• Follow us:

Posts Tagged ‘McCreerys’

« Older Entries Newer Entries »

Clocks: A Striking Design Element

Tuesday, November 8th, 2016

Accessories Uttermost Cafe De La Tour Chalkboard And Clock 13991

Accessories Uttermost Cafe De La Tour Chalkboard And Clock 13991

Modern life won’t move forward if there were no clocks ticking nearby. This is no less than the central theme in many historical events. Timekeeping has always been recognized in this format and in accurate calendars.

Clocks have come a long way from being the mere sundial or water clock in the second millennium BC. We have the Egyptians and the Greeks to thank for these, respectively. Nowadays, some people are obsessed with the measurement of time as they carefully place clocks in every corner of their homes.

What Are Clocks For?

Clocks are not just there to remind everyone that they are behind their schedules. There was a point in time when giant clocks symbolized opulence, sophistication and style. Today, modern electronics have put an end to the aristocratic era that made giant clocks important. This does not mean that the wall clock is just an unnoticeable piece of decorative element these days. Apart from providing aesthetic beauty, clocks are there to give meaning and character to any wall where they are hung.

Many people are passionate about the use clocks. They even go through the pains of searching for the right clock that would suit their chosen interior design. Just like them – if you choose wisely – you’d be able to use clocks to become an attractive part of your home.

Clocks are quite fascinating. You should make it a point to differentiate the moods and functions of rooms by adding a different clock in each space. You can use the clocks that were given to you as a gift or hang the ones that you bought yourself.

But what’s the basis for shopping when it comes to clocks?

There’s only one thing to consider – find the ones that fascinate you. Every room should have a different clock to display but make sure each one represents who you are or what your taste in clocks is. Choose whether you’d want a contemporary clock or one that has a period look to it.

There are many designs to choose from. Some are handcrafted especially those that are made of wood. Others are made of plastic, acrylic or metal. There are also some clocks that contain precious stones or metals. Silver is probably the most used metal in the creation of clocks.

Hanging wall clocks is much like hanging family pictures or a piece of art. This is pretty much a part of the overall interior design.

Most wall clocks are affordable so you can collect a few and then use them in your home. You can also create a unique look by lining up several wall clocks in a row. This is effective because it is a concept used in many art galleries as artworks are hung.

You can also use the clocks to display different time zones from different key cities in the world. If you have relatives that live abroad, then you can show the time that they have there.

Place a dark-colored wall clock right on a white or any light-colored wall. This is an effective way to catch guests’ attention. Pique their interest further as you use traditional cuckoo clocks or thin wall clocks. Majority of such clocks are fashioned after a birdhouse or a chalet. A mechanical cuckoo bird comes out at every hour. You would surely love the chirping noises!

If traditional look doesn’t seem to catch your attention, then make use of eclectic or Art Deco motifs. There are, again, a huge variety of such clocks to choose from. Opt for neon clocks and other such contemporary clocks when designing young ones’ rooms.

Living Room Uttermost Cassem Clock Table 24321

Living Room Uttermost Cassem Clock Table 24321

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

Your Haunted House This Halloween

Monday, November 7th, 2016

Black is the color of midnight and so this CYNTHIA ROWLEY for HOOKER FURNITURE twin peak six-drawer chest on chest is perfect for Halloween.

Black is the color of midnight and so this CYNTHIA ROWLEY for HOOKER FURNITURE twin peak six-drawer chest on chest is perfect for Halloween.

Halloween is right around the corner – it’s that time for little ghouls and goblins to roam the streets and spook everyone. They can ask for candies, too. Get ready to hear scary stories and watch horror movies with your friends. Expect to see Jack o’ Lanterns, too. This year, you can also make a scary addition in your neighborhood by putting a creepy clown on your porch.

These are all modern takes on All Hallow’s Eve, a pre-Christian festival tracing all the way back to 2,000 years. The Celts held this at around November 1 and called it Samhain (pronounced sah-win), meaning, summer’s end.

The exact nature of this festival isn’t fully comprehended but one thing is certain – it is an annual gathering right at the end of the harvest. This is also that moment when resources are gathered to prep for the winter months. This is also a festival celebrated to commune with the dead.

Halloween reminds everyone about the concept of uncertainty and death. People are unafraid to dress up as the dead and they even set up fake grave markers on their front lawns. These are activities that are only tolerated during this holiday.

There might not be a direct connection between Samhain and present-day Halloween but what matters is that this has become a celebration of sorts.

So, it’s time to forget about fear or death and focus on how you can decorate your home into a haunted house just for this season.

Glittering Pumpkins

Who says pumpkins always have to be plain orange? Add a bit of drama and character to your good ol’ pumpkin by applying a metallic finish. Imagine having brass, silver or golden pumpkins. After making them shine, you can then sit them on your porch or right down the runner.

Black Cats

These will always be a part of Halloween décor. It’s time to welcome trick-or-treaters with a litter of black cats on your lawn. These can be carved out of pumpkins – solicit the help of older children for this fun project.

Shadows

You can create a shadowy area by using adhesive vinyl sheets in black. Use your garage door to recreate a shadowy Halloween section. You could have a group of vampires huddling or a creepy graveyard. What’s nice about this is that it can be easily removed after Halloween.

Ghosts Galore

You can also create some floating ghosts using chicken wire, cheese cloth and some liquid fabric starch. Make your ghost glow by putting a battery-operated fluorescent light in your formed figures. Elicit oohs and ahs with these spooky, glowing forms.

Candy Corn Décor

Halloween is all about trick-or-treats and candies. So go ahead and create a colorful candy corn décor that you could hang by the porch. Go a step further by creating a piñata that everyone could enjoy. Read about candy corn piñata-making here – http://www.brit.co/candy-corn-pinata/

The Accessories Uttermost Kadam Ceramic Vases S.2 19825 come in the beautiful, rustic colors of the fall season.

The Accessories Uttermost Kadam Ceramic Vases S.2 19825 come in the beautiful, rustic colors of the fall season.

The Pumpkin Wreath

Now who says wreaths are just for Christmas? Instead of the joyful colors during this holiday season, you can create a pumpkin wreath instead. Find the smallest pumpkins or putka pods. Place this mini wreath on your front door and you’re ready to welcome the kid trick-or-treaters.

Stenciled Horror

Decorate your home’s Halloween interior by stenciling some pumpkin, spider webs, witches and goblins right on your walls. Search for stencil templates or buy ready-made wall stencils for your home.

Headless Horseman

Would you like to have the scariest door greeter this Halloween? Set up a smaller-than-life-size figure of a headless horseman right by your doorstep. There are links to step-by-step instructions online. Find the one that’s easiest for you or you can just have a headless mannequin all dressed up for a scarier door greeter.

Black Poison Bottles

Forget about cookie jars and horror terrariums. Old wine bottles shouldn’t be tossed, keep ‘em so that you can paint them matte black this season. Paste a handwritten label on each then display them on your wine rack.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

7 Unique Ways to Decorate Walls

Monday, November 7th, 2016

The Accessories Uttermost Zana Red Distressed Photo Frames, S3 18570 is not your regular photo frame.

The Accessories Uttermost Zana Red Distressed Photo Frames, S3 18570 is not your regular photo frame.

Home decoration should be a fun, continuous process. There’s painting, hanging the artwork, choosing and using the right accessories, even investing in the right furniture, and it’s important to remember that every area is covered. Walls will always be an important part of the design process and every home has that one wall that needs to be dressed up.

Your problem wall could be one that is partially covered or it could be a strange-looking part of your home. Homeowners sometimes don’t see huge, blank walls, rather, a clean slate that they can dress up. Some see it as something that’s intimidating.

What’s great is that there are so many awesome ideas that will match your taste. Here are some of these unique ideas –

Stripes on Accent Wall

If you want an easy fix on that blank wall, then consider having it painted or wallpapered in stripes. This can be a great DIY task that will totally transform the visual aura of a room. You can actually do this project in just one weekend. Pick colors that will match the rest of the design then you can either go horizontally or vertically – the choice is yours to make.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (or Walls)

If you are going to dress up a blank wall, then it is probable that that wall is also windowless. Dreaming for some light in that room means you should know how to effectively use mirrors. A choice that you can make is to cover the whole wall with a flat mirror. You could also section off a portion to create the illusion of a window.

