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Friday, October 26th, 2018
Bedroom Headboard Only Wesley Allen Frame HO/WAF1364: To what era do you think this bedroom piece belongs?
These days, when you ask people to define vintage, what they would automatically think about is old or anything dated. The experts, though, know that none can be farther from the truth. Vintage interior design is there to make people reminisce and be nostalgic.
When you see a style that looks anywhere from the glamorous ‘40s till the ‘60s, then you’re seeing vintage in all its glory. The elements are obviously luxurious and the blend of colors are truly inviting.
Don’t be pressed to go for the perfect and finished style. Instead, mix and match the different pieces and styles. Here are some ideas that can jumpstart your vintage interior design –
Yes to Balance
Know that vintage interior design can get tricky. While this is one of the hardest to set up, a lot of people still want to use this design in their homes all because they want to recreate the elegance that is synonymous of the eras of the past. Go wrong with it, though, and you could end up with an unstylish replica of your Grandma’s house.
Always consider balance. The right kind of vintage look is one that has equalized both traditional and modern looks.
Old Pieces as Backbone
Vintage pieces are the backbone of this style. Whether your favorite decade is the ‘40s or the ‘60s, well-chosen vintage or – at the very least – vintage-looking pieces are the elements that will fortify your vintage style.
The look that you’re trying to recreate is one that will transport the guests to an era where contemporary pieces simply won’t defeat.
If you’re thinking that your Grandma’s antique pieces automatically qualify as default furnishings, think again. Just because a piece looks old doesn’t mean that it can go with the rest of the design. The vintage pieces that you use must be in great condition and must still be able to withstand the daily wear and tear.
To know whether the old piece will do, check its weight. See if the natural materials used are those that were specially crafted and not mass-produced. Check also the joints.
Are they still sturdy? The moment the joineries feel shaky or if the wood is already rotten, don’t use the piece anymore.
If there is too much discoloration or rust – the type that can no longer be dealt with – then it’s time for furniture replacement.
Define the Focal Point
As soon as you find vintage pieces that already suit the style that you’re trying to use, then consider how these can be made the focal points of your home. A focal piece is one that immediately draws the beholder’s eye towards it. More often than not, the right candidate is a piece of furniture.
Allow the focal furniture to take center stage. For instance, the dining room often has the dining table as the star while in the living room, the default focal piece is the couch. When you go to the bedroom, then what could be better than a vintage-looking bed to pull all the other design elements together?
Add Other Vintage Details
Finally, it pays to seriously consider the patterns and colors that will be used in a vintage interior design. Use some polka dots and you will immediately be transported to the 1950s. Display some deep shades of red and your guests will surely think that you’re recreating the Victorian era.
Knowing how to add the right vintage elements in the design comes with a large payoff even with just a minimal effort. Take the time to research on your preferred era then get a sense of the design elements that they used then. Try to create a mental picture of what you would want to copy.
If you don’t have existing pieces of the era that you choose, then visit our shop for the finest vintage-inspired pieces and you would never go wrong.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, vintage, vintage design, vintage interior design, vintage interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Vintage Style in Today’s World
Thursday, October 13th, 2016
FFDM Highlands Collection
Shopping for furniture can get tiresome and confusing. There is attractive furniture everywhere but you have to make a serious, contemplative decision before you take the step and begin shopping. Remember that furniture is supposed to last long, meaning, it should be around long enough for you to enjoy, or better yet, for your children and grandchildren to enjoy.
Family heirlooms are not accident pieces. These are intentionally durable and quality pieces that can be kept for heritage’s sake. Your objective in shopping for a would-be heirloom piece is to know what to look for.
Heirloom Must be Handcrafted
From beginning to end, handcrafted pieces are those that have been made solely by hand. These pieces are cut, sanded, fitted, carved, then joined by hand. You might see some flaws because these are handcrafted but these only point to the more desirable unique features that cannot be provided by any machine.
The farthest that you could allow should be woodworker’s glue but for the most of the furniture, these should be joined by equally durable wooden pieces.
Finding handcrafted pieces also means that you find a reputable furniture artisan. Noteworthy furniture designers should catch your attention. They are the ones that can provide the best tables, chairs, beds or lamps that you can hand over to your posterity with pride.
