Wednesday, May 31st, 2017
So, it’s time to say goodbye to spring and welcome the lazy, hazy summer days. When done in advance, you will surely reap the blessings of prepping early. Well, how do you update your home’s interiors?
Light and Bright Does It
In updating your home to a more in season look, be sure to look for summery colors and any light and bright accessories. Put away anything that induces heat or even makes you think of heat. Store the heavy rugs, fire logs, turn off the heaters, replace the draperies with sheer curtains and keep away the thick blankets.
Clean Up Your Freezer
Be sure to leave some room in the freezer for all the ice cream that you’re gonna enjoy with your loved ones. To allot space, of course, you also need to chuck out any icy buildup, leftovers that have been unnoticed for the longest time, and ground meats.
As soon as the fridge and freezer are clean, go ahead and stock up on burgers and frozen goodies.
Party on the Patio
Think of all the patio parties that you will host this summer! Make sure that the blender is functional and ready to churn those mojitos and margaritas.
Invest in recipes of different mock cocktails and the real deals. Do not forget to bring out those accident-proof dishware from the drinking glasses to the serving trays. Check also the other outdoor entertainment essentials such as – ice cold drinks, finger foods, coolers, umbrella, pool floats, grilling baskets, pitchers, and your apron.
Check the Indoor Airflow
Prep and check your air-conditioning units. Ensure that you will have a cooler summer with a unit with lower energy output. You may want to check the air filter first. Clean any dust or debris around the exhausts and the vents then wipe off any dirt on the main unit.
Be sure to test the unit after you clean it. If you think that your HVAC isn’t working properly, then consider calling a professional. They will be able to test the unit as well as your air ducts for probable leaks.
Do these early on so that you won’t spend your summer days sweltering in the summer heat.
Build a Summer Stock
This is also the perfect time to stock up on summer essentials. It’s time to fill your medicine cabinet with aloe, sunblock, insect repellents, and migraine pills.
As for your linen closet, be sure to store a lot of fresh and fluffy picnic blankets and beach towels. Prep also the outdoor sports items like badminton rackets, croquet, basketball and baseball gears.
Check also your shed for those stored summer sports gears, hose, lawnmower and other gardening tools. Place these upfront, in an easily accessible area. This is so you won’t spend the time rummaging through your shed during the summer.
It’s BBQ Time
It’s also the perfect season to display those muscular arms as you hold barbecue parties. Clean your barbecue grill using soapy water (be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions, though).
After cleaning it up, heat it up then let it run on high setting for no less than 10 minutes. Allow it to cool down before you wipe the grates using just a thin layer of cooking oil.
Sure, your barbecue grill may not be as shiny as when it was new but you will surely hold a lot of successful barbecue parties with it.
Bug Off
Summer can also mean the appearance of bugs. This is because bugs migrate to a warmer area when they need to wait out the cold months where they were originally from. So, expect more bugs.
Prepare for their onslaught by setting up a barrier. Begin with pest control or just seal off your doors, windows and gaps. Check out the Internet for options on insect barriers.
Tags: designing for summer, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for summer, prepping for summer, styling for summer, summer home, summer styling
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Summer Season | Comments Off on Is Your Home Prepped for Summer?
Wednesday, May 31st, 2017
What is referred to as banquette seating are those benches that are often found inside restaurants. These are, basically, upholstered benches, nothing more but these, like booths, are a great way to dine cozily. The great news is that this setup has now moved into many kitchens and family rooms in many residences. ‘Want to be the first to know how to set it up?
Banquette History
Many furniture historians trace back the origins of banquette to 15th century in France. The word is derived from the Germanic equivalent of bench.
What’s amusing is that there were secret passages found underneath banquettes in many castles and palaces.
In American homes, banquettes only began to appear in the early part of the 20th century. Various kitchens were then infusing the table to post-colonial kitchens. They served as work surfaces more than a seating unit.
When the kitchen was no longer just a place for servants, the table became a place where families gathered to talk and dine informally.
The Banquette Design
A banquette can easily become the focal point in a breakfast nook, kitchen or even a multi-functional space in your home. This can also be traditional or modern according to your design taste. You can include this in your furniture investment the moment you’re ready to have banquette seating in your home.
The formality of banquette design is appropriate also in the dining room. The bench could have upholstery complete with a fabric that coordinates with the rest of the design elements. If you want it to have very little maintenance, then find a fabric that is washable and easy to clean.
If you have small children or pets at home, then consider investing in a banquette fabric that cleans easily. As much as possible, have the removable cushion type as well as washable slipcovers.
The bench can also be paired with some freestanding chairs. This way, you expand the banquette setting from two to three seats to as many as needed.
When setting up the bench, make sure that the ones seated there will be able to get up and get out of the area with ease. Of course, we wouldn’t want anyone crawling under the table during dinner.
The table that is paired with the banquette can match its style or it can also be purchased separately. The trestle table is the best option for a banquette. Pick the one that has a pedestal support at the center so that free movement and legroom are supported.
The bench seat must be about 18 inches above the floor. Make room for 24-30-inch sitting space for every person. The thickness of the cushion must also be carefully thought of.
Banquette Means Freedom
Now that we have established what banquette is all about, you would surely love the freedom that it can offer inside your eat-in kitchen or your dining room. You don’t have to conform to the matchy-matchy dining chairs and table and anymore.
The banquette can fill that booth in your kitchen or can be tucked under a dining room wall. Underneath the bench, you can also have a storage set up.
The banquette is a huge blessing to a home that has a small dining area. Banquettes can optimize seating while infusing a laidback vibe.
If urban dining is your thing, then your open-space plan can easily accommodate a banquette. This is perfect for the busy lifestyle and the refined tastes of many people these days.
How about having a retro diner right in your own home? A pure white space will come to life with a colorful set of chairs and a banquette plus a black lacquered banquette table.
You see, it takes just a little creativity to set up a dining space that’s both comfy and stylish.
Tags: banquette, banquette seating, banquette table, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on Create Inspiring Banquette Dining
Tuesday, May 30th, 2017
The cocktail table has had its share of not-so-wholesome reputations in the past. Hearing it, it might conjure a mental picture of a tall table inside dark, noisy nightclubs. This table, though, is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture that you can use in your home – or just about any residential or commercial space.
So, what uses are there for the adaptable cocktail table?
The Get-Together Piece
Have you ever seen those dating shows on TV? These singles events are a wonderful way to use the cocktail table. Because of its size, the cocktail table induces socialization. People would be compelled to meet and greet in smaller groups if you gather them on cocktail tables.
Cocktail tables, in essence, encourage intimacy.
The Post-Gathering Area
Your cocktail table is an awesome choice for any pre or post-gathering event. Imagine a graduation party with sets of cocktail tables with cute chairs. These tables are portable so it will allow the most interesting arrangements for your graduation celebration guests.
It is also a wonderful furniture piece for networking. Imagine setting up a business network in the most intimate possible manner. The cocktail table is the right piece to accommodate just the right amount of people without it becoming a riotous crowd.
The Speaker’s Best Friend
Cocktail tables are also great for events where people are supposed to focus on the speaker or a certain group of persons. If there is a stage performance, this is also the most wonderful option since people will not be encouraged to buzz in groups while the presentation is ongoing.
Brunches and Coffee Time
The versatility of the cocktail table does not stop with those speaking engagements or simple gatherings. It can also be a spot where you can have your precious cup of coffee during your break time. This can also be the best place to hold light brunches on those daytime occasions.
Cocktail tables do make an impression of subtlety and brevity.
I’ll Take It Standing, Thank You
The cocktail table is also a great piece for people who cannot do prolonged sitting. Prolonged sitting, after all, fosters a lot of harmful conditions especially on the spine. If you’re holding a short meeting of sorts, then just have cocktail tables set up so that guests could socialize while also remaining active throughout the session.
That Intimate Adult Night
You can also keep conversations intimate and casual when you host a game night using your cocktail table. Just lay out different games and cards as you also serve bowls of simple snacks. You can also serve beer in the most interesting glassware.
Just make sure to provide comfy seats when you host this game night since prolonged sitting can be painful on the back.
The Sushi Party
You can also entertain your guests the Japanese way. Hold a sushi party right on your cocktail table. A low table would allow all of you to sit on the floor as you enjoy the food straight out of boxes and containers. If you want the real deal, then bring out those sushi plates.
The Indoor Picnic
Who says picnics only have to be held outdoors? You can also hold a picnic as you set up a summery hue plus a touch of greeneries right on your cocktail table. Serve light salads, sandwiches and sodas. Your guests would surely feel relaxed in such an ambience.
Summer Here We Come
Add some large pillows covered with summery fabrics like nautical stripes and other sea motifs.
Cocktail Is High Fashion
If you want to add a touch of designer fashion to your cocktail table, then add stacks of your glossy coffee table books or some designer magazines. Try alternating between horizontal and vertical orientation.
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Monday, May 29th, 2017
One of the biggest aspects of design that stylists stick to is the creation of a color scheme that actually makes sense. This palette may be altered slightly as the home takes on a lived–in appeal but you will see that the hues throughout the home will always have a close relationship with each other. When this is achieved, then you know that the designer has done everything to harmonize the design elements in your home.
Radiant Scandinavian
Scandinavian or Nordic interiors focus on the essentials. What they offer are functional, simple yet beautiful elements. You will see plenty of sunlight, muted hues, wooden flooring and soft furnishings throughout a Scandinavian home. This is a style that has gained popularity and is showing zero signs of ever slowing down.
If you want to use the Scandinavian style in your home, be ready to embrace white as your fundamental color. This will be your base hue and you will also use it on subtle layers. Be sure to put together these layers so that they achieve a simple and easygoing look.
Say no to clutter then just use a few decorative items to personalize your habitat.
Say No to Schism with Minimalism
Taking the minimalist approach to styling your home is a technique that has been used by many interior designers over the years. This is no surprise since it is a style that is easy to maintain and it shows an uncluttered space.
When you use this approach, bear in mind that styling a home isn’t tantamount to adding stuff. In fact, you can remove clutter and just simplify. A lot of home stylists can work with the stuff that you already have. They can also help you remove items that no longer have any use. From then on, you can just simplify.
You must also be strict with your color palette if you want to live a minimalist lifestyle. Adding a lot of objects and colors is the easiest way to overwhelm your space so stick to the tones from the same color family.
Also, be sure to use simple shapes and lines, none of those geometric and heavy patterns and intricate details. Use plants and art to make the space more interesting.
Anchor the Room with Art
You can use striking black-and-white photographs as a styling element. Think of soft, muted tones or desert landscapes. Such subjects are a wonderful way to amp up the excitement in your home without you spending a lot.
You can buy original art or ask an artistic loved one to paint one on a special canvas.
Jazz Up with Plants
Have you observed that no real estate property is listed without even a slight hint of green plants? Home stylists just love to use indoor plants in brightening up homes. These green living things naturally move something within each one of us. Studies have also proven that plants can increase productivity and creativity.
Choose from succulents, cacti, orchids and peace lilies. There is an indoor plant that will be suitable to your personality as well as your maintenance style.
Matchy-Matchy No More
If there’s anything that you would steer out of, it would be the default design technique of matching design elements. A reliable color palette is neither boring nor matchy-matchy. The use of a limited color palette throughout your home will make it more unified.
Keeping your style more interesting is as easy as adding a different tone as the area differs. The same base color can also be used in every single room with the rest of the design elements taking on a darker or lighter hue.
Just create a flow from one room to the next. Be confident with the color choice that you eventually make as this whole house color scheme will surely work for you.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist design, minimalist interiors, minimalist style, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Consistent Palette: The Reliable Hues That Designers Simply Love
Friday, May 26th, 2017
“Summertime is always the best of what might be,” so said American non-fiction author, Charles Bowden. With summer just around the corner, you might be one of the handful of hopefuls who are thinking of buying a vacation home for you and your family. With this huge investment about to take place, don’t just focus on the idea of having a summer getaway.
Remember that buying a summer home is also a long-term investment so, don’t jump without any preparations. Remember that there are summer home rental properties and there are awesome summer home rental properties. You want to be assured that you would get the latter.
Visit and Stay
Do not even think of paying for a vacation home that you haven’t visited, inspected and spent a few good hours in. This is a basic guideline but a lot of home buyers are often blinded by the ski village or the beach town that they are about to join. What they fail to see are architectural mismatches and damages that could be concealed at the moment.
Keep in mind that owning a summer vacation home is not like owning hotels or timeshares. With the former, you do not get the option to alter the scenery.
Know How Much
Just like you would in buying your primary residence, you have to ask the costs. Understand the overall price of owning the property. There are fees such as insurance, property taxes and other carrying costs. Remember also that even when you’re not in there, you would still be paying for gas, water, trash removal, electric bills and landscaping. Other maintenance services also have their individual costs.
Make sure that you include these overhead costs to your planned budget. After all, what could ruin the perfect vacation home? Having to pay more than you’re capable of.
Another part of your budget for this summer home is the year-round upkeep. Summer vacation is not spent entirely in this home – you will get out and seek out recreation. In this case, your summer home is not a hotel so you will need a year-round budget for its maintenance.
Who Will Stand Guard?
Speak of more costs, another expense that you have to seriously consider is the management fee. If you would only visit during the summer, then someone would definitely take care of your summer home. Consider renters so you won’t have to worry about the home’s maintenance while you are away.
A local property manager should be able to properly maintain your summer home. He or she will definitely cost extra but this is much less than paying for a leaky roof or a frozen pipe.
The Rental Income Opportunity
A smart purchase for a summer home is one that will incorporate earning an income. The rental potential of a home, especially when managed correctly, could help offset the costs that were mentioned above.
Allowing renters to take care of your home means you won’t have to worry about your home while you are away. Looking at it as a long-term investment of softs will also bring about income that will help pay the property off and even build equity.
So when you’re out to shop for your dream summer home, be sure to check the nearby towns as well as speak with local agents. Find out also, online, whether what you’re thinking of buying is actually worth buying or even renting. Never forget to do your research on the occupancy rates, too. Knowing how often families and businessmen rent properties is also crucial. Repeat customers are crucial if you’re serious about your rental property business.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for vacation home, summer home, summer house, vacation rental properties, vacation rental property
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Summer Season | Comments Off on Summer 2017 Vacation Home – 4 Things to Know Prior to Buying
Friday, May 26th, 2017
As the name already suggests, natural stone tile is a tile that has been cut from stones of the natural variety. There are engineered stones so natural stones are those that are generally more expensive but more classic looking.
When Buying Stone Tiles…
So what should you consider when you are out to invest in a natural stone tile flooring?
Just like all the stuff that you are buying for your home, you need to consider a few factors that would affect the longevity and overall performance of this flooring material.
First, consider the cost. A few stone tiles are far pricier than others. Of course, this depends on what type of stone you would want for your floor. The rarer the material, the pricier. Marble and granite are generally pricey but there are also cheaper types of marble that are more abundantly quarried.
The porosity as well as the absorption rate of the stone tile must also be considered. These will determine how easily the tiles will eventually absorb the liquids. Staining is also a common issue especially among oily substances so find the natural stones that are not highly porous. If you really have to choose a stone that has high porosity, then be sure to have it sealed before use.
The durability or hardness of the natural stone must also be carefully considered. The harder the natural stone, the less likely that it will eventually wear down, crack, scratch or chip. Of course, the higher the foot traffic in the room, the riskier it is for your natural stone tiles. If you are going to use marble or granite in the kitchen, well, you gotta be extra careful.
Variance and consistency also have a lot to do with the way the natural stone tile would perform. Those with a more consistent color and veining look better and more chic. Speaking of colors, remember that not all marbles and granites look the same. Depending on where they come from, the smooth texture and equal distribution of color on these stones do vary.
The texture and finish of the natural stone also matter. The highly polished and slippery ones are a terrible material to use inside the kitchen or the bathroom. The texture is often determined by the finish and cut of the stone. The most common finishes include flamed, polished, honed and natural cleft.
Types of Natural Stone Floor Tiles
Tags: granite flooring, limestone flooring, marble flooring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural stone, natural stone flooring, natural stone tile, natural stone tiling, sandstone flooring
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Stone Tile Flooring – As Natural As It Gets
Thursday, May 25th, 2017
If you’re thinking that sheer curtains are just for older, more traditional homes, think again. Sheers can be used in just about any home, in fact, it would never be unfashionable.
The timelessness of sheer curtains is what makes them work with traditional and even modern interior designs. Any style in between would work well with it, too. Sheers allow a good amount of light to come into homes. They work pretty well as wall-to-wall treatments as they create an awesome backdrop that will anchor the room. Even an architecturally interesting room would remain so as sheer curtains will not hide the beauty of your home’s features.
Sheer curtains also work well with patterns. In fact, they offer a visual relief from the busy prints from other parts of the room. It would be great if you could layer sheers under a block-colored drape. The sheers would provide light filtering as well as a chic look for a more hotel-y appeal.
Sheer curtains will also be able to stand alone. A romantic, airy bedroom will look more so if the windows are draped with sheers and paired with white painted brick walls. If light and privacy are never issues inside the bedroom, then you could hang sheers to show the greeneries outside. Nothing can be dreamier than this.
Sheers look wonderful when they are long and elegant. They look like a flowing element right by the window. They look especially wonderful in a rustic room. If you are not sure about the length, then choose the longer cuts instead of the short ones so that the fabric will slightly pool to the ground rather than left hanging.
