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Wednesday, August 17th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Home Office Sunset Point Utility File Cabinet can sit right in the same conference room as a long table and some chairs. It’s rustic, unique, it’s not your usual contemporary piece but it will definitely work.
For many small businesses, a conference room offers multiple uses. This can be a formal setting for those board meetings and client presentations. This could also be the same room where brainstorming sessions are held as well as strategic planning is drafted.
A conference room may also be used during social functions such as an employee’s birthday party and other celebratory events. This is also increasingly becoming the leading site for video conferences which link companies with their partners and customers, even their own employees.
Design Basics
Determining the actual size, furnishings and lighting for a conference room depends hugely on the number of people that would use it. Designing a space for 32 people requires bout 32 by 14 feet.
If you know the feeling of being cramped in a meeting room in the past, then you know how badly you wanted the meeting to end. That claustrophobic feeling should be eliminated if you ever want people to feel at ease inside the conference room.
There could be moments when it is more beneficial to break up the group into smaller packs during a meeting. Remember not to cramp too many chairs all around the table so that the attendees would be elbow to elbow. Comfort should still be a priority. Chairs, in particular, should be cushioned and upholstered with nothing but quality materials.
People who come from outside your company would eventually attend conferences. Some could be invited electronically to attend videoconferencing. Whichever of these events would push through first, always think about the image that your company would convey. A petite yet trendy company should embrace a more modern method. Make use of bolder colors; this is also true for bigger firms. For smaller conference rooms, make use of traditional tables and chairs as these are the more popular choice.
Table Options
Choices for the conference room table include the basic boardroom table. This is that oval or rectangular table. Chairs should be placed all around this piece of furniture.
Table variations include the V and U-shaped varieties. There are also companies that prefer the classroom type of conference room where the podium sit in front. This is the common setup for business conferences in hotels.
Added Features
An amenity that could be included in a conference room is a buffet table and some cabinets. These are needful in serving food and beverages. A small fridge can also be placed right by the corner so that the refreshments are readily available.
Technology Hub
If you were ever assigned to give an important presentation, then you know how important technology is. Modules that do not show up on the overhead screen or a video conference call that doesn’t work is the last thing that you need to happen during an important correspondence with a client.
It is needful, therefore, to have technology integrated into the conference room. Building credibility means being on top of technical matters as well. The great news is that there are now technology elements such as the one-touch panel control that can be used just as easily as you would a TV remote.
Conference Room Furnishings
Essential furniture for this room includes conference chairs and table. The chairs should be comfortable so that the attendees will feel relaxed. Make sure these are aesthetically and ergonomically designed. The seat must be padded and preferably installed with an adjustable support system.
The conference table, on the other hand, should have a design and shape according to your taste. Designer tables are available and are now known to withstand electronic gadgets and other office stuff. There are also conference tables that come with drawers where laptops and other office essentials can be stored.
Tags: conference room furniture, conference room setup, conference room style, designing the conference room, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, office desk, office furniture, office space layout, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Office Design | No Comments »
Monday, August 15th, 2016
Artistica Dining Room Delilah Side Chair 470-020
An uncluttered home with but a few functional furnishings is often referred to as a minimalist space. The removal of unnecessary stuff is necessitated by this theme or, more so, a way of life.
An example of minimalism is exhibited where the kitchen and dining areas contain just the essentials – a dining table (that’s free from clutter), appropriate chairs, counter stools, step stool for children, and appliances such as a coffeemaker and a microwave.
This kind of setting may be easily devoid of fun, life and character if you lose the important elements that would make it stand out. If you’re ready to take the plunge and live with just the bare essentials then, first, learn the benefits of a minimalist setting –
Minimal Stress
Did it ever occur to you that clutter is a kind of visual distraction? Anything that presents in your line of vision can potentially catch your attention so you might as well set up a clutter-free environment.
A home with minimal to zero clutter has a calming effect, thus, you would feel less stress.
Upped Appeal
Just imagine the look of a cluttered home compared to a minimalist space. The homes with just the necessary furniture and nice artwork are the ones that are more appealing. If you want to increase the value of your home – visually at the very least – then have a minimalist theme.
Easier to Maintain
Of course, it is a lot more difficult to clean up if you have more stuff. You need to vacuum and sweep and polish more often. Just imagine how much easier your life would be if you have less furniture and appliances to clean each day.
You don’t have to be an extreme minimalist. You can have a couch, loveseat, coffee table, a TV, and some lamps in a minimalist living room. There could even be less, say, a couch, a chair or two and a coffee table to complete the setup. The bedroom, on the other hand, can have a bed, dresser and a nightstand.
Rid of Knickknacks
A minimalist home has clean surfaces to boost. Don’t expect to find stacks of books or a collection of knickknacks in such a home. What you’d be able to find are accent decorations such as a simple flower vase. Should you ever find a desk, all you’d see there is a framed family photo and nothing else. A tasteful artwork could also hang on one wall to complete the minimalist look.
Quality Is Emphasized
A minimalist home is all about having just a few good things that you use often and also love. Keep that nice table and other essential furniture pieces such as a sofa, a pair of chairs, and a small cabinet.
Conquer One Room at a Time
It would be difficult to transition from a different theme and immediately embrace minimalism. You can begin with just one room initially then move on to the next, and so forth till you are able to conquer your entire home.
Now, more often than not, the biggest contents of a room are the furniture piece so you should always begin simplifying by checking your current furniture. The fewer large pieces you own, the more potential you have of setting up a minimalist home.
Look Up
Instead of looking for more stuff that would occupy floor space, look upwards. There is plenty of space up there to accommodate additional shelves and hanging racks.
Since you’re clearing away stuff, make sure that the ones you don’t use go inside tall, narrow cabinets and drawers. A bookshelf can double as a DVD rack.
Tags: declutter, decluttering, decluttering advice, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist design, minimalist elements, minimalist interior design, minimalist interiors, minimalist lifestyle, minimalist living, minimalist space, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, August 15th, 2016
Fine Furniture Design Living Room Chaise 3101-06 offers restful lounging and sitting.
There are various upsides to small apartment living. First, there’s lower rent, also, it is at a closer proximity of many downtown areas. Small is also cozy depending on how you design the space so it’s all a matter of how you would beautify you place.
One of the sad mistakes that apartment owners make when decorating their small apartments is that they focus only on functionality instead of coupling it with design. Don’t go through the same errors – it’s time to learn some small apartment styling tips.
Delineate Different Areas
Living in a tiny space shouldn’t automatically mean embracing the open space layout. In fact, there are so many other designs that you can look into. There’s just one thing that you need to keep in mind – that you must keep yourself from overwhelming the space with unnecessary stuff.
Define the different areas by giving each a function. Shoe and coat racks can be placed by the door and that’ll define your entryway. A simple buffet should divide our dining and kitchen areas. This provides easier food service and ample storage. Backing your sofa right by the foot of your bed can draw the beholder’s eye towards the living area.
Be sure to highlight your hobby or interest as this will cap the look of your home. A bike rack will tell everyone that you are a fitness enthusiast or maybe just a lover of the outdoors. Make who you are become an integral part of your design project.
Use Dual-Purpose Furniture
When you are dealing with a tiny space, know that every inch counts. Maximize the space by buying only the kinds of furniture that have a double purpose. Find pieces that will work with the limited space that you have.
The space where you’ll set up your bedroom can have a foldable sofa. An ottoman can be a seating and storage unit at the same time. A foldable dining table can be hidden from view when no longer in use.
Find dual-purpose pieces that are the appropriate size to your tiny space. Those overstuffed furnishings will only make a small place look a lot smaller.
Look for Unused Spaces
Having moved into your cute space for months, it’s easy to be stuck with the design that you initially came up with. There are many spaces that you can free up and repurpose. If you’ve been storing old magazines in huge boxes for the longest time then this just means that it’s time to unclutter.
Nooks and crannies could also have their purpose. They can be used as a corner library or as a small corner office.
Grow Vertically
It is crucial that you think vertically when you have a small space to work with. The tall, narrow storage units can help solve clutter issues. You can begin by placing two bookshelves of the same height on both sides of the doorway. A single entertainment center can also be used, one that reaches from the floor all the way up to the ceiling.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Joli Nesting Ottomans offer dual purposes – they can be used as a seating as well as a storage unit.
Make Organization Your New Best Friend
Storage is your best pal when you have a small apartment. This is your tool in hiding stuff that you don’t need at the moment. Practically speaking, though, you have to learn to find and keep just the things that you need.
