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Wednesday, October 24th, 2018
Notice the straight and simple lines of thisAmerican Leather Bedroom California King Bed MEN-BED-CK.
Minimalism is a word that is recently taking the world by storm. This carries with it a lot of ironies since it means living in a stressful world but with less stuff.
Books, documentaries, and podcasts have all been raving about minimalism and how it can actually alter the life of someone who is willing to free-fall.
A lot of minimalists swear by the philosophy of living a life that’s free from excess and worldly possessions. They testify on how having less stuff actually gave their lives more meaning.
It’s No Fad: The Benefits of Minimalism
You may think that minimalism is just a millennial fad but it is a lot more than this. When done with the right reasons, it is a means to make your life more significant.
So what are the benefits of living a minimalist life?
First, those who sign up to live a minimalist life get rid of their financial worries. They also get rid of all forms of clutter in their lives. They learn how to classify the things that they really need from the things that do not add value to their existence.
Minimalists also spend more time on experiences and less time in the acquisition of material things. Eventually, they feel a lot happier and freer.
Minimalism Means Green
Minimalists also sign up to become green enthusiasts. In fact, sustainable living or green living is equated to minimalism. Green living means buying less and having less waste.
Minimalism also means seeing consumerism for what it is. This has contributed to the issues on earth’s climate and other such problems. If you want to live ethically, then minimalism is the best way to go.
Stanley Furniture Living Room Floating Parsons Console Table 704-45-05
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So how do you begin living a minimalist life?
First, learn to reduce, reuse, and recycle. You must say no to excessive purchases. You must also promise to decrease the amount of waste that your home produces. And you must swear to recycle and reuse stuff. Composting is something that you also say yes to.
As a minimalist, you must also unplug. Save energy and money when you unplug those electronic devices that consume electricity even when they are just plugged.
Assess your possessions. Find something that you will keep (this is typically something that you will use in the next three months). If you pick an object that you won’t use continuously in the next three months, then it’s okay to finally let go.
This 90-day test is far from easy, though. For instance, you may not use your book collection in the next three months but this does not mean that you should let throw or sell them straightaway.
Another tip here is to live in a smaller place. More probably, you won’t need a big apartment with less stuff. Plus, studio apartments and condo units are a lot cheaper than renting a huge house. Tiny homes are quite popular these days so it’s time to join the bandwagon.
Smaller units also require fewer utilities. Just compare the heating needs of a bungalow with that of a studio apartment.
Another step in minimalism is to buy fresh food weekly. Always buy in bulk so that you’d save more.
Own less furniture, clothing, and appliances, too. This means owning the pieces that are right. Always prioritize quality over quantity.
Buy a laptop that will last a number of years; this has to be a piece that won’t have you worried that it could break down any time. As for clothing, buy the pieces that will also last many years. These are the staple pieces such as a pair of jeans, a few shirts, and a pair of boots.
As for furniture, find the pieces that have multiple uses (e.g. an ottoman that is also a storage unit).
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist design, minimalist interiors, minimalist lifestyle, minimalist living, minimalist space, minimalist style
Posted in Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Holistic Minimalist
Monday, May 29th, 2017
The Meritage Collection (FFDM) showcases here the reliable neutral hues beautifully layered in this dining room.
One of the biggest aspects of design that stylists stick to is the creation of a color scheme that actually makes sense. This palette may be altered slightly as the home takes on a lived–in appeal but you will see that the hues throughout the home will always have a close relationship with each other. When this is achieved, then you know that the designer has done everything to harmonize the design elements in your home.
Radiant Scandinavian
Scandinavian or Nordic interiors focus on the essentials. What they offer are functional, simple yet beautiful elements. You will see plenty of sunlight, muted hues, wooden flooring and soft furnishings throughout a Scandinavian home. This is a style that has gained popularity and is showing zero signs of ever slowing down.
If you want to use the Scandinavian style in your home, be ready to embrace white as your fundamental color. This will be your base hue and you will also use it on subtle layers. Be sure to put together these layers so that they achieve a simple and easygoing look.
