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Tuesday, May 31st, 2016
Cynthia Rowley 1586-80113-BLK1 Flirt End Table: The pastel pink walls offer this black table and floral throws a wonderful backdrop.
Have you seen people selecting color swatches before? This sight could go both ways – it could be a lovely sight if the homeowner is having fun choosing the colors or it could be a depressing one for those who do not know what they are looking for. If you don’t want to become the latter, then read through these tips and find out how you should correctly test paint colors –
Paint the Wall
The first step is to just directly paint the wall. This guideline is applicable both for interior and exterior walls. The best way to get a sense of how the color would turn out in your home is to brush a portion of your inner or outer wall with the color that you have chosen.
Some experts say that choosing a board just won’t saturate in the same manner so it is best to paint it directly then find out how the color would really affect the overall look. Boards do not offer the same texture as walls and this could really affect the look eventually.
Should You Hire Painters…
If you have decided to delegate the painting project, see that you will be able to provide sample cans of your preferred colors. A lot of painting contractors prefer it that way. Paints that have been tinted (or mixed) means you will have to take the colors no matter what the result. Sample cans, on the contrary, cost only $3 to $8 so you can experiment with smaller cans at first rather than wasting gallons of tinted paint that you won’t use in the end.
FFDM Antebellum Collection: The burst of colors inside this room renders a lovely rustic yet homey appeal.
Two-Coat Painting
Two coats are the minimum amount of coverage that a wall typically needs. The first coat is often the primer while the second coat makes a huge difference in the way the paint color would register.
The primer is often used for richer or deeper paint colors. There is a small selection of such paint that can be made in connection with specific primers. Make sure that you also paint in large swaths (no less than 1 foot by 1 foot) so you would have a good sense of what the end-result would be.
Paint More Than One Wall
The paint colors that you are testing will register differently also depending on the amount of light that hits the walls. Paint a wall that does not get directly hit with sunlight and one that does. You will soon notice that darker rooms tend to make paint appear darker, too. In essence, the pink paint that you chose for your daughter’s bedroom may not necessarily work with the master bedroom or the bathroom.
Colorful landscaping may also affect the paint color on your walls. Light coming from the garden or front yard could stream through, giving your walls a much different color than you originally imagined. The green trees could cast a different glow in a room that is already painted orange.
Consider also what time of day you would be spending inside the rooms. You would, of course, want the colors to look great when you are inside the room.
Test with Light
This is the simplest way to test how a paint color would look in a room. Have the artificial lighting turned on once you test paint a wall. Make sure that your room’s lighting will complement the colors that you have chosen. Pick a bulb or lamp that will not just look good with the paint color but also be useful. For example, it would be pointless to have a lamp that makes the paint look amazing but won’t allow you to read inside that room.
This makes it necessary to have the lighting already in place when considering your paint colors. Different bulbs offer a different kind of glow at different times of the day and with different kinds of paint colors.
Tags: choosing paint, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, paint, paint color search, painting a home, painting advice, painting tips, testing paint
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, May 30th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley’s 1120CR Kit Club Chair will certainly pop out in a whitewashed or generally neutral setting.
As soon as you have decided the theme for your home, was able to pick the right colors, and have even set up a budget that you could afford, then this is the right moment to turn your attention to picking the furniture. Furniture shopping is essential whether you are going to attend college or are retiring with your loved one. As for the latter, it is probable that you already have a sizeable collection to boost. But should this be the case, are you willing to keep them or would you like an entirely new look for your home?
Assessment Phase
This is the first phase of furniture shopping where you need to take a careful look at the furniture that you have on hand. If you have a collection that is dated, then it’s time to let go. Do this only if the pieces don’t hold a sentimental value. But, hey, consider taking photographs of these furniture pieces instead of holding on to them or keeping them up in the attic or down the basement.
‘Still uncertain about keeping or letting go? Then consider hearing the expertise of an interior designer. Many are paid on an hourly basis so allow this expert to go through your possessions and find out which are really worth keeping and which ones you should say goodbye to.
The interior designer should be able to give you an unbiased opinion by looking through a professional perspective.
Planning Phase
As soon as you have accounted all your collections, the next step is to plan all the things that would go with your furniture.
Remember this – do not begin shopping for furniture till you have worked out the window treatments, rug, lighting, and accessories. While it is not crucial to pinpoint the exact pieces, you must – at the very least – have a sense of what would go inside the rooms.
