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Saturday, September 2nd, 2017
White can either be the backdrop or it can be the star of the show. Here, it is obviously the focal point – you just gotta love the Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Lady in White Console.
How do you feel when you enter an all-white place? Do you instantly feel comfortable or do you have a foreboding feeling? White is not a color that many homeowners would use in their homes. In fact, a lot of people are nervous about using the absence of color right in their very home.
Yet white can be a refreshing color to use. It is that one color that evokes cleanliness, purity, and even holiness. It can also exude sophistication when properly used. Before you make the proverbial change, just make sure that you are okay with this color and that you can live with it for a while.
A Blank Slate
Consider white as a blank canvas. Just think of it as a way of having a fresh start. Let your creativity run free. Begin by searching for that killer view which you can highlight (e.g. a beautiful landscape, the blue ocean or a majestic mountain).
White is a wonderful canvas which can easily serve as a backdrop to that gorgeous vista. Don’t engulf the entire room in color. Use white and find out which elements speak to you in your habitat.
Another way that you can use white as a canvas is to have it frame a lovely artwork. Showcase your style as well as your personality through the work of art, whether that’s a sculptural piece or a painting.
Traditional or Modern White
The versatility of white is truly amazing. Just imagine the wide range from which you can choose a shade – from cream to egg white. Whether you want to set up a traditional or a modern kitchen matters not.
Use marble countertops for your traditional kitchen then white lacquer should be used in your modern kitchen.
A lot of homeowners are now braving the beauties of having a white kitchen. Sure, it needs a little more maintenance but it feels and looks cleaner and more classic. In fact, a lot of appliances and furniture work well with this hue.
White + Metal
Have you given white plus a metallic color combination a second thought? This is a trend that’s hot at the moment. In fact, other neutrals such as browns, blacks, and grays are also being paired with different metals.
White and stainless steel also work well, again, in the kitchen. See how you can have some brass fixtures paired with your white furnishings. Metal can beautifully reflect the crisp beauty of white. Don’t be afraid to tread this design path.
Work That White Upholstery
Who says white upholstery won’t work in a home? Again, it will be a tad more difficult to clean but it’s oh so worth it. Just think about which room you will have a white furniture in. Preferably, these are areas with low traffic – the bedroom, home office, or a home library.
If you really, really have to use white upholstery in your living room, then be sure to have faux leather on the sofa. Faux suede and white denim seat covers are also the ideal elements to use in homes with children and pets.
White Layering
Should you feel that your room is lacking personality, consider how you can layer different shades of white. Use textures, patterns, and different materials in similar white shades. This styling technique works well best in bedrooms.
Upholstered headboards and textiles, bedding, and window treatments work well in different shades of white tone-on-tone variation.
White Bathroom
It is best to highlight your white bathroom structures. What could defeat a white bathtub, white sink basin, and white tile flooring? These can be better appreciated if you have teal, red, or aqua mosaic tiles to frame these white beauties.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, white, white furnishings, white interior design, white interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Stark Getaway: How to Create the Non-Alienating Style
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016
Hickory White Living Room Greek Key Cocktail Table 243-11
Not a lot of knowledge is known in terms of Grecian interior design and décor. Despite this, Greece, known more for the beauty of one of its cities – Athens – is equal to embellishments and everything that’s simple yet posh. Grecian art and architecture also spell wealth, texture and rich colors that are surprisingly offset by the cleanest lines and edited furnishings.
If you want to embrace a Mediterranean interior, then it must be Greek décor that you should first consider. It could look fresh and modern without passing off as too antiseptic.
Frescoed or Painted White
Homes in Greece differ depending on the climate. Most of the interior walls are left bare. Others come with just a single woven wall décor. The warmer southern regions favored whitewashed clay, even stucco wall finishes. They also love window openings that are great in catching Mediterranean breeze.
Greek city dwelling, on the other hand, reflect wealth. The homes come with frescoed walls that have been painted by the best artists. Common colors are earth tones and pastels, those who favor deeper shades use blacks and reds.
Notice also the sceneries that have been carefully preserved in many Greek pottery pieces. Framed frescoes come with tiled or painted borders complete with classic Greek designs and symmetrical curves.
