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Monday, October 17th, 2016
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Rondure 1 Light Oil Rubbed Bronze Sconce 22497
Great design is not all about the kind of lighting that you choose. It is also about you considering the function for the space and then its lighting needs. For instance, kitchens and bathrooms need to be well-lit. Make sure that you use task lighting in the busiest rooms, after all, there is nothing worse than prepping dinner then you end up not seeing what you’re chopping. Incorrect lighting placement can put shadows on the busiest work spaces. This is why you need to have an efficient lighting plan.
Outdoor Lighting Types
Outdoor lighting is more complex to plan for because you are essentially extending the garden after sundown. Well-chosen lighting fixtures can also become wonderful security measures.
There are various lighting types to choose from but most fit into these two categories – accent and task lighting. The former draws attention to the areas that you want to showcase like sculpture and trees. This kind of lighting will also take the eyes away from eyesores such as the garden shed or clotheslines.
Task lighting, on the other hand, refers to practical lighting for your landscape. You could use this when you want to prepare food outdoors. This is also a kind of security and decorative lighting.
You now need to choose between halogen and LED (light emitting diode) lights for your outdoor paradise. Halogen lighting is the traditional landscape lights. These emit a yellow light, hence, they use up more energy than LED lighting. Halogen is a good way to romanticize the outdoors.
LEDs have a whiter light which will show the actual color of the landscape. They are also cost effective.
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Lighting Designs
There is an endless array of lighting designs to choose from. The main designs are – uplighting, downlighting, spotlights, surface lights, path lights, and wall lighting.
Uplighting is directed upwards since it is used to feature landscape wonders such as fountains and trees. Downlighting is positioned downwards such as fixtures found on the carport roof.
Spotlights are bright lights that are often aimed at particular features such as a sculpture, tree or any beautiful water feature. Surface lighting is built into step surfaces, decks and walls. This is the lighting that you need to enhance security in your home.
Path lighting can be placed on intervals on the walkway or pathway. Their function is pretty simple – so you won’t trip as you walk at night. Lastly, wall lighting is that flat panel that is built into your walls. It illuminates the feature wall and can even highlight the boundary for security measure.
Power Sources
There are often two power sources to choose from – solar or mains power. Solar energy is the best kind of energy source if you are environmentally-conscious. It is a renewable energy source which means you can recharge the batteries during the day and use them during the night.
You can say goodbye to unsightly cables if you choose to use solar-powered outdoor lights. These may not be as bright as electric lights, though, so make sure to weigh your options before you jump on the bandwagon.
If you pick electricity as your energy source, then you are going to need a transformer. This will act like a power board where the lights and power point are plugged in. Ask a professional electrician about the number of lights that are allowed to be assigned to one transformer. It is probable that you would need more than one transformer for your outdoor lighting.
Electrical lights require cables and wiring. You can do the installation yourself so long as you would just use a 12-volt transformer.
Tags: general lighting, home lighting, improving home lighting, landscape lighting, lighting fixture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor lighting, pathway lights, security lights, shopping for lighting fixture, tips
Posted in Lighting, Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Saturday, October 15th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sorella Pedestal Dining Table with 1.20in leaf
Peace is one of the most-planned concepts in many homes yet it is also one of the least achieved. This is lacking in many homes because of several aspects – physical, emotional, even spiritual. Peaceful and meditative homes are not always quiet. A peaceful atmosphere can be established by a few disciplinary and interior design concepts.
Follow Flexible Routines
It is crucial to have a daily or weekly routine. This established routine is the key to keeping your nerves in check. A schedule will also tell you when to accomplish certain tasks. It is important to begin with a flexible routine or you would end up destroying an otherwise peaceful interior design.
Plan Ahead
No goal is achieved without proper planning. If you don’t want to make those cramming, last minute decisions, then you have to write down the elements that will make a room more peaceful.