If you can, do assemble a project or vision board with all the clippings that can help you identify the pieces that you would eventually look for. Don’t be caught in the same mistake that many other homeowners have done in the past wherein they bought furniture only to be stuck with that single piece when it came to decorating the room.
FFDM’s Campton Grove Collection: The colors used inside this room harmonize to achieve this lovely setup.
Pay Us a Visit
So now, how do you know what pieces you should invest in till you get a sense of what is available? This is the moment to do a little furniture hunting.
Visit our shop or our website and look through our furniture collections. Find out which the current styles are and whether they tickle your fancy. Peruse and compare, take your time. Should you need our help, we have experts that would readily and willingly assist you if you have any questions.
Do not be afraid to broaden your horizons. If you grew up in a traditional home, maybe it’s time to look for other themes – maybe contemporary or industrial? You just gotta have to see what is out there because there are so many items to choose from.
Buy Large or Small?
Some interior designers advocate that you should buy the huge pieces of furniture first; yet whether you buy these first or last, keep in mind that it is always best to keep your furnishings unfussy. Have the fabrics come at a neutral color if you have a colorful set of walls and throws. Do otherwise if your walls come in pastel or any other neutral hues.
Buy for Comfort
Comfort is of utmost importance. Don’t be a cheapskate when it comes to this aspect of interior design. This means that you must be willing to invest in a sofa that is most comfortable. Remember that upholstered furniture pieces are a huge investment so make sure that the materials used will last through your lifestyle and through the years.
Tags: furniture buying tips, furniture shopping, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for furniture, tips in choosing quality furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Sunday, May 29th, 2016
FFDM’s Highlands Collection features these lovely hardwood set for your dining room. ‘Spills on wood? Be sure to wipe them off right away as water is wood’s leading enemy.
Modern party etiquette is a tricky thing to remember for both the guests and the host. There are many do’s and don’ts to keep in mind from the way you position the spoons, forks and knives; to the way the invites are sent out. Do you think you can survive a posh party?
Invitations and Responses
If you are inviting people over for some party, be sure that the invites are written courteously. Whether you are using paper or digital invitations, you must make sure that you are always courteous.
Specify the level of formality that will be practiced during the party. You also need to include the information on the place, time and duration of the said party. As much as you can, include a GPS-friendly address.
If you are a guest, you should know how to RSVP. Do this as soon as you can. Should your plans change in the future, you should let the host know why you won’t be able to attend. It is improper to just not show up when the host is actually expecting you.
Even when you have a casual invitation, make it a point to confirm your attendance or to decline it.
Never Arrive Early
While you are encouraged to arrive on time, it is not a good practice to arrive hours early. You can arrive 15 minutes early but no more than that. The hosts who feel frantic because of the preparations would surely appreciate it if you don’t arrive during the last minute cooking and cleaning up.
Bring Gifts
While you are encouraged to bring gifts or any token of your appreciation for being invited, make sure that your present won’t require more work from your host. The best party presents include scented candles, a nice-smelling soap, tea towels, and a bottle of wine.
Even better than bringing wine or any other kind of present, you can ask your host if he or she would need some extra hand.
Offer More Choices
As a host, you should give alternatives to alcohol. Remember that not everyone likes to drink alcohol so even if you are the best in bartending, you must offer non-alcoholic choices as there are people who prefer soda or juice.
What could better house your cutlery sets than the 1586-75907-GRY1 Soiree Sideboard?
Create Seat Assignments
It is not a big deal to create a seating assignment in smaller gatherings. Be sure to double your efforts when creating seating assignments for a larger gathering. Do not split up couples but do sit the quieter people next to the more talkative ones.
Never Use Your Phone
Casual parties may be more forgiving when it comes to using your phone. It is an unspoken rule, though, that you shouldn’t even peek at your cell phone during any kind of party. So whether you are attending a formal or informal gathering, make sure that you keep the ringer off.
And during dinner? Oh, don’t even think about it!
The Necessary Bowl
Remember that no one would want to wonder where they could put the shrimp tail or olive pit. This is an awkward thing to wonder about during formal (or even informal) gatherings. So spare your guests this awkward scenario.
Provide a bowl especially for this purpose.
Clean Up the Bathroom
Your bathroom is going to be one busy room during the party so make sure that it is well-stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels. Have some scented candles on the ready, too. And, oh, while you’re at it, have a new plunger placed in there, too.
