Thursday, October 18th, 2018
Have you noticed just how condominium units are becoming ever smaller? Nowadays, the home has to be functional and beautiful at the same time and no one can afford to have a spot that’s unused. All the square footage in those four walls simply have to be put to good use.
Thank goodness, these condos also come with high ceilings so the loft that results from this extra space can have its practical and aesthetic uses. So, if you have a loft and you’re wondering what to do with it, here are some ideas that might help –
A Continuous Corridor
Another way to look at lofts is to build a mezzanine that winds throughout the living area, thus, creating a seamless corridor for your tiny space. This expansion beyond the usual walkway can fit in a corner where you and your friends can play cards or where you can compete in a game of darts.
A Study Room
What about if the loft is slim, tall and it comes in twos? A dual loft space will effectively become a functional bedroom. This much bigger loft that sits on top of your condo’s open kitchen can become the study room that you have long ago wished for.
The smaller platform, on the other hand, can be delegated as a walk-in closet.
More Sleeping Spots
Having a loft means you can think in terms of bunk beds but on a much larger scale. The extended ceiling can be separated into two self-sustaining bedrooms. Each zone can have its own bed, a study desk or even a small wardrobe.
A TV Corner
And who says you always have to fight just to be able to watch your favorite TV show? With that extra space, you can now create your own private corner where you can set up your own TV set.
This TV corner can also be the perfect snooze spot if you no longer have the energy to walk all the way to your bedroom. Just add a couple of bean bags or floor pillows and you’ve already created a tiny bedroom that’s cozy, elevated, and the perfect spot to binge-watch.
Storage Space
Tiny spaces need all the extra space that they can get. Stack some shelves and what you get are more storage units for your home. These much-needed storage racks or shelves don’t have to be ugly, though. How about unleashing the artist in you by choosing the most stylish racks and shelves? Remember that you also have to consider the visual punch and not just the functionality of the furnishings that you add there.
A Master Bedroom
You can even add extra value to your home as you convert the loft space into your master bedroom. The loft may be that unfinished attic or it can be that extra vertical space in your tiny home, it really doesn’t matter. What you need to initially do is to consult with the local government regarding the building codes for residences.
Obtain the necessary permits before you even begin measuring the space and planning on what to put there.
For unfinished lofts, always consult with an engineer or an architect so that you’re ascertained that the rafters will be able to support the drywall for the walls and ceilings. Any HVAC or electrical system will also be an additional consideration.
Ensure also that the floor joists are able to support the weight of the remodeled zone. Check, yet again, with a licensed structural engineer or an architect. A room that’s lacking natural light would do well to have a skylight or even a solar tube.
Use the slanted ceiling or low areas as storage spaces. You can place small drawers and shelves there. These alcoves are also perfect as cozy reading nooks.
Tags: loft, loft design, loft design elements, loft design ideas, loft essentials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Apartment Living, Condo Living, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on 6 Must-know Loft Ideas
Tuesday, March 20th, 2018
Small apartments, without a doubt, are one of the trickiest spaces to design. First of all, you have to deal with limited space and you also have to consider choosing which pieces to include in the design or not. A lot of homeowners have already made the mistake of designing their small apartments without rules and they end up crying over the disaster that strikes after.
Admit it, a smaller space has more requirements since you have limited real estate to beautify. Function and comfort are also two elements that you should not forget about.
Here are some mistakes that others before you have done. It’s time to learn from them –
As Flexible As Your Furniture
Most homeowners and even a few designers would say that huge furniture has no space in a small apartment. The mistake here, though, is that you are locked into thinking that you should only shop for smaller furniture pieces.
Having a successfully designed small space means you have to have furniture that is flexible. Learn to arrange furniture in the best possible way. You might consider investing in multiple pieces when you can actually just have one huge piece with more than one function.
Take for instance a daybed. This can serve as a sofa during the day and a bed at night. Nesting tables such as the Hooker Furniture Living Room Nesting Tables are also a good investment since the extra table can be pulled out the moment more guests arrive.
