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The Rustic Fall Look for 2018

Tuesday, September 25th, 2018

 

The Canadel Dining Room Wooden Seat Bench BEN8903-18 has the perfect vibe for fall.

It’s Fall. You definitely should have traded the summer decorative items for fall stuff by now. There are now hard rules when it comes to fall décor and you simply have to follow the cues that go with the season. Just look all around you – the leaves are turning orange and red, the browns are becoming more intense, and the air is filled with anticipation.

It is said that the best time to hang and set up your fall décor is late August up until October. Of course, you would not want to confuse the look with the upcoming Christmas vibe. This season, as you know, offers a different spectrum of color palette.

One of the best styles that you can have this fall is a rustic look. It is timeless yet, at the same time, parallel to the looks that fall evokes. Rustic design is basic, even raw, but it is always strikingly lovely.

If you’re embracing this look for fall, then you have to understand the philosophy behind it. It is organic and is supposed to invoke warm and comfortable feelings. Here are some of the basic design elements that you can work with –

Rustic Textures

Wood is the leading element in any rustic habitat. Even reclaimed wood is a good choice for your walls, flooring and furniture materials.

Wood effortlessly provides the natural look that is needed in rustic design. The wood beams also typically support the ceilings and these are often made of alder, pine, cherry or hickory. There are many other choices of woods to choose from.

The second most-used element in rustic design is metal. Metals, especially wrought-iron, can be seen on elements such as pots, pans, even the staircase posts.

The right accessories need to complement the look that you’re trying to set up. For instance, having metal doorknobs means you need to pair them with wood and distressed bathroom accessories so the rustic vibe is achieved.

Apart from wood and metals, there is a third element that is also typically seen in rustic interiors and these are stones. Stone is used in balancing the other elements.

Rustic Color Palette

You will need a natural color palette to make the design work. So, think of oranges, browns, beiges, taupes, and cream. This base color is also often joined by shades of red, green, and blue. What’s important is that you tie up all these colors so that they are able to present an earthy and warm aesthetic.

Don’t be limited by just the basic shades, though. Remember that you can use different shades of the same color in layering. Doing this will add to the depth of your surroundings.

Don’t paint the wider surfaces such as the walls and the floors. The wooden surfaces become even more exciting and rustic if they look natural, raw, and unpainted. If you’re still having difficulty choosing the right colors for your rustic home this fall, then you can never go wrong with white. Plus, you can carry on this palette to the winter season.

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Ikat Rug 3261RS Flame

Rustic Patterns

Because rustic style is refined unrefined, you need to create interest by adding patterns. Buffalo check, calico, Ikat, and patchworks are all traditionally rustic. These patterns can be used on the floor rugs, the pillow cases, and other accessories.

Enhance your home further by adding quilt or by hanging an interesting carpet on one wall.

Rustic Furniture

Find furniture pieces that are traditional looking and have a comfortable and authentic feel. The materials must be raw wood or, at the very least, handmade. Each piece must evoke minimalism. Cap the look by accessorizing with twigs, branches, driftwood, and acorns.

 

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Posted in 2018 Trends, Color Schemes, Decorative Elements, Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Rustic Fall Look for 2018

Down to Earth: How to Use Rustic Colors Effectively in Your Home

Saturday, November 12th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Box on Stand: Rustic doesn't always have to be "all brown". The distressed look, here shown, is an exceptional way to achieve the rustic look.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Box on Stand: Rustic doesn’t always have to be “all brown”. The distressed look, here shown, is an exceptional way to achieve the rustic look.

It is, indeed, a capricious process to create a rustic tone. If you’re able to achieve it, though, you will see that the payoffs are huge. There has to be a balance of materials and features whether you are setting up a home that’s a modest log cabin, a timber lodge or a farmhouse.

Basic Styles of Rustic Structures

Did you know that there are basic classes for every rustic structure? The terms such as cottage, cabin, farmhouse or lodge all refer to rustic beauty but do not mean the exact same thing. Let’s begin defining one after the other –

A cottage has many variations just like any other home style. Every style evokes a different image. For some, it is a small, romantic place while the beach cottages all belong on a different plane. One thing’s common with all these cottages, though, and that is airy interiors.

