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Sunday, August 7th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Windward King Raffia Bed
Wicker is often viewed as a material but, in essence, it is a term that is often used to describe a category of man-made or natural materials that are woven. This can be rattan, cane, willow, rush, reed, resins, grasses, splints and vinyl.
Wicker can also be the term used to describe the weaving process itself. Wickerwork is known as an ancient technique that is applied using natural materials. These materials are often made wet so that they can be subjected to the weaving procedure.
Apart from natural materials like rattan, wicker can also be created using synthetic materials like resin or vinyl.
Wicker Furniture Benefits
You might be deliberating on what makes wicker furniture the best solution for your home. First, choosing wicker furnishings means owning a lightweight design element; while you can move it around easily, it is sturdy enough to accommodate people of different shapes and sizes.
Wicker is also durable especially the pieces that are made from rattan. Reed and bamboo furniture pieces are strong, too. Wicker with metal frames is even sturdier and is comparable with those made synthetically like resin.
Wicker is also famous for being flexible. It can come in various colors such as black, brown, tan, white, even olive green. Homeowners have the leeway to add colorful cushions to make the wicker chairs more stylish.
Fine Furniture Design Living Room Cottage Wicker Arm Chair 3222-03-1053
Different Wicker Options
The first kind that you might want to look into is cane. This is made from rattan’s peeled bark. The strips of bark or the skin are cut into uniform strips. What is achieved is an end product that can be used as a sturdy material for the backs and seats of chairs. Cane can also be used for the legs of tables and chairs.
Another type of wicker is rattan. This is a common material that is used in manufacturing stylish wicker pieces. Rattan comes from the climbing palm named Calamus. This grows at about 36 inches each day which makes it a fast-growing furniture resource. Apart from the skin eventually processed as cane, rattan is then cut to different sizes of reeds. These can be used for wickerwork because of its durability, strength and resilience.
The third type is called reed. This is actually the pithy interior of a rattan. It can be processed to different sizes and shapes like wedge, flat or round.
Another type is what’s known as willow. This is a natural U.S. and Europe material that is commonly used in weaving. It can be harvested from willow shrubs and trees. They are blonde and have small knots right where the offshoots have been removed during processing.
Add to this list the ever-famous bamboo. This comes from the grass family which features an outer bark that may be less weather resistant so you just have to use it inside your home. Bamboo is the best material for homeowners who want the classic look of wicker without having to spend too much.
Traditional wicker coming from natural materials is the best pieces to use as indoor furniture. They are your best choice for living room, bedroom, and dining room pieces. They can also be used outside your home but just make sure that you fortify them against moisture and the glaring heat of the sun.
Synthetic wicker has recently emerged because of the growing demand for sturdy yet inexpensive wicker furniture. Vinyl and resin are made from plastic yet they can also be cut into different sizes and shapes just like the natural materials. There is no better wicker furniture for the outdoors than this last kind of wicker material.
So, have you made your choice?
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, rattan, rattan furniture, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, tips, wicker, wicker furniture, wicker furniture pieces, wicker pieces
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Saturday, August 6th, 2016
FFDM’s Highlands Collection
Home making is not just a visual but also a tactile endeavor. It is an art that needs attention and time. There are now a lot of interior design tools that homeowners can utilize especially when designing, decorating, choosing paint or picking the right kinds of furniture. While there are a lot of them, not everything is useful or even amusing; but those who can’t design using the good ol’ fashioned mood boards or tester pots, then these apps are the next great thing.
Here are some of the leading apps that you can consider –
PhotoMeasures for iPhone and iPad
Using this app is as easy as snapping a photo of the rooms in your home, adding some measurements, and then zooming in and out to the details that you need. This is quite handy for someone who is always on the go. This is also amazing for those who are shopping for new furniture.
Do you want to email the photos to designers? Then there’s no problem; just use PhotoMeasures.
Magpie by Conran
This is an easy-to-use app that is available for free on iPad. Think of it as an online scrapbook that can help you in taking pictures or shooting videos. You can also create notes that would inspire you as you go about with your designing tasks. It is also easy to print your notes or photos and use them as arranged mood boards.
Remodelista
This is an app that comes with the claim – sourcebook for the considered home. You can check daily postings of interior design news throughout the world. You can easily spot cool chairs from abroad, to textural throws for different seasons. It also has the click-to-buy function which makes it a handy app.