Say no to clutter then just use a few decorative items to personalize your habitat.
Say No to Schism with Minimalism
Taking the minimalist approach to styling your home is a technique that has been used by many interior designers over the years. This is no surprise since it is a style that is easy to maintain and it shows an uncluttered space.
When you use this approach, bear in mind that styling a home isn’t tantamount to adding stuff. In fact, you can remove clutter and just simplify. A lot of home stylists can work with the stuff that you already have. They can also help you remove items that no longer have any use. From then on, you can just simplify.
You must also be strict with your color palette if you want to live a minimalist lifestyle. Adding a lot of objects and colors is the easiest way to overwhelm your space so stick to the tones from the same color family.
Also, be sure to use simple shapes and lines, none of those geometric and heavy patterns and intricate details. Use plants and art to make the space more interesting.
Anchor the Room with Art
You can use striking black-and-white photographs as a styling element. Think of soft, muted tones or desert landscapes. Such subjects are a wonderful way to amp up the excitement in your home without you spending a lot.
You can buy original art or ask an artistic loved one to paint one on a special canvas.
Jazz Up with Plants
Have you observed that no real estate property is listed without even a slight hint of green plants? Home stylists just love to use indoor plants in brightening up homes. These green living things naturally move something within each one of us. Studies have also proven that plants can increase productivity and creativity.
Choose from succulents, cacti, orchids and peace lilies. There is an indoor plant that will be suitable to your personality as well as your maintenance style.
Matchy-Matchy No More
If there’s anything that you would steer out of, it would be the default design technique of matching design elements. A reliable color palette is neither boring nor matchy-matchy. The use of a limited color palette throughout your home will make it more unified.
Keeping your style more interesting is as easy as adding a different tone as the area differs. The same base color can also be used in every single room with the rest of the design elements taking on a darker or lighter hue.
Just create a flow from one room to the next. Be confident with the color choice that you eventually make as this whole house color scheme will surely work for you.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist design, minimalist interiors, minimalist style, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Consistent Palette: The Reliable Hues That Designers Simply Love
Thursday, June 16th, 2016
1586-90001-BLK2 The Poet Eight-Drawer Dresser
Modern design embodies a lot of elements which is why it is not easy to define it. In the most basic terms, though, this is the reflection of modern art movements inside homes. There are different central features and design themes that can be considered modern.
Modern designs were society’s objection and rejection of the ornate styles like Renaissance, Gothic and Victorian. Furnishing designs that you could include are Art Deco, Mission Style, and Shaker.
Modernism Means Clean, Straight Lines
Modern design – since it was designed to become the antithesis of complex themes, heavy textures, wood tones and carvings – is supposed to have nothing but linear designs. If anything geometric is to be placed, then it has to be controlled and scarce.
Modern furniture and other design components include clean lines with no frills. It differs from contemporary design which can include sweeping lines and curves. The lines in modern design are more crisp and sharper.
Materials that you could pair with your furnishings include oversized tiles, sanded wood flooring with minimized grain and smaller shelves and bookcases. The open space layout is most welcome as is the lack of molding and trimming on doors, windows and walls.
Say Hello to Metal
Stainless steel and chrome are two of the biggest elements used in modern design. In fact, a modern home would be less, well, modern in the absence of metallic pieces. Stay away from traditional metals, though, such as wrought iron. Instead, go for the cleaner, most polished metals.
For your home to be considered modern, be sure to use a lot of stainless steel and chrome. Have the exposed chair frames and table legs covered with any of these two metals.
Chrome is also used extensively in other home components such as doorknobs, faucets, lamps, cabinet handles and railings. It is known for its polished beauty and a slightly blue undertone.
Less Is More
Modern homes are also minimalist homes. The basics of being a minimalist are the absence of complex details, less color, and just the right amount of textiles. Even in the absence of a lot of things, it is safe to say that minimalist homes are well-planned homes. They are actually comfortable since all are streamlined for efficiency.