Correct furniture arrangement for a small apartment also means moving pieces out of the way before the guests arrive. You would want to keep furniture pieces that are mobile, simple, and versatile.
While it does make sense that you buy smaller furniture in a small apartment, the truth is, this isn’t a hundred-percent applicable at all times. Buying smaller pieces does not automatically make the apartment look bigger, in fact, if the proportions don’t make sense, then the apartment could end up looking smaller than it actually is. This is what’s known as the dollhouse effect.
Making Do with Limited Storage
Another huge mistake that many homeowners have made is to make do with the storage that they have in their small apartment. The smarter move is to figure out what you need to store. These are the things that you use daily or regularly.
Oprah Winfrey once said that if you’re no longer using something for six months or over, then, chances are, you won’t use that anymore.
Add storage if you have to but learn also to let go of stuff that only becomes clutter.
Not Following the 2/3 Rule
Whether you like it or not, you have to buy the proper size of furniture. Again, this is dependent on correct measurements. You don’t just eyeball a piece prior to purchasing it, you have to have the numbers to follow.
Not Trusting Your Gut Feel
As soon as you have made all the measurements and have purchased the furniture pieces, the next step is to plan how you can use each one in your home. While many design experts are more than willing to impart their know-how regarding this, your perception will always be the best tool that you can rely on. This is no less than your sixth sense so trust it when you are arranging the pieces that you have bought.
Always pay close attention to how you feel the moment you place the pieces in the living room, the bedroom or any room in your home. If it does not feel right, then more often than not, there is something wrong with the design that you just concocted.
Tags: designing a small apartment, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, styling an apartment
Posted in Apartment Living, Condo Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Big Mistakes, Small Apartment
Thursday, January 18th, 2018
The high-rise residence industry is a booming industry. These small homes are sprouting almost everywhere as more and more real estate developers employ various strategies to make their projects stand out from the rest. More often than not, these residences are marketed to come with the most luxurious amenities.
If you’re thinking of investing in these tiny spaces then you might have made this decision based on these benefits –
Safety
Condo living is most appealing to people who do not want to be bothered by maintenance issues every now and then. Bigger homes require high maintenance but the smaller units are much easier to protect. All you need to install are a few CCTV cameras and fire alarm and you should be good. Condo unit owners now even have their own access cards so that unauthorized access to the unit is minimized or totally eradicated.
High Value
Investment in high-rise properties, especially the greener ones, is surely a sound decision. Inhabitants of these said units will save more because of the amount of energy that they are able to conserve. Also, expatriates seem to now prefer smaller apartments to bigger homes.
These smaller units are now much preferred, hence, they tend to command more in terms of market value.
Lower Ownership Costs
One of the leading reasons why condominium unit ownership has been attracting buyers is that you don’t need to own a piece of land. This is owning just a piece of property – a fairly-priced one at that – at a shorter period of time. The amenities and facilities that are also available in the building are what the condo owners get to enjoy.
Amazing Location
If you are a busy person who likes to save time and energy, then you would probably want to live near your office. You can now rest straightaway after a long day at work since you no longer need to commute to and from work. Walk just a few blocks and – voila – you’re home. You also don’t need to wake up too early just to compete in the morning rush.
Condo Design Elements
Now that you’ve decided to become a condo or townhouse owner, it is important that you learn the smart use of design elements. The right choice of colors can dramatically transform a boring unit into a lively one. You can replicate the color of the skies by painting the walls powder blue or you can simply use the color that enamors you. For this year, Pantone’s chosen color is Ultra Violet.
If you’re one who does not immediately embrace the pastel color scheme, there are many options such as warm wood tones and creamy furnishings. Add a wooden secretary and what you have is a traditionally awesome home.
Another amazing benefit of living in a condominium is the great view. Sometimes, there are even more than one stunning view. When you’re faced with this, you can redesign by adding crown molding right on the ceiling line. Instead of using white, though, paint this trim with a gold and tan fusion.
Next, a small home does not necessarily have to be boring. You can also glamorize by adding the correct kinds of accessories. Use glass surfaces and mirrors to reflect light throughout the space. This should make your home appear more spacious.
Add a punch by putting colorful throw pillows. Be sure to contrast their colors with the more grounded colors all throughout the space.
As to the kitchen, having white cabinets is the way to go since these will open up narrow spaces. Upper cabinet doors should have glass front doors to create the feeling of openness. Use glass knobs to complete the look.
Tags: condo design elements, condominium style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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Friday, October 13th, 2017
There are – without a doubt – many benefits to living in a condominium. While many of us anticipate investing and living in a dream house, the condominium can have many surprising and logical benefits. Of course, this will always depend on the size of the family’s finance and where they intend to be situated. Overall, though, there are many ayes more than the nays.
Low-maintenance Is Good
If you are not a huge fan of mowing the lawn or trimming plants, trees, and bushes, then living in a condo might just be for you. One of the awesome perks of condo living is having someone else take care of the maintenance works. Just pay your monthly dues and you’re done.
These maintenance works include re-roofing, the removal of snow, and those unexpected repairs.
Yes to Extra Amenities
Residents of condominiums often share wonderful amenities like pools, workout facilities, and party rooms. You can enjoy all these without having to worry yourself about their maintenance. In fact, condo owners even enjoy added security which is provided to them by the association. This makes condo owners feel a lot safer than when they are living alone, somewhere.
Living in Prime Neighborhoods
You can also capitalize on the location of your condo property. Most of the condominium units are now located in prime neighborhoods that are close to shopping malls, restaurants, work districts, and transport terminals.
These are desirable locations which can help increase the actual value of your condo property, in essence, owning a unit means making a sound financial investment.
Condo living is not for everyone, though. But if you have decided to own one, then here are a few tips on how you can optimize your chosen lifestyle –
Prepare to Live in a Populated District
Once you sign up to own a condominium unit, then you must also be prepared to live a different lifestyle. First, you will be in the middle of a social hub (because most condo buildings are built in the middle of work and shopping districts. While you can enjoy city lights, you are also bound to literally rub elbows with a lot of people.
The best thing about being in close proximity to one’s work is that you can still spend some time with your friends even after a long, tiresome day at the office.
Be Independent
Another upside to the condo lifestyle is that you’re able to live an independent lifestyle. No one can dictate or impose anything on you-you are your own boss. While you do this, you are also stepping out of your comfort zone. Now, you are an independent adult.
Live Within a Budget
Cutting back on costs is essential but this does not have to be your food budget. Do not exist on burgers all the time as this will eventually ruin your health. Also, eating out costs more than when you prepare your own meals.
Prepare sandwiches and salads for those moments when you really don’t have time to cook. If you have amazing cooking skills, then put them to the test.
Budgeting is an art. Create a basic checklist for your grocery shopping.
Live Life
Choosing a condominium as your new home does not necessarily equate to having dozing in sleeping quarters. This is not your huge bedroom – this is your home. And since this is your new home, you might as well live in it.
While you have to adapt to certain ways of living, you must never forget that this is also your habitat so you can dress it up according to your preferences and needs.
Tags: condo design elements, condo style, high rise living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sky high
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Wednesday, August 16th, 2017
These days, haven’t you noticed that more and more professional, single men and women are looking into settling in a studio apartment? With just one person to live inside this space, it can be everything that one would need, space-wise. It may be limited but designing the space properly should help one live comfortably.
Study type homes are cozy if you know how to design them. Of course, you wouldn’t want a home that is chaotic or crowded, so you need to design and transform this space into an area that will suit your personality as well as your lifestyle.
Now let’s get down to business. Put on your creative thinking hat then let’s try to figure out how you can use one space for your living room, bedroom, dining room and kitchen requirements. Now that you have enumerated the rooms in your mind, you might instantly think that it’s an impossible task but hold your horses. Don’t quit just yet.
Plan Your Design
It is also important to know the right kind of design for your studio apartment. Consider the proper sections and where they should be laid out. Designate the adjacent rooms such as the dining space to your kitchen area.
Important Stuff Only
Make it a point to choose just the things that you will really need. Unused items will just become clutter and will crowd many areas that you can still put into good use. As you pick the things that you need, make sure that you won’t forget one important aspect, though – aesthetics.
Yes to Ample Storage
A studio apartment needs sufficient storage units. There is no other way to conceal some of your stuff since you have limited space. You can also invest in furniture that has double roles – one as a seating unit that doubles as a chest perhaps. There are also dining tables that can be used as a home office desk.
These pieces are also known as smart furniture. These are the pieces that have multiple functions that would conveniently provide different uses to address your different needs.
Remember that studio apartment living is all about organization so consider these.
Use Glass and Mirrors
Installing mirrors inside a room can make it look brighter and larger. There are now a variety of mirrors to choose from. You should also look for cabinets with glass doors. Basically, anything that has a glass element on it will be helpful in visually opening up space in your new studio apartment.
Sheer Coverings for Windows
There is nothing else that would do. Draperies and blinds are a no-no. These thick window coverings will definitely make the room look dark.
To go with your sheer curtains, be sure to pick only the light-colored materials. If you can, you can also leave your windows bare. Adding a valance to a bare window should make it look dolled up.
As for divisions in your home, you can also use partitions though be ready to have a smaller-looking place. If you really have to have divisions, then be sure to have the foldable type of partition. Draw curtains can also be used.
The Focal Point Necessity
Yes. You would need to create one focal point to anchor the rest of your design elements. Your TV could play the role well. Or you can have the fireplace take on its natural part in the whole design.
Use a Single Theme
No need to explain this. With a small space and just one room at that, it makes sense that you just stick to one design theme. Many studio apartments use the industrial or minimalist theme. These make good use of space with what very little furniture pieces that owner has on hand.
Tags: designing small spaces, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, single-room design, small space design, studio apartment living
Posted in Apartment Living, Condo Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on The Single-Room-Lifestyle
Tuesday, July 25th, 2017
Gleaning condominium design inspirations and ideas is mostly fun, especially now with lots of magazine sites on the Internet. As you take note of the designs that catch your attention, how do you think you could make them happen? Now this is the time when you start feeling overwhelmed.
The chief idea in designing your condo is to break down the project into steps that comprise a system. Here are some tips –
Measurements Matter
Doing this will let you realize how much space you will be working with. Taking the measurements of the living space will help you in your preparation for the next step which is to order the supplies for your interior design project.
Measurements also guarantee that you won’t be ordering too much wallpaper or the wrong size of table for your dining area.
A Single Order Covers All
As soon as you have decided on the paint, fabrics, and furniture, it’s time to order the materials – and all at once as much as possible. Know that there are some materials that take time to arrive so you have to set a head start for these.
Schedule your ordering so that the materials arrive all when you need to begin the project.
Choose a Design Team
Consider all the professionals that you need (e.g. the electrician, painter, upholsterer, etc.). Ask your relatives and friends for some referrals. If you’re not rushing, it is best to interview each professional that you consider for the job.
Begin with the Floor, Up
Would you be sanding or staining your floor? Or would you install wall-to-wall carpeting? Always begin with the floor. This is the best way to avoid damaging or at least minimize the damages to the walls.
Paint
Before you bring in the cabinets and other furnishings, or even before you install all the lighting fixtures, be sure to finish the painting tasks. One of the biggest expenses that you will make will be the preparation and actual painting of the interiors.
Painting may appear to be difficult but with ample preparation (sanding and making sure that the surfaces to be painted are clean), all should be well. If you’re still daunted by the task, then just hire a professional.
Don’t go on default which are white walls and then adding stuff later. Use your favorite color, mix and match.
Hang the Light
After painting, you can now begin to hang the chandeliers, pendants, sconces, or other fixtures. Be sure to install these first before you even display the drapes or any other furnishing so that the fixtures won’t get in the way.
Bring in the Furniture
Ask the help of some of your friends. Bringing in the furniture into your home is one task that you could never do on your own, besides, it would be more fun if everyone had a contribution to the interior design project.
As much as you can, you should have prepared a floor plan as to where each piece of furniture will be placed. Do not be afraid to experiment if the initial plan does not work out.
Accessorize
Lastly, as soon as all the furniture has been placed, it’s time to add the figurines, artworks, lamps, and decorative stuff. Bring in your pillows, books and whatnots. Go ahead, splurge. This is your condo unit after all. These small items will surely add touches of who you are – and this is something that you would want everyone to know.
Add all the pretty details now, emphasize all the stunning views (e.g. the window opening towards the skyline during the evening), or shine the lights towards the crown molding.
Once you’re done with these steps, sit down and enjoy what you’ve accomplished.
Tags: condo designs, designing a condo, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, stylizing condos
Posted in Apartment Living, Condo Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Condo Fit Living and Furnishing
Monday, April 10th, 2017
Many homeowners begin to envision the overall look of their homes the moment the lease or contract is signed. Deciding which interior design scheme to use needs a lot of planning – careful planning at that. This becomes doubly crucial if you’re designing a smaller home such as a condo.
When you’re a beginner and you are designing a condominium, then you can begin with these simple tips –
Condo Design Tip #1: Begin with a Layout
Okay, interior design can be overwhelming. Your home, after all, is your personal space so it has to be unique and, yes, personalized. If you’re not that keen on decorating a home or if you feel that you’re allergic to elements of design, then you need some guidelines.
The primary step in the creation of the perfect interior as well as furniture layout is to assess the size and shape of all the rooms in your home.
Many of the condominiums today are blessed with unique shapes and floor plans. These mean that you won’t have to worry about standing out anymore. Find features in the condo unit that you now own or are renting and use those beautiful features to your advantage.
Show off that angled glass wall by letting it serve as a frame to your chosen furniture. Create a conversation area right where the beautiful skyline can be seen. You can also have this area float right in the center of the room, leaving a hallway right against the windows. This should allow you to enjoy the views especially during the evening.
The separation of smaller areas can be done by contrasting light and dark colors. This technique brings about a sense of elegance and spaciousness. Use lights that highlight so you open up the smallest areas in your condominium unit.
Condo Design Tip #2: Bring the Outdoors In
This tip is just a continuation of the first step. If your condo looks more like a hallway where the living and dining areas are right next to each other, then you can make rooms using furnishings. Visual dividers such as a china cabinet or a shelving unit would effectively make that demarcation line.
Condo Design Tip #3: “Mirrorize”
Use mirrors in order to expand the rooms in your condo unit. The technique is to trick the eyes by making them think that there is a window on the mirrored wall. This is a good way to open up spaces that do not have windows.
Make sure that you are reflecting a lovely view outdoors or a fashionable part of your room when you are hanging a mirror. You wouldn’t want to reflect anything unsightly such as a toilet bowl – this will never be art, right?
Condo Design Tip #4: Hang a Graphic Image
You can make a statement as you get to personalize your condo when you decide to put up a poster with a graphic image on one of your doors.
Condo Design Tip #5: Pair a Table with Full-length Window
It can be intimidating to look at wall-to-wall glass windows. You can ground these threatening walls by placing a significant piece of furniture in front of them. A sofa would do the trick or a lovely coffee table. Be sure to hang floor-length drapes so that you get to frame the window in the process. You also up the intimacy level when you do this.
Condo Design Tip #6: Love Everythin’ That’s Neutral
Since a condo has limited floor area, the living, kitchen and dining areas will need to share the same space. Since this is so, it is best to use neutral hues to achieve a seemingly more spacious and airy look and feel.
Condo design needn’t terrify you. You just have to learn these basics and eventually progress from these fundamentals.
Tags: condo, condo design elements, condo designs, condominium living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small home design
Posted in Condo Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on High Rise, High Elegance: How to Make Condo Living More Stylish
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