The lite version can be downloaded for free.
Phaidon Design Classics
This app can be had for a fee. This is based on the famous book series which is an impressive collection of designs for the last 200 years. This app features items from great minds such as Rams, Dieter and Erro Saarinen.
iHandy for iPhone and iPad
In essence, this is that app that can be considered as the soul of your phone. The Elle Decoration team has downloaded this app free of charge.
Peppermint 2 for iPhone and iPad
This is an amazing app for those who are struggling with their choice of color palette. With it, you can play with various combinations, alter and adjust the shades, even save ideas for your interior design schemes.
1586-75900-BL1 Curiosity Credenza
Sun Seeker for iPhone, iPad and Android
This is the app that you need if you want to calculate the amount of natural light or sunshine that’s going to be made available inside a room. This app makes use of the iPhone’s GPS system which is a built-in feature. The GPS system tells the owner which direction he should face when mapping out the potential rays. This is extra useful when you are shopping for a new home.
The Sun Seeker lite version is free of charge.
Architonic
This is an app that you can use on both iPhones and Android phones. This is also available on iPad. This is useful for designers and architects because it showcases finished portfolios of past projects. It also catalogs just about everything pertaining to interior design and architecture.
‘Looking’ for free guides in buying an armchair or a sofa? This app has it, too.
ColorSnap
The paint brand Sherman-Williams has come up with the wonderful app that allows you to use the inspirations from the outdoors landscape, textiles or works of art into your home’s interiors. It can analyze any photo’s colors and allows you to find which shade of paint they actually match. There are more than 1,500 shades to choose from.
Tags: interior design applications, interior design apps, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, August 5th, 2016
FFDM’s Summer Home Collection features these wicker chairs and hardwood pieces which lovingly frame the freshly-picked fruits on the glass top table.
It is always nice to come home to an inspiring, fresh entry with summer décor on display. Just imagine walking into this lovely, summery concoction as you come home from a busy day at the office. Just embrace that warm feeling as you step into your home each day. But do you know how to create the summer-themed entryway?
Set a Beachy Tone
Okay, now that you’ve imagined how the summer look is going to be, what elements would you actually like to see? Pick one that represents summer through and through. This should be prominently displayed in your entryway. This can be that unused surfboard or colorful sand complete with seashells right by the entryway corner. A beautiful seaside painting or a stack of beach books and magazines would also be nice.
Other beachcombing finds could also be included such as sea glass, driftwood, and smooth stones. Welcome summer with a display of these beach finds.
Summer Essentials Out in the Open
Apart from the things just mentioned, you can also bring out your straw hats and display them on hooks. Even simple items such as colorful beach towels can also be a soothing, welcoming sight to look at. With your new summer look being staged, it’s wise to leave your beach gears out in the open.
You may also leave a beach bag filled with beach essentials such as sunscreen, swimsuits, and sunglasses. These can be packed and placed right by the door. After every trip that you take to the beach, wash your beach stuff then repack them so that you would always be on the go in terms of enjoying in the beach.
A Relaxing Atmosphere
Summer is a season when you should relax and take it easy. Have a small, woven tray set up by the entryway where your mails could be placed. You could also have a hidden storage and some carefully chosen accessories. The secret is to streamline. Remember that keeping the design simple is the secret to achieving a more relaxing atmosphere.
It would also help if you imagine that a magazine photographer is coming over to shoot a few pictures of your entryway so go ahead and throw all the junk-like stuff that you are still keeping. Get rid of your old mails, ratty shoes and clutter. This way, you get to bring out your creativity.
Smart Storage Solutions
There might be things in your home that are not photograph-worthy. This does not mean that you’d leave them sprawled all over the living room floor. Just so you get to keep the streamlined look, make sure you have ample storage units in your home. The clutter-free look gets covered when you have ample cabinets or shelves to house the unused items.
Still from FFDM’s Summer Home Collection: The decorative jars, green plant and hardwood pieces create a brown-inspired summer vibe.
Go All White
Who says white isn’t fit for a summer theme? You can go for an airy feel even in a small entryway. It would help to put things away, as usual, and then have a whitewashed mirror bracketed onto the wall. Add some baskets on the floor to balance the white mirror. Add shoes and other summer essentials into the baskets.
