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Friday, June 3rd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Studio 7H Aon Queen Upholstered Bookcase Footboard Bed 5398-90150: This brilliant footboard design is not just for the bookworms but also a storage unit for kids’ toys, shoes and slippers.
Picking the color scheme for a kid’s room or a nursery can be a bit tricky. Too many parents have automatically fallen to the blue or pink motif afraid of being tagged as peculiar. Color selection is not an exact science that comes with the how’s and why’s and other such definable limits. But once you realize how to work with the complexity of colors, you would realize that this, too, can be measured.
So how, exactly, should you pick the colors that your kids will love?
Know a Little Science
First, many psychological studies conducted by various advertising firms have come up with the conclusion that color selection can be greatly influenced by behavior and mood. Colors, on the other hand, can also influence the motor and neuro behaviors of the people subjected to them. This is true insomuch that colors can now even be used to improve people’s health.
Marketing experts have been using these scientific findings to their advantage. For decades, the day spa decor, even the wallpapers and carpets in your local gym have been specifically designed to affect your moods. Even the biggest restaurants have been capitalizing on colors to raise your appetite.
Go Bold
So you’re one of those dads or moms that can’t take anymore pink or blue inside their kids’ rooms. Well, join the club – there are hundreds if not thousands of parents who are tired of these two standard colors.
Whether you are planning a tweener’s room or a nursery, what you need is a little knowledge of the psychological effects of colors on people. So before you even dare open that can of orange paint, think – how will this color affect my child’s eventual behavior?
So we’re still on science so here’s a little color psychology. Warm colors evoke feelings of comfort and happiness. They create intimate spaces by making huge, open spaces look and feel cozier. Shades of yellow, red and orange stimulate the mind and can energize their beholder. These colors are not that great to have inside a bedroom, though, as they can make the energetic toddler…well, more energetic.
If you really have to use warm colors, then be sure to use it in moderation. An orange accent wall is fine as are a few accessories in warm colors. You can also pair the cooler shades with warm colors so that they are greatly subdued.
Every kid’s bedroom or nursery is in need of this spacious Hooker Furniture Bedroom Studio 7H Sans Serif Door Chest.
All Is Well with Red
Red is known to excite the senses which is why it is widely used in many restaurants. It is there to increase the heart rate and respiration. Red is scientifically proven to up the athletic abilities in a lot of people.
Red, however, is also associated with aggression and one’s inability to focus. There are also some researches that have proven that red can negatively affect your child’s academic performance.
Sunny Yellow, Sunny Disposition
Yellow is a bright and cheerful color. It is associated with motivation and also with happiness. The softer hues of yellow are known to promote concentration while the brighter hues stimulate memory and metabolism.
Use this color if you have a shy kid that you would want to stimulate to become more active.
Talkative Orange
This is a welcoming hue and one that is distinctly social in nature. This color is known to inspire communication among people. Use this color in moderation as it could also over-stimulate the child.
Cool Colors
These are the most calming set of colors that can affect the human body. Think of ocean waves and the calming powder blue sky. As opposed to these cool colors, darker hues can represent the doom and gloom that comes with the onslaught of a storm. So be careful in painting the walls with dark colors especially inside the nursery.
Use pastels which evoke peace and relaxation all of the time.
Tags: kid's bedroom, kid's bedroom design, kiddie bedroom, kids' room, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, June 3rd, 2016
FFDM Textures Collection: The TV room could be as simple as this setup.
The TV room is also what’s referred to by many as the media room. This is no less than the entertainment hub in a home. This is that room where every member of the family goes to relax and bond while watching their favorite movie or TV show. Since this is so, comfort is a top priority inside this room. This means that it must also be stylish enough so that friends and relatives would want to go there.
The most fabulous TV rooms seem to have it all – glamour, style and a well-defined theme that shows the owner’s personality. Functionality is also wisely covered by many modern TV rooms.
If you still don’t know how to integrate your television set or home theatre system to your media room, then here are some ideas that can help you create the ultimate entertainment hub –
Define What You Want
You must begin by asking yourself what you really want to include inside the TV room. Is that room going to be a hundred-percent visual entertainment room? Will this be a place for relaxation, too, where guests can be entertained as you sit on a couch with a laptop on hand? Or is this going to be a general living space?
