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Friday, May 26th, 2017
The stone flooring makes this Wood Dining Side Chair from the Boulevard Collection stand out more.
As the name already suggests, natural stone tile is a tile that has been cut from stones of the natural variety. There are engineered stones so natural stones are those that are generally more expensive but more classic looking.
When Buying Stone Tiles…
So what should you consider when you are out to invest in a natural stone tile flooring?
Just like all the stuff that you are buying for your home, you need to consider a few factors that would affect the longevity and overall performance of this flooring material.
First, consider the cost. A few stone tiles are far pricier than others. Of course, this depends on what type of stone you would want for your floor. The rarer the material, the pricier. Marble and granite are generally pricey but there are also cheaper types of marble that are more abundantly quarried.
The porosity as well as the absorption rate of the stone tile must also be considered. These will determine how easily the tiles will eventually absorb the liquids. Staining is also a common issue especially among oily substances so find the natural stones that are not highly porous. If you really have to choose a stone that has high porosity, then be sure to have it sealed before use.
The durability or hardness of the natural stone must also be carefully considered. The harder the natural stone, the less likely that it will eventually wear down, crack, scratch or chip. Of course, the higher the foot traffic in the room, the riskier it is for your natural stone tiles. If you are going to use marble or granite in the kitchen, well, you gotta be extra careful.
Variance and consistency also have a lot to do with the way the natural stone tile would perform. Those with a more consistent color and veining look better and more chic. Speaking of colors, remember that not all marbles and granites look the same. Depending on where they come from, the smooth texture and equal distribution of color on these stones do vary.
The texture and finish of the natural stone also matter. The highly polished and slippery ones are a terrible material to use inside the kitchen or the bathroom. The texture is often determined by the finish and cut of the stone. The most common finishes include flamed, polished, honed and natural cleft.
Types of Natural Stone Floor Tiles
Tags: granite flooring, limestone flooring, marble flooring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural stone, natural stone flooring, natural stone tile, natural stone tiling, sandstone flooring
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Stone Tile Flooring – As Natural As It Gets
Thursday, March 23rd, 2017
Bedside Commode Stone Top from FFDM Viniterra Collection.
There is an ever-growing interest in the creation of homes that are timeless and sustainable. Sustainability is today’s latest craze and may it stay that way because decorative elements and materials are now being manufactured with environmentalism in mind. Natural stones are one of the best options for homeowners who are embracing green living.
Stone Is Natural
Designing buildings in a green way requires planning and careful implementation. Stone is sustainable in such a way that you preserve the beauty of these elements right in your own home. Also, you improve the natural environment by using an element that comes from nature.
Stone never requires other materials for it to be created. There is also an abundance of this material. It offers the most unique colors, textures, veining, and shapes. Natural stone does not contain toxins or harmful chemicals. This spells a healthy interior environment for you and your family.
Stone Is Diverse
Because of innovations in the stone industry, you can now have more options with regard to stone applications and looks. Natural stone is, well, natural looking. It is something that cannot be replicated inside a laboratory. When kept in its natural state, stone has textures and colors to offer.
Stone Is Tough
What better way to design your home than to find a material that can stand the test of time? Using natural stone also means that you won’t have to worry about material replacement for a long time. Stones such as travertine, limestone, slate and granite also age beautifully so they will provide years of enjoyment and charm for your kitchen, baths, foyers and other rooms.
Compare natural stones with other materials and you will see the reason for the slightly higher cost. Over time, you get to save more since you will no longer be bothered about replacements in the future.
Stone Spells Easy Maintenance
When properly maintained, stone will last beautifully. There is a wide range of choices for fabrication as well as finishes that you can apply to natural stones. These will also enhance the material’s performance as well as extend its life. These can also help the stone become more slip resistant.
A lot of natural stones can be easily cleaned with dish soap and water. You can also use cleaners that were specifically manufactured to clean stones. A lot of these cleaners are now approved to meet the standards of sustainability.
Stone Can be Recycled
Natural stone can also be recycled, in fact, it has the potential to offer various uses over its entire lifetime. Recycling stones is a viable choice as well as a sustainable one. Recycling also ensures a material that will be used to its fullest.
Environmentally, recycled stones can decrease or totally eliminate the water, energy and other resource use. You can avoid impacts on ecosystems as well as other resources since there are no off-gases that will impair air quality.
Stone Is Quarried
Technological advancements including extraction, quarrying and fabrication methods have led to more choices, even reduced costs of many stone products. Because of this, natural stone has become one of the most desired or sought-after products in the world today especially in furniture making.
The use of stone also means you conserve many resources, prevent pollution and even minimize the amount of waste. As you select natural stone for your home, you can take part in the use of a material that is long-lasting and sustainable. Discuss your options with your design theme. Find out how you can incorporate natural stone in your furnishings.
Use natural stone for your interior design needs as it is beautiful, green and valuable.
Tags: designing with natural stone, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural stone, natural stones, stone, stone sustainability, sustainable stone
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Natural Stone: Sustainability at Its Best
Wednesday, October 19th, 2016
Maitland-Smith Kitchen Island 5130-649
Do you believe that countertops are the anchors or foundations of your kitchen design? This is why it is best to have one that is shiny, beautiful and clean all the time. When it comes to countertop cleanup, though, there is no one method that works for every type. This is why you need to find out which cleaning technique is suitable for your kitchen counter.
The cleaning technique that you would use to make the countertop shine depends mainly on what material it is made of. Here are some tips on what to do if your kitchen countertop is made of –
Solid Material
Solid surfaces are available in semigloss, gloss, and matte finishes. Such countertops ask for extra care. Depending on the material quality, this often costs more compared to other countertops.
For glossy, solid surfaces, you can begin cleaning by using soapy water and any ammonia-based cleaning solution. Veer away from cleaning solutions that can scratch the surface.
If you want to achieve extra shine, then be sure to clean gently using a sponge. Just do this once every month to maintain the new glossy look.
You need to increase cleaning frequency with semigloss surfaces. This time, use any abrasive cleanser and a sponge. Repeat the cleanup to achieve a higher gloss. If you’re still not satisfied with the glossy that you did using the cleanser, then it’s time to have the countertop refinished or replaced.
Drexel Heritage Dining Room Evolution Counter Table 640-601
Ceramic Tile
Kitchens and baths have the most popular designs for tile countertops. Keeping these clean won’t just make them look like they’re brand new but would also keep them hygienic. Microorganisms can get into the grout, a porous material.
Get rid of dirt and bacteria by wiping these countertops after each use. Use your everyday tile cleaner. Begin with the grout by using your everyday tile cleaner. Begin with the grout by using a grout cleaner.
Deep stains should be treated with the same cleaner but, this time, let it sit for 10 minutes. Find a scrub brush or toothbrush to brush the dirt away.
Deep cleaning should be done twice to three times every year.
Natural Stone
These are your granite, slate or soapstone countertop. These are not easily stained nor become breeding grounds for bacteria. Soapstone countertops do not require annual sealing unlike other natural stones. Use mineral oil by applying them on the surface. This can even help deepen the color over time.
For granite, limestone or marble, refrain from using dish soap. This tends to make these surfaces appear dull. Stay away, too, from homemade concoctions and other gentle cleaners because these won’t have any lasting effects on the surface. There are commercially available cleaners that can even restore the original shine of dull granite.
Wood
This is also known as the butcher-block style countertop. This is best used in kitchens where food preparation is heavily done. Wood is heat resistant but it is susceptible to dirt and liquids.
The best cleaning method for wood is to wash it right after using.
Making the wood appear shiny begins by using some fresh lemon. Just wipe down the countertop using a non-toxic cleaner and sponge. As soon as it’s dry, sand the surface using 120-grit sandpaper. You can then sand again with 180-grit sandpaper till the wood is finally smooth. Use food-grade mineral oil on the counters then rub using a cotton rag. Soak the wood for about 20 minutes before wiping it clean.
Achieving a shine even on old kitchen countertops can be a simple task if you know what cleaner suits which material. Use proper techniques and cleaning solutions for your counter material. When you do so, you care for it and you don’t expose it to more damage.
Tags: caring for countertops, countertop care, countertop choices, kitchen countertop, kitchen countertop materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural stone, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Corsica Dark Queen Panel Bed 5280-90250.
The French Mediterranean style came from the countries situated at the north of the Mediterranean Sea. These countries include Greece, Spain and Italy. This is a style that is referred to today as Spanish modern.
Mediterranean furniture pieces range from the mere functional to the most formal. Most of these pieces are short and have ornate legs and feet. The wood used is often heavy and burnished. The walls of Mediterranean homes are often textured, with the bullnose edge being a common design on fireplace mantels.
Mediterranean Colors
The hues of these regions echo the beauty of the sky and the sea. Depending on the region, though, the hue could be lavender, a cool yellow, or the warmer terracotta.
Stucco finishes and tiled roofs dominate Mediterranean style houses. Spanish histories display a lot of these as do other states with warm climates.
Influences come from Italy, Portugal., and mainly Spain. Other countries from the Mediterranean regions also have some design contributions.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Corsica Dark Round Dining Table with 1-18in Leaf 5280-75203
Mediterranean Architecture
Architecture under this style that is found in North America was quite popular from 1918 till 1940. The designs echoed the beautiful haciendas of New World Spain. Features included arches, red tile roofs, and plaster made to look like plastered adobe. Various homes in Florida and California were built in this style.
Pretty soon, developments from other European nations were already found in Mediterranean houses. Influences came as far as the Balkans and France. Cypress, Turkey and Lebanon provided the Asian inspiration together with North African nations like Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
These days, a lot of the ornate homes that fuse the different countries’ elements are categorized as Mediterranean or Neo-Mediterranean. Other features include courtyards, terraces, porticos, stucco finishes, and balconies.
During the 1920 till the 1930s, many Hollywood movies featured Mediterranean settings. Celebrity magazines also plastered stars living in Tudor, Spanish colonial or castle-like dwelling places. These years saw the peak of construction of Mediterranean houses.
Home building was dampened by the Great Depression, though. Following the Second World War, the focus was turned to stucco tract housing. In the 1960s, though, Mediterranean homes had a marvelous comeback. The rest of the United States, mostly those from the South, embraced the Mediterranean look.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Corsica Metal Floor Mirror 5480-90009
Famous Mediterranean Homes
Some of the homes that are immediately thought of when the word Mediterranean is mentioned are the Frances Marion and Fred Thomson house; the Smith-Heberton house; and the house of Fred C. Aiken.
These homes had one or more of the key features of a Mediterranean house. The red tile roof which was copied from the Mexican and Spanish missions were made of bricks and clay pots. The half tubes were able to shed water effectively.
The stucco walls are next which protected the exterior walls from extreme temperatures which are common in Mediterranean climate. Arches are also features that go back all the way to the Roman times. These self-supporting structures are also found in beautiful Mediterranean homes. Just imagine the architectural magic of these arches and you are sure to marvel. Every stone depends on the keystone at the top of the arch, with side columns having their weight distributed on the sides then downward.
Tiles are also common, especially the mosaic tile designs. Bring this same beauty into your own floor or your kitchen backsplash. Simulate the look of a lovely mosaic tile with a stenciled mosaic border on the walls, floors or on your furniture. Wall textures can be layers of glaze and paint or sand-textured.
Mediterranean accessories include filigree light fixtures, burnished bronze urns, and wrought-iron fireplaces. Heavy wooden doors complete with ornate carvings welcome the visitors of every Mediterranean-inspired home.
Tags: French design, French Mediterranean, Greek design, Italian design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Mediterranean interior design, Mediterranean interiors, Mediterranean style, natural stone, Spanish, stone, wood, wood elements
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, January 14th, 2016
This classic wooden drawer is from FFDM’s American Cherry Collection.
Southwestern design is defined with earth colors and the richest textures. This means that you should use more of orange, yellow, turquoise, and red clay. Clay tile roofs, terracotta and handcrafted stuff are all welcome in a southwestern home.
Upholstery for this design is chiefly woven fabrics, suede, animal hides or leather. Blankets could be made of traditional native clothing. Do not limit the use for these beautiful pieces inside the bedroom because they can also be great wall decor.
Wood furniture is a must and could also feature metal accents or a distressed finish. The accents used in southwestern environments can be anything from painted ceramics to hand-painted tiles. If you can find early pieces dating all the way back to 16th century Mexico, the better.
Tribal Design Elements
You will see a lot of Native American pieces inside a southwestern home. Elements such as latillas, vigas and other artwork are design themes that are commonly used in architecture. This style is quite earthy as well as organic as it captures the heritage of Arizona and New Mexico areas. Natural accents, colors and other elements look and feel a lot like Mexican, Spaniard, and Native American designs; open floor plans, flat roofs and courtyards, even gardens can become a part of your home.
This Hooker Furniture Living Room Covington Bogue Club Chair has the right color to give life to a southwestern habitat.
Southwestern design makes use of subdued earthy tones like tan, cream, brown, terracotta, and white. These colors are great as backdrop for American Indian-inspired textiles and accents. Azure is a famous color for windows and doors. Any color found in nature such as forest green, salmon, sunny yellow and slate blue can fit perfectly in southwestern interiors.
Southwestern furniture should be unpretentious. Say no to anything intricate. Cherry, walnut, pine, and just about any mid-tone wood would do. It should have soft leather or natural textiles as coverings. Make use of huge pillows right on the floor as well as hammocks in your courtyard. These can be alternative seats for your guests. Always remember that the rooms must be spacious or have a natural flow.
As for the walls, they are often made with the same materials as the exteriors. Mostly adobe, interior walls are roughly plastered. Others use smooth stone or stucco. If you want to add warmth and color onto a boring wall, then use hand-painted tiles. They can also be used in covering kitchen backsplash. If not, use the tiles as individual accents.
Murals are also a huge depiction of southwestern culture. Have spiritual stories or rituals painted on murals then have them installed as a statement wall.
You can also try stucco plaster then add builder’s sand to the paint. You may also use special paint effects such as suede, color washing, or faux paint.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Biltmore Select Bidjar Rug 1773RS02000300450 at McCreerys Home Furnishings
Southwestern floors are often honey-colored. Other homeowners prefer terracotta tiles. Adding visual interest on your floors is easy. Just arrange the tiles in patterns and layouts.
Parquet or light wood flooring is widely used. You can color this kind of flooring with cobalt blue or any other earthy color to make it more exciting. Carpets and rugs are valuable pieces but if you do not want these in your home, then be sure to opt for hardwood flooring.
Use brick or stones throughout your home without letting the style suffer. Use lovely rugs with traditional patterns and colors brighten up the room.
Southwestern accents are mostly paintings, candles, wrought-iron stuff, dried flowers, sculptures, pottery (the hand-painted type), and animal skins.
Learn these Southwestern design tips and begin bringing rustic beauty into your lovely home.
Tags: animal print, brick, earthy, guidelines, leather, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Mexican, Mexican interior design, Mexican interiors, Mexican style, Native American, Native American design, natural stone, neutral, neutrals, paint, rustic, rustic decor, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, southwestern interior design, southwestern interiors, Spanish, stone, textures, tips, tribal, warm colors, wood elements, wood furniture, wooden elements, wrought iron, wrought iron furniture
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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