Friday, April 28th, 2017
There are many types of seats in the world and to get the most out of each one, you have to know when to buy which design. Okay, so you’re on the hunt for the perfect sofa. Yet there are moments when the sofa is no longer the right piece to own. If you want to watch some TV or to enjoy a lovely view outdoors, then you have to pick a chaise over the regular sofa.
Keep the View
If you have floor to ceiling windows but a sofa set is currently blocking them and the views outside, then you are not maximizing this part of your home. Use two chaises instead so that the lovely view is preserved. This will also keep you from being problematic about where to place the sofa.
A pair of chaises will not take away the beauty of the scenery. You also get to recline as you enjoy the sights outdoors.
Compact Seat, More Space
Even the largest sofa, sometimes, will not be able to provide ample space for a couple of adults. So, while the sofa is also a good seating choice, you could choose the chaise over it if you’re not huge on hosting parties and other activities anyway.
Chaises do not take up much space but they can seat ample people.
Foot Traffic
Narrow rooms would do better to have a chaise rather than a sofa or a sectional. A pair, in fact, will be a lot better to use if you want to have ample room to stretch out. Just leave space for navigation in these tight quarters.
A Filler
When you have a small living room, then you probably already said no to the sofa. Before you get tempted with a pair of club chairs, take you chance instead on a chaise. Just imagine the duo of club chairs – they are still far bigger than the regular chaise. And with bigger pieces come bigger space eaten up.
So, the chaise is your best bet.
A Conversation Piece
A chaise that has no obvious front or back parts (the double-ended type) can be positioned in any part of your home. The side-by-side conversations that sofas bring about can be awkward. The chaise is the right solution more than the separate chairs.
A Guest Room
Putting two big chaises is a low maintenance option for the guest room. This setup takes very little space while it can provide utmost comfort to your guest. You don’t have to do anything prior to the guest’s arrival. The only thing that you need to worry about is to fluff the pillows on the said chaises.
This is a wonderful option for rooms that are not frequented by guests.
Media Room Furnishing
The media room is a zone of comfort. This is an area where family members could spend hours upon hours of fun time. With all the shelving units, the flatscreen TV, the gaming consoles, and other music equipment in the room, adding bulkier chairs might not be the right choice.
Add two chaises instead so that each occupant will be able to stretch while doing their fun activity. Complete the furnishing by adding a small table. This means you can already forego the coffee table.
The Perfect Fireside Piece
The settee or single loveseat could be placed parallel to the fireplace but this is such an awkward piece to access. A pair of armchairs, on the other hand, will not be able to offer an extended length. The chaise is the perfect option as this is the warming retreat that you and your family could fall back into.
Tags: chaise, chaise lounge, chaises, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Chaise vs. the Sofa – Why Pick the Former?
Thursday, April 27th, 2017
Just like when you’re looking at fashion, the style that you choose for your home also says a lot about who you are. Of course, we don’t want to any conclusion just yet or quickly judge a book by its cover but it is not difficult to see who a person really is just looking at a room in his or her home.
Most houses describe their homeowners because they want the houses to say something about them. If you want your home to be traditional, comfortable and homey, then anything classic should be your choice.
You are leaning towards a contemporary style, on the other hand, if you love anything that’s linear and non-complex.
So, let’s define who you are by just one part of your home – the living room.
Your Living Room and You
Anyone who would walk into your living room should be able to know you a bit. The living room shouldn’t be merely a pretty room. There are various elements that comprise the experience within this room. These all have effects on how you feel or even how you relate to your surroundings.
Scientifically speaking, there are five ways that humans experience an environment. First, through your sense of touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell. Another way is through time. The third way is through memory, imagination or reasoning.
The fourth type is through emotions whether pleasant and unpleasant. Lastly, experiences become unique because of anticipation or expectations.
The living room should be filled with balanced colors, patterns, lighting and the best spatial arrangement that you can come up with. Candles and flowers can also make an appealing difference. Add texture to further please the senses. If you want your visitors to feel comfortable in your living room, then you should also feel that way when you are in that area.
It is also crucial to decide whether you will go for contemporary or traditional elements. If the environment you create is filled with classic pieces, then you may have a lot of stories to tell. Having a lot of wicker, rattan, bamboo or willow pieces may say that you love things that are natural. You could also be an advocate of environmentalism.
Another consideration for your living room is the amount of space that you can work on. Be sure to create a sense of fluidity from this area to other rooms of your home. Every space is created differently but when you’re considering space, think of movement patterns, even the distance of furniture pieces from each other.
If you want people to feel energized when they are in your living room then you should be ready to embrace warmer colors. These warm hues are great for people who use their living room as an activity or recreation center.
For those who want to use the living room as a more relaxing zone, then you need to pick cooler colors. Color psychology says a lot about the feelings or emotions that humans feel toward a particular color. The warmer ones such as red evokes increased activity while the cooler hues tend to relax the senses.
Having an organized living room could mean that you want things to be where they should be. This means that there are ample storage units to hold more stuff. The paintings, framed photographs and other works of art should be placed in a symmetrical or asymmetrical form.
All in all, it is crucial that you consider these elements for your living room’s total package. These will help you describe the room for a more enhanced experience. And with more people understanding who you really are, what a wonderful feeling everyone would feel as they step into your living room.
Tags: color psychology, living room design elements, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | Comments Off on Your Living Room Says a Lot About You
Thursday, April 27th, 2017
Know that bigger is not always better. For the longest time now, the construction industry has included the master bedroom in the creation of contemporary homes. But do you know the average size of a bedroom before you can consider it as a master bedroom?
The average size for a master bedroom is about 200 to 250 square feet. With today’s market, though, you can have a 350 square foot master bedroom built.
Here are some tips on how you can make the master bedroom, well, a lot more like a master bedroom –
Go Big
If you want to have a room for dressing up, then it is more suitable that you also have a big master bedroom built. A large bedroom can easily accommodate the huge dresser, full-length mirror, bed, and a bench.
If, however, you want to add more floor space but you no longer cannot, then you can maximize the space in the bedroom. Have a sleeping loft built and easily accessed by a staircase or a ladder. This is a plan that depends heavily on how high or low the ceiling is so consider your options before you even begin with this project.
A better benefit is the one that you place under the loft. This space can be turned into a home office, a den, guest room or any room that you have been dreaming of.
More space means more ideas that you can work on. You can also create a private getaway for your other housemates or kids. This can also be a rec room for everyone where adults can do crafts and kids can play.
If you crave for more space to do your activities such as yoga, then you can also set up a quiet space where you can meditate. This space can also be a storage place for your yoga and exercise gears.
The possibilities are actually endless.
Go Smaller
This is the case if you want a sleeping nook rather than a huge master bedroom. If you are the type who only uses the bedroom as a place to sleep, then you can do with a sleeping nook. The space should be enough to fit a bed and one nightstand.
A good way to open up a small master bedroom is to have a glass door installed. This is pretty much like expanding the bedroom since you are able to see the outdoors.
French and sliding glass doors can easily lead you from the bedroom going to the garden or a lofty deck.
Instead of thinking of adding more space, try to look at the blueprint of your layout. A professional can help you come up with solutions for creating space minus construction.
The Serene Master Bedroom
You have to realize the fact that the master bedroom can be a complex project to make. The biggest feature that you have to worry about is the bed. Since this is the focal point of the room, then you have to carefully pick it. You also have to consider how you will place this furniture piece for optimized comfort.
The traditional way to create more space in any bedroom is to place the headboard against one wall. This wall has to be the one that is opposite the bedroom door. Make sure also that the side of the bed will not create a visual distraction especially on the area where you are supposed to walk in. Don’t resort to diagonal placement, too, since this can take up more space than necessary.
You also need to set your priorities. Are you a wide reader? Do you like watching TV before you go to bed? Or do you love looking at the scenic view outside once you wake up in the morning? Whatever you prefer, make your decision around this preference.
Tags: master bedroom, master bedroom elements, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Bedroom Design, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Master Bedroom: A Different Perspective
Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
A marina is a dock or area where boats, yachts and sea supplies are commonly found. Unlike the port, though, it will not be able to accommodate large-scale seafaring vessels. The marina is a smaller basin that only holds a number of yachts.
What’s great about living by the sea is that you get to do a lot of recreational activities. Not all people are blessed with homes by the seashore so you can just recreate the refreshing look by adding the right elements.
So, your goal is to set up a place that looks great to sunbathe in and practically enjoy life.
Marina and Nautical Fashion
The nautical look is extremely hot during summer seasons. And with spring having unfolded, you have but a limited moment to prepare for a change in atmosphere.
Nautical fashion is a classic style especially in clothing. The design gets its inspiration from the sea and everything else around it. So, yes, in the fashion industry, denims, boat prints, anchors and tea dresses are a huge hit.
But how can you translate all these into interior design?
Salivating for the Marina Theme
With the warmer season approaching soon, a lot of homeowners are thinking how they can update the look of their habitat. Think of balmy breeze, sands, sun and boats.
Keep in mind that the shoreline is a pretty simple place. All you have to bear in mind are the deep blues and the colors of stones, sunny yellow, orange hues, even bright pinks.
White and navy stripes are a classic pattern for the marina look. You can use this pattern on the slip covers, walls, throw pillows, curtains, and area rugs. Pick just one of these, though, so you do not end up creating chaos.
For a bolder take on this style, use two contrasting colors like bright red or yellow.
If there is another thing that’s screaming marina, it would have to be seashells. These are a wonderful addition to the marina theme. Pick different kinds of shells then arrange them in a glass bowl or a vase. This is an organic piece that you can also dye or paint. If you don’t want them to look juvenile, then stick with the sun-bleached shells out there.
Ornate anchors, boats and sea life paintings can also be added. These will give your home an instant character. Again, be sure to use these in moderation. Pick just one or two pieces to work on. You can also set up additional storage. Consider having distressed chests or wicker baskets.
The metals don’t have to end with the boats and anchors. You can also mix brass with wood and any element that’s deep blue-colored. Frame these with a sea of white to complete the look.
Unexpected textures are also a great way to experiment with this theme. Use grass cloth right next to a white door. Add some black and white geometric flooring for a more vintage look. For more on vintage look, you can also add rope-framed mirrors. These can be hung in practically any room in your home.
If you want to take marine life a tad further, then you can use boat lights and have them recessed for a more marina appeal. If you have a pool, then have some underwater light installed.
Now, if you’re growing tired of the red, blue and white hues, then you can also go with sea foam green, or try the hottest colors of 2017 such as turquoise or emerald green.
Lastly, go easy with the nautical throw pillows. These are meant to be mixed with non-nautical patterns such as tribal, batik, plaid, ikat or geometric.
Tags: marina, marina style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nautical, nautical design, nautical style
Posted in 2017 Trends, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Marina Home: Nautical This Spring, Why Not?
Tuesday, April 25th, 2017
Have you noticed how pink has dominated the doll shops lately? Pink is splashed in just about every element that is used inside girls’ bedrooms, nurseries, playrooms, etc. There are homes that do not prefer bubblegum pink or fuchsia for that matter. So, if you’re one of these homes, then here are ways to pick other concepts –
No to Pink Walls
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners do when choosing a color palette for their daughter’s bedroom is to pick the wall color first. How about doing this the other way around this time?
Picking the wall color last means you won’t have to struggle with all the other design components. This means you will no longer feel constrained. You can still use a bit of pink with the other hues. Just make sure that the dominant colors are more interesting like yellow, orange, black, even stripes.
Since you have no wall color to pressure you into choosing design elements, then you can pick any style of bedding, rug, or draperies. You can also select the best comforter for your kid.
It also pays to involve your kid during the selection of the bedroom wall color. Tell your child that there’s a lot more than pink so she’s free to choose.
Find Another Color Inspiration
Always find a common ground for sisters who are sharing a bedroom. And make sure that there are no pressures from you or other adult relatives.
What’s hot in fashion today are stripes, florals, turquoise, emerald green, butterflies, mixed patterns, even faux finishes.
Femininity in Patterns, Textures and Shapes
Pink has always been associated with being feminine but this can still be conveyed with delicate patterns and curves. A curvy bed headboard complete with geometric upholstery can achieve this concept for you.
Rounded chair backs with slender legs also spell femininity. Circles can also be used to play a lead role in your chosen design. These can be used on bedding, rugs, walls and artwork.
Go Bold
What could be bolder than having a rainbow-colored room? Rainbow colors are bright hues that can be used on pillows, walls, and just about anything in a room.
Being bold also means setting up a study zone for your little one. Set up books and a play area so this means there must be ample storage units and seating.
Since this is also your chance to break away from pink, then create a modern vibe with unique colors such as electric blue. Believe also in the power of paint so go ahead and experiment – you can actually use four different hues at the same time. Imagine having tangy orange, bold raspberry, peach and sweet pink all together.
Don’t Forget to be Practical
While being feminine or pretty is important, you must also think of ways that the bedroom can be used beyond her childhood. Accessories, bedding, and paint colors can be changed but cabinets, nightstands, and the bed itself can be too huge to move out later on.
It also pays to have a style statement that is as unique as your little one. Use a monogram bedspread for a more classic look. Flower curtains are also fit for a little princess or a growing lady so be sure to emphasize these, too.
How about writing your little girl’s favorite poem on the wall? This project is easy enough even for a non-artist. The colors of the lettering should have contrasts so that the message will surely be read.
And how about having a polka dot theme? These cheerful spots will surely pop from a neutral background; plus, your daughter can keep this same theme up till she’s an adolescent.
Tags: bedroom for girls, girls' bedroom, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, themed bedroom for girls, young girls' bedroom
Posted in 2017 Trends, Bedroom Design, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Saying Goodbye to Pink in a Girl’s Bedroom
Tuesday, April 25th, 2017
Fashion magazines are huge on striped items this spring. Stripes are everywhere with the onset of spring from the classic Bretons up to the Nouveau Technicolor. These pieces are now inside many closets and are highly wearable.
And since the fashion and interior design industries are so closely-knit, you seriously need to consider how you can have stripes inside your abode. Set up a seaworthy look by having a nautical theme. Stick with primary hues such as blue and red.
The ‘70s-inspired color palette is gearing towards the muted colors. Say hello to mustard yellow and other bright yet modest hues.
Traditional or Modern Stripes?
Whether you would end up using classic or contemporary stripes, you will never go wrong with this. The striped look is one of the decorators’ go-to look. These have the power to restyle your space, just know where to place them.
Stripes can mix with florals, solids and patterns. This means that they can be practically used anywhere.
One of the leading things to do with stripes is to use them tone-on-tone. Go contemporary with bold and bright, uneven stripes while uniform stripes represent everything that’s classy.
So where should you use stripes?
Now that you know that stripes can look good anywhere, then this means that you can have striped walls, rugs, pillows, ceilings, dishes, lampshades, or bedding. Just don’t use all of these at the same time, okay?
Horizontal or Vertical?
Vertical stripes are the common kind of stripes used in many classic homes. These create the illusion height which make ceilings appear seemingly higher. The suggested tone-on-tone color scheme (e.g. white and cream or glossy and matte versions of the same hue) will offer a soft, classic look. With more contrasting colors come more powerful statements.