Make good use of back-of-door hangers and hanging organizers. Line your shelves and drawers with extra bins or baskets.
As soon as your organization tools are set, you would soon realize how much space can actually be freed up. Just cap your design project with a light paint palette and you’re done.
Tags: decorating a small home, decorating a small space, furnishing small apartments, interior design for small spaces, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small apartment furniture, small space, small space design, small space interior design, small space organization, small space solutions, tips
Posted in Apartment Living, Interior Design 101, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
Sunday, August 14th, 2016
Universal Furniture Dining Room Chelsea Kitchen Table 311751
Floors take the most beating compared to any other parts of your home. This case is most true inside the kitchen. The kitchen is no less than the hub for homework, parties, family get-togethers, and the command central for prepping food and cooking. This is why it is vital to look for a kitchen floor that will be able to withstand rigorous foot traffic. While it does show sturdiness, make sure that you won’t sacrifice the look in the process.
Polished concrete looks great on kitchen floors though it can take its toll on your joints. Walking on such floors for longer periods could result in hip or joint pains which are common complaints among homeowners who installed hard floor surfaces. Other examples of such flooring material are stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles.
The good news is, there are softer yet equally resilient flooring materials that can be used for your kitchen. The list below, however, provides the most common kitchen flooring options and the pros and cons.
Ceramic Tile
This is no less than the model kitchen flooring as this is your fail-safe option in terms of budget and style. Your choices for size, shape and color are almost limitless so this means that you can create the look that you want whether it is contemporary or traditional.
The advantages of ceramic tiles include being able to stand up to constant wear and tear. This means you can easily clean splashes and spills. You also have some low-priced tile options and one that are modular. This means that you can come up with a customized pattern according to your budget.
The downside to using ceramic is that there could be cracks as the floor begins to settle. A glass or dish that is dropped could easily shatter ceramic tiles. This kind of tile could also be hard and cold underfoot so be sure to use an area rug to offset any discomfort.
Natural Stone
Whether it is made from slate, limestone, travertine or granite, natural stone flooring has one great asset – variety. No two pieces look alike since every piece has a different pattern, color and texture. Stone can also offer an elegant look. It has been around for centuries so what could be more classic?
Natural stone also requires less maintenance while offering natural beauty to your kitchen.
The downside? Natural stone can get expensive. It is also not a material for DIY enthusiasts. There are tiny crannies in stone that can trap dirt. It is also prone to chips and scratches especially in the case of softer stones like travertine. Slate is known to peel over time.
Rubber
This may be an unusual choice for your kitchen but this kind of flooring is actually becoming more common in many homes. Rubber is springy, soft and durable and it is a wonderful choice if you spend a lot of hours standing inside the kitchen.
Rubber flooring comes in tile and sheets. It should be sealed upon installation and again after each year or two. Another great thing about rubber is that it only costs $6-12 per square foot.
Linoleum
This should not be confused with vinyl flooring as it is made from an all-natural, renewable material like pine rosin, linseed oil and powdered cork. This feels soft underfoot though it is still quite durable. It also comes in various colors and patterns.
Cork
Another soft kitchen flooring is cork harvested from the cork oak tree. This may be soft but it is resilient and it comes in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. This is available in plank or tile formats. It can get dented or scratched but you can prevent this by applying a protective wax layer.
Tags: flooring, flooring choices, flooring finishes, flooring materials, flooring options, flooring types, kitchen, kitchen flooring, kitchen flooring materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tile flooring, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Friday, August 12th, 2016
Wesley Allen Bar and Game Room Bar Stool 209
Galley kitchens are kitchens that have two parallel units that run to form a central corridor where you can cook and move about. The galley layout is a great design for any kitchen style. A lot of professional chefs also prefer this kind of kitchen because it fosters safety and efficiency especially when prepping food and eventually cooking.
Galley kitchens are comparable to the compact galley on most ships. This is why they are named after this ingenious design. Galley kitchens optimize space as they come with an abundant work area as well as storage. This is why they are ideal for smaller kitchens.
If you are thinking of a galley layout for your first kitchen, then here are some simple guidelines that could inspire you –
Measure, Measure, Measure
Galley kitchens do work well in smaller spaces but they can also be great in medium-sized ones. Just make sure that the opposing runs are not too far apart as this would contribute to the inefficiency of your kitchen.
