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Wednesday, September 28th, 2016
Checks are a huge part of all things retro. Featured here is the Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Ottoman Without Nailhead Trim 5643-08.
Old interior designs make a comeback every few years. If you’ve noticed, retro design is now making a comeback but with a contemporary twist. Retro modern is a mixture of eclectic styles, making use of different finishes and materials.
Retro modern is an interesting twist with bold colors. These days, the bright colors from days past come back in subdued tones, thus, forming a unique new style. This is the modern take on the flamboyant look of the 60s, 70s, 80s till the 90s.
Retro modern can help you show your individuality through the fusion of different styles of eras that have gone. This is your interpretation of the past, though. Different old styles, shapes, materials, colors, technology and artifacts continue to resurface to be used and displayed once more.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Rectangle Console Table is both retro and timeless.
Features of Retro Modern
Some of the visual clues that you are looking at a retro modern home is when the existing design has been revisualized and eventually revised. You would also notice a brimming mixture of eclectic elements, some classic while some bright and modern.
Retro, of course, still means a style that will never be outdated. The general rule in using it is to find items that are actually or visually 15 to 20 years of age (at the very least). The strongest features of retro modern are the careful color mixtures, even the variety in patterns and textures. At times, new furniture is framed by a vintage background.
The retro modern theme requires an environment that is sustainable. It pays, therefore, to practice the reduce, reuse and recycle concept. You can use the heirloom pieces that were handed down to you by your great grandparents or in their absence, you can check out these vintage-looking pieces from our collection –
You also need to modify your surroundings. Modify with wallpapers and lots of colors such as mustards, blues and eclectic pink. Retro modern also means updating the average interior design by adding aged pieces. Go ahead and create a timeless and unique look.
Any room will be instantly transformed to a retro modern setting where carefully chosen patterns and bold colors are used. The larger the patterns on those wallpapers, the more accurate your design would be. Say yes to murals and furniture with bold fabrics. Be sure to limit the colors to just a few bold ones, though, since you could easily end up with a cluttered, chaotic look.
Repetitive and smaller patterns with muted or neutral tones are also welcome in a retro modern home so long as you want the subtle approach. Bold colors may be used with pastel colors for a more sophisticated appeal.
If bold, geometric and colorful isn’t your style, then you can still go retro by using subtle hints. Smaller prints and patterns would do. Use the muted versions of the bolder colors. Infuse colors in smaller quantities if you are still uncertain about going bold.
Retro modern may also use curved edges and circular forms. These are actually classic shapes in retro interior design. Mix these with contemporary furniture to create a different kind of harmony. You may also combine minimalism with some retro elements. Achieve this by fusing curved lines with simple lines.
Pair modern leather, lacquer-finished pieces, and wood with retro pieces. Say goodbye to outdated fabrics and embrace a funky-colored one. Shop for sleeker pieces if you are leaning towards minimalism.
Use focal points, too, such as a vintage barometer on your accent wall, or a shelf full of colorful knickknacks. Retro modern can also be your personal design statement. Take a few ideas from these tips then try to retell the design in your own taste.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern, modernism, retro, Retro design, retro interior design, retro interiors, Retro style, tips, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, vintage interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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 »
Thursday, June 2nd, 2016
The geometric beauty of this Cynthia Rowley 1118CR Delancey Club Chair is great for this modern setup.
Modern design comprises various materials and perceptions. This is why this design can be a bit difficult to characterize. In fundamental terms, modern design is a reflection of modern art movement inside homes. There are many focal characteristics and themes that can be classified as modern design. Modernism is the exact opposite of more opulent designs including Renaissance, Gothic, and Victorian.
Modern Design: A Rich History
Modern interior design is just a small section of a much larger modernist movement. Modernism is often attributed to the end of the 19th century where modern thinking was given birth.
Modernists were bent on deviating from the creative, intellectual and cultural norms that have been set during the period of Enlightenment. Movements against organized religion and old norms and mores were established and the fusion of politics and creativity was given emphasis. Everything else after this fell under the category of modernism with the sub-genres defined as futurism, cubism, Bauhaus, abstract expressionism, Neo-Dada, and minimalism.
Here are some of the common components of what could be categorized as a modern home –
1586-75200-GRY1 Dinner at Eight Dining Table w 2-18in leaves: Notice the absence of curvy lines and complex designs in this modern dining room.
