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Wood 101

Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Home Office Ball Claw Desk 434-10-158 has a delicious wooden color that will surely invite attention.

Hooker Furniture Home Office Ball Claw Desk 434-10-158 has a delicious wooden color that will surely invite attention.

There’s plenty of wood on the planet. It is warm, cozy, it is strong and durable, it can even last for hundreds if not thousands of years. Wood has many uses including the building of bridges, manufacturing paper, or heating homes. This is one of the most versatile materials in the world with thousands of practical uses. But what do you think makes wood great?

What Is Wood?

Wood is grown in trees. If you could take a part of the tree and peel off the bark, you would immediately realize that there are two kinds of woods. The first, closest to the edge, is a light, moist layer referred to as sapwood. This is filled with tubes referred to as the xylem.

Deeper and darker into the tree is what’s known as the heartwood. This, in essence, is already dead because the xylem tubes were blocked with gums or resins.

At the sapwood’s outer edge is a thin layer known as the cambium. This is where the tree grows outward to form those annual rings which can tell you how old the tree is. If you take the time to cut the trunk vertically, you would get into the grain. There are also occasional ovals that interrupt the grains. These are the knots. Knots are unique and attractive parts of the wood but they tend to weaken the structure.

Is It Hardwood or Softwood?

There are two distinct kinds of wood – hardwoods and softwoods. While the names may convey hardness or softness, these don’t always refer to the sturdiness or suppleness of the wood. Hardwoods are woods that come from deciduous trees (those that have broad leaves). Examples of hardwood are birch, beech, ash, maple, teak, oak, mahogany and walnut.

Softwoods, on the other hand, come from coniferous trees (those that have cones and needles). Examples are cypress, cedar, pine, fir, redwood and spruce.

Generally, though, hardwoods are harder when compared to softwoods. One of the most famous exceptions is the Balsa wood which is classified as a hardwood but is actually soft.

Hardwoods come with beautiful grains which is why they are often used in manufacturing fine furniture. Decorative woodwork also looks great when done with hardwood. Softwoods are most suitable for construction work (e.g. poles and planks) because they are tall and straight.

Wood’s Chemical Composition

If you can take a look at some freshly cut wood right under a microscope, you will see that it – just like any other plant – is composed of many cells. These cells are made up of three substances namely cellulose, hemi cellulose and lignin.

There are literally hundreds of wood species so it is difficult to make a general adjective that would describe the word wood. See, oak is different from balsa in so many ways. Physically, wood is stiff and strong but if you compare it to steel, it is, of course, flexible and light. Still compared to plastic, metal and ceramic, woods have a unique isotropic inner structure.

Wood Is Durable

One of the greatest things about wood is that it can last for a very long time. This is why wooden structures made thousands of years ago are still being unearthed by archeologists. This means that wood can easily outlast the person who invested in it.

Wood can rot when forces of nature get a hold of it. Organisms like insects and fungi can also nibble at the cellulose and lignin. If you want your wood furniture to last, make sure that you know how to care for it. Ask your furniture retailer about cleaning solutions that could help you maintain your furniture’s beauty.

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How to Be An Expert in Wood Furniture Care

Saturday, August 20th, 2016

FFDM Campton Grove Collection

FFDM Campton Grove Collection

Have you ever heard about the amount of time needed to clean, wax, dust or polish wood furniture? Despite these tasks, are you still willing to own wood furniture? It wouldn’t be a surprise if you are still more than willing to have one since wood furniture is traditionally beautiful.

Experts have different opinions when it comes to caring for wood furniture but, more often than not, it is dependent on the finish of the furniture piece.

When you are out to buy wood furniture, make sure that you ask for specific care and maintenance guidelines. Here are some of the classic cleaning materials for your equally classic wood furniture –

Feather Duster

That regular feather duster can effectively remove dust even from the most delicate surfaces like mirrors, lampshades, art and collectibles. If it can clean these, then it could also lightly clean any wooden surface.