Set Your Budget
Know your priorities from the onset. Is your TV set your highest priority? Will it be the star of the media room or will the furniture be? Are you also going to set up Foxtel, Pay TV or IPTV or will you be content in downloading or streaming to your Apple devices?
You also have to set a budget for the furniture that you will set up inside this room. Common furniture needs include a lazy boy, couches, sectionals or armchairs. Knowing your needs should help you figure out the correct budget that will be allocated for this TV room project.
Space Optimization Is a Must
It is important to define where you would place your furniture and TV. There are some media rooms that are not that huge because the home only has limited space. The distance between the TV and the furniture can have a huge impact on the audio and visual experience so make sure that you set enough space between these.
To optimize space, you can place the TV set on the other side of the room where the seating unit has been pushed back against one of the walls. Make sure that the set up will not block the view of the spectators, though. For instance, if too much traffic happens between the screen and the couch, then it’s time to send this traffic behind the couch or behind that TV if that is at all possible.
Square rooms can present audio problems so it is well worth your effort if you are able to build false walls on two opposite walls in the room. This will create a rectangular shape that will greatly enhance the audio capacity of your media room.
Sound and Light Setup
You will also need to find materials that will absorb sound such as rugs and carpets. Hardwoods and tiles are not exactly your best friends inside this kind of room.
When it comes to lighting, make sure that you have draperies, curtains or blinds that could keep the light out when it’s time to watch movies or to let the light flood in during those moments when no one is using the room. It might be wise to invest in some blackout curtains especially when you have a media room that faces the sun during the day.
Organization Is Key
Organize the wires, audio and video systems so that you will have an enhanced viewing experience inside your media room. Do this and it will save you frustration in the years to come.
Tags: entertainment room, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, media room design, television room, television room design, tips, TV room, TV room design, TV stands
Posted in Interior Design 101, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Thursday, June 2nd, 2016
The geometric beauty of this Cynthia Rowley 1118CR Delancey Club Chair is great for this modern setup.
Modern design comprises various materials and perceptions. This is why this design can be a bit difficult to characterize. In fundamental terms, modern design is a reflection of modern art movement inside homes. There are many focal characteristics and themes that can be classified as modern design. Modernism is the exact opposite of more opulent designs including Renaissance, Gothic, and Victorian.
Modern Design: A Rich History
Modern interior design is just a small section of a much larger modernist movement. Modernism is often attributed to the end of the 19th century where modern thinking was given birth.
Modernists were bent on deviating from the creative, intellectual and cultural norms that have been set during the period of Enlightenment. Movements against organized religion and old norms and mores were established and the fusion of politics and creativity was given emphasis. Everything else after this fell under the category of modernism with the sub-genres defined as futurism, cubism, Bauhaus, abstract expressionism, Neo-Dada, and minimalism.
Here are some of the common components of what could be categorized as a modern home –
1586-75200-GRY1 Dinner at Eight Dining Table w 2-18in leaves: Notice the absence of curvy lines and complex designs in this modern dining room.
Everything Is Minimal
Minimalism is a huge part of modern design. The fundamentals of minimalism embraces the less is more concept. The design in a modern home does not include complex moldings, columns, cabinet trim, or excessive color on textiles.
Minimalism is living – not in scarcity but – in simplicity. It may look simple but this kind of style takes a lot of careful planning. This is necessary so that comfort is still attained while the layout is efficiently streamlined.
The open floor layout can join different rooms in just one space. The counter in a kitchen, for instance, can provide a visual division between the areas for cooking and the areas where people can sit down and converse.
Clean Lines
Modernism, simply put, is the exact opposite of previous interior designs what use carvings, heavy textures, and wood tones.
Majority of the components of modern rooms – from the furniture to room shapes – include straight, clean lines with no intricate details. These differ from contemporary design which can have some curves and sweeping, sharper lines.
With these said, there are different designs that fall under this furnishing category like Art Deco, Mission Style, and Shaker.
Paired with furnishings are oversized tiles, sanded wood floors (with minimized grain), shelves, bookcases inset in walls, open floor layouts with very few walls, and the lack of doors, windows, moldings and trimming.
Metal: The Star Material
Stainless steel and chrome are huge parts of any modern home. Modernism does away with wrought iron and other such traditional metal details. Any clean, polished metal is most welcome in a modern home. It is common to see stainless steel and chrome in furniture specifically on table legs or exposed chair frames.