Everything Is Minimal
Minimalism is a huge part of modern design. The fundamentals of minimalism embraces the less is more concept. The design in a modern home does not include complex moldings, columns, cabinet trim, or excessive color on textiles.
Minimalism is living – not in scarcity but – in simplicity. It may look simple but this kind of style takes a lot of careful planning. This is necessary so that comfort is still attained while the layout is efficiently streamlined.
The open floor layout can join different rooms in just one space. The counter in a kitchen, for instance, can provide a visual division between the areas for cooking and the areas where people can sit down and converse.
Clean Lines
Modernism, simply put, is the exact opposite of previous interior designs what use carvings, heavy textures, and wood tones.
Majority of the components of modern rooms – from the furniture to room shapes – include straight, clean lines with no intricate details. These differ from contemporary design which can have some curves and sweeping, sharper lines.
With these said, there are different designs that fall under this furnishing category like Art Deco, Mission Style, and Shaker.
Paired with furnishings are oversized tiles, sanded wood floors (with minimized grain), shelves, bookcases inset in walls, open floor layouts with very few walls, and the lack of doors, windows, moldings and trimming.
Metal: The Star Material
Stainless steel and chrome are huge parts of any modern home. Modernism does away with wrought iron and other such traditional metal details. Any clean, polished metal is most welcome in a modern home. It is common to see stainless steel and chrome in furniture specifically on table legs or exposed chair frames.
Chrome is also extensively used on railings, lamps, cabinet and door handles, and faucets. This metal, when polished, shines brightly and has a slight blue undertone which can make it appear quite cold. Using metal, therefore, is awesome for those who are moving away from the lived in lifestyle.
Zero Clutter
What’s tied with minimalism is the lack of clutter. Clutter can be defined in many different ways and among different people. Sometimes, lack of clutter could mean zero pottery, vases, knickknacks, collections, and any excessive accessories.
Books, keepsakes, electronics, and other necessary items should be stored out of sight.
Dramatic Colors
Many modern homes use shades of black or white while the bold colors are limited to the accents. The bolder colors are used sparingly and rarely used as an overall color. Bold colors could be included in abstract wall art, a large piece of furniture (e.g. a bright red sofa or an orange plastic table), throw pillows, an accent wall, or a throw rug.
Tags: 19th century, chrome, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, metal design, metal furniture, modern, modern design, modern interior design, modern interior design tips, stainless steel, stainless steel furnishings, stainless steel furniture, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
This Hooker Furniture Living Room Geometric Chest will look great in any living area.
If you have an artistic flair that needs to be satiated, then you might feel that your home is in need of a shot of color. The latest geometric accent pieces and wallpapers can give your home that needed lift. Imagine still feeling energized even during the dreary winter months as nothing can compare to bright and bold patterns when it comes to invigorating the senses.
A Daring Move
Geometric patterns are the hottest topic in interior design these days. Chevrons and stripes have been dominating the headlines in many interior design magazines for a long time. This trend is here to stay but if this is your first time to embrace this bold style, then it is advisable that you take it easy.
Do not run and invest in the boldest carpets and wallpapers all at once. Fine patterns that are unique which will surely pass design fads. The usual stripes and chevron patterns can give a feeling of modernism and youthful vibrancy. While this is so, you need to consider the overall style of your home so that the geometric patterns you are going to bring in will fit.
It is not difficult to create subtle yet sophisticated looks just by looking for a muted neutral shade then slowly layering with a bold mix of colors and hip patterns. Just make sure that you use bold patterns sparingly or you would be left with a room that confuses the beholder.
Accessories Uttermost Geometric Shapes, S3 19935 are black ceramic shapes complete with crystal feet and bronze undertones.
Consider Your Mood
It is also crucial that you think about the mood that you would want to project in your home. Soothing and relaxing places are your bedrooms and the living room. You can still use graphic prints in these rooms but limit your color palette to the soft and calming hues. You can also extend this same cozy effect to your master bathroom and all other bathrooms in your home.
As for the kitchen, dining area, the hallway, and rooms where foot traffic is almost constant, go ahead and splurge on those vibrant wallpapers. These are now available in many exciting patterns and colors. They are sure to energize the entrance hall and would leave a lasting impression with any visitor.
Never be limited by the thought that geometric patterns are for contemporary homes only. There are many options for just about any theme that you can think of. For the more traditional styles, then add glamour through subtle geometry. As for modern themes, the sky’s the limit pretty much.
Draw some inspiration from different eras, for instance, if you feel inspired to use materials from the Art Deco period, then find linear patterns, subtle curves, and monochrome or metallic colors. If you want contemporary styles, then find wallpapers in a ‘60s vibe. These could have a dizzying effect at first but you will soon appreciate the unique vibe that they bring in to your space.
Accessories Uttermost Geometric Impressions Modern Art 35309 is a hand painted canvas with geometric pattern rendering a three-dimensional effect.
You can also opt to use two-tone geometric patterns or have those harlequin-like patterns of diamonds and a spectrum of colors. Should these remain uninspiring to you, then choose a mixture of eighties design, palm leaf and bold shapes.
It is not advisable to decorate an entire room with geometric patterns. Less is more with this kind of style. Also, it is not just for the brave and daring homeowners who would set up a feature wall; it is also a style that can fit a person with delicate personality.
Wallpapers are not the only stuff that you can bring in. See the metallic geometric shapes below and you would know that geometric design can also be a decorative element.
Featuring geometric artwork is also a welcome move as are the use of rugs, carpets and furniture that show interesting patterns and textures.
Tags: bold, bold design, bold statement, Chevron, contemporary, contemporary interiors, contemporary style, contemporary theme, design geometry, geometric design, geometric interior design, geometric patterns, geometry in design, guidelines, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern, modern style, modern theme, modernism, patterns, stripes, stripes in interior design, tips
Posted in Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Geometry in Interior Design: Fun, Hip and Stylish
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016
What would be more perfect for the dining room in your old home than this table from the Antebellum Collection of FFDM?
Do you know the old saying that old homes have souls? If this is the case, then you really have to find time to redesign an old home (if you happen to live in one). Interior design, after all, is not all about the creation of a new residence. If you are one of the few that are blessed to own a house that has already earned its own character, then it’s high time to bring out its best features.
Hide All Imperfections
One of the best ways to conceal imperfections is to paint over them. So go ahead and paint the ceilings and walls. Be sure to highlight the walls, trim and ceiling.
What makes people fall in love with older homes is how they speak of a different era. Back then, there was a certain level of personality and polish that are required for finishing touches. Simple coats of paint can preserve and highlight beautiful architectural details.
Designers typically paint a single color on the trim, walls and ceiling. The trim has a slightly higher gloss so that it subtly calls for attention. Once this palette is already in place, find a bold shade such as dark gray to paint your doors. These will serve as architectural highlights in your home.
Paint the trim work in neutral contrasting shade if it is still in great shape. This is a great way to show it off while being consistent in every room throughout your place. Applying the same paint on the ceiling can help fuse the look together for a more stately and architectural appeal.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom True Vintage Arched Mirror comes in a light wood finish and an elegantly aged driftwood finish.
Still on your home’s vintage trim, make sure to use in-window shade rather than hanging drapes. This is so you can leave the trim exposed for everyone to enjoy. These shades also add a modern touch in a subtle way, one that would not steal the integrity of your original home.
If, however, you have awkward looking windows, then go ahead and use those drapes. A lot of older homes tend to have quirky windows. A wall of drapery should hide such windows.
Another beauty that you can use in designing old homes is the installation of stained glass. If you do not already have them, invest in this type of glass which will make simple white walls appear more stimulating.
Embrace Contemporary Furnishing
Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed Queen 313280B at McCreerys Home Furnishings
If you want your traditional home to have an edgy, modern-day feel, then make sure that you invest in contemporary furniture pieces. These are those simple pieces with clean lines. Find rich textures, soft colors and linear pieces. Going radical when it comes to modernity is not the way to go, though. Make sure that you are able to control both contemporary and traditional concepts in such a way that they won’t fight. Take for instance the lovely Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed (313280B) which brings together both contemporary and traditional concepts so beautifully. This queen size bed is crafted using birch veneers and hardwood. It comes in two-tone finish namely the dark vintage and the lighter heirloom tone. Its aged birch veneer is the right touch to any traditional setting. Add to this the antiqued metal, crown molding, as well as overhanging tops, and you’ve achieved sophistication.
This lovely bed also comes in California king size.
Still on mixing modern and traditional periods, another way to add a modern feel is to place appliances such as TV, a computer or a plush sofa inside the room. Modern accessories will also make a huge difference in old homes so don’t be afraid to add in a dash of modernity.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classicism, contemporary, drapes, guidelines, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern, neutral paint, neutral paint colors, old architecture, old home, old homes, redesigning old homes, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | 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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