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Saturday, February 27th, 2016
If you ever thought of townhouses as mere glorified apartments, well, think again. They are no longer just houses that were put right next to each other. As it turned out, many are wrong about their notion of townhouses. They are not apartments, neither are they houses or condos.
Not all townhouses are condominiums and vice versa. Condos can be townhouse style, apartment style, even a small house style. The townhouse is not automatically a condo, though.
The Townhouse Difference
The crucial difference between a townhouse and a condominium is the patch of land where the former is situated at. Condo owners only have the space inside the building to own, nothing more.
The townhouse can be boring if you allow it to become just what it is – an unflattering piece of property. Just like any home, even when you do own a mansion, it is up to your artistic side to prove that there is so much more to your property than just a piece of land.
Know that your townhouse’s eventual style is a reflection of your taste. If you like modern, sleek, clean, with spare aesthetic, then add that to your townhouse. Putting texture in any home can also add some drama.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Windward Dart Honey Loveseat 1125-52014 is perfect in a cozy townhouse setup.
The Townhouse Living Areas
Are you an avid fan of travelling? Then go ahead and display all of your collection, from your numerous travels, inside your living room. Find a glass cabinet that will hold all those that you collect dearly.
Putting artwork right inside your townhouse living room will add a fresh contrast to the plain box look that townhouses evoke. Add continuity to the limited space by installing mirrors. Just make sure that you find the ones that suit your chosen theme.
Consider all the factors that will make your house a home. Most of the time, it is simply repeating a certain shade from the stuff that you love. You can use the shade of pink from your favorite Teddy Bear and have it don the plain walls. Do this and see the place transform!
If pastels and everything sweet is not your cup of tea because you are a formal transitionalist, then find out how you can coordinate modern flair with the rest of the textures and patterns inside your home. Lay out the pillows but be sure to plan everything so that what you would see is a collection of pillows that suit the room.
Do you have exposed timber or metal beams in your home? Then use them to your advantage. These were placed there to act as a support structure, however, they can also be used for aesthetic purposes.
Have a lovely sofa that can serve as the star of your living room.
A second seating unit can be used in your lounge. This is a spot that normally has a fireplace where friends and family could gather. Use subdued colors if there is a fireplace in the room. Bright colors may take the spotlight from the fireplace since this can also be the focal piece in a townhouse living room.
A townhouse dining area is often just a nook. Use a hanging candelabra to illuminate the spot and be sure to tie the rest of the elements with the design of your lighting fixture.
The kitchen area can be given a homey aesthetic by having a lacquered cabinetry and a simple backsplash. Storage is a necessary part of every townhouse. Add more storage shelves and cabinets where you can put all of your pots, pans, and cooking utensils.
Storage is just as important inside the townhouse bathroom. Have an interesting vanity inside this room if there is extra space.
The home office is also often a nook. This is usually just a corner inside the bedroom, an area where books and office stuff are stored. A lovely desk and chair should complete the townhouse home office that you have set up.
Tags: designing small spaces, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, townhouse
Posted in Interior Design 101, Townhouse Living | No Comments »
Friday, February 26th, 2016
Canadel came up with this Kitchen Island ISL4272-PQ which is perfect for the rustic kitchen work triangle setup.
If you are thinking of a kitchen remodel, then you have probably heard of the kitchen work triangle. Most designers hail this to be the best layout for a kitchen but not a lot of homeowners would want to venture to this kind of project.
As soon as you take it on, you would find out that it is a relatively easy idea. It also allows you to save your time and energy. In layman’s terms, kitchen work triangle is the fusion of three work areas in every kitchen – the range or stove, the sink, and the refrigerator. There are concrete guidelines to help you set up this work triangle but, of course, your preference can always bend the rules.
Now, here’s a little historical background. The kitchen work triangle concept came into existence in the 40’s. This was during a time when the kitchens were small and appliances were quite huge. The kitchens then were perceived as a place where cooking is done – nothing else.
Each of the three areas represents these –
Chefs who love working in the kitchen know that there are several steps to food preparation, cooking and serving. Kitchen work triangle marks the distinct spaces also called the work centers. This is an ergonomic design that will reduce the total distance and effort that chefs put into running the kitchen.