Know also that the galley layout may work on a professional level but it is still an enclosed space minus the usual adjacent dining area. This may not be the most sociable option if you are planning to – not just cook but also – dine with your guests. If you love both galley kitchen and a sociable dining environment, then you might as well have the former installed in an open space layout. This way, the enclosure sits in the middle as the rest of the area is allocated for dining and entertaining.
Pick Your Galley Look
There are two layout choices for the galley kitchen. The first is symmetrical where the length and look of the runs mirror each other. It can also be asymmetrical where you are given the freedom to design according to your preference. You could have the tall cabinets installed one just one side of the room while the wall and base units are located right across them. You can also mix tall with wall units right along one side if you want the open-space concept.
If you have to put tall cabinets on one side of the wall, then it would be good to have no less than 12 feet of wall length. This is so the cooktop and sink can be placed away from each other. The safest distance between these two is at least one foot. This may not leave ample work space so if you still have some space available, then have the sink and the cooktop positioned three feet apart. A 12-foot run allows for maximum sink capacity with drawers or cabinets right beneath the range. Also, this setup allows the fridge, pantry storage and oven housing to be installed on the opposite run.
Use the Galley Corridor
Whether you will be able to set this up or not depends entirely on the layout of your home. A galley kitchen may not always be closed at one end. One end could lead to another room or even the garden. This kind of setup could invite chaos and foot traffic, though, so be careful in setting it up.
Keep in mind the number of people in your household including small kids and your pets. A relatively small family with no young kids could make use of this setup.
Enhance the layout’s safety by having the cooktop and sink right on the same run. This may be less efficient but it works well when the corridor is quite narrow.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Brass Monkey Wine Holder 1254-239
The Closed-Off Kitchen Wall
A galley kitchen that is closed-off on one end is a safe layout. This means that there is only one entrance so the chef is aware of who is coming and going. It would be preferable that the closed end would have a window so that more natural light is allowed in. Putting a stool at the far end will also allow you to sit there while you plan your grocery list or while you speak with someone over the phone.
Tags: galley kitchen, galley kitchens, kitchen, kitchen concepts, kitchen essentials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Thursday, August 11th, 2016
FFDM Belvedere Collection offers a lot of drawer space for your storage needs.
Your closet is a reflection of who you are – do you agree? A poorly-designed closet then requires an immediate redesigning task. If you are just starting, then allow this guide to get you through storing and getting the most out of your new wardrobe.
Get Only What You Need
If you haven’t already bought your cabinet, decide how big or small your closet space would be. Think also about the kind of design that you would want to build on. It could be tempting to provide one whole, blank wall to your cabinet without first considering what you would place inside it. So, yes, it is important to consider what the contents are going to be.
Build your closet based on the amount of hanging space that you actually need. Even small spaces can retain their look of spaciousness if you plan your closet space thoroughly. Planning ahead could also allow you to spend less or work within your budget.
Get Organized
Do not waste an inch of closet space – ever. Be sure to maximize space by grouping clothes according to their size. A group of clothing that spans 20 inches when hung should have a separate section. You need to be specific with regard to closet management. The top rod should be high enough so that you would have ample space between the hanging clothes and the second rod beneath them.
Consider Ergonomics
Of course, you wouldn’t want to be crawling on all fours looking for a pair of socks. You should learn to design your closet space ergonomically so you won’t have to bend down and hurt your back just to get a scarf or a hanky. Keeping your closet tidy will also add to the ergonomic feature of your bedroom.
Position the shelves in a more ergonomic manner by hanging them above your closet. Plus, make sure that they are no more than 14 inches deep or you would potentially lose your stuff at the back. Have no less than 10 inches of space between shelves. Stack right to the top of the shelf since you won’t have to reach to the back anymore.
Set up your shelves correctly and you won’t have to reorganize too often.
Get Ample Storage
This is especially true if you have a small space. The secret here is to use every bit of storage to its full potential. Hang clothes in the closet. Some homeowners find it better to hang their favorite clothes as folding them in deep shelves only spells mess in the end. Use deep space, instead, for hanging your clothes and the folded stuff can be placed elsewhere.