Chrome is also extensively used on railings, lamps, cabinet and door handles, and faucets. This metal, when polished, shines brightly and has a slight blue undertone which can make it appear quite cold. Using metal, therefore, is awesome for those who are moving away from the lived in lifestyle.
Zero Clutter
What’s tied with minimalism is the lack of clutter. Clutter can be defined in many different ways and among different people. Sometimes, lack of clutter could mean zero pottery, vases, knickknacks, collections, and any excessive accessories.
Books, keepsakes, electronics, and other necessary items should be stored out of sight.
Dramatic Colors
Many modern homes use shades of black or white while the bold colors are limited to the accents. The bolder colors are used sparingly and rarely used as an overall color. Bold colors could be included in abstract wall art, a large piece of furniture (e.g. a bright red sofa or an orange plastic table), throw pillows, an accent wall, or a throw rug.
Tags: 19th century, chrome, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, metal design, metal furniture, modern, modern design, modern interior design, modern interior design tips, stainless steel, stainless steel furnishings, stainless steel furniture, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 1st, 2016
Size is an issue in loft living which is why this Cynthia Rowley 1586-10458B-WH3 Side-Stripe Accent Writing Desk would be perfect for your chosen lifestyle.
When you are out to design a loft in your home, it is essential to consider the history and character of the space. Back in the day, lofts were made solely for warehouses and factories. These days, loft is a space that is considered essential in some people who observe an urban way of life. More than being a traditional form of architecture, it is now a way of coping with modern lifestyles.
Loft living may sound contemporary but when you have the dilemma of having one spacious room and unique features such as support columns and exposed pipes, you would realize that designing a loft can be a tad more challenging.
Here are 8 awesome tips on how you can turn your cold, unfeeling loft into a welcoming, cozy space –
Define the Space
Begin by walking around your loft and finding the most suitable spot for your living, dining and sleeping areas. Make your decision based on where the bathroom and kitchen are located. See also how the windows are situated so that you can define the rooms according to their window requirements.
Take note that the living area must have a good view where the sofa is placed at a spot where you will have a great view of the city lights. The bedroom must also be placed at an area where the morning sun doesn’t hit.
Create a sketch of your floor plan the moment you make up your mind regarding the placement of rooms.
Create a Perceivable Division
Loft living requires that the kitchen, living, dining, bathroom spaces all share the same floor and could even be visually seen all at once at a given time.
Furniture can be used to visually divide the space. There are many other tricks to learn. Having a raised platform is another technique.
There are also room dividers and screens which can be used to divide space while giving your loft an accessorized look. Hanging fabric screens high up on the ceiling is also a makeshift divider that you can use.
Hooker Furniture Home Office South Park Bunching Bookcase is a loft essential because of its limited width yet spacious storage space.
Pick a Style
Most lofts are great settings for contemporary design. These come with smooth, sleek lines and surfaces which can be effectively combined with wood, stone, glass, steel, and other natural materials to render a modern look.
Bring in a few potted plants and vases of flowers to soften the modern look.
Warm Up the Floor
While concrete or hardwood floors may look fabulous, they aren’t that fantastic during the coldest months. So go ahead and warm up the flooring with colorful area rugs which can also serve as dividers for your different living areas.
Install Correct Lighting
Setting up the lighting can be a challenge especially when you have to do it in a loft. Hang pendant lights where vertical space will allow it while lamps and wall sconces would do for the entire space.
Dress Up the Windows
If you have large windows and have a good view of the city lights during the evening, this can become a nuisance in the morning when you would need relief from the bright sun and if you would like to spend some private moments.
Shop for fabric panels that will provide the essential coverage; other good choices include shutters and blinds. The latter can be opened wide should you decide to bask in the morning light and closed when you want to take a snooze during the day.
Stunning Wall Art
You can also beautify your loft by setting up one wall as an art gallery. Hang your lovely snapshots or artworks for everyone to enjoy.
Balance History and Modernity
Create a perfect blend of different timelines by fusing elegant furnishings, lighting and architectural features. While the beams and conduits are all exposed, find glory in them.
Everything in your loft should be balanced and pleasant.
Tags: art, artwork, loft, loft design, loft style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, space planning, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Sunday, May 29th, 2016
FFDM’s Highlands Collection features these lovely hardwood set for your dining room. ‘Spills on wood? Be sure to wipe them off right away as water is wood’s leading enemy.