Heirloom Means Quality
There are two kinds of wood that can be used in the creation of quality furniture – softwoods and hardwoods. Common softwood species are pine, cypress, redwood and cedar. Hardwood trees, on the other hand, are cherry, ash, oak, maple, rosewood, poplar, walnut and teak.
Hardwood or softwood offers a different look, feel and hardness. The kind of wood that has been chosen will affect the quality and price of the piece. High quality spells top of the line pieces. The likes of solid Cherry, Oak, Mahogany or Maple are all wonderfully durable which is why these are also some of the most expensive pieces that one could own.
There are also pieces that come in combined woods. An example is when Cherry is used as an exterior piece and underneath it, there is a different kind of wood. When you encounter this kind of combined materials, take a step back and see if you can invest on a more expensive piece instead. Cherry finish is different from solid cherry furniture.
Remember that solid construction is no less than the highest quality of furniture creation. Whether you pick softwood or hardwood, what really counts is having a solid piece. Solid pieces are the most probable heirloom pieces because they are not engineered wood, plywood or particleboards.
Never settle for bargain pieces. Durability and quality come with firm, compact woods so look only for the latter.
Heirloom Means Quality Construction
Fine wood pieces always undergo proper construction. Poor construction undermines even the best of solid wood. Even if there are already technological advancements, the good, old-fashioned way of furniture construction is still considered best especially when you are considering a would-be heirloom piece.
Find joints that are wood-on-wood rather than those with metal or iron brackets. Ask about dovetails or mortise and tenon as these are the strongest joints that furniture manufacturers could use. Fitted joints significantly increase the contact area, hence, the furniture bonding strength becomes more substantial.
Heirloom Spells Superior Finish
Quality finish is essential in protecting your furniture piece and also in bringing out the beauty of the wooden furniture. Finishes provide varying degrees of furniture strength.
High quality finish might take a tad longer to create but they are definitely able to last longer and could provide more protection than other sorts of finishes.
Tags: age-proofing bathrooms, choosing heirloom pieces, fine furniture, furniture finish, heirloom furniture, heirloom pieces, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, quality furniture, shopping for heirloom furniture, tips, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, vintage interiors
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 28th, 2016
Checks are a huge part of all things retro. Featured here is the Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Ottoman Without Nailhead Trim 5643-08.
Old interior designs make a comeback every few years. If you’ve noticed, retro design is now making a comeback but with a contemporary twist. Retro modern is a mixture of eclectic styles, making use of different finishes and materials.
Retro modern is an interesting twist with bold colors. These days, the bright colors from days past come back in subdued tones, thus, forming a unique new style. This is the modern take on the flamboyant look of the 60s, 70s, 80s till the 90s.
Retro modern can help you show your individuality through the fusion of different styles of eras that have gone. This is your interpretation of the past, though. Different old styles, shapes, materials, colors, technology and artifacts continue to resurface to be used and displayed once more.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Rectangle Console Table is both retro and timeless.
Features of Retro Modern
Some of the visual clues that you are looking at a retro modern home is when the existing design has been revisualized and eventually revised. You would also notice a brimming mixture of eclectic elements, some classic while some bright and modern.
Retro, of course, still means a style that will never be outdated. The general rule in using it is to find items that are actually or visually 15 to 20 years of age (at the very least). The strongest features of retro modern are the careful color mixtures, even the variety in patterns and textures. At times, new furniture is framed by a vintage background.
The retro modern theme requires an environment that is sustainable. It pays, therefore, to practice the reduce, reuse and recycle concept. You can use the heirloom pieces that were handed down to you by your great grandparents or in their absence, you can check out these vintage-looking pieces from our collection –
You also need to modify your surroundings. Modify with wallpapers and lots of colors such as mustards, blues and eclectic pink. Retro modern also means updating the average interior design by adding aged pieces. Go ahead and create a timeless and unique look.
Any room will be instantly transformed to a retro modern setting where carefully chosen patterns and bold colors are used. The larger the patterns on those wallpapers, the more accurate your design would be. Say yes to murals and furniture with bold fabrics. Be sure to limit the colors to just a few bold ones, though, since you could easily end up with a cluttered, chaotic look.