Horizontal stripes are edgier and are more modern. These can make rooms appear wider and more elongated. These are also seen to be more playful compared with the vertical type.
Decorating Tips for Stripes
First, you must avoid using contrasting colors. Stripes are already impactful so be sure to use colors that are from the same family. Clashing hues such as purple or orange, pink or red will be more distracting rather than punchy.
Next, you can also use strong colors but be sure to limit these in small areas. If you are still anxious about using stripes, then you can commit only in smaller rooms. You can begin at the powder room. This is a room that people don’t tend to stay long in. A striped powder room will never be overwhelming so it’s a wonderful place to begin.
You can also counteract the impact of stripes with less busy elements. Having striped walls means you have to choose among solid furnishings. Having striped pillows must mean you can have a couple of solid florals in between. This should make the look appear more cohesive.
Always consider the size of the room when you are decorating with stripes. The bigger the room, the wider your stripes should be. Thinner stripes are never great to use inside a huge room.
Be sure to alternate glossy and flat stripes so you will create depth and an interesting dimension. This technique will also make the room appear classic and elegant.
Mix skinny and wide horizontal stripes on recreation rooms. These are especially awesome to use inside children’s rooms as they create a livelier vibe.
If you’re thinking that it’s impossible to use stripes on the floor, then you’re mistaken. Striped area rugs are a graphic addition as are staircase runners. If you’re too nervous to venture into something this conspicuous, then try a striped lampshade, vase or any decorative element.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, striped interiors, stripes, stripes in interior design
Posted in 2017 Trends, Accents, Accessories, Color Schemes, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Striped Interiors: Spring Trend to Beat This 2017
Monday, April 24th, 2017
Who doesn’t love a good stay at the hotel? After all, there is where you get to lie down on Egyptian cotton and the fluffiest pillows. And when you wake up in the morning, imagine your feet resting on the lush, thick-pile carpeting. Then you take your bath inside the spa-like bathroom – it’s simply heaven.
These are just some of the things that you love inside a luxury hotel so why allow the indulgence to end when you get home? Wouldn’t it be better if your trip to the hotel extended all the way when you got home?
A Lavish Boudoir
A luxurious bed is always the star of the show. Just think of all the hotels that you have already visited – each of their bedrooms are well-designed. This should be fit for a King or a Queen. It must have a unique headboard. And try to remember the bedding, curtains and pillows – everything is coordinated.
You can begin by having a supportive mattress. You can then layer the Egyptian cotton bed sheet, plump down pillows and comforter. If you’re feeling a bit more in tune for a more luxurious look, then add a duvet.
The bed isn’t the star without its supporting cast – a pair of end tables, side lamps, cozy chairs, a desk, and armoire for your clothing.
The Spa-Like Bathroom
Coming from the bedroom, let’s move to the bathroom. This must be an equally serene place but with posh decorative elements. If you are going to pick a favorite among the hotels that you’ve stayed in, which one would it be? And what amenities did it have?
You will probably remember a glass-encased walk-in shower, a huge shower head, and full body jets. The more luxurious hotels could also have a Jacuzzi tub.
Hotels also come with double sinks and the loveliest wall sconces. Now don’t go stingy on those soap, shampoo, conditioner, body gel, lotions and scents now. Don’t forget, too, the supply of towels and bathrobes.
The best hotels in the country also have heated towel racks or heated tile flooring.
The Posh Entryway
The lobby is the first place that you see when you enter the hotel. This is usually surrounded with flowers in the loveliest vases, glitzy mirrors, dim lighting, artwork, and comfortable seats.
This same entryway can also be recreated in your home. The key is to guide your visitors’ eyes to a central design element such as a credenza or any entryway table. You can then add a lovely table lamp, a knickknacks bowl, and a gallery of your family photos.
This place is technically the first and last sight that your guests see so be sure to create a lasting impact.
Classic Curtains
Draperies, blinds and curtains all work to achieve a hotel-y experience. Wooden blinds are best since they are easy on the eyes. Just make sure that they blend with your chosen interior design or you end up looking like you’re trying too hard.
Set up pinch-pleated draperies. Again, be sure to spend some money here since this will make the room appear more gorgeous. Pick fabrics that look gorgeous but, at the same time, descriptive of who you really are. Luxury is best attained, though, through linen, damask, silks and other durable fabric choices. Add blackout curtains more so in the bedroom.
Climate Control
What is a hotel without temperature control? A hotel room is neither too hot nor too cold. The temperature must be just right. Have a wireless control system that will do the adjustments for you.
Lastly, enjoy what you have created. You now have a hotel for a home.
Tags: hotel, hotel decorative elements, hotel-like home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Hospitality Industry, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Hotel-Like Home – 5 Key Elements to Remember
Monday, April 24th, 2017
The kitchen is the home for appliances, gadgets and cookware but this can also be the home for boxes, food cans, and bags which tend to clutter. Add to these the limitless accessories and you would realize that having a small kitchen means having less space.
If you happened to flip through the pages of different interior design magazines, then you would realize that there are now many ways organize the room in your home. There are now a lot of organization techniques that can solve pot storage and pantry needs.
Corner Drawer
The first technique that you can employ is to set up a corner drawer. This is an impressive way to maximize the space in a limited kitchen. It will look equally great, too, even inside a spacious one.
The corner drawer is a great way to use that blind corner.
Unique Pantry
Another storage solution is a walk-in pantry. Homeowners simply love pantries because it houses just about every kitchen need. If you are able to see everything that you have, then you don’t end up buying things that you actually already have.
An obvious benefit of having a kitchen pantry is having an easier access to your food and beverage stock. And since you get to see the foods, then you end up having less food waste and having more money saved.
Having an accessible pantry also spells calorie reduction since you get to move about and cook more.
Kitchen Drawers
Containers and cabinets are the leading kitchen organization furnishings that you should also look into. With these, you can decide on what to store and what you should already cast aside. Having drawers and cabinets also spells heightened safety inside your kitchen since you get to store sharp tools and utensils.
The absence of these furnishings will lead to a disorganized kitchen. A cluttered kitchen will lead to impatience and a lot of things that could go wrong. It is also more difficult to organize a kitchen that does not have these furniture pieces.
Imagine where you will store your cookie sheets, cooling racks, muffin tins, trash bins, utensils, broiler pans and such.
Another way to utilize a kitchen cabinet is to make it into a spice storage unit. There is no one-size-fits-all type of spice cabinet. The more spices you have, of course, you will need more storage space. A smaller cabinet would do for more limited spices.
A dish drawer is also another way to free up space in your kitchen.
Or Simply Clean Up
Sometimes, all that a kitchen needs is a little TLC. You can begin with an empty sink and dishwasher. Then be sure to implement the rule – clean as you go. Make sure that every member of the family will be able to comply especially when clutter drives you nuts.
After this, make sure that you clean up your sink after you washed the dishes. Be sure also to oil your cutting boards monthly and have the cleaning tools on standby. You can also soak the dishes while you focus on freeing the rest of the kitchen from trash.
If you want quicker ways to keep your kitchen tidy, then you can also grab the supplies that you need – dish cloths, cleansers, sponges, etc. These are a part of the basic cleaning kit that should always be ready. The rest are a vacuum cleaner, a broom or two, dustpan, mops and duster.
Lastly, wash down the sink, appliances and countertop as you end the day. Wash also your cleaning equipment and tools.
You see, kitchen organization is not impossible, is it?
Tags: cleaning the kitchen, kitchen maintenance, kitchen organization, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, organizing the kitchen
Posted in Furniture, Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Kitchen Organization: 5 Ways to Create Stylish Storage in Your Kitchen
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy