatures correctly. Since the refrigerator and the freezer are two of the top energy-consuming appliances, then you could begin with these. Take the necessary steps so that they will not work harder than what is really needed.
Install an electronic thermostat for the furnace so that the home is heated using only lower temperature.
Unplug. Just as you can save money turning off lights, so shall you save also when you remember to unplug devices and appliances that are not in use.
Let the light in. Nothing beats natural light in illuminating a home. And here’s an even more wonderful thing – sunlight is free so you get ample lighting without spending a dime.
Grow plants. Or you could bring in plants into your home.
Earth Pig Is Being Original
This year is also a great year for originality. You could decorate using crafts that you made.
Personalize. You can share the joys of your travels by hanging pictures of them on your walls. You can also improve the color palette to reflect your personality. If you like purple, then by all means, use it as an accent color or as the anchor hue for the rest of your design.
Earth Pig Embraces Feminine Energy
This translates to tranquility, natural textures, soft colors, and peaceful living throughout your home. Use these feminine characteristics as inspiration when decorating.
Use a lot of wood furniture, water features, earthy colors, and houseplants. Pale pink is also a wonderful color to work with or, better yet, use the Pantone Color of the Year which is somewhat close to this color – Living Coral.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Brass Pig with Dish 8164-12: Yet another pig element.
Tags: Earth Pig, Feng Shui for 2019, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Year of the Brown Pig, Year of the Earth Pig, Year of the Pig
Posted in 2019 Trends, Feng Shui, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Year of the Earth Pig – Interior Design and Feng Shui Tips for 2019
Tuesday, January 15th, 2019
Cabinets, drawers, and shelves are your new best friends. Featured here is the Hooker Furniture Home Office Storia Low Bookcase 1609-10420-MWD.
Seeing and getting used to piles of bills, magazines and papers is a glaring sign that you no longer see these as clutter. But not being bothered by such sight could hold you back from being the person that you ought to be or living the life that you’ve originally envisioned.
Many professional organizers can attest that decluttering does not just provide visual changes but also many other great benefits. First off, seeing that your place is clean is tantamount to relieving stress. Eventually, being stress-free, you end up with improved relationships and better moods.
Don’t be overwhelmed by clutter anymore. Here are five reasons that clutter has been holding you back –
You No Longer Entertain
If your home had been the hub of entertainment for your family and friends and you’ve noticed that you’re no longer inviting them because of the mess or disorganized rooms, then, bingo, clutter has taken root in your home.
This is an obvious result that you’ve abandoned entertaining people because of the shoved clutter and boxes in the basement (these were placed there, to begin with, because you were hosting an event then and, eventually, you did not bother to clean them up anymore).
Free yourself from clutter and be social once again.
You Don’t Feel Comfy
Feeling that you’re ill at ease right in your own home is tragic. So instead of getting used to the stacks of bills and magazines or leaving piles of unfolded laundry in a corner, you’ve got to man up and face it.
Declutter and you’ll feel more at home.
You Feel Ill Most of the Time
That overflow of clothes in the hamper might already be home to mold (yup, go and check now). Or is it the nightstand that’s filled with so many unwanted items that you no longer feel relaxed in your bedroom.
Whatever the reason, dust could accumulate because of this pile of unwanted stuff so remove them especially when you or a family member has allergies. As you do so, you will notice that your health will improve because of reduced stress and relieved breathing.
Your Routine’s Been Disrupted
Do you already feel stressed just looking for a thing to wear when going to work? Many people admit to being overwhelmed by the idea of organizing their own closets and looking through the piles of their belongings. If this is already the case with you, then you might want to consider looking for closet organizers.
Closet organizers are professionals who have many methods of packing and organizing your stuff. There are also a lot of benefits that come with the hiring of these professionals.
First, if you cannot organize your own closet and the very thought of sorting through your stuff makes you woozy, then let these experts help you.
Second, if you think that you have hoarding tendencies or that you feel challenged by the very thought of organizing the closet, then allow the professional organizers to do the job for you. These are highly trained people – some even have psychology degrees – which can deal with such behaviors.