Modern party etiquette is a tricky thing to remember for both the guests and the host. There are many do’s and don’ts to keep in mind from the way you position the spoons, forks and knives; to the way the invites are sent out. Do you think you can survive a posh party?
Invitations and Responses
If you are inviting people over for some party, be sure that the invites are written courteously. Whether you are using paper or digital invitations, you must make sure that you are always courteous.
Specify the level of formality that will be practiced during the party. You also need to include the information on the place, time and duration of the said party. As much as you can, include a GPS-friendly address.
If you are a guest, you should know how to RSVP. Do this as soon as you can. Should your plans change in the future, you should let the host know why you won’t be able to attend. It is improper to just not show up when the host is actually expecting you.
Even when you have a casual invitation, make it a point to confirm your attendance or to decline it.
Never Arrive Early
While you are encouraged to arrive on time, it is not a good practice to arrive hours early. You can arrive 15 minutes early but no more than that. The hosts who feel frantic because of the preparations would surely appreciate it if you don’t arrive during the last minute cooking and cleaning up.
Bring Gifts
While you are encouraged to bring gifts or any token of your appreciation for being invited, make sure that your present won’t require more work from your host. The best party presents include scented candles, a nice-smelling soap, tea towels, and a bottle of wine.
Even better than bringing wine or any other kind of present, you can ask your host if he or she would need some extra hand.
Offer More Choices
As a host, you should give alternatives to alcohol. Remember that not everyone likes to drink alcohol so even if you are the best in bartending, you must offer non-alcoholic choices as there are people who prefer soda or juice.
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Create Seat Assignments
It is not a big deal to create a seating assignment in smaller gatherings. Be sure to double your efforts when creating seating assignments for a larger gathering. Do not split up couples but do sit the quieter people next to the more talkative ones.
Never Use Your Phone
Casual parties may be more forgiving when it comes to using your phone. It is an unspoken rule, though, that you shouldn’t even peek at your cell phone during any kind of party. So whether you are attending a formal or informal gathering, make sure that you keep the ringer off.
And during dinner? Oh, don’t even think about it!
The Necessary Bowl
Remember that no one would want to wonder where they could put the shrimp tail or olive pit. This is an awkward thing to wonder about during formal (or even informal) gatherings. So spare your guests this awkward scenario.
Provide a bowl especially for this purpose.
Clean Up the Bathroom
Your bathroom is going to be one busy room during the party so make sure that it is well-stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels. Have some scented candles on the ready, too. And, oh, while you’re at it, have a new plunger placed in there, too.
The cleanup shouldn’t just happen inside the bathroom, though. Prepare to wipe off spills on the table runner or on the table cloth itself. If you’re the guest and you’ve spilt something that won’t come off anymore, then be prepared to replace or pay for the damage.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Celeste Display Cabinet will give your guests something awesome to look at.
Tags: dining guidelines, dining rules, etiquette for parties, hosting a party, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, party etiquette, party hosting, tips
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Saturday, May 28th, 2016
1586-90016A-GLD1 Bewitch Mirrored Octagonal Nightstand
As you moved into your new home, isn’t it your first desire to create your personal stamp on the new space? But if you are buying a pre-loved home, then the finishes, paint colors and fixtures have all been chosen according to the previous owner’s preference.
Here are some guidelines that you can follow to personalize your home –
A Painted Front Door
One good way to make your home look and feel like you is to paint it. This has far less obligation than when you have to repaint your entire home.
When you’re out to choose the paint color, consider if you would also like to update the hardware such as the locks. Of course, if you are buying a house with existing locks, it is always a great idea to change them.
Personalize with Photos
It’s time to get some of your favorite pictures up on your walls. This is a great and effective way to feel at home right away. So never put off this project. Hang those beautiful family pictures or those travel photos that you have long kept.
Swap for a New Kitchen Faucet
One of the most used things inside a home is the faucet. See if you could swap the old kitchen faucet for a newer, sleeker one. This may seem like a menial task but it is something that can have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen (or bathroom).
Just make sure that you coordinate with every existing hardware; or you would be left with an unbalanced room design.
Paint the Walls
It can be a daunting task to pick colors that you will use for the entire house. Don’t go through this difficult phase, save yourself some trouble and just paint a wall or two.
Painting the walls will make you be able to determine the theme or palette that you will use for your entire home.
Accessories Uttermost Greenway Hand Painted Art 31315: Artworks are a great way to personalize any space.
Bring In Mother Nature
One of the best and most effortless ways to personalize your home is to bring in fresh flowers or potted plants. A room will definitely look a lot friendlier with a touch of nature in a vase or a pot.
Wallpaper ‘Em
If you are in for a bigger project, then you can buy a set of wallpapers. This is also a time-tested way of altering the look inside your home. Put your personal stamp by wallpapering. Use bold patterns if you dare to do so. Neutrals and simpler patterns are for the simpler people.
Clean Up
Use great-smelling products to make your home more appealing. Have a familiar scent, one that you would soon associate with your home.
It also pays to keep clutter from becoming a huge mound. Buy cabinets and drawers where you can store stuff that you don’t use at the moment.
Make it a point to designate a place for your keys and other small items. Have a row of hooks lined up for the special purpose of holding your keys.
Stairs and Window Treatments
The stairs needn’t be boring parts of your home. Paint it white then add shades to the treads. Install a runner if you have a carpeted staircase. Place a runner that is in the color that you most love. A fluffy carpet is great especially for areas with less foot traffic.
You can also upgrade the window treatments. You can go for tailored textured bamboo, Roman blinds, or the basic roller shades. Create a layered look using curtains. Find a window treatment that describes you best. Choose the same fabric for your curtains or draperies so you’ll have a more consistent look on the outside.
Tags: customization, customized home, customizing interior design, decluttering, decluttering tips, design customization, home paint, home painting, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nature, nature in interior design, nature-inspired design, nature-inspired home, paint, personalized design, personalized style, personalizing your home, tips, wall paint, wall painting
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Saturday, May 28th, 2016
1586-90266-GLD1 Antoinette King Gilded Upholstered Bed
Who wouldn’t want a restful slumber, right? Just imagine a clutter-free bedroom complete with lavender scent and airy sheets – and you’ve just imagined a heavenly bedroom. There are other things that you need to remember so take out your pen and paper and prepare to write these down –
Find a Nightstand Complete with Storage
A small cabinet or a set of drawers right below the nightstand can keep the bedroom clutter-free. It won’t just store knickknacks, it will also keep them out of your sight. Use this same nightstand to keep a journal, pens, books, a lip balm, reading glasses, and other vital stuff.
Nightstand Stuff
You also need to know what things you should keep on (and in) your nightstand. Here are some of the bedtime stuff that you need to keep close –
Comfort Is Number One
More often than not, people fuss too much about the overall look of their bedroom. What they forget in the process is that they should be more concerned about comfort.
So what makes sleep more restful?
When picking your bedding, make sure that it is soft to the touch. Imagine thick, cotton sheets plus cashmere throws – they’re a sublime combination. Always look for sheets that have breathable fibers.
Synthetics won’t allow the skin to breathe. This does not mean that the higher thread count automatically means having higher quality. Let your fingers do their job – so go ahead and feel the bed sheets. If you have time, read reviews about these sheets. These will give you an idea about the kind of sheet that you are going to invest in.
Linen is a great fabric to use during the summer. It will also last for a very long time if you take good care of it. Crisp sheets are best embodied by cotton percale. This is a classic kind of fabric that is smooth to the touch and will also perform well even in warm weather. Cotton sateen is also smooth and soft to the touch though it is not the best warm weather sheet to use.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Transcend King Platform Bed: See how this bedroom is free from clutter?
Acquire Some Bedtime Rituals
Here are some rituals that work for many people. Doing these before going to bed will surely give you the reward that you want – a restful sleep –
To Carpet or Not?
Having plush carpet underfoot can make a room more relaxing. This is especially wonderful to feel when you wake up and get out of bed in the morning. Quality carpeting can muffle sounds that can deter a restful mood.
No TV
Rethink whether you would bring in the television inside the bedroom. Blue light is constantly emitted by TV and it can make sleep a lot more difficult to achieve. Keep devices out of the bedroom. Instead of watching TV, commit to reading a good book (the traditional paperback not an eBook) before going to bed.
A Clutter-Free Room
Make good use of bins, baskets and wall hooks. Keep your jewelry, laundry, spare linens, and accessories stacked or stored out of sight. French market baskets are a great stash item for knickknacks.
If you can, make the bedroom a no-shoe zone.
Tags: comfy home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, relaxing bedroom, restful bedroom, tips
Posted in Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, May 27th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-90116-SLV2 Lets Sleep In Nightstand
Of course you do know what you love and don’t love, don’t you? This is important to establish when you are out to create the design for your home. Before you begin looking for the formal names of the interior design themes, you have to know that you don’t have to be bound by just one theme.
