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Monday, September 26th, 2016
The rustic colors brown and orange are beautifully featured on these Accessories Uttermost Kadam Ceramic Vases S2 19825.
Fall has finally arrived. This is that season when families gather and homes are filled with the aroma of home cooked meals. This is also that time when wood smoke, the tang of fresh apples, and the cool air all come together to bring that wonderful, unexplainable feeling; this season is a reassurance that Christmas is just around the corner.
Fall spells a lot of activities that you could attend with your family. You can go barn dancing, mountain biking with your friends (while enjoying the red, yellow and orange leaves all around), scenic drives through the woods, etc.
The greatest part of this season is the chance for the entire family to decorate the home. Even subtle decorative pieces can make a dull home look suddenly stunning. The right elements could also bring in a sophisticated ambience so make sure that you take advantage of the rich resources that you can find outside – the produce from the farmers’ market, flower shops, even your own backyard.
A Burst of Colors
Fall is all about colors and flowers so bring in those chrysanthemums, marigolds and dahlias. Whether you arrange these beautiful flowers outdoors or in vases indoors, your efforts will surely be rewarded. These flowers don’t just bring elegance into your home but texture as well.
Any arrangement made possible by Mother Nature is the perfect element that you can bring in. Nature, during this season, offers colorful pumpkins and gourds. The former aren’t just great for pie but also as the perfect Jack o’ Lanterns for Halloween. It’s impossible not to love the delicious orange hue these plump pumpkins.
Mix and Match
It’s the time to mix and match different types and sizes, even various colors of wheat stalks and flowers. This is the ideal décor during the entire season. Bring it a step farther by adding pine cones, trees, acorns, citrus fruits and some sprigs. Wreaths should be placed on walls (yes, they can stay there till Christmas) to add visual texture and warmth.
Other things that you can match are colors in various textures. Warm and cozy colors are in such as burnt orange, rust, browns, mustard, plums and grays. Try combining some of these colors to achieve a warm glow that is unique to this season.
Wool and wood are the right materials to harmonize especially during the coldest fall nights. The solid, smooth texture of wool’s fibers plus the sturdiness of wood create just the right combination. Go ahead and update your furnishings by matching wool cushions to your wooden furniture. Use this fusion if you want to be stylish yet safe this season.
Another way to add visual interest in your home is to use accents in interesting motifs. Examples are leaves, woodland creatures and trees. Geometric patterns are at home in this setting, too, and so is tartan.
Dark Walnut and Mappa Burl Finish by Hooker Furniture
Lanterns Aglow
Lanterns can offer an enchanting glow during the coldest evenings. They can cast beautiful and inviting light by the porch or right inside your home. Remember that the daylight hours are a lot shorter so you have more time to enjoy the glow of your chosen lanterns.
Adding metals is also another way to add some glow this season. Let copper dominate as this is a must-have metal during fall and winter. Add its reflecting qualities in your home for an instant appeal and visual expansion.
Fall season is definitely upon us all. The leaves are out to change and the days are bound to be shorter. Prepare for chillier mornings while the crisp summer sun slowly fades. You may miss the summer daytime but this season brings with it a different festive mood that’s difficult to ignore so you might as well enjoy it!
Tags: fall, fall color palette, fall decor, fall design, fall interior design, fall interior design elements, fall interiors, fall preparation, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nature, nature-inspired design, nature-inspired home, nature's colors, styling for fall, tips, using nature's colors in interior design, warm colors, warm hues
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Saturday, September 24th, 2016
7072-002CR Hamptons 3 Over 3 Sofa
Living rooms’ primary function is to gather family members in one space. Others believe that one’s identity can also be communicated through this room. There is a design criterion that needs to be met when setting up the living room. First, you have to recognize that this can be both a private and a public room. It’s a private room when you stay there with your loved ones or a public space when you’re hosting parties for friends.
Recognize that memories of your family time and moments with your friends in a living room could affect the connotation that they have for this space. After all, this space can be a place of solitude or a place for huge parties.