Deep drawers can be the home for sports gears and shoes. This allows easy dumping of stuff and finding them when you need them again. This is a better option than having the shoes stored at the bottom of the closet or directly underneath the bed.
Smart Shoe Storage
If you are dealing with a tight space, then storing your shoes inside the closet becomes a problem. You can have regular shelves or drawers house your shoe collection. The drawer method allows you to see your shoes immediately and you even have easy access to them.
If the shoes won’t fit inside the closet, then have some storage boxes brought in especially for them.
No Need for Closet Accessories
Closet accessories may be useful on some instances but be very selective in buying them. Most closet accessories are just a waste of money as well as space inside a small closet. What you should invest in are racks for ties, belts and scarves which would allow you to slide them in or out.
Don’t forget storing elsewhere. It would be unwise to clog your bedroom closet with all your stuff so be sure to use other shelving systems in your home.
Henredon Living Room Armoire 6200-05-93
Tags: cabinet, cabinets, closet, closet organization, dressing up a cabinet, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing the closet, storage, storage advice, storage systems, storage techniques, tips
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 10th, 2016
FFDM Antebellum: Carpeting in this room absorbs noise effectively.
Living in close proximity with your neighbors may be the trend these days but it still poses quite a challenge. What you need is to plan smart so that not every person from your neighborhood would be able to smell what you’re cooking, see what you’re viewing, or even hear what your family is talking about.
Noise Control
The initial thing that you need to consider when living within earshot of your neighbors is the noise. This may be the music that is being played, kids running and laughing about or those regular parties. Any noise that you don’t make is considered noise.
There are two kinds of noise transference – impact and airborne. Impact noise includes footsteps or the whirs of washing machine. Airborne noise, on the other hand, includes muffled or audible voices, the sound of TV, or music. The solution for both is this – sound insulation.
Sound Insulation Equals Peace of Mind
If your neighbor’s barking dogs are starting to drive you mad, then you should definitely consider leveling up your home’s sound insulation. To significantly reduce the noise level coming into your home, be sure to use a fusion of sound-absorbent material and void.
Have the frame fixed into the interior wall or into the floor. This should create a void. It could be a wood lath frame or, for better results, use lightweight steel frame. Rubber sound-absorbent material can be bought by the roll.
Calculate
There are two chief points to think about when installing sound insulation. First, you need to consider the price for every square foot. Second, you also have to measure the depth of the system as far as how it protrudes from the current wall. The adjoining structure’s size will show what product standard will be viable for your home. For instance, if it’s just a bedroom wall, then you should pick the high-end kit.
Modern frame and clip kit offer minimal profile so you won’t lose more than an inch or two out from the wall’s surface. This will add up where three to four walls should be insulated as two inches from every side will have a relevant impact on the floor space.
Always consider your choices carefully.
Clean Air
Apart from sound, there is also another concern which is the smell. This could be the sewage, garbage, cooking or your neighbor’s pets. These are all issues especially when you are living in an apartment or a townhouse. More often than not, space restrictions come with an obligation to make the airflow breathable.
Have a duct installed and make sure that this is centered either on the bathroom or the kitchen. An air duct will extract any unwanted odors and vent them outside. In a few cases, this can be achieved by having voids between the stud work and joists. Exposed ducts can also be used as a contemporary feature in your living room.
You can also extract cooking smells by using a high-powered fan. Just make sure that the one you invest in does not contribute to the level of noise, though. If you want to make good use of a kitchen ventilation system, then be sure to keep the speed under maximum speed. If you have to use the fan at this speed, then be sure to keep your usage under 10 minutes.
If you happen to live in an apartment and you’re sandwiched between units, then your only option is to have a filtered exhaust fan installed. Change the filter regularly so that the fan will remain effective and quiet.
Shun Those Prying Eyes
Lastly, even the friendliest of neighbors could be tempted to look into your terrace, patio, balcony or even the rooms. To avoid this, you must screen aesthetically, meaning, have the windows dressed with Venetian blinds, curtains or drapes.
Tags: designing for privacy, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, setting up for privacy, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 9th, 2016
The Accessories Uttermost Iron Fish Wall Art 04273 is an interesting alternative to the usual framed photos or paintings.
The stairway is an integral part of any home renovation. This is especially true for multiple-floor homes whether they have the budget for a rebuild or just a refinish project. Here are some guidelines that you might want to consider as you try to tackle this remodeling project in your home –
Replace Not
If you want your stairway project to be cost-effective, then try to update your old staircase by refinishing it. You would be amazed at how you can transform the look of your stairs by merely painting the risers or the vertical part of your stairs. Be sure that the trim and the risers have the same color and the treads are refinished.
You can also update the railing by having the balusters painted and having the handrails refinished. You could achieve a more traditional look by accomplishing this but if you want a contemporary vibe, then all you have to do is to add a modern carpet runner.
Repaint or Clad with New Treads and Risers
Another less expensive way of updating the stairs – whether old or new – is to having it painted. Be sure to paint the treads, railings and the risers. Use contrasting colors like black and white to achieve a more dramatic flair.
If a painting job is not your cup of tea, then you can always have the stairs clad with new treads and risers. Here, you won’t have to worry about overspending on rebuilding or tearing out your stairs.
Choose the Right Materials
One other magnificent way to spruce up a contemporary or traditional staircase is by using non-traditional materials for your balusters. Add steel or iron to the railing then alter the whole look as well as the character of the stairs.
Adding glass will also modernize the look of your stairway. There are a few reminders that you need to remember when considering this route. Primarily, know that fingerprints will show when you touch glass so it won’t be enough just to install a glass railing. You would also need to install a handrail atop the glass so that the fingerprint concern will be reduced, if not eliminated.
Go Horizontal
There is now a popular look that is being used in many modern spaces. This is the use of horizontal railing. Be extra careful when using this kind of railing as it is easy for a little child to climb onto. If you still have kids at home, it is better to look at other options so as not to worry about their safety.
A safer choice is a horizontal railing that would go all the way up to the ceiling. This would completely eliminate the problem on kids climbing over the railing. This railing wall will also provide a dramatic backdrop to any adjoining room.
A Floating Staircase
Bring in a little magic into your home. A floating staircase comes at an amazing price as it needs a steel structure for support. Steel can be quite pricey so see if you are ready to bring this look to life. In addition to this, there is also the added danger of kids squeezing between the tread spaces. Make sure that the space between each is no less than four inches.
Accessories Uttermost Citrus Study Hand Painted Art, S2 36109
Be More Imaginative
You can also customize your stairway based on your preference. Think of clever ways to beautify your stairway. You can have an open riser as you beef up the size of the treads. Doing so will also minimize the gaps. Use steel balusters for a minimalist appeal.
Wood or steel railings can also be customized and can add an interesting detail to your home.
Create Storage
Storage may not have anything to do with railing, risers or treads but there is always that extra space beneath the stairs. It would be a waste to not have a function for this available space. Even a floating staircase will always have a space to offer underneath so make good use of it. This is a great storage space for shoes, books and knickknacks.
Tags: decorating the stairway, designing the stairway, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, stairway design, stairways, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 9th, 2016
The 1586-80110D-MULTI4 Serendipity Rectangle Cocktail Table is the kind of furniture that can withstand an upped level of moisture in your home.
There are but a few things that can wreak havoc when it comes to indoor air quality than moisture. The non-removal of water vapor could result in the formation of mold, an increase in the population of dust mites and condensation. You all know what would happen should these start to invade your home so it’s time to fix your moisture problem once and for all.
Knowing how to get rid of moisture issues begins with being able to tell if it has gotten into your home. So where does it all begin?
People Are the Culprit
You may or may not be surprised to learn that people are the leading culprits when it comes to the occurrence of water vapor inside homes. Did you know that even in the hottest and most humid months, moisture can get in? Yet the environmental factors pale in comparison to the moisture produced by cooking, showering, even your breathing.
A family consisting of four members can produce up to three gallons of water vapor daily. If you’re thinking that merely opening windows would solve your problems, well, think again. Rather than doing this because it could bring in more moisture into your home, it would be better to dehumidify the area.
Shading is yet another strategy that you could look into.
Spot the Moisture Buildup
So how do you know when moisture is already starting to build up? First, you might notice some water drops along the edges of your glass windows.
Look up and you might also be able to see some mold or mildew forming right where the ceiling and the wall meet. The damp smell that is associated with mildew is also a common telltale sign that moisture is trying to destroy your home.
