Friday, February 23rd, 2018
For the longest time, people have been raving about minimalism and how it is the way to live one’s life. We’ve seen a lot of white spaces with their floor lamps and streamlined seats. But what if you love boldness and abundance? Then maximalism could be the best trend for you.
Maximalism has been around for a bit in terms of visual art and multimedia. The world of interior design is trying to make sense of this new style. It is a movement that is seen to be unafraid of embellishments, bright colors, and a lot of sensual luxurious and sensual elements.
You might ask, is maximalism the very opposite of minimalism? The answer, quite simply, is yes.
But maximalism is not new. It has been featured in many post-modern novels as well as in the music industry. The periods covering 1890 to 1914 – especially in regions that speak German – was a time when people were encouraged to be more bold and dynamic with their personal style and home design.
There are many ways that you can set up a maximalist home. Whether you want to have a Victorian, Bohemian, or vintage maximalist home, it is possible. Here are some tips that can help you in creating your new home design –
It’s All About Excessiveness
The key to having a lovely maximalist space is to embrace excess. The interiors have been inspired by Bohemian parlours and Victorian collections. If you can search for the most outrageous spaces online, you would soon realize that most of them are maximalist homes.
You would typically find huge art paintings, busts, bold paint, and huge furniture.
Maximalism is not an easy design to get right. You must have an eye for the luxurious as well as the overstated elements. if you’re thinking of a cluttered space right now then you’ve got it all wrong. Backtrack then find out which pieces were mismatched since these could easily clutter your maximalist space.
You can also use antique-looking pieces and mix them with different eras. Your focus should be to communicate your personality through your interior design.
The Bold Color Palette
Treat your new home as a canvas so you now have the freedom to be brave and bold when it comes to picking your home’s color. Set the tone for the rest of your maximalist space as you use shades of gold, fearlessly paint with indigo, or create a moody gray setting.
If you’re not that daring yet, you can always go for monochrome such as silver, chrome, white or black furniture. These tones can be used as the base colors while the brightest tones can be used on your accent pieces, area rugs, and accessories.
Find monochromatic wallpapers but with contrasting, bold prints. This should help you achieve the overstatement that you are trying to set up right now.
When you want to pick a lighter color palette, then look forward to paintings hanging on your walls or huge accessories to fill up the space that was opened up by the light colors. Pastels can still be used in a maximalist habitat, just try to mix the bright colors as you would mix red roses with the greens and the pink paper wrapping on a bouquet.
Go Scandinavian
Scandinavian style can also go maximalist. This is a new take on the usual less is more look that Nordic design usually is. If you’re doing the maximalist thing, then feature a lot of white ornaments, silver details, and the bolder, bigger finishing touches.
Finish with a Bang
It is also your duty to set up some show-stopping finishing touches. Use the decorative and baroque frames for your pictures. Use golden mirrors on your walls. Hang that lovely, bulky chandelier. Let the rugs, sofas, and pillows be adorned with floral, animal or tropical prints.
Be bold, be you, be maximalist.
Tags: maximalism, maximalism interior design, maximalist design, maximalist home, maximalist style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Maximalism Is Abundance, Richness and Beauty in Excess
Thursday, February 22nd, 2018
Count how many times you open your wardrobe each day and you’d realize just how useful this piece of furniture is. When it comes to walk-in closets, though, people do not seem plan just as they would layout their bathrooms or the kitchen. It’s time to take this part of your home more seriously.
The Ideal Measurements
The depth of your wardrobe, of course, varies. The ideal dimensions for a regular-sized one, though, is at 60-65 centimeters (this is already including the doors). This should allow more room for hangers, clothing, bulky pieces of clothing, and you.
If you like to have a wardrobe that has doors, then consider having the sliding type as this would save you much space. Hinged ones are suitable for more spacious walk-in closets and, even then, you can still use that extra space where the door swings out.
Consider having glass doors. They will help stop dust from accumulating on most of your clothes, shoes, and bags. See if you can also have a mirrored backboard to help reflect the light.