Know that hosting guests in a living room can include formal gathering or the more intimate scenarios.
Key Concepts
Every living room must have a sofa. Most families add a seating unit that is placed diagonally to this furniture piece. Some like placing a table in front of the sofa instead. Artwork can also be displayed on living room walls. Other objects can have the same purpose as artwork (e.g. framed photos, knickknacks, or gifts). Books are a common display on walls, too.
Not a lot of people spend moments of solitude such as writing, reading and contemplating inside the living room even when the physical elements in that space are used to foster privacy.
Tackling Living Room Design
There are two stages in designing the living room. First, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Look at the room while it is still bare space. Next, find out how you can arrange the furnishings in the room.
Have a graphing paper and draw the room that you wish to achieve. There is no need to have a drafting degree for this kind of drawing. Have one square on the graph represent 6 inches; this means that a 10 by 8 feet space should have 20 by 16 squares.
Draw the doors, windows, furniture placements, and fireplaces, just about anything that you can move around. Now create some copies and use these as your sketchpad. You can go ahead and draw many different chair and sofa placements before anyone rearranges or sets up anything. Being able to view the room at an abstract sort of way can help you find new style options.
Figuring out the best layout for your living room means you have to prioritize flow, function as well as the focal point. The flow is the traffic pattern in a room. This is how people travel through the room and what paths are made available.
As for the room’s function, this can be defined by seeing the stuff that you will put in there. If the pieces are mainly TV, subwoofers, speakers, and such, then it’s a living room that’s mainly for entertainment. If it’s filled with shelves of books and a plush sofa plus a pair of floor lamps or a desk lamp paired with a wingbacked chair, then that living room is definitely a reading space.
A living room must also have a focal point. This if often the fireplace or a picturesque window. If you have all three – the picture window, fireplace and TV, then each should be placed on different walls. The traffic in the room must also be free-flowing.
Sometimes, it’s as easy as setting up the television. The focal point is what you and your family get to see as soon as they walk into the living room. The rest of the furniture and other design elements are arranged all around it.
Now it’s time to place the furniture at the right angles. This will offer a dynamic space. Leave no less than 36 inches of width for your living room traffic. Smaller groups of furniture should have 18 inches of space, at the very least, in front of them so that they can be accessed with ease.
Tags: designing the living room, history of the living room, living room concepts, living room design elements, living room furniture, living room style, McCreery's, McCreery's Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | No Comments »
Friday, September 23rd, 2016
8113-066CR Astor King Bed Complete
If you have an upcoming design project to accomplish, then you are about to face a gargantuan task ahead. Fortunately, there are steps that you could follow to design your room without going crazy –
Figure Out the Budget
This is the first step in designing any room. Make sure that your checklist places this at the very top, meaning, you have to establish the budget before you even buy the first nail.
As soon as you are able to commit on a certain budget, then you’ll see that you can make clearer decisions about what should be done next. The money that you allocate for this project will define how much you will accomplish.
Use the Checklist
This may seem simple but it actually requires a huge amount of discipline. It pays to have pictures during this process. Choose photographs from catalogs and magazines which show the design colors, furniture, woodwork, and other elements that you can add to your project.
This list must contain your priorities but remember to be realistic. Indicate the rooms and things that are essential and those that are mere want. Prioritize the former.
Remember that you must always work in order. Never organize projects wherein workmen will walk through rooms that have just been finished. This would ruin the entire project and prolong the set timetable.
Use the list to put in structural changes that you want such as adding focal points in high ceilings, welcoming in natural light, or highlighting a scenic view. Hidden room assets can be restored or maintained.
Seek Help from a Pro
As soon as you have your budget and your checklist, then it’s time to ask the help of a professional. Ask your friends and neighbors if they still have the number of their interior designer. Consider visiting the houses of your friends and, this time, take a good look at the design details.