Greek minimalist homes are stucco-textured that have been whitewashed. The use of drapes, shutters or window shades are kept at a bare minimum so that the gorgeous skies and the blue sea can still be enjoyed.
Hickory White Living Room Greek Key Sofa 4902-05: White plus any bold hue is the basic pairing for any Greek interior.
Don’t Forge the Floor Décor
Grecian art is pointless without the floor artworks. This country has forests that supply ample amounts of oak, maple, beech, citrus and willow trees which are great for furniture making. The floors, though, were often pounded plaster or simple earth. This was, of course, more evident in poorer dwellings. You could opt for concrete flooring if you want to play the role of a well-to-do Athenian to a T. You can also install mosaic tiles on your floor, patterned scenes that are paired with those that are painted on the walls, or bordered geometric designs.
And what are Grecian floors without thick woven rugs? Have these installed in special areas to frame authentic Greek vases and other iconic images.
Zero Frill Furnishing
Less should be enough – this must be your new motto if you want to have Grecian interiors. Your home must not be cluttered with furniture and accessories. You should be contented with simple and standard designs.
Use functional furnishings but are still aesthetically beautiful. Rectangle is the only shape that you should look for in beds and couches. Drape a crimson tapestry over a neutral-colored bed or sofa and you’d see a bit of Olympus.
Clothing storage is also essential in the Greek’s way of living. Though they had basic clothing, this did not mean that they were left lying around. They used wooden chests that were either plain or carved. As for their seating units, they enjoyed sitting in stools and backless chairs. Tables were portable and were often made with carved wood.
Completing the Greek Look
It’s time to get the Grecian look in your home. Mimic Greek aesthetics further by adding rounded arches to connect rooms. Install wood panels and beamed ceilings. The doors and shutters could also be painted with a bright shade of blue representing the beauty of nature just outdoors.
Always use white bed linens with key design border as much as possible. The dining table, though transportable, must be made of hardwood. And what is a Greek home without those white porch columns?
So go ahead, put all these signature pieces into your home to magically transform from bland to grand.
Tags: Grecian interior design, Grecian interiors, Greek design, Greek interior design, Greek interiors, Greek style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, white interior design, white interiors
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 19th, 2016
1118CR Delancey Club Chair 1586-10443-WH3 Swan Room Divider with File Storage
Who cares if it’s another season and you’d want to feel the warmth of summer in your home? Just picture the beauty of this sunny season, from curtains billowing in the gentle wind, shell décor, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and such, and you would be begging to get into the summer vibe straightaway.
If you’re ready to jump into the summer routine, here are ways to get crafty and creative –
Outdoor Curtains Are In
What could be more summery than white curtains hung outdoors? Add these ASAP to your lovely porch, they are the perfect provisions for privacy and a little shade.
Pearly Shells and Flowers
Begin your decorating project by filling up, partway, a huge glass vase with sand. You can then add shells that you found on the beach to complete this summer decorative piece. If you have kids, have them help out in filling up the vase with their own shell picks.
If shells don’t tickle your fancy then you can always add wild flowers into the glass jar instead. Snip some flowers from your own garden and have them fill a jelly jar. This is the natural alternative to buying those bottled potpourri in shops.
Fun and Calm
What was that again? Yup, you can actually have both fun and calm on the same deck. Place colorful cushions, your guitar on its stand, and your collection of pottery out on your deck. This is the perfect setup for a series of relaxed afternoons in that area.
‘Want to hold parties instead? That’s possible, too. Invite your friends and have a fun party right by the deck.
The All-Summer Bar
Set up a lovely tray complete with some glasses and lime – these are the starter pieces for your summer bar. Add a few summer drinks that you love and – voila – you have an instant bar right in your home.
‘Want to set up the bar outdoors? Then do so. A cabana would be the perfect alternative to a corner bar in your home. Hang a colorful swinging chair to complete the theme.
Speak of outdoor changing area, if you happen to have a pool in your backyard, then it would also be handy to have a changing booth right outside. Be sure to stylize this booth in your home, too.
