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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?
Thursday, March 14th, 2019
Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Power High-leg Recliner: Check the surface and underneath the fabrics of chairs. Be ready with your lint roller and gentle cleaning solutions.
The weather is yet to totally warm up but, hey, spring is here so this is your go-signal to open those windows and bring out the cleaning supplies out of the cabinet.
Yup. It’s that time of the year again. If you don’t even know where to begin, well, you’re not alone. A lot of people are prepping to do this activity lineup and most already have their to-do list on hand.
So, what spots have been neglected in the previous seasons? How do you think you can clean those up like a pro?
Deep Clean the Cabinets
Let’s face it, one of the things that a lot of homeowners fear facing are their kitchen cabinets. Over time, the buildup in there can get overwhelming more so if you do not run your exhaust hood over the range when cooking.
That exhaust hood is your best friend. Be sure to use it each time you cook so that grease won’t settle. If, however, you’re already facing this dilemma, then be sure to use cabinet cleaning solutions or a cream that will surely cut through the deep-seated grime.
The wood cabinet will even be moisturized when you use a gentle cream to clean it.
Deep Clean the Glass Windows
Don’t be contented with just wiping the windows and doors from the inside. Go outside and take the time to use a glass cleaner to remove all the smudges and spots that you often don’t have the time to clean.
Here’s another pro tip – wash the windows on a cloudy day so that the sun won’t instantly dry up the cleanser that you use.
Deep Clean the Granite
Here’s another task that you really must do this spring – sealing your countertops especially those made of granite. You should have done this right after the countertop was installed but if you have yet to do it, then this is the perfect time to.
You can then maintain by resealing the granite surface annually. Another way to take good care of your granite countertops is to wipe all stains and spills right after they happen. These accidental spills may not be serious to look at but, over time, they have their way of taking their toll on your countertop material.
Deep Clean the Wooden Floors
You might think that you’ve been dutifully mopping your wooden floors all-year-round so you’re good when it comes to floor cleanup. Unfortunately, this very chore, which you have been dutifully fulfilling, is the very thing that will destroy your beautiful flooring material.
Wooden floors can be cleaned once every 1-2 months. And since it’s spring, it’s time to deep clean them. Spot clean for the rest of the year.
Use wood protector on your floor this season. This is so you can avoid scratching. As for those lovely green plants, you can keep water damage at bay by having them placed on saucers or trivets.
Deep Clean the Bedding
Take a careful look at your bedding – is it still dressed up for winter?
It’s time for spring cleaning so have your pillows, comforter, sheets, pillowcases, and just about everything in your bedroom, washed and dried. Just be sure to read the manufacturers’ labels so that you won’t use cleaning solutions that are not meant for certain materials.
Deep Clean Stainless Steel
What is the whole point of having stainless steel kitchen stuff installed when they aren’t sparkling clean all the time?
There are specialty sprays meant for stainless steel surfaces. You can use any of these to leave the stainless steel surface grime-free. Don’t spray too much or you could also contribute to the messiness of the surface.
Deep Clean the Rest of Your Furnishings
Bring out that bottle of vinegar, lots of baking soda, sponges, brooms, and other cleaning materials to tackle the rest of your spring cleaning activity.
Be sure to clean the carpet, under the carpet, wipe down the chairs, and dusting off the rest of the knickknacks.
Tags: deep cleaning for spring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring cleaning, spring cleaning tips, spring deep cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on Spring (Deep) Cleaning 2019
Wednesday, March 13th, 2019
Redecorate your home this spring. Add these lovelyUttermost Accessories Spring Soldiers Bird Prints.
Do you ever see yourself cleaning your entire house during summer? But what could be more cumbersome than to work under the glaring heat of the summer sun? Imagine doing it in winter, though, and you know that mobility then becomes an issue. Fall is no better with its many fallen leaves. So, spring cleaning it is.
Welcome, Spring 2019. This is the season that you need to take advantage of in terms of getting all your cleaning projects done. And to make things a lot easier this season, here are some tips on how you can make the most of your cleaning time –
Clean the Windows
This may not be the most loved spring cleaning tasks of all but it does have its satisfying rewards. If you want to see sparkling clean windows this season, then just soak burp clothes into a bucketful of hot water. Mix two cups of vinegar into the water.
You can then use another burp cloth in drying the windows right after cleaning.
Here’s a pro tip – you don’t have to wait for spring just to clean your windows. For your family’s and your health as well as safety, you must make time in your calendar for window cleaning. This has to be done more than twice a year.
Remember that piling up your cleaning activities will only worsen the grime and dirt that you have dealt with. Plus, having the dirt pile up could have serious physical and mental health effects.
So what kind of health issues can you prevent if you’re able to regularly clean your windows?
First, there’s the respiratory issue. Pet dander and dust have their ways of triggering asthma attacks. This presents a significant issue especially among children in urban areas.
Environmental allergens can contribute to severe asthma attacks as can other triggers such as mildew, mold, animal droppings (e.g. mice, rats, and cockroaches), and dust.
Keep in mind to pay attention to your cleaning products, too, especially when you have family members with existing respiratory issues. A lot of products especially those with pine or citrus have VOCs or volatile organic compounds that can contribute to asthma attacks.
Pest-Proof Your Home
Spring is also a good time to pest-proof your habitat. Get rid of potential sources of food for rodents and bugs. Clean the china cabinet and the places where the food and dishware go.
Be sure to check for food debris and get rid of them immediately. Buy food containers that are sealed to make sure that your home becomes pest-proof.
You can also use vinegar and baking soda to get rid of tough stains in the oven. Just add a bit of water plus some effort on your part and you’ll have an oven that’ll look brand new.
Why, spring is also a great time to invite friends over and share your baked goodies.
Check for Water
Damp areas and water leaks are the breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Clean the damp areas with a diluted solution of bleach. Be sure to keep the room well ventilated so that you’ll be able to control the humidity and eventually discourage the recurrence of mold.
And since you just came from a season that’s cold and wet, better have your roofing and plumbing systems checked, too.
Clean the Indoor Stuff
Of course, don’t forget the stuff indoors such as the lampshades, fans, mattresses, the shower case, the grout lines in your bathroom tiles, etc.
There’s a whole plethora of spring cleaning duties to attend to so better be ready with your lint roller, wax paper, cleaning soaps, spray bottles, water, vacuum, squeegee, washer, baking soda, and be ready to harness the power of the sun.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring cleaning, spring cleaning checklist, spring cleaning guidelines, spring cleaning tips
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on Spring Cleaning 2019
Thursday, March 8th, 2018
Featured furniture pieces are from the Biltmore Collection of Fine Furniture Design.
Don’t you just love spring? This is your chance to draw the curtains and eventually open all of your windows. This is your chance to feel the breeze once more and to enjoy the streaming sunlight. So go ahead and let the fresh air in and start prepping for your spring cleaning 2018.
Here are the zones and things that you need to clean in the –
Foyer
It’s time to dust the lighting fixtures. They’ve been hard at work during winter so it’s time to clean them up. This is also the perfect time to wash the trim and walls. Clean also the knobs, doors, as well as the switch plates.
Dust the bench and other furnishings. If your seats come with cushions, then this is also the time to have them laundered.
Go and check the closets. The best way to tackle this is to empty it out. Sort the stuff you are ready to give or throw away.
Bedrooms
Right after opening the windows, it’s time to get down and dust the furniture especially the bed. Have the drawers cleaned out. Remove the items then place them back only once you’ve donated those that you no longer need and use.
Move the bed then sweep and vacuum beneath it. Check also the stuff that you store underneath your bed.
Have the curtains and bedding removed and replaced with fresh ones. Wash the duvet and pillows, too. Air out the mattress so you won’t have to worry about bed bugs.
Living Room
After letting in some breeze into the room, it’s time to vacuum the seats. Spot clean as much as possible. Dust all the shelves, decorative items, and furniture. Clean all the lamps, window sills, windows, and window screens.
Clean the electronic items as well and be sure to tidy up the wires. Spring is also the perfect time to sort your DVDs and music collections. Purge all the items that are no longer needed or wanted. Donate all the books and magazines that no longer suit anyone’s interest.