It is important that you’d feel comfortable working with a professional. Ask questions regarding their past projects. At the very least, check out albums of their past jobs. Talk also about the professional fees that will be charged. Have everything written down. Ask the designer about his or her scope of work then ask for a proposal based on your design requirements.
Never Go Over the Budget
There is a reason why it’s called a budget. This is an amount that you set so that there’s a cap or a ceiling on your expenditure. You have to learn to prioritize to keep your budget intact. Be realistic and honest with what you really can afford in terms of time and money.
Prioritizing means you have to know which areas really need improvement at the moment. Approach your goals room upon room. You might have the means to redo your home right away but it is still best to do it in phases.
Use the budget as a tool that can assist you in planning your design project. Accomplish the plan according to your budget and the money allotted per design stage.
The Inside-Out and Top-Down Rules
As you work through your checklist, there are two rules that you need to follow first, the Inside-Out. This rule states that carpentry, electrical and plumbing works should be done before you apply the wall and flooring finishes.
The second rule is the top-down rule. This states that recessed ceiling lights should be done before the plasterer does his job. You must also paint the ceilings before you go down to the walls. Save flooring installation for last especially when you are placing marble, tiles, wood or carpeting.
Tags: design checklist, interior design budget, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Monday, September 19th, 2016
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Jelani, Table Lamp 26987 provides accent lighting for your living room.
You may think that light is the least essential design element when the days are at their longest yet this is the best time to buy quality lighting and select fixtures that would properly light your home. The first step that you need to undertake is to know the three kinds of lighting.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting can also be referred to as general lighting since it provides an overall glow. In essence, it does the role of sunlight during the night. Full ambient lighting can be achieved by properly spacing recessed downlights. This can also be achieved by a single central ceiling fixture.
Ambient lighting is often chosen for its decorative feature. Be sure to check the wattage when you want to know how much light the ambient fixture can offer.
One problem that you might have encountered in older homes is that homeowners only used task lighting. This gets the job done, sure, but it can leave a lot of dark corners or make rooms appear smaller.
Minus ambient lights, you are likelier to trip over stuff, this is why this kind of light is now the most common light used in many modern homes. The unfortunate news is that people tend to stop at ambient lighting, not even bothering to layer with another kind of lighting.
Accent Lighting
This kind of lighting, on the other hand, provides any room with a more polished look. Of course, it is important to make the room more visually interesting which is why you should carefully choose accent lights.
Just like any beautiful painting, accent light has the power to draw the eyes to it. This visual piece can be that attractive lighting fixture or some directional lights.
One of the most natural accent lights is the chandelier which can highlight the dining table. Downlights are able to illuminate a piece of art or an interesting decorative cabinet.
Task Lighting
The last type of light is task lighting. This is that focused light that can create a spotlight on a task. This is important in the prevention of eye strain, therefore, to eye health.
What could be more fun than a glowing peacock? Featured here is the Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Cast Brass Peacock Wall Sconce 1900-111
Relax, Have Fun
A lot of designers rely on lighting designers when taking on a remodeling project. The latter make sure the rooms are properly lit for the crucial tasks. They also know that mood can be easily created with light. If you want to ascertain that your home is correctly lit, then you should begin by knowing the three kinds of lighting and to know how and where to use them.
Apply accent, ambient and task lighting – these are the three kinds of light. Don’t force them, though. It would be unwise to cram them into one space. Layered lighting is only considered successful if the entire room has a flattering glow to it. There shouldn’t be any daunting shadows anywhere. The most interesting parts of the home must also pop because of proper lighting.
The three kinds of light can be layered but don’t get confused by them. A family room, for instance, can have recessed lighting which could provide a casting glow. A ceiling chandelier can double as ambient and decorative lighting. A white table lamp (still in the same room) is a great decorative piece when placed against dark walls. While it is decorative, this lamp can also offer task lighting for anyone who wants to read a good book.
Alright, here’s the simple secret –
Begin with ambient light as the first layer. The task light follows as the second layer and the accent lights finish the job. If you can commit that to memory, then all you have to do now is to find the fixture styles that would match your home’s theme.
Tags: accent light, accent lighting, ambient light, ambient lighting, general lighting, interior lighting, layering, layering in interior design, layering lights, lighting fixture, lighting interiors, lighting layers, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, task light, task lighting, tips, types of light, types of lighting
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Friday, September 16th, 2016
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Tuxedo, 6-Lt Single Shade Chandelier 21130
The mere mention of the term chandelier makes one think of class and sophistication. This is that ornate lighting fixture which is just as much decoration as it is a lighting source. Most of the ideas from the ancient times still haven’t changed although those that did were marvelously welcomed.
The word chandelier originated from a French term, chandelle, which literally means candle holder. In the beginning that was the original function of this lighting fixture. Historically speaking, the first batch of chandeliers appeared on the 14th century. There were no frills during that time, design-wise. In fact, the chandeliers then were so simple that all it took to design them were two wooden beams that formed a cross. This cross had a spike at its end that held candles.
Structures that needed chandeliers back then were abbeys, churches and other large gathering areas. The cost of chandeliers could only be afforded by the wealthy. These were the only people who were able to buy and maintain such pieces.
After the candle era of the chandelier, it welcomed gas lighting which led to the birth of gasoliers. It was during this time that chandeliers were slowly converted into gas holders rather than candles. This trend continued till the advent of electrical lighting.
But those days are long gone.
Chandelier History Continued
As production and materials greatly improved over time, so did the look and ornate nature of chandeliers. Materials were no longer limited to metal or wood; other options now include glass, crystals, etc. These lighting fixtures are now even considered as art. They are also status symbols; with the more intricate ones seen to be more sophisticated.
Interestingly, chandeliers are now bigger and more extravagant. Most of the time, the emphasis is no longer just on illumination anymore. Lighting designs have become so artistic that form has taken over function many times.
But, once again, those days are slowly coming to an end.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Botanic 4 Light Milk Glass Chandelier 21271
Modern Chandeliers
These days, the function over form concept is, once again, being embraced. Rooms are made extra special not solely because of the chandelier’s beauty but more of its achieved function. Modern chandeliers come with the needed lighting for dining rooms, living rooms, even bedrooms. They also still come with that wonderful glow that adds an extra appeal and character in those rooms.
One of the major characteristics of chandeliers these days is versatility. Wherever you place them, they are out to beautify and fulfill their lighting duties.
Modern chandeliers come in different colors, shapes, sizes, styles and patterns. There is also a wide array of materials that you could choose from. Crystals may be the most common design pattern nowadays but one cannot discredit the beauty of glass and metal chandeliers. There are even those that come with faux candles and other such interesting designs.
Home lighting has never been this interesting but just make sure that you get the proper one for your home. Get one that’s too small and it would look like an eye sore there, one that’s totally out of place. Buy a humongous one and you’re left with an overpowering lighting fixture.
Proper sizing is a crucial factor if you don’t want to commit these mistakes. Take the time to measure the height of the ceiling down to the floor. See also if the chandelier is going to be placed above the dining table or the center table in the living room. Make sure that you leave enough room between the furnishings and the chandelier.
Balance is the key to handling the modernized chandelier so be very careful in making your choice.
Tags: accent lighting, ambient lighting, chandelier, designing with chandeliers, general lighting, history, history of chandeliers, home lighting, improving home lighting, interior lighting, lighting types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, types of chandeliers, use of chandeliers
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Thursday, September 15th, 2016
Safari is a term derived from a Swahili word meaning to travel, though the Arabic term safara means a journey. Its implication is that of a game that needs to be hunted, shot and eventually dragged by tribesmen. It was President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt who popularized this concept when he had it brought to the U.S.
Basically, safari had a negative connotation to it.
The Safari Evolution
These days, the modern world has completely changed the meaning of this once negative term. It is now being associated to being socially and environmentally responsible when it comes to traveling.
Safari travel in Africa is now a journey that includes game viewing and spending time in national parks. Safari will always involve wildlife and birds, more so their sanctuaries, so you won’t conjure thoughts of bloodshed anymore when this term is mentioned.
Adding Some Jungle Love
The Safari style is all about adding a little jungle love into your home. Man caves and lady pads can also exhibit this beautiful design. It is commonly used to create the wonderful illusion of being in tropical grandeur. All you need to add are some tribal music CDs and you’re good. If you want to raise the temperature up some more, then amp up the African décor.
Using the safari theme is not easy. You are required to plan and to invest in a lot of mirrors. There are also materials that are uniquely safari such as –
Bamboo – this is mainly used in the bedroom where the ultimate jungle should be. There are various styles of bamboo beds that are suitable for this very purpose. Match this bed frame with a bureau and a dresser plus a steamer trunk right at the foot of the bamboo bed and you’re having an awesome start.
Goin’ ape? Add bamboo curtains complete with bamboo slats. Vertical blinds will also offer the same touch.
Authentic African hangings – your jungle room should have the genuine deal. Have some masks and other African wall hangings that will ascertain your theme. There is no mistaking that yours is an African theme if you add wildlife wall murals, banana trees, or some interesting (if not scary) masks.
An Exotic Bird – if you want to commit to this theme then you might as well go all out. How about having a pet macaw or parrot? Just make sure that you research about the feeding and proper care of any of these exotic birds. Don’t make the mistake of cramping your new pet into a small cage. Buy a cage that is large enough for the bird to flit around in.
Your guests will surely be awestruck with the beautiful bird; just be prepared to handle a little bird noise. Plus, it might help if you talk to your landlord first and ask about any animal restrictions in your area.
Greenery – no African theme is deemed successful without any plant. Bring in some potted plants but make sure that you keep them well-lit, fed and watered. Palm trees are a great choice and so are a couple of banana trees.
African Accents – you would want to convince everyone about your theme so invest in some bamboo lampshades, too. If you can have an elephant, gorilla or lion standee, then use it. Any of them are great conversation starters which will make you an interesting social being in the sight of your friends and visitors.
Cap the African theme by covering an entire wall with a map (of Africa if needs be). If you are bringing friends over, you could don your khaki pants and boots, grab a pair of binoculars and you’re all set.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Floor Lamp 1851-515 screams “Africa” on every angle.
Tags: African, African design, African interior design, African interiors, African theme, eclectic, eclectic interior design, eclectic interiors, eclectic Safari theme, eclecticism, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Safari design, Safari interior design, Safari style, Safari theme, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 14th, 2016
This 1586-10458-GRY1 Note-To-Self Writing Desk is beautifully-framed by the faux fur carpeting beneath it.
Faux fur is welcoming, cozy, warm, and homey. It is everything that you could ask for in terms of comfort and style. Right now, this is also becoming the quickest and hottest design trend to beat.
It’s no surprise that the luscious faux fur is one of the stars during this fall’s interior design runway. More and more homes are now altering their homes to the antiseptic contemporary designs to the warm opulence of faux fur.
Fur and Luxury
These are two synonymous terms. Very few interior design elements can give the luxury that faux fur can offer. For the longest time, interior design has been streamlined and modern. Some homes even border on the colder side yet people are quickly waking up to the necessity that is comfort.
Faux fur is appealing to home designers and decorators because it is the environment-friendly version of the non-animal friendly type. It may not be real fur but faux fur’s softness and texture is just as rich and just as luxurious.
Faux fur still spells opulence.
Faux Fur Means Texture
Many interior designers like to add faux fur to a tidy space so that it becomes a tad homier. This material is quite inviting and luscious which is why it is hard to ignore. If you want to add texture in your home, then this is one material that you should include on your shopping list.
Take a careful look at your home. If you see vast space, cleanliness and neatness all around you, then it’s time to offset this tidy surrounding with faux fur. Faux fur can truly elevate the space into something classier.
One to Two Faux Fur Items Only
When it comes to adding faux fur as an accessory, the rule of thumb is – don’t overdo it. A piece of throw pillow plus an area rug would do. Choose just one or two pieces to add – not one more.
Going overboard with faux fur is quite easy. Your goal is to strategically place the pieces inside a room, otherwise, the area would look Nordic in an instant. If this is the look that you would want to achieve then that’s fine but if you’re going for any other theme, well, lay off your hands on any more faux fur items.
Living Room Uttermost Farran Fur Small Bench 23278
Consider the Length and Tone
Just like any other design purchase, you should also do your research regarding companies that offer quality faux fur. Inspect the pieces before buying. Find the ones that have longer hair and don’t look fake or it would defeat the purpose that faux fur is supposed to achieve.
See also if you want a light or dark-colored faux fur. Keep in mind that creamy colors look more natural than the pieces that are stark white.
Consider a lighter color for your faux fur piece if you live in an area where it’s mainly warm throughout the year. This is so the area won’t look awkward during spring and summer. The lighter colors also blend with many other color schemes so you have more hues to choose from.
Faux Fur + the Right Materials
Faux fur is an effective piece to use when you want to make any space appear cool or modern, though it can also be paired with opposite elements. An example is faux fur with wire chairs. The fusion of metal and the soft faux fur creates a surprisingly inviting ambience. You can also pair this lovely piece with velvet, silk, wool and just about any fabric that you can think of.
Faux Fur in Different Rooms
There is no better room where you can use faux fur than the bedroom. Faux fur is all about coziness so it is perfect for your bedroom. Never be afraid to use faux fur with formal spaces like the living room if you want to add some warmth. Just place white faux fur on any chair in your office and you instantly create a homier working space.
Tags: designing with faux fur, faux fur, faux fur designs, faux fur history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016
Hickory White Living Room Greek Key Cocktail Table 243-11
Not a lot of knowledge is known in terms of Grecian interior design and décor. Despite this, Greece, known more for the beauty of one of its cities – Athens – is equal to embellishments and everything that’s simple yet posh. Grecian art and architecture also spell wealth, texture and rich colors that are surprisingly offset by the cleanest lines and edited furnishings.
If you want to embrace a Mediterranean interior, then it must be Greek décor that you should first consider. It could look fresh and modern without passing off as too antiseptic.
Frescoed or Painted White
Homes in Greece differ depending on the climate. Most of the interior walls are left bare. Others come with just a single woven wall décor. The warmer southern regions favored whitewashed clay, even stucco wall finishes. They also love window openings that are great in catching Mediterranean breeze.
Greek city dwelling, on the other hand, reflect wealth. The homes come with frescoed walls that have been painted by the best artists. Common colors are earth tones and pastels, those who favor deeper shades use blacks and reds.
Notice also the sceneries that have been carefully preserved in many Greek pottery pieces. Framed frescoes come with tiled or painted borders complete with classic Greek designs and symmetrical curves.
Greek minimalist homes are stucco-textured that have been whitewashed. The use of drapes, shutters or window shades are kept at a bare minimum so that the gorgeous skies and the blue sea can still be enjoyed.
Hickory White Living Room Greek Key Sofa 4902-05: White plus any bold hue is the basic pairing for any Greek interior.
Don’t Forge the Floor Décor
Grecian art is pointless without the floor artworks. This country has forests that supply ample amounts of oak, maple, beech, citrus and willow trees which are great for furniture making. The floors, though, were often pounded plaster or simple earth. This was, of course, more evident in poorer dwellings. You could opt for concrete flooring if you want to play the role of a well-to-do Athenian to a T. You can also install mosaic tiles on your floor, patterned scenes that are paired with those that are painted on the walls, or bordered geometric designs.
And what are Grecian floors without thick woven rugs? Have these installed in special areas to frame authentic Greek vases and other iconic images.
Zero Frill Furnishing
Less should be enough – this must be your new motto if you want to have Grecian interiors. Your home must not be cluttered with furniture and accessories. You should be contented with simple and standard designs.
Use functional furnishings but are still aesthetically beautiful. Rectangle is the only shape that you should look for in beds and couches. Drape a crimson tapestry over a neutral-colored bed or sofa and you’d see a bit of Olympus.
Clothing storage is also essential in the Greek’s way of living. Though they had basic clothing, this did not mean that they were left lying around. They used wooden chests that were either plain or carved. As for their seating units, they enjoyed sitting in stools and backless chairs. Tables were portable and were often made with carved wood.
Completing the Greek Look
It’s time to get the Grecian look in your home. Mimic Greek aesthetics further by adding rounded arches to connect rooms. Install wood panels and beamed ceilings. The doors and shutters could also be painted with a bright shade of blue representing the beauty of nature just outdoors.
Always use white bed linens with key design border as much as possible. The dining table, though transportable, must be made of hardwood. And what is a Greek home without those white porch columns?
So go ahead, put all these signature pieces into your home to magically transform from bland to grand.
Tags: Grecian interior design, Grecian interiors, Greek design, Greek interior design, Greek interiors, Greek style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, white interior design, white interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, September 12th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Chadwick Entertainment Console asks for low maintenance with its sleek and open-shelf concept.
If you belong to the group of people whose school and work schedules leave very little time for mundane tasks, then you probably hate maintenance or house cleaning, too. The great news is that the interior design industry knows all about your dilemma. There are now a lot of easy care design elements that you can invest in. The question now is – are any of these right for you?
Easy-Clean Paint
There are now cans upon cans of paint that can be easily cleaned and washed. They are available for walls and trim. These are also best for families that have small kids and pets.
Low-Maintenance Flooring
In the past ten years or so, tiles, hardwood and natural stone have become quite popular and there’s no surprise there. Carpeting has taken a backseat because these materials have proven to be more durable, easier to maintain, and not difficult to clean.
There are many eco-friendly options for floors nowadays like reclaimed wood and bamboo.
Stained concrete that has a protective sealer would also be wonderful, maintenance-wise. This comes with the least amount of seams plus a nonporous seal will make mopping and sweeping much easier.
Other probable flooring options include vinyl and laminate tiles.
Furniture with Trimmed Surfaces
The nooks and crannies of many shelves and cabinets are natural homes for dust particles. If you want a low-maintenance type of cabinet or shelf, then find the ones that have little trim. The less drawers and nooks there are, the less dust, the least amount of cleaning.
Simple math there.
Patterned Countertops
The bathroom and kitchen tiles and Formica countertops require added care compared to all other countertop materials. Did you know that countertops that come with patterns are better at hiding rings and crumbs as compared to solid-colored ones?
It’s true, try ‘em.
1586-80110-BLK1 Flirt Rectangle Cocktail Table has a smooth and simple design which is not just easy to clean but also easy on the eye.
Under Mount Sink
Rather than resorting to the usual raised models, try having the under mount sink this time. Its upkeep is a lot easier which means you won’t have to worry about puddles, grout, cracks, mildew, and stains.
Grout-Free Bathrooms
There have been major innovations in bathroom design and fixtures. Most of these are now easier to care for. An example is the wall-mounted toilet as well as motion sensitive faucets. These days, you can mop right beneath the toilet (no more mopping around the fixture); the faucets also help in keeping soapy and dirty hands off (you have the sensors to thank for this). Shower interiors also come in solid materials that are remarkably grout-free.
No wonder that these are now the most popular options in the market these days.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting fixtures are your best choice if you don’t want the usual dust magnets – table lamps. If you really can’t let go of lamps, then consider having them minus the fabric shades. Any other material can be easily wiped clean.
Shutters and Blinds
These are your best choices for window treatments since all you’ll ever need to clean them is a feather duster or a handheld vacuum cleaner. Heavy draperies come with fabrics which can easily hold odors, attract dust and pet hair.