The Kitchen Work Triangle – Is It Now Irrelevant?
You may hear critics saying that this kitchen concept is no longer relevant. To understand what they mean, you must first know how this concept came to be in the first place. It was the University of Illinois School of Architecture that devised the concept as a part of their design study. This was conceptualized in the post-war 1940’s.
The world was pretty different then. Only men were considered breadwinners and women were pictured as the picture perfect wives who still looked prim and proper even after a day’s worth of household chores. But those days are long gone. Mommies no longer stay at home all the time; they don’t bake all the time; and they do not prepare packed lunches anymore.
Nowadays, food can be processed in restaurants and the quicker alternative is fastfood. But if this kind of food preparation drives you nuts, and if you are the type who still wants to eat food politely in your own dining room, then you can always bring back the kitchen work triangle concept.
The Universal Furniture Dining Room Chelsea Kitchen Table 316751 is perfect for the improved kitchen work triangle. Today, diners are welcome inside the kitchen, a place used to be left only to cooks. Families can also share hot, scrumptious meals, in simplistic style.
Going Beyond the Kitchen Work Triangle
The kitchen work triangle still has a huge role to play in today’s kitchen. Here are the glaring benefits of this concept –
Tags: high traffic kitchen, kitchen work triangle, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, working kitchen
Posted in Interior Design 101, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Friday, February 26th, 2016
The Orient Express Furniture Dining Room Cape Dining Arm Chair – Rustic Gray.Gray 6807
Contrary to the common belief that wicker is a material used in creating baskets or furniture, it is actually just the general term used to describe a group of either natural or man-made substances that can be woven. Materials such as rattan, reed, willow, cane resins, grass, splints or vinyl all fall under the category of wicker.
Wicker can also be used as the term for the process of weaving. The materials mentioned above are processed to create beautiful furniture. Wickerwork is an age-old technique used to create furniture using natural materials. Chosen materials are first subjected to water before the weaving process begins.
Apart from natural materials like rattan, wicker can also come from synthetic materials like resin and vinyl. This may be the perfect solution to your furniture needs, find out why –
Wicker Is Lightweight
Wicker furniture pieces are lightweight so they are easy to carry or transport. Its unique weave makes this typical furnishing for any size and shape of homeowner.
Wicker Is Durable
Wicker furnishings are also known to be durable especially the pieces that use woven rattan. Wicker made from reed and bamboo also has strong qualities. Those that come with aluminum frames are also remarkably sturdy as are those made with resin.
The fusion of glass and wicker in this piece makes Artistica Dining Room Elise 48 Dining Table 812-100 a must-have furniture.
Wicker Is Timeless
If you want furniture style that transcends time, then you won’t go wrong with wicker. Wicker comes in various colors namely black, white, brown, olive green, tan ,and other shades. You also have the choice to add colorful cushions to make the wicker chairs more stylish.
Wicker: The Basic Materials
Cane is a material that comes from the peeled off rattan bark. Strips or skin of this bark are uniformly cut then woven to manufacture the seats as well as the backs of chairs. Cane is also being used on the legs of tables and chairs.
Use a damp towel to clean wicker made from cane. Just make sure that the material does not absorb excessive moisture as this could render the chair or table brittle.
Rattan is one of the most common materials used in manufacturing wicker furniture. Rattan comes from the Calamus, a type of palm. This can grow to as much as 36 inches every day, therefore, it is abundant and highly renewable.
The rattan’s dense interior is cut into different sizes of reeds which are used for wickerwork. Apart from being durable and strong, rattan furniture can resist the harshest climates. This makes rattan wicker suitable as patio furniture.
Reed is the dense rattan interior that can be processed to different sizes and shapes. Reeds can be flat, round or in wedge shape.
Bamboo is a member of the grass family more than being a tree. It features an outer bark that is quite similar to the toughness offered by rattan. Bamboo is less weather resistant, though.
Wicker made from this material makes it an indoor furniture piece. So if you are looking for ways to add the rustic beauty of wicker to your living room, bedroom or the dining room, then you could consider this material.