What is a walk-in closet without enough hanging space, right? Long coats and dresses need more space than your regular clothing so give them enough room to hang freely. This should be a space where you don’t need to fold your dresses or coats anymore. The right measurement is 188 centimeters.
Always consider the advice of a professional designer when you are going about your internal choices such as gaining extra space as well as height.
Add the Right Furniture
The walk-in closet can be as exciting as you think it to be. The only limit is your imagination so go ahead and add the best-looking furnishings. A set of drawers can be placed there that is about 80 centimeters tall. This allows for three drawers to accommodate your clothing storage requirements.
Always be consistent with the lines in your space. This ascertains that you will have a visually pleasing walk-in closet to use and also to show off from time to time.
Any fashionistas would also agree that proper shoe shelving should be set up in a walk-in closet. This is so the pairs of shoes will look new and are also easily accessible. The ideal height for a shoe shelf is about 22 to 26 centimeters. This is a home for your flats and heels and even some men’s shoes.
Maximize the Space
Since walk-in closets also make use of space, you might as well maximize what you have. You can add storage units all the way to the ceiling. Higher shelves should do the trick as well as stylish pigeon holes where you can put your off-season clothes and accessories.
Remember those boots that have been causing storage problems lately? You can now have them displayed in your walk-in closet. Just double the measurement for the shoe shelves meant for regular shoes. Your boots can now become decorative elements during those months when they are not in use.
If you have to add boxes to your shelves then do so.
A Place for Everything
Since this is a haven of sorts, then clutter should have no place in it. Everything must be in its proper place so your bags should not mix with your shoes or your clothing with your accessories. You gotta keep this room organized so that it will be one aesthetically pleasing sight to behold.
Display all your bags and other accessories just as you see them inside high-end shops. Achieve this kind of look and add some pigeon holes for your belts and the hubby’s neckties. There should also be a separate area for the millinery (or the hats).
Tags: designing walk-in closets, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, walk-in closet, walk-in closet essentials, walk-in closet furnishing, walk-in closet style
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Walk-in Closet 101
Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
If you have long dreamed out living by the sea but you simply cannot, then you no longer have to simply envision a beachfront property. Coastal living is now possible even in regions that are far from the beach.
Beach houses can be single or more levels depending on your requirements. If you want to live in a simple cottage or if you need a luxurious beach property, then figure out the design elements that come with the simple project (cottage) or the posh plan (luxury beach house).
But what are the typical features of a coastal home? Here are some of these characteristics so you won’t go astray from the real deal –
Raised Levels
Coastal homes are usually built on piling or on piers. These raise the main living spaces high above the ground (usually one or more levels). The parking area can be found below the home. This kind of arrangement prepares for the rising tides or the flood waters that might suddenly surge in.
With such a setup, the home is kept free from flood, thus, water can freely flow underneath without you worrying over structural damage.
Open Floor Plan
Another characteristic of a coastal home is their open floor layout. The living areas all fuse to create one huge space of fun and excitement. This setup allows gentle breezes to circulate throughout the home, making it the perfect replica of a beach setting.
These floor plans also include large windows that are placed at a strategic point where you can maximize your view of the beach.
A Deck or Two
A porch or a large deck is always a part of the outdoor space of any coastal home. This part enhances the already beautiful home. They are also a wonderful addition that could help you enjoy the stunning views outdoors. If there are none, then a landscape artist should be able to help you set it up.
You can then relax and entertain guests as you all enjoy the picturesque view of your new landscape. And since this is a relaxation spot, you must remember to put in ample throws, a fire bowl, bar stools for your outdoor bar, table, chairs, magazines, books, etc.
Sturdy Cladding
What is a beach house without durable cladding outdoors? When you choose the material, be sure to get the one that can stand up to exposure and one that also has an interesting aesthetic. A material that you could consider is concrete.
Concrete is dense so it is likely to stand the rigors of weather elements. This is also great to use in a place where the hot sun always shines.
Another beach-worthy material is timber. This can be painted or stained according to your taste. Wood has a coastal feel that is difficult to match plus it blends well with your natural environment vibe.
A Lovely View
Of course, yours is a coastal home so it must have a lovely view not just from your deck or patio. You can have sliding glass doors and sheer curtains to create the breezy setting of most beach houses. Have the largest windows face a beautiful garden or a wonderful view of a body of water (even a water element or fountain would do).
Abundant Lighting
A coastal home isn’t a coastal home without sunlight and ample lighting at night. Do not overlook this simple element of coastal design. This is one of the hallmarks of this style so be sure to set up lots of windows, draw those curtains, skylights (where possible), and a warm yet exciting glow at night.
Beach Colors
The style secret to a coastal home is to embrace neutral and natural hues. These are crisp white, khaki, and the colors of the deep oceans and the lush palm trees.
Tags: beach design, beach house, beachfront property, coastal design, coastal home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Coastal Home – Setting Up a Beach House in an Urban Site
Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
Have you ever wondered whether your home will ever look stylish again? You could be wondering this because you have your furry friends in mind. But there are a lot of stylish folks out there who did not have to sacrifice style, even comfort, just because they have a pet dog or cat, or even both.
You, too, can now remodel your space to accommodate your pets as well as make it look so stylish that you will be a trendsetter. Yes, a beautiful, stylish home is possible even with a pet lounging around.
The key to a pet-friendly home is to pick the right kinds of materials that will accommodate both your needs as well as your pet’s. This home must not be comfortable for pets only but also for humans. If a house does not work well with humans, then this will transcend to your pets as well as your family members and guests.
Even when you do get a set of furniture that matches your pet’s fur, be sure to clean up regularly. This is no excuse to skip on vacuuming and your pet’s grooming essentials.
Keep in mind, too, that pet fur has odor. It contains oil that tends to attract dirt so better follow these suggestions to maintain your pet-friendly home –
Groom Your Furry Friend
Keep the cat and dog clean so that your home will stay cleaner a lot longer. Be sure to trim their nails so they won’t be able to scratch the upholstery and floors. Bathe and regularly brush them so that loose hairs are removed before they even become a problem on your floor.
The rugs and furniture should also be cleaned, if their materials are washable, then that would be more awesome.
Use Only Stain-resistant Fabric
Don’t go for chintz or silk, of course. These are pet fur magnets. Their cousin, velvet, is also not a good material to use when you have pets in your home. Crypton is one such synthetic fabric that is almost indestructible. It is also stain and mud resistant, odor-resistant, and bacteria-resistant.
Find furnishings that come with this amazing fabric or others like it.
Leather is also another amazing choice since it is easy to clean and is also durable. Many leather grades can be scratched but these scratches can eventually add to the patina. Pleather is the more inexpensive option and it also has a timeless appeal.
Yet another kind of fabric that you can use for your pet-friendly home is the Ultrasuede microfiber and machine-washable fabric. It is seductively smooth just like the real deal. Even your pet beds can be upholstered with this beautiful fabric.
Use Washable Sheets on the Bed
If your dog or cat loves to sleep with you, then you simply have to deal with accidents especially with the latter. Cats tend to barf – a lot. You can protect the mattress from permanent damage by covering your bed with a thick pad.
Use a cotton bed sheet in medium color. You can also use patterns to hide some of the inevitable fur and stains. For your bed spread, be sure to use duvet which you can take off when your furry friend does the mishap.
No to Wall-to-wall Carpet
Carpets tend to absorb odors as well as trap loose pet fur. Carpets are quite difficult to clean up but if you really have to have a carpet, then use a low pile. This type is much easier to clean after your pet has an accident.
Install Durable Flooring Materials
Bare floors will always be the way to go but they could be boring. You can paint your concrete flooring with a color that matches your pet’s fur. Brick and terrazzo are also lovely and durable choices. Nothing beats ceramic tiles, though, when it comes to stain resistance and cleanup.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, pet-friendly home, pet-friendly house
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Pet-friendly Interior Design
Monday, February 19th, 2018
Picture the scenario in your dining room during breakfast each day. It’s not a very pleasant sight, is it? There’s this need to concoct the morning coffee and then to dash off to the office to reach your scheduled time. This may be the reason why the breakfast nook came into existence in the first place.
When planned, the breakfast nook is situated in a kitchen alcove. It must be in a zone where you can easily reach the cupboards and the stove but it must not be so close that it no longer feels separate from the rest of the kitchen.
The Breakfast Nook Setup
Usually, one end of the breakfast table is placed against the wall. The other end is supported by one leg. Try your best to set up the breakfast nook by the window especially on the eastern part of your home so you get to have the best of the morning sunlight while you enjoy your first meal.
The latest addition to the breakfast nook is the high-backed seating. This provides convenience that was never before seen in any breakfast nook. When well-designed, these can be a lot more comfortable than regular chairs. The seats can also be benches that come with hinged lids and concealed storage spaces.
The Cheerful Breakfast Nook
Now that you already know the most cheerful part of your home, you need to set up the chairs and table right in that spot. Be sure to line them up right by the curtains covering the double windows. The cupboards should be high enough so that you won’t have to worry about hitting your head when you get up from a hearty breakfast.
Make your breakfast even comfier by having your electric toaster and a coffee percolator nearby. This is the simplest breakfast that you can prepare on any given day. The dishes and cups that are often used can be set close by, doing so will eliminate the rush that usually comes the setting of table during the morning.
If you have a home that can provide natural lighting for your breakfast nook during the day, then you are one of the blessed ones. This is mighty convenient as well as healthy for you because you will have an ample supply of Vitamin D while you enjoy your coffee and toast.
Breakfast Nook Elsewhere
If you are presented with the problem of minimal space, then you will need careful and professional planning. You may want to turn this issue to your advantage by making the nook look and feel cozier. You can up the level of intimacy in that area making it a more personal haven.
Breakfast Nook Measurements
If you have been thinking about how to use your available space for a breakfast nook, then you might want to measure if you have at least 24 inches width at your disposal. Going lower than this is less than ideal. Seating four people means having a table of 60 inches given you have two seated at each side.
The depth of the table or its length should have a minimum measurement of 42 inches. This is when you are ready to use both sides. If just one side is going to be used, then the recommended measurement is just 21 inches.
For benches, you can use a depth of 17.5 inches to about 20 inches. Measure from the seat’s front edge all the way to the upright part of the back. For instance, to have a seat on both sides of a table that measures 42 inches, then the minimum measurements are –
17.5” + 42” + 17.5” = 77”
This is the minimal space requirement. These dimensions still do not include the backs’ depth. These measurements vary depending on the usable space.
Tags: breakfast nook, designing the breakfast nook, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Breakfast Nook Setup and Features
Saturday, February 17th, 2018
The living room is an integral part of your home. Whether you are living in an apartment or in a bungalow, the living room is important because it is the hub of social as well as family gatherings. This is also a place where everyone loves to spend their leisure hours by watching their favorite TV programs or by chatting with their family.
Why Bother for Feng Shui?
The living room may be an essential part of your home but it is also a vulnerable part. It is considered vulnerable because it is the first room that everyone goes into as soon as they enter the room. Even Qi or energy is not exempted from this.
Sha Qi or the fast-moving energy is not a lucky kind of energy according to Chinese culture. The other type, one that’s slow, is also not a good kind of energy so, you would need something to interfere with these negative energies.
Loss of money, wealth and social reputation are all results of uninterrupted energies coming in through the living room.
Steps to Good Feng Shui in the Living Room
First, be sure to set up a living room that is pleasant and comfortable. To do this, the room must receive ample sunlight and must also be well-ventilated.
Next, have the sofa propped against one solid wall. You don’t have to set it up in such a way that it touches the wall, leave a distance of about one to two inches. As you sit in your main sofa, make sure that you are directly looking at the living room door. If this is not possible, then have a mirror placed so that the reflection of the door is seen from where you are seated.
If there is also an amazing landscape outdoors, then be sure to hang a mirror that will reflect it. This will bring in a lot of positive Qi into the living room.
The third step is to place a bowl of crystals or coins, anything that would symbolize wellness and wealth, on the coffee table.
Fourth, do not forget to hang posters or images that show positive and lively people or places.
Now let’s learn about the directions that need elements in their respective places. In the north side of your living room, be sure to display an aquarium that is filled with eight red and a single blackfish. Having a water feature in this area will also be lucky.
As for the south, you can place wood elements such as wood furniture and fire elements such as candles. Use more orange, green and red colors here.
There are also things to avoid when you are setting up a lucky living room –
First, never place a sofa against a window or under a beam. If you ever set up a mirror, then make sure that it will not reflect clutter or dirt as these will bring negative energies to your home. Avoid hanging photos that show negative emotions like a crying person, pictures of war or crimes, etc. It is also not advisable to hang or even just keep a painting of a turbulent sea as this depicts struggle of some kind.
Never keep any plants in the north, southwest or the northeast parts of the living room. As for a mirror, do not place one right where you can see yourself while you’re standing in the doorway.
Conclusion
Now that you have an artillery of do’s and don’ts for the Feng Shui living room, you should be able to set up the room in such a way that the energies that come and go are the best kind. As you do this, share it with people who are also interested to know.
Tags: feng shui for the living room, living room feng shui, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | Comments Off on Feng Shui in the Living Room
Friday, February 16th, 2018
If you have been studying Feng Shui for quite a while, then you know all about the reputation of bathrooms in every home. But more than the bad reputations, you just need to know how to counter the negative energies that come in.
There are different layers in the assessment of a bad feng shui, especially in the bathroom. Since the bathroom is the center of every house, it is often associated with bad feng shui. This must not be the case with your home. Since it is at the very heart of your space, this is also what’s known as the yin-yang point. This must be a spot where light is in abundance and where there is much beauty.
Take the necessary steps to fill your bathroom just with good feng shui –
Unclutter
Good feng shui and clutter would never agree. It is understandable, though, that clearing away clutter is not such an exciting project to do. But this should not hinder you from cleaning up so that good energy can finally settle.
Accepting that you have a great task ahead is a good start. Find the clutter that steals your energy. This is any kind of garbage that remains unused or has no use for the longest time.
Plan to clear away clutter in sessions. The first three sessions should be no more than 30 minutes each. It would not be right to spend an hour or two inside the bathroom, cleaning your day away.
Beautify
After decluttering, it’s time to beautify your bathroom. The best way is by adding art, flowers or candles. To set up a wealth and money area is to use the right colors (as opposed to the popular notion, where you’re supposed to use metallic elements).
Use wood as this is the most auspicious color and element for the bathroom. Focus more on wood because it can bring in a lush and vibrant energy in this room. Water is also an element that is supportive of wood but since there is already a lot of water in there, it would be best to limit the water elements to what’s already there.
The colors brown and green are also related to wood elements just like shapes that remind you of wood. Use rectangular shaped images and objects to express the wood element. You can also bring the actual thing which is a potted plant. Just make sure that you won’t let the plant perish because of the poor natural lighting inside that space.
Choose air-purifying potted plants so that they can also help improve the ventilation inside the bathroom. These can be fresh flowering plants, some scented ones, and lush greens.
Never overdo your bathroom décor. It should be enough to keep it tidy, fresh and clear of negative energies all of the time. This is the best spot, though, to hang your landscape painting. To up the good feng shui, you can also add a mirror or a water feature in your spa-like bathroom.
Closed-Door Policy
The Chinese know that it is bad luck to leave bathroom doors open. This is especially true when the bathroom door is directly facing your home’s front door. Closing bathroom doors is a way of ascertaining that good energy will not leave your home.
It is also bad luck to keep two doors facing each other. If this is already the case in your home, then offset the bad luck by creating good feng shui. Do this by creating good luck in the main entry, garage, and the laundry room.
Use fresh flowers, candles, and scents in the bathroom. You can also place a divider screen just so the bad energy is hindered.
Tags: bathroom feng shui, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Bathroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Feng Shui in the Bathroom
Thursday, February 15th, 2018
The kitchen, according to Chinese Feng Shui, has a lot of fire energy. This makes it a crucial part of your home since controlled fire can be beneficial. The uncontrolled types of fires, of course, are known to destroy anything in their path. This is the very reason why it is important to set up feng shui in this area of your home.
So what is a Feng Shui kitchen?
The simplest way to understand this is to establish your knowledge of the two words, separately. Feng Shui is an ancient science among the Chinese which can help create abundance and happiness through the alteration of Qi or chi (energy).
Science can both create and destroy energy so be careful in using feng shui, too.
A kitchen is a place where meals are prepared and, sometimes, consumed. These meals are the very things that give you as well as your family members the energy and stamina to go about your day. Also, since the kitchen is the place where the fire element is most abundant, then you must be able to control the fire so that it serves you and would not end up destroying the energy in the room.
When you fuse the two words – feng shui and kitchen, what you get is a positive room where meals are prepared in a happy and optimistic manner.
Feng Shui Kitchen in a Nutshell
Just as there are do’s, here come the don’ts –
Tags: kitchen feng shui, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on Feng Shui in the Kitchen
Tuesday, February 13th, 2018
The best bedroom feng shui is one that promotes harmony and a vibrant energy. It is also a room that is inviting and exciting, one that could also calm your senses. The bedroom that is auspicious or lucky is one that can give you a restful nap as well as a good night’s sleep.
There are rules in creating a bedroom such as this. In a nutshell, here are the dos and don’ts –
Nothing to Excite
While the bedroom is also supposed to excite, it must not be in a way that will interfere with your rest so never bring in a television set, exercise equipment or computer in that area of your home. These do not just create high EMF or electromagnetic force, they also create energies of stress and the need to work – all feelings that you do not want to feel inside the bedroom.
Let There Be Air
You must also be mindful of the quality of air inside the bedroom. You cannot achieve good Feng Shui if the very air that you breathe in is filled with pollutants. Putting plants will not solve the problem, though.
In the Chinese culture, it is bad luck to place potted plants beside the bed. If you really have to bring in plants, then be sure to place them as far away as possible from the bed.
And Let There Be Light
You will need dimmer switch to adjust light levels in the bedroom. Appropriate lighting is the correct manifestation of good energy. The bedroom is a good place for candles since they can create intimacy and also clear the energy inside the room.
While you may want to have a dark bedroom at night, it would help to keep the windows and doors open during the day. This is so a good amount of natural light could stream in.
Always keep the bedrooms doors closed during the night. These include closet doors as well as bathroom doors leading to the master bathroom.
It Is Also About the Bed
As for the bed placement, make sure also that it is approachable from the right and left sides. Place a bedside table on each side then avoid aligning the bed with the bedroom door. A well-balanced bed is crucial in the creation of a Feng Shui bedroom.
Pick the most soothing hues that you can find.
Clean Up
This is something that needs to be dealt with because the bedroom is supposed to be a place for relaxation. This cannot be achieved if there is clutter all around. The solution is not to shove the garbage under the bed but to really clean it up. Besides, it is also bad feng shui to put dirty stuff under your bed.
Sort out the things that you no longer need. Give away those that can still be used and throw away the rest.
Decorate with Purpose
The good Feng Shui bedroom must also have an auspicious décor. You can achieve the best flow of energy if you use skin colors so that’s anywhere from pale white to rich brown.
The bedroom art must be chosen wisely since images and colors do carry with them powerful energies. The best images are those that you would want to transpire in your life such as images that depict happiness, nourishment, and beauty.
Do not use sad images in the bedroom, instead, look for those that relate to relationships, love, intimacy, and healing.
There are many different images to choose from, of course, your preference should also be taken into consideration. Dreaming and pleasure should be two keywords that you need to remember in having a feng shui bedroom.
Tags: bedroom feng shui, feng shui for the bedroom, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Feng Shui in the Bedroom
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy