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Wednesday, February 1st, 2017

The Hooker Furniture Bedroom Auberose Landscape Mirror completes this open space layout.
The mirror is an affordable accessory that one can buy for a home, office or any commercial shop. Interior decorators even claim that mirrors can complete the look of any room. These can come in standard sizes from any home décor store. There are ordinary mirrors, oversized ones, decorative and frame-less ones.
If you’re asking yourself if a mirror is important in a room, then the answer is a resounding yes. It also creates an illusion of space as well as increases the lighting inside any living space.
Streaky mirror – no matter how pretty its designs – remains an unclean mirror. Despite the number of times you spend cleaning it, streaks are unsightly, even frustrating. You might think that you already know how to clean a mirror or glass panes but as soon as you learn the secret techniques, you will realize how dirty your mirror has been.
Newspaper and Other Myths
For starters, newspapers don’t work. The inks that are being used nowadays leave unsightly residues. These generally make mirrors streaky. If you’ve been using newspaper and you still see unsatisfactory results, then now you know why.
It’s time to say goodbye to newspapers. Now, you might consider paper towels as alternatives – don’t. These leave flecks of lint that also don’t look great on your mirror. You will just end up wasting a good roll of paper towels.
What you need is a lint-free and non-streaking cloth that will help you clean mirrors and glasses in your home. You should also look for a designated glass cleaner. These are the ones that were made to be non-sudsing which means they won’t leave residues behind.
Further, what if there’s gunk on the mirrors? This will require prepping prior to the actual mirror cleaning.
Let’s Clean
So, if you want to clean your mirror like a pro, here are the things that you will need –
Microfiber cloth. This shouldn’t just be made with microfiber. Make sure that it comes with flat weave so that there won’t be any debris left. This kind of cloth also promotes faster drying and a lint-free finish.
Rubbing alcohol. Now this is the secret.
Cotton pads. These will be used with the rubbing alcohol.
Glass cleaner. Choose any brand that is manufactured especially for mirrors. You can also use vinegar and water though you can also search for recipes on the Internet.
Procedure
First, put some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton pad. Look for the goopy or glob buildups on mirrors. Think of toothpaste splatters and hairspray residues. Scan from top to bottom then rub them off.
Work quickly as rubbing alcohol tends to evaporate fast. This is pretty much like spot treating prior to doing the laundry.
Next, spray the mirror using the glass cleaner. Don’t soak it, though, just have it misted. You can then fold the microfiber cloth and begin working through the surface.
Begin at the top left corner then drag the microfiber cloth across the top then slowly swoop down then head back to the sides of the mirror. Think of zigzag motions till you get to the bottom of the mirror. Make sure that you do not miss an inch of the surface.
Just to make sure, check for scuff marks. Look at a 45-degree angle as this will shed some light on the mirror surface. This will illuminate the streaks which you won’t be able to see when you’re looking directly at the mirror.
Spot clean any stain that’s been left behind by the cloth. Quickly wipe away the streaks then be sure to buff dry using the dry side of the microfiber cloth.
That’s it, you’re done.
This entire process shouldn’t take more than 90 seconds for every mirror. This is an efficient way to clean mirrors in your home even after they have been subjected to the toughest dirt and stains.
Tags: how to clean mirror, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mirror, mirror cleaning, mirror cleanup, mirror maintenance, mirrors
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on How to Have Scum-Free Mirror
Thursday, September 8th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Montage Mirror
The mirror is an interior designer’s best friend. There is a great reason behind this as a well-placed mirror can enhance the light inside a room, emphasize great views, and could even open up a small space. The key to using a mirror is to have it paired with another mirror. The location must also be impeccable so that you can maximize your décor.
Here are some ways that you can use mirrors as a decorative element –
The Decorative Window
There is never really any hard and fast rules when it comes to the use of mirrors in interior design. A mirror can bring depth and light inside any room. It can be a decorative window of sorts but one that you can move around as often as you like.
Mirrors offer various benefits as they can reflect an already beautiful scenery or color.
Mirroring Art
A huge and gorgeous mirror can easily become the focal point in a room. An extra large mirror, for instance, will be able to reflect the light in a whole balcony right below. It can also serve as a checkpoint for owners who are about to head out to their work.
The mirror is an artwork by itself but unlike the framed art, it is pretty much easy to set up.
Visual Expansion
Adding mirrors to any room can also offer visual expansion. The placement and location of the mirror are the key points in using this decorative item. You might want to ensure that no undesirable reflections are created so that you can maximize the mirror’s best qualities.
A mirror can brighten the room especially in spaces where much light is needed (e.g. the kitchen, dining room and living room).
Window-Mirror-Window Setup
You can also place a mirror between two windows. This will provide an optical illusion that you have three windows instead of just the two. Prop a full-length mirror against a wall and what you achieve is a relaxed atmosphere that is difficult to equal.
If you don’t have two windows lying close to each other, then you can have a slim mirror hung between two interesting artworks. This should emphasize the beauty of the art pieces. Just make sure that you arrange symmetrically, meaning, you place two equal-size frames and have the mirror sandwiched by them.