Dress Up the Stairs
An entryway that opens to the stairwell might look a bit boring. Add bold color strokes then delegate one wall as a photo gallery. You can try painting the runner on the stairs. Do this by taping off the mid-section then coating it with the summery color that you choose. Match the frame color to the runner for a fresher look.
Placing a woven rug at the foot of the stairs can also literally flood the room with a summer vibe. Just make sure that the rug material is sisal, sea glass or jute.
Tags: beach design, beach-inspired interior design, entryway, entryway design, entryway designs, entryway style, entryway styles, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, storage, storage advice, storage planning, storage systems, summer color, summer color scheme, summer hues, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Hooker Furniture Home Office Archivist Writing Desk
The term bay window is used for any protruding window construct whether or not it stands tall or it comes at a regular height. Common angles are 90, 135 and 150-degrees in polygonal or square shapes. Bay windows are supported by a bracket and a corbel.
Most of the bay windows during the medieval times up to the Baroque period appear highly ornamented. These are often constructed as a part of the building rather than a unique part of it. The Gothic period showed a lot of small home chapels complete with bay windows having an altar at the base. The most famous example of this kind of construct is the St. Sebaldus Church.
The Arab Mashrabiya is an example of a bay window that is made of wood that allows a great view of the outdoors while limiting visibility from the people outside. This is quite similar to the balcony.
Bay windows were also quite popular during the Victorian period. From then on, they have been effectively used to increase the amount of natural light into a home or a building. With ample lighting comes the illusion of a room that appears larger than its actual size so these windows are a welcome idea to people who have smaller homes.
Bay windows are often seen in semis, terraced and detached houses. While they have been based largely on British models, they also became popular in other countries such as Canada, the U.S. and Australia.
The Bay Windows: A Decorative Element
The bay window can either be a welcoming sight or an unsightly one depending on how it is presented. There are some people who have this kind of window in their home but don’t know how what to do with it. The proper presentation of bay windows (also called bow windows) is to picture a home in San Francisco. This is basically Victorian style architecture that can be adopted into any structure.
If you want to optimize the use of this window as a beautiful home feature, then begin by using a window seat. You can place a lovely table in front of this seat which means you’ve just created the perfect setting for intimate family games.
Bay windows may also be used just as long as its height permits banquet-style dining. Use a pedestal table to achieve just this. The window height should leave ample legroom underneath. Make sure to consider the height of the seats as well as the legroom as you install a banquet in a bay window. See also the height of your back cushions.
For a more casual look, the bay window that is located on the first floor of your home can accommodate a banquet right below the window sill. Toss a few colorful pillows and you’re good. Be sure to cover the cushions with washable slipcovers. The fabric should, preferably, be an indoor-outdoor sort of fabric.
Placing desks at a proper angle will also be a beautiful way to use the bay window. The desktop must be at the same or lesser height than the sill. Ascertain that the glare of the sunlight isn’t too much since you will be placing your laptop or desktop computer here. Use window treatments should the glare become intolerable. Wood blinds can help in moderating the sunlight while still allowing a great view of the outside.
If you happen to own a home wherein a radiator is right by the bay window, then don’t fret. You can still make that part of your home be fused to the rest of the design elements. Just use a chair to define that space. Any single, decorative chair would do.
For those who have floor-to-ceiling bay windows, well, you’re in the best of luck. They are the best kind of bay windows to offer an elegant look. Make the most of them by dressing them up in silk or drapery panels, Roman shades, or contemporary valances.
Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Victoria Double Banquet 5820-02-1584
Tags: bay window, kinds of window, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, types of window, window designs
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Window Design | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
The rustic beauty of the 1586-75907-GRY1 Soiree Sideboard can perfectly house your fine silverware. Use fresh fruits as decorative enhancers.
Summer is all about relaxation and reveling in the season. You get to use cooler interior color palettes plus you get to a respite from the formal look. With casual interiors come summer décor and thoughts of evening breezes and warm, sunny outdoors. See how you can use these summer décor ideas in your home –
Furniture: Screaming for Airiness
Everything that’s dark and muted is the right thing to use during fall or winter. The colors of summer are different in such that they are light and airy. It would be correct to use removable slipcovers, colorful decorative throws that bring brightness and pigments into your home.