Less Furnishings
Less is more in the case of easy maintenance. Either that or you can invest in pieces that are slimmer and unupholstered. Leather is also a lot easier to clean than fabric, it’s just more prone to cracking so make sure that you invest in a great leather cleaner.
Basket for Slippers
Place this right by the entrance so that you and your visitors could place your dirty shoes outside and should wear the slippers as soon as you reach the entryway.
These are wonderful ideas that you could use in your home if you want to do less maintenance. See how each would cut down your cleaning time by more than half!
Tags: easy-clean home, easy-clean tips, home cleaning, home cleanup, low-maintenance home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Saturday, September 10th, 2016
Featured photo taken from www.rachaelrayshow.com
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You have probably seen one of the Food Network shows that Rachael Ray hosted. She, too, is a celebrated author of cookbooks and a renowned TV talk show host. It is difficult not to be enthused by this energetic woman. Born under the Virgo sign, Rachael Ray came to the world on the 25th of August in 1968.
She’s a born New Yorker.
Rachael’s Life and Career
Rachael had various jobs – most in the food industry – before her classes (30 Minute Meals) were discovered by a local TV news station. She practically grew up in the restaurant industry as her family was in the food business for the longest time. She was working in a gourmet food store in New York when the station got wind of her classes. Since then, she already hosted different Food Network shows and authored different cookbooks. As if these weren’t enough, she went on to achieve her own talk show – Rachael Ray – and her very own magazine.
She already won a Daytime Emmy Award on her talk show.
The first book deal for Rachael came when more and more people were raving about her cooking segments on her show. Compared to other hosts, Ray’s style was lively and sometimes goofy. Her recipes were simple, most offered shortcuts which any mom – or anyone – could do in their own home.
Three other programs debuted as spurred by the 30 Minute Meals show. Pretty soon, she launched her lifestyle magazine Every Day with Rachael Ray. This was made available to the buying public in 2005. She soon had a self-titled show as coaxed by Oprah Winfrey. This happened in 2006 as did the award that she received for her 30 Minute Meals show. She then received her Emmy Award for an Outstanding Service Show. More critics and fans saw the value of her work which was why in 2008, Rachael Ray, the show, won the Daytime Emmy Award this time for Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment. This ran till 2010.
Having achieved success through her programs, books and products, Rachael began giving to charity. She was the founder of Yum-O! which is a non-profit organization that educates young people as well as their families regarding good nutrition. Needy American children are also fed by her charitable institution.
Rachael is married to a lawyer, John Cusimano and they live in Lake Luzerne, NY. They also have a home in the Greenwich Village in Manhattan.
Rachael on Furniture This Fall
Okay, so we all know that Rachael is a star in so many aspects – from having her own show, cookbooks and magazine; so she has pretty much conquered what other people just dream of. Now, one can add the title furniture designer to her growing portfolio.
Rachael just exhibited the newest collection inside a cozy showroom in North Carolina. The home collection showed three parts – SoHo, Highline and Upstate. Every one of these offers inspired pieces based on different parts of New York.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that Rachael sketched some of the furniture pieces herself? The furnishings come in muted tones. You will also see a lot of silvery grays, with every collection coming with complete pieces. There are also multi-function kitchen islands, even a dog bed that coordinates beautifully to it! Being a dog lover, herself, she even has a line of dog food named Nutrish. Of course, Rachael Ray has offered a lot of lovely, functional pieces for pet lovers in the past but never in this matchy-matchy setup.
Legacy Classic Furniture produces the collection for her. This is Universal Furniture’s sister company, also responsible for the Paula Deen Home Collection.
‘Wanna live like Rachael Ray this fall? Then it’s time to check out her collection.
Tags: designing for fall, fall, fall style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Rachael Ray, Rachael Ray furniture, Rachael Ray furniture line, tips
Posted in Fall Season, Furniture, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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