The cleanup shouldn’t just happen inside the bathroom, though. Prepare to wipe off spills on the table runner or on the table cloth itself. If you’re the guest and you’ve spilt something that won’t come off anymore, then be prepared to replace or pay for the damage.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Celeste Display Cabinet will give your guests something awesome to look at.
Tags: dining guidelines, dining rules, etiquette for parties, hosting a party, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, party etiquette, party hosting, tips
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Saturday, May 28th, 2016
1586-90016A-GLD1 Bewitch Mirrored Octagonal Nightstand
As you moved into your new home, isn’t it your first desire to create your personal stamp on the new space? But if you are buying a pre-loved home, then the finishes, paint colors and fixtures have all been chosen according to the previous owner’s preference.
Here are some guidelines that you can follow to personalize your home –
A Painted Front Door
One good way to make your home look and feel like you is to paint it. This has far less obligation than when you have to repaint your entire home.
When you’re out to choose the paint color, consider if you would also like to update the hardware such as the locks. Of course, if you are buying a house with existing locks, it is always a great idea to change them.
Personalize with Photos
It’s time to get some of your favorite pictures up on your walls. This is a great and effective way to feel at home right away. So never put off this project. Hang those beautiful family pictures or those travel photos that you have long kept.
Swap for a New Kitchen Faucet
One of the most used things inside a home is the faucet. See if you could swap the old kitchen faucet for a newer, sleeker one. This may seem like a menial task but it is something that can have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen (or bathroom).
Just make sure that you coordinate with every existing hardware; or you would be left with an unbalanced room design.
Paint the Walls
It can be a daunting task to pick colors that you will use for the entire house. Don’t go through this difficult phase, save yourself some trouble and just paint a wall or two.
Painting the walls will make you be able to determine the theme or palette that you will use for your entire home.
Accessories Uttermost Greenway Hand Painted Art 31315: Artworks are a great way to personalize any space.
Bring In Mother Nature
One of the best and most effortless ways to personalize your home is to bring in fresh flowers or potted plants. A room will definitely look a lot friendlier with a touch of nature in a vase or a pot.
Wallpaper ‘Em
If you are in for a bigger project, then you can buy a set of wallpapers. This is also a time-tested way of altering the look inside your home. Put your personal stamp by wallpapering. Use bold patterns if you dare to do so. Neutrals and simpler patterns are for the simpler people.
Clean Up
Use great-smelling products to make your home more appealing. Have a familiar scent, one that you would soon associate with your home.
It also pays to keep clutter from becoming a huge mound. Buy cabinets and drawers where you can store stuff that you don’t use at the moment.
Make it a point to designate a place for your keys and other small items. Have a row of hooks lined up for the special purpose of holding your keys.
Stairs and Window Treatments
The stairs needn’t be boring parts of your home. Paint it white then add shades to the treads. Install a runner if you have a carpeted staircase. Place a runner that is in the color that you most love. A fluffy carpet is great especially for areas with less foot traffic.
You can also upgrade the window treatments. You can go for tailored textured bamboo, Roman blinds, or the basic roller shades. Create a layered look using curtains. Find a window treatment that describes you best. Choose the same fabric for your curtains or draperies so you’ll have a more consistent look on the outside.
Tags: customization, customized home, customizing interior design, decluttering, decluttering tips, design customization, home paint, home painting, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nature, nature in interior design, nature-inspired design, nature-inspired home, paint, personalized design, personalized style, personalizing your home, tips, wall paint, wall painting
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Saturday, May 28th, 2016
1586-90266-GLD1 Antoinette King Gilded Upholstered Bed
Who wouldn’t want a restful slumber, right? Just imagine a clutter-free bedroom complete with lavender scent and airy sheets – and you’ve just imagined a heavenly bedroom. There are other things that you need to remember so take out your pen and paper and prepare to write these down –
Find a Nightstand Complete with Storage
A small cabinet or a set of drawers right below the nightstand can keep the bedroom clutter-free. It won’t just store knickknacks, it will also keep them out of your sight. Use this same nightstand to keep a journal, pens, books, a lip balm, reading glasses, and other vital stuff.
Nightstand Stuff
You also need to know what things you should keep on (and in) your nightstand. Here are some of the bedtime stuff that you need to keep close –
Comfort Is Number One
More often than not, people fuss too much about the overall look of their bedroom. What they forget in the process is that they should be more concerned about comfort.
So what makes sleep more restful?
When picking your bedding, make sure that it is soft to the touch. Imagine thick, cotton sheets plus cashmere throws – they’re a sublime combination. Always look for sheets that have breathable fibers.
Synthetics won’t allow the skin to breathe. This does not mean that the higher thread count automatically means having higher quality. Let your fingers do their job – so go ahead and feel the bed sheets. If you have time, read reviews about these sheets. These will give you an idea about the kind of sheet that you are going to invest in.
Linen is a great fabric to use during the summer. It will also last for a very long time if you take good care of it. Crisp sheets are best embodied by cotton percale. This is a classic kind of fabric that is smooth to the touch and will also perform well even in warm weather. Cotton sateen is also smooth and soft to the touch though it is not the best warm weather sheet to use.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Transcend King Platform Bed: See how this bedroom is free from clutter?
Acquire Some Bedtime Rituals
Here are some rituals that work for many people. Doing these before going to bed will surely give you the reward that you want – a restful sleep –
To Carpet or Not?
Having plush carpet underfoot can make a room more relaxing. This is especially wonderful to feel when you wake up and get out of bed in the morning. Quality carpeting can muffle sounds that can deter a restful mood.
No TV
Rethink whether you would bring in the television inside the bedroom. Blue light is constantly emitted by TV and it can make sleep a lot more difficult to achieve. Keep devices out of the bedroom. Instead of watching TV, commit to reading a good book (the traditional paperback not an eBook) before going to bed.
A Clutter-Free Room
Make good use of bins, baskets and wall hooks. Keep your jewelry, laundry, spare linens, and accessories stacked or stored out of sight. French market baskets are a great stash item for knickknacks.
If you can, make the bedroom a no-shoe zone.
Tags: comfy home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, relaxing bedroom, restful bedroom, tips
Posted in Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Friday, May 27th, 2016
1120CR Kit Club Chair by Cynthia Rowley
If you want some time away from the minimalist perspective being offered by modern living, then you will find refuge in maximalism. This is the grand antidote to clean lines and the simplicity of neutral color palettes and streamlined furnishings. Maximalist dwelling places are daring and dramatic yet still welcoming. Your eyes will never be bored as there is a visual feast in every room.
One Rule: There Is No Rule
Maximalism is all about conveying your personality through your home. It can be fun, romantic, rustic, even dramatic. Say goodbye to design rules as they are not that important in this kind of style. In fact, the only rule that you need to remember is to say throw any rules outside of the window.
Maximalism means playing with design elements in your own terms. Play with colors, patterns, scale and textures. Do not be contented with little embellishments, go to the hilt and decorate to the brim.
You can always evolve as there will always be room for improvement inside a maximalist home.
Leave Very Little Space
The maximalist is always a busy person. Her home comes in visual layers that build up in phases or stages. You could begin with some anchor pieces in neutral hues. Begin with chairs, sofa, a table, dresser, and blinds. These are the anchors upon which all the other interior design pieces will hold on to.
Keep in mind that a maximalist must be sociable, too. This means that you should have lots and lots of seats. Surround these seats with elements of blue, green, red and gold. These will look great when used all together on wallpaper.
FFDM’s Antebellum Collection features bulky furniture pieces that will fit right into a maximalist home.
Experiment with Colors
The maximalist is never bound by anything so go ahead and experiment on the different hues that you can use inside your home. You’re not bound by the pastels required of a preppy home or the black and red fusion of Gothic design.
Don’t be afraid to use dark or bold shades. Walls painted with dark colors and furniture pieces in equally hot hues will spell drama at every level. Again, there is no need to be bound by tone, harmony or contrast.
Find out what sort of mood board you can work with. Blend different colors and discover what results excite you the most.
A Lot of Mixing
Bohemian and eclectic are two of the closest words that you can use to describe maximalism. You don’t have to stick to one era or style. Mix to the max! There, that’s your rule.
Do the patterns clash? Who cares? Patterns everywhere will make a maximalist home crazier.
What about textures? The secret is to build the layers. Bring in wool, sheepskin, velvet and silk. Of course, you mustn’t forget the walls. Wall texture can be added if you hang a rug or embossed wallpaper.
Maxed Lighting
Maximalism can also be reflected in the type of lighting that you use. Go for clusters of light instead of the usual, single pendant lighting.
Lighting can add a different level of visual interest in a home so play and tweak the lights that you will use. Bring in the floor lamps, colorful chandeliers, and table lamps. Look for pop pieces that are the exact opposite of classic beauty and elegance.
Up to the Ceiling
A maximalist won’t stop designing her home the moment the rooms are filled with furnishings and colors. Look up and you would find out that there is still so much to do.
Get wallpaper to cover your ceiling or find the paint that suits your taste. Patterned wallpaper, for instance, will look great with light walls but they are also sure to stand out with dark paint.
Make your choice now, maximalist.
Tags: bohemian, bohemian interiors, Boho, Boho charm, eclectic, eclectic design, eclectic interior design, eclectic interiors, eclecticism, maximalism, maximalist, maximalist home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »
Friday, May 27th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-90116-SLV2 Lets Sleep In Nightstand
Of course you do know what you love and don’t love, don’t you? This is important to establish when you are out to create the design for your home. Before you begin looking for the formal names of the interior design themes, you have to know that you don’t have to be bound by just one theme.
So what do you need to do to find out your sure style?
Your Preferences
As soon as you have researched ample information, you need to find out what your long-term preferences are. Do you look forward to visiting your parents during the holidays because you like the feel of wood under your feet? Perhaps it is the musky scent of wood that also brings you home each time.
What about when you were a kid? What did you prefer back then? Are your preferences still the same?
What materials colors and stuff do you really love?
Evoke a Mood
Consider also the kind of mood that you would want to stage in your home. Say you would want to evoke a romantic mood inside the bedroom, then you can work backward from there. Imagine what kind of furnishings, textures, colors, and accessories you would bring in, in order to recreate your chosen mood.
What you just need to answer is this – what kind of feeling would I want to feel the moment I enter this room? Find three words that would describe the feelings inside that room and – that’s it.
Take Pictures of Sentimental Objects
Whether you are just toying with the idea of changing your room’s decor or are creating something from scratch, you need to know what objects you put your heart into. Go around your home and snap photos of the objects that are sentimental to you. As you look at the pile of photos that you took, you soon will realize that they all have something in common.
What word would you use to illustrate the objects that you took photos of?
If there is nothing in your home that inspires you to even take a snapshot, then go out. Do some window shopping if you have to, visit an old friend’s home, or eat in a new restaurant. Bring your camera with you so you will always be ready to take some photos once you feel inspired.
When Price Is Not a Concern
Next, you can also make a list of the things that you would want to buy should price not be an issue. This exercise will help you realize what you can actually do when you think outside of the box. Even when you end up not being able to buy any of the things that you listed, at least you get a clearer picture in your mind of what you would want to acquire for your home.
Once again, you also need to describe the items that you placed in your dream list. Do they come from one designer? Do they share a common hue?
Cynthia Rowley: 7070-002CR Rivington 3 over 3 Sofa 1586-80112-WH3 Flip Square Cocktail Table with Reversible Top
Move About
Another source of inspiration is the great outdoors. Do you love gardening? Look at your own garden and find inspiration there. In the absence of a personal garden, you can just take a stroll around the neighborhood and seek out those enviable front yards instead.
Open Your Cabinet
Another way to determine your preferred interior design theme is to look inside your wardrobe. What colors, textures and patterns do you naturally gravitate to? What style do you love to wear?
Modern? Or is it gothic?
Name your top three favorite fashion designers and you should know what style you may embrace.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, picking an interior design, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, May 26th, 2016
Artistica Dining Room Axiom Wood Back Side Chair 560-021
While baroque may have a certain characteristic that is entirely its own, it has different versions to offer from Europe to Latin America. While they have a slightly different look for every country, there is a reason why only a single term is used to describe them. All come from a common aesthetic beginning.
Baroque, in Spain, originally referred to an oddly-shaped pearl. In Italy, this term is used to describe a sophistic argument with little dialectic worth. It soon became known in every European language and most used it to define anything unusual, extravagant, irregular, even absurd.
A Little Baroque History
During the second half of the 19th century, Heinrich Wolfflin together with his followers brought a whole new meaning to the term baroque. This Swiss critic used the term to define more specific features such as movements (e.g. a curving on the wall or a water feature showing different water patterns).
Baroque could also be used to represent infinity. So this could be used to define the whole horizon or a trick of mirrors which can alter optical perspectives.
In Renaissance architecture, baroque is the right term to use when describing churches and palaces. These could be royal palaces, cathedrals, parish churches, monastic buildings, country mansions, etc.
The Baroque Building
A structure can be given form in various ways. It can be a piece of sculpture in the middle of a building. It can also be a mere box which is given definition by regular-shaped walls. As a skeletal framework, it is what architects see as a mass that needs to be worked on.
Churches during the Baroque period were always built with vaulted ceilings, hence, the term cathedral ceilings.
Manipulation of Light
The light that focuses a certain point in a physical structure may vary but the effect that it renders will always be the same. So imagine using the same kind of lighting on a brick wall and a smooth, granite one. Baroque architects used this fact to give emphasis to texture and proportion. The difference now lies on the level of appreciation that the spectator shows for each rendition.
Accessories Uttermost Beatriz Baroque Mirror 07673
A Touch of French
The greatest look that the French were able to contribute when it comes to the baroque style could not be found in architecture. You will appreciate French baroque if you take a careful look at beautiful landscape gardening. Baroque gardens have always been Italian in nature with small parks, flower beds and plants. It wasn’t until Andre Le Notre, a landscape architect that a new perspective for garden landscape was born. The French garden often stood at the center of the palace with gravel-filled carriage areas, gates, and the drive all around it. The French-inspired baroque style was the inspiration for The Netherlands and Belgium architecture.
Urban Baroque
Grand staircases are reminiscent of the aristocratic buildings during the 17th century. Having these in your home would be a good way to let people know that you mean to use the baroque style.
Baroque, more often than not, is a kind of art illusion. There are scenery paintings and other false perspectives, sculptures abound, ornaments everywhere.
For a more modern baroque style, try to use a lot of white. The elegance of marble is most welcome, as are opulent moldings, curvaceous lines, jewel tones, and gilded finishes.
You can also mix eras to create a result that is surprisingly baroque. An example is installing metallic wallpaper, and mixing it with a painting of a raven on the wall, a glass chandelier, and a modular credenza.
To cap the baroque design, make sure that you create a focal point that is sure to catch everyone’s attention. A well-placed chandelier or a wooden sculpture will do the trick.
Tags: baroque, Baroque design, baroque furniture history, baroque style, French design, French design elements, French furnishings, French furniture, French interior design, French interiors, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Thursday, May 26th, 2016
The Living Room Uttermost Parris Pillow Soft Ottoman 23203 combined checks and stripes in an straightforward way.
When you hear the word preppy, what comes to your mind? Preppy design may pertain to social gatherings, ethics, country clubs, the genteel approach, even family traditions. Some people think of snobbery when describing the preppy style but it is not this at all. This is more of a confident style that is optimistic and has a look of its own.
Preppy style works because it is classic and comfortable. These two words are definitions that you do not contend with when it comes to interior design. Meticulous eyes and hands cooperate to produce anything that’s remotely preppy. It evokes a refined taste and a level of aspiration that is uncommon. Now who wouldn’t want such a kind of dwelling?
Say Yes to Layered Patterns
Being preppy means you have to be collected all of the time. This means that even the design elements that you use have to be well thought of in order to produce an aesthetic appeal that is hard to equal.
Plaid will forever be preppy as are stripes, gingham checks, herringbone and hound’s-tooth. Pay close attention to palette and scale when mixing these patterns. A lot of large-scale patterns will only drown each other. A bunch of the small-scale ones will only render the mixture scattered.
Don’t think of color coordination as this is no concern for preppies. While you don’t need to match colors all the time, you must remember to stay within the same hue family.
Traditional Is In
Since preppy is always classic, it would be safe to use hues that are strong and traditional. The perfect and oft-used color scheme is pink and green. Lately, the combination of red and navy has also taken the interior design world by surprise. As have the fusions of mellow gold, pine green and leathery browns.
There is no need to go overboard and flood the room with your chosen preppy colors. You can balance the usual pink and green combo with a douse of white.
Flexsteel Living Room Power High-Leg Recliner 5936-503M
Preppy Furniture Pieces
When it comes to preppy furnishings, it is safest to go with time-honored bits and pieces. Always include club chairs, Oriental rugs, leather sofas, and the like when choosing furniture for your peppy home. The most beautiful hardwood pieces are the perfect pieces to use.
If old school pieces don’t beckon to you, then find newer pieces that still retain the preppy look.
