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Monday, March 25th, 2019
The Le Cercle Round Dining Table from Fine Furniture’s Deco Collection can be the ‘meeting table’ for your next neighborhood activity. It’s reliable and fashionable, just like the good neighbor that you are.
Haven’t you noticed that there is at least one house on every block that’s considered the social hub? It is easy to spot one – just take a careful look at the number of kids that drop by there and the parents who chat while sitting on the porch – everyone just seems to be drawn to that spot.
If you know, deep inside, that you’re not meant to be a wallflower, then it’s time to take some drastic steps. You can be the next hangout house on your block. And, yes, there are ways that you can bring more people to your lovely home.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
What better way to begin than to paint your front door a bright color?
Red is known to be the most welcoming but if you want something more cheerful, there’s always sunny yellow.
And please don’t stop with that welcoming front door. You can always add pops of colors on the porch. Some flowerpots will certainly increase your home’s cozy vibe.
A Furnishing That Says Hello
Another way to draw in some neighbors is to hang a porch swing. This will certainly catch the attention of kids and adults alike.
If you have a spacious lawn, then you can also hang tire swings for the young ones. These will pretty much scream irresistible to all the neighborhood kids. It’s also an effective way to detach the younger generation from their gadgets.
Attract the neighborhood kiddos by inviting them to snack indoors with your little ones. They can raid your well-stocked cupboard or buffet. The simplest things such as lemonade and cookies or some popsicles should be good enough for these little ones.
Dine Outdoors
Did you know that food can actually taste better and can even be digested more easily if you dine outdoors?
This means you could be healthy as you also invite your neighbors to bring food as you spend a few hours of neighborly feast. So go ahead and de-stress by firing up the grill and inviting your neighbors over. Don’t pay too much attention on the food that you’re going to serve. What matters is that you leave your gadgets behind and you just enjoy an evening full of conversations.
If you prefer to eat outdoors in the morning, and you should because it’s spring and it’s warmer out, then you even get the added benefit of being flooded with Vitamin D.
A Neighborhood Tradition Does It
You can also begin a tradition such as setting up a porch table every weekend. This is a great way to catch up on neighborhood gossip – ahem – life stories and also a wonderful way to share some baked goodies.
Putting out some coffee and pastries out in your porch is also a relaxing way to begin your weekend mornings. If you’re a night owl, then you can always set up cocktails on Friday evenings after work.
If doing this weekly is a bit tiresome for you, then you can always hold a monthly tradition instead.
Begin a Garage Biz
If you’ve been meaning to clean out your garage, then this is also the perfect time to do so. Hold a bazaar right in your garage.
You get to revamp this part of your home plus you also earn some cash as some of your neighbors purchase your old stuff as bargain pieces. Be sure to set fun prices so that the activity is more exciting rather than a serious endeavor to earn money.
Imperfect Is Fine
Lastly, if you want to be the next social hub, try to relax. If you’re so tight and caught up with fixing and making things perfect, then you fail to enjoy the moment.
Allow the kids to run around. It’s okay to set limits but resentment should not be built all because of these rules. It’s also alright if you run out of food, just ask some of the neighbors to pitch in and you’d be surprised how obliging they would be.
Your genuine presence is the most important thing so be there.
Tags: dining outdoors, hangout spot, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, neighborhood social hub, outdoor dining, outdoor dining area
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on 6 Tips on Being the Next Neighborhood Hangout Hub
Wednesday, March 20th, 2019
A lot’s starting to happen now that spring is finally here. Flowers are all abloom and the days are, once again, longer. Let’s not forget that the air is also fresher and warmer so this only means that the outside world is ready for your scheduled activities.
If you love making activity lists during the warmest seasons, then you’re not alone. Everyone’s getting ready to move on from the cold days and nights to the warmer, cozier days of spring.
Spring is tantamount to having a fresh beginning. During this time, leaves grow once again and the flowers start to show their colors so let’s see how you would like to take part in these activities –
Bike or Hike
Since winter may have left you cooped inside for a long time, then spring is the season for you to shake the coldness and to enjoy the warmth outdoors. This is the perfect time to ride a bike or to take a hike.
Biking is an aerobic activity so this translates to healthier blood vessels, heart and lungs. As you breathe deeper and perspire, you increase your fitness level.
Hiking also does all these. Before you ride your car to the nearest hiking trail, it is best to prepare and do the following first –
Inform everyone where you’d go on a hike.
