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Tuesday, March 14th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Mara Square Cocktail Table
Stainless steel is an alloy that contains some iron. This is a substance that’s made with two or even more chemical elements. It is known to resist rust and stain because of its chromium content which comprises approximately 12 to 20-percent of the whole alloy.
As of date, there are approximately 57 stainless steels that are recognized as standard alloy. These are in addition to the proprietary alloys that are produced by stainless steel manufacturers. These various types of stainless steel are the ones that are used at an infinite number of applications.
Stainless steel comes in various types depending upon its microstructure. The Austenitic type, for instance, contains no less than 6-percent of nickel and austenite. It also contains carbon and iron and it has a high resistance to corrosion. It is also highly ductile (the ability of metals to bend without being broken).
Stainless Steel Raw Materials
Stainless steel is often made with basic elements such as chromium, iron ore, nickel, carbon, silicon, manganese and nitrogen. These are all found in the earth. The final stainless steel alloy’s properties are concocted by varying these elements’ amounts. Nitrogen, for example, can improve the tensile property of the alloy.
Stainless Steel Furniture
Stainless steel furniture is being used more often in every level of society. This material brings a lot of advantages to homes, offices and commercial areas, hence, it is widely used these days.
Stainless steel is a reactive metal which is why it is often used in many furniture applications. It won’t corrode and it can react with just a few chemicals that are found in households. It is this very characteristic that makes stainless steel pieces less or non-reactive to cleaners. It is safest to test first, though, so that you’re ascertained that your furniture will not have a visible blemish.
Another advantage to non-reactive stainless steel is its ability to remain stainless (hence its name) even after numerous spills. It is also free of the usual chemicals that are used in plastic furniture.
Stainless Steel Durability
Among the decorative metals such as chrome, stainless steel is the sole one that is both strong and beautiful. In fact, there is but one metal that is strong and shiny as stainless steel and this is titanium. The downside to titanium, though, is that it would cost a lot more than stainless steel.
Many kitchens all over the world use stainless steel, too, because of its ability to withstand the rigors of daily activity.
Bernhardt Interiors Living Room Nesting Tables 362-031
Stainless Steel Neutrality
The beautiful silver gray hue of stainless steel will never clash with other colors. Stainless steel is also a versatile raw material. Even the most high end living rooms will look great with a contemporary stainless steel coffee table.
A more rugged style of stainless steel table is suitable in a log cabin that is filled with dark wood pieces. The charm of stainless steel is its ability to remain neutral so there is no trouble of obscuring the more important design elements. It can serve as the backdrop or it can be the star of the show.
Stainless steel is also recyclable, meaning, decades from now, your children or grandchildren will still be able to enjoy your furniture. So, yes, you save money – lots of it – in the long run.
Stainless steel has a lot of advantages to offer especially in the creation of beautiful furniture pieces. In fact, it comes next to wood when it comes to the most used material in high end kitchens. For applications that need both beauty and strength, what else should you look for?
Stainless steel is the perfect material to meet both requirements.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, stainless steel, stainless steel furnishings, stainless steel furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Why Stainless Steel Furniture?
Thursday, June 9th, 2016
Artistica Dining Room Quadrille Arm Chair 481-010
For thousands of years now, copper has been used in designing many homes. This beautiful metal is slowly becoming more and more popular as of late. Designers are now bringing its cool texture yet warm tones to homes’ interiors ranging from Mid-century to contemporary designs. Copper has the capacity to add a metallic yet stylish touch to a home.
Beauty, Balance and Function
Two of the classic rooms where copper is used are the bathroom and kitchen. Bacteria won’t thrive on copper which makes it the best choice for fixtures and sinks. Did you know that bacteria die in just a few hours after residing on copper? There isn’t even a need to use soap or chemical agents to clean the surface of this metal.
Hammered copper sink, pots and pans offer an Old World look. This is also true with showerheads and faucets.
Copper elements and copper piping are great for homeowners who embrace the contemporary look. To add to all these wonderful features, copper is also a recyclable, sustainable material.
Multi-faceted Lighting with Copper
There is no question with regard to the impact of proper lighting in homes. Lighting fixtures are design elements, not just functional pieces. Think of contemporary chandeliers and pendant lights. These are posh additions to any room. These can add a different level of dimension by helping define space. Depending on the copper’s finish, it can be raw, shiny or in heavy patina.
Copper lighting is great when used in rustic, cozy, contemporary or Western theme.
Bedroom Headboard Only Wesley Allen Frame HO.WAF1368
Not Your Ordinary Metal
There is no need to be bound to brushed nickel, stainless steel or shiny bronze. Apart from using copper in fixtures and sinks, you can add some flair to the bathroom or kitchen when you use copper hardware including hinges, cupboard door handles and other such touches.
Stovetop hoods and tile backsplashes can now be done away with. You can add substantial touches of copper in these areas. Mirrors with copper frames can provide a gilded elegance. It will be the anchor to the copper fixtures, showers and sink.
Copper spells elegance more so when you use pots, pans and cooking utensils as décor in the kitchen.
Dashes of Copper
Adding copper to your home’s décor would render it seemingly renovated. A major physical overhaul is what it would look like as copper is used in vases, plant pots, lamps, even wall art. Sculptures with copper elements are now a growing trend. The market is filled with abstract to modern sculptures that would match any home.
Copper patio furniture and fountains can also bring your desired look in your patio and porches. Foyers and entryways would also benefit with a hint or two of copper.
Fusing with Energetic Colors
Copper can also work with undertones of red, orange, rose or brass. Copper is a kind of metal that can effortlessly transition from the indoors to the outdoors. Siding, pipes and tiles all can have touches of copper. It also has a wonderful patina as it ages. This is a material that you can live with for a very, very, very long time.
Copper + Stainless Steel
And why not?
You can actually harmonize these seemingly warring metals by giving them the same finish. Exposed copper pipes against black tiles and wallpaper all harmonize to achieve a focal point for a powder room.
When you are considering the application for materials on your external walls, make sure to think of three things – how the material would react with the wall, where it will be attached, and how it will adhere to the wall surface.
A perforated copper sheeting is an awesome application that can add visual interest, dimension and texture. The perforations will allow evaporation, thus, you won’t have issues with mold and mildew.
Copper and stainless steel can both be hammered thin so they can be shaped into different patterns.
Tags: copper, copper accent, copper accents, copper in interior design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, metal design, metal theme, metallic, metallic design, metallic interior design, metallic interiors, stainless steel
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | 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 »
Monday, January 11th, 2016
This Tommy Bahama Home Dining Room Capistrano Metal Dining Table is set to effortlessly catch anyone’s attention.
There is no denying that metal is really hot in the interior design industry these days. Trend setters know this and so they’ve come up with the best concoctions and pairings for metal furniture pieces and metallic accessories. But are you ready to infuse the metal theme into your own home?
How you eventually feel about this trend rests entirely on the current design of your home. Those who embrace modern or contemporary designs would instantly feel at home in the use of metal for interior design. Those who like rustic or country need not fret, though, as metal can still add the needed enigma to your interiors.
Here are some guidelines on how the most common interior designs could incorporate metal touches and finishes –
The Contemporary Style
Enthusiasts who like this style know that it is sleek and minimalist. Metal fits right in with this kind of style. Use nickel, chrome or stainless steel for metal finishes. Be sure to include metallic touches on your furniture, fixtures, accessories, mirrors and room dividers. An example is metallic furniture as a conversation piece. A set of chrome tables can be an interesting addition to what could have been a ho-hum room.
As for contemporary bathrooms, nothing is set in stone so you can go ahead and deviate from traditional design guidelines. A dark, contemporary bathroom would do well to have a gold mirror or any metallic piece.
This Uttermost Living Room Manoj, Small Bench 26122 will look great in country interiors.
The Classic Country
Country interior design boasts of a traditional and homey feel. You would want to find warmer metal pieces for your country interior. Look for copper, gold or chrome metal finishes. Chrome, most especially, adds a fancy touch to an otherwise simple country home.
Be careful in using too much metal, though, as you might break the old world charm that defines country style. Use metallic pieces that are not too bold or unnatural. Add vintage decor such as pans, pots and fixtures.
Country style is also about decadence. Polished faucets inside bathrooms and kitchens; crystal chandeliers in dining areas lend instant glamour. Copper is the greatest choice for rustic, laid back country abodes. If you are not ready to trade the current look of your kitchen for a French countertop, then displaying rows of copper pots would provide the same mesmerizing effect.
Vibrantly Eclectic
Bernhardt Interiors Living Room Argent Metal Cocktail Table 326-021 is the perfect statement piece for any living room.
Eclectic design is fun, even bordering quirky. This can be defined as anyone’s interiors serving as canvas for their personality.
Eclectic means you are not afraid to go out there and experiment in terms of furniture selection, decor placement, and such. For as long as you feel that the items are congruent and that they reflect your individuality, then you’re on the right track.
The best metal finish for this type of style is just about anything as eclectic can also mean anything goes; wacky is also the new trend. Metals can give you the chance to declare your biggest statement.
Do not recoil!
Use large mirrors, walls and huge blocks of furniture for your metallic pieces. Display a chrome lamp right on the side of your chosen sofa to add excitement to the room.
Your goal in setting up an eclectic home is to be at peace with pieces of furniture that speak to you. Funky may not be the world’s taste but it is you. Find metal items that will complement your style. The more unexpected metals you use, the more eclectic yet glamorous your mental interior design would be.
Tags: chrome, contemporary, copper, country, eclectic, gold, guidelines, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metallic decor, metallic design, metallic interiors, metallics, mirrors, nickel, Old World charm, stainless steel, tips
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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