Repetitive and smaller patterns with muted or neutral tones are also welcome in a retro modern home so long as you want the subtle approach. Bold colors may be used with pastel colors for a more sophisticated appeal.
If bold, geometric and colorful isn’t your style, then you can still go retro by using subtle hints. Smaller prints and patterns would do. Use the muted versions of the bolder colors. Infuse colors in smaller quantities if you are still uncertain about going bold.
Retro modern may also use curved edges and circular forms. These are actually classic shapes in retro interior design. Mix these with contemporary furniture to create a different kind of harmony. You may also combine minimalism with some retro elements. Achieve this by fusing curved lines with simple lines.
Pair modern leather, lacquer-finished pieces, and wood with retro pieces. Say goodbye to outdated fabrics and embrace a funky-colored one. Shop for sleeker pieces if you are leaning towards minimalism.
Use focal points, too, such as a vintage barometer on your accent wall, or a shelf full of colorful knickknacks. Retro modern can also be your personal design statement. Take a few ideas from these tips then try to retell the design in your own taste.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern, modernism, retro, Retro design, retro interior design, retro interiors, Retro style, tips, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, vintage interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, April 21st, 2016
Whitewashed piece is from FFDM’s Campton Grove Collection
Antique finds and vintage pieces – the distressed, imperfect and cracked finishes, add the sparkling crystal chandeliers, old yet fresh-smelling linens, lots of white – yes, these describe the shabby chic style perfectly. This interior design theme is not for everyone, though. Shabby chic is luxurious yet still comfortable. This thrives in the spirit of seemingly old stuff yet new and clean.
This Style Ain’t Shabby
Don’t ever let the word shabby fool you into embracing the principles of this wonderful theme. It may seem unstructured to look at, at first, but the lack of formal rules is what makes this style timeless. It brings in an effortless sophistication into any home.
Don’t think of flea markets, though, or cheap retail shops or you would be disappointed with what you would find.
Say yes to handicrafts, vintage textiles , and white, distressed furniture. There is no need to search high and low for the best whitewashed furniture pieces, we have everything that you would need to set up your shabby chic home.
Get the look with these simple guidelines –
Universal Furniture Bedroom Storage Bed King 987260SB
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, neutral, neutral design, neutral palette, rustic, rustic charm, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design, shabby chic interiors, shabby chic style, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, vintage interiors, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, white interior design, white interiors, wood, wood design element, wood elements, wooden, wooden elements, wooden furniture
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
American Leather Living Room Chair MSL-CHS-ST is perfect for any Mid-Century interior because of its clean lines and natural hue. John Mascheroni designed this beautiful piece giving emphasis to mid-century modern streamlined edges fused with a wooden cross base.
If you are trying to achieve the mid-century interior design in your home, then it is best to understand what aspects to mix.
Furniture to be used under this category is characterized by simple, clean lines. Teak and other wood pieces are most welcome. Find mid-century tables and pair them with contemporary chairs. Have teal walls as bold backdrop and you have just attained the epitome of this design.
Never make the mistake of hiding wood details, instead, allow them to shine. Neutral-colored walls will look great with fabrics in soft hues. Find handcrafted furniture and accessories to complete the living room mid-century look.
Mid-Century Is Timeless
McCreery’s Home Furnishings provides furniture pieces that have been thoughtfully crafted by master artisans, hence, they are the perfect classic pieces if you are looking into creating the mid-century habitat.
Table lamps are the right lighting pieces for that low-slung furniture. The curvy base of the Maitland Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-427 will look great in a vintage-looking nightstand.
Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Table Lamp 1700-427 is a spell-binding addition to your living room or bedroom.
Natural lighting can also bathe your black and white-themed living room. Draw back any curtains to let in the sunlight. The black and white color scheme is best for the mid-century style as it keeps the areas looking clutter-free. This is achieved by highlighting space and light.
After considering lighting, it’s time to turn your attention to focal points. Retro lighting can be an effective focal point. Chandeliers can easily stand out against pinstripe walls. Take the retro vibe up another notch by also adding vintage art pieces. Search for striking wall hangings inspired by circles and squares.