The cabin, on the other hand, has dark-stained logs for exteriors. There is also the fieldstone chimney which is a typical addition. Just like many homes in the past, a cabin is always built using materials that are found from nature. These are then utilized to make functional pieces. Just picture the rusted firewood as well as the breezeway roofs.

Houses that have been around a long time were usually modified through the years. Modifications were often done over a period of years through the addition of other structures on the asset. A connecting breezeway is quite common.

The farmhouse is a popular structure in many rural landscapes. This is the representative of all the hard work that happens in far-flung places. No matter how basic, such a structure promises comfort and safety – the two things that are common in many rustic structures.

Common architectural elements include big porches, pitched rooflines, and those simple yet pretty sidings.

Farmhouses are built minus lavishness or waste. They were historically constructed with the use of materials that are rough-hewn and hand sawn.

The lodge makes use of big timber trusses, oversized fireplaces, high ceilings and chimneys. Take note of the roofing, too, as it was always made of thick cedar or the slated shingles. Bring your imagination to Lake Tahoe and you’d know what a lodge is supposed to look like.

Having a lodge means maximizing the views. This only means that the windows must be massive. The exteriors as well as the outdoor fireplace use a blend of materials such as timber posts, vertical boards, board and batten.

Now that you have these basic descriptions for rustic homes, can you now confidently tell that your home is rustic in style? The key is to have that open floor plan, wood furniture and beautiful, exposed architectural elements.

The Modern Rustic Home

Do you ever wonder how different a rustic home is from one that is modern rustic? One of the most noticeable features of a modern rustic home is the raw wood as well as the stone features. Preserve the look that’s common in rustic style which is the exposed beams, stone fireplace, and the use of furnishings made of reclaimed or sustainable wood.

Rustic also means natural so be ready to embrace rugs, linens and upholstery that show a natural aspect. Find the simplest fabrics minus the nauseating prints and patterns. Think of linen pillows, sisal, jute, and hides for a more natural look.

Modern rustic homes also have a good view of the picturesque outdoors so make sure that big windows are present. The modern rustic home is also almost always full of light and is spacious.

Lastly, bring in the wooden furniture to cap the look.

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Remembrance of Things Past: Features of Old World Design

Tuesday, November 8th, 2016

FFDM Ancestry Collection

FFDM Ancestry Collection

Have you ever wondered what makes Old World design unique? This exceptional design has its roots in the French countryside as well as 18th century England. Old World also represents Spanish, Mediterranean, Tuscan, Italian Villa, and French Chateau. It is a design that is known for its inviting interiors and warmth. Here are other characteristics that make Old World design one-of-a-kind –

Warmth

Old World is also tantamount to having bronze accents, posh drapes, crystal chandelier, candelabra, ivory shades, wall sconces, and detailed millwork. Its color schemes come in neutral tones with rich, warm woods. Coffered ceilings and dark wood tones are common in offices.

Symmetry

Another important element of Old World design is symmetry. The furnishings must be balanced in order to create a room that induces conversation. Common accents include lots of throws, plump pillows and beautiful silk flowers.

Colors

Pick colors that are warm, rich and deep in tone. Get inspiration from nature and your immediate surroundings. Whether you’d get your creativeness from the green grass or deep golds and oranges of the fall season, it’s really up to you.

Other colors that are also often used in Old World design are cream, burgundy, woods with dark stain, navy, forest green, ocher, or sanded, aged surfaces.

Materials

Natural materials are a huge thing in Old World design. You may use stone, natural woods and metal works. Use heavy wooden cabinets, wrought-iron pieces and stone floors. Curtain rods are also welcome. Be sure to include materials with rich colors such as iron, copper and wrought-iron. Limestone and granite are also wonderful options.

Fabrics and Textures

If you want to depict Old World design in your home, make sure that you invest in the following –

  • Brocades
  • Leather
  • Beaded trim
  • Tassels
  • Damasks
  • Floral patterns
  • Stripes
  • Silk
  • Velvet and
  • Tapestry patterns.

Accents

The best accents for Old World design are terra cotta, wrought-iron, pottery, damask draperies and distressed finishes. Make sure to fill your home with accent pieces which represent who you are.

Architectural Detail

If you are about to gut a room that you would want to remodel, then it would be wise to build from the ground up.  Include as many Old World architectural details as possible. You have to learn to love arched doors and windows, exposed wooden beams, and heavy furniture.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Auberose King Panel Bed

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Auberose King Panel Bed

Furniture

Old World furniture is free from built-in designs. This means that every piece under this design is freestanding. A kitchen island, for instance, may just be a simple butcher block or it may be a wooden piece with a marble or granite top.

Find slightly rustic or heavy furniture pieces. The chairs and couches must come with wooden frames as well as traditional cushions. The fabric and textures must be rich enough so that your guests will immediately know that it’s Old World.

Still on Old World kitchen, make sure that the cabinetry is free from complex designs. Use arches and hearth styles but say no to other ornate pieces. The cabinets in Old World kitchens often come with unique hinges as well as oversized doors. Corner edges and molding are often rounded on the edge. Large kitchen islands are the best pieces for to stain or paint. This is a good way to distinguish them from the kitchen cabinets.

Other Elements

Other ways to use Old World design is to make the room feel and look like travelers’ haven. Add woven shades, wicker furniture, bamboo pieces, and storage trunks.

It’s time to commit to this design. There is no use in being half-hearted about it. It is a wonderful style that you can be proud of since it shows the most interesting colors and textures. If these define who are you are, then Old World design it must be for your home.

 

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Rustic Is In This Fall: Why Time-Worn Style Is Fashionable Again

Friday, September 30th, 2016

FFDM Vintage Classics

FFDM Vintage Classics

Rustic interiors offer an eclectic look that zeroes in on nature. Furniture normally consists of stone, wood and reclaimed lumber, however, sisal, rattan, bamboo, paper, wool, glass and clay, even different kinds of metal can also be used to achieve the look. DIY projects, heirlooms, collections, folk arts and vintage-looking pieces will also fit in.

Metal-worked furniture pieces are also great options to use on a rustic concept this fall.

Wooden columns and beams, stone flooring and hardwood pieces are elements that you would want to add in your home. If these are not natural parts of your current home, then know that there are now faux columns and beams that can help you achieve the look.

Rustic Basics

Rustic interiors for this season will help you have a warm and welcoming vibe. Rustic is historic, rough-hewn and an Old World charm that appeals even to people who live on an era of manufactured pieces and technology.

Rustic is not tantamount to being not innovative, though. As your persist with your rustic style, you get to achieve a one-of-a-kind look that are either repurposed or set up in that way.

Weathered Woods Are Rustic

Say no to imitation lumber or machine-polished wooden pieces here. Rustic woods have to be rough around the edges and they’d have to be real lumber. Look for sturdy pieces like hickory, oak, or beech. Leave them to develop natural patina. You can also use matte paint to make them look more pastoral. Scuff and sand the edges, choose a stool or chair with bark-like backs and you’re on the right track.

BLOG 8. Hooker Furniture Dining Room Melange Rafferty II Side Chair

This Hooker Furniture Dining Room Melange Rafferty II Side Chair offers the distressed look that is perfect for your rustic setting.

Distressed Pieces Are Rustic

Think of denim blue, forest green, blood red, and khaki – these are all hues that look appropriate during the pioneer days. This does not mean that you can simply shun a lighter palette. Remember that a traditional pattern such as plaid, calico or patchwork would work best.

Another way to convey rustic beauty is to make a handmade quilt. Just throw this over a sectional or a bed; you can also hang this on the wall. Needlepoint pillows and embroidered pieces also embody rustic textile tradition.

Always go for warm, heavy metals preferably those that have been worn out. Look for pieces with a hammered finish or even a hint of rust. Say yes to pewter, bronze, copper, or iron for your bedstead, kitchen racks, lighting fixtures, side tables, and outdoor pieces. Veer away from finishes such as stainless steel and chrome.

Go Modern Rustic

This may be like conflicting terms but as a theme, this has been creating a buzz. Homeowners now love the rustic charm and beauty that come with modern amenities.

It’s impossible not to love this style especially if you are a sucker for character. The key to creating a modern rustic environment, though, is when you can embrace an open space layout, modern pieces, and large, industrial structures.