Sheer curtains are often displayed in white or an off-white color. But if you are in a better mood, then you can always add a sophisticated flair to your sheer curtain ensemble. A pale wall would do better with pastel or gray sheers.
Be sure to pick a material that has a hint of sheen on it. Either this, or you pair the sheers with metallic items, a sparkling mirror or a glamorous wall décor.
Sheer curtains are also a wonderful choice for harmonizing mismatched windows. Two large windows with asymmetrical shapes would look nicer with gray sheer curtains. These will not feel off as the floor-to-ceiling look would make the windows appear seamless.
If using in front of a wide window, the basic white sheers would offer the needed broken sections. You can also combine these with panels for a fuller, more appropriate length that would reach the ground.
It would also be nice to match the colors of the sheer curtains with that of the textured walls. You can blend the two elements with some soft lines dissipating the structural look of the windows. The light and airy vibe is achieved in this manner.
For a more Bohemian flair, it would be nice to pair pastel plain sheers with patterned ones. Be amazed with the colorful sunlight coming in.
Sheer Materials and Designs to Choose From
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Thursday, May 25th, 2017
You might have heard of the futuristic bathrooms developed lately – toilets with seat warmers, integrated bidets, sensor flush, etc. These offer almost everything that you want but – most of the time – what we really need is just the standard toilet plus some truly relaxing features.
So, if you’re one of those old school folks who want the simple stuff in their bathroom, then here are some tips on how you can create the spa-like bathroom –
Fluffy Oasis
If you are going to splurge on your bathroom renovation, then you must begin with the fluffy stuff. Update your bath rugs and towels. A fluffy, soft towel would go a long, long way in turning your simple bathroom to a spa-like setting.
‘Unsure about what towels to buy?
First, check the fabric. Look at the GSM or grams per square meter number of the towel. Those with lower GSM are thinner and lighter while the thicker once have a higher GSM.
A lot of towels are made of cotton but not all cottons are created equal. Standard cotton is priced and designed for everyday use. Egyptian cotton, on the other hand, is a totally different towel all together.
Dim the Lights
Bathrooms are often installed with über-bright lights. Make your bathroom a lot more relaxing by having dimmers installed. A dimming switch can turn any harsh light into a more romantic light. If you are renting and are not allowed to install dimmers, then add some alternate lights – from small lamps to candles and wall sconces.
There are more benefits to using dimmers. Apart from creating an adjustable ambience, you are also guaranteed of energy savings. These light controllers are no less than a valuable asset to your new spa-like bathroom.
Let It Rain
It’s time to swap the showerhead to something more luxurious. There are now water-saving showerheads which can help you save as much as 35%. This is an investment since you and your guests can still enjoy the same warm showers but you get to save on your water usage.
There is also the rainfall showerhead. It is less grating plus it offers softer showers. Don’t worry about paying much because its average cost is only $40.
Indulge Your Senses
There are different kinds of indulgent bathroom accessories. You would never go wrong with scented candles. These are the most common accessories that can soothe the senses.
Candles can also offer soft lighting. It also relaxes the muscles and your eyes; pick candles with chamomile, lavender, cinnamon, coconut, tangerine or chocolate. There is also the famous ylang ylang, jasmine, and vanilla. Some find these scents so relaxing that they even find themselves dozing off in their relaxing bubble bath.
Speaking of bubble baths or carbonated baths, these can be set up by adding foaming surfactants to the bath water. There are many known benefits to a relaxing bath – a hot bath, to begin with, promotes the flow of happy hormones – endorphins.
A relaxing bath can also improve one’s mental state. A refreshed mind is as simple as adding some essential oils to your bubble bath or lighting a few scented candles while bathing. People with insomnia have also reported that hot baths improved their ability to fall and stay asleep.
A person’s metabolism is also known to improve because of relaxing hot baths.
Enhance with Art
The bathroom isn’t just a room where you take your baths or relax a bit. This is also a place where you can add your personality. It is a tragedy to have a spacious and luxurious bathroom in your home and not have a piece of art or photograph in there.
So, go ahead, hang a piece of art in your spa-like bathroom but be sure to hang it away from the place where the showers and baths actually take place. Place the artworks right above the his and hers sinks or between two large wall mirrors.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spa-like bathroom
Posted in Bathroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Bathroom That’s Traditionally Spa-Like
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