The greatest finds for this season can be found in FFDM’s Summer Home Collection.
If you prefer neutrals, then use khaki or white slipcovers because these are the most casual that you could use to dress up your usually formal throw pillows.
Window Treatments: Instruments in Achieving Picturesque Views
If you want to feel the cool night air while keeping the blistering heat of the sun from entering your home, then use curtains. Draperies have dark and heavy materials while sheer curtains are versatile and could be flexibly used during the summer months.
Having lovely outdoors views are things that you can savor during these warm months so do not try to cover them up. Use valances to keep the windows as a picture frame that offers amazing views at all times.
Valances also come in delicious summer colors and textures.
Bring Nature Inside Your Home
Bringing the outdoors is also a wonderful idea if you can’t keep your windows open all the time. Summer, after all, is all about the feeling of being outdoors so you might as well bring in some fresh fruits and use them as centerpieces. Potted green plants and flowers in beautiful glass vases are sure to make your home smell wonderful while also looking very pretty.
For a more rustic vibe, you can use green materials such as hemp, bamboo, or jute. Woven, colorful area rugs are most welcome as these bring in an exotic feel to your home.
Keep in mind, though, that actually entertaining people outside is a welcoming break that most people look forward to. If the idea of open windows doesn’t exactly excite you then you can always buy a painting or any wall décor that you would love to look at. Again, summer is all about spontaneity and being flexible.
Get Ready for Some Kiddie Action
Summer means kids are out of school which also means that they are going to be around the house a lot. Make sure slipcovers and fabrics used are machine washable. These are fun and casual so you won’t have to worry too much about their upkeep.
Summer also means arts and crafts so get ready to pick some pine cones, seashells, and many nature-inspired finds. Such projects can also be turned into summer décor which you can use proudly in your home.
The greatest finds for this season can be found in FFDM’s Summer Home Collection.
Sunshine Yellow and Cheerful Orange
Hands down, the happiest colors that you could find to use in your summer theme are orange and yellow. Both colors remind us of the sun, pretty flowers, even citrus fruits. They can grab the attention of any person especially if you want a certain room to stand out.
Different interiors come with different lighting and the lack of lighting means you have to use bolder colors sparingly. The brightest and boldest colors can easily overwhelm any space more so a compact one so be sure to use color swatches before you actually paint a wall yellow or orange. There is also a wide selection of these colors in different tones so take your time before you finalize your selection.
Tags: bright colors, bright hues, brightening up rooms, brightening up your home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer color scheme, summer colors, summer home, summer theme, summer vibe, tips
Posted in Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, August 1st, 2016
Century Furniture Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp SA8221
Do you have issues with off-white or white lampshades? These work in almost any kind of setting since they are considered to be the right lighting fixtures. You are wrong to think that they are the only ones that you could use, though.
Dramatic Black
White may not be the greatest lampshade color to use when the upholstery and accessories are all colorful. White could be a jarring element in this kind of scenario. This is one setting where you definitely won’t need a white lampshade.
Colors Everywhere
If a colored lampshade is not something that you would want to jump into straightaway, then black would be a better shade that’s more daring than white but safer than the colorful choices. Just imagine an entryway where a black lampshade rests – while white could work, it is black that would add the drama and richness.
Red can be added as a safe color to use. This is a hue that offers an upbeat vibe without appearing too impetuous. Red, believe it or not, can be as neutral as cream, white or black.
Adding tangerine lampshades inside the kitchen is an interesting twist that could make you think of mangoes, citrus fruits and persimmons.
‘Tangerine too loud for you? Then use a bright shade of green and use it with the other green accents in the room. Dashes of green throughout the room will offer an eccentric look. This hue will almost always draw your eyes towards the landscape outdoors – which is a great thing, right?
Deep turquoise lampshades also work a lot better than cream or white. This color is more noteworthy than any other neutral color elsewhere.
Unique Hues and Textures
A pewter shade is a textural base that would work well to tone down any bright-colored desk, credenza or chest. Don’t automatically default to cream or white if bright shades don’t work for you from the onset.
Bronze could also be an elegant neutral. The shades on a bronze chandelier would surely add depth to a room.
If other shades have previously inspired you, then try fusing the colors that caught your eye. You can concoct pastels to create a unique chandelier. You might also want to experiment with other hues that are not block colors. Think of zebra prints or any African safari motif. These could add a great touch to a room that is begging for variety.