Maitland-Smith Accessories Brass Vanity Mirror 1254-376
Wood-Framed Mirror in a Kitchen
You can create a homey vibe inside the kitchen if you add a wood-framed mirror there. Whether small or large, you can hang or prop a mirror on the wall. Just make sure that the color of the frame goes with the overall design so it can effectively achieve warmth.
The Wall Mirror
Putting a huge mirror right behind a chest will suggest to the beholder that there is more space behind it. You can also fill up one wall with mirror so that you make the room appear more spacious.
The Sunburst Mirror
You may have seen a house or two with a beautiful sunburst mirror. You can bring in this same beauty inside your home. Have the sunburst mirror placed above the console table. This should immediately make the table a lot more interesting.
If you choose to have the sunburst mirror placed over the bed, then you’ve done correctly. That wall behind the headboard is often boring so you could spice things up a little by hanging that beautiful sunburst mirror soon.
Mirrors on Adjacent Walls
If it is statement that you really want, then you can line adjacent walls with mirrors. This should help bounce the light all around the room. This effect is especially useful inside the dining room since it can provide an impression of a much larger room.
Another word of caution – the big crowd illusion could get nauseous.
Tags: how to use mirrors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mirror, mirror in interior design, mirrored interiors, tips
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 4th, 2016
Mirrored walls can make or break the overall look of a room in your home – do you agree? Having mirrors replaced is one of the top to-do tasks that most homeowners have especially when they are redesigning their entire home, however, under the wrong pair of hands, this can go the wrong way. Mirrored walls could either add visual interest or they could make the room appear pretentious.
Learn to Break Up
Mirrored walls don’t have to go from ceiling down to the floor. If you think that interrupting the flow of mirrors is impossible, well, you’ve been misinformed.
Break up the mirrors using other materials so that you are able to stage a more dramatic scene. A mirrored wall can replicate the design of a beautiful loft window. This can be a DIY project. Just invest in a good set of mirrors which you can prop against a beautifully-painted wall.
For a bolder statement, paint one wall black then hang a mirror on that wall. Depending on your theme, hang wooden, metal-framed and other wonderfully-designed mirrors. You can also alternate mirror panels with wood panels. Mirroring an entire wall then encasing it in wood over the top will give the room a flush appearance.
Illusion of Space
A few people, more so those who live in earthquake-prone areas, are keen on keeping their mirrored items. Hanging items, for them, is a dangerous thing to do. Hanging a mirror behind their bed is a big no-no because of safety issues.
A safer alternative is to install a ceiling to floor mirror opposite the bed instead. This is a technique that will provide your bedroom with an illusion of space. You can also use this technique to the rest of your home.
A black-painted bedroom would also benefit from having a large mirror installed. The light reflected from any light source would be distributed in the room, hence, the darkness is lifted.
Fireplace Mirror
The fireplace is already a focal point by itself. If you surround a fireplace with mirror, then its light will be reflected to the rest of the space.
Mirror-Lined Powder Room
Most powder rooms come with limited space. Since this is so, you could line one wall behind the sink with mirror. This mirror will also serve as a functional backsplash, providing the perfect look for either a traditional or a modern powder room.
Make It Big
A floor length mirror would best serve its purpose when placed behind furniture in compact spaces. This has to have the same width as the furniture so that the piece would look purposeful, even prominent. Console tables are such pieces since these are often placed in the entry way without much thought.
With a large mirror behind a console table, it would look functional while looking elegant. For safety, install the mirror using brackets, to the wall. Never rest the mirror on the floor without having safety brackets placed first.
This same concept can be used when placing a mirror behind any light source. Whether you have a pendant light or a wall sconce, a mirror will surely maximize the distance that the light will be able to reach.
A full-length mirror can be an effective design element rather than a standalone decor. A mirror wall is most effective if you use multiple yet similar small mirrors that comprise one huge mirror wall. It can be disorienting to have an entire wall of newly-installed mirror.
Frames can help as would trim.
Stylize with Mirror
Your mirror can create the most wonderful salon style, pattern or gallery type arrangement. Putting a mirror into such grouping will make the room appear airier. This is also true for a mirror installed on a wallpapered or boldly –painted wall.
Tags: how to use mirrors, McCreery's Furnishings, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mirror, mirror in interior design, mirrored interiors, tips
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
Couples and lovers all over the world look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day every year. This holiday was named to honor two Christian martyrs but eventually became connected to love and romance. These days, it is celebrated all over the world thanks to marketing efforts of entrepreneurial folks.
Romantic Bedroom for a Romantic Holiday
The bedroom is a special place where intimacies are exchanged. Surprise your loved one by dressing up this part of your home. Here are some guidelines on how you can make this room a tad more special during Valentine’s Day –
Use dimmers to induce more feelings of romance. Remember that bright light drives away romantic feelings while dimmed lighting induces passionate moments.
A fireplace, of course!
Another surefire way of bringing romance to any bedroom is to have a fireplace there. The dancing flames are sure to evoke romantic feelings as you spend that special night with your special someone.
Another accessory that you should consider installing is a beautiful set of window curtains. Find the plush, dark and alluring ones. Make sure that lights coming from the street won’t reach the bedroom as these will distract your special moment.
Flowing curtains and draperies can catch the wind and add a romantic appeal to the bedroom.
Picking the color of the bedding is crucial in making your Valentine’s night a special one. You might do everything right but if you fail on the color, then all your efforts won’t matter anymore.
Red would be overdoing the Valentine’s theme so you might as well pick from all these other romantic colors – bronze, pearl or gold. Other popular colors are blue, green, black and white.
If silk and satin aren’t doable, then you can always go for sateen. Sateen sheets are also luxurious and cozy. Find an interesting texture for your bedding. Velvet, faux fur and velour are all soft fabrics that are used in blankets, comforters and throw pillows.
‘Want animal print bedding? Then go ahead and purchase one. This kind of pattern will look great when highlighted by a lovely chandelier.
The Romantic Bed
What could be more romantic than a bed with canopy? This added feature will make the bedroom appear more spacious. You can never go wrong with a wooden bed. Whether you opt for softwood or hardwood, that’s really up to you; each one offers a beauty that other materials will have difficulty matching.
To cap the set up of your romantic bedroom, make sure that you play some soft music as your loved one arrives. Add potpourri, chocolate, and champagne and you’re in for a night that’s worth remembering.
Tags: bed, bedroom mirror, candelabra, candelabrum, fireplace, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mirror, romantic bedroom, romantic setting, romantic setup, Valentine's Day
Posted in Bedroom Design | No Comments »
Friday, January 22nd, 2016

Maitland-Smith Accessories Rock Crystal Bowl On Glass Base 2147-362 provides a classic look to any nook.
Many homes already enjoy using glass in most of their furnishings. The use of this unique material in home decor is both decorative and practical. It can come in many forms ranging from countertops, glazing, decorative walls, to fancy mirrors. Whether you want to use glass to let in the morning sun or just so you can make a cramped room look expansive, its interior design possibilities are actually limitless.
Sure there are glass tables and cabinets but have you ever wrapped your brain around having a glass home?
Glass is a recyclable and sustainable material. It is known to provide environmental benefits as well as mitigate changes in climate. Many designers have saved natural resources because of their utilization of this awesome material.
Glass is appreciated in many different applications. It is known to conserve energy which is obvious in homes with glass facades. Imagine not having to use artificial lighting till dusk.
Playing with Light

You would certainly love to catch a glimpse of your reflection every day on the mirror of this Viniterra cabinet from FFDM.
The presence of light is the best interior design trick there is. Light can make smaller rooms look large and large rooms even more unrestrained. Light can also make rooms look comfortable and natural.
The use of glass brings in natural light in your home, thus, you can enhance the garden views and even brighten up obscure rooms.
Windows with mulliions can easily take advantage of the picturesque views. Let glass create this same lovely view in your home while also reflecting light and highlighting lovely surfaces.
Studies show that natural light can improve sleep, even your overall quality of life; more and more evidence point to the benefits of light on your mood, alertness level, as well as your metabolism.
Glass is one of the most preferred materials for better aesthetics and characteristics. Picture this – glass can even preserve the natural taste of food. It can also lock the vitamins in which is no surprise why most food and medicine packages come in glass containers. So why not install glass in your kitchen where your daily meals are prepared? You can look forward to – not just having a wonderful view of nature outside – but also a higher health level.
If you are not ready to have an all glass home just yet, then just be creative in your use of this lovely material. After all, there are but a few limits when it comes to glass. Extreme cold and heat are two of the things that you need to carefully think through when using glass in your home. Thicker panes are needed for places with cold temperatures.
Glass in Smaller Quantities
Having glass furniture is the next best thing to having an all glass residence. Mirrors, glass chairs, tables and just about any furnishing can be made with glass. You can pair glass with leather, wood, especially metals.
Give your kitchen counter tops and office desks a touch of elegance by using glass. Use cleaner lines for a more industrial or urban look and ornate lines to bring out the beauty of glass in a traditional setting.

Artistica Living Room Per Se Nesting Table, Glass 407-360 spells unique in every aspect. The fusion of glass and wood in this ensemble is too perfect to ignore.
Do not limit yourself to the living room, kitchen or the dining room when designing with glass. Up the level of sophistication in your bathroom by having glass walls installed. Wet areas such as these do not need to look unexciting. In fact, since the bathroom is where you should feel relaxed, even rejuvenated, then you should take time to think of a concept that will make the room more tranquil.
Glass can also be used as a divider wall between the master bedroom and the master bathroom. Keeping the privacy is easy by using glass blocks.
Try installing glass in different areas of your home and start reaping the benefits.
Tags: designing with glass, glass, glass design, glass home, glass house, glass interior design, glass interiors, glass walls, light, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mirror, mirrored interiors, natural, natural light, natural lighting, styling with glass, tips
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »
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