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Wednesday, May 1st, 2019
Popping the cork and raising your glasses with the fizzy and sparkling champagne as the clock strikes midnight is already a tradition for many people all around the globe. So, why is it that champagne is the special beverage that takes center stage during such momentous occasions?
Looking Back
This bubbly wine is known throughout history as the star of parties and many luxurious royal occasions. This, somehow, symbolized aristocracy in Europe; even after the French Revolution, this wine became a huge part of secular rituals which replaced the religious rituals.
In fact, you could even christen a new ship minus the priest. A bottle of champagne could easily replace the holy water that is supposed to be sprinkled throughout the vessel. This same drink can also be opened during baptisms, weddings, and many other religious occasions.
Originally produced in England in the 1500s, it was a carbon dioxide filled corked bottle then minus the sparkle. Adding the sugar in the late 1600s brought about the wine’s signature sparkle.
It took almost a hundred years for chemists to figure out the correct amount of sugar that would not result in exploding bottles. While the English preferred their dry version of the champagne, the French, on the other hand, wanted the newer, sweeter version.
The very tradition of drinking champagne during celebrations can be attributed to the European royal courts before 1789. Back then, it was a status symbol, and it was even widely believed that the wine had positive effects on men’s wits and women’s beauty.
It has long since become a worldwide drinking marvel. It is now famous for occasions such as tossing champagne glasses on the floor of Russian weddings and smashing a bottle or two against the ship that’s about to have its maiden voyage.
Champagne drinking has always been symbolic. Visually, it shows abundance and happiness. Racecar drivers and athletes are bathed with champagne during their victories but they don’t even drink it. It even shows the occasion’s sanctity.
Champagne Sources
The cuvée or the base wine is picked from the pure grapes like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. There are also varieties that have mixed grapes. Pinot Noir is the red grape type which produces white juice. Chardonnay, on the other hand, comes from white grapes.
Now let’s have a little lesson here. When you read blanc de noirs, it means white of blacks. This is the kind of wine produced from black grapes (which is another term for red grapes). Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are the sole black grape duo that is permitted in the Champagne AOC (champagne appellation).
The white of whites are blanc de blancs are used to describe champagnes produced solely from Chardonnay grapes. Rose wines or the pink champagne are made by macerating the clear black grape juice on its skins or by merely infusing the sparking cuvée with just a small amount of Pinot Noir red wine.
Correct Champagne Storage
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Proper storage does not begin and end with you, it begins right at the point of sale so be sure to buy champagne only from a reputable merchant.
Traditional wisdom dictates that wine must be stored in a constantly cool environment of about 10-12°C and no greater than 15°C. You would want to have humidity work with you when you’re setting up a wine cellar. Just make sure that this does not exceed 60-70% as a lot of humidity could foster mold growth.
Other factors that could also damage the taste of your champagne are light, sudden temperature changes, vibrations, and draughts. Don’t be too concerned about the angle of the bottle because, unlike regular wines, champagne can be stored sideways or even upright.
You may question this storage technique but the moistness of the cork is maintained because of the pressure that’s already inside your champagne bottle. If you would still want to store the bottles on their sides (just to be sure that the cork won’t dry up), then do so.
Keep in mind that champagne is highly susceptible to light exposure so always keep your stored bottles in a dark room. Fail to do that and you’d have a bad-tasting beverage to look forward to.
If you currently do not have a potential wine cellar in your home, then just screen your bottles with tinted glass or just wrap them all in aluminum foil or yellow cellophane.
So now that you know that you need a dark and slightly dank room, the next thing to do is to find a sturdy wine rack. If you have more money to invest, you can have a refrigerated wine cabinet instead.
If you’re wondering how long you should store the champagne in a cellar, then know that you should store them longer if you have the ideal temperature and conditions in the cellar. If the bottles have been exposed to light, then be sure to consume them right away.
With proper storage and handling, champagne reaches its peak in just a few years of its disgorgement. From there, it will start a gradual decline. Successful storage in your home depends on many factors including how it was made, how it evolved, and how it was handled eventually.
A few wine connoisseurs choose to store their champagne bottles for a number of years. The British are most popular for doing this because they know how aging makes the champagne richly-flavored.
Prepping the Drink
When you’re about to entertain guests or when you look forward to celebrating something with your family, you would want nothing but the best kind of champagne, right?
