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Friday, February 26th, 2016
The Orient Express Furniture Dining Room Cape Dining Arm Chair – Rustic Gray.Gray 6807
Contrary to the common belief that wicker is a material used in creating baskets or furniture, it is actually just the general term used to describe a group of either natural or man-made substances that can be woven. Materials such as rattan, reed, willow, cane resins, grass, splints or vinyl all fall under the category of wicker.
Wicker can also be used as the term for the process of weaving. The materials mentioned above are processed to create beautiful furniture. Wickerwork is an age-old technique used to create furniture using natural materials. Chosen materials are first subjected to water before the weaving process begins.
Apart from natural materials like rattan, wicker can also come from synthetic materials like resin and vinyl. This may be the perfect solution to your furniture needs, find out why –
Wicker Is Lightweight
Wicker furniture pieces are lightweight so they are easy to carry or transport. Its unique weave makes this typical furnishing for any size and shape of homeowner.
Wicker Is Durable
Wicker furnishings are also known to be durable especially the pieces that use woven rattan. Wicker made from reed and bamboo also has strong qualities. Those that come with aluminum frames are also remarkably sturdy as are those made with resin.
The fusion of glass and wicker in this piece makes Artistica Dining Room Elise 48 Dining Table 812-100 a must-have furniture.
Wicker Is Timeless
If you want furniture style that transcends time, then you won’t go wrong with wicker. Wicker comes in various colors namely black, white, brown, olive green, tan ,and other shades. You also have the choice to add colorful cushions to make the wicker chairs more stylish.
Wicker: The Basic Materials
Cane is a material that comes from the peeled off rattan bark. Strips or skin of this bark are uniformly cut then woven to manufacture the seats as well as the backs of chairs. Cane is also being used on the legs of tables and chairs.
Use a damp towel to clean wicker made from cane. Just make sure that the material does not absorb excessive moisture as this could render the chair or table brittle.
Rattan is one of the most common materials used in manufacturing wicker furniture. Rattan comes from the Calamus, a type of palm. This can grow to as much as 36 inches every day, therefore, it is abundant and highly renewable.
The rattan’s dense interior is cut into different sizes of reeds which are used for wickerwork. Apart from being durable and strong, rattan furniture can resist the harshest climates. This makes rattan wicker suitable as patio furniture.
Reed is the dense rattan interior that can be processed to different sizes and shapes. Reeds can be flat, round or in wedge shape.
Bamboo is a member of the grass family more than being a tree. It features an outer bark that is quite similar to the toughness offered by rattan. Bamboo is less weather resistant, though.
Wicker made from this material makes it an indoor furniture piece. So if you are looking for ways to add the rustic beauty of wicker to your living room, bedroom or the dining room, then you could consider this material.
Willow is another natural material that can be woven to create the loveliest furniture pieces. European countries and the U.S. are going gaga over this material coming from willow shrubs and trees. This is usually blonde colored and has small knots where the offshoots used to be located before they were removed.
Synthetic wicker is a recent discovery. It is made from man-made materials like vinyl or resin.
Wicker Processes
Weaving processes are either natural or synthetic. Wicker is, of course, ideally crafted by hand. It often takes 1-4 days to finish a piece. The tighter the weave, the longer it takes for the craftsman to finish the project.
Apart from the weaving process, there is still a series of processes that wicker furniture should undergo. Two or more of these processes are necessary to manufacture sturdy wicker furniture –
Tags: bamboo furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, rattan, rattan furniture, timeless, timeless design, wicker, wicker furniture, wicker furniture pieces
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
What could spell glamour more than this sturdy table from FFDM’s Raylen Vineyard Collection?
Many homeowners feel a sense of accomplishment when they look at their places of residence. Each one of them wants their condos or bungalows to look their best, one that represents who they are, what they do and what kind of lifestyles they live. These people often look for things that inspire with regard to interior design. Of course, there are magazines, books and the internet to provide them with design guidelines. Looking at the glitz and glamour displayed on the pages of these interior design media, you might think that they are too magazine-y or that they are unattainable. With the right set of hands, though, there are ways that you can replicate those glamorous home designs.