Hanging a variety of mirrors is one way to change the look in any room. Remember that adding a mirror or a set of mirrors won’t just change the overall décor but would also give additional light.

An Artistic Gallery Wall

If you have a lot of photos or artwork to display, then that empty wall is the perfect gallery. Turn the wall into a decorative element by creating an array of art. Stylize your gallery by picking frames and photos that coincide with your chosen theme.

Mix up, invent, create. Always plan the stuff that you would hang on your mini gallery so you won’t create any permanent error.

Passion for Wall Murals

Next to the instant art gallery is that chic wall mural. This is yet another way to show some art in your home. There are two choices for wall murals – first, there are the custom wall mural decals and the other is the simple paint art project.

Popping Shelves

Hooker Furniture Accents Melange Encircle Floor Mirror

Hooker Furniture Accents Melange Encircle Floor Mirror

Unique shelving is also its own wall art. Use triangle shelves to decorate your walls. To add some drama and character, use some fabric to add color.

Use floating shelves to give you ample storage minus the bulky hardware. Use the ladder effect or use cubby shelves.

Good Ol’ Wallpaper

Wallpapering is both traditional and trendy. Create that trendy accent wall by adding some colorful or metallic wallpaper. There is a wide variety of wallpaper options that could match your current design. Choose from bold colors to neutrals, textured and patterned.

You can even miraculously replicate paint with the use of wallpapers.

The Family Chalkboard Wall

Whether there are children in the family or not, nothing beats that good old chalkboard wall. Just use a few coast of paint (use the chalkboard type) to make one wall stand out from the rest. Use this wall to post important messages to family members, greet birthday celebrators, or to play.

A more artistic solution to decorate your wall is to stencil your fave design or quote. Display your collections and you have just added the right character to the room.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Interior Design 101, Wall Design | No Comments »

Dining Room Couture – Why You Should Decorate This Space for Entertainment and Delightful Meals

Saturday, November 5th, 2016

From FFDM's Portfolio Collection.

From FFDM’s Portfolio Collection.

The dining room has always been one of the easiest rooms to design – at least that’s what most homeowners think. But if you really want this room to stand out and be the talk of the town, then you should be ready to create an inspiring space.

From furniture to wallpaper, the dining room is often dressed up just as a cozy space with well-chosen colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment and use bold colors which would look great even in smaller rooms. Make use of statement wallpaper as well as charming window treatments.

Your dining room could be a space of indulgence but carefully consider other options as well. It is also a good idea to use wood flooring and to invest in a lot of storage. The dining room is going to be a very busy place (or it might already be) so be sure to design according to this concept.

Think about your choice of dining table, dining chairs, perhaps a bench, sideboard, and lighting fixtures. Would you be willing to invest in a chandelier?

Then do so.

Creating That Gorgeous Dining Space

There are some basic concepts to know if you want to come up with a charming yet practical dining area. Would you be using the area to welcome the company of good friends? Are you going to enjoy family gatherings there? Or would you want to just hold intimate meals for your immediate family?

Whatever your purpose, you should know some fundamental rules.

The right color palette should be chosen around the fact that the dining room is usually used during the evenings. So, natural lighting is not a major consideration here. Go ahead and use impactful and bold colors. These are just right when you are out to entertain people. Add soft lighting to intensify the rich tones and to create a more interesting ambience.

Correct lighting must be anything that’s flexible. The fixture should be able to provide ample lighting as you and your guests dine. If you have chosen to have a chandelier, then have it hung directly above the dining table. Its brightness must also be adjustable so that you would be able to control the moods during different phases of the dinner.

The dining room can also be a place for a dramatic statement. You can place interesting artworks on the walls. You can also install textured wallpaper to add some dramatic flair. It pays to know your signature style, though. Creating drama or invoking a certain mood in the dining room means you know what you want and you know how to get it.

You could be the type that loves clean lines or classic patterns on the walls. For these, you could use color infusion at its subtlest.