As you free-fall and allow them to help you, then the benefits are enhanced productivity and a feeling of tranquility.
The Clutter Had Become a Money Pit
Clutter could be a reason for food to go bad or for cosmetic items to go to waste, even medicines to become not useful. As you add up the money that was used to buy these things, then you’d realize the amount wasted.
Declutter and take charge of your life. Don’t allow the dry goods to be stored anywhere else but a cabinet.
Less clutter will mean that you’re ready to save some money.
Tags: decluttering, decluttering project, DIY decluttering, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance | Comments Off on 5 Leading Reasons That Clutter Impedes Your Success
Monday, January 14th, 2019
Stanley Furniture Bedroom Upholstered Bed Queen 007-23-52: Regularly clean the bedroom to enjoy a relaxing night’s sleep each and every time.
Do you still see junk mail and bills piling up on the kitchen counter? Let’s not begin to describe the strewn clothes in bedrooms and the kids’ toys left on the floor. Hey, no rush but it’s going to be February soon so why not start decluttering now?
You probably already know that clutter could lead to stress and anxiety. Each task that should have been easy would become a lot more complicated all because there is mess that’s competing for your attention. The opposite of this, of course, brings about tranquility.
The link between a homeowner’s mind and his living space is, more often than not, circular. This means that when a person is feeling depressed or anxious, he could end up not cleaning up. And where there’s clutter, there will also always be anxiety. Until this cycle is broken, a house will never become a home.
If you want to take on the decluttering project, then you’ll have to divide your house by zone. Here are areas that you need to focus on –
Laundry Room Cleanup
No one wants to spend time inside this room but you have to when you’re…well, running out of clothes to wear.
In this room, you need to sort the cleaning products and set up an uncomplicated makeover. For no more than $100, you can already freshen up the laundry room.
Begin by storing stuff inside baskets. These baskets should, preferably, fit inside the shelves. Next, make sure that all the laundry essentials are well within your reach. Store the stronger liquids such as the softener and the detergent in clear dispensers. This will help you keep tab on how much cleaning agents you still have.
You can also paint the laundry room with a more soothing color such as eggshell white, pastels or this year’s Pantone Color – Living Coral.
The Pantry Cleanse
Cleaning up the pantry becomes even more necessary if you have limited space to cram your foodstuff in. Your goal is not just to overhaul this part of the kitchen but more of bringing order in that area.
Don’t forget to label stuff in your pantry. Labeling will help you maintain a system that puts everything in its proper place. If you can’t do this, you can hire someone like the character of Drew Barrymore in the movie Blended (her character is a closet organizer). If, however, you like to do it yourself, then you can buy organizing and cleanup tools to start.
Use canisters and baskets. These will help you store fresh food longer.
Disinfect the Bathroom
It could get tricky to clean up this room. First, it is filled with many different products especially when each family member has a different set of toiletries.
Remove the beauty and health products that you no longer use (or worse, are already empty). Check the storage area under the bathroom sink and clean up the drawers, shelves, and vanity.
It shouldn’t take a day to clean this room (you can do this in two hours tops).
Clean the Bedroom
If you want to enjoy quality sleep, then be ready to clean the bedrooms. Scientific studies show that anxiety and depression could result from the lack of good sleep. These conditions could even get worse (think of heart diseases and diabetes).
Begin your cleanup here by giving away the clothes that you no longer want. Don’t let that bursting closet bother you any longer. Add more drawers or shelves if necessary.
The stuff that you only use on certain seasons should be stored. Fold and file into drawers and shelves.
Tags: decluttering, home cleanup, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Out with the Old, In with the New: Declutter These Zones in Your Home
Friday, January 11th, 2019
Marge Carson Accessories Murphy Pet Sofa MU94
Your feline pet isn’t just a furry friend anymore. These days, she is already considered a member of the family. And since she’s a member of the family, she also has to have her own space where she can play and roam around.
In urban areas that are already densely populated and have very few parks and trees, setting up a home for a feline family member could be a bit more difficult.
Believe it or not, there are now architects who are being commissioned to design homes around a cat. These homes come with spaces where the cat can perch, take a nap, and even move freely about.
Jackson Galaxy, known as TV’s cat whisperer, says that cats are bush or tree dwellers. They are creatures, therefore, that require lots of vertical space. For many homeowners, this is not always easy to set up especially when aesthetics are being considered.
After all, there has to be a balance between the human and cat elements. Here are some tips that can help you achieve this harmonious co-existence with your feline family member –
Maitland-Smith Accessories Pr Bookends, Cat:Birds Motif 8141-12: Who says the cat has to be the only cat?
Control the pet odors with Capel Incorporated Accessories CC Pet Stain & Odor Remover 16 Oz.
Tags: cat-friendly home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on How to Design Around Your Pet Cat
Thursday, January 10th, 2019
Any added storage or display case in a home is an awesome addition to its aesthetic and actual value.
The way your home looks and feels has a huge impact on how it is valued or on how much it will eventually sell. Lack of lighting, outdated styles, unorganized furniture, and small spaces are all reasons for buyers not to nod to your offer.
Prior to selling your home, you should seriously see what updates are available. Check out the hottest trends as these will surely give you value for your investment and even impress your would-be buyers.
So what four simple things can you do that have the greatest impact in terms of value and visual appeal?
Huge Closets
It pays to invest in bigger closets or wardrobes (for bedrooms). Even a coat rack right by the entryway is already an awesome addition. The hottest trend is to create more spaces where people can store their stuff. You see, everyone craves for more space in their homes and when they are shopping for a new home, this is definitely one of the things that they check.
Closets are so important that realtors even suggest a closet redesign or additions prior to selling. This is easy on the pocket but the returns are huge. The estimated cost for a closet project is $3,500 and the cost recovery is at $2,000. That’s more than 50% of value that you can recover.
Stylish Bathroom
If you’ve seen the episodes of Flipping Vegas, you would notice that the resident interior designer, Amy, always updates the bathroom look. She’s not the type who’s contented with the cookie cutter type of bathrooms.
Bathroom renovation is a huge task but it is one activity that gives huge returns when finished. About 49% of consumers suggest that bathrooms should be upgraded when its starting to show worn out surfaces.
Take note that you need to be mentally and financially ready to take on this renovation project. You can go for what’s hot and trendy right now or choose a timeless design.
Bathroom renovations often include updating the lighting fixtures, adding an elegant tub, upgrading the bathroom surfaces, and adding any other feature that you feel is trendy such as spa-like features.
Lighting is quite hot lately. Many homeowners are looking for lighting that will set their bathrooms apart. This tends to serve as the final adornment or jewelry in the bathroom so they take the time to choose it well.
Estimated bathroom updates are at $26,000 with about 58% of this that’s recoverable.
Elegant Kitchen
If you’re serving food that’s gourmet, then you also have to seriously think about elevating the elegance in the room where that food is prepared. What’s hot these days is the striking contrast between the classic and contemporary elements. Mixed metals are also hot, hot, hot.
The kitchen is the heart of every home, so we’re told. So every year, it’s not surprising that new trends come up specifically for this part of your home. Black and white contrasts are an infamous style that has taken the country by storm.
Graphic tiles are also hot as are induction tops and charging stations.
The kitchen upgrade can easily cost $30,000 but you can easily recoup 67% of your investment once you sell the house.
Everyone Wants Hardwood
Wood is a timeless interior design element that you must include in your home (if you haven’t already). Many homeowners are already ripping up their carpets and exchanging them for the more stylish hardwood flooring.
Hardwood flooring enhances any home because it adds a rich texture that no carpet can duplicate. If you already have this kind of flooring in your home, make sure to have it refinished so it can have a new look this new year.
Tags: home improvement, increasing home value, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Staging, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Increase Your Home Value with These 4 Interior Design Elements
Wednesday, January 9th, 2019
Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Banquet Dining Table 1680-814: One can’t find a single eyesore in this ensemble.
Have you ever seen an interior design that’s so bad that you almost barfed in your mouth? Bad design…it brings someone to the point of being sick so, kidding aside, what should you do to veer away from eliciting this kind of reaction from your visitors?
Uninstall the Moldy Carpet
Although a thick carpet does feel great on your feet, dust and mold tend to accumulate in them. Even insects and rodents could visit this flooring cover, too, leaving you with allergies and other health problems.
Instead, you can choose to install hardwood floors or the trendiest linoleum flooring. Who would not adore the chic look brought about by natural wood. Linoleum, on the other hand, comes in many sorts of styles so you won’t fall short on options.
If your heart goes aflutter over carpet still, then be sure to invest in a washable one or just get an ornate rug to decorate your floor.
Freshen Up the Walls
Do you sometimes get the feeling that you want to give the walls a fresh coat of paint just so you can change the look in a room? This could be reason enough to actually do the task or you could also repaint your home as a remedy to molds and mildew.
The more humid zones should be painted with mold-resistant paint in order to avoid another buildup.
And this year, try the Pantone Color of the Year which is Living Coral. See if you are daring enough to paint the walls with this mellow yet exciting hue. If not, you can always freshen up the curtains with this unique color.
The Bedroom Sanctuary
The bedroom is a sanctuary because it is the place where you can recharge and unwind. This could easily become the haven for allergens and germs, too. Don’t let this happen.
Combat the occurrence of pest and allergen problems by getting allergen-proof mattress, pillows, and box spring. Consider getting an organic mattress which contains only natural materials.
Nothing can be worse than having a mattress that will not induce sleep so improve your bedroom interior design by considering these bedroom essentials.
The Right Furniture
Buying new furniture is one of the top activities that happen during a move to a new home or a when remodeling a property. Old chairs and saggy sofas will surely make your living room look old and tired.
Couple these with battered-looking pieces in the dining room and your home will look like it would need a serious overhaul.
Picking the right and beautiful furniture is not enough, though. You should also set up a cleaning schedule for these pieces. Or if you can, dust-proof your furniture sets so that you won’t have to worry too much about allergies.
Declutter
Whoever said clutter is stylish? Clutter will never, ever be in style but it is also a part of natural life. Homes do tend to become messy over time. This new year is a chance to sort out the useful from the long unused, and the loved from the unnoticed.
Go through your stacks of bills, papers, magazines, books, and knickknacks.
Dust will only gather on these piles and stacks so it is best to put them away in storage bins (if you still plan on using them) or to give them away to other people who could still use them.
Conclusion
You see, bad interior design is not all about looking at ugly stuff in a home. It could be as simple as incorrectly placed furniture or a style that was so tricky that the person who designed the room ended up miscalculating a few things.
It is always a great idea to redesign your home once in a while. Your family and friends will surely appreciate that and so would you when you easily get tired of a certain look.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on What’s Bad Interior Design?
Tuesday, January 8th, 2019
American Leather Bedroom SHA-BED-CT
The hospitality industry is quickly catching up with the technological innovations in our world today. Travelers now ask more than a homey atmosphere or something that’s just practical.
Back in the day, hotel rooms lacked originality. They were set up for practical reasons and for durability. Artistic flair is rarely seen, after all, what are hotel rooms for but a place to crash during the night, right?
Wrong.
The neutral tones of hotel rooms, in the past, are replicated throughout the building. Travelers would rarely talk about their hotel experience.
These days, it’s quickly changing. The shifting demographics of the traveling population have greatly affected the hotel industry’s decision to make some changes. The changes that are happening now have come about because of these travelers’ increasing needs.
One can only speculate what lies in the future when it comes to hotel needs. For now, it’s safe to declare that the modern look is the new norm for many more years to come.
No doubt, every generation brings with it a different yet fresh culture and newer preferences. The millennials are a powerful sector that has been altering the hotel industry.
This generation has since become the supplier of culture shifts and travel numbers. Technology has become prevalent and along with it, the demand for it in design.
Traveling also isn’t just about getting from point A to B anymore. The people’s preferences are taking a powerful shift and now almost everyone’s clamoring for an experience that’s authentic.
Trends also affect the hotel industry, thus, they bring forth the changes, too. The hotel design has had its own share of evolutions brought about by design preference and the need for newer technology.
People have also become more environment conscious. So now, people want to see that the design of a space is green or earth-friendly.
Now that you know how and why the shifts have been happening, now it’s time to see what the actual changes have been –
Improved Hues
Neutral colors flooded hotel rooms back in the day but, nowadays, you will see a lot of blues, oranges, yellows, and even shades of red. These are bold hues and are made for hotels that are making bold choices but they are sure to catch the attention of guests.
Different Textures
Hotels used to focus on patterns. Now, these are no longer the major features. Just as good, if not better, are textures which can elevate the design without being overwhelming.
More and more hotels are seeing these as the better aesthetic choice.
Vintage Look Is In
People are looking for the story in a hotel design, hence, vintage pieces help to tell the tale. A good nostalgia makes guests feel warm and fuzzy which is what hotel owners would like to evoke.
Green Design
More and more travelers now prefer environment-friendly hotels. They even prefer green features over certain amenities.
Hotel rooms now offer bigger windows, less use of paper products, and green walls and roofing. Live plant features and trees are also elements that are also slowly being added.
Infusion of Technology
And what use is a hotel room today that does not even offer free Wi-Fi? Modern design is considered as such because it comes with a technological component. The geometric shapes of lamps and other furnishings are there but there are also plugins for smartphones.
While artistic features are awesome to look at, the technological elements cannot be ignored.
The Future
So what’s next for the hotel industry?
It’s still a mystery. As volatile as the trends are, the hotel industry is there to just anticipate what the market will need next.
Tags: hotel design, hotel industry, hotel industry changes, hotel innovations, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Hospitality Industry | Comments Off on Hotel Interior Design of the 21st Century
Monday, January 7th, 2019
Flexsteel Living Room Leather Power Reclining Sofa 1441-62P
McCreery’s Home Furnishings is excited in kicking off this exciting new year with a little something that homeowners often ask about – furniture placement. Many have complained about how complicated it could get. Some were even confident at first only to end up that what they set up isn’t right after all.
Figuring out furniture placement basics is one of the essential steps in keeping a lovely home. And before you even begin learning about furniture layout, the first thing that you need to fully comprehend is space.
Function More Than Form
So, let’s talk about space. This is the most important factor that you need to think about when arranging the rooms in your home. For instance, two sofas that face each other are symmetrical but when your family’s primary activity when in the living room is to watch TV, then this is an impractical setup.
Before you bring in the furniture pieces, think about how you would use the space and what activities will be held there.
The Flow Matters
Any empty room is a kind of blank slate for any interior design enthusiast. But getting over enthusiastic could lead to a not-so-good furniture placement. So be sure to map the traffic routes. Keep in mind also that less is always more. Remember to keep three feet of walking space between each furniture piece.
Harmony Is Key
Whether you would arrange your furnishings symmetrically or not, balance will always be a crucial factor in space design. You can visually counteract a huge furniture piece using two smaller pieces. A tall lamp can also do the trick.
Be sure to have the pattern and color create a balance at all times.
Pair Seats with Something
A loveseat or an armchair, no matter how lovely, tends to look and feel lonely. So, if you have a comfy chair, make sure that there’s something where you can rest your feet up or where you can place that piping hot cup of tea.
A buddy chair is always a great idea.
Set Up Zones
Furniture placement can help with a house that has an open plan layout. The sets of furniture could be used in creating rooms or zones which will show how that space is supposed to be used.
An area rug under the couch and a pair of chairs could easily become the conversation zone. A chandelier over the table is the right setting for a formal dining area.
Turn that sofa’s back to the rest of the furnishings and what you have indicated is the living room.