So what do you need to do to find out your sure style?
Your Preferences
As soon as you have researched ample information, you need to find out what your long-term preferences are. Do you look forward to visiting your parents during the holidays because you like the feel of wood under your feet? Perhaps it is the musky scent of wood that also brings you home each time.
What about when you were a kid? What did you prefer back then? Are your preferences still the same?
What materials colors and stuff do you really love?
Evoke a Mood
Consider also the kind of mood that you would want to stage in your home. Say you would want to evoke a romantic mood inside the bedroom, then you can work backward from there. Imagine what kind of furnishings, textures, colors, and accessories you would bring in, in order to recreate your chosen mood.
What you just need to answer is this – what kind of feeling would I want to feel the moment I enter this room? Find three words that would describe the feelings inside that room and – that’s it.
Take Pictures of Sentimental Objects
Whether you are just toying with the idea of changing your room’s decor or are creating something from scratch, you need to know what objects you put your heart into. Go around your home and snap photos of the objects that are sentimental to you. As you look at the pile of photos that you took, you soon will realize that they all have something in common.
What word would you use to illustrate the objects that you took photos of?
If there is nothing in your home that inspires you to even take a snapshot, then go out. Do some window shopping if you have to, visit an old friend’s home, or eat in a new restaurant. Bring your camera with you so you will always be ready to take some photos once you feel inspired.
When Price Is Not a Concern
Next, you can also make a list of the things that you would want to buy should price not be an issue. This exercise will help you realize what you can actually do when you think outside of the box. Even when you end up not being able to buy any of the things that you listed, at least you get a clearer picture in your mind of what you would want to acquire for your home.
Once again, you also need to describe the items that you placed in your dream list. Do they come from one designer? Do they share a common hue?
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Move About
Another source of inspiration is the great outdoors. Do you love gardening? Look at your own garden and find inspiration there. In the absence of a personal garden, you can just take a stroll around the neighborhood and seek out those enviable front yards instead.
Open Your Cabinet
Another way to determine your preferred interior design theme is to look inside your wardrobe. What colors, textures and patterns do you naturally gravitate to? What style do you love to wear?
Modern? Or is it gothic?
Name your top three favorite fashion designers and you should know what style you may embrace.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, picking an interior design, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-90010-BLK1 Twin Peak Six-Drawer Chest on Chest is sleek and uncomplicated.
When looking at the American gothic style nowadays, you might not picture how it actually came about. Its beginnings were quite humble, with artist Grant Wood taking a stroll around Eldon in Iowa. He was then just looking for inspiration when he came upon the gothic style farmhouse called the Dibble House. Being an Iowan, himself, Wood sketched this dwelling place at the back of a simple envelope. Wood’s biographer later added that the artist was struck at the thought of adding a pretentious (we’re using the biographer’s word here, not ours) gothic window on an otherwise flimsy wooden house (again, the biographer’s words). This painting resulted into what’s known today as American Gothic.
Grant Wood’s American Gothic
Using Nan Wood – Graham (Wood’s sister) and Byron McKeeby (their family dentist) as models, Wood started painting the house along with this willing pair. The Art Institute of Chicago recognized him by giving him a prize for the said painting. The masterpiece was even purchased by the Institute and hung it for everyone’s appreciation.
While Wood wanted to depict a positive image for the Americans, his painting was seen by a different pair of eyes among his critics. To them, it was a satire on the life spent in a farm. It took many years before the painting became a symbol for strength and steadfastness.
The Hancock and Moore Living Room Norvell Ancient Thunder Horse Painting Chair 4797-AT has an unpretentious farm appeal to it which is perfect for your American Gothic home.
What Is American Gothic?
This style is evident in many early American imagery and symbols. Just think of pitchforks, red-colored barns, aprons, gothic windows, blue, black and denim and you’re thinking American Gothic.
This style often works because it centers on farm life. Do you ever wonder why most children’s books feature farms and farm animals? It’s because farm life is uncomplicated and it shows a life that is easy or laidback. If you take a closer look at the industrial spirit brought about by farm structures of the past, then you would also realize that American gothic has an almost modern feel to it.