As for the toys, be sure to wash each of them with warm, soapy water. Rinse then allow to dry. As for the stuffed toys, have them dry cleaned. Again, donate those that your kids no longer play with.
Clean all the floors as well as the walls, trim, knobs, even the vent covers.
Dining Room
As for the dining room, you should take down and wash the curtains. Wipe the tables and chairs then dust every furnishing. If there are cushions or chair pads, be sure to clean those, too.
If you have time, polish the table then create a lovely spring vignette to welcome the upcoming season.
Shine the silverware and glassware.
Bathroom
Just like you did with all the other rooms, open the windows and empty all of the cabinets. Be sure to replace all the items that have been used or are expired. Wipe and clean the cabinets and vanities. Be sure to clean the bathtub and apply some wax if necessary.
Clean the shower drain as well as the drains on the sinks. Check the faucets and see if everything is working. Shine each one just as much as you clean and make the mirror shine.
Dust all the bathroom lighting fixtures. Reseal any grout lines that need a little retouching.
Kitchen
Just after opening the windows, remove and clean the window coverings. Check the drawers and cabinets then remove items that no longer have any use. Place any items back that you would still use.
Be sure to sharpen the knives and to clean and organize the rest of the cutlery. Clean also the stove top and remove any elements that just clutter the fridge and your freezer.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for spring, preparing for spring cleaning, spring, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on The 2018 Spring Cleaning Checklist
Wednesday, March 7th, 2018
This dining room collection from Fine Furniture Design’s Brentwood is the finest that you could go to enjoy the beauty of spring outdoors.
Spring is not officially here until the 20th of March but this does not mean that you cannot get started on your spring activities. There are many house projects that are normally accomplished during spring so don’t make this year any different. It’s time to get started on spring cleaning.
Plan
It is best to make a list of all the projects that you will be tackling this upcoming spring. Whether your home would undergo some deep cleaning and decluttering or some bigger projects such as remodeling the kitchen, you always need to plan.
Have all your ideas plotted on paper and organize it into an idea checklist or guide throughout your spring cleaning and remodeling projects. Always tackle the most difficult ones first so that your task becomes easier as you go along.
Create an Inviting Bedroom
Restful and peaceful sleep only comes with an inviting and relaxing bedroom. So take the time to clear the clutter especially in this part of your home. Put some fresh sheets and give the entire room deep vacuuming. Don’t forget to clean the underside of your bed, too.
Bring in Houseplants
This is spring 2018 so it’s time to prep some greeneries that you can display all around your home. Pay the local nursery a visit and browse through their decorative plant collections. Pick up some potted plants and their plant foods then take them home, prepped and ready to be displayed this coming spring.
Check the Roof
It’s going to be okay to go out to check on the roof shingles soon. Be sure to examine those that were damaged or even lost during winter. If your home happens to have an older covering, then you might want to plan and create a budget for the replacement.
Remember that the summer sun is also a culprit for roof shingle damages so before you even reach the next season, check on any cracks or buckling. Even loose granules should be already be replaced. Find a qualified roofer to do the job.
Check the Gutters
The winter season brings with it many damages to properties. You might want to check on the drainage system and see if there are leaky or loose gutters. Prepare to do some repairs before the rains come and do more damage to your home.
See also if the downspouts have drained properly and that they are clear from any type of debris.
Find the Low Areas
See if there are some low areas right in your yard. These are those areas that are sometimes found right next to the foundation which can lead to flooding and damage. These tend to create water pools and in the summer, these could easily become the breeding ground for many kinds of insects.
Check the Chimney
There are ways to check whether your chimney was damaged during winter. Don’t underestimate leaks. Instead, think of these as signs that your chimney might need a repair specialist soon.
Water leaks are the absolute worst enemy of any chimney and the coldest winters can bring about freezing temperatures that can ultimately produce these problems.
Other telltale signs of chimney damage are missing bricks or mortar, discolored bricks, rust-colored stains on bricks, and damp odors.
The chimney parts that are more difficult to check are the chimney cap and the damper. These are situated at the topmost part of the chimney. Have them checked by an expert so that you won’t run the risk of wasting energy in the next months.
Move the Firewood
It’s going to be a lot warmer soon so it’s time to move the firewood that are stored near your home. Have them placed in a shed that is at least 18 inches off the ground.
Check These Also
Tags: checklist for spring cleaning, getting ready for spring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for spring, spring, spring cleaning, spring cleaning checklist, spring preparation, spring projects
Posted in 2018 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Spring Season | Comments Off on Prepping for Spring 2018
Monday, May 15th, 2017
Lexington Dining Room Oxford Square Arm Chair 4011-463-201511
The design term known as shabby chic was first mentioned in the ‘80s. It’s a term that is being attributed to Rachel Ashwell, an English interior designer. It first graced the pages of The World of Interiors and has since become a renowned trans-Atlantic feature.
Shabby chic is the marriage of country style British and the lovely chateau of France. This style emerged from the posh ‘80s when a lot of the interior design trends progressed to the charm of English homes. Pretty soon, shabby chic went global and homeowners were going gaga about it.
Rachel Ashwell moved stateside when she had to open her first Shabby Chic store in 1989. This Santa Monica shop took on the world of interior design by surprise. It is nearing its 30th anniversary in 2019. The design, by itself, now has a following of its own and it’s only the business model that needs a makeover.
Constant Revamp
The shabby chic style is in constant need of reconditioning, mixing and matching. It also pays homage to mending and making do with what’s existing. But you don’t have to strip your current furniture of its paint just so you can achieve the shabby chic style.
Nowadays, there are a lot of shabby chic furniture pieces in the market. While these furnishings are practically new, they have the lived in or worn appeal. In fact, shabby chic is also now infused with some rustic elements such as the 18th century Shaker style.
Shop for Shabby Chic
When looking for the perfect pieces for your shabby chic home, be sure to find the ones that look vintage. Take a careful look at the paint finish, look for the ones that have a distressed look. This means that the lower layer of paint has been exposed to suggest wear and tear.
You don’t have to reuse or recycle furniture that is already frail. Find the hottest ones in the market. Blend both fresh and new as well as pretty florals and antique lace. Shabby chic is mainly English so go ahead and set up your dining area for an afternoon tea. If there are tea stains, don’t hesitate to show ‘em.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Three-Drawer Chest
Shabby Chic Rooms
Shabby chic is a style that keeps living on. If you want to make it your own, then you can begin in your kitchen. None can be a more sophisticated color for your kitchen walls than the lovely gray. All the country elements would feel right with this hue.
After the kitchen, you can go on to the attic. Here, you can set up a unique bedroom complete with painted rough floorboards with white walls. Just add a charming Persian rug and you’re done.
When it comes to the dining space, it would be nice to begin with rustic walls. Use paneling and other elements that look vintage.
As for the bedroom, you can prominently display your furnishings with the distressed look. Even out-of-season cushions and sheets can be used as a display. Just wallpaper your armoire with the same wallpaper on your bedroom walls.
If you love colorful spaces, then have the shabby chic reinvented with a Boho twist. If you’re aiming for this, make sure to veer away from white and work on pastels instead.
All in all, shabby chic is far from shabby. This is a design that will surely add elegance to any home. It is popular so you also won’t worry about being out of style. Shabby chic pieces are very easy to find. This is added great news since there are hundreds of options to choose from.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Spring Season | Comments Off on Shabby Chic This Spring 2017
Thursday, April 6th, 2017
This Viniterra Carved Mirror is the right addition to your home this spring. It will help reflect light and optically improve the space at the same time.
What do you love most about spring? Apart from saying goodbye to shoveling snow and thick clothing, don’t you just love the colorful buds and blossoms that can be found everywhere? This is the best time of the year to reinvent your home’s look. One of the best ways to do this is to brighten up your home and create mood enhancers everywhere.
Okay, so we all love the outdoors right now; it’s brimming with life and colors. It is a waste to just look at these and not take advantage of such beauty. So, let’s take off those think draperies and replace them with translucent curtains.
This is also the season to do some renovations as well as to open your windows to let in some fresh air and lots of sunlight. Look for bright colors that you can use as main décor or accent pieces. If you still like white, then it’s time to use it as a means to reflect a little more light.