Willow is another natural material that can be woven to create the loveliest furniture pieces. European countries and the U.S. are going gaga over this material coming from willow shrubs and trees. This is usually blonde colored and has small knots where the offshoots used to be located before they were removed.
Synthetic wicker is a recent discovery. It is made from man-made materials like vinyl or resin.
Wicker Processes
Weaving processes are either natural or synthetic. Wicker is, of course, ideally crafted by hand. It often takes 1-4 days to finish a piece. The tighter the weave, the longer it takes for the craftsman to finish the project.
Apart from the weaving process, there is still a series of processes that wicker furniture should undergo. Two or more of these processes are necessary to manufacture sturdy wicker furniture –
Tags: bamboo furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, rattan, rattan furniture, timeless, timeless design, wicker, wicker furniture, wicker furniture pieces
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Thursday, February 25th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Corsica Dark Queen Panel Bed 5280-90250.
The French Mediterranean style came from the countries situated at the north of the Mediterranean Sea. These countries include Greece, Spain and Italy. This is a style that is referred to today as Spanish modern.
Mediterranean furniture pieces range from the mere functional to the most formal. Most of these pieces are short and have ornate legs and feet. The wood used is often heavy and burnished. The walls of Mediterranean homes are often textured, with the bullnose edge being a common design on fireplace mantels.
Mediterranean Colors
The hues of these regions echo the beauty of the sky and the sea. Depending on the region, though, the hue could be lavender, a cool yellow, or the warmer terracotta.
Stucco finishes and tiled roofs dominate Mediterranean style houses. Spanish histories display a lot of these as do other states with warm climates.
Influences come from Italy, Portugal., and mainly Spain. Other countries from the Mediterranean regions also have some design contributions.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Corsica Dark Round Dining Table with 1-18in Leaf 5280-75203
Mediterranean Architecture
Architecture under this style that is found in North America was quite popular from 1918 till 1940. The designs echoed the beautiful haciendas of New World Spain. Features included arches, red tile roofs, and plaster made to look like plastered adobe. Various homes in Florida and California were built in this style.
Pretty soon, developments from other European nations were already found in Mediterranean houses. Influences came as far as the Balkans and France. Cypress, Turkey and Lebanon provided the Asian inspiration together with North African nations like Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
These days, a lot of the ornate homes that fuse the different countries’ elements are categorized as Mediterranean or Neo-Mediterranean. Other features include courtyards, terraces, porticos, stucco finishes, and balconies.
During the 1920 till the 1930s, many Hollywood movies featured Mediterranean settings. Celebrity magazines also plastered stars living in Tudor, Spanish colonial or castle-like dwelling places. These years saw the peak of construction of Mediterranean houses.
Home building was dampened by the Great Depression, though. Following the Second World War, the focus was turned to stucco tract housing. In the 1960s, though, Mediterranean homes had a marvelous comeback. The rest of the United States, mostly those from the South, embraced the Mediterranean look.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Corsica Metal Floor Mirror 5480-90009
Famous Mediterranean Homes
Some of the homes that are immediately thought of when the word Mediterranean is mentioned are the Frances Marion and Fred Thomson house; the Smith-Heberton house; and the house of Fred C. Aiken.
These homes had one or more of the key features of a Mediterranean house. The red tile roof which was copied from the Mexican and Spanish missions were made of bricks and clay pots. The half tubes were able to shed water effectively.
The stucco walls are next which protected the exterior walls from extreme temperatures which are common in Mediterranean climate. Arches are also features that go back all the way to the Roman times. These self-supporting structures are also found in beautiful Mediterranean homes. Just imagine the architectural magic of these arches and you are sure to marvel. Every stone depends on the keystone at the top of the arch, with side columns having their weight distributed on the sides then downward.
Tiles are also common, especially the mosaic tile designs. Bring this same beauty into your own floor or your kitchen backsplash. Simulate the look of a lovely mosaic tile with a stenciled mosaic border on the walls, floors or on your furniture. Wall textures can be layers of glaze and paint or sand-textured.