In contrast, there are people who love carvings and all things intricate. For such, it would be wise to use neutral to rustic color palettes and a more subdued backdrop so that what’s left to emphasize are the beauty of the furnishings.

It is also important to consider the layout of the dining space. Take the time to measure the room and then to account for windows, outlets and doors. The table that you bring in must be big enough to accommodate you and your family plus some guests should you decide to invite some people for dinner.

Another beautiful piece from FFDM's Portfolio Collection.

Another beautiful piece from FFDM’s Portfolio Collection.

Dining Room Furniture

The basic dining room furniture pieces include the table and dining chairs. You could choose to add a china cabinet for your silverware and chinaware. The table is the most prominent piece, though, so choose it well. The dining chairs should all fit around the table so that everyone’s going to be comfortably seated.

Finishing touches for your couture dining room are the most beautiful cutlery, glassware, table linen, centerpiece, perhaps a table runner and some candles.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Dining Room Design, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »

Wallpapering Guide – Who’s Ready to Hide Imperfections On Their Walls?

Friday, November 4th, 2016

Maitland-Smith Accessories Set Of Four Gold Gilt Bust 1443-252

Maitland-Smith Accessories Set Of Four Gold Gilt Bust 1443-252

Did you know that wallpapering is one of the most effective ways to hide wall flaws? This is also a lot easier to use as compared to paint. To add to this, you can also easily remove and replace wallpapers. This is one design piece that isn’t permanent so you have many options to beautify your walls.

Still comparing it with regular paint, wallpaper comes in various patterns and designs. There are also a lot of customizable choices plus it is more cost-effective. Wallpaper can stay on your walls for more than a decade, some could even last for 15 years.

Know Your Wallpaper Type

Location is the most important consideration that you should make when you want to know the type of wallpaper that you would use. For example, if you’re planning to apply some wallpaper to the kitchen walls, then you would want the type that is washable and, most preferably, also stain-resistant. Wallpapering in the nursery or playroom should be the type that you could easily scrub. Bathroom wallpapers, on the other hand, should be moisture-resistant.

Generally, there are just three kinds of wallpapers and here they are –

Pre-pasted.  This type of wallpaper has been pre-coated with some adhesive. This means that there is no longer any need to cover the walls with wallpaper paste once you install it. What you will need is just a bit of water or an activator so that the dry paste is activated and ready to be used.

Non-pasted. This type is also called as dry-back wallpaper. This does not come with pre-paste, hence, you will buy an adhesive for the application. It is best to use the wallpaper paste that has been provided by your manufacturer, though.

Self-adhesive. This is, as its name suggests, a self-adhering wallpaper. This comes with a sticky film so there is no need to activate the adhesive. Self-adhesive wallpaper is pretty much like a sticker, with each strip having its own backing, one that’s easily removed during installation.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Beaumarchais Chest

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Beaumarchais Chest

Wallpaper Scaling

The scale of the patterns on your wallpaper will make or break the look that you create. Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside of the box. Spaces that look like yours may look good on certain wallpaper patterns but do these represent who you are? Do these speak about your character or would you rather go for the patterns that represent you?

Don’t go with small patterns right away. Sometimes, of course, you really need to have small-scale wallpaper but when you’re in a much bigger room, then you have the leeway to use larger scale. With the right level of creativity, you should be able to make the room look more chic and glamorous.

Patterns are there for aesthetic purposes. Repeated patterns are great in hiding blemishes on your walls. Just be sure to line the edges of every panel, this could be challenging but worth your time once you perfect it.

As for geometric patterns, there are shapes that could appear too busy. The tighter the space between the shapes, the busier they look so be careful in choosing horizontal or vertical patterns.

Wallpaper Color Choices

Before finalizing your color choice, consider the room’s size, flooring material, furnishings and accent pieces first. If your furnishings have a cool hue, then you should say no to wallpaper with the same undertones. Go for colors that complement these warm colors instead. It wouldn’t be bad to pick a bold color this time.

Would you also want the wallpapered area to become your focal point? Then find something stunning and cause awe for everyone.

Be careful in automatically resorting to blue, red or yellow. Try soft or bold colors, ones that have not been tried too much in the past. You will see how much fun you’ll have by trying something new.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Wall Design | No Comments »

Gold-Brass – A Beautiful Interior Design Union

Thursday, November 3rd, 2016

FFDM's Fusion Collection shows the shimmering beauty of gold yet again.

FFDM’s Fusion Collection shows the shimmering beauty of gold yet again.

There is an ongoing trend that’s becoming more popular each day. People seem to be having a great interest in all things that are gold or brass. Those who love to wear jewelry know how thrilling these colors are especially if you combine them.

Gold and brass can provide a certain warmth and depth that no other color combinations could offer. Chrome, no matter how beautiful, won’t be able to achieve the luster that gold and brass attain.

The sad thing is, trends tend to die so how do you use this beautiful trend so that it becomes a part of something more lasting?

Making Gold and Brass Timeless

What’s great about interior design trends is that they tend to have a longer existence compared to seasonal fashion. In essence, you still have 10 or more years to use this beautiful color combination before this style goes down the drain.

So now that you’ve confirmed that you’re a huge fan of gold and brass, how do you think you can bring it home? Now don’t go panic buying all because you’ve seen the furnishings in vogue. Invest in pieces that show your maturity as a furniture buyer.

Be able to embrace quirkiness. Find objects that are fun and unique. These are the pieces that can add character and personality to your home.

So, once again, where would you put the gold-brass color combination?

Chandelier

The chandelier is one of the best pieces to infuse more shimmer and shine. Find an elegant chandelier that will add a pleasant eccentricity to the room. For example, pick one that’s not too heavy on metal but has a lot more of glass. Gold can then be used on the arms of the chandelier. This should give your dining room, den, living room or bedroom a touch of elegance.

The chandelier is no longer just for dining rooms anymore. Go ahead and use the glamour of this lighting fixture in other rooms.

Furnishings, Paint and Fabrics

Who wouldn’t fall in love with gold furniture? They’re one of the hottest items these days. Just look through interior design magazines and sites and you’d see how elegant the rooms suddenly become once gold furnishings are used.

But how would you be able to pull off this look without creating a tacky-looking home? Begin by swapping out the linens, curtains, pillows, area rugs and fabrics with ones that have gold hints or accents.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Beaumarchais Chest

Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Beaumarchais Chest

Table Runner

Tables in your home become instantly glamorized when you add a gold runner. This look will be perfect for any season but more so this coming holidays. Be sure to pair it with the best centerpiece so that the gold is accentuated in your dining room or living room.

Partner this table runner with some decorative balls, also in gold. Have them placed in a gold-rimmed tray or bowl to make your home even more glitzy.

Sparkling Accessories

Candles are supposed to burn but there are now pieces that are not meant to. Add a golden touch to your home décor by adding some gold candles on the table or placing them at end tables in your living room. Their shiny lights will go a long, long way.

Gold and Brass Hardware

Brass is definitely back. Don’t think of the ‘80s sort of brass fixtures but the brass pieces that are shinier and more modern-looking.

Brass or gold hardware can make a huge difference in any kitchen. The combination of both colors would add a formal touch to what would have been a modest kitchen.

Fashionable Frames

Gold and brass accents can be easily added on any wall or table by placing some picture frames. Just replace the frames of your current wall photos with gold borders. The more intricate and interesting the borders are, the more fashionable they’re gonna be.

May these gold-brass pieces up the level of glitz, glamour and fashion in your home as you consider some of the tips above.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in 2016 Trends, 2017 Trends, Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

Accent Wall: 4 Unforgettable Styles

Thursday, November 3rd, 2016

Hooker Furniture Accents Fretwork Mirror.

Hooker Furniture Accents Fretwork Mirror: Imagine hanging this beauty on your accent wall!

No homeowner should be against having an interesting accent wall. This is one design element that would make your friends and family members rave. Having an accent wall is not painting three walls with something neutral and one wall with the color that you really wanted in the first place. Having this kind of wall means you want to amaze people, to draw some attention, and to make them marvel at what they see there. So how do you make an amazing accent wall?

Accentuate Architecture

Having an accent wall means you have to appreciate and know how to use the architecture of your home. This will actually serve as your guide so be able to point out the most interesting architecture. An example of this is the wall where the fireplace was built. Now that should automatically become your accent wall. Having the fireplace in one of the three other walls would make it snag the attention that’s supposed to be given to the purposed accent wall.

Choose a Logical Paint Color

Take the time to carefully choose your paint. The best places for an accent wall include the wall that anchors the bed, a reading nook, the end of a long hallway, the bookshelf wall, and of course, the wall where the fireplace is situated.

The trick here is to use the wall that would be the star of the show. But be careful in creating this design masterpiece as it could also overwhelm your interiors. An accent wall should be able to make a statement without overpowering the room’s theme. Know how to create a visual impact by choosing a color that is bold or fresh.

Finding the correct color can be a bit challenging. Find a wall that’s within eyesight when you are standing in an adjacent room. The color that you end up choosing will have two roles once you use it on your accent wall and also when you see it from across another room.

Your preference matters when you are out to pick your accent wall color. Just make sure that it would stand out and that you’re ready to make a dramatic statement.

If you ever decide to have bright-colored walls on the other three walls, then choose a dark color still from the same color scheme. If, however, your other three walls come in dark colors, then find an accent color that’s two hues lighter or even darker.

Be Creative…Draw!

Remember those days when you were still a toddler and your parents always said you can’t write on the walls? Well, now that you’re older, you can begin your creative wall project by featuring your favorite song lyrics right on your walls, the map of the world, or your artistic painting right on the wall.

So go ahead, take a ruler, find a paint pen and create. Should you find your drawings hideous, then you can always paint over them and start all over.

Wallpaper ‘Em

Don’t be limited to paint when it comes to beautifying your accent wall. Remember that you can also use wallpapers to set up an interesting accent wall. Just make sure to balance the colors throughout the room that you’re designing. All other elements must harmonize with your chosen wallpaper texture, pattern and color.

When you are refurnishing, be sure to coordinate also your décor and the fabrics. You could also use a charming flower arrangement using the accent color elsewhere in your room.

Accessories Uttermost Rustic Door Knockers Wall Art S2 07654

Accessories Uttermost Rustic Door Knockers Wall Art S2 07654

Rainbows, Butterflies and All Things Nice

Create your own version of rainbow wall by using color swatches first. You then need to get these supplies –

Paint brush or roller

Painter’s tape

Ruler or measuring tape

Paint cans in rainbow colors

Step one is to measure your wall length, divide it equally into the number of colors in a rainbow, then paint. To create straight lines, be sure to use a measuring tape and to tape off every other hue using a pencil.

Let dry for 1-2 hours and you’d have achieved that memorable rainbow accent wall.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Wall Design | No Comments »

Book Organization for Neophytes

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016

Maitland-Smith Accessories Cast Brass Horse Head 1254-320 is an interesting bookend.

Maitland-Smith Accessories Cast Brass Horse Head 1254-320 is an interesting bookend.

The changing of seasons drives a lot of people to clean up their homes. Others may choose to relax during these colder months but if you’re one of those who are aching to tidy up your home instead, then you’re in luck. There may be a lot of decluttering tips online but only a few will tell you how to get properly display your book collections. Book organization is a lot more than simply storing books in shelves, though.

Create an Overall Look

Organizing your bookshelf means you are ready to use it not just as a storage element but also a decorative element. When done properly, an organized book collection can easily become the focal point in a room.

Before you bring in all the books to the living room or your new home library, though, you have to know how they are going to be displayed, though. And you need to show some practicality when you’re en route to organizing your bookshelf.

Consider what shelf color, style or design you would need. As soon as you define these, then you’re ready to go to the actual organization.

Make Space

Prepare an area that you can clear up for your bookshelf or set of bookshelves. If you’re rehashing some shelves, then be sure to dust them first. Do this with the books that you’re going to display, too. Organizing your books is also a great time to consider which books you would want to keep and which ones you are ready to donate. Giving away some of the books that you no longer love or read could help tremendously in your decluttering process.

Categorize

Next, it’s time to categorize the books according to your liking. First, place them on neat piles on the floor. You can create your own filing system according to the alphabetical arrangement of the titles of the book, the authors’ names or the various subjects.

Some homeowners choose to keep a more organized division by classifying according to paperback or hardcover types. For a more decorative appeal, you can also group the books according to the colors of their spines or their height.

To avoid confusion, you should write the category names on slips of paper or place a sticker with the category atop the pile of books which fit the description.

If you have but a few books for your shelf, then you can pick a color scheme that you have also chosen for your room. Paint the insides of the shelves with the same or complementary color to your theme. This should add a pleasant contrast to the room and make the objects being displayed, pop up.

Pick colors as well as themes that will be able to match the surroundings. For a more creative edge, use wallpapers, fabrics and other stuff as a backdrop to the shelf.

If you have a large collection of books, devote a whole room for this collection. You will need to invest in more than two bookshelves so make sure that the rest of the room is uncluttered and simple. You wouldn’t want the surroundings to compete with the focal points in this room – your bookshelves filled with your beloved books.

Hooker Furniture Home Office Saint Armand Wall End Unit L.R

Hooker Furniture Home Office Saint Armand Wall End Unit L.R

Consolidate

Align the books right by the edge of the bookshelf. Be reminded of those books that won’t fit into your shelf. These tall books can lie atop the neat rows that you are about to create. All the spines should be facing out so that it will be easier to read the book titles. This basic arrangement ensures ease in searching books.

To finish the look, be sure to add accessories. Create layers and dimensions by adding framed photos of your adventures or of you and your family. Creating this visual interest will tell everyone that the library is yours – truly yours.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »

Decorative Houseplants: Perfect Embellishments for Interior Spaces

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016

From FFDM's Fusion Collection

From FFDM’s Fusion Collection

When you bring in houseplants, don’t think that you’re just adding green stuff.  These living things have the power to interact with you, holistically, and could even enhance the quality of your lifestyle. Just imagine this, you spend about 80-90% of your time indoors. This means that you need to think about solutions for indoor pollution or you end up risking your health.

So what are the benefits of using houseplants as decorative elements in your home?

Houseplants = Fresh Air

As you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, though, this process is reversed in plants. This opposite pattern makes houseplants a great source of oxygen. Just make sure that you bring out the plants at night when photosynthesis stops so that they get to respire as humans do.

If you still want to enjoy seeing plants during the evening, it is best to bring in succulents, orchids and epiphytic bromeliads. These plants are best placed in bedrooms so that air remains fresh at night.

Houseplants = Moisture

Plants release water vapor or moisture as part of their respiratory process. The great news is that plants release 97-percent of their water intake so when you place several plants side-by-side, they can easily increase the humidity inside a room. Doing this has great benefits such as zero sore throats, dry skin and you even get to enjoy a healthy respiratory system, too.

Houseplants = Purified Air

You don’t just get upped oxygen levels in your room if you bring in houseplants. Plants are known to remove toxins from the air. NASA research shows that about 87% of volatile organic compounds or VOCs can be removed by houseplants. Famous VOCs include vinyl, formaldehyde, cigarette smoke, and non-recyclable grocery bags. Paints, solvents, man-made fibers and inks are also filled with these harmful chemicals. Benzene – also a health hazard – is commonly found in books and any printed paper.

If you want to decrease the harmful effects of VOCs, then be sure to bring in plants inside your home. The contaminants are pulled to the soil by the roots of houseplants. The root microorganisms then turn the VOCs to plant food.

For houseplants that keep VOCs at bay, you should try the spider plant, Gerbera daisy, the English ivy, dragon tree, and the philodendron.

Houseplants = Improved Health

Did you know that putting plants inside hospital rooms could speed up the recovery rates of post-surgery patients? This is according to a research conducted by the Kansas State University. When compared to patients who stayed in rooms without plants, the former patients required less pain medication and even had lower blood pressures and heart rates. Eventually, the patients whose rooms had plants were also released earlier.

This same concept can be used to your advantage in your home. You can reduce the occurrence of stroke by 34%; ischemic heart disease by about 26%; COPD by 22%; respiratory illnesses in children by 12% and lung cancer by 6%.

Accessories Uttermost Maurizio Stone Plant Stand 24624

Accessories Uttermost Maurizio Stone Plant Stand 24624

Recommendations

If you aim to improve your overall health also to reduce stress and fatigue, you can place one large houseplant (no less than an eight-inch diameter pot or bigger for each 129 sq. ft. If it is your aim to purify the air, then use 15-18 plants inside 6-8 inch diameter pots. This is for larger homes (approximately 1,800 sq. ft.). This means that you can have one big plant for every 100 square feet or two smaller pots for the same area.

Remember to match the plant according to the growing conditions in your home. There are plants that thrive even with low lighting conditions and there are those that need to be taken out to catch some sunlight.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

Painting the Bathroom: Sprucing Up Rules to Live By

Tuesday, November 1st, 2016

Your bathroom paint will become more interesting if you hang these Uttermost Accessories Variegated Plants 33642 on the walls.

Your bathroom paint will become more interesting if you hang these Uttermost Accessories Variegated Plants 33642 on the walls.

One of the most inexpensive ways to spruce up a bathroom – or any room for that matter – is to play with colors through painting. A lot of homeowners, however, are inexperienced when it comes to bathroom design. They find the color palette to be so extensive that they get intimidated by the mere sight of it. The great news is, all you need to do is to be introduced briefly to the color wheel, add a little creativity and you would be on your way to designing your dream bathroom.

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

Getting intimidated is the worst thing that can happen to you when you’re out to design something. Bolder colors – keep in mind – are colors that are opposites on the color wheel (e.g. orange and purple).

Soothing colors, on the other hand, are the monochromes or single colors. You can remove the orange in the purple-orange duo and replace it with lavender so that what you achieve are relative hues.

Proper Color Placement

Now that you are more comfortable with the color wheel, you should determine how these colors will be placed in your home. Don’t think that towels, area rugs and curtains are the only sources of color for your bathroom. These days, you can add colorful fixtures from the calmer pastels to the more energized bold hues.

There are also elaborate brass and copper faucets. Don’t stick to the traditional, you can go ahead and experiment. The most popular themes, these days, are those that have Mexican or Indian influences. Say no to rubber ducky and yes to area rugs and colorful bathroom walls.

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Two Cast Brass Sitting Monkey Soap Dishes 1254-302

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Two Cast Brass Sitting Monkey Soap Dishes 1254-302

Pick Three Colors

As you become more and more comfortable in working with colors, you can now use the guiding principle in the creation of an awesome color scheme. Choose a neutral color, rich color and one accent color. Always think of the 70:20:10 ratios when distributing these colors respectively. This means that you use 70% of the lightest color, the second lightest should only be at 20% and the accent color should comprise but 10% of the entire color scheme.

Fuse Two Neutrals, Contrast Dual Brights

The ratio of proportion is also applicable in marrying two neutral colors. This time, use 70:30 where the lighter color still has the bigger percentage. Don’t forget to create a visual interest that includes interesting patterns. This could be as simple as a vein on the marble floor or a herringbone tile.

For a more energetic bathroom setup, consider using some brighter colors like blue and orange. These two are complementary colors on the color wheel. They are invigorating to the eyes and they provide the necessary excitement for your unique bathroom.

If you’re the traditional type who prefers a relaxing bathroom, then use the calmer colors such as whites, neutrals and pastels. Pick white as the main color for your tub, sink, trim and the central piece of furniture in this room.

Embrace Dark Colors

A lot of homeowners don’t just shy away from dark bathroom colors but they totally ignore them. Rich colors such as chocolate brown have the power to create a dramatic contrast especially in a space that’s filled with white fixtures and trims. Add another dose of a rich hue like green and what you’ve achieved is a more animated and contemporary look.

Don’t get nervous in putting darker colors especially in small rooms. You may have a small bathroom but you can easily offset the compacting power of dark colors by using mirrored lamps or a mercury glass. Doing so will make the bathroom less claustrophobic.

Go Green

Lastly, no modern home should say no to a greener space. Say yes to inspiring hues such as sea foam green or lemon yellow. Such colors could easily soften rough edges as well as solid, geometric shapes in your bathing space.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bathroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »

Next Page »« Previous Page