Furniture and Walls Shouldn’t Touch
Many interior design experts would warn their clients against the ugliness that’s waiting to happen when they push all their furniture against the wall. It could get tempting if your space is small but don’t do it.
Even as small as a distance of 12 inches is enough to give your couch some breathing space.
Zero In On the Focal Point
While it’s not a necessity to hang a huge pendant lamp in each room, you should see to it that the furniture are laid out according to how they would be best used. Always consider the architectural features of your home.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Experiment. It’s just a piece of furniture so relax. If you’re feeling stuck in one placement, then know that you can try again. Tomorrow is another day to try to move that couch or to shift the orientation of your bed in the master bedroom.
Loosen Up
Yes, once again, just relax. This is your home that we’re talking about here so there are no commandments that are set in stone. Go ahead and break rules if you have to. Let your creativity take flight and see what will happen.
Tags: furniture layout, furniture placement, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, where to place furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Furniture Placement 101
Sunday, January 6th, 2019
The Wesley Allen Bedroom Laurel Complete Bed will look great in a vintage home. But before you bring in this lovely piece of furniture or any furnishing for that matter, make sure that your home is free from toxic and hazardous substances.
‘Recently purchased an old home? No surprise there because a lot of people are drawn to such because of these structures’ charm. While these houses are such a beauty to behold, there are also dangers there that you might not have initially considered.
That Long-banned Lead Paint
If you bought a home that was built before 1978, then it is probable that it’s been painted with lead paint. This was the year when the federal government finally banned the use of lead-based paints because they were found to be life threatening.
Paint, even when lead-based, when in good condition less likely to be dangerous but come the moment when it is sanded, scraped or even chipped, then it becomes hazardous.
Lead dust is dangerous because it can be inhaled and it can even mix with the soil outdoors where you typically garden or where your kids play. Have your home tested for lead-based paint if you’re not sure that you’re putting your family at risk. A simple inspection will be able to show whether there’s lead-based paint or none.
Lead Plumbing
Lead isn’t just found in paint. This can also be found in pipes. This is highly dangerous because the substance could easily mix with your family’s drinking water. Your health could be endangered due to poisoning.
The surefire way to know if you have lead pipes is to have them tested. You can have experts take a look or you can use a kit from any home improvement shop. This inspection becomes doubly crucial if you see that your plumbing is non-plastic and if it was installed prior to 1986.
Ways that you can reduce the health risks once it’s been established that your pipes are made of lead include –
Asbestos
Asbestos is a kind of mineral fiber that’s been used a lot during the 20th century. More homes were filled with this fiber in World War II. It was used extensively in construction and roofing as it was an effective insulator and fireproof material.
Asbestos was also used in wall compounds, caulking, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, ducts, pipes, boilers, and furnaces. Even the ceilings were sprayed on with asbestos treatments which looked as a decorative overlay.
Asbestos was also an effective sound blocker.
So if asbestos had these many uses, why was it banned in the late ‘70s? The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission banned any further use of this material due to environmental concerns. Disturbing this material in any manner will release the fibers into the air. When breathed in, the fibers could remain trapped in your lungs leading to inflammation and eventual scarring.
Diseases such as mesothelioma and other forms of cancer have also been linked to asbestos exposure.
An abatement professional will be able to help you confirm if there is still asbestos in your home. Never take samples of materials on your own as this can disrupt the fibers. Your local state agency will also be able to help you with the inspection and removal of this material.
Old, Outdated Wiring
The CPSC stated that approximately 46,000 fires, each year, start because of faulty electrical systems. The sad news is that most of these could have been prevented had there been a thorough routine inspection.
Take note that homes built 40-100 years ago had not been inspected since they were constructed. If you experience dimming or flickering lights, power outages, sizzling sounds, hot outlets, burnt smells, shrinking TV picture, and even smoke, then what you’re seeing or hearing are warning signs already.
If you can’t even remember having your electrical system inspected, then it’s time to hire a certified electrician ASAP.
Tags: home inspection, home maintenance, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, older homes
Posted in Home Buying, Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on What Dangers Hide in Older Homes?
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