Mediterranean accessories include filigree light fixtures, burnished bronze urns, and wrought-iron fireplaces. Heavy wooden doors complete with ornate carvings welcome the visitors of every Mediterranean-inspired home.
Tags: French design, French Mediterranean, Greek design, Italian design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Mediterranean interior design, Mediterranean interiors, Mediterranean style, natural stone, Spanish, stone, wood, wood elements
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Thursday, February 25th, 2016
The Wesley Allen Bedroom Dawson Complete Bed CB1053 features the ornate designs that were distinct features of Art Noveau.
Art Noveau became fashionable around 1890 till the First World War. This style was a reaction to the 19thcentury designs showing so much of history, especially Neo-Classicism. Art Noveau pushed the idea of design and art being crucial parts of everyday living.
Artists, from then on, did not overlook the simplicity in everyday objects. To them, aesthetics were added to make the functional more visually pleasing. New Art is Art Noveau and it was applied in all forms of art including architecture, applied art, fine arts, and decorative art.
Art Noveau was partially rooted to the Industrial Revolution, also the Arts and Crafts Movement. It also shows Japonism influence especially the Ukiyo-e prints brought about by great minds like Hokusai and Hiroshige.
Celtic designs were also common.
After the 1900 Exposition Universelle held in Paris, France Art Noveau spread across the European continent, even to Australia and the U.S. The Italian name for it in Italy is Stile Liberty, in Austria it is known as Sezessionstil, and in America it is called Tiffany style.
Art Noveau as Style not Philosophy
Art Noveau is perceived as a style more than being a philosophy. This is a style that wanted to break free from the bonds of historicism. It sought to bring about a fresh analysis of natural forms, functions, and aesthetics. Some see it as useless patterns but once you see the art with your artistic eyes, you are bound to see a marvellous sequence that was never before noticed.
Art Noveau represents many different moods and looks. We can be reminded of the gentle breeze, of the harshness of the stormy waters, you can even just see ornate vegetation. Everything is organic, though, as this style focuses on making sense out of life’s order.
Accessories Uttermost Santena Round Metal Mirror 08133 will look perfect inside an Art Noveau-inspired home.
Art Noveau: Characteristics
If you are trying to look for a single definition for this style, then you will be looking in vain. There isn’t a single definition for it. It has, however, several distinguishing factors.
Art Noveau is all about the application of art into everyday living. No stuff is too functional or beautified.
Art Noveau also thinned the line between the principles of fine arts, decorative art and applied arts. This style is a beautiful reaction to the concise mathematical representations of the Neo-Classical era.
Art Noveau also presented a fresh graphic design language. It has gone far from the classical models that were embraced by art academies in the past. There are various stylistic interpretations for Art Noveau. There are artists that prefer low-cost materials while others give value to high craftsmanship.
Art Noveau features flat yet decorative patterns that can be employed in many forms of art. Typical elements include tendril, leaves, the curvaceous shape of a woman, and other organic forms.
When it comes to architecture, architect Antoni Gaudi from Spain exaggerated the bulbous forms. Hector Guimard, on the other hand, gave the world his stylistic Parisian Metro entrances.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Malawi 2 Light Kitchen Island Light 21248 can bring the beauty of Art Noveau to your kitchen.
Art Noveau in Interior Design
This style has two distinct looks that you need to keep in mind – the linear look propagated by artists like Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the beautiful, elongated lines. Other features include vertical lines to highlight height and the whiplash line.
Flowers, peacock feathers, spider webs, thistles, and locusts were found on wallpaper, accents and many furniture pieces. Iridescent glass, exotic woods, semi precious jewels and silver were also the distinct materials that represented Art Noveau.
Art Noveau furniture is renowned for the high-backed chairs and the glossy black lacquer finish. Conservative options included curvy shapes, floral fabrics and upholstered items. Glassworks also came in opaque matter and precise etchings. Silver and pewter also dominated much of the ornaments.
Period colors for Art Noveau are always elegant yet subtle. Say yes to sage, brown, olive, mustard, gold, shades of purple, salmon, peacock blue, and robin’s egg blue.