Since mid-century spells timelessness, the use of vintage colors is also encouraged. It’s time to start loving avocado hues, also mustard, tangerine and other ‘60s colors. Just be careful in your use of these colors or your place would come across as a movie set.
For more ‘60s inspired pieces, decorate with a coffee table with a hint of gold. Add glass or sculptural accents, these will pop against white walls.
Mid-century also means showcasing superior pieces so, it is best to paint the walls white or any neutral palette. The rich, graphic patterns may appear on upholstered furniture pieces, throws, or on the textured wallpapers.
The Maitland-Smith Accessories Bamboo Cast Brass Bar Cart 3020-042 can carry your vintage glassware and cocktail shakers.
Emphasize the cocktail culture by making use of a bar cart while the rest of the room features streamlined seats and traditional lamps. If you are more traditional, then use a glass and bronze coffee table.
For those who embrace the contemporary culture more than retro, it is acceptable to have at least one mid-century piece to add warmth to the environment. For instance, the marriage of red and white inside a living room can have wood and glass table as a focal point.
Would you want to have contrasting seat cushions? Add these to a wood swivel and you can spice up your mid-century home office.
Mid-century interior design and modern styles, as opposed to common notion, can actually mix. The super clean lines of both styles can be the chief characteristics of mid-century modern furnishings. This is the right combination for those stark industrial pieces. This is the ideal style pairing for those people who prefer urban loft living.
Tags: 1960s, accent pieces, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classicism, guidelines, lamp, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mid-century interior design, mid-century interiors, mid-century style, retro, timeless, tips, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, vintage interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, January 11th, 2016
All the wood furniture pieces on this articles come from FFDM’s Vintage Classics Collection
If you have a passion for collecting World War I and post-World War II decor, then you are a vintage connoisseur. Being familiar with this interior design means you have the same taste as your parents or grandparents – and this is not a bad thing at all.
Anything vintage sparks nostalgic feelings, however, this style is not solely for reminiscence. It can offer a lot of style mixtures but, mostly, it is typified through wooden textures.
One surprising thing about vintage interiors is that it is never linear. Decor pieces can be from different places and times. Vintage is primarily about the creation of a comfortable and homey living area. Your creativity will surely be piqued as you find out what constitutes this style.
FFDM Vintage Classics Collection
Furniture – A Major Vintage Element
There are many elements in every vintage interior but the most important is the furniture. Furniture designs vary through cultures and periods. You might not be able to obtain the original period pieces but you can now easily look for pieces with classic designs.
Wood is a major material used in many of the most beautiful chairs, tables, drawers, cabinets, and desks. Come and visit our shop and you will never run out of choices as you set your eyes on various wooden pieces.
This lovely bedside from FFDM will look fabulous inside your vintage-themed bedroom. Bring the same charm to your dining area by investing in a glass-fronted display case, perfect for displaying your collectibles and tableware.
Chairs that are classic in form are welcome, just be sure to focus on your color choice. The goal is to remain muted (in terms of color) with a few flower variations to visually stimulate. Flowers should not be too bright that they already overpower the lovely furniture that you have devoted your time to setting up.
Vintage style is also great with patterned wallpapers and handmade fabrics. If you think these are a little too much for you, then fuse it with other modern appliances, even other designs. Some homeowners have experimented with contemporary laidback interiors and vintage decor and furniture. Wooden furniture may be paired with contemporary appliances, other colors and textures. While you do this, just allow memories and nostalgia to guide you so you get the right inspirations.
A Few Vintage Rules
While you are not limited with regard to your creativity, you must not forget that vintage is anything that looks and feels classic. There are still a few rules that need to be satisfied in order to stay within the bounds of this style –
Materials that you pick will decide the overall tone and mood of the room. Wicker baskets and wooden crates, for instance, would be perfect as storage containers.
Vintage remains to be one of the most admired interior designs in the world because there are simply people who do not appreciate the throw away culture. Mass production is not equal to legacy pieces. If you want to pass down furniture to your descendants, then you have to invest in sturdy, classic pieces.
Again, one can never say amply that you should veer away from anything made of plastic.
Tags: chair, chairs, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interiors, classic style, classicism, guidelines, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, wood, wooden, wooden elements, wooden furniture, wooden materials
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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