Seeing these things only means that what you have is either a very old home or a poorly-designed new building. There could be thermal bridges where insulation is quite weak as it allows heat to escape at a quicker rate.
A home renovation or remodel should include a consultation with a building science expert. Ventilation and envelope should be properly-designed so that moisture issues can be avoided.
Beware of Unseen Moisture
There could also be widespread condensation happening inside the roofs, walls or slabs where the human eye won’t penetrate. Yet there are also telltale signs that would tell you something is happening in those hidden areas. Called interstitial condensation, the moisture is escaping towards a cooler environment right on the other side of the warmer wall. When this happens, you would observe that the wall would start to degrade. Also, the efficiency of the insulation would start to be reduced.
FFDM Antebellum Collection: Take care of furniture pieces made of hardwood if you suspect that there is an increased level of moisture in your home.
Concentrated Condensation
Spot this right at that point where the roof, wall and slab are assembled. These are often visibly wet so you don’t need a pair of glasses to see where the plumbing issues are ensuing. This type of moisture intrusion is caused by an air leak that is localized, meaning, in just a single spot, there is a hole or crack where air escapes to the outside.
Should you know where to find the actual leak, then it is pretty easy to fix by simply checking the airtightness layer. At times, a simple blue tape could fortify punched areas.
Measure the Humidity
You might not see any of the above problems yet you know, somehow, that moisture is beginning to affect the indoor air quality in your home. If all you have is a gut feel, then it would be wise to invest in a hygrometer so you’ll know the levels of humidity in your home. The ideal measurement should be anywhere between 30 to 50 relative humidity.
Tags: controlling moisture buildup, controlling moisture in home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, moisture buildup, mold and mildew buildup, tips
Posted in Home Maintenance | No Comments »
Monday, August 8th, 2016
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As a home renovation client, you might feel that you have very little influence when it comes to the makeover project; yet you have more control that you might actually lead yourself to think. Keep in mind that the scope of the project and the materials to be used are all going to be up to you.
The secret to working on a renovation project and keeping it on schedule and on the right budget is to plan all the details before the ground even breaks. If you have not renovated or rebuilt a home in the past, then it’s time that you learn some tricks on how to complete the project.
Know Your Goal
Before you even meet up with a professional, you must know what you would want to accomplish. Would you like to renovate the entire kitchen or just a portion of it? Would you want an elegant upgrade, complete replacement of the furnishings, or would you just like to replace a long-loved backsplash?
A few homeowners know when it is time to renovate their current home yet most of them aren’t sure how to go about with the project. Most of them end up deciding to work with professionals who help in interior design advice and developing a plan.
Prepare the Construction Plans
One of the most crucial documents that you will use are construction plans. These building plans should have the approval of an agency to ascertain that the home meets safety and local codes. If you are not familiar with the building codes as well as construction methods, then you should think of hiring a professional to draft the plans for you.
Different states have different drafting rules. These can also depend on the type and size of the renovation project. Ask people from the local building department to explain the current rules in your area.
Every profession emphasizes different roles. Interior designers and architects are the ones that come up with concepts. They are also the ones that usually draw plans. General contractors are the ones that build the plans while landscape architects create plans and designs for the outdoors.
Know Your Options
Many experts provide a range of services from project management to the final construction. There are those who charge by the hour and those who compute per project. There are also architectural firms that provide design services.
After knowing which team to handle your design project, then you should make your choice regarding who to become your first member. Most hire a designer, architect, builder or a remodeler depending on their current priorities.
Interview a few people then ask for references. Take the time to drive to their past projects. Follow these basic guidelines when hiring an interior designer.
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Set the Right Budget
Not everyone may stay on budget, in fact, only about a third is able to work on a renovation project within their initial budget. Another third exceeded their budgets while only about 3% were able to achieve a project that’s below their budget. The worst group was those who had no budget to begin with. Those who went over their budgets reasoned that they chose more elegant materials and finishes.
Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $50,700 or more depending on the square feet that need to be worked on. Master bathroom renovation could include furniture and appliance replacement. Asking for an estimate should give you ample leeway in terms of budget. Rather than do the project yourself and risk possible mishaps, it’s way better to ask a team of professionals to complete the project for you.
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Posted in Design Contractor, Interior Design 101, The Interior Designer | No Comments »
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