Tags: art, European interior design, European interiors, European style, French design, French interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Neo-Classical, Spanish, Spanish design elements
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 24th, 2016
FFDM Antebellum Collection
Owning a Victorian home is not everyone’s privilege. To others, this is just a dream; to you, however, it may not be as dreamy especially when you discover that as ancient as the design are the roofing, wirings and windows. ‘Thinking of remodelling your Victorian home?
Most of the time, remodelling projects is not simple. Revamping an old home can be time consuming. Before you jump into modernizing your beautiful historical home, you may want to speak to some of the preservation societies first.
Owning a Victorian dwelling is intriguing and a lifelong journey for some. Such a home is full of character and works of craftsmen that – even when it’s already old – it can still catch home buyers’ attention.
Victorian Characteristics
Victorian homes were built somewhere between 1837 till 1901. This was the era when Queen Victoria still ruled. There are some people, however, who have also typified Victorian architecture to be Edwardian as well. This is what takes the period all the way to 1910.
Figure 1FFDM’s Vintage Classics
Edwardian and Victorian housing dominate the British suburbs today, for instance, the City Centre Conservation Areas and the Peterborough’s Park. Edwardian homes are seen to be less in value when compared to Victorian though most of their features tend to be similar.
FFDM Vintage Classics Collection
The traits that separate Victorian homes from the rest are –
Terraces. As more and more country people went to the urban areas, Victorian homes were then built in terraces where the kitchen is at the back while the garden is both at the front and rear. There are no garages since Victorian homes were built during those times when there were still no cars. These days, the gardens are often removed in favor of the parking slot.
Patterned bricks. The advent of the railway brought about easier transport for bricks and other such materials. It is because of this that patterned brick became quite popular. The Flemish Brick bond is often used in many Victorian houses. This is characterized by alternating headers or bricks whose ends appear on the face of the house’s wall. Stretchers, on the other hand, are the long sides of bricks appearing on the face of the wall.
Barge boards. These are the decorative wooden panels that are found on the gable ends of buildings. This is that triangular portion of the pitched roof. Look for these sections because they point directly to the Victorian period when such decorative panels were popular.
Bay and sash window. It was in 1832 when the plate glass arrived. This resulted into larger windows with six or four panes and a vertical sliding sash window, a single glazing bar right down the middle.
It was also fashionable to have a three-sided bay window. A ground floor bay window usually had a roof of its own.
Decorated roof line. Slate roofs are quite common among Victorian houses. Thanks to the wonders of the railway, the trains were able to haul slate and deliver at longer distances. Finials are often seen on the ridge and gable ends. Roofs also have ridge tiles that are made of terracotta. Whether it is glazed fired clay or unglazed, the color used is often red.
Stained glass. One of the most exciting design materials is stained glass. It originated from the Gothic revival and was popular during the Victorian period. Mosaic stained glass even replaced painting in many homes. These are often found on top of windows or on doors.
Floor tiles. Most Victorian homes come with geometric terracotta tiles especially on the porch areas. The ground floor is also often made with these materials. These tiles come in natural colors such as brown and red, dark blue, off-white and black.
A fireplace. What is a Victorian home without this? This is used to keep the house warm and is often surrounded by marble, stone or wood. Terracotta chimney pots are also quite common.
Tags: British, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classicism, Edwardian, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Victorian, Victorian fashion, Victorian furnishings, Victorian home, Victorian interior design, Victorian interiors, Victorian style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 24th, 2016
From FFDM’s Palm Island Collection
The color pink, when mentioned, conjures images of sweet candies or a baby girl’s room. But there are a lot of pink shades to begin with, each one setting different moods. Fuchsia, for instance, energizes anyone who sees it. The softer shades of pink are more restrained, more like a blush, which gives a soothing feeling.
Those people who find safety in the color white should try pink. If they go a step further and try it with gray, then what they have already achieved is a flattering hue, something that always makes people feel good.
Peony, a more intense shade of pink can be used in a space where there isn’t much foot traffic. Deep pink paired with raspberry undertones will look great inside a dining area.
Pink can be paired with many other colors including black, chocolate brown, mint green, silver, metallic gold, even white. Pairing it with a masculine hue such as navy blue will ground the pink shade.