Razzle Dazzle ‘Em
You’d be surprised at how simple it actually takes for you to make your home stand out. So where should you begin?
The fundamental in creating a glamorous home is to have a knack for organization. Being organized and clean in your home will make your dwelling place a haven, not just another structure. From now on, make sure that the surfaces are all clean, glass and metal furniture and frills are polished, and your accessories are up-to-date.
Know how to rotate the collections that you have – when it’s wintertime, bring out your darker, texture-rich furnishings and accessories. There are different color palettes for every season so be able to find out what palette works on a certain season.
Glamorous living also means always being inspired. This does not automatically mean embracing the latest trends. Being glamorous entails class so know which designs are considered classic.
Hickory White Bedroom Hall Eglomise Mirror 903-42
Glam also means knowing how to put a sparkle in your place. Bling and sparkle do not mean the same thing, though, so be careful. A thing that sparkles is shimmering and lovely while a bling it over-the-top.
Through patience, you can find sparkling items such as crystal pieces, gold accents and such. Those shiny metallic candelabra will also look perfect in a glamorous setting.
Colors that are glamorous are blue and white in porcelain; velvet stuff, purples, greens, especially gold. Black and white, when used in moderation, can also be glamorous. Neutrals in gray or weathered woods complete with gilded details evoke a French feel. Deep gray in wool and tweed can also be paired with deep woods to show sophistication.
While shopping, be sure to search for quality items. Do not look for cheap items as these will not give you the endurance that a glamorous home requires. Instead, invest in timeless pieces of wood, metals and rich fabrics. Add luxury to your home as you put trims and silk panels.
But have you ever wondered what makes something evoke glamour?
Become a collector with this Century Furniture Living Room Console SF5424.
A glamorous thing looks and feels special. If you have seen the designer pieces on clothes such as Christian Dior or Vera Wang, then you know that there is a certain aura that befits them.
Metals can also be glamorous as are bright and colorful pieces. Black and white can also evoke glamour, sophistication and richness. These are the pieces that are worth splurging on. Touch the furniture and you will know that master artisans worked with them. The draperies and carpets also come in rich textures and patterns. Now these are the very reasons why you should not look for things that are trendy when shopping for glamorous items. Think of it in this manner – will these items still be around after 20 years?
There, you’ve got your answer.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, glamorous interior design, glamour, interior design theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, timeless, timeless design, timeless interiors
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Tuesday, January 26th, 2016
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE. Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II 39.5 Lateral File 374-10-466.
Renaissance style came into existence because of the emergence of architecture and art in ancient Rome. Though people think of the greatness of Rome when it comes to the beauty of this style, it goes without saying that it was truly born in Italy during the 14th century.
English designers embraced the motifs that they read in Renaissance books. Artisans who were in London were also influenced by this style.
Grotesque, Moresque, Myths, etc.
Grotesque is a kind of decor which has its foundations in Ancient Rome’s wall paintings. In the 15th century, many of these works of art were discovered; they featured scrolling plants, mystical creatures, figures, vases and masks.
Strapwork, on the other hand, is like the leather strips. These are daring shapes that come in three dimensions. English designs, especially during the 16th century, are laden with this style. This style is especially useful in framing motifs and architectural forms.
Moresque, on the other hand, is called such because of its link to the North African and Spanish Moors. If you see those interwoven leaves, stems or tendril patterns, then you have a pretty good idea of what moresque is.
Romans and Greeks are known for their busts. The Renaissance style is also quite popular with what’s known as the roundrel. This is a decorative motif which originated from the Roman coins.
This Universal Furniture Dining Room Double Pedestal Table 409658-C spells royalty.
But what are Greeks and Romans without their myths? The Renaissance culture in England spurred a revitalized interest in classical mythology. Paintings and prints featured these mythical characters as the motifs.
The beauty of the Renaissance style does not end with the Romans. When Henry VIII became king, he inspired the rest of Europe as he became a patron of the arts. People marvelled at his court and the many luxurious objects in his kingdom. It was because of his love for the arts why he also commissioned foreign artists to design more than 50 of his royal palaces. The beauty and splendour of his court proved just how powerful and intimidating looks can be.