You might also want to pick a patterned lampshade. This does not have to be loud all the time. You can use neutral-hued one and have it completed with a layered appeal. Using this kind of lampshade in the bedroom would not diminish the serenity.
African-woven fabrics in neutral can be repurposed when used as a shade. It has an eye-catching shape and size. Do you have any fabric that you go gaga over? Then why not ask us about it and see if it is available on a lampshade?
The next time you want to up the level of excitement in a room, think of letting go of the white lampshade. This is a small investment of money and your time which can have a huge impact on your home.
Century Furniture Lamps and Lighting Momentus Table Lamp SA8308
Shopping for Lampshades (In a Nutshell)
Here are some rules of thumb that you need to remember –
Tags: decorating with lamps, lamp, lampshade, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for table lamp, table lamp shopping, tips
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting | No Comments »
Monday, August 1st, 2016
The marriage of black and brown in this pretty ensemble is difficult to ignore. This piece comes from FFDM’s Viniterra Collection.
Black and brown may both be classified as dark colors but they are actually on opposite sides of a neutral palette. Black may be brash or bold while brown can be boring if not used properly. You may not love the idea of using any of these two colors but it goes without saying that they have their own special place in interior design. There are many reasons that black and brown can also work in your home; here are some –
Black Is the Star
Black is a color that will never miss in terms of style, not that it can never go wrong but it would be impossible not to see the mistake.
A feature wall can be painted black. If you do that, any stuff that you place by it would surely be highlighted. This wall could also instantly magnetize the attention of visitors. Pick black if you are ready to make a huge statement or are in need of a focal point in a huge space.
Brown by the Sidelines
Unlike black, this color doesn’t beg for attention. This is why it is an excellent choice for any room that’s kept busy by patterns. This is the color that you should turn to if you want a more restful and cohesive look.
A brown sofa, though right in the middle of the room, might not be the one that you would instantly notice in a living room. It is only subtly beautiful so other design elements can be featured. Pick brown for bigger furniture pieces that won’t necessarily steal the show.
Black With Neutrals
The audaciousness of black may be strong for other colors to take especially when you use a lot, however, it can be mixed with neutrals. Black can highlight undertones adding drama, even life. When you are working with a neutral palette, all you have to do is add a dash of brown. Featuring black will spell the difference between drab and fab.
Brown + Other Colors
One of the strengths of brown is its power to relate to different hues. Brown is often a mix of colors but just with a tad more orange or red for a warmer look. This color works on an eclectic palette since it can connect with other hues.
Black can work with colors but brown is always the safer bet.
Black + Patterns
The crisp look of black makes it a wonderful choice for prints and patterns. It is especially awesome with bold geometric patterns complete with strong angles.
Brown + Patterns
Brown is better when used with soft patterns and organic curves. It also works with a lot of light and white. Branch motifs and leaves are also amazing partners for this color.
Brown Spells Texture
Brown looks great in rich textures and vice versa. The softness of brown emphasizes more on texture while black, more often than not, visually overpowers it. Pick brown for elements such as a faux-fur blanket, a hide rug, or shearling-style pillows.
You could also never go wrong with a brown leather sofa. Find a piece that’s a tan or chocolate brown shade so it would give the space a touch of elegance.
1586-10466A-BRN Epic Utility Credenza blends well with the yellow and white chair, the framed geometric art, and the black stairs.
Black with Black Electronic
There are traditional themes that house modern elements. More often than not, these are electronics such as the TV. A huge flat screen TV may not automatically fit any theme. Adding glossy black design elements is necessary if you want it to harmonize everything. A lacquered chair or a side table should do the trick.
The kitchen is another room in your home where black accents would also look nice. These are those small, often unnoticeable areas such as a countertop, pendant light or dishwasher control knobs.
Tags: black, black color palette, black color scheme, black design, black interiors, black palette, brown, brown color palette, brown color scheme, brown interiors, McCreery's, McCreery's Home Furnishings, tips
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, July 29th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Accent Chair
Do you believe that designing a comfortable and safe deck is easy? Some could answer this positively while others might be a tad more hesitant. Designing a home deck requires that you initially get in touch with your local building department or the homeowners’ association. There are deck restrictions as well as requirements that you should ask about. There are also zoning ordinances that put a cap on the deck size, its location and its general construct. In many cases, you would need a building permit before you can begin constructing or designing a home deck.