White as Backdrop
What could be a more powerful frame for gorgeous furniture than a plain white wall? This is a wonderful wall that could serve as a backdrop to the most overpowering colors such as fuchsia or neon hues.
Imagine the most intense colors in the spectrum and use them this spring. If you’re a little cautious, then you can always rely on pastel.
Strategically Place Mirrors
Spring is the season to begin using mirrors to reflect more light. There’s no need to remain cooped inside your home. Winter is gone so you should use a mirror to a wall that’s adjacent to the window.
Let the sunshine in. If you’re a little low on natural light, then mirrors can help you solve this issue. Mirrors can easily mimic windows. Having a mirror or two will make it seem you have additional windows on your walls.
A mirror that is placed opposite a window or another room could reflect the views from that area. From a window, you get to see the scenic beauty outdoors. If it’s facing a room, then it would seem like you’re looking through an interior window.
Other reflective surfaces can also help bounce the light around a room. A shiny backsplash, for instance, will reflect light all around the kitchen.
No More Heavy Draperies
Since it is your goal to let in more sunlight, then you should take down anything that could impede it from streaming in. Use translucent shades that will be able to provide privacy while still allowing more light to come in.
The correct curtain color will even cast a lovely glow in the afternoon.
Lighter Ceilings
Painting the ceilings a bit lighter than the walls will give the space a much brighter appearance. Believe it or not, white walls look great but having an even lighter ceiling with glossy or semi-gloss finish is your best bet to bright room.
Use this concept especially when you have dark walls. The light-colored ceiling should be able to reflect the light that you need.
Clean Up
Another way to make a room appear brighter is to just clean it up. Clutter can make a room appear cramped, yes, even darker, so fix the light bulbs, clean your windows and let the lighting fixtures shine at their brightest.
Rise and Shine
How many times have you been told to rise and shine when you wake up? Now you can take this expression a bit more literally as you open those shutters and let in more sunlight. Control too much lighting in the bedroom by having sheer curtains installed or some blinds.
Tags: brightening up your home, making bright homes, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting, Spring Season | Comments Off on Brighten Up Spaces This Spring 2017
Thursday, April 6th, 2017
The Cynthia Rowley furniture collection features the most amazing pieces that are suitable to the fresh, crisp look of spring.
Okay, we’re onto this Spring series for 2017. After the deep cleaning and prepping blogs, now it’s time to create a checklist that won’t let you forget your to-do list.
This spring checklist will help you make your home come to life. Pick some tasks that you can take on from planting to porch swings and interior parts.
An Enhanced Front Door
The front door is your home’s welcoming tool. This is the focal point outdoors as people take one look at it and get to judge what they might see inside. Seeing a red door, for instance, could give the impression that you are a friendly host.
Apart from red, you can also use any rich hue to paint the front door. You can also hang a handmade craft or spring wreath to spice up the door’s look.
Dress Up the Fence
Keep in mind that the curb appeal should begin at the curb. Instead of planting within the borders of the fence or your stone walls, plant spring bulbs and perennials outside, too. This extra foliage layer and color both offer a sense of depth. This makes your front yard appear larger.
If you have not installed a fence, then plant perennials between the sidewalk and the curb. This will give a similar effect.
Visible House Number
Take a quick tour across the street and view your house number from a distance. If you are having a hard time seeing your house number then it’s time to replace it. The font must be clear to read even from a distance.
Place the house number where it won’t be blocked by porch railing, trees, or any other visual impediment. The most ideal place is beneath the porch lamp or the landscape light. This is so the number can still be illuminated even during the evening.
Group Flowers on the Porch
These are the easiest to add to make your home more beautiful. Cluster about three pots of flowers on your front porch. Fill them with the most luscious spring flowers to emphasize the beauty of the season.
Tend the Garden
If you happen to be blessed with a house that has a lawn, then make the most out of this feature. Reseed, add sod, and put mulch on flower beds. This will retain the moisture of your soil as you give the flower beds a more finished look.
If you happen to have a deep front yard, then consider setting up a hangout zone. Place a bench in the most comfortable spot that you can find, preferably beside a fire pit. This will instantly become the gathering spot for your family members.
Even the simplest garden bench is a beautiful addition to any front or back yard.
Check the Roofing
Another crucial thing that you need to check this spring is the condition of your roof especially when you live in areas that are plagued by snow during winter. See if a professional can take a better look. If you find shingle edges or bits that are crumbling, then it’s time for the pros to step in.
Ask for an estimate from three professionals before you hire the best one. Check also their references and past projects so you can compare.
Clean the Windows
Clean up the siding by washing off the dirt, cobwebs and road salt. For deeper dirt, be sure to use power washer or your regular hose but with a washing attachment for windows. Remember to clean also the inside parts of the windows.
Clean till the windows sparkle.
Check the Driveway and Garage
These areas take up a lot of wear and tear. These can help with the curb appeal, though, so make sure that they do not take on serious problems. A coat of paint ever year will freshen up these parts; add some sconce lighting and flower boxes to complete the curb appeal.
Tags: checklist for spring cleaning, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring checklist, spring cleaning, spring cleaning checklist, spring cleanup
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on The Spring Checklist for 2017
Tuesday, April 4th, 2017
The Stanley Furniture Living Room Console Table 585-15-05 will look perfect in your newly-designed entryway.
The long, cold winter season is gone. Officially, we’re welcoming spring as we stop shoveling snow off the driveway, salting and begin gardening, redecorating and painting. Here are some ways that you can make your spring makeover a lot more fun as your whole family takes on these unique projects –
Wine Bottles Turned Into Gardens
Were you able to keep those wine bottles during Christmas and New Year celebrations? Now it’s time to put them to good use by cutting half of the bottle, lengthwise. You can then put some soil and plant some flowering plants into these cute bottles. These should look good as a decorative element for the coffee table, credenza or the dining table.
Paint the Shutters
Have some old shutters painted so that you can turn them into a message board. Any bright paint will do. Hang the message board on the wall or simply lean it against one of the walls.
Use Wall Decals
You can also create instant wallpaper by using removable wall decals. Even simple polka dots can be a lovely thing to look at on a plain wall. Create a wallpaper-like pattern throughout the walls. Try other patterns or colors. Use gold, metallic, black or gray. Have fun with more colorful hues such as pink or the very hot aqua, turquoise or emerald green.
Colorful Hooks on Entryways
What’s the first thing that you see when you walk into someone’s home? The entryway is the first part of the home that one gets to see so you should spend time beautifying this. Make this place more cheerful by adding fun hooks. They don’t just present added storage but are also colorful knobs or hooks that will surely catch visitors’ attention.
Flower Station
You can have a few shelves become flower stations. The other shelves can be used as a home for your books, collections and knickknacks. Set up your favorite ceramic or glass vases, floral buckets and pitches. Bring out also the mason jars that have not been used for a long time. These can be repurposed as a container for freshly cut flowers.
Dress Up the Stairs
Apart from the entryway, an oft forgotten spot in your home is the stairway. It would be a lovely thing if you would be able to surprise your visitors with a new paint color in that area or some interesting stencils.
Try painting your wooden stairs or the risers with a color that represents you. Use stencils in geometric or floral prints just to reiterate the theme for the season.
Beautify the mantel with these Uttermost Accessories Geometric Golden Bronze Totem Sculptures S_3 20141.
Beautify the Mantel
The use of basic terracotta pots on your mantel is also a good idea to provide color inside a room. Instead of having pitchers or pots gather dust in your cupboards, it is best to bring them out and have them filled with a cluster of ferns and some fresh flowers. These can be used to prop a book or two on your mantel.
When you are going to use old pots, though, make sure that you clean them up thoroughly so that they can add and not diminish the beauty of the living room.
The Yard Makeover
Take spring cleaning to a whole new level as the entire family sets up the bamboo fence around your home. You can also have some Tiki torches, paper lanterns and outdoor cushions to complete your new hangout area.
Set up a simple outdoor bar, add some booze bottles, glasses and some source of entertainment and you have a place that’s worthy of a sarong party. Play some surfing music and have the whole family take their much-deserved rest there.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring 2017, spring projects, spring projects for the family
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Spring Season | Comments Off on Spring 2017 Projects for the Whole Family
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