You will surely love American Gothic style if you prefer the unfussy sort of design. If the elaborate workings on furniture and architecture do not please you or if you consider apron to be an everyday wear, then you are embracing the Puritan way of life and would definitely feel comfortable in an American Gothic home.
Do not mistake American Gothic for Victorian gothic. The latter offers dark walls almost depicting haunted houses. Victorian Gothic also shows ornate architecture and the most gorgeous furniture. So, here are characteristics often associated with Victorian gothic that you must not link with American Gothic –
Drama
Victorian Gothic will always be dramatic and elegant. Say no to making dramatic statements whether in your choice of furniture, lighting fixture, or decorative details.
Wallpapers are also items that are associated with the Victorian gothic style. So keep your walls simple and nod not to patterned wallpapers, more so those that have a velvety texture. Use simple wall paint rather than the bold colors used in many Victorian homes.
Thick, Rich Textures
Draperies are both decorative and functional. The heavier, layered types of draperies are glamorous and elegant enough for a Victorian Gothic home. Should you choose the less opulent American Gothic style, be sure to go for simple draperies minus the tassels and fringes.
Opulence
Ornate furniture pieces are regal pieces of artwork. They are for homes that are rich and often dramatic. So, since you are embracing the American Gothic look, just look for straightforward designs. If you’re uncertain as to whether you can use black or not, well, you can. Just make sure that the black furniture you invest in has simple lines and a pretty uncomplicated design.
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2016
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Vaulted ceilings come in many different names – raised ceilings, cathedral ceilings, also high ceilings. The history of these unique kinds of ceilings dates back hundreds of years. By definition, these are arched forms that are extruded to the third dimension. These are used as provision for a roof or ceiling.
Vaulted Ceiling History
Vaulted ceilings were used, originally, only in basilicas and cathedrals. This was centuries ago. They were used because of their visual capacity to make any space look a lot bigger. Call it an optical illusion if you want but this is one thing that has had a profound effect in architecture and interior design.
The most popular vaulted ceiling design is the dome. Imagine a hollowed out half of watermelon and this is what a dome looks like. Different materials were used to create domes from stone, mud, brick, wood, metal, concrete, glass and plastic.
The barrel or wagon vault came from the dome design. This is the simplest vault design as it is a semicircle that is just stretched to a continuous arch. Following the wagon vault is the groin vault wherein two barrel vaults intersect and to create an ellipse intersection which is called the groin.
The medieval era saw the birth of the rib vault. The fan vault became a fancier version of the rib vault.
Now that you know a bit of the history of vaulted ceilings, would you now like to know what benefits come with them?
Influx of Natural Light
Vaulted ceilings create an airier atmosphere because they let in more sunlight into a home. Nothing can be more spectacular than natural light so letting in more of its rays into your home ups the cheerful ambience, even the heating capacity of your dwelling place.
Adds Character
Ceiling beams that are exposed add to the character of your home. This appeal is quite hot at the moment (though it has been a means of showing opulence for the longest time). If you are claustrophobic, then the rafter beams that are high up above your head should no longer pose a problem to you.
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Practical Use of Space
While attics can be useful in storing things that are not needed at the moment, they can become a sort of dead space in the long run. Admit it, most of the things that are stored there never get out. If this is the case with your attic, why not have it turned into a vaulted ceiling instead?
Wasted space will surely turn into an architectural wonder that would make your home look grander and more posh. The vaulted ceiling will become a critical visual beauty that would add elicit oohs and aahs from your visitors.
Another functional use of the vaulted ceiling is for ventilation. All the unwanted hot air will rise and escape there. This kind of ceiling is also useful inside a bathroom where drying out would become quicker.
Added Rustic Appeal
A vaulted ceiling – when made with wood – will add a rustic charm to your home. Ceilings are positioned at an angle where the eyes tend to rest. You can capitalize on this by using wood as a major material for your vaulted ceiling. Whether you want a traditional or contemporary setup, this is the go-to ceiling for you.
A single word of caution before you jump into owning a vaulted ceiling straight away – cleaning the ceiling should be done by a professional. This is also the case when lighting fixtures or ceiling fans need to be fixed. ‘Cept for these cleaning and fixing concerns, you should be able to enjoy the vaulted ceiling without any other worries.
So go ahead, dress up your room with vaulted ceiling. Put in that tufted armchair, ornate bed and the most beautiful draperies.
Yours is a home of opulence.
Tags: history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, vaulted ceiling, vaulted ceiling design, vaulted ceiling style
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