That Lovely Sketch
Find a tape measure then go out with a pencil and paper. Sketch your dream deck, don’t be afraid, go ahead. Include your home’s location including the number of doors and windows. Place also the location of trees and other primary landscaping structures. Sheds are also an example of such structures.
The Proper Location
Decide whether the house exit will lead directly to the deck or if it will be located elsewhere.
A freestanding deck comes with two or more beams. This can be installed right next to your house or right by the swimming pool. If it is away from any of these two locations, then make sure that you have a clear path or walkway leading right to it.
Think also of the kind of view that you would want on your deck. If you require privacy, then you can have a wall built for a portion of the deck. You can also use a nearby shade in keeping the deck cool especially during the summer. You can also place the deck away from a shrub line so you can have some cool breeze pass through.
Essential Deck Parts
Attached decks have ledger boards that can replace one of the support beams. This can be attached using bolts; a tool that greatly reduces material costs. This, however, comes with pest or water damage, eventually.
A lot of building codes require metal flashing for moisture prevention between the house wall and the ledger. If you want to prevent this problem, then have the ledger treated for mold or pest infiltration.
If you are thinking of building that luxurious two-story deck, then you have to provide a long stairway. It would help to break up the stairway with a transition deck. Plan the right connection for the stairs and the deck and where this connection would end.
Orient Express Furniture Dining Room Santa Fe Dining Bench 6020
Figure Out the Deck Function and Size
If you are a frequent party host, then you would definitely need a larger deck. This is a place where tables, chairs, a bench or two maybe, and other outdoor furniture can be placed. It’s a place where you grill and drink and have fun so make sure that you turn it into a pleasant retreat, one that is comfortable.
Avoid layouts that put a railing right in the middle of any of the windows in your home. Assure also that the doors swinging outward would clear the railings. Should the need call for it, you should adjust the location and size of the deck.
Pick a Style
Decks with some architectural lines made with lumber and vertical metal balusters are complementary looks. If you want a more traditional or classic appeal, then use lumber with visible grain lines as balusters; as much as possible, choose pressure-treated lumber.
Remember that the deck can be exposed to harsh elements. So in installing wood decking, make sure that you use weather sealants and staining. Redwood and heart cedar are often resistant to decay, hence, they are used extensively. If you use any other type of wood, then have it treated with any kind of preservative.
Tags: deck design, deck style, deck styling, designing the deck, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor living, outdoor view, styling the deck, tips
Posted in Outdoors Style | No Comments »
Friday, July 29th, 2016
1586-80151A-GRY1 Lulu Shaped Console Table 4056CR Henry Exposed Wood: Achieving this look is easy if you know which design elements to balance. Don’t know what to do? Hire an expert.
A lot of residential contractors take on design projects here and there usually with the cooperation of the homeowner. The latter could bring photos, sketches, even tear-outs from interior design magazines or books. This is true when it comes to remodeling where the design choices are constrained by some pre-existing circumstances.
Technically speaking, design contractors provide the design-build services yet they are not referred to as design builders. They also do not charge separately for their design project so long as this is not a line item on their estimate.
On bigger home remodels, though, a lot of contractors prefer to work off another person’s plan unless design is a part of their service. Still some allow homeowners to terminate the contract right after the design stage, allowing you to make use of another contractor’s plans. This is a crucial choice that you would want to see in your contract. Contracts may offer discounts if you would be working with the same contractor during construction.
There are various approaches to design-build bidding as well as contracts. A lot of design-build companies work through negotiated bid since they don’t generally put out the plans to different contractors for bidding. In this case, a contractor will share a portion of the costs with the homeowner and would negotiate a fee (whether hourly, by percentage or fixed) for the services that they offer.
Choosing the Right Design-Build Contractor
If you are hiring a designer and a contractor which is the same person, you need to ask the kind of questions that you would ask an architect/designer and the contractor. When you evaluate a company, be sure to separate the construction from the design side. This is because you might like their design projects but not their construction ones.
Talk to people from the design team and ask about how they work together during the design stage. See how they have previously worked with clients and how they charge for their designs. As to the construction side, ask questions that you would ask a general contractor.
Ask for references then ask their previous clients regarding the design and building phases. You need to know what went well, what surprises or problems came up, any cost overruns and how they were handled, and how much the clients eventually liked the project.
Another important thing to remember is the total cost of the project and a breakdown of the fees.
Make it a point to have the design company take full responsibility of the mistakes should anything happen. Have this stipulated in the contract.
Hooker Furniture Home Office
Advantages of Hiring a Design-Build Contractor
The greatest things that you will enjoy when you hire a design-build contractor are the same advantages that you get from a general contractor. You also get to simplify the process by hiring a one-stop-shop for construction and design.
Hiring just one company for design and construction means you save significantly. There will also be no disputes between the design and construction departments since they are technically in the same department.
You get to have more design freedom when you deal with just one company. Here, you can control the specs such as the fixtures that you use, finishes and mechanical equipment.
Lastly, find a reputable design-build contractor. He should also be someone who you would like to work with. You would also be likely to save money if you hire a single expert rather than a team of professionals. Make sure also that you keep the plans that you would work with so you can still use them with another contractor (should the need for another expert arise).
Tags: benefits of having an interior designer, design contractor, design-build contractor, finding an interior designer, hiring an interior designer, how to find an interior designer, how to hire an interior designer, interior design contractor, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, working with interior designers
Posted in Design Contractor | No Comments »
Thursday, July 28th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Windward Dart Honey Loveseat can cozily sit two.
A small living room can be described in so many ways – teensy, compact, minute, etc. If you have done everything but have already hit a roadblock in terms of making the living room more livable, then you have to know the secret.
But is this really a secret? More than a secret, small living rooms need a smart solution. Here are some of the wisest solutions ever that designers have come up with –
Get Started
Just like any design project which you are going to take on, it would help to look at the task with a fresh set of eyes. Go out, take a walk, breathe deep, then come back refreshed. If you can, you can also bring a design-savvy colleague with you so she can help you determine what to do with the space. Most of the time, hearing ideas can bring out the creativity in anyone.
That Long, Narrow Hall
If you have a long, narrow hall to deal with, think of an art gallery. White walls are the classic choice although a fresh coat of rich color or grass cloth can also work well. Go basic and sleek with black and white stuff.
Create a unique gallery with an eclectic appeal using your most colorful, large artwork. You can also hang a series of photo frames with the left side of the wall intentionally left empty. Top your design scheme by adding proper lighting. Use overhead track lighting or wall-mounted lighting in illuminating artwork.
For a smaller yet still long hall, it is wise to make good use of every nook and cranny. Now how is this achieved? You can use floating shelves and cabinets. These floating pieces keep the floor free from clutter.
Measure with care, pick the cabinets that are also narrow so that you will have enough room to walk around in. Make sure to keep the floor area clean and clutter-free as these don’t have a room in any tight space.
The Eat-In Kitchen
This kind of kitchen with a lot of openings and doors will make the room less functional. A door that opens inwards will occupy space as do the cabinet openings.
A solution to this dilemma is to use round-edge tables instead of the square or rectangular types. Curved edges fit better in awkward spaces more than hard-edged furniture pieces. Pull the table near a wall even if it is just a small section. Placing the table dead-center will leave an unnatural look.
Multiple Windows and Doors
The living room has many elements – the door, fireplace, windows, radiator, walls ,etc. All these prevent you from placing furniture near the living room walls. If you are faced with this dilemma, then try to pull the arrangement to the center of the living room. A matching pair of sofas could serve as the anchor to this whole design. It will also counteract the confusion that exits and entries bring about.
Add a cozy rug to set up a conversation area.
Make wise use of vertical space with this 1586-75906-BLK1 Twin Peak Display Cabinet
Limited Wall Space
There are also living rooms with limited wall space. If you can swap the living room with the dining room (provided that the latter is more spacious), then do so. Various doors and windows don’t matter that much inside a dining room, in fact, they can even add to the drama and romance that dinners could bring.
A Studio-Type Apartment
Small-scale furniture pieces are your best friends when you have limited living room space. Again, furnishings with rounded edges work better than those with sharp edges.
Install also ample storage units so that your life would become a lot easier.
Tags: decorating a small space, designing a small space, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small space interior design, small space living, small space organization, small space solutions, small spaces, tips
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