Dusty pinks when mixed with any neutral color can instantly add glamour inside a bedroom. It can also be sophisticated as it is paired with beige or brown. Such color combination will look wonderful in a dining area with raffia walls.
Salmon pink or deep rose is the perfect color to use if you want your pink shade to become a little more dramatic. Pink is sweet and romantic. It is the ultimate girly shade.
Pink works best on small homes where the color can be appreciated without being overwhelming. Pink is also a great choice for the exterior of cute or storybook type homes.
Creating Moods with Pink
Use light posy pink with just a hint of gray. This fusion will spell both innocence and sophistication – two things that are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
If you want to have a feeling of spring indoors, then mix pink with fresh green shades. This will make any room appear more inviting.
Adding energy inside a home office is now easy by painting the walls with vibrant pink. Begonia pink can also bring in higher level of excitement. This is best used in the usually unexciting long hallway.
Pink, a touch of lilac and taupe would be the perfect combination if you want to add sophistication in your home.
More Pink Combinations
Pink offers a huge array of delicious colors. They can be warm or cool depending on your preference and how deep or light the shade is.
Don’t think that the color pink is just for little girls, though. This can be the go-to color that can make accents pop and one that can give you the most beautiful styles.
Pink is now used in abundance on many interior design projects. You can now find pink fabrics, wallpapers, rugs, and artworks. Pink is fresh and it adds pizzazz without any effort.
Block painting one wall can give you an interesting focal wall. Choose from the many shades of pink. Find out also which you prefer, the high gloss finish or the flat type. Adding pink to the former will give you a breathtaking result.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Loop 9′ x 13′ Rug 1929RS09001300525
Pining for More Pink
Black and pink is your designer pair. This is stark and highly dramatic, it is also intelligent as well as crisp. This combination works pretty well when mixed with gray tones or sharp white.
Pink and dark buff is a powerful pair that will balance each other. The latter will tone down the tempers of pink. This is a combination that is more often used in classic or traditional settings. This is especially beautiful when there is an abundance of natural light.
Still Unsure of Pink?
If you still don’t know how to control pink, then just use it as a surprise element in one of your rooms. If you love inviting people over, then use hot pink in your dining room. An extra jolt of pink can liven up any dull space. Mix it with metallic silver or gold and it instantly spells luxury.
Don’t be afraid to use pink anymore. This is the best punctuation that you can use in your space so you should embrace it rather than be fearful of it.
Tags: feminine, feminine design, feminine interiors, feminine style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, pin in interior design, pink, pink color psychology, pink design, pink interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
A man’s home office will turn out elegantly with this furniture set from FFDM’s Viniterra Collection
As much as men want to be around women, there are moments when they have to retreat to their own hideaway. Setting up the ultimate bachelor pad is easy with the right elements in place. While you would want to fill up all the available space with gaming consoles, foosball game, and the biggest flatscreen TV; it may not be wise to cram all these stuff to your dwelling.
Bachelor Pad Essentials
Any bachelor pad is need of a lot of space – not the kind of space that you ask your spouse or girlfriend but – the type that offers ample square footage. Whether you would want to have a section for your jersey collection or a special spot for an extra television, enough space is what you need.
Again, do not pack the room with non-essentials. Your dream crib might be filled with gadgets and hordes of TV but this simply won’t work in real life. Now get your feet to the ground and looking at what would really work.
A man needs ample space when he moves about, right? So, have enough space left even when you have brought in the recliner and the 70” TV. That extra fridge, pool table or gaming area should be accessible (‘course it’s pointless to stuff the room with these things if you cannot even access them).
What would be a bachelor pad without your personal items? Adding that personal touch will make the bachelor pad truly your property. This can be a signed baseball, framed photographs of your travels, or your prized gaming console right by the corner; whatever you decide to bring in, just make sure that every little bit represents you.
Bring in all the fun stuff. No bachelor pad is complete without entertainment stuff such as the ping pong table, foosball, DVD player complete with the latest DVDs, and pool tables. Be sure to add some recliners if you are looking forward to inviting more guests over. This should complete everyone’s movie theatre experience.