Lamb’s Wool Duster

This contains lanolin that attracts dust. The cleaning tool makes the dirt cling even in carved or turned areas. This can also be used to clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. Having a long handle for this cleaning tool will make it ideal in reaching difficult-to-reach spaces.

Treated Cloth

This is also great for dusting especially when you want the non-scratching type of cleaner. Use this in place of the silicon spray which is not recommended by experts for all types of fine wood furniture.

Lint-Free Cloth

Clean cotton T-shirts, even diapers, can be used. Just use a little water to dampen the cloth.

Terry Towel

A clean, dry towel should be able to remove moisture that has been left from previous cleaning.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room True Vintage Round Dining Table

Hooker Furniture Dining Room True Vintage Round Dining Table

Other Cleaning Tips

The use of all-purpose cleaning spray should be limited to furniture pieces made of plastic. If you’re thinking of using this cleaning agent for wood furniture, stop. All-purpose sprays are too harsh for wood just like water will damage the piece. There is only one instance when you can use water to clean wood and it is to clean up sticky spots. When faced with this circumstance, dip a soft cloth in mild detergent dissolved in clean water. Wring the cloth but just enough so it is still a little damp.

Cleaners, oil polishes and furniture oils can protect wood by having the wooden surface turn slippery. While this is so, these do not offer a hard, protective layer. Be careful in using cleaners with oil as they could also smear wooden surfaces.

Never polish with pure olive oil as it can smear and attract dust. Most liquid polishes contain silicone oil that can provide some protection. If polishes and sprays have been used in the past to clean your wood furniture or if you suspect that someone polished with these oils, then prepare to see some residues. The residue will interfere with refinishing and in such a case, professional attention may already be needed.

You may also rely on homemade recipes for cleaning wood. There are a few experts that recommend cleaning grimy wood with equal parts of denatured alcohol, olive oil, strained lemon juice and gum turpentine. Apply the mixture using a clean, soft cloth.

Lastly, remember that during manufacture, it is possible that polyurethane, varnish or shellac has been applied to the wood furniture in order to protect it. The application of wax protects the wood’s finish and could even reduce scratches. If you want a longer-lasting protection, apply some wax. This doesn’t smear plus it offers durability more than polishes or sprays. Just learn how to apply wax and how often. Paste wax can last for as long as two years. Liquid wax applies thinly but it also needs to be applied more frequently.

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Forever Stylish With Wood

Friday, May 20th, 2016

 Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn't this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn’t this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?

The world of interior design is not as stylish without the beauty of wood furniture. Both contemporary and traditional homes can use this unique material to their advantage. Wood can be locally sourced, it can be recycled or it can be harvested from a sustainable environment. Wooden buildings are also a great way to seamlessly fuse your interiors with the beauty of nature.

Since the dawn of time, man has been living close or even on trees. Many wooden homes have been built over thousands of years. Wood offers organic warmth, softness, and classic beauty. This is no less than the best construction material today and in the years to come.

Be Mother Earth’s Best Friend

Stylizing your home with wood furniture, walls or flooring makes it a haven of nature (more so when the materials were harvested from a sustainable society). Build a home for your loved ones that harnesses and highlights the beauty of wood. This can be the perfect home to grow old in or become a nest. Either way, you are utilizing the incomparable beauty of wood which no material will be able to equal.

Wood Properties

Wood is a construction or building material that comes with many useful properties. It is strong and is a natural thermal insulator. It is an effective storage for heat. It is also able to control humidity under the right setting.

You can be innovative with wood. You can even cover or create everything with it. So go ahead and use wood on your roof, walls, the flooring and just about everywhere else.

Lumber is often used in joists, columns and beams. The house is surely going to be much more durable if you use wood in these parts. If you used conventional wood, then there is also the added protection of it being fire-retardant.

Controlled Temperature

Because of wood’s property to insulate, your home will have a comfortable temperature. The thick walls, floor and roof will keep you and your loved ones warm especially during the coldest seasons. In essence, you won’t be feeling too cold or too hot so you’ll surely live in a home where the temperature’s just right.