One of Henry’s favorite palaces is the Hampton Court Palace located in Surrey. He did not spare any expense in developing this traditional style palace. The ornaments that were used here are indicative o the strong influence of the Renaissance. This building’s Great Hall still stands today.
Going back to its home, Renaissance style was further developed with the help of Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio. Serlio published a series of books discussing architecture and the Renaissance. Buildings of antiquity were recorded in those books, thus, promoting classical style for both the interior and exterior features.
Fireplaces and ceilings became canvasses of sorts to many patterns, textures and works of art.
Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II Double Bookcase with ladder & rail 374 10 225. Learning was also a huge part of the Renaissance so to depict this on your style, take home this bookcase and start displaying your most treasured books.
Styles that are related to the Renaissance is the Neo classical style. It was during the 16th century that books containing decorative motifs offered inspiration to many British designers and artists. The Classical as well as Renaissance Revival during the 19th century became quite popular as archaeological discoveries were being made in Greece and Italy.
Renaissance and Your Home
You do not need to have a degree in interior design just to use this classic style in your home. Do not feel intimidated. Just remember as you start putting the elements together that the chairs, tables, cabinets and drawers have to be ornate, luxurious yet still comfortable. Choose oak, Remember to overlay but not overdo. Say yes to a lot of brocades, candelabra, tapestries, Oriental rugs, embroidered items, and velvet.
There is still a huge difference between mess and a concoction of different arts, elaborate walls, decorative pieces and the most inspiring furniture so take it easy in designing a Renaissance-inspired home.
Tags: African, art, artwork, classic, classic design, classic interior design, classic interiors, classical design, classicism, displaying works of art, fireplace, Grotesque, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Moresque, patterns, Renaissance, Renaissance design, Renaissance interior design, Renaissance Revival, Renaissance style, Spanish, textures, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips
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Monday, January 25th, 2016
This FFDM Protege chair will be a lovely ‘mismatch’ to another neutral-colored seating piece.
If your heart jumps each time you see a condominium unit or a townhouse, then know that you have to prepare to live in a place that is cozy. Foregoing the idea of an open space plan is not an easy decision to make but should you sign up for this kind of home, then it’s time to look for the right design that is most suitable for it. ‘Ever considered the shabby chic style?
Okay, so you have saved every bit of hard-earned money and have sacrificed on shopping and travel – what now?
Old vs. New
Carefully plan what theme you will use before you move in to your new condominium or townhouse unit. One of the most utilized, these days, when it comes to limited space is the shabby chic concept.
Rachel Ashwell popularized this stylish interior design concept to focus on comfort, highlight the beauty of seemingly time-worn furniture and objects, and for the homeowner to appreciate practical living.
This concept can even guide you in mixing traditional and new pieces. Choose from our catalogue and find the right furniture, accessories and lighting fixtures.
If you are thinking of buying second-hand furniture, think again. It is much better to have new furniture given a distressed appeal than to take the risk of buying the damaged ones. Bargain shops sell at the lowest prices but you are never guaranteed of the quality of the stuff that you are buying. So, it is much better to invest in a few quality pieces than to have different sets of furniture only to end up spending more money on repairs.
Coming from the Ancestry Collection of FFDM, this light-colored drawer is sure to be a big hit inside any shabby chic setting.
Let’s Decorate
The shabby chic style is basically minimalist and is almost synonymous with white. You may paint the walls of your home with flat white, pearl, cream, or any shade of white. Apart from having white(ish) walls, take note that you also need to have a few white furniture and accent pieces. These will add a distinct as well as intimate feel to your home. White furnishings are also easy to clean using your regular household bleach.
Now, which room would you like to design first?
First, there’s the living room. Carry the modern facade from the outside to this part of your home. Your condominium or townhouse unit will surely have a rustic yet cozy appeal once you start bringing in the lovely furniture and accent pieces.
The living room must have a clean yet non-antiseptic feel. It should be minimalist but with a few accent pieces to boost such as a lovely chest, a coffee table, console table, or some shelves.
In the dining room, be sure to showcase a table that was aged to sit perfectly in this important space. Have a Victorian couch rest against the white wall. Wicker chairs would look lovely when placed with white curtains as backdrop.
Now to the kitchen: have the furniture and appliances in neutral colors. This is so they won’t clash with the condo or townhouse’s overall appeal.
If you are one of those who prefer to have a home office, then use a white desk as much as you can. Now couple the lovely white desk with a unique accent chair and some neutral shelves.
Should you still have space for one guest room, then make sure that this room is just as cozy as the rest of your home. Use the same shade on the walls and on the furniture that will be placed there. Since the bed is pretty much the focal point, then take time to choose the ones that you will invest in for the master bedroom as well as this room.
Lastly, with your shabby chic bathroom, ascertain that you do not miss out on an ornate mirror that will bring character to this room. Find one that has a wooden frame that matches the stylish theme that you have chosen.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interiors, classic style, feminine, feminine design, feminine interior design, feminine interiors, feminine style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalist, minimalist design, old, old vs. new, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design, shabby chic interiors, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, wood, wood elements, wood furniture pieces, wooden elements, wooden furniture
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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
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
American Leather Living Room Chair MSL-CHS-ST is perfect for any Mid-Century interior because of its clean lines and natural hue. John Mascheroni designed this beautiful piece giving emphasis to mid-century modern streamlined edges fused with a wooden cross base.
If you are trying to achieve the mid-century interior design in your home, then it is best to understand what aspects to mix.
Furniture to be used under this category is characterized by simple, clean lines. Teak and other wood pieces are most welcome. Find mid-century tables and pair them with contemporary chairs. Have teal walls as bold backdrop and you have just attained the epitome of this design.
Never make the mistake of hiding wood details, instead, allow them to shine. Neutral-colored walls will look great with fabrics in soft hues. Find handcrafted furniture and accessories to complete the living room mid-century look.
Mid-Century Is Timeless
McCreery’s Home Furnishings provides furniture pieces that have been thoughtfully crafted by master artisans, hence, they are the perfect classic pieces if you are looking into creating the mid-century habitat.
Table lamps are the right lighting pieces for that low-slung furniture. The curvy base of the Maitland Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-427 will look great in a vintage-looking nightstand.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-427 is a spell-binding addition to your living room or bedroom.
Natural lighting can also bathe your black and white-themed living room. Draw back any curtains to let in the sunlight. The black and white color scheme is best for the mid-century style as it keeps the areas looking clutter-free. This is achieved by highlighting space and light.
After considering lighting, it’s time to turn your attention to focal points. Retro lighting can be an effective focal point. Chandeliers can easily stand out against pinstripe walls. Take the retro vibe up another notch by also adding vintage art pieces. Search for striking wall hangings inspired by circles and squares.
Since mid-century spells timelessness, the use of vintage colors is also encouraged. It’s time to start loving avocado hues, also mustard, tangerine and other ‘60s colors. Just be careful in your use of these colors or your place would come across as a movie set.
For more ‘60s inspired pieces, decorate with a coffee table with a hint of gold. Add glass or sculptural accents, these will pop against white walls.
Mid-century also means showcasing superior pieces so, it is best to paint the walls white or any neutral palette. The rich, graphic patterns may appear on upholstered furniture pieces, throws, or on the textured wallpapers.
The Maitland-Smith Accessories Bamboo Cast Brass Bar Cart 3020-042 can carry your vintage glassware and cocktail shakers.
Emphasize the cocktail culture by making use of a bar cart while the rest of the room features streamlined seats and traditional lamps. If you are more traditional, then use a glass and bronze coffee table.
For those who embrace the contemporary culture more than retro, it is acceptable to have at least one mid-century piece to add warmth to the environment. For instance, the marriage of red and white inside a living room can have wood and glass table as a focal point.
Would you want to have contrasting seat cushions? Add these to a wood swivel and you can spice up your mid-century home office.
Mid-century interior design and modern styles, as opposed to common notion, can actually mix. The super clean lines of both styles can be the chief characteristics of mid-century modern furnishings. This is the right combination for those stark industrial pieces. This is the ideal style pairing for those people who prefer urban loft living.
Tags: 1960s, accent pieces, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classicism, guidelines, lamp, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mid-century interior design, mid-century interiors, mid-century style, retro, timeless, tips, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, vintage interiors
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