The bachelor pad is not just a place for rest but also a place to entertain people – do not forget that.
Don’t think too much about what other people would tell you or what they would think about your design preference. This is your domain – your mi casa – so do with it as you deem fit.
Before you default to blue or black – yeah , you’re a man so these are the only colors to choose from, right?
1What could be more colorful than the American flag? Featuring the Uttermost Accessories American Flag Metal Wall Art 13480.
Wrong!
Any uninteresting color should not find its way to your new bachelor pad. Dwelling places such as yours is a hub of entertainment, where guests can enjoy when they come over. Have colorful walls. The color does not automatically mean that you should paint the walls with bright colors. You can actually use colors on accents, even the sports memorabilia that you have collected over the years. Whether you prefer soccer, baseball or basketball; stylizing your home is all up to you. Add some more manly stuff such as newspapers, helmets, and posters to complete the look.
Another way to elevate the colors in your bachelor pad is to find the right textures to balance them. Wooden walls, ceiling and floor could make any bachelor pad more welcoming. There is no need to cover such lovely walls, in fact, they don’t need much sprucing up.
If you have any other wall material, then you can recycle some wooden pallets and use them to cover the walls and make them more exciting. Stain the pallets and use them on only one wall and you have just set up an interesting accent wall – one that you would need to artistically explain to your friends and loved ones.
Design your bachelor pad however you like. If you enjoy hunting, then the taxidermist if your best friend. If you are an artist at heart, then paintings and other artworks should be the main attraction. ‘Love to travel? Framed maps and black and white photographs should complete the look of your home.
Tags: bachelor pad, bachelor's bedroom, bachelor's space, man cave, man's crib, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
Huntington House Living Room Sectional 7164-SECT
Sectional sofas have a different kind of appeal as compared to other seating pieces. While it is unique, this may not always be the right seat for your place, though. Sectionals that can be separated spell versatility for your home. Reinventing the look in any place is now as easy as navigating the different parts to different corners and sections of a room.
Sectional Terminology
Do not be intimidated if you haven’t bought a sectional in the past. Avoid mistakes by getting acquainted with the common terms used.
RAF or right arm facing means when you are facing the sectional, the arm is situated on your right. LAF, on the other hand, puts the arm on your left.
It is crucial to get the proper-facing arm since you will be joining two or even more pieces. The arm’s placement will define if the sectionals will create a balance.
Sectionals are often made of two or more parts or sections. As soon as you become familiar with the different terms and even the options, you will be ready to decide on what kind of sectional will work for you.
7564-17, -231, -38 Lennox Sectional in Fabric 916-11; Pillows in 875-60, 720-90
Using the Sectional
Always leave the biggest section of the seat facing the room’s focal point. This can be that flatscreen TV, a window showing the picturesque view outside, or it can be a fireplace. A sectional that comes with two straight sections can be used as two separate seats, facing each other, to promote a more conversation-inducing atmosphere. These two pieces should be at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular) to the focal point of the room. Place an ottoman or a coffee table in between.
For sections that come with an arm on one side, be sure to place a table against the armless side. This will help you achieve visual balance.
As soon as you have taken care of the main sections, you will be left with the corner section or the chaise lounge. Either of these two can be a stand-alone seating. Add throw pillows to make the seat more comfortable.
Place the chaise or corner seat on an oblique position from the straight section of your sofa. Angle this seat toward the middle part of the room where the other section of the sofa is situated, and where the focal point and coffee table are also placed.
With two straight sections face-to-face, use the chaise or corner at the open end in order to set up a U-shaped seating layout.
To unify separated sectionals, use a large area rug to anchor the area and to refrain from having the individual sections appear isolated. Be sure to measure the room properly should the sectional feature an extendable footrest or a reclining back. It would be a pity to have these added features only to remain unused.
Place the sectional parts away from the wall to unify the room and to make it seem more intimate. Consider all the people who would be sitting on your new sectional once it is placed inside the living room. Though this is furniture that offers space-saving features, it can become a drag when there isn’t a proper arm that goes with it. If you have an armless sectional, then you can also invest in a short chaise or a loveseat.