An Awesome Aesthetic Appeal

The lumber market is a huge one and there is a great reason behind that. Wood is a classic material whether you use it to build your home or on furniture. Lumber looks great whether you bought it directly from the mill or if you pay the best home furnishing shops a visit. Our site, www.mccreerys.com features the loveliest wood pieces which you can proudly display in your home.

From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.

From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.

The Acoustics Are Phenomenal

The simple reason why most homeowners choose wood as a staple material in their home is that it is one of the best building materials on the planet. Its acoustics are great plus you get to contribute to the lengthening of Mother Earth’s days.

Cabinetmaking would not have been as phenomenal were it not for wood. Wood is a major furniture material and this shouldn’t come as a surprise since it offers so much more than a beautiful look.

Wood Is Holistic

In a world where holistic living is now an ongoing trend, there is no recourse but to join in. Your home could have an ambitious space or it could be homey but if you use wood in either, what you achieve is an aesthetic beauty coupled with durability.

Try living in a wooden home and bring in the rustic beauty of wood furniture sets. Your home could also come with wood insulation and wood finishes. Use treated wood so it is fortified against pests and the onslaught of the harshest elements.

Isn’t wood divine?

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Wood and Your Bathroom Floor: Why They Can Be Best Friends

Thursday, May 5th, 2016

 

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Monkeys Soap Dish 1253-470 is the perfect complement to a rustic flooring.

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Monkeys Soap Dish 1253-470 is the perfect complement to a rustic flooring.

One of the most overlooked bathroom remodeling steps is probably the flooring installation. Most people are used to the idea of standing on tiles while taking a bath that they didn’t think there were any other options available. If you were presented with a smorgasbord of choices, would you give wood a chance?

Sure, wood and water aren’t the best of friends especially when you are thinking of setting up a wooden floor shower. But this is one of the most elegant upgrades that you can make to your bathroom. Wooden slats offer a ski-lodge kind of vibe in your home. It could also evoke a sunny, deck-like feeling right inside your bathroom.

Using wood is a great material for the bathroom shower area remodeling project. It can effectively warm up the space. It also brings to mind Japanese baths that are so calming. Water trickles through the wooden slats to a shower pan. The wood floor will hide any unsightly drains, paving the way for the perfect minimalist setup.

If you intend to use dark, stained woods, then be ready to bring about a bold statement. Even modern spaces can use a little daring move through a usually restful place. If this move is too daring for you, then you can always rely on the usual rustic appeal offered by a lightly-stained wooden platform. This raised platform gives a modern home its much-needed contrast as it looks and feels rural.

You can also pair wood with tiles and wooden accents. Slatted flooring will fit right into any design scheme.

The Challenges

There will always be challenges in using wood inside a usually wet place. It could get slippery especially when there is constant water in the shower area. This is why it is best to resort to tropical woods such as ipe or teak. These are naturally water-resistant which is perfect for the shower room you envisioned. After installation, you can bring in some indoor plants to complete the Zen-like refuge that is your new bathroom.

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Sitting Dog Tissue Holder 1254-233 will make rustic bathroom flooring more exquisite.

Maitland-Smith Bathroom Sitting Dog Tissue Holder 1254-233 will make rustic bathroom flooring more exquisite.

Say Goodbye to Tiles

It’s time to break free from the notion that tiles are for bathrooms and bathroom should have tiles. While tiles can have the loveliest patterns and designs, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you should use them in your bathroom, too.

Begin prepping your bathroom by addressing any moisture problems. While certain kinds of wood are proven to be able to resist water, it is still best to fortify against water issues. You can install a fan to hasten the evaporation of water. You can also add a second barrier between the shower’s steam and what’s at the back of the ceiling. Seal the wooden surfaces using boiled linseed oil or urethane.

If you want to paint the wooden flooring, then be sure to prime your base coat with oil. Ascertain that backs and end grains are also coated so that the wood is thoroughly sealed.

Wooden Choices

Bare wood will eventually stain so coat it with urethane to keep the wood grain. Use different-colored wooden cabinets for added storage inside the bathroom.

Decks and docks do use woods and these are areas that are shifting from dry to wet. This just shows that proper care is what would make your wooden bathroom floor last.