Study, graph your hiking route, and then bring the maps on your hiking trip.
Determine, beforehand, your walking speed and factor in the elevation of the area to know how long the hike would take. And it’s also wise to know which among your hiking mates are the slowest.
Check the weather on the day of your hike then pack accordingly.
Head to the Beach
Be sure to tpick the right beach when you decide to go swimming this spring. What sort of experience would you want to have there? If you like lively crowds and water sports, then find the beaches that offer those.
For those who prefer quieter beaches, well, be sure to research first and find that sort of beach.
Always make sure that there is a lifeguard on duty when you decide to spend some time in a beach.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Purchasing from your local farmer gives you the opportunity to support agriculture in your area. You don’t just eat fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, you also become a helping hand in your local economy.
With safer foods and foods that are in season, you’re sure to have an interesting meal variety this spring.
You could also scour for a food festival near your area.
Get Clean and Organized
Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Ladies Chest 1345-115: Spring means organizing stuff and doing some major cleanup.
Spring cleaning time. This is what spring is also famous for.
This is a season to rejuvenate so it’s time to get rid of the things that you no longer have any use for. ‘Time to put all your organizational skills to work. Decluttering is also hot, hot, hot these days so you might as well join the millions who have started to clean up their habitats.
Attend an Outdoor Film Showing
This began in New York City with a few other cities following as they hold outdoor productions and plays.
Check out the event listings in your area so you can plan your night out with family or friends.
Hold an Outdoor Party
Since it’s warmer out, it’s time to invite some friends over and have fun.
Organize an outdoor buffet of chips, veggies, salsa, and salads. Prep the cutlery by wrapping them in napkins or tying them with a pretty ribbon. Pick lightweight plates that your guests can eat on. Melamine dishes are a popular choice.
Don’t forget to create a table décor such as floating tea lights or some inexpensive lanterns. Lastly, make sure that everything is prepared before the big day such as the ice, beverages, and even the garbage bags.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor activities, spring activities, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Outdoors Style, Spring Season | Comments Off on 6 Fun Activities to Do This Spring
Friday, March 15th, 2019
Razzle dazzle them all with this Maitland-Smith Outdoor:Patio Planter.
The Merriam and Webster dictionary defines a patio as a courtyard “an inner court open to the sky; a recreation area that adjoins a dwelling, is often paved, and is adapted especially to outdoor dining.
The patio is often surrounded by other structures. It has plants for décor and has a pavement. The word has a Spanish origin and is believed to have come from the word patu or pati which means pasture, technically, this is that land at the back of any house.
The patio, initially, was used to keep the owner’s animals safe during the night. But with modern living came changes, which meant the patio has become, more than this. It is now being used as a living room of sorts that’s located outdoors. Traditional Mediterranean settings use the patio as a garden courtyard.
Modern American and English patios are paved areas very near the house. This is often used for dining, sitting, and socializing. These could have a building or two on each of its sides but is no longer an internal courtyard as was traditionally done in Spain.
Prepping for Barbecues and Frolicking
It’s spring. This is the perfect season to prepare for your summer fun activities. Consider adding a space where you can host your summer parties. The patio can also be added just for the simple reason of lounging outdoors.
There are many benefits that come with patio addition. Primarily, you can increase your home’s value just by adding this extra space. You will get more should the time come that you would sell your property. A lot of homebuyers love having entertainment areas in their homes so adding the patio will definitely boost your marketing appeal.
Another reason to add a patio is to extend your home’s living area. This is that extra space that’s meant for reading or simple conversations.
The patio can also provide a summertime spot for entertainment, parties, barbecues and a lot more. You can be the gracious host to a string of summer outdoor activities.
And, don’t worry, the patio is a low-maintenance space when it comes to maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. The materials that you used there should be able to withstand the harshest weathers so cleanup should be minimal.
Patios also offer the perfect spot to get your suntan or to keep cool when you’re done sunbathing. The patio furniture is protected from sun damage, too, so you can spend a great many hours enjoying the outdoors weather while sitting idly.
Patio Seating
Since the weather is warmer, it’s practically patio season. And what’s an outdoor relaxation area without the perfect seating?
You can choose from an outdoor sofa, an ensemble of different-styled chairs, chair swing or a fusion of these seats.
Patio Table
A lot of people do not have a space dedicated to outdoor dining so just imagine the activities that you can finally do once you have your own patio.