The minimalist and modern approaches share one other great aspect – zero-clutter. Clutter could mean different thing to different people but if you want the modern design, then just retain the essential pieces. This means saying no to pottery, vases, trinkets, and a lot of throw pillows.
Necessities are books, keepsakes and electronics. While these are still needful, they are almost always kept out of sight through proper storage.
Modernism Is Bold
Many homes designed in modern styles make use of neutrals, black and white. Yet this does not mean that you should shun using brighter colors. You can break the monotony created by the neutrals by setting up focal points. The primary colors are often used sparingly.
Hang a colorful wall art, a bold-colored sofa, brightly-colored pillows, or an accent wall.
Modernism, Modern You
In essence, all the things that you see in modern design are the result of modern thinking. Modernists were allergic to excessiveness, too much intellect, and cultural norms. They wanted to push off boundaries with regard to creativity and culture.
The modernists’ movements also included saying no to organized religion and the belief in a god. To them, modern norms had to be created and more suitable norms be instilled, hence, the birth of futurism, cubism, Neo-Dada, Bauhaus, abstract expressionism, and others.
To the world they shouted – Make It New. So, are you ready to apply what you have read?
7067-001CR Wallis 2 Cushion Sofa
Tags: bold, bold design, bold interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist design, minimalist space, minimalist style, modern, modern design, modern interior design, modern interior design tips, modern interiors, modern style, modern theme, modernism
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, January 25th, 2016
This FFDM Protege chair will be a lovely ‘mismatch’ to another neutral-colored seating piece.
If your heart jumps each time you see a condominium unit or a townhouse, then know that you have to prepare to live in a place that is cozy. Foregoing the idea of an open space plan is not an easy decision to make but should you sign up for this kind of home, then it’s time to look for the right design that is most suitable for it. ‘Ever considered the shabby chic style?
Okay, so you have saved every bit of hard-earned money and have sacrificed on shopping and travel – what now?
Old vs. New
Carefully plan what theme you will use before you move in to your new condominium or townhouse unit. One of the most utilized, these days, when it comes to limited space is the shabby chic concept.
Rachel Ashwell popularized this stylish interior design concept to focus on comfort, highlight the beauty of seemingly time-worn furniture and objects, and for the homeowner to appreciate practical living.
This concept can even guide you in mixing traditional and new pieces. Choose from our catalogue and find the right furniture, accessories and lighting fixtures.
If you are thinking of buying second-hand furniture, think again. It is much better to have new furniture given a distressed appeal than to take the risk of buying the damaged ones. Bargain shops sell at the lowest prices but you are never guaranteed of the quality of the stuff that you are buying. So, it is much better to invest in a few quality pieces than to have different sets of furniture only to end up spending more money on repairs.
Coming from the Ancestry Collection of FFDM, this light-colored drawer is sure to be a big hit inside any shabby chic setting.
Let’s Decorate
The shabby chic style is basically minimalist and is almost synonymous with white. You may paint the walls of your home with flat white, pearl, cream, or any shade of white. Apart from having white(ish) walls, take note that you also need to have a few white furniture and accent pieces. These will add a distinct as well as intimate feel to your home. White furnishings are also easy to clean using your regular household bleach.
Now, which room would you like to design first?
First, there’s the living room. Carry the modern facade from the outside to this part of your home. Your condominium or townhouse unit will surely have a rustic yet cozy appeal once you start bringing in the lovely furniture and accent pieces.
The living room must have a clean yet non-antiseptic feel. It should be minimalist but with a few accent pieces to boost such as a lovely chest, a coffee table, console table, or some shelves.
In the dining room, be sure to showcase a table that was aged to sit perfectly in this important space. Have a Victorian couch rest against the white wall. Wicker chairs would look lovely when placed with white curtains as backdrop.
Now to the kitchen: have the furniture and appliances in neutral colors. This is so they won’t clash with the condo or townhouse’s overall appeal.
If you are one of those who prefer to have a home office, then use a white desk as much as you can. Now couple the lovely white desk with a unique accent chair and some neutral shelves.
Should you still have space for one guest room, then make sure that this room is just as cozy as the rest of your home. Use the same shade on the walls and on the furniture that will be placed there. Since the bed is pretty much the focal point, then take time to choose the ones that you will invest in for the master bedroom as well as this room.
Lastly, with your shabby chic bathroom, ascertain that you do not miss out on an ornate mirror that will bring character to this room. Find one that has a wooden frame that matches the stylish theme that you have chosen.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interiors, classic style, feminine, feminine design, feminine interior design, feminine interiors, feminine style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalist, minimalist design, old, old vs. new, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design, shabby chic interiors, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, wood, wood elements, wood furniture pieces, wooden elements, wooden furniture
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »
Saturday, January 16th, 2016
This China cabinet comes from FFDM’s Antebellum Collection. The classic color of wood will make any home be the envy of the neighborhood.
The year 2016 is marked as the Year of the Rat on the Chinese calendar. The specific styles and interior design trends for this year are distinctive because they show a lot of expression. They also come in richness that is sure to transcend to the next year.
Playful Colors Are Back
Among the various inspired changes inside homes this year, cheerful colors are definitely back. There is also this growing emphasis on nature and the environment even in unusual rooms such as kitchens and the bathroom.
Innovations are not limited to these concepts. Accessories also display the richest hues though they are also surprisingly used in a more functional and minimalist space. Hints of metals such as brass and copper are also used in different areas of the home.
This year’s color palette comes in shades of red, pink and peach and designers are more than willing to use these colors to tell the world that they are following the trend. Pink is not just seen in interior design but also in make-up, fashion and office decor.
Accessories also come in shades of deep blue, green oil and navy. These colors convey feelings of coolness and calm inside any premise. For instance, brass or copper surfaces can cleverly blend with moody colors such as purple and black.
Once again, marble, copper and brass are the stars of the 2016 trend. There are various uses for these glamorous materials, their flexible characteristic, and their artistic look.
Another noticeable change inside homes this year is the presence of decorative yet functional objects. There is simply no room for useless stuff. It has become increasingly crucial to own objects that can be used throughout the homeowner’s lifetime, maybe even beyond.
The dynamic lifestyle of modern man also requires clever usage of space, its proper arrangement, and minimalism. The kitchen, for instance, may be completely concealed in order to open more room for entertainment.
The Hooker Furniture Dining Room Skyline Round Glass Top Dining Table comes with plated metal and glass. Choose from the gold or champagne-colored finish.
These days, the world of interior design is constantly moving towards minimalism because of its simple aesthetics. The reason behind this is simple – modern man is always busy and all he wants is a haven to go home to, a place where he could escape from city life. The use of green walls or optical illusions inside bathrooms and kitchens can add to the level of fascination.
Another huge change inside the home environment is the seemingly spa atmosphere. The bathroom is the leading room that has turned from a functional space to a relaxation area. Chairs and benches, even vanity tables are no longer uncommon inside modern bathrooms.
Have an abundant amount of vegetation inside the bathroom, too. Bring in those green plants that you love. Urban gardens inside living premises are also hip and trendy. Mother Nature is being let into homes because more and more designers and architects are considering the health of their clients. Bringing nature closer to homeowners does not just provide beauty but also a high level of calmness.
To keep the rest of your home fresh and up-to-date with the latest interior design trends, be sure to control the ventilation and humidity. Fresh air is what provides natural plant life. If this is not possible to achieve, then green walls are your next best option. The colors pink and gold are also artistic and easygoing hues that you can experiment with during the year. See how you can have them entwined or used separately in your home’s architecture and interior design.
Tags: brass, colors, copper, decorating with houseplants, decorating with indoor plants, decorating with plants, guidelines, houseplant, houseplant decor, marble, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metals, minimalism, minimalist, modern, nature, nature in interior design, nature-inspired design, nature-inspired home, playful colors, rich hues, tips, trendy colors
Posted in 2016 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »
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