Comfort is the primary consideration that you must remember when buying a new sectional. This is especially applicable when you want to use the sectional to watch TV. A television set that sits right across a room’s corner would benefit from a properly-placed sectional. The sectional, in this case, will seat everyone comfortably as they watch shows or DVDs.
If the space in your living room or bedroom only offers room for a single seat right in the middle, then the sectional may not be the right seating option for you.
Tags: buying a new couch, buying a sofa, couch, couch buying, large furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sectional, sectional couch, sectional sofa, shopping for a couch, sofa designs, tips
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom Marquesa 6.0 California King Bed 536-175C
Picture this – a pair of Buddha greets you when you come home from work. Known as the welcoming Buddha, statues such as these are being collected all over the world. Build around these decorative elements by mixing and matching different Asian vibes throughout the rest of your urban home.
We may live in the West but it is common to find both Chinese and Japanese decor in many homes. As opposed to overstuffed rooms, Asian interiors showcase clean lines and a simplified look. Asian interior design has been around for many centuries but the increased use of this style in many Western homes may be attributed to western people travelling to the east. This global influence in design brings about a different level of visual impression upon the beholder.
Asian Interior Design Is All About Balance
Traditional Asian interiors focus on the philosophy of balance. Elements of nature are effectively balanced with deep, rich tones, all working in harmony to give you that positive flow and a feeling of calm.
While there are many Asian nations which have their own distinct design elements, there are general features that can be categorized as Asian. The shiny beauty of black and red lacquer is obviously Asian. This is achieved through layering of paints till a glossy finish is seen.
Bamboo furniture is also quite popular whether it is the real wood or another type that is carved to look like the real stuff. The Chinese are also known for their love for silk and flowers so go ahead and use floral patterns such as cherry blossoms in your decorative elements.
Add more decorative accessories like hand-painted silk screen or a lacquered jewelry box.
You wouldn’t want to go wrong with the Asian interior design. Without the needed balance, it can look forced and would not highlight an ethnic look.
Begin your Asian design by investing in a few pieces of furniture, garden accents, wall decor, and other accessories. Owning two or three items can already elevate the Eastern vibe inside your home. Remember that you need to be restrained as you design your home with Asian elements. Asian decor is easily recognizable so there is no need to overdo it. Your goal is not to set up an Asian museum right inside your home but a place where the Asian elements are woven carefully to the rest of the existing decor.
Alter the overall ambiance by hanging a simple Chinese scroll on the wall. Add some bold red pillows on your sofa, set up an Oriental rug, and connect the rest of the patterns and texture to your concocted design.
If you have a modern minimalist home, then you can resort to the Japanese interior design instead of the usual Chinese look.
Artistica Living Room Bento Round Woven Cocktail 528-240 can increase the tribal feel in any room.
Asian Interior Design Means Zen
There are many words to describe the Japanese version of an Asian interior. The words peaceful, calm and serene all come to mind. Common characteristics in Japanese interior design include –
Asymmetry. Asymmetry and balance can never be separated. Achieve this element in your home by installing a vessel sink, pendant light and mirrors. Add an interesting flower arrangement to complete the look.
Nature-inspired. Expect to find flower arrangements, art scrolls made with wicker, falling water, and decorative pebbles. Blond wood planks are also quite common.
Clean Lines. Modern Asian bath features streamlining, block cabinets, and a generally uncluttered appearance. The circle is also a common motif as it represents the flag of Japan. Enso, meaning circle in Japanese is associated with enlightenment and Zen.
Since clean lines are encouraged, minimum furnishings is required. It’s right for a single light to illuminate the bathroom, for instance. Simplicity is key to setting up Asian interior design using the Japanese theme.
What is Asian interior design without a little art? This photo features the Accessories Uttermost Asian Flowers Framed Art Set2 41513
Tags: Asian interior design, Asian interiors, Chinese interior design, ethnic interior design, ethnic interiors, ethnic style, Japanese interior design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, traditional, traditional interior design, traditional interiors, traditional style, traditional theme, Zen, Zen design, Zen habitat, Zen interiors, Zen style, Zen-inspired home
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