Don’t forget bringing in nature indoors, though, since the most important feature of any modern rustic dwelling is stone and raw wood. This is easy if you already live in an old home. All you have to do then is to preserve the original architectural features, show off the stone walls, and expose the beams, or light the fireplace.

Modern rustic is also about making good use of the fifth wall which is the ceiling. Homes that come with A-frames are very popular. If you don’t have cathedral ceilings, don’t worry, you can still have the look of exposed beams. Ask professional architects to help you install faux beams.

Beyond the architectural details and furnishings, rustic modern homes should also carry over the theme to linens, upholstery and rugs. The simplest accessories can make a huge difference so be sure to shop for the right fall items.

 

 

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The Beauty of Terracotta Tiles

Friday, September 30th, 2016

This Accessories Uttermost Tobia Burnt Terracotta Planter 20069 will sit beautifully on terracotta tile flooring.

This Accessories Uttermost Tobia Burnt Terracotta Planter 20069 will sit beautifully on terracotta tile flooring.

If you have started kitchen renovation or remodeling, then you know how overwhelming it can be. There are kitchen fixtures to worry about, pros and cons to consider, flooring to install, and a color scheme to decide on. Today, you are going to consider one material that will make your decision-making a whole lot easier – terracotta.

The wonderful world of tiles shows a wide array of patterns, colors, finishes, styles and textures. The material that you pick for your floor tile often determines the aesthetics. Consider terracotta to fulfill not just the aesthetics part of the project but also the durability, budget and style issues.

Stone and wood flooring are popular choices but terracotta is another timeless classic that you could look into. You can even achieve the look of a Spanish Revival home by simply using these tiles.

Terracotta and Its Distinctive Features

Terracotta literally means baked earth. It is hard because it is fired, unglazed clay. What makes it standout is its reddish-brown hue which is why it is linked to styles such Southwest, rustic, Old World and Mediterranean.

Terracotta tiles have long been around. For hundreds of years, this material has provided a uniqueness that is difficult to equal. It is a homeowner favorite because it can be used in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Terracotta is made of natural materials that are quite durable. It comes in a variety of finishes from zero to high gloss. Terracotta also offers an earthy and warm feel which makes it suitable both indoors and outdoors. It is a material that’s resistant to bacteria and mold.

Terracotta is porous, it absorbs moisture quite quickly. This is also why it is susceptible to alcohol, citric acid, vinegar, and oils. Terracotta tiles must be sealed each year so that stains, cracking and discoloration can be prevented.

Installing terracotta tiles can be a bit more difficult compared to other flooring materials. It is highly recommended that professionals would do the job.

The Thomasville Dining Room Elba Round Dining Table 43622-740 is equally rustic which is why it would go well with terracotta flooring.

The Thomasville Dining Room Elba Round Dining Table 43622-740 is equally rustic which is why it would go well with terracotta flooring.

Terracotta Maintenance

Clean terracotta tiles with a mild dishwashing liquid, tepid water, and soft cloth. Use this for spills and stains. You can also use a damp mop, just make sure that you dry the spot immediately.

Grout is also prone to staining so you need to scrub it off as soon as possible.

Terracotta in the Bedroom

If kitchens and central courtyards have an endearing look because of terracotta tiles, then the bedroom can have the same charming look.

Terracotta tiles in the bedroom means having a relaxing and comfy sanctuary. There are reddish hues to look into and finishes to consider. Your bedroom style is never an issue with this material since it can work in just about any setting where you install it.

Terracotta in the Living Room

Finding the right terracotta tiles for your living room may not be easy – back in the day. In the last years, homeowners have been looking for a unique material to use inside their living rooms and terracotta just couldn’t be passed up.

Terracotta isn’t for everyone, though. This is just the material to use if you want to stray from the obvious styles. Use it to blend rustic and contemporary, timelessness and classic beauty.

Mediterranean and Versatile

Your home can make good use of terracotta tiles if you want the Mediterranean, farmhouse, eclectic or rustic look. Many homeowners who have used them in the past can vouch for this material’s durability, beauty and overall quality.

Just make sure that you buy your terracotta tiles from a reputable seller.  Be ready for annual care, too, in terms of yearly sealing. This is pretty small to ask for something so beautiful. These tiles are also less taxing on everyone’s feet because of its porous nature.

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Charming Living That Is Country Cottage

Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sunset Point Display Cabinet

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sunset Point Display Cabinet deliciously spells country cottage.

Cottage living is seen as a simplistic and natural style. Here, it is easy to feature architectural beauties or showcase imperfections in your home that could actually turn out to be unique elements.

Typically small and challenged in terms of storage, country cottages often come with armoires and cupboards. Look for these furniture pieces if you want to stow away more stuff. It’s time to tuck linens inside the wooden trunk and the dishes placed inside a pie safe. Go ahead and hide the modern-day electronic appliances behind weathered cabinets.

The comfort that country cottage brings with it comes with age. The patina in wood speaks of generations past or simply of a properly weathered look. Find coverlets, canvas slipcovers, and other stuff in bolder greens, creamy whites, or buttery yellow.

Country Living Begins with White

Gray, oyster shell and taupe are the right hues for cottage living. When these are fused, they tend to make a space look fresh, vibrant and beautifully natural. Think of wood beams exposed high up in those vaulted ceilings. These could expand a master bedroom or any spacious retreat.

Use white paint across ceilings and walls. This is the standard look that you could default to if you don’t know how to achieve country cottage just yet.

Don’t stop with the furnishings, though. Carry that paintbrush and swipe it all across your wooden flooring. You can also achieve a nautical-inspired bedroom for kids. These floors will beautifully contrast with pine boards on your walls and the ceiling.

Sanding, Weathering and Distressing Highlighted

The key elements to the country cottage design are distressed, weathered or sanded furnishings. So go ahead and seek out these styles here –

http://www.mccreerys.com/ItemBrowser.aspx?action=attributes&ItemType=Furniture&event=reset&wcsearch=COTTAGE

That stunning piece of furniture can also be just right in front of you. At times, you can sand your existing furniture, rough up their edges a bit, and voila, you have a stylish country cottage piece in your hands. The sanding block can make pieces look old – way older – than they really are.

Stanley Furniture Dining Room Arm Chair 007-21-70

Stanley Furniture Dining Room Arm Chair 007-21-70

Opposites Attract

This concept is applicable in interior design, too. You must always strive to achieve balance by fusing opposite pieces. This means finding joy in marrying glossy with the muted pieces or the contemporary with the distressed ones.

 Cozy Means Cottage, Cottage Means Cozy

Just as soon as you walk in a country cottage home, you should feel at home straightaway. Natural elements and neutral color palette have the power to rejuvenate the senses. A space can immediately look livable and comfortable if you use them.

Throw a slipcover onto your sofa then add a good amount of throw pillows for upped comfort. Materials that you should definitely look into are burlap, linen, and wool.

Fresh Blooms Aplenty

You will never find a country cottage home that does not feature some fresh flowers. These are natural design elements that can soften the starkness of some architectural features. You can also add some potted plants to make your home more natural.

 Make Country Cottage YOU

 Pull in all of your preferred elements to come up with a space that is solely yours. A country cottage style dining room, for instance, can be a daily or an occasional eating spot according to your preference. For the former, you can set up a casual table, a bench or two, some slipcovered chairs, and your everyday dishware. For the latter, you can add formal lighting in the form of chandeliers.

It’s Not Quaint

When people think of country cottage, they immediately think of worn out homes with old fixtures and furnishings. This is not always the case. While there are rural and simple cottages, it might surprise you that there are also state-of-the-art homes featuring country cottage décor.

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Going Tropical with Wicker and Rattan

Sunday, August 7th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed

Wicker is often viewed as a material but, in essence, it is a term that is often used to describe a category of man-made or natural materials that are woven. This can be rattan, cane, willow, rush, reed, resins, grasses, splints and vinyl.

Wicker can also be the term used to describe the weaving process itself. Wickerwork is known as an ancient technique that is applied using natural materials. These materials are often made wet so that they can be subjected to the weaving procedure.

Apart from natural materials like rattan, wicker can also be created using synthetic materials like resin or vinyl.

Wicker Furniture Benefits

You might be deliberating on what makes wicker furniture the best solution for your home. First, choosing wicker furnishings means owning a lightweight design element; while you can move it around easily, it is sturdy enough to accommodate people of different shapes and sizes.

Wicker is also durable especially the pieces that are made from rattan. Reed and bamboo furniture pieces are strong, too. Wicker with metal frames is even sturdier and is comparable with those made synthetically like resin.

Wicker is also famous for being flexible. It can come in various colors such as black, brown, tan, white, even olive green. Homeowners have the leeway to add colorful cushions to make the wicker chairs more stylish.

 Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053

Different Wicker Options

The first kind that you might want to look into is cane. This is made from rattan’s peeled bark. The strips of bark or the skin are cut into uniform strips. What is achieved is an end product that can be used as a sturdy material for the backs and seats of chairs. Cane can also be used for the legs of tables and chairs.

Another type of wicker is rattan. This is a common material that is used in manufacturing stylish wicker pieces. Rattan comes from the climbing palm named Calamus. This grows at about 36 inches each day which makes it a fast-growing furniture resource. Apart from the skin eventually processed as cane, rattan is then cut to different sizes of reeds. These can be used for wickerwork because of its durability, strength and resilience.

The third type is called reed. This is actually the pithy interior of a rattan. It can be processed to different sizes and shapes like wedge, flat or round.

Another type is what’s known as willow. This is a natural U.S. and Europe material that is commonly used in weaving. It can be harvested from willow shrubs and trees. They are blonde and have small knots right where the offshoots have been removed during processing.

Add to this list the ever-famous bamboo. This comes from the grass family which features an outer bark that may be less weather resistant so you just have to use it inside your home. Bamboo is the best material for homeowners who want the classic look of wicker without having to spend too much.

Traditional wicker coming from natural materials is the best pieces to use as indoor furniture. They are your best choice for living room, bedroom, and dining room pieces. They can also be used outside your home but just make sure that you fortify them against moisture and the glaring heat of the sun.

Synthetic wicker has recently emerged because of the growing demand for sturdy yet inexpensive wicker furniture. Vinyl and resin are made from plastic yet they can also be cut into different sizes and shapes just like the natural materials. There is no better wicker furniture for the outdoors than this last kind of wicker material.

So, have you made your choice?

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Forever Stylish With Wood

Friday, May 20th, 2016

 Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn't this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn’t this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?

The world of interior design is not as stylish without the beauty of wood furniture. Both contemporary and traditional homes can use this unique material to their advantage. Wood can be locally sourced, it can be recycled or it can be harvested from a sustainable environment. Wooden buildings are also a great way to seamlessly fuse your interiors with the beauty of nature.

Since the dawn of time, man has been living close or even on trees. Many wooden homes have been built over thousands of years. Wood offers organic warmth, softness, and classic beauty. This is no less than the best construction material today and in the years to come.

Be Mother Earth’s Best Friend

Stylizing your home with wood furniture, walls or flooring makes it a haven of nature (more so when the materials were harvested from a sustainable society). Build a home for your loved ones that harnesses and highlights the beauty of wood. This can be the perfect home to grow old in or become a nest. Either way, you are utilizing the incomparable beauty of wood which no material will be able to equal.

Wood Properties

Wood is a construction or building material that comes with many useful properties. It is strong and is a natural thermal insulator. It is an effective storage for heat. It is also able to control humidity under the right setting.

You can be innovative with wood. You can even cover or create everything with it. So go ahead and use wood on your roof, walls, the flooring and just about everywhere else.

Lumber is often used in joists, columns and beams. The house is surely going to be much more durable if you use wood in these parts. If you used conventional wood, then there is also the added protection of it being fire-retardant.

Controlled Temperature

Because of wood’s property to insulate, your home will have a comfortable temperature. The thick walls, floor and roof will keep you and your loved ones warm especially during the coldest seasons. In essence, you won’t be feeling too cold or too hot so you’ll surely live in a home where the temperature’s just right.

An Awesome Aesthetic Appeal

The lumber market is a huge one and there is a great reason behind that. Wood is a classic material whether you use it to build your home or on furniture. Lumber looks great whether you bought it directly from the mill or if you pay the best home furnishing shops a visit. Our site, www.mccreerys.com features the loveliest wood pieces which you can proudly display in your home.

From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.

From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.

The Acoustics Are Phenomenal

The simple reason why most homeowners choose wood as a staple material in their home is that it is one of the best building materials on the planet. Its acoustics are great plus you get to contribute to the lengthening of Mother Earth’s days.

Cabinetmaking would not have been as phenomenal were it not for wood. Wood is a major furniture material and this shouldn’t come as a surprise since it offers so much more than a beautiful look.

Wood Is Holistic

In a world where holistic living is now an ongoing trend, there is no recourse but to join in. Your home could have an ambitious space or it could be homey but if you use wood in either, what you achieve is an aesthetic beauty coupled with durability.

Try living in a wooden home and bring in the rustic beauty of wood furniture sets. Your home could also come with wood insulation and wood finishes. Use treated wood so it is fortified against pests and the onslaught of the harshest elements.

Isn’t wood divine?

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Mexican Interior Design: It’s Hip to be You

Thursday, May 12th, 2016

Flexsteel Living Room Round Cocktail Table 6629-034 features solid wood, wicker and glass – all elements that work perfectly inside a Mexican-inspired home.

Flexsteel Living Room Round Cocktail Table 6629-034 features solid wood, wicker and glass – all elements that work perfectly inside a Mexican-inspired home.

A famous part of many Spanish homes is the so-called comedor or dining room. Mexican homes are no different. Their dining spaces are adorned with many Spanish-inspired elements such as colorful paintings, religious relics, and pottery.

The ceilings of many Spanish dining rooms are also used as canvas for beautiful paintings. Choose from the many possible themes for the ceiling painting. In the absence of a colorful painting, have a luxurious chandelier hung.

Mexican interior design is a relative of the Spanish design. If you want to have this kind of theme in your home, then you can also use ethnic fabrics and drape them on the colorful dining chairs. These same fabrics can also be used on Mexican shelves as they can add a different level of interest and characteristic to the informal space.

Borrowed Architectural ElementsMexican homes often come with arches, thick walls and high ceilings. More often than not, hand-painted pottery lies across the table and shelves (talk of the Spanish people’s love for flair).

Mexican interior design has similar elements with Spanish architecture. Try looking from top to bottom and you would immediately notice the wooden support beams (also known as the vigas), the latticework or the latillas and the carved corbels which support the beams on the ceiling. These corbels also serve as decorative elements.

Now look at the floor where you’re standing at – Spanish flooring is often made with the most colorful Talavera tiles. These will surely draw the eyes towards the center of any room. The Spaniards have also introduced to the Mexicans the unique Saltillo tiles which are terracotta tiles that are best used in areas with warm climates.

‘Care to visit the Mexican-inspired bathroom? Then you would probably find a claw foot tub in a nook.

Universal Furniture Dining Room Upholstered Back Arm Chair 016639-RTA is the haciendero’s preferred seating style.

Universal Furniture Dining Room Upholstered Back Arm Chair 016639-RTA is the haciendero’s preferred seating style.

Mexican Accessories

When you’re out to frame the beautiful features of a Mexican home, be sure to have a lot of vibrant colors on your palette. You can use recessed lighting to provide a more magical touch to intimate rooms in your home. This style can be used in the bedroom or dining areas that are not used for frequent social gatherings.

Place a weathered chair in a corner then drape it with a huipil which is a traditional garment from Mexico. You would certainly love the embroideries on your huipil. These have special cultural meanings among Mexicans.

A bedside table can be covered with the African kente cloth then topped with a small yet antique wooden saint. In the absence of the latter, you can also resort to silver objects coming from India as they also offer a distinct, rustic appeal.

Look through your family’s heirloom furniture. You might already own some weathered chests which you can use at the foot of the beds. If not, www.mccreerys.com offers a wide array of these lovely wooden chests. They have a rustic appeal that is hard to equal. Add to their beauty by investing in iron candelabra.

Add red silk shades for a more elegant look.

Dress Up the Entry Hall

Know as the zaguan, the entry hall can feature hand-painted things on the ceiling. The more antique-looking the door is, the more useful it would be in your Mexican-inspired home. Complete the look with a Mexican tile rug. Add wall sconces for a more culturally-inspired space.

If you want to go authentic on your Spanish design, you could also use a bench right by the entry hall. This is quite common in Spanish haciendas where the hired help lie in wait.

Blend traditional elements with some of the new ones that depict your personality. Be vibrant, be colorful, have flair.

Dare to be you.

Maitland-Smith Living Room Carved Occasional Table 3030-953 will also look great on the entry hall.

Maitland-Smith Living Room Carved Occasional Table 3030-953 will also look great on the entry hall.

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Revisiting the Shabby Chic Style

Thursday, April 21st, 2016

 

Whitewashed piece is from FFDM’s Campton Grove Collection

Whitewashed piece is from FFDM’s Campton Grove Collection

Antique finds and vintage pieces – the distressed, imperfect and cracked finishes, add the sparkling crystal chandeliers, old yet fresh-smelling linens, lots of white – yes, these describe the shabby chic style perfectly. This interior design theme is not for everyone, though. Shabby chic is luxurious yet still comfortable. This thrives in the spirit of seemingly old stuff yet new and clean.

This Style Ain’t Shabby

Don’t ever let the word shabby fool you into embracing the principles of this wonderful theme. It may seem unstructured to look at, at first, but the lack of formal rules is what makes this style timeless. It brings in an effortless sophistication into any home.

Don’t think of flea markets, though, or cheap retail shops or you would be disappointed with what you would find.

Say yes to handicrafts, vintage textiles , and white, distressed furniture. There is no need to search high and low for the best whitewashed furniture pieces, we have everything that you would need to set up your shabby chic home.

Get the look with these simple guidelines –

  • Find a comfy seat that you can sink into. Beanbag chairs are simply awesome as they are laidback and they offer an undeniable shabby chic vibe. Rachel Ashwell – the mother of everything shabby chic – even commented that beanbags are, indeed, very shabby chic. She even featured an entire line of beanbags in her couture line.
  • Whitewashed or well-worn table is a staple piece in any shabby chic environment. Man-made materials or straight lines can be forgotten when you’re going for this style. The dining room can go with a table made with reclaimed lumber. Place this atop a faded rug, add some mismatched chairs, and finish the look with some basic slipcovers.
  • Antique-looking frames that come with ornate designs will work well in this setting. Framed mirrors could be refinished in order to display art on your walls. Find one lovely artwork that you will highlight then find a frame, lightly sand it, and coat it with pastel or white. This should amply prepare the piece of art for the spotlight.
  • Now, no shabby chic dwelling would be considered perfect without a chandelier. Find a modern repro that would add that needed quirky elegance to your shabby chic space. Hang the lighting piece over a table or in a corner for that extra light. Add beads to your lampshade to show your personality.
  • Use leather chairs or seating units that have a sack-like textile. Find the faded florals and whitewashed furniture pieces then plump them up with equally faded yet clean cushions. Keep the rest of your space simple with furniture, walls and floors that have been whitewashed.
  • Now when it comes to the bathroom, you can use a claw-foot tub, Venetian glass chandelier and a farmhouse sink to balance this look. This is no less than the ultimate mixture of luxury and rustic beauty. These unexpected pieces plus the roominess would be great for washing delicates.
  • Don’t think that barn lights are just for outdoor living. Hang a pendant style lighting above the distressed dining table. This is a fuss-free way of creating a shabby chic dining area. A rustic bench plus a farm table are also delightful pieces. To add a bit of femininity, put some faded floral linens.
  • No shabby chic home would be complete without white cabinetry. These will look perfect when placed on rustic floors. Include glass-front or open shelving inside the kitchen. Place your collection of mismatched china to present the perfect shabby chic kitchen.
  • Don’t think that you will just be working with distressed wood, whitewashed pieces, or faded florals, though. There are so many other materials to choose from. Find mint green pieces, add a dash of raw wood, some rustic beds, and basic sconces and the place would be simply amazing.
Universal Furniture Bedroom Storage Bed King 987260SB

Universal Furniture Bedroom Storage Bed King 987260SB

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