Summer Spells Remodeling
Remove all sorts of clutter in your home, especially from the kitchen cabinets. Have the unused pieces donated or handed down. You will be amazed at the amount of breathing space that you’d be able to create with some cleanups.
As soon as you’re done cleaning, you can then bring in a visual masterpiece such as well-chosen driftwood. This cool chunk of wood can be placed as a decorative piece on the coffee table or in your bookshelf.
Summer Colors Only
It’s only logical to use lively colors when setting up a summer-themed home. Use blue as it is the perfect representation of the color of water. This offers a calming and cooling effect that is very gentle to the eyes.
Orange tones also work because it is as energetic as the rays of the summer sun. Use it with yellow or red to bring a zing to your home.
Whoever thought soft gray could also work on a summer theme? Its neutrality will add that classic touch to the bright yellows that you bring in. This gives any home a concrete-like vibe so it is a convenient and cool foundation to your summer elements.
Pink is a standalone color that will create an impact that’s difficult to forget. Use champagne pink or hot pink to complement the summer hues all over your home.
The Beach Theme
You can never go wrong with white and blue stripes when it comes to summer design so go ahead and freshen up your bed with these crisp stripes. This fusion of colors provides the needful beach house elegance so shop around for the coolest bedding and accessories.
Bring in a surfboard, roll up some beach towels by your front entrance, have everything as bright and sunny as your disposition and, yes, no one can beat your lovely summer theme.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, white in interior design, white interior design, white interiors, white palette
Posted in Color Schemes, 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 »
Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
Scandinavian theme can be used as well in the kids’ bedroom (Winners Only Bedroom Del Mar White Twin Storage Bed BDP1001TS).
What do Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway have in common? All these countries showcase perfect homes. Spaces featuring Scandinavian design are super stylish but not in an ornate kind of way. Also known as the Nordic design, Scandinavian design is all about keeping most design elements subdued. More often than not, such homes sport a stark white backdrop which is the best canvas for anyone’s artistic flair.
Scandinavian Design: A History
Simplicity and function are the foremost design principles for all of Nordic Europe. The homes in these places are airy, bright, and mostly serene. Natural elements are effectively used, with neutral color palettes taking centerstage.
The world had its first glimpse of this style during the 1947 edition of a design exhibit in Milan. Triennale de Milano specifically featured home accessories and glassware coming from the Nordic nations. It was a rage and pretty soon, Canada and the U.S. capitalized on its popularity. The years 1954 through 1957 made Scandinavian design the star of the interior design industry. It was a timely break from the designs enjoyed by Europeans during that time. Europeans generally favored ornate designs and opulent settings. Nordic design changed all these.
Function over embellishments became the new trend.
The design’s popularity declined during the 80s but upped again in the next decade.
Artistica Dining Room Crystal Stone Round Dining Table 373-100.
The Scandinavian Textures
It is important to play with textures when you are designing your home with a bare white environment. The colors can still participate in the whole picture but they should be muted. Rich textures must be seen on the furniture pieces, lamps, the accent rug, textiles, the bed and the couch. The secret is to keep things exciting.
Mix rich textures with a little shimmer or a touch of nature (as simple as a flower arrangement inside the living room will do wonders). A bit of black will also look nice as it will provide a striking contrast to the white background.
Colors can be added one bit at a time. Abstract paintings are a nice addition; they will surely pop in a mainly neutral space.
The flooring does not have to be white, too. If you do not want the flooring to appear sterile or too cold, then you may install wooden flooring. If you love dark colors, then don’t worry. You can still use such colors without making the room look gloomier. Begin with an accent wall then work the rest of the design from there.
Scandinavian Furniture
Wood is a primary feature of many Scandinavian homes. Life in that region of the world has long winters and just a few hours of daylight. Since this is so, people often stayed indoors for a long stretch of the wintry season. Small houses featured wooden furniture pieces that were masterfully crafted by artistic hands.
The Hickory White Living Room Sofa 5104-05 has throws that make a colorful and interesting contrast to the all-white fabric.
Scandinavians love organic materials such as natural wood, metal, leather and natural textiles such as cotton and linen.
Statement pieces such as tables and chairs do not even have to match. You have the leeway to mix and match different pieces to make the dining space look more interesting. Natural materials like oak, suede, leather, linen and cotton comprise many Scandinavian furniture pieces.
Leather furniture is also welcome in a Scandinavian setting since it can effectively add warmth and texture. To complete the elegant look brought about by the wooden and leather furniture, see if you can have a fireplace in your living room. A column fireplace can be used as a focal point in a huge living room or in a family room. More often than not, the fireplace is just a bunch of columns located in a corner of the room.
Tags: leather, leather furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Nordic design, Nordic interior design, Nordic interiors, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors, white, white color palette, white furnishings, white in interior design, white interior design, wooden, wooden furniture, wooden materials
Posted in Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, January 25th, 2016
This FFDM Protege chair will be a lovely ‘mismatch’ to another neutral-colored seating piece.
If your heart jumps each time you see a condominium unit or a townhouse, then know that you have to prepare to live in a place that is cozy. Foregoing the idea of an open space plan is not an easy decision to make but should you sign up for this kind of home, then it’s time to look for the right design that is most suitable for it. ‘Ever considered the shabby chic style?
Okay, so you have saved every bit of hard-earned money and have sacrificed on shopping and travel – what now?
Old vs. New
Carefully plan what theme you will use before you move in to your new condominium or townhouse unit. One of the most utilized, these days, when it comes to limited space is the shabby chic concept.
Rachel Ashwell popularized this stylish interior design concept to focus on comfort, highlight the beauty of seemingly time-worn furniture and objects, and for the homeowner to appreciate practical living.
This concept can even guide you in mixing traditional and new pieces. Choose from our catalogue and find the right furniture, accessories and lighting fixtures.
If you are thinking of buying second-hand furniture, think again. It is much better to have new furniture given a distressed appeal than to take the risk of buying the damaged ones. Bargain shops sell at the lowest prices but you are never guaranteed of the quality of the stuff that you are buying. So, it is much better to invest in a few quality pieces than to have different sets of furniture only to end up spending more money on repairs.
Coming from the Ancestry Collection of FFDM, this light-colored drawer is sure to be a big hit inside any shabby chic setting.
Let’s Decorate
The shabby chic style is basically minimalist and is almost synonymous with white. You may paint the walls of your home with flat white, pearl, cream, or any shade of white. Apart from having white(ish) walls, take note that you also need to have a few white furniture and accent pieces. These will add a distinct as well as intimate feel to your home. White furnishings are also easy to clean using your regular household bleach.
Now, which room would you like to design first?
First, there’s the living room. Carry the modern facade from the outside to this part of your home. Your condominium or townhouse unit will surely have a rustic yet cozy appeal once you start bringing in the lovely furniture and accent pieces.
The living room must have a clean yet non-antiseptic feel. It should be minimalist but with a few accent pieces to boost such as a lovely chest, a coffee table, console table, or some shelves.
In the dining room, be sure to showcase a table that was aged to sit perfectly in this important space. Have a Victorian couch rest against the white wall. Wicker chairs would look lovely when placed with white curtains as backdrop.
Now to the kitchen: have the furniture and appliances in neutral colors. This is so they won’t clash with the condo or townhouse’s overall appeal.
If you are one of those who prefer to have a home office, then use a white desk as much as you can. Now couple the lovely white desk with a unique accent chair and some neutral shelves.
Should you still have space for one guest room, then make sure that this room is just as cozy as the rest of your home. Use the same shade on the walls and on the furniture that will be placed there. Since the bed is pretty much the focal point, then take time to choose the ones that you will invest in for the master bedroom as well as this room.
Lastly, with your shabby chic bathroom, ascertain that you do not miss out on an ornate mirror that will bring character to this room. Find one that has a wooden frame that matches the stylish theme that you have chosen.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interiors, classic style, feminine, feminine design, feminine interior design, feminine interiors, feminine style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalist, minimalist design, old, old vs. new, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design, shabby chic interiors, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, wood, wood elements, wood furniture pieces, wooden elements, wooden furniture
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »
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