One other option is the pallet floor made from cedar, pine or Douglas fir. These are all great materials for the standard shower. If an entire floor is a little too much to handle, then you can always begin with the much simpler wooden bathroom mat.

To use a wooden mat, begin by sealing and cleaning using household detergent. This will make the mat less slippery.

The use of wood inside the bathroom creates a mixture of materials that deliver depth and warmth – the very things that tiles won’t be able to effortlessly offer.

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Spring Furniture Shopping – Why Shop Now?

Tuesday, March 1st, 2016

 

Check out the best upholstered furniture during this season. Featured here is a loveseat from the Fine Upholstery Collection of FFDM.

Check out the best upholstered furniture during this season. Featured here is a loveseat from the Fine Upholstery Collection of FFDM.

 

Do you believe that spring furniture shopping is spurred by life experiences? For instance, don’t people buy or sell furniture during events such as weddings, births, deaths, moving, holidays, or even a child going to college?

The key to maximizing your spring furniture shopping is to properly anticipate your purchases. You need to understand why you are making the purchase or if you might just be reacting to a fashion impulse.

Spring Furniture: The Living Room

Living room furniture pieces are a staple of furniture shops. Loveseats and sofas are consistently there whether it is spring, winter, autumn or summer. Check out the leather and fabric on our sofas and you’ll find that we have one of the biggest collections.

The months of May and June often reflect a significant activity on chair and recliner purchase but you don’t have to wait for those months to update the look in your living room.

Spring Furniture: The Dining Room

While the holiday seasons (from October to early December) spur the latest dining room furniture promos and ads, keep in mind that spring is often the time when inventories are built. Here, furniture shops evaluate what stocks they have left and what need to be replenished.

This is the perfect time to buy arm chairs, china cabinets and servers. You may also want to look at some kitchen furniture in order to update the look of your home during this season.

The colors of Jonathan Louis' Bergman Bedroom Collection if perfect for your goal spring look.

The colors of Jonathan Louis’ Bergman Bedroom Collection are perfect for your goal spring look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Furniture: The Bedroom

This may be one of the last rooms that homeowners consider to update during spring but know that this is also an area that you should give priority to.

Why?

It may be generally unseen but this room is where you rest and rejuvenate each night. See if the beddings still give you your much needed comfort. Is the mattress still able to support your spine or do you feel back pain when you wake up in the morning?

The coils of a mattress come in various thicknesses. The more steel coils there are, the higher the quality of your mattress. Check out which mattress is most suitable to alleviate back pains in the morning.

Mattress box spring or foundation also adds a different level of support. Plain wooden frames could make mattresses feel harder so make sure you purchase the ones that do not show any cracks. Check also that the wooden frame is straight.

Spring Furniture: The Home Office

With the growth of home businesses and internet jobs, it is now common for people to stay at home and do their income-generating transactions there. Since they spend most of their time online, these homeowners also tend to shop on the Internet.

So why not do your home office shopping there as well?

Browse through our functional yet beautiful home office desks. There are also collections that feature desk and chair packages. See which ones would suit your spring theme the most.

If you’ve gone rustic for this season, then check out the wood home office furniture collections on this site.

Wood Furniture Shopping for Spring

Know what you prefer when shopping for wood furniture. Hardwoods are those that come from deciduous trees while softwoods come from coniferous trees. Find the pieces that are most scratch resistant so that they will be able to endure through all the other seasons. You can test this by drawing a thin line using just your fingernail. A visible dent means the furniture won’t stand up to too much use.

Check also the joint construction of your wood furniture. This is the chief determinant when it comes to quality furniture. If held by nails or staples, then consider it to be shoddily constructed. Glued parts are also a sign of weak construction.

Look for the mortise and tenon or the dovetail when looking for the sturdiest joints.

‘See any knots and cracks? Then say no to those furniture pieces.

You see, spring furniture shopping can be fun especially when you follow these hot guidelines.

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Spice Up Your Home with Moroccan Interior Design

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

 

Century Furniture Bedroom Turkish Peak Uph Headboard - King 88-006K

Century Furniture Bedroom Turkish Peak Uph Headboard – King 88-006K

Morocco has always been a place of luxury and romance. Located in Northern Africa, this is a country that is culturally diverse because its coastline lies on both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Moroccan interior design reflects this very diversity and rich history. It showcases arched doorways, beautiful ornate carvings and the brightest, flowing fabrics, it has easily become one of the most renowned styles throughout the world.

Moorish architecture can be seen all over the world but it is especially rich in the Arab regions in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The features of this kind of architecture include domes, arches, deco tiles, and courtyards.

Exotic Moroccan Interior Design

Moroccan interior design is both exotic and luxurious. Adding Moroccan architectural details and furniture to the rooms in your home will create a fabulous appeal. Add some Moroccan decor and you have achieved a style that is like none other.

Find jewel-tone fabrics that can hang loosely over the walls or on your plush sofa. Highlight the beauty and colors of these fabrics by using lamps and sconces. Check out our beautiful array of fabrics here at McCreery’s Home Furnishings.

Create interesting shadows with the help of wall sconces. Highlight also those handcrafted pieces of glass that you already own.

What’s unique about Moroccan interior design is that it includes decorative patterns and ethnic motifs, all coming from different cultures.

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Beautiful Friendship Moroccan Console 1426-942

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Beautiful Friendship Moroccan Console 1426-942

Moroccan architectural details include wooden arches and carved doorways. Look for Islamic designs, bright wall tiles, and colorful wall decor. These are the most recognizable elements of the Moroccan style.

Shop for mosaic tiles complete with hand-painted ornaments. These are the best adornment for your floor, walls and kitchen backsplash, even the countertops.

As to the wooden furniture for your bedroom, look for carved headboards. Tables should be intricate and large floor cushions should be used. Decorate with metal lamps, vases, wooden furniture and elaborately-designed tableware.

Add some serving trays, framed mirrors, and some chic decor.

When it comes to kitchen and bathroom fixtures, be sure to look for brass and copper stuff. Bring the most luxurious materials in. Stunning craftsmanship is the best for Moroccan living spaces. Both modern and antique decor can add a mysterious touch to your Moroccan interiors.

Speaking of luxury, you should have touches of gold or yellow with silver ornaments. Complete the look with purple shades, embroidered pillows, Moroccan textiles, geometric carpets, and canopies. All these can create a feeling of peace and harmony in your home.

Moroccan interior design is also about highlighting the beauty of courtyards.

No courtyard in your home? Then there’s no problem. This should not stop you from using Moroccan elements outdoors, though. Adorn the outdoor space with water features, some fragrant flowers, some pottery, hanging lanterns and a low bench.

Combining Moroccan Interior Design with Other Styles

There are some homes that already come with rich Moroccan details. If you happen to have such a home, then you can add some other simple designs to balance the intricacy of Moroccan style. Scandinavian interior design, in its simplicity, can be used together with this complex style.

Find the horseshoe arches characterized by the huge, round arch atop a straight and narrow doorway. These Moorish arches – also known as keyhole arches – can stand on their own; in fact, they can be a wonderful focal point in your home.

Add details through less permanent paint finishes. Begin by taping off your chosen design on a wall, canvas or bookshelf then pain over with your choice of color.

You can also go rustic by adding a traditional rug, colorful bedding, saddles and blankets. Focus on geometric designs and colorful palettes.
 

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Scandinavian Design: Simplicity and Function Epitomized

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).

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.

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.

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.

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Wooden Office Desk: The Star of Every Work Space

Wednesday, January 20th, 2016

 

Fine Furniture Design Home Office Trade Winds Writing Desk 1220-925 at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

Fine Furniture Design Home Office Trade Winds Writing Desk 1220-925 at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

The office desk is the central point of every work space. It is crucial, therefore, that you take the time to choose the right one. Don’t start looking at it as a daunting task, rather, an exciting phase that you need to go through.

There are many kinds of workspaces ranging from wide open, tiny to the hugely efficient. The perfect layout only becomes so if you find the right desk. Yet how do you get to choose the best?

The first thing that you need to remember is that the office desk is actually all about you. This is going to be your home base and private domain. While other office furniture must take into consideration other requirements, the office desk is one that has to meet yours. Prioritize your work habits as well as your preferences as you formulate the questions in choosing your work desk.

The office desk is both a computer work station and a place for paperwork. Make sure that it is able to carry computer equipment in such a way that cable clutter is reduced to a bare minimum. Some compartments will serve as storage for your computer components as well as important documents.

Take for instance the Fine Furniture Design Home Office Trade Winds Writing Desk (1220-925). This comes from the fine collection of Palm Island with a unique, softer finish called BALI. This is the perfect desk to invest in if you want your home office to stand out. Its finish offers a sun bleached look. Materials like hand-woven rattan pieces or woven padded twill will complement the BALI finish. Its hardware comprises custom metal and natural wood.

If you are going to use a desk for administrative purposes, then be sure to find a huge one that can accommodate shuffling and paper cataloguing. Storing or shelving documents and records will always be an issue in any office space so it pays to considering having an ancillary cabinet.

Do you also need to conduct meetings while you are seated in your work station? Then consider setting up a U-shaped or L-shaped layout. This will give you both a restrictive space where you can do administrative tasks, and an open space where you can hold conferences with others.

The discreet armoire can tone down a workplace ambiance.

 The Hooker Furniture Home Office Skyline Executive Desk is definitely for the big boss.

The Hooker Furniture Home Office Skyline Executive Desk is definitely for the big boss.

Desk Materials

Common materials used in crafting office desks are metal, plastics and, of course, wood.

Wooden materials come in different colors and grain patterns.

Desks made of solid wood are great for aesthetic purposes. These may be pricier at first but you get to use it for the rest of your life. When maintained well enough, hardwood desks could even become heirloom pieces.

Hooker Furniture Home Office Treviso Writing Desk 5374-10459 at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

Hooker Furniture Home Office Treviso Writing Desk 5374-10459 at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

Cleaning Wooden Desks

It is important to clean wood furniture if you want it to last.  Solid wood furniture cannot be cleaned with just any ordinary furniture polish. A lot of the most popular furniture polishes have silicone and wax ingredients.

It’s best to avoid these polishes. Wax can leave residue that has a tendency to build up overtime. This can eventually lead to an uneven or cloudy appearance. Silicone, on the other hand, leaves behind white deposits that tend to destroy rather than improve furniture finishes.

Clean wooden desks 6 to 12 times every year. A mixture of mild soap and water should do. Dust your wooden office desk every week using a dry cloth. Dust can also be abrasive so when left on wooden surfaces, it can dull the appearance of the furniture.

Acquiring a beautiful piece such as the Treviso writing desk on the right requires a lot of attention – maintenance wise and social status wise. This office desk was aptly named from a province north of Venice right on the Adriatic Sea. Treviso offers authenticity, one that ages beautifully through the years. Notice that dark macchiato finish of this rustic office desk. It will take you through the Italian Renaissance because of its lovely Old World antique look.

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The Vintage Charm: Creating a Nostalgic Mood

Monday, January 11th, 2016

 

All the wood furniture pieces on this articles come from FFDM's Vintage Classics Collection

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

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.

VINTAGE CHARM. ffdm Vintage Classics 3A 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 –

  • First, as you search for vintage furniture and decorative pieces, always think about the materials that were used in the past. Of course, it would be wrong to use plastic. Instead, there was much of wrought iron, wood, copper, leather, porcelain and galvanized metal.

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.

  • Premium is the way to go. Now what does this mean?

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.

  • The third rule is to make use of focal points. The basics are these – for your living room, it usually is your seating area. In the bedroom, the focal point will always be the bed (or the bedding), in the bathroom, it is a lovely vanity (or a combination of mirror and sink), and in the kitchen, it can be the kitchen island or a dining table.
  • Lastly, never clutter the room with minute decor items. Vintage design is all about frivolity and timelessness – keep that in mind.

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