When it comes to beds and bath linens, monograms keep popping up. They are also evident in many throw pillows and barware. It’s up to you to make these monograms discreet (or not so discreet). You can give monograms a fresh look by adding fun colors. Monogramming objects like chair backs would also be interesting.
Nautical Touches
Boating and preppy life will always go hand-in-hand. You will never be questioned if you use nautical maps, prints and stripes to liven up your room. Don’t overdo it, though, as you could end up with a garish-looking space.
Always remember that preppy is never vulgar so keep it within the allotted boundaries.
Keep the accents graphic yet simple. For instance, you can display framed maritime flags in a grid. This will offer a visual punch that will be further highlighted if you use rope knots, oars and a model sailboat.
Say no to fussiness, though. You should limit your trims to just a single space. Use a dainty lamp, for instance, to balance the sleek accents that you used. Make sure everything is within the same color family so that you will achieve a streamlined look.
Blue and White China
Fill your dining room with ginger jars, pitchers and plates in blue and white. These are the mainstays of preppy style. These look timeless which is why they can easily blend with any kind of palette or furnishing.
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
Cynthia Rowley: 1586-90010-BLK1 Twin Peak Six-Drawer Chest on Chest is sleek and uncomplicated.
When looking at the American gothic style nowadays, you might not picture how it actually came about. Its beginnings were quite humble, with artist Grant Wood taking a stroll around Eldon in Iowa. He was then just looking for inspiration when he came upon the gothic style farmhouse called the Dibble House. Being an Iowan, himself, Wood sketched this dwelling place at the back of a simple envelope. Wood’s biographer later added that the artist was struck at the thought of adding a pretentious (we’re using the biographer’s word here, not ours) gothic window on an otherwise flimsy wooden house (again, the biographer’s words). This painting resulted into what’s known today as American Gothic.
Grant Wood’s American Gothic
Using Nan Wood – Graham (Wood’s sister) and Byron McKeeby (their family dentist) as models, Wood started painting the house along with this willing pair. The Art Institute of Chicago recognized him by giving him a prize for the said painting. The masterpiece was even purchased by the Institute and hung it for everyone’s appreciation.
While Wood wanted to depict a positive image for the Americans, his painting was seen by a different pair of eyes among his critics. To them, it was a satire on the life spent in a farm. It took many years before the painting became a symbol for strength and steadfastness.
The Hancock and Moore Living Room Norvell Ancient Thunder Horse Painting Chair 4797-AT has an unpretentious farm appeal to it which is perfect for your American Gothic home.
What Is American Gothic?
This style is evident in many early American imagery and symbols. Just think of pitchforks, red-colored barns, aprons, gothic windows, blue, black and denim and you’re thinking American Gothic.
This style often works because it centers on farm life. Do you ever wonder why most children’s books feature farms and farm animals? It’s because farm life is uncomplicated and it shows a life that is easy or laidback. If you take a closer look at the industrial spirit brought about by farm structures of the past, then you would also realize that American gothic has an almost modern feel to it.
You will surely love American Gothic style if you prefer the unfussy sort of design. If the elaborate workings on furniture and architecture do not please you or if you consider apron to be an everyday wear, then you are embracing the Puritan way of life and would definitely feel comfortable in an American Gothic home.
Do not mistake American Gothic for Victorian gothic. The latter offers dark walls almost depicting haunted houses. Victorian Gothic also shows ornate architecture and the most gorgeous furniture. So, here are characteristics often associated with Victorian gothic that you must not link with American Gothic –
Drama
Victorian Gothic will always be dramatic and elegant. Say no to making dramatic statements whether in your choice of furniture, lighting fixture, or decorative details.
Wallpapers are also items that are associated with the Victorian gothic style. So keep your walls simple and nod not to patterned wallpapers, more so those that have a velvety texture. Use simple wall paint rather than the bold colors used in many Victorian homes.
Thick, Rich Textures
Draperies are both decorative and functional. The heavier, layered types of draperies are glamorous and elegant enough for a Victorian Gothic home. Should you choose the less opulent American Gothic style, be sure to go for simple draperies minus the tassels and fringes.
Opulence
Ornate furniture pieces are regal pieces of artwork. They are for homes that are rich and often dramatic. So, since you are embracing the American Gothic look, just look for straightforward designs. If you’re uncertain as to whether you can use black or not, well, you can. Just make sure that the black furniture you invest in has simple lines and a pretty uncomplicated design.
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