Let’s enhance your drinking and toasting experience. Discover how you can properly serve this symbolic drink.
First, plan prior to serving. Take a step back then make sure that you have everything that you need to set up the best ambiance.
Next, prepare the environment. Consider the lighting, aromas and temperature. The best tasting environment must be in room temperature, well-lit, and of course, well ventilated.
You would want your guests to be comfortable when drinking their champagne. They will savor the moment if they’re not feeling too warm or too cold. Making sure that the lighting sources are not overwhelming is a great step towards seeing this sparkling wine as it should be perceived.
There should be no stray odors that will throw off the smell of the wine such as cooking odors and baking aromas. As you’ve prepped the setting, it’s time to take out the glasses and have them cleaned.
Never wash the champagne glasses through a dishwasher since this can leave traces of lime scale and soap. Handwash each one instead and allow them to dry naturally.
Time to Uncork
Popping open the champagne bottle can be quite fun but there are certain societies that look down on this practice. Begin by holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle. Be sure that the mouth of the bottle is pointed in a safe direction. Have a cloth of napkin draped over the arm that’s holding the bottle.
Remove the foil then loosen the wire cage or muselet. Unwind the key by making six half-turns. Don’t take it out completely, instead, have your thumb pressed to the top so that the cork won’t pop out.
Have the cloth or napkin cover the bottle’s cork. This looks both classy and clean when you’re serving the wine. The thumb must be back over the stopper. Rotate the base and carefully wiggle the cork out if it remains stuck.
Make sure the cork won’t pop no matter how much you feel the pressure from the inside of the bottle. The champagne will whisper once the cork releases. A few seconds should be enough to pour the drink without causing foaming.
Always have the napkin held above the bottle so that you could catch the overflow.
Let’s Celebrate
Now that you’ve opened the bottle, the next step is to pour it. Have someone with a steady hand pour the wine to each of the glasses.
Put your thumb under the bottle or the punt then spread your fingers on the bottle’s body. With your free hand, hold a wine glass at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to pour at the side of the champagne glass.
Let the foam diminish, making sure each time that the bottle does not touch the glass. The liquid must be poured halfway through and not to the brim. Finish pouring by quickly twisting the bottle and catching drops on the bottle’s lips.
It might seem inconsequential for people to learn how to properly serve champagne but doing so could actually heighten one’s drinking experience. The difference will be quite obvious, you’ll see.
Tags: champagne storage, drinking champagne, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, storing champagne
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Time for a Champagne Celebration: Tips in Storing And Serving This Sparkling Wine
Thursday, April 18th, 2019
The Bliss Leather Chair from Protégé Upholstery is simple yet stylish.
Even since man started valuing commodities, leather has become one of the most sought-after materials. The simplest and earliest furniture pieces were probably made of animal skins so that man would be kept warm and comfortable.
Leather is a big testament to the resourcefulness as well as the ingenuity of man. And whether it did play an important part in the development of civilization, it is still a valued material even to this day. Leather has become an enduring piece of fashion and design.
So, is it a must to have leather in your home?
A Little Leather History
Let’s walk down memory lane for a bit. The benefits of using dried animal skins in the prehistoric times are still the same benefits that man enjoys today. Leather has been used for shelter and clothing and all these are there to keep harsh conditions from harming man.
The earliest known leather artifacts were crafted in 1300 BC. This was the time that man began to appreciate and use animal hides for their protection. Suddenly, leather is born and animal skins are no longer just a food by-product.
Ancient Greeks also crafted leather garments and sandals in 1200 BC and during the Homeric era. Leather prevailed and even spread all the way to Egypt where royalty almost revered it.
And as we now live in a society that’s increasingly developing and becoming more sophisticated with each year, innovations keep coming even for an enduring material such as leather.
Leather craftsmen and tanners are still in demand even as they were during the Middle Ages. What’s better today is that, there is now an alternative method that’s been invented for vegetable tanning.
Chrome tanning makes use of chemicals which make leather manufacturing a lot easier. About 80-90% of leather tanning worldwide is now done in this manner.
Leather is not just associated with clothing and bags nowadays but also in the bookbinding industry. The Victorian era began this with novels such as those of Charles Dickens being preserved because of the durability of leather.
Leather Today
These days, leather is still highly valued and renowned. While there are now more options on synthetic fabrics and materials, leather remains one of the leading choices for furniture and accessories.
There are many reasons why leather endures even till these days. First, very few materials can beat leather when it comes to quality. Furniture made of leather are believed to be top-of-the-line and, therefore, premier pieces.
Have you ever been invited to a spacious office where you were welcomed to a lobby filled with leather furniture pieces? What was your impression of that office? Surely, you thought of the adjectives classy or sophisticated. And with modern tanning process now available, leather is now more resistant to sagging, cracking or even peeling.
Leather is also a material that offers comfort. And compared to fabric couches which tend to fade, leather is more enduring. They are less likely to lose their shape. In fact, as true leather becomes more worn out, it becomes even more inviting to one’s sight.
Leather is breathable so it allows heat to dissipate more quickly. No matter what the weather, you are sure to feel comfort as you sit each time in your leather couch.
Speak of durability, leather is also known to last four more times compared to fabric upholstery. It is a tough material although it is also flexible. Because it is all-natural, it is also resistant to dirt and spills. Just wipe it with a clean cloth and you’re done cleaning.
Lastly, leather is so stylish more so when it is dyed. Its unique grain, markings and look shows just how refined you are with your furniture choices
Tags: history of leather, leather, leather furniture, leather history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Home Office Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | Comments Off on Leather: From Then Till Now
Wednesday, April 17th, 2019
Can you imagine relaxing in this stylish and comfortable Bradington Young recliner?
There are many causes of back discomfort and probably the most common is not being able to correct one’s posture. And, sometimes, even when you think you’re relaxing in your home, did you know that you could actually hurt your back?
Sitting in a sofa – the wrong style that is – could also lead to incorrect posture, thus, a series of back pains. Be wise in shopping for comfy sofas because some of these could actually be harmful to your back.
Knowing which back posture is correct should help you choose the right sofa for your home. A well-supported spine should have an S-shaped curve. The torso’s weight presses upon the lower part of the spine to create a balance. The lumbar discs receive less pressure with a tailbone that’s upright.
All About Ergonomics
Ergonomically engineered sofas are manufactured to offer comfort as well as correct back posture. The sofa comes with lumbar supports with the seat cushions being extra firm as sinking into the sofa could lead to incorrect posture and slumping.
The way the feet lay on the floor also says a lot about the correctness of the couch. If the sofa allows you to rest your feet with ease onto the flat floor as the buttocks are resting at the sofa seat, then you have the right sofa.
The ergonomic option for your couch is, of course, not similarly priced as the traditional one. The posture-correcting sofas come with lumbar supports, ergonomic seats, and some even come with orthopedic pillows. Every supportive product assists a specific body part.
The Benefits
Apart from causing back pain, incorrect sitting posture could lead to decreased energy levels (yes, believe it or not), weak muscles, and poor circulation. And if your body’s been used to sitting incorrectly, then there is a need to reorient it to the correct posture so that back pain is reduced.
As you keep doing this, you will become accustomed to the right way to sit each time and your breathing would even improve. Surprisingly, bad backs are almost non-existent in third world nations where comfortable couches do not exist. There, good posture is done naturally, daily.
Finding the Right Sofa
Knowing all the features that matter will aid you in picking the right style that’s not just suitable to your design but also kind to your back. First, you have to find the correct height for the backrest.
Sofas with taller backs will give you a spot where you can rest your head when you’re feeling a little tired. To get this convenience, the back height needs to be 18 inches or even taller.
If you like lying down on your couch as you rest your head against one of its arms, then you don’t have to worry too much about the back height. And if the couch is going to be placed in a formal setup, then the back height becomes less important.
The next thing that you need to consider is the cushions. There are three types namely cushion back, tight back and the loose back. Every type comes with its pros and cons.
Cushion backs are the most common sofa back that you can find in the market. They are there to fit the couch perfectly while providing a soft and comfortable spot for you to lean against.
The cushions are quite versatile so you can use them either in a formal or casual setting.
The tight back cushion, on the other hand, comes completely fused with the sofa back. It is firmer so you won’t have to worry about fluffing or plumping. It is a neat-looking couch that has this type of cushion.
The third and last type is the loose back cushions. The sofa back, in this case, comes with various large throws. They cover the back of the couch but they do not fit it perfectly. If you want to have a casual vibe in your living room, then these are your go-to cushions.
Choose also the fills for your sofa. Pick from the down-filled cushions, fiber-filled, and the combination-filled.
Tags: buying a new couch, couch buying, ergonomic couch, ergonomic sofa, lumbar support, McCreerys, posture correcting couch, posture correcting sofa, shopping for a couch, shopping for a sofa
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Living Room Design | Comments Off on What Are Posture-Correcting Sofas?
Thursday, March 28th, 2019
Congrats, it’s your first house! Now it’s time to invest in some furniture. Even when you’re not intending to stay forever in this place, still, you would like to make it look amazing while you’re living in it.
Of course, there are pieces that are worth investing in. Those are the ones that do not just look great in your house but also would last a long time.
The Indoor-Outdoor Seats
If the only comfortable dining chair is an upholstered one, then your design options would be quite limited. But the great news is that this is not the case. There are wooden chairs that do not come with upholstery yet they are comfortable enough to sit in and they are also durable. In fact, they’re so beautiful that they work indoors just as well as they do outdoors.
If you want to have this type of chairs, then better look for a pair or about four pieces of outdoor-appropriate seats. These can be used as dining chairs or as patio seats when the weather is right.
A Heavy-duty Dining Table
Even the simplest dining table, as long as it is elegant, can be a great investment, too. This can be used as a spot to share the meals with your family or it can be the desk where you do your homework.
A Compact Leather Couch
The sofa is a crucial part of every home. You might buy just a small sofa at the moment but if it’s leather, then it is a form of investment that you can have with you for the next 10-15 years.
This leather piece is the best lounging space for an individual or a part of a family room or den later on. Leather ages well and it develops a lovely patina over time. This piece will coordinate well with any kind of seating arrangement.
An Adaptable Sectional
The sectional is also a wonderful option for different rooms. You have to make a good choice now, though, because the shape of your sectional could become a drawback later on.
Every sectional comes in a different layout. There are L-shaped ones, and there are also those that come in U shape. If you’re able to plan ahead, you can invest in a reconfigurable type of sectional so you can avoid ditching it later on.
The Lovely Headboard
The headboard, more often than not, is overlooked by a lot of homeowners. This is a piece that takes up wall space but one that could easily increase the level of elegance in the bedroom.
A padded headboard even offers comfort if it is padded and you just need a place to lean your back against.
To ascertain that the headboard will still be around when you’re ready to move, pick one that’s a size or two bigger than your current bed. For instance, if you’re sleeping in a double bed now, then you should purchase a freestanding or mounted queen headboard.
This extended panel will look great and posh and it will still be usable once you upgrade your bed later on.
Protege Dining_Migonette Counter Stool
Multipurpose Stools
A lot of living rooms feature a couch, side chairs, and a stylish coffee table but some stools or a set of ottomans are just as lovely. These are even more flexible for when you decide to change the look of your living room later.
These pieces are less bulky so you create more space for you and your family. Find ottomans that are firm so you can also use them as a table for snacks and beverages when you’re entertaining some guests.
Classic Sideboard
A sideboard offers storage as well as some shelves or drawers for some of your items, too. This is a furniture piece that can suit any room so you can move it about when you want to place it elsewhere.
Tags: furniture buying, furniture buying tips, furniture shopping, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Furniture Buying Guide for First Time Homeowners
Monday, February 4th, 2019
The American Leather Living Room Ainsley-Sectional may not feature the bold retro colors but its sleek legs and slim look are retro necessities.
The American Leather Living Room Ainsley-Sectional may not feature the bold retro colors but its sleek legs and slim look are retro necessities.
Retro style covers many design decades. This term was used in the past as a means to describe styles and trends that were in. If this were to be the basis, then every style eventually becomes retro. At this time, styles that are from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s are considered vintage, therefore, retro.
If you’re willing to cross over to any of these interior designs, then it’s time to go retro. Always think of bright hues, bold designs, and an awesome flair. You have to be daring because retro requires a certain set of personalities. It is far from laidback or casual; it’s busy, even bordering funky.
Retro Hues
To be truly retro means you have to pick retro colors. Don’t worry, this is not difficult to do.
Begin with avocado green. This is the retro hue of choice followed closely by mustard and fusions of black, brown, red, and white. Hot pink and purple are also amazing additions to your retro style home.
You can place a little of everything and mixes of green, blue, indigo, orange (the bright type), and sunshiny yellow. Checkered patterns are also welcome as are tie-dyed fabrics and paisleys.
Retro Textures
Texture is an element that you must never ignore when it comes to retro designing. Here, in fact, it’s okay to go overboard. Use soft vinyl, shag carpets and crushed velvet. Keep in mind that you have to be bold about everything so go ahead and use a lot of textures.
Retro Accent and Flooring
Here’s another easy thing about retro – you don’t have to limit your use of accessories and accents. Retro pieces include door beads, rugs, lava lamps, stools, and skate tables. Sculptures and art are often unique and bold, could also be abstract.
As for the flooring, your options are these three – shag carpeting, tiles patterned like checkerboard, and natural wood.
Retro Lighting
Every retro style home must have its floor or desk lamps. You can also opt for a multi-colored chandelier.
Retro Furniture
Now this is one design element that we have to focus on when it comes to retro style. The pieces that you choose are crucial in creating the retro feel in your home. Get the wrong furniture and you’re looking at a totally different or awkward era.
Broad and long sofas are a must. These must also be decorated with different-colored pillows for the needed burst of color. Chrome barstools are also a wonderful addition (especially the ones that have a red seat) to the kitchen or the bar. Puzzle piece ottomans offer a unique seating option for your guests.
It’s no surprise that retro furniture is still much wanted nowadays because its simple base constructions and wooden structures with metal feet are difficult to ignore.
If you’ve seen the Bauhaus style, then you’d know where retro style gets its influence. With this style, quality is a must for each furniture piece while still not steeply priced. Add in the element of comfort and you’ve arrived, style-wise.
Just imagine the milling techniques back in the 1960s till the 1970s and you know that you should include a bit of the perforated hole design and the metal fronts. Filigree legs provided the light and comfortable look that’s a recipe for the perfect retro home.
Going further on your furniture choices, use tables and side tables with a metal or solid wood construction. A gilding of metal is also a great addition. For the cloth covers, use sea green, musty yellow, brown or beige. Muted orange also appeared during the ’50 till the ‘60s so that’s also an option.
Don’t be afraid to mix different materials so you can say that you’ve truly jumped into the retro bandwagon.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, retro, Retro design, retro interior design, Retro style
Posted in 2019 Trends, Accents, Accessories, Color Schemes, Decorative Elements, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Retro Interiors Made Trendy
Friday, February 1st, 2019
The Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Platform Bed, Queen is sublime for newly married couples. It is heavenly, soft, and comfortable, there’s nothing more that you could ask for.
Have you recently married? Well you’re off to a new life and you are surely happy at this time. After all, those wedding festivities certainly upped your happy hormones plus those gifts waiting to be opened; the world is certainly a great place to be in right now.
But wait, have you thought about how you would furnish your home? Furniture shopping could take some time but when you already have the time to shop with your spouse, this is one of those things that you should prioritize.
Plus furniture shopping is surely fun so make it a point to do it together. This is one enjoyable experience that you need to go through as a married couple. Of course, the challenges that come will also allow you to get to know your spouse some more.
So what do you think is the biggest challenge when it comes to newly weds’ furniture shopping?
Fusing both of your styles is the first obstacle that you need to overcome. While opposites attract, this could be the challenge that would keep you from shopping with ease. Remember these – compromise, comfort, and happiness are the keys to choosing the right pieces.
Argue If You Have To
Furniture shopping does not have to equate to bickering and showing your bad side. This is an experience that you should enjoy as a couple. If you already share the same tastes in furniture, then congratulations, you won’t have as much trouble.
But what if you like rustic pieces and your spouse leans towards the more contemporary furnishings?
It’s okay to argue. If you don’t like French provincial style, then don’t say yes. If modern pieces don’t make your heart skip, then be honest about it. Perhaps you can compromise with transitional pieces until you finally decide which style to go with.
Don’t worry about the arguments. They may seem heated at the moment but you’ll soon laugh about them in the near future.
Bare Essentials
You might have heard an older couple tell you that they only owned a bed in their first few years of marriage. While the bed may be all that a couple needs in the first few months, eventually, they get to realize that other pieces of furniture are a necessity, too.
Other than the bed, bare essentials include any seating unit such as a loveseat (for now), futon, a sofa or a davenport. Nightstands may be mere accessories but they are also pretty useful. These pieces can hold a lot of stuff for you.
Buy two nightstands so that both of you have something to put your stuff on. Buy only one and you risk having to quarrel for storage space.
Go for Double Function
You could consider investing in a futon that can turn into a bed at night. This is especially useful if you have limited space. As a married couple that is just starting on their new life, you should opt for furnishings that offer double (if not triple) functions.
Apart from the practicality of turning the couch into a bed at night, see if you can have nesting tables become your dining table or a desk for your home office. After use, they can be stacked again so that they won’t take up too much space.
A Word of Caution
Know that all marriages begin with the honeymoon phase where everything is rosy and cute and filled with rainbows. All these will eventually wane but don’t let something as trivial as furniture shopping get in the way of your relationship.
Furnish your home together, learn to compromise without becoming a doormat, and everything should turn out well.
Tags: furniture for newly married couples, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, newly married couple furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Furniture Shopping Advice for Newly Weds
Thursday, January 31st, 2019
Are you a renter who frequently moves from place to place? It could be because of your career or some other reason but moving about can have lots of challenges. Just think of those heavy furniture pieces that you have to move around with you. Just thinking about it already seems taxing.
So what should you do? One of the things that you should consider is to have just the essential pieces with you. These must also be mobile and versatile enough so that you won’t have to worry about weight and the time and money that have to be spent.
Here are the absolute mobile pieces that you should invest on –
A Love Seat
Flexsteel Living Room Leather Loveseat 1373-20
A two-seater is so small that you can practically take it with you anywhere. Compared to the full-size couch, it is so mobile that you can even add two minimalist chairs and you still have a lovely ensemble that doesn’t eat up space.
If you still have more room, then you can just add another love seat. And should you decide to settle, someday, then you can always keep this furniture even when you already have a full-size sofa.
That Linear Media Unit
A simple media unit that could fit the TV on top should be enough. And if there’s room for some electronics that go with your television, then that’s just about it. This all-in-one media cabinet is especially designed to hold the TV and just the necessary electronics so you won’t have to worry about your next move.
Rolling Bar Cart
This is as stylish as you could get without creating a bulk in your home. This rolling cart could be the home for drinks and your glassware. It can also become the server, when you need one, in the dining room. It can also become that extra storage in the kitchen or even a bookshelf.
Have you ever pictured the bar cart as an arts and craft station? Or how about as a towel valet instead of a linen closet?
Pouf, Stool and Ottoman
Uttermost Accessories Anaya Dark Oatmeal Pouf 23951
These small seating units can also be used as a footstool, side table or as an extra seat. When grouped together, they can also serve as a coffee table. When you have a pouf, all you have to do is place a tray on top of it and it already becomes a functional table.
Extending Table
This dining table can be extended but it can also become compact when you are not using it. You have the option to spread it open only during special occasions and parties. If there are only two or three diners, then you can just leave it in its compact state.
Come the time that you finally move to your own place, then you can extend the table permanently.
A gate leg table is also great for tighter space and when you are constantly moving. With both of its leaves folded down, it can easily serve as a console table on your entryway or the living room.
Butterfly Chair
With canvas or leather stretched over a metal frame that’s collapsible, this chair is a classic and is also highly mobile. Just put it in one corner of the bedroom or the living room and when it’s time to go, all you have to do is fold it and go.
A Rattan or Wicker Headboard
When you have a basic platform bed, you can already choose not to have a box spring. You can also pick a lightweight wicker or rattan headboard instead of iron.
You’ll thank yourself when moving day arrives.
A Small Chest of Drawers
Two small drawers are much better than investing in a single huge chest. The two small pieces are a lot easier to move around with plus they are easy to put on adjacent walls if the space is a little tight.
Maitland-Smith Bedroom Chest of Drawers 8290-50
Tags: frequent movers furniture, furniture for frequent movers, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, mobile furniture
Posted in Apartment Living, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on 10 Minimalist Pieces for the Frequent Mover
Tuesday, January 29th, 2019
Rachael Ray Home by Legacy Classic Furniture Bar and Game Room Bar Cart
Have you ever come to a point when you think that there’s nothing more exciting to serve during a party? If the casual beers are no longer making you happy, then it’s time to level up to an even more exciting concoction.
Bar carts are super hot in the furniture industry because they are minimal compared to setting up a full bar. And many of those who buy this interesting furnishing wonder how they could actually style their dining area or kitchen with them. So, how do you?
Styles range from the simplest to the ornate with all kinds of glassware and liquor collection. Some even use their bar carts as a coffee station, even a cake stand, so it’s up to you how you would want to utilize it. But if you want more tips, here are some –
Know Your Purpose
Just as you would when designing with another furnishing, you have to know the purpose of your bar cart. Are you a regular party host where you serve drinks to all of your friends? Or would you like to turn your cart to a fashionable end table?
Of course, if you’re going to host parties, then it makes perfect sense to serve alcohol and all its accouterments.
You can also create a bar cart that holds your copperware and your wine collection. Don’t pressure yourself into filling up the bar cart. Keep in mind that it does not have to be stuffed for it to be considered stylish.
Select and Store
Be sure to pare down the collections that you have and be able to store items properly. Not every bottle of hard liquor should be included in your bar cart. In fact, if the cart does not have a wine rack where you can horizontally store bottles, then you’re just going to destroy wines’ quality.
For all types of wine, proper storage means keeping them out of the direct rays of the sun. They must also be stored horizontally so that the cork will not dry up since it will always be touching the wine. Cork that dries up will eventually let in air, which will spoil the wine, and you wouldn’t want that.
Add Items That You Love
Keep bottles of tonic, club soda, a jigger, and other stuff that will help you concoct the drinks that you have on the cart. Don’t hesitate to add some things that are special. Sure, they may not be regularly served but come the time that you need something unique to serve, then you’ve got them.
Examples of these are liquors like Grand Marnier or St. Germain. Add the latter to champagne and it’s a level up to the usual cocktail. Use Grand Marnier with cranberry juice plus some fresh lime and what you have is a Grand Cran.
Basic Should Do It
If you’re in doubt about what to serve, then it is best to keep it all simple. The less cluttered the bar cart, the better that it will look.
That bare bones sort of bar cart could have a bottle of red wine, a bottle of white wine, one sparkling juice bottle, a bourbon or whiskey bottle, a single bottle of gin or vodka, of course a bottle of tequila, and a triple sec or more popularly known as the orange liqueur.
Those who love to have a nightcap should have a bottle of scotch that’s sublime whether neat or on the rocks.
For the Party Animal
If you wanna play the gracious host then have all of the above then add a Mezcal. A cool bottle of rum is also pretty cool as is sparkling rosé. For the witty conversationalist, there is always a finer bottle of wine out there that will surely be conversation starters.
Tags: bar cart, decorating a bar cart, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Fill Up the Bar Cart and Throw A Party
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019
Maitland-Smith Bedroom Chiffonier, Chinoiserie, Stone 8134-51
Try looking through the hottest home magazines today and you are bound to see some chinoiserie elements. You are likely to see foo dogs and the brightest lacquer finishes. Chinoiserie is no longer just limited to the blue and white porcelain designs anymore.
Fascinating History
Chinoiserie is a term which was derived from the French word chinois which literally translates to Chinese. Although this is indicative of Asian roots, this style was not actually from that continent but from Europe. The Europeans interpreted Asian culture as well as their decorative arts and – voila – Chinoiserie was born.
Chinoiserie came into existence in the 17th century. This was because of Europe’s trading relationships with China and other East Asian countries. Who wouldn’t love Asian culture, anyway? It’s exotically beautiful.
The European’s interpretations weren’t always correct, though, since they didn’t know a lot about the region. Very few of them have actually traveled to Asia. Though this is the case, Europeans revered Asian art and culture.
Pretty soon, Europeans were crafting East Asian-looking artifacts. These pieces paired beautifully with the ornate rococo designs which were quite stylish during that century. The royals and nobles loved the pieces as is evidenced by the pieces in Louis XV’s and King George IV’s palaces.
Tea also became popular when the Asians exported it to Europe. The very culture of drinking tea in Europe also has Asian roots. This tea-drinking tradition then paved the way for tea sets, tea chests, tea tables, and other such pieces.
The Motifs
The foo dog may be named as such but it is actually a lion. This dates back all the way to Imperial China where lions guarded the gates of temples and palaces. The foo dogs usually come in pairs (a male and a female). These two represent yin and yang.
Another motif is the pagoda. While this is most often associated with East Asian architecture, the pagoda actually comes from India. Buddhism brought the pagodas to China where they were eventually assimilated into the region’s architecture.
Scenes from nature are also popular Chinoiserie motifs. These were often printed on wallpapers and became quite popular in upper class homes in Europe. These were handmade so they were costly. The most requested designs were lush gardens and florals.
Of course, what’s an Asian motif without the dragon? This mythical creature symbolizes good luck and strength so it holds a prominent level in Chinese folklore and mythology. Many historical emperors loved the dragon as a motif so they used it in their interior design and clothing.
Today, these famous Chinoiserie designs are seen on silk screens, ceramics, and even the most lavish works of art.
Chinoiserie Furnishings
Faux bamboo and lacquered wood are two of the most used materials for chinoiserie furniture. Asian lacquer traditional pieces are considered as works of art. These require the best artisan skills and techniques that were honed throughout the thousands of years that they were practiced.
Achieving the lacquer shine requires artisans to coat furniture with many layers of tree sap. As the glossy finish becomes evident, they are further embellished with inlaid details, hand-painted nature scenes, and ornate carvings.
Thomas Chippendale propagated the style where the Chinese Chippendale became a desired furnishing.
Ceramics and porcelain are best known because they are the most wanted chinoiserie art. European designers mimicked the Ming blue and white jar and vase patterns. They even made tea sets specifically designed to look Asian.
These days, Chinoiserie pieces have maintained their appeal because they are used in many traditional interiors. Top designers have used them to adorn the loveliest homes – theirs and their clients’.
Tags: Chinoiserie, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Chinoiserie Style: Making Chinese Motifs American
Monday, January 7th, 2019
Flexsteel Living Room Leather Power Reclining Sofa 1441-62P
McCreery’s Home Furnishings is excited in kicking off this exciting new year with a little something that homeowners often ask about – furniture placement. Many have complained about how complicated it could get. Some were even confident at first only to end up that what they set up isn’t right after all.
Figuring out furniture placement basics is one of the essential steps in keeping a lovely home. And before you even begin learning about furniture layout, the first thing that you need to fully comprehend is space.
Function More Than Form
So, let’s talk about space. This is the most important factor that you need to think about when arranging the rooms in your home. For instance, two sofas that face each other are symmetrical but when your family’s primary activity when in the living room is to watch TV, then this is an impractical setup.
Before you bring in the furniture pieces, think about how you would use the space and what activities will be held there.
The Flow Matters
Any empty room is a kind of blank slate for any interior design enthusiast. But getting over enthusiastic could lead to a not-so-good furniture placement. So be sure to map the traffic routes. Keep in mind also that less is always more. Remember to keep three feet of walking space between each furniture piece.
Harmony Is Key
Whether you would arrange your furnishings symmetrically or not, balance will always be a crucial factor in space design. You can visually counteract a huge furniture piece using two smaller pieces. A tall lamp can also do the trick.
Be sure to have the pattern and color create a balance at all times.
Pair Seats with Something
A loveseat or an armchair, no matter how lovely, tends to look and feel lonely. So, if you have a comfy chair, make sure that there’s something where you can rest your feet up or where you can place that piping hot cup of tea.
A buddy chair is always a great idea.
Set Up Zones
Furniture placement can help with a house that has an open plan layout. The sets of furniture could be used in creating rooms or zones which will show how that space is supposed to be used.
An area rug under the couch and a pair of chairs could easily become the conversation zone. A chandelier over the table is the right setting for a formal dining area.
Turn that sofa’s back to the rest of the furnishings and what you have indicated is the living room.
Furniture and Walls Shouldn’t Touch
Many interior design experts would warn their clients against the ugliness that’s waiting to happen when they push all their furniture against the wall. It could get tempting if your space is small but don’t do it.
Even as small as a distance of 12 inches is enough to give your couch some breathing space.
Zero In On the Focal Point
While it’s not a necessity to hang a huge pendant lamp in each room, you should see to it that the furniture are laid out according to how they would be best used. Always consider the architectural features of your home.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Experiment. It’s just a piece of furniture so relax. If you’re feeling stuck in one placement, then know that you can try again. Tomorrow is another day to try to move that couch or to shift the orientation of your bed in the master bedroom.
Loosen Up
Yes, once again, just relax. This is your home that we’re talking about here so there are no commandments that are set in stone. Go ahead and break rules if you have to. Let your creativity take flight and see what will happen.
Tags: furniture layout, furniture placement, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, where to place furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Furniture Placement 101
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