A huge part of planning also requires house rules. Expectations have to be written down and posted where everyone could see them. The entire family could work together to keep a room more peaceful if they know what are expected of them.
Create Meditative Rooms
Now that you’ve planned and set a few rules and established a routine, it’s time to walk into your home and recognize which room (or rooms) would soon get a heavier door, one that would absorb sound. Create an inspiring atmosphere in the room.
Peace Is Zero Clutter
Clutter is equal to chaos. Clutter leaves you looking for lost stuff and having things that you don’t actually need in your home. Decluttering should be a huge part of your plan, too. You don’t want to end up with bulging closets or piles of papers that you no longer need inside filing cabinets.
It’s time to take the mop, broom and other cleaning aids and tackle the tasks. You would soon discover that clutter had a lot to do with your stressful living.
Decluttering could also mean removing any bad memories from your home. That picture frame hanging on the wall might be your ex’s gift to you. This and other such stuff will only remind you of the pain that could lead to unnecessary stress.
The removal of these bad reminders will bring you a step closer to setting up a meditative space.
Choose Colors Wisely
Colors affect people’s psyche in ways that are difficult to explain. Studies have proven that colors even have the power to alter body temperature as well as appetite. Colors can also affect moods or people’s energy levels.
Now that you know these, find the colors that could help you meditate such as green or pale blue.
Appreciate Nature
Humans have a natural tendency to like and appreciate the beauty of nature. You can, therefore, use natural elements such as potted green plants or a view of the garden outside make your meditative room more relaxing. Apart from greeneries, you can also bring in a wooden bowl as well as a water element fixture.
Positive Atmosphere Only
As you become more aware about the elements that could help you achieve a relaxing space, it is also vital that you learn to control the vibes in that room. You can bring the good vibes in by hanging photos of your family vacations on the wall.
You may also create a slogan that could distinguish that spot from the rest of the rooms in your home. This also means saying no to gadgets and other technological stuff in that room. There must be designated technology zones so that you will have a visual cue that the meditative space remains restful all the time.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, meditation nook, meditation room, meditative space, restful space, setting up the meditation area, spa-like space, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Friday, October 14th, 2016
Accessories Uttermost Rajata Silver Vases S3 19826 make metallic look cool.
When it comes to designing your home, know that mixing metals or metallic elements means you have to pay close attention to layering as well as the overall vibe that you are about to create. Adding character and depth to a home is as easy as adding metallics. It is no surprise that this style is making a huge comeback at the moment. Silver, nickel and steel are now quite hot in modern aesthetics. Warmer tones, on the other hand, provide a more inviting and homey vibe such as what’s provided by copper. If you are craving to mix metals for your interior design, then here are a few tips –
Metal Is Everywhere
Before you begin designing with metal, know that this isn’t all about the use of actual metal. This can also be found in artwork, draperies, even upholstery. Consider all of your options if you want to create the most luxurious lustrous look. Always keep in mind that you don’t have to limit yourself to warm tones. Metals can also be cool, all you need to do is to add some glamorous effects of silver, some golden framed mirror and a cool coffee table.
Gold and bronze offer wonderful fusions that you should consider; you could use bronze cushions with touches of gold. Achieving a luxurious look is also easy when you look for any fabric that has metallic hues.
While it’s wonderful to just go with the flow when coming up with the design of your home, still, mixing metallic tones with accessories can become overwhelming. Sure, you should have the passion to design but remember also that you need to harmonize all the elements. What you have in your hands is a pretty strong design element – metals are lustrous that they could easily overcome other elements.
Add only a couple or two of decorative items especially when you want to have an open-space concept. Always plan if you are looking into having various shades and tones.
Relax and Design
As you complete your luxurious design, it is advisable that you relax. You might already have a few silver pieces on hand but you could go bold and add more metallic tones or you could tone down and just accessorize with the metallics.
Ornaments, candelabra and mirrors are all accessories that look great with a metallic concept. They are effective in countering the overly traditional palette. One other tasteful concept is to use a silver bowl right in the middle or beside two golden candleholders. ‘How about finding two-toned metallic pieces in the market?
Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a fortune just to purchase your chosen metallic elements. Smaller elements provide a more delicate look and feel. Small doses of metal could still add the needed sparkle without actually creating glare.
Soften the metallic theme by adding this Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Twiggy Mirror in your home.
Let Sophistication Reign
What you need to do with your current color scheme is to see if it can still be used as the base hue. Neutral interiors need texture and metals in order to make the place more inviting. Shades of gray, on the other hand, could use touches of gold or brass since these will keep the place from looking too cold. Think metallic frames and gilded mirrors. Another way to dramatize cream-colored walls is to add metal accents. Crisp, white space, on the other hand, should have a touch of silver or chrome.
Do you have chocolate brown walls? Then, by all means, use bronze shades. For blue-colored space, use silver. Energize any room with chrome, black iron or gold accents.
Luxurious Lighting
Metallic space should have these choices – gold chandelier, silver pendant lights, chrome wall sconces, etc. In essence, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your metallic lighting options.
Tags: designing luxury homes, elements of luxury homes, luxury homes, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, metal design, metal furniture, metal theme, metallic, metallic design, metallic interior design, metallic interiors, metallic theme, metallics, metals in interior design
Posted in 2016 Trends, 2017 Trends, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, October 13th, 2016
FFDM Highlands Collection
Shopping for furniture can get tiresome and confusing. There is attractive furniture everywhere but you have to make a serious, contemplative decision before you take the step and begin shopping. Remember that furniture is supposed to last long, meaning, it should be around long enough for you to enjoy, or better yet, for your children and grandchildren to enjoy.
Family heirlooms are not accident pieces. These are intentionally durable and quality pieces that can be kept for heritage’s sake. Your objective in shopping for a would-be heirloom piece is to know what to look for.
Heirloom Must be Handcrafted
From beginning to end, handcrafted pieces are those that have been made solely by hand. These pieces are cut, sanded, fitted, carved, then joined by hand. You might see some flaws because these are handcrafted but these only point to the more desirable unique features that cannot be provided by any machine.
The farthest that you could allow should be woodworker’s glue but for the most of the furniture, these should be joined by equally durable wooden pieces.
Finding handcrafted pieces also means that you find a reputable furniture artisan. Noteworthy furniture designers should catch your attention. They are the ones that can provide the best tables, chairs, beds or lamps that you can hand over to your posterity with pride.
Heirloom Means Quality
There are two kinds of wood that can be used in the creation of quality furniture – softwoods and hardwoods. Common softwood species are pine, cypress, redwood and cedar. Hardwood trees, on the other hand, are cherry, ash, oak, maple, rosewood, poplar, walnut and teak.
Hardwood or softwood offers a different look, feel and hardness. The kind of wood that has been chosen will affect the quality and price of the piece. High quality spells top of the line pieces. The likes of solid Cherry, Oak, Mahogany or Maple are all wonderfully durable which is why these are also some of the most expensive pieces that one could own.
There are also pieces that come in combined woods. An example is when Cherry is used as an exterior piece and underneath it, there is a different kind of wood. When you encounter this kind of combined materials, take a step back and see if you can invest on a more expensive piece instead. Cherry finish is different from solid cherry furniture.
Remember that solid construction is no less than the highest quality of furniture creation. Whether you pick softwood or hardwood, what really counts is having a solid piece. Solid pieces are the most probable heirloom pieces because they are not engineered wood, plywood or particleboards.
Never settle for bargain pieces. Durability and quality come with firm, compact woods so look only for the latter.
Heirloom Means Quality Construction
Fine wood pieces always undergo proper construction. Poor construction undermines even the best of solid wood. Even if there are already technological advancements, the good, old-fashioned way of furniture construction is still considered best especially when you are considering a would-be heirloom piece.
Find joints that are wood-on-wood rather than those with metal or iron brackets. Ask about dovetails or mortise and tenon as these are the strongest joints that furniture manufacturers could use. Fitted joints significantly increase the contact area, hence, the furniture bonding strength becomes more substantial.
Heirloom Spells Superior Finish
Quality finish is essential in protecting your furniture piece and also in bringing out the beauty of the wooden furniture. Finishes provide varying degrees of furniture strength.
High quality finish might take a tad longer to create but they are definitely able to last longer and could provide more protection than other sorts of finishes.
Tags: age-proofing bathrooms, choosing heirloom pieces, fine furniture, furniture finish, heirloom furniture, heirloom pieces, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, quality furniture, shopping for heirloom furniture, tips, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, vintage interiors
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Thursday, October 13th, 2016
American Leather Living Room Alessandro-Sectional
Eco-friendly or green interiors are designs that center on the improvement of air quality and the reduction of impact on the environment. A lot of Americans spend about 90% of their time inside their homes. This is where, unfortunately, most pollutants are also found.
You should always consider people who are living in your home. The aesthetics of your home shouldn’t be your only concern. Safety is a factor that must be prioritized as well as the health of everyone living in a single place.
Home design, therefore, must be able to balance safety and aesthetics by coming up with a green design.
So, are you ready to create this so-called sustainable design?
Decorate with Plants
There is no better element to make your home a green place than to place plants inside your home. Plants are great air filters and are also effective removers of chemicals. They also have health benefits to offer while giving your home that natural, fresher ambience. If you want to improve the quality of indoor air, then be sure to bring in bamboo palm, peace lilies or Gerbera daisies.
Bring in the Sunlight
One other eco-friendly way of creating a green environment is to let in a good amount of sunlight. You should maximize daylight so that you could avoid wasting electrical energy on those bright lamps.
Open shades and use skylights to bring in a tremendous amount of sunlight into your home. Having ample light also means fewer pollutants, meaning, you and your loved ones become much healthier.
You can further the energetic and fresh aura in your home by opening those windows. You can even make them greener through the application of special coatings that would reflect the sunlight while providing insulation. These should keep your home quite warm during those cold seasons.
Say goodbye to heating or cooling equipment because of your newly-coated windows.
Save Energy with Proper Lighting
Using energy-efficient lighting can help both the user and the environment. Compact fluorescent lighting saves energy as well as electrical power. This also prevents greenhouse gas emission as well as pollutants.
When buying lighting, be sure to read the labels and find the ones that are energy-efficient.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Karma Naturals Burl Rug 6506RS05000800750
Go Organic
Another way to establish an eco-friendly home is to find organic stuff. Do away with particleboard, plastics and chromed metal.
Find furniture that is manufactured using organic materials. This can be made from wood blocks, stone or marble. Don’t fret about design because there is a lot to choose from. There are also customized designs for bamboo and other wooden furniture.
As for the flooring, be sure to use stone flooring like marble. You could also use wooden parquet or pick laminated flooring.
As for your pillows, mattresses, bedding and carpets, be sure to find the wool-stuffed ones. This is so you won’t have to worry much about dust mites. These mites can cause allergies, thus, they’re not great for your health so always choose organic stuff.
Say No to VOC
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These are harmful to anyone’s health. These are commonly found in paints. So, when you paint your house or are about to buy stuff for your home, be sure to check for those that do not emit VOCs. The highest you could go should be those low VOC paints.
It is great to have eco-friendly interiors. It won’t just benefit you as a homeowner but also the people who live with you in your home. You must do your share in saving the planet, after all, just like the rest of the world – it’s the only home you’ve got.
Tags: eco-friendly interior design, eco-friendly interiors, energy efficient living, energy-efficiency, energy-efficient home, green home, green interior design, green interiors, green living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 12th, 2016
Thomasville Bedroom Valeska Ensemble Set .Super Queen. TV-BD1-44
Did you know that you spend a third of your life in bed? This is why you should be concerned about sleep quality as it is a huge part of your life. Uninterrupted sleep is one of the best feelings in the world. That feeling of being able to sink into a comfortable, restful bed and be able to sleep the whole night through is just amazing. Conversely, if you don’t sleep too well, you end up feeling cranky and with a shorter attention span. To achieve quality slumber, you need bedding essentials such as mattress toppers, duvets, mattress and pillow protectors, the right pillow support, etc.
Hotel Look with Duvets
Do you remember how restful your nights have been when you checked into some fancy hotel? Those duvets and layered pillows proved how stylish and chic your bedroom can be.
Choosing the right duvet for the bed and bed linen is a crucial decision that you have to make. You don’t want to be stuck with a duvet that’s a size down. Duvet that’s a size up, however, is the fancy solution to having a cozy night with your loved one.
Children might prefer to have the lighter kind of duvet especially when you’ll be using them on single or double beds. Quilts can be a great way to show off their fave TV or movie characters.
Choose from single, double, king size or super king size duvets.
Thomasville Bedroom Faulkner Ensemble Set (Super Queen) TV-BD1-32
Pillows, Mattress and Your Sleeping Position
You need to know what pillow type would best suit your sleeping position. This is important in picking your preferred mattress tension, too. Quality pillows might not last as long as your quality mattress but they can significantly reduce neck, shoulder and back pains.
People who sleep on their backs should pick a medium-firm pillow. For side sleepers, it is best to pick a pillow or two which are thicker than the common pillow. This is highly recommended for better neck support.
The softer option is best for the front sleepers.
It is best to have your pillows replaced every two years. It becomes doubly important to do so if the pillows are already discolored or lumpy. Disfigured or damaged pillows no longer provide the necessary neck support and they could also contain high levels of epithelial, dust mites and other allergens.
If you want to get the best out of your pillows and mattress, then it is worth considering that you invest in quality protectors for both. Mattress and pillow protectors keep your mattresses and pillows from being soiled or worn out. Protectors will also keep these bedding essentials clean while providing a different level of coziness.
There are now beds that already include mattress toppers. There are different materials to choose from – there’s polyester fiber, feathers, latex or Visco-elastic.
There are also pillow fillings for you to choose from. Just like mattresses, pillows also have natural as well as synthetic fillings. Whether you have memory foam or the hollow fiber type, your pillow choice must always ensure a restful night’s sleep.
Synthetic pillows can be made from Visco-elastic, latex, or polyurethane fillings. There are also pillows that have combinations of these fillings. People who have asthma should choose synthetic pillows since they contain latex foam which doesn’t gather dust.
For people who experience aches and pains while sleeping, there is that quality Visco-elastic filling. This is especially designed to relieve neck and head pressure. This ensures optimum sleeping position for chronic pain sufferers.
Pillows with natural fillings contain duck down, goose down, or both. The more feathers these pillows contain, then the firmer they are. As for your mattress, it is highly recommended that you find quality pillow protectors so that everything would be fresh and clean to your touch.
Tags: bedding, duvet, mattress, mattress and bed, mattress shopping, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, pillow, pillows, shopping for a mattress, shopping for mattress, tips
Posted in Accessories, Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 12th, 2016
Living Room Uttermost Scott Wood Frame Armchair 23233
Plaid can be one or many things. It is the symbol of fashion or the epitome of pattern. Fashion designers all over the world adore the crossed patterns of plaid. It is preppy, it can also be punk. One thing is certain about plaid – it is popular and it has a rich history that other design materials would be envious of.
Plaid in the 1500s
You could tell the difference between tartan and plaid, right? The former refers to special cloth patterns often seen in Scottish clans. Different patterns represent different geographical regions or clans. Plaid, on the other hand, was mainly a Celtic kilt or a blanket. Eventually, plaid became popular with the British and Americans. They created a pattern that looked pretty much like tartan but is not quite like it.
Records from 1538 showed royalty showing much appreciation for this pattern. King James V even gave plaid gifts to his wife.
Plaid in the 1700s
Tartan was prohibited in Britain in the 18th century because it was associated with the Scottish Rebellion of 1745. This print did not show up till 1782 where plaid became legal. It soon became a staple pattern on some formal occasions.
Plaid and the Lumberjack Tradition
From Europe, plaid became popular in the U.S. Buffalo plaid started in the 1850s with the distinctive red and black checks becoming a staple among lumberjacks.
Plaid shirt then was mass-produced by Pendleton back in 1924. It soon became a casual wear and in 1936, a winter essential.
1970s Plaid
Decades after, plaid enjoyed enormous popularity. It returned to its rebellious origins, though, during the ‘70s. During this era, plaid was used in suits as well as interior design. Queen Elizabeth II popularized the Royal Stewart Tartan and, pretty soon, the pattern became a prevalent monarchial look.
1980s Plaid
This decade showed the most interesting development in plaid. The preppy look began where movie stars and even Princess Diana took notice. Almost all public figures had their own piece or two of this interesting fabric in their closets.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Mirrored Plaid Chest 638-85054: Who says plaid should only be seen on fabrics?
Plaid Furniture
It was no surprise that plaid became a staple piece in furniture, too. The cozy and crisp look of this pattern provided the perfect covering for love seats, sofas, couches, and other living room and bedroom furniture.
Plaid is a strong pattern so it might also present some decorative restrictions. This should not stop you from design possibilities, though. You could begin with paint chips which match all the colors on your plaid-covered furniture. Lay out these chips together with the fabric sample then carefully examine by taking a step back.
Plaid works best with neutrals such as tan, gray, cream, black, brown or white. You can use this combination if you want to be on the safe side. This means putting plaid-upholstered couch right on top of polished wood flooring.
Plaid isn’t just red and black, though. It could also be that blue and white crispiness which can match well with glass lamps, warm tones of wood, sea grass matting, gold, copper, and just about any warm-colored metals.
Plaid can also provide the necessary basis for your color selection. There are two or three-colored plaids in the market. This means you can choose from two or three colors from which your overall color scheme would come.
Plaid could also spell mixed patterns for the rest of your décor. This is a great way to update the look of your home. Don’t just over mix. Use substantial amounts of block colors then just carefully add the plaid patterns.
Tartan-style plaid can present you with challenges if you over-analyze the colors that it offers – black, yellow, ivory, burgundy and dark royal blue. This complex plaid should be balanced with neutral walls or woodwork.
Enjoy plaid. It offers so many design opportunities which you can use in your home.
Tags: 14th century, 16th century, 1970s, fabric, fabric choices, fabric options, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, plaid, plaid fabric, seating fabrics, sofa fabric, tips, upholstery
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 11th, 2016
Lexington Accessories Florentino Throw Pillow 1010-18
Do you believe that accessories are keys to a good design? These may or may not be the focal points in a room but they always get their fair share of attention. So who gets to choose the kind of accessories in your home?
Accessories Aren’t an Afterthought
Accessories are essential elements that must always be included in styling a room. These are especially important if you have to show your personal flair through your design. Whether you are designing your home or redecorating, you would want something that could freshen up your space. Since this is so, do not forget to accessorize.
Love Your Accessories
Always look for accessories that speak of who you are or your interests. Remember that you are going to live with these items for months or years to come so be sure to find the ones that you would enjoy seeing every day. These pieces don’t have to be expensive but they should be interesting in terms of color, shape and texture.
Accessories are also, sometimes, things with sentimental value. These are those items that have a great story behind them. They are interesting because they are visually fascinating or they have the power to define what you want for your space.
Arts are great pieces of accessories. These are conversational pieces that are pretty hard to ignore.
Accessories Have Purpose
It is wrong to think that accessories are just there as decorative elements. These can serve purposes, too. Examples are vases filled with fresh water and freshly-cut flowers. Still on plants, potted plants don’t just work well with the existing color scheme but they can also add texture as well as clean the air. Accessories can also be that special bowl of candies and nuts on your dining table.
Lamps aren’t just visually charming but they can also provide necessary lighting for your space. Sometimes, the simplest function for an accessory is to fulfill a basic purpose. A throw blanket does not just add visual texture and color but it can also keep you warm during those extra chilly evenings.
Unleash your inner wizard with these Maitland-Smith Accessories Set Of Two Wands 1000-607.
Group Your Accessories
Accessories, more often than not, make a greater impact once you display them in a group. Dispersed accessories have a diminished significance. There is power in numbers so use this concept in creating the most interesting arrangements.
An example is when you decorate your end table or coffee table. Be sure to use various sizes and heights of accessories. Include colorful items such as flowers or interesting photo frames.
Art can also be grouped to showcase a collection. Remember that grouping provides a cohesive look that would never be achieved when the pieces can be found everywhere in the room.
Accessories Should Harmonize
Just like the rest of the design elements, the accessories that you use must be able to harmonize with the rest. Balance is the chief component in picking any design element. For instance, a vintage grandfather clock will not look too great on a narrow entryway. Smaller accessories should be used in such an instance.
Another way to bring balance in a room is to utilize elements that naturally bond. Rooms with high ceilings are often married with beautiful crystal chandeliers.
Shop for the bigger items first like lamps, decorative boxes, vases, and artworks; these tend to occupy more space so they should be the anchors in terms of creating balance.
Accessories Are Finishing Touches
Interior design might become monotonous without the right finishing touches. Form, function and creating a lovely space is all about harmony yet there would always be the need to include the applicable finishing touch. This is the icing to the cake so make sure to accessorize or you’d be missing out on the most interesting part of your design project.
Tags: accessorizing, customization, customized home, customizing home style, customizing interior design, design customization, how to accessorize, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 11th, 2016
Living Room Uttermost Garrett Mid-century Swivel Chair 23268
While a lot of people do love suede, not as many would be willing to go through the pains of taking care of it; it can be difficult to clean and maintain. If you’re looking for ways to care for suede then here are some pieces of advice –
Suede Is About Preventive Measures
If you’re about to bring home a suede couch, then the most crucial thing that you need to do is to take preventive measures. This means you must apply protective coating prior to sitting on it. You also need to apply these coats on a regular basis.
There are many suede protectors available in the market. Research which ones have the best reviews which would also come at a reasonable price then make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the coating.
Brush Your Suede
Most of the time, all that would be required of you is to brush your suede couch. Brushing suede regularly can help keep it fresh and in a great condition. There are special suede brushes or you can just use a simple terry cloth to clean the couch or any kind of suede furniture.
Vacuum Your Suede
It is imperative to keep the debris off so just turn on your vacuum cleaner and use it over your suede couch. Find the attachment meant especially for upholstery then let the vacuum go over the surface of your couch as well as the cushions.
Be sure to vacuum every nook and cranny. Vacuuming can be done once each month.
American Leather Bedroom Queen Footboard MTR-LFB-QN
Anti-Stain and Water Spots
Should your suede couch suffer from water spots or stains despite your best efforts, then don’t fret. There are still some ways to repair the damage. Use a fine grade sandpaper to gently remove stains from your suede piece. Be sure to use circular motions when cleaning.
In cleaning small stains, well, did you know that all you need is a pencil eraser?
For water spots, just allow them to dry then use that suede brush again. Stickier stains such as that of food or red wine would need a specialized cleaner. Just make sure to check the bottle before you apply onto your suede couch. The solution must, of course, be suitable for suede use.
Cleaning Microfiber Suede Fabric
Here are the tools and materials that you would need to clean a special kind of suede fabric –
Spray bottle
Water
Dish soap
White vinegar or baking soda
Rubbing alcohol
Sponge or soft towel
Soft scrub brush
Microfiber suede is made with the tiniest synthetic fibers which would ensure the softness and charm of any couch. This kind of suede is also more resistant to stains and is known to be more durable. It is also more resistant to some spills which means the liquids would build up into beads first before the fabric gets soaked. This gives you ample time to run and get something to wipe the couch with.
Microfiber suede repels water but it would also make forgotten spills, well, forgotten. This is why you should treat spills as soon as they happen.
Microfiber suede comes with different labels, hence, there are also different cleaning solutions for each. For W-labeled couch, all you would need is a water-based suede cleaning solution. There are special solvents for the S-labeled pieces while the S-W-labeled pieces can make do with either a water-based or a solvent cleaner.
X label, on the other hand, means you need a vacuum to clean up the spill. There is no liquid cleaner for this kind of suede fabric.
Be sure to check the tags of your suede couch so you’ll know how to care for it.
Tags: caring for suede, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, suede, suede maintenance, tips
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Monday, October 10th, 2016
FFDM Belvedere Collection
What would you categorize as a beautiful room? Is it the main furniture? The expensive draperies or the lighting fixtures? How about those original artworks? Home stylists cannot define a single formula that will be considered as the perfect room. Even interior designers begin their projects from scratch and could work with different clients with different tastes.
The key to setting up a beautiful home is not all about buying a lot of stuff. It’s also not about buying the most expensive fixtures. In essence, home styling is a skill that allows you to put everything in harmony.
Design formula or not, it’s all about having an artistic insight. There are basic and universal principles that can be applied and the great news is that you don’t need to break the bank just to do these guidelines.
Don’t Rush
You have to make a lot of decisions that you would need to live with later so it’s okay to take a breather rather than living with regret later. It might be tempting to finish a design project for a room in a jiff but take the time to ask these questions first –
Will the design make me happy?
What’s the room’s function?
Spend time, from the onset, to choose the design that you want. It is crucial that you identify what you want early on so that you can visualize before you even get started.
Rounded Edges Please
There are many furniture pieces that come with 90-degree angles – tables, chairs, even photo frames. To make a place look more visually interesting, it is important that you learn to smoothen the edges. Rounded edges look more elegant.
If most of your furniture choices in the past come with sharp corners, then you can still offset these by throwing in a round piece like a round coffee table or an interesting area rug.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Eastridge 44 inch Round Pedestal Dining Table is the kind of dining set that you would be proud to show to your guests.
Sets or Not
It is also important to make a decision whether you’d buy an entire set of furniture or if you would take a piece from different collections. You could choose to blend if you want the feel of putting together different pieces of furniture or you could just take the ensemble as it was presented to you.
Making this decision goes hand-in-hand with your choice live with what you have purchased. Everything that you invest in should be visually cohesive.
Don’t Overdo the Theme
You might have chosen a particular look for a room or your entire home but make the conscious decision not to go overboard. It is nice to have a Scandinavian theme but if all you have is white everywhere, then the place would look antiseptic rather than interesting. Learn to balance the look by working with colors and knowing how to harmonize the different elements.
Embrace the Architecture
If you happen to have the most amazing architectural details in your home such as beautiful moldings and casing, then you should learn to highlight them. There is no need to fight these details, instead, embrace them and work to emphasize their charm.
Just be careful that you also play down the weak or not-so-beautiful aspects of your home. Highlight the features that you love and you would find that your guests would love what you have done.
The Best Kind of White Only
If you are going to do white, then be ready for it. There are tints and shades of white to choose from. You can choose white for contemporary or traditional themes. It can be cool yet there are also warmer shades of white.
Finding the right kind of white for your home is as easy as getting a little board then painting it with the tint or shade of white to which you’re enamored with. This board allows you to experiment till you achieve the whiteness that suits you.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips for interior design, universal interior design tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
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