Enjoy your first cup of coffee in the morning as you prop your legs up and place your morning beverage on an outdoor table. How about those evenings when you just want to unwind? Go ahead and enjoy a glass of wine with friends.
Patio Lighting
Of course, it would be impossible to enjoy any of these activities if you have not set up the correct kind of patio lighting. So go ahead and install those string lights. Lanterns are also a welcome addition to this space.
If you’re feeling up for it, you can also have wall sconces installed. Make sure to work the theme that you have set for your whole home.
Patio Rug
Don’t forget the area rugs to separate spaces and, of course, to beautify.
Tags: designing the patio, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio design, patio essentials, patio furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style, Special Rooms In Your Home, Spring Season | Comments Off on Do You Know the Patio Essentials?
Sunday, February 24th, 2019
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Nashua 4 Light Wooden Lantern Pendant 22050
Big or small, the front porch is often just a dream for a lot of homeowners. Perhaps you are one of those who – for the longest time – wanted to have a front porch where you would welcome your friends and neighbors over.
But, is the front porch meant to be used only during the summer months? What happens with the rest of the year when the sun’s not as bright and cheerful?
First, the Porch Maintenance
A porch that you can use all year round needs to be safe, to begin with. Prior to planning the décor that will be used in the porch, you need to thoroughly inspect the porch.
See if there are any broken boards. If you weren’t dutiful enough to maintain the porch in the previous months, then it could show some signs of damage by now. Make the necessary repairs which would cost around $1,350.
Another safety feature that you need to carefully inspect is the railing. This is a part of your porch that will prevent accidents and falls. The front porch that stands higher than 30” should have no less than a 36” railing.
Find out what the local codes require, though.
Remember that you can design the front porch so it does not become an eyesore. Instead, you can beautify it to even help improve your home’s curb appeal.
A wooden porch railing should also be up to code. Give this railing a fresh coat of paint. White’s a wonderful option if you want the porch to have a classic look.
You could also replace the wooden spindles with wrought iron or any metallic material. Doing so will give the porch a more contemporary look.
Enjoy the Evenings with Correct Porch Lighting
One other feature that will ensure the safety in your porch is the correct lighting fixture. You will clearly see the improvement once the lights are properly placed. You could begin by enhancing the overall look of the porch railing.
Use string bulbs to line the railings. This is an incredible look that will increase the rustic appeal of your home.
A trendy lantern would also be a nice addition as would wall sconces.
Pick the Porch Furniture
As soon as you know that your porch is in excellent condition, then you can begin shopping for furniture. You should also immediately include the decorative elements that would complement the theme.
Compared to decks, the front porch has chair requirements. So put a chair or a two with a small table if there’s still ample space. If you want to put a wooden rocking chair there for a more classic look, then go ahead. This is also an ultra-comfortable chair so you get two features with just one seating unit.
How about a porch swing? There are a lot of sizes to choose from. If this isn’t for you, then you can always invest in a bench.
Porch Décor
When you’ve decided which furniture pieces to buy, then it’s time to decorate. This is one of the more fun parts of porch design. Put cushions and pillows to add color to your porch. You can also use an outdoor area rug to add a little pattern and texture to the whole ensemble.
And since you’re about to decorate an outdoor zone, there must also be decorative plants. Use planters and large plant stands that will beautify the porch further. Add flowering plants for more pops of bright colors.
The Fall Porch
Use fall shades such as orange, reds and browns to replace the bold colors that were used during spring and summer. Get rid of the flowery patterns, too, and replace them with the bright pumpkins instead.
The Christmas Porch
A lot of homeowners never use the porch during winter. It could get too cold to enjoy any scenery so the first thing that you need to do is to cover the furniture. You can have them stored for the rest of the cold season.
You can replace the furniture with a Christmas tree that’s adorned with fairy lights and garlands. Use the planters for your winter greens and reds.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, porch design, porch design elements, porch maintenance, porch style
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on The All-Year-Round Porch
Tuesday, October 9th, 2018
Uttermost Accessories Preserved Boxwood Garden Urn 60113
Spring is a wonderful season to tend the garden but fall is equally beneficial for starting to take care of plants. Shrubs, turf grass, cool-season veggies, spring-blooming bulb, trees, and perennials can also be planted during fall.
There are actually some benefits if you do decide to plant during fall. Autumn offers a cooler temperature so it becomes easy for the gardener as well as the plants. During this time, the soil is also warm but just enough so the plants can grow up until the season when the ground finally freezes.
Fall also offers better days for planting when compared to spring. Yes, believe it or not, plants don’t seem to grow on spring until the soil becomes warmer so gardeners frantically plant during spring than on fall.
Fall also comes with rain showers. Diseases and pests also tend to fade away during this season. There is also less need to use fertilizer since these problems do not occur during the colder seasons.
Be sure to take note of the window for planting during fall. It should end at about six weeks prior to when the hard frost sets in, normally, in September or the month of October.
Just so we’re clear, let’s put here the reasons why you should schedule your gardening activities mostly on fall –
The Cool Weather
Just imagine the cool mornings – can you picture yourself gardening under this cool and easy weather? The coolness then becomes warmer during the afternoons and then the nights are capped with an equally cool weather.
Notice also the rushing bees and butterflies that are all out to gather nectar and pollen. You don’t just garden without sweating profusely, you also get to enjoy Mother Nature’s scenic presentations.
Less Maintenance
What do you notice if you begin gardening during summer? You end up spending more time to water your plants, right? Looking after your flowering babies and your vegetable patches becomes more tedious as the heat also increases.
With fall planting, you can water the potted plants just a few hours prior to digging then you just put them in the ground (such as in the case of perennials). As for trees and shrubs, you water the soil in the newly dug up hole then put in the root ball.
You Get a Bird’s Eye View
Of course, you need to understand that the garden will insulate itself come winter so plant enough to help the garden stay alive. The trees and shrubberies that you planted during fall will help in protecting your garden from drying up. You will also get a better view of the gaps between each of the plants.
Fall is the time to plant in the bald spots while all the leaves and mosquitoes are on leave. This is the season when you have a better view of the ground. If you live in the higher regions, then be sure to dig during August through September. For the coastal areas as well as the Southern regions, you have until December to do your gardening tasks.
The Smaller the Better
You can save energy and money by investing in smaller plants. Buy plugs and three-inch pots. You can also invest in trees plated in gallon containers. Getting plants like these will not only make your fall planting easier but you will also keep the plant from having transplant shock. Buy a bigger specie and you’d know what we mean.
What to Plant
Every spring-blooming bulb needs a dormancy period in order to fully bloom. Know that plants tend to bulb during fall so that they can spring forth in…well…spring. If you don’t want to worry about critters eating up your plants, then include any of the following –
Tags: fall gardening, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Fall Season, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on The Benefits of Fall Planting
Monday, September 17th, 2018
The American Leather Living Room Aiden Chair blends the classic look of Mid-century style with the scenic outdoors.
Summer’s long gone and with the colder seasons taking center stage, it is time to prepare your patio now for the long hibernation ahead. This is also so that when spring comes, you’d be ready to enjoy the outdoors once again. So how do you keep patio furniture safely tucked this fall and winter?
Rust-free Metals
It is, of course, always best to read the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to taking good care of your outdoors furniture. Most of the aluminum pieces that are out in the market these days have been powder coated. This is so the pieces are kept free from rust.
Experts also suggest that you wash aluminum furniture pieces then apply a single coat of automotive wax. This is a simple and affordable maintenance tip that you can do annually. Touch up if you see any scratches. Use car paint with the right color.
As for wrought-iron pieces, know that you will encounter rust somewhere down the road. You can remove rust accumulation using a wire brush. After this, coat the furniture with an exterior paint that was specifically designed for wrought-iron pieces.
Let dry then cover with tarp that will keep the furniture intact until spring.
Galvanized metal is known to be more durable than regular metal. While this is so, it is not exempted from the eventual rigors of the cold climate. It is always best to keep your metal furniture in a spot where they won’t be exposed to the elements during fall and winter.
All these maintenance steps are necessary to keep the metal furniture from developing rust and eventually weakening.
Stain-free Fabrics
If there are a few fabric pieces in your patio, then you should work extra hard in keeping those mildew, mold, and stain-free throughout the cold seasons. The easiest way to avoid black spots is to shake them off or to vacuum them.
Detergent and bleach mixtures are best for tough stains. A cup of bleach can be used for every gallon of water. You can then add a little detergent. Use these on non-cotton or printed fabrics. For these, just use a simple solution of water and soap.
Clean Cushions
Ain’t it just wonderful to lay down in a cushioned seat during summer? You would want to go back to that lovely feeling once the holidays are over. There are now many outdoor furniture pieces that come with removable cushions.
When not in use, you can store these cushions inside a storage box. Be sure to use the heavy-duty type or you would be left with fabrics that need to be thawed later on.
Additionally, you should store the cushions so they are kept free from mold and mildew. Cover them with plastic or tarp so that dust won’t accumulate while they are awaiting their reuse.
Elegant Natural Materials
One of the most durable types of woods that are often used in patios is teak. It offers an elegant look that just keeps getting better with time. Use specialty oil once each year. For painted woods, be sure to keep them shielded from the sun’s rays. If they remain exposed, you will soon see that they’d lose their color plus the paint would begin to fade as well.
For an all-year-round furniture, be sure to use synthetic wicker or rattans. Paint the areas that are already flaking.
As for wood patio furniture, make sure that they are sealed for the colder seasons. Use a protective sealant to keep your wood furniture from being damaged by moisture. Snow brings with it a lot of moisture which would eventually cause wood cracks. A sealed furniture will not be soaked in moisture.
Do this same thing with raw wood.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio design, patio design elements, patio furnishings, patio preparation, patio style
Posted in Fall Season, Furniture, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on Patio Furniture Safety for the Holidays
Monday, September 3rd, 2018
Figure 1. Imagine your veranda donned by the Maitland-Smith OutdoorPatio JARDINIERE 8110-22. Its Verdigris patina brass, brass liner, and inlaid black stone would be a wonderful sight to behold.
It’s officially the beginning of Fall. No matter what the season, though, people tend to enjoy spending time outdoors even when they just sit on the balcony, porch, veranda or the deck. But wait, can you tell the differences in structure and features with each one?
The Porch (and Veranda)
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the porch is a roofed structure, usually open at the sides, projecting from the face of a building and used to protect the entrance. In the United States, this is what’s referred to as the veranda.
So there you go, you have two terms having just the same meaning and purpose. But there is just a little evidence of the existence of this structure prior to the Classical antiquity. There were many Egyptian wall paintings that indicated the occasional use of porch on some houses.
In Greece, the Tower of the Winds in Athens was a porch that had two columns carrying a pediment. The Romans, on the other hand, had colonnades which were used as porches. These all faced the street. This kind of porch was also seen up until the Early Christian basilicas’ creation. The porch was used as a formal entrance in old structures such as the Basilica of Old St. Peter’s.
The French in Burgundy developed porches that had vaulted structures. These showed great heights and were sometimes even as long as the whole church structure. An example of this fine architecture is the Vézelay abbey church.
If these are exciting enough for you, wait till you learn about the Gothic era and the two porch types that were then created as ecclesiastical buildings. The first one is a tiny, gabled porch that either projected from the south or north walls of a nave. The other one is what’s referred to as the galilee which was constructed so beautifully that it’s short of being a separate building.
The Germans were even more flamboyant in their porch designs. They had theirs frequently styled with tracery, canopies, cusping, etc.
In the Renaissance, porches were chiefly colonnaded porticos.
A Balcony
The Collins English dictionary defines a balcony as any platform on the outside of a building, above ground level, with a wall or railing around it. In a cinema or theater, the balcony is an area of seats above the main seating area.
Would you believe that balconies come with a two thousand year history? The term balcony was derived from the Italian term balcone meaning, a scaffold. The earliest types of balconies have been seen to date back for more than 2,000 years.
The balcony was originally created to increase air circulation especially during the hottest climates in Ancient Greece. Today, the balcony is integral to a building’s façade because it gives the property a more stylish vibe. Plus you get more space to roam in.
Balconies in the UK are Juliet balconies which date all the way back to the late Georgian era. They were created by architects to give structures a prestigious look. They were originally made of wrought-iron and were rectangular and filled the whole span of windows.
If you have traveled in Europe, you might have noticed how the finest balconies seem to have been constructed there. Most even have overlooking views of water-cooled gardens and courtyards.
The Deck
The Merriam-Webster dictionary is something resembling the deck of a ship such as a story or tier of a building or a flat-floored roofless area adjoining a house.
Wood decks can have wrought-iron furnishings. These structures can be used as a part of landscaping, an exterior part of a house, or as an alternative to the patio.
Tags: balcony, balcony history, deck, deck design, deck history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio design, patio history, veranda, veranda history
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on Porch, Veranda, Deck and Balcony? Do You Know the Difference?
Thursday, August 30th, 2018
Uttermost Living Room Driftwood Glass Top Cocktail Table 25519
Outdoor furnishings are unique because they need a special kind of shopping method – you need to consider materials that won’t be affected by the ravaging elements outside. You also need to make sure that the piece will last for many years. Teak is one such material that is often used to craft patio furnishings.
Teak comes with a beautiful golden color and is known to be highly durable. It has natural rubber and oils, thus, it can easily withstand Mother Nature when she wreaks havoc. This means that a teak furniture would be protected from moisture, insects and wood rot, and you will also be ascertained of a durable patio piece for many years to come.
While teak is known to be great for outdoor use, you should still be armed with the right shopping tips when you finally go out to shop. Here are some things that you need to consider when buying teak for your patio –
Check for Excellence
Teak wood is harvested from a mature teak tree. This is the type of wood that can endure through many weather difficulties especially when it is properly treated.
The proper way to treat, say, a teak table is to wash it first with soap and water and then using a bristle brush, you brush away the dirt. Allow the wood to dry then apply the teak brightener in order to restore its original hue.
You can then proceed to apply the UV blocking sealant and allow it to dry. This should last for about a year.
Check for Easy Maintenance
With a recent finish, you should be able to clean your teak furniture with ease. Just wipe away the dust and dirt and you should be fine. If the teak patio piece already has a stain, then you can use a baking soda treatment together with warm water.
Give it a few, gentle wipes and you should be fine.
Check for Handmade Pieces
Teak furniture pieces aren’t all the same. There are pieces that are fully machine made and there are others that are semi-machine crafted. What you need to look for is the handcrafted teak furniture since this is the least costly plus they are made by artisans.
Check for Grade A
Of course, you would want to have teak furniture that is Grade A. These are those pieces that are warm honey colored. They also show close grains and seem to be oily to your touch. You would also feel that the wood is dense.
Grade A teak wood is harvested from mature trees, therefore, they are expected to be sturdier and naturally more resistant to the elements.
If you look close enough, you would even be able to notice just how glossy Grade A teak wood seems to be.
Check for Chemically-treated Teak
There are some teak logs that are treated with sulfuric acid. This is done so that the patchy appearance of the wood is finally made even.
Never buy chemically-treated teak. Not only does it show a homogenous color but it also contains dangerous particles that could cause skin burns.
Hydrogen peroxide is another kind of chemical that is used to treat teak. This is done so that low-grade teak is disguised. While this does not have any effects on a person’s health, still, it degrades the natural oiliness of the wood, making it brittle and weak.
Check for Kiln Drying
Good teak wood is always defined by its grade. Grade A teak should be kiln-dried if you want it to last for a long time. Kiln-drying is technically placing wood inside ovens and slow-drying them. Teak needs to be dried or seasoned so that its moisture content is greatly reduced. It is also a time-consuming process but one that can guarantee you a durable furniture piece.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, patio, patio furnishings, patio furniture, patio furniture buying guide
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style | Comments Off on 6 Teakwood Patio Furniture Buying Tips
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018
Uttermost OutdoorPatio Willow Tree Stump Planter 18899
Planning on creating an oasis right in your own backyard? That’s actually possible. And with summer clearly approaching, you need to plan for those weekend barbecues and dipping in the pool. The warmer days are here again so it’s time to dress up your outdoor space into something more, well, suitable for the season.
Consider the Layout
Don’t get carried away by designing multiple backyard zones. Look for space where you would concentrate on designing. What’s your main goal? Is this going to be a place to entertain guests or just a place to spend some quality time with your family during the evenings?
Baby Steps
If this is the first time that you’re changing the layout of your backyard, then take it easy. You could begin by changing the trellis or setting up a reading spot. You would want to start small so that the maintenance would also be feasible.
An Extension of the Indoors
Patios and backyards are seen these days as an extension of the living room. Bring the style outdoors by picking the right décor which will balance the look indoors. The style can be reflected in the kinds of flowering plants that you choose (the colors of the flowers could complement the indoor color palette or it could be the anchor hue itself).
You can also add comfy touches like table linens, throws, and some candles to begin this alteration.
Value Above All
Summer is also a great season to improve the value of your backyard. You can finally replace your home’s siding. You can also plan on adding an outdoor fire pit or, better yet, a fireplace. These can add to the recent value of your home. Easily, it can give about 80% ROI making these upgrades worthy of thought.
The hottest colors for this year – apart from UltraViolet – are pale yellows and greens. You can also use deep blues and reds. Just make sure that the hues still complement your personal preferences as well as the indoor style.
Being One with Nature
And since you’re at it, you might as well use the outdoor elements such as the waters, stones, and wood. These natural materials are there for you to use and to decorate with. If you don’t have enough stones to decorate with, then use stone veneers. These have grown in popularity over the years because of their realistic looks.
Add a wooden dining set and some wicker chairs to set up this option of a backyard getaway.
Privacy Please
An outdoor getaway can only be such if you also consider privacy. Just consider the degree of separation that you would require from your next-door neighbors and the street. Plan your design according to your privacy needs.
If you have a typical home where neighborhood parties are heard, then you can set up a privacy fence and a railing that goes with it. This comes in a lot of styles and different privacy levels. For the more populated neighborhoods, you might as well set up an entire fence.
Plan Around Limitations
There are, of course, limitations when you set up a backyard oasis. You would need to worry about lighting during the night and the fabrics that you could use on chairs. It’s not okay to just make do with any upholstered chair anymore. Know whether these furniture pieces will be able to withstand the harsh elements outdoors.
This is going to be your outdoor haven so find also a feature that would beat the heat or even setting up an irrigation system that can mist the patio when needed.
You also have to plan how to keep pests such as mosquitoes, at bay.
Tags: backyard design, backyard style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, stylizing the patio
Posted in Outdoors Style | Comments Off on Backyard Transformations To Emulate
Friday, April 13th, 2018
Can you imagine how this Canadel Living Room Upholstered Seat Bench can make your porch look more welcoming?
Porches are well-known in American history. These are structures in homes that are often associated with outdoor fun and spending time with family. Back in the day, though, the porch is a physical structure that’s literally attached in front of a residence.
The porch is a roofed, low structure that is located at the entrance of a building or a house. This does not have windows but is actually an outdoor encasement. This can also be screened depending on the homeowner’s preference and the area’s extreme weather conditions.
Purposes of a Porch
Porches were built in the early 1900s. Its purposes include –
The porch is also known as the sun portch, balcony or patio.
The front porch is one of the few elements that welcome your visitors to your home. This is pretty much the first impression that you can give so you would want to give it much thought. This can be your family’s next DIY project or you could hire an expert to do it for you.
A porch project must never be short-changed. You can begin by knowing how this part of your home will be used. A few porches are like small portals to the house so people don’t even give it a double-look. Don’t get into this same notion or, worse, ignore this space and turn it into a storage area.
The porch must echo the overall theme. Since this is technically the transitional spot, it must help create harmony. Simply put, you should not decorate your porch with beach accents if you have a traditional home.
The High-Gloss Front Door
Paint your front door with a new coat of high-gloss color. Choose a hue that pops from the foreground. A white house would do well to have a welcoming red door. If you have a mainly gray home, then the door would be a perfect shade of UltraViolet (the Pantone Color of the Year).
The Hardware Change
Change the welcoming look of your home. If the house numbers are already falling off, then have them replaced. Add a beautiful door knocker especially when you opted for the classic look.
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Nashua 4 Light Wooden Lantern Pendant: Lighting is also an indispensable element of any porch design.
Furniture Placement
It would be nice if you would buy furniture pieces that would transform the overall look of your front porch. Be able to arrange these pieces right where they make the most sense. Even small and seemingly useless pieces can have a huge impact. Keep everything cozy.
Choose a loveseat with upholstery that’s suitable for the outdoors instead of the usual plump piece. You can add two comfortable chairs on each side and a coffee table in the middle to complete the look.
Adding smaller pieces to your seating arrangement can make your porch look like an appealing living space. You can also add an accent piece such as a colorful ottoman or a unique accent table. Just be careful with your furniture additions or you would be adding too many unnecessary pieces.
If the porch is huge enough, still, do not give in to overstuffing it. A workaround to this is to break down the area into small zones. Find a long piece like a counter or an outdoor table as a divider of sorts. Face the couch away from the dining area so that it becomes an obvious section for conversations while the dining set has a zone of its own.
Tags: decorating the porch, designing the porch, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, porch, porch design elements, porch style
Posted in Outdoors Style | Comments Off on Sprucing Up Your Porch in 3 Easy Steps
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