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Thursday, August 23rd, 2018
Fine Furniture Design Summer Home Poster Queen Bed.
So what are the most common types of clutter in your home?
Clothes?
Your kids’ toys?
Or books, perhaps?
No matter, clutter is clutter and since it’s summer, you might as well do some summer cleanup.
Summer signifies the acquisition of too many stuff. This is that season when people tend to own a lot more. This is also that time when out-of-town guests leave some of their items and also when the past holidays have left celebratory stuff.
Summer can also be the time to prepare for events and to hold them in your home. Since most people are up and about and are so busy, they tend to be less inclined to do the cleanup. But this should not be the case in your household.
It is time to say no to summer clutter.
Bye-Bye Books
Whether you’re cleaning up your eBooks or your literal book pile in your home, it’s time to accept the fact that you don’t get to read all these books anyway so it’s time to throw or give away some of them.
Now, let’s face those bookshelves holding your to-be-read file. Be honest with this file. And actually read the books that you include on this list. For those that you won’t really read anyway, just have them donated. Some people will be more blessed to have them and actually read them.
Do you have duplicate copies of certain books? Then it’s time to keep just the one that you want. As for the tattered books, well, they’re not just not good for Feng Shui but also a complete eyesore. It’s time to have them replaced. Bookshelves look unkempt with such books included in your collection.
Farewell to Vacay Purchases
So that wide-brimmed hat is not going to be a regular part of your wardrobe, right? Then it’s time to have someone else enjoy it. What about those sunscreen sprays? Have you, somehow, managed to create a collection of different bottles and tubes?
It’s summer but it’s also the time to let go of these used and possibly even empty products and other stuff. Pick the ones that you will still surely use then say goodbye to all of the rest.
Goodbye to Memorabilia Posers
There is real memorabilia and there are those that are just posing to be memorabilia such as ticket stubs, menus, foreign money, etc. Learn to categorize the real mementos and those that just become garbage.
Most of the time, the drawers are homes to these kinds of stuff. These items tend to co-exist with the office items. Let go of those receipts, shoe laces, book tags, bag tags, hotel key cards, and even broken cell phones and necklaces.
Take a few minutes to review these items in the drawer then get a black bag and say bye-bye.
Kitchen Cleanup
You’re going to be busy in your kitchen so you might as well prep for those taxing days ahead. Prep that grill by having it cleaned and brushed. Make sure also that the utensils have been thoroughly cleaned. Check also your cooking equipment and appliances – the oven, refrigerator, stove, baking tools, etc.
Remember the Garage
How about a summer cleanup in your garage? Maybe this site only gets cleaned during spring and it’s high time that you change that. Always begin cleaning from the top then work your way down to the garage floor.
Find a broom to remove cobwebs and to clean the lighting fixtures. Check also if the windows and garage door already need to be oiled.
Store Other Season Gears
Time to pack those coats, scarves, and sweaters now that the sun is out and shining. You could vacuum pack these stuff until that moment when you will need them again.
Tags: decluttering, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer cleanup, summer declutter, summer decluttering
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Summer Season | Comments Off on 6 Super Hot Summer Decluttering Tips
Friday, July 6th, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Home Collection
Summer is a lot more than the perfect time to go to the beach and enjoy some picnics or a barbecue with your family. This can also be the time to have some items taken off your maintenance checklist. Take note, though, that summer is a season for relaxing so you might feel a bit of resistance when it comes to cleaning up during this season.
First Day Cleanup: Cooling Units and Detectors
The first day does not have to be a difficult one. You can check on your detectors (smoke, home timers, and carbon monoxide detectors) and replace their batteries. You can also use a damp cloth or rag to clean the ceiling, fans, vents, dryer and washer units.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can also clean the air-conditioning units by replacing the filters. This simple cleanup task could result in reduced energy bills.
Second Day Cleanup: The Kitchen
You can then proceed to conquer the kitchen. You can dust off the condenser coils and clean also the range hood and the filter. Don’t let dust and grease accumulate as these can cut short the lifespan of a range hood fan or any electrical appliance for that matter.
Deep clean the kitchen this summer by disinfecting the food prep surfaces and getting rid of spattered grease and dirt on your oven. As you clean up these appliances, though, make sure that you protect your eyes and skin as you use the correct kind of clothing. Wear long-sleeved clothing, rubber gloves, and safety goggles.
Use green alternatives as much as you can. Instead of chemicals, try using baking soda and other such natural cleaning agents.
Third Day: The Bathroom
As soon as you have tackled the kitchen, it’s time to go to the bathroom. Use efficient means to clean this part of your home. Get rid of toothpaste dribbles, grime, scum, and just about every type of bathroom dirt that you could find.
Find an all-purpose bathroom cleaner that can remove film and light soil. For the hardened type of deposits, use a scrubber or abrasive cleaners that can be easily rinsed. Use green homemade cleaners if you can’t handle formulated bleach cleaning agents.
Spray and let stand. This time will allow the soap scums and oils to dissolve. You will then need less energy to clean up and remove the rest. Scrub with a toothbrush on the nooks and crannies while the good bowl brush should do the trick on the toilet.
After all these cleanup, disinfect and leave some deodorizing agents.
Fourth Day: The Outdoors
It’s summer! You have all the time in the world to clean up any outdoors part of your home. Turn the heat up on the gas grills and allow it to burn for about half an hour. Once this cools, scrub with a grill brush.
As for the charcoal grills, empty it out and then clean with a soapy, lukewarm sponge. Clean the deck and porch while you’re at it. Sweep the porch then mop where there’s more dirt to clean up. As for the deck, roofing, and other outdoor structures, look for damages made worse by leaks, termites, etc.
Check also the irrigation systems for your plants. Remove any dead trees or plants and make sure that there is ample mulch to keep the weeds at bay.
Fifth Day: Thorough Checkup
When you’re done with the deep cleaning, it’s time to go through the interiors and outdoors once again. Recheck for leaks, mildew, mold, cracks, holes, and even excessive moisture in some crawlspaces. You may not be able to get rid of every single problem this summer but doing your best will definitely make a huge difference.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer cleaning, summer cleaning checklist, summer cleaning tips, summer cleanup
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Summer Season | Comments Off on The Five-Day Summer Cleanup
Wednesday, May 30th, 2018
The High-Low Dining Table from Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Home Collection is all that you’ll need in your dining room this summer.
Summer’s right around the corner and it’s understandable when most people can no longer contain themselves. Summer, after all, is the season for vacations, going to the beach, and inevitably, prepping your home for the new season. Everyone’s having a hopeful and warm mood so it’s time to hop on.
Accentuate with Yellow
Color is a very powerful tool in inspiring happiness. If you want your home to become a cheerful place this upcoming season, then vibrant color (or colors) is what you truly need.
And since it’s time to say hello to the summer sun. And since the sun is a burst of yellow, you might as well use this color as the accent color for your home this upcoming season. What better way is there to showcase summer than to see pops of yellow here and there?
Set Up a Reading Nook
Since summer is the time to relax, there are those who do not see beach parties and frolicking under the sun as the best type of relaxation. For those who just want to curl up and read a good novel, then this is the perfect time to finally set up your reading nook.
Cozy means you have to choose the perfect comfy chair that you could sink into. How about this Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair by Cynthia Rowley?
Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Dining Room Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair
Nothing’s swankier than this gold-leafed and curvaceous seat. And the sheepskin? You just gotta have it. And if you’re feeling the vibe of setting up a reading nook for two, then all you gotta do is to invest in a loveseat, hang some wall art, prop those comfy throws, and you’re good to go. And, oh, don’t forget to snuggle your little kitty cat as you read your favorite sci-fi novel.
Set Up a Bar
Get those fruity and fresh summer cocktails flowing. Parties and get-togethers need a proper station. And just imagine concocting a mojito or your friends’ favorite mai tai as you all listen to some great music.
Consider setting up an island where the booze and fresh juices never end.
Decorate the Fireplace
No, you won’t be needing the fireplace a while so it’s best to fill it up and decorate it at the moment.
You can have an inspiring tableau of botanicals and blooms since the hydrangeas are going to be in full bloom. Another option is to have a summery glow in the evenings as you light up the citrus and coconut-scented candles right inside the fireplace. Have them set on candelabra that coincide with your home’s décor.
Or you can also just place a lovely fire screen for now and have an awesome artwork or a mirror hung above the mantel.
Have Fun Outdoors
It’s summer! This is the best time to take that furniture outdoors and have dinner with your family there. Don’t squander those lovely evenings. Set up a picnic table for your family and don’t worry too much about formality at the dining table for now.
Just have a laidback evening with your family and enjoy the food that’s been prepared.
Go Bohemian
Also known as the Boho look, this is the style that’s for people who love unique items and are interested in culture. Infuse a lot of colors and patterns, and do not be afraid to combine different design elements.
Bohemian anchor hues include greens, the deepest browns, and shades of gray. You can then accessorize with vibrant colors like electric blue, fiery orange or this year’s Pantone Color of the Year – UltraViolet.
And Go Sheer
Store those thick draperies away. You won’t need them for many months. For now, it’s time to bring out and hang those sheer white curtains. These curtains will allow natural light and breeze to flow freely into your home which is perfect since you’re going to enjoy this season.
Tags: decorating for summer, designing for summer, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing your home for summer, summer interior design
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Summer Season | Comments Off on It’s Time to Summerize Your Home
Thursday, June 29th, 2017
A living room ensemble from FFDM’s Deco Collection.
It’s that time of the year to frolic under the sun once more – summer is officially here. Your environment is a pleasant place to be in, to many homeowners, this could also be the signal to go for a season-inspired interior design.
How about Art Deco?
Take a closer look at the skyscrapers that are lining New York’s horizon. The Rockefeller and Chrysler buildings are the perfect example of Art Deco displayed in the most awesome manner. The birth of this design can be traced to the early 1920s all the way to the 1940s.
Art Deco was a style that showed a lot of accomplishments. It portrayed hope and strength for the future. It paid homage to past designs but, at the same time, it acknowledged newer technologies.
Art Deco – The Origins
Art Deco is often associated with nationalism, color, iconography, zigzag lines, geometry, relief, sculpture, murals, botany, mythology, and many more things. In terms of hue, buildings use pastels, to vivid paint, to gold to glossy hues.
Colors often contrast on the interior and exterior parts of the building. The artworks were inspired by a wide array of colors from bright down to mute. Some buildings also used ornamentation which referenced mythology, more particularly, Egyptian mythology.
Art Deco was easily recognizable with its rounded edges. These were seen on planes, in vehicles, on ships and other forms of sleek modes of transport.
Glass is also a common material used in Art Deco. You will see a lot of etching and blocks in this style. You will also see geometric forms and other materials such as linoleum, jade, plastic, steel, Bakelite and chrome.
Metal also perfectly represented Art Deco because it showed industrialism and strength.
Art Deco Artists – Influencers and Inspiration
There were many architects and artists that helped develop Art Deco. Cedric Gibbons was one such artist. Gibbons was a Hollywood set designer who was able to attend the 1925 Paris exhibition. He created Art Deco in all his Hollywood sets.
Another one was William Van Allen who was the architect that conceptualized the Chrysler Building. Donald Deskey, also an architect, built the Radio City Music Hall. Other names followed suit such as Edward McKnight Kauffer, A.M. Cassandre, Rene Lalique, Jean Puiforcat, Jacques Ruhlmann, and jean Dunand.
Today’s Art Deco
These days, Art Deco is a style that relies in the past though it continues to imagine, re-imagine and pay attention to the design elements of today. It is often studied and collected by people who are fascinated by the ‘20s and ‘30s styles.
People all over the world collect jewelry, posters, chinaware and furniture.
Art Deco Furniture
Parisian factors influenced the Art Deco furniture pieces of today so you will see a lot of grandiose features. Expect opulence and exotic pieces like ebony furniture and rare materials like ivory.
Stained glass is also possibly included as are enamels and inlays. Other materials that are used in Art Deco pieces are marble, wood, metal, plastic, animal skin, and lacquer pieces.
The different types of Art Deco furniture include chairs, cabinets, beds, and tables. Chairs come with curved lines and often represent the human form. Some pieces incorporate leather and chrome.
Cabinets, on the other hand, are often rigid and large. They have lacquered wood with distinctive grains such as burled oak, bird’s eye maple and Macassar ebony.
The beds are oversized and they come with head and footboards. These are often constructed from metal or wood. The tables – specifically the cocktail tables – come with glass or leather tops, or wood or chrome legs.
The factors that you need to consider when buying Art Deco pieces, are its condition, quality, and its details.
Tags: art deco, Art Deco interior design, Art Deco style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Summer Season | Comments Off on Summer Is Art Deco
Tuesday, June 13th, 2017
Cynthia Rowley Rivington 3-Over-3 Sofa is deliciously summer.
Heat brings about humidity, grime and dust. All these nobody wants so why not engage in summer cleaning? This task does not have to be a drag. You can actually have some fun while doing it.
But how?
Use Leftover Cleaning Agents
Now whoever said you have to buy expensive chemicals just so you can get the dirt off surfaces? Half a lemon that’s been left over dinner can be used to clean up faucets and stainless steel fixtures. You can also use this to get the grime off the grill.
Using a wire brush, rub the lemon juice onto the still warm grill. For major mess, use oven cleaner so you can attach the grime and food bits.
The grill isn’t the only thing that you can clean up using leftovers. You can also use full fat mayonnaise for those stubborn water rings left by some of your guests. Instead of hating that particular guest forever, just apply some mayonnaise onto the area. Let it sit for an hour before you wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Eliminate Mold and Mildew
Your washing machine could smell awful during the summer because it could get really humid. To prevent this from happening, use hot water and detergent and run an empty load. This should get rid of the awful smell. Just be sure to leave the washing machine door ajar so that it will dry properly.
As much as you can, try getting rid of mold and mildew using natural means. You would be surprised to find out that you already have some of the cleaning agents right inside your kitchen.
Vinegar, when diluted with water, can cut any pungent odor. It is also a natural mold killer when it is sprayed directly to the moldy area. Just leave the vinegar for a few hours then scrub using a clean brush.
If vinegar odor offends you, then use a few drops of essential oil to overcome the powerful scent.
Tea tree oil is also an effective mold eliminator. This may be more expensive than most green remedies but you would just need two teaspoons of this oil mixed with two cups water so it is actually relative. Spray this solution to the affected area but don’t wipe off or rinse.
Baking soda is another natural kitchen ingredient that you can use get rid of mold and mildew. Use it with water or water and vinegar. Spray the solution onto the moldy surface, let sit then scrub using a damp cloth.
Divide Your Work
Instead of tackling your cleaning in just one day, why not divide your summer cleanup to a number of days. You can spread the cleaning throughout the weeks and among different family members. This is so everyone will feel that they did their share of cleaning.
As a family, you can also set a goal to have a clutter-free home during the summer. Remember that having more stuff than needed means having more things where dust can accumulate.
Have the kids say yes to dusting during this season. Encourage even the preschoolers to take part. Ask them to put their laundry into the hamper and also to store their playthings once they’re done playing.
Never be sidetracked. Allow the voicemail to take your call while you’re still halfway through with your living room cleanup. Answer the call or email once you’re done with what you were initially doing.
Always make it a group project so that the cleaning will become fun rather than a burden.
Keep Dirt at Bay
One effective way to keep dust, dirt and sand away from your home is to have people remove their shoes right before they enter your home. Invest in a thick doormat that is also gentle on your feet.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer cleaning, summer cleaning tips, summer cleanup
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Summer Season | Comments Off on Summer Cleaning (Coz You Missed Spring Cleaning)
Thursday, June 8th, 2017
Hickory White Bedroom Greek Key Chest 245-61
What could be a more calming thought than to spend your summer vacation in one of the most relaxing places on the planet? The Greek island Santorini is one such place. Designing your Greek dream home takes a lot more than copying the look of Santorini off a magazine.
More often than not, Greek homes are nestled on a cliff. The home’s structure is almost always made of natural stones (some are even made of volcanic stones). The red stones which are often collected from the mountains tend to blend beautifully with the outdoors.
Picture the living area with low tables and heirloom-looking furniture pieces. Visualize also some cotton hand-woven rugs in their proper areas. These will also look great when installed upon handmade floors (usually a mixture of white sand and cement.
When you’re looking from a Greek isle, you are likely to see blue skies and turquoise waters. You will see vivid, panoramic views so Greeks didn’t even think of fighting it. The scenic beauty is too hard to resist anyway so you might as well frame it.
Greeks decided to build their buildings, hotels and even their homes right around the dramatic, picturesque views.
Maximizing the Hot Sun of Greece
Since Greece is best known for its scorching hot weather, a lot of homes are made of stone. This is so the heat is effectively blocked throughout the year while cool air is still blown in. Most Greek homes are also plastered with white stucco or painted white.
White walls are also effectively used to deflect the hotness instead of absorbing it. The whiteness of the walls also automatically provide a more serene and relaxing ambience. Most of the island homes open up their interiors to take advantage of the summery weather. A lot of doorways and windows are open.
To make the room appear exciting instead of bare, these white or frescoed walls have a single woven rug hanging. Your eyes will surely be drawn to that focal point.
Greek Furnishings
Most of the furnishings in Greece are upholstered either with linen or white cotton. This is an awesome way to guard the tranquil mood. At times, the interiors also reflect a rustic look. There are, occasionally, some timbers decorating the ceiling or even the walls.
Stones are almost always exposed in homes and most are even used as wall treatments.
Most of the furniture pieces in Greek homes are French or English antique looking. Most are carved and are dark-hued. The Greeks have adopted the furniture styles of both nations then they eventually added their own touch.
The Greek chair called klismos was introduced all the way back in the 5th century BC. This is still popularly used in many homes in that country today. This chair has a beautiful, curved back and those distinct splayed legs.
Hickory White Living Room Greek Key Sofa 4902-05
Go Eclectic
Many Greek interiors display an eclectic style. This is usually done in hotel interiors and the more modern homes. Modern furnishings are also almost always embraced. Ultrasuede and leather are most welcome. While white walls are still widely used, they are now offset by the colorful, bright fabrics that are used throughout the home.
The traditional Greek style hasn’t died, though. You can still find some homes displaying sculptures as well as other artistic stone objects. It is also common to see woven baskets as storage units. These are all mixed with modern furniture, giving Greek homes a distinctive look.
Greek homes these days are also modest in terms of style and scale. While the Greek furniture styles were handed down by the French and English, they are still distinctive because of the things that they are matched with such as figural sculptures, pottery and antique-looking furniture.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer palette
Posted in 2017 Trends, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Summer Season | Comments Off on Greek Interior Design – The Most Relaxing Style This Summer
Thursday, June 1st, 2017
This Glass Top Table from FFDM’s Summer Home Collection reflects what summer should be – light and super laidback.
It is almost summer! This is an exciting season for a lot of people because this is the time to get out and do some physical activities, get lots of doses of Vitamin D, and have picnic with friends and loved ones. This is also a wonderful time to redecorate your home.
Go, Go Green
Summertime is the best season to store those heavy rugs and just enjoy your bare hardwood flooring. Use a lot of flowers and greeneries so that your home will have a more casual, airy, and bright feel.
Let’s Party
Summertime is also the time to invite guests over and enjoy the breezy atmosphere on your deck or that long, unused area by the pool.
Have bunches of flowers displayed, set up those lanterns and bring out buckets upon buckets of ice. You are set to enjoy a lot of fun moments with your loved ones so better prepare.
Say your backyard isn’t that huge to accommodate a lot of chairs and tables, then just have these pieces moved to the grassy lawn. Don’t hesitate, just do it. This should show how casual and laidback your personality is.
As for night get-togethers, you can take advantage of the hot summer evenings by adding patio lanterns, graphic-patterned placemats and napkins for a more breathtaking outdoor dining.
Prep the Bar
Oh, the bar would really, really, really be busy this summer season. So go ahead and stock up on spirits. Whip up mojitos and your fave mai tai and entertain your guests with ‘em. And while you’re at it, why not stoke the flames of the fireplace nearby. Add a coral replica near the fireplace for a more coastal feel.
Embrace the Cottage Look
Imagine coming in to a cottage-ey entryway. Set up a wooden credenza in that area and display your summer-themed items such as green bottles, vintage fan, cute sailboats, pitchers and pictures of the beach.
Place a bowl of fresh fruits on that credenza to complete the look.
Uttermost Living Room Minkah Small Bench 23627: Who says exciting hues have to end in spring?
Everything Bright and Colorful
Have your tongue-and-groove paneling whitewashed. That should give the room an airier, cleaner look. Add some of the most colorful throw pillows that you’ve had in storage to up the summery mood in the living room.
In the bedroom, pair white bedding with wood bedframe. This is a lovely look for summer. Just add a colorful throw pillow plus a bouquet of freshly-picked flowers and you’re good.
Think sunny.
Swap the graphic, bigger pieces with vibrant-colored dishes and fresh flowers in glass vases. Find hues that are light and soft, even shimmery.
Yes to Nautical
What could be more summery than those nautical stripes? They are basically screaming summer.
Those striped slipcovers paired with a striped area rug should give your feet a more relaxed, nautical feel. Of course, have the furniture ensemble in white or varnished wicker to achieve a more relaxed look.
Easy-Breezy Color Palette
Say yes to a lot of grays and pale blues, none of those heavy, dark hues for now. Use white slipcovers during the entire summer season. Bleach them and use ‘em. They will even help you double the lifespan of your precious sofa.
Find an Ikat-patterned furniture piece to make the space more interesting. Ikat is an awesome dyeing technique to create unique textile patterns.
Mind the Coffee Tables
Be sure to decorate your coffee tables with things that remind you of summer. Pepper ‘em with fresh roses, your seashell collection, even an interesting sea fan.
Go Bohemian
The vibrant colors that are distinctly bohemian are perfect for your summer interior design. Mix flowers, patterns, hand paintings, and other cheerful stuff.
Bohemian is not chaotic, okay. This is just a place where the artistic mind could have a free rein. This is a spot where you’re not afraid to mix hues and brighten things up a bit. And, yes, this is the perfect look for your summer interiors.
Tags: designing for summer, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, styling for summer, summer color scheme, summer colors, summer decor, summer decoration, summer interiors, summer palette
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Summer Season | Comments Off on The Summer Ready Interior Design
Wednesday, May 31st, 2017
The warm colors in this bedroom make the Summer Home Platform King Bed and other pieces look more inviting.
So, it’s time to say goodbye to spring and welcome the lazy, hazy summer days. When done in advance, you will surely reap the blessings of prepping early. Well, how do you update your home’s interiors?
Light and Bright Does It
In updating your home to a more in season look, be sure to look for summery colors and any light and bright accessories. Put away anything that induces heat or even makes you think of heat. Store the heavy rugs, fire logs, turn off the heaters, replace the draperies with sheer curtains and keep away the thick blankets.
Clean Up Your Freezer
Be sure to leave some room in the freezer for all the ice cream that you’re gonna enjoy with your loved ones. To allot space, of course, you also need to chuck out any icy buildup, leftovers that have been unnoticed for the longest time, and ground meats.
As soon as the fridge and freezer are clean, go ahead and stock up on burgers and frozen goodies.
Party on the Patio
Think of all the patio parties that you will host this summer! Make sure that the blender is functional and ready to churn those mojitos and margaritas.
Invest in recipes of different mock cocktails and the real deals. Do not forget to bring out those accident-proof dishware from the drinking glasses to the serving trays. Check also the other outdoor entertainment essentials such as – ice cold drinks, finger foods, coolers, umbrella, pool floats, grilling baskets, pitchers, and your apron.
Check the Indoor Airflow
Prep and check your air-conditioning units. Ensure that you will have a cooler summer with a unit with lower energy output. You may want to check the air filter first. Clean any dust or debris around the exhausts and the vents then wipe off any dirt on the main unit.
Be sure to test the unit after you clean it. If you think that your HVAC isn’t working properly, then consider calling a professional. They will be able to test the unit as well as your air ducts for probable leaks.
Do these early on so that you won’t spend your summer days sweltering in the summer heat.
Build a Summer Stock
This is also the perfect time to stock up on summer essentials. It’s time to fill your medicine cabinet with aloe, sunblock, insect repellents, and migraine pills.
As for your linen closet, be sure to store a lot of fresh and fluffy picnic blankets and beach towels. Prep also the outdoor sports items like badminton rackets, croquet, basketball and baseball gears.
Check also your shed for those stored summer sports gears, hose, lawnmower and other gardening tools. Place these upfront, in an easily accessible area. This is so you won’t spend the time rummaging through your shed during the summer.
Summer Home Oval Cocktail Table is light-colored; perfect for the easy, breezy atmosphere of summer.
It’s BBQ Time
It’s also the perfect season to display those muscular arms as you hold barbecue parties. Clean your barbecue grill using soapy water (be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions, though).
After cleaning it up, heat it up then let it run on high setting for no less than 10 minutes. Allow it to cool down before you wipe the grates using just a thin layer of cooking oil.
Sure, your barbecue grill may not be as shiny as when it was new but you will surely hold a lot of successful barbecue parties with it.
Bug Off
Summer can also mean the appearance of bugs. This is because bugs migrate to a warmer area when they need to wait out the cold months where they were originally from. So, expect more bugs.
Prepare for their onslaught by setting up a barrier. Begin with pest control or just seal off your doors, windows and gaps. Check out the Internet for options on insect barriers.
Tags: designing for summer, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for summer, prepping for summer, styling for summer, summer home, summer styling
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Summer Season | Comments Off on Is Your Home Prepped for Summer?
Monday, May 29th, 2017
Orient Express Furniture OutdoorPatio Loom Outdoor Dining Arm Chair 6809KD.PLA_SGRY_GT
These days, the term home no longer just refers to the indoors but also our outdoor living spaces. From the biggest estates down to the most modest homes, it seems that every homeowner is now finding ways to go outdoors and enjoy games, meals, visits and swims there. Moonlight, the open air as well as natural light simply enhance the living experience in each home.
But what if you don’t have to totally go outdoors, instead, you still stay indoors yet the room had an awesome view of the outdoors? Would you want that kind of setup?
Say hello to the sunroom. This is that pre-fab roof and wall system that is added to a home to offer an awesome view of the outdoors as well as an extra amount of living space.
Sunrooms are often used for relaxation, entertainment, as a TV room, a reading nook, and simply an area to enjoy the outdoors. The finishing touches used will add to the beauty of this extra living space.
Wicker furniture is often used in this space to create the best place of relaxation. Actual installation can be as short as 2-3 days depending on the size of the room that you would like. Additional time is required for an added deck.
Check if you would need a building permit or a zoning approval. If you want to enjoy the sunroom during summer, then you had better start moving now.
Sunroom Furniture: Basic Care
Anyone who invested in outdoor furnishing should know that it takes a lot of time, effort, even money to maintain such an asset. Properly caring for sunroom furniture means you have to know what it is made of in the first place.
If it is made of metal, then you also have to find out what sort of metal you will care for. If it’s wood, find out if it is untreated or varnished.
Wicker is a popular choice among homeowners because it is quite easy to maintain.
Tags: decorating the sunroom, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sunroom, sunroom design, sunroom style, sunrooms
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Outdoors Style, Summer Season | Comments Off on Sunroom Furniture Care: 15 Tips in Caring for Your Investment
Friday, May 26th, 2017
The High-Low Dining Table from FFDM’s Summer Collection.
“Summertime is always the best of what might be,” so said American non-fiction author, Charles Bowden. With summer just around the corner, you might be one of the handful of hopefuls who are thinking of buying a vacation home for you and your family. With this huge investment about to take place, don’t just focus on the idea of having a summer getaway.
Remember that buying a summer home is also a long-term investment so, don’t jump without any preparations. Remember that there are summer home rental properties and there are awesome summer home rental properties. You want to be assured that you would get the latter.
Visit and Stay
Do not even think of paying for a vacation home that you haven’t visited, inspected and spent a few good hours in. This is a basic guideline but a lot of home buyers are often blinded by the ski village or the beach town that they are about to join. What they fail to see are architectural mismatches and damages that could be concealed at the moment.
Keep in mind that owning a summer vacation home is not like owning hotels or timeshares. With the former, you do not get the option to alter the scenery.
Know How Much
Just like you would in buying your primary residence, you have to ask the costs. Understand the overall price of owning the property. There are fees such as insurance, property taxes and other carrying costs. Remember also that even when you’re not in there, you would still be paying for gas, water, trash removal, electric bills and landscaping. Other maintenance services also have their individual costs.
Make sure that you include these overhead costs to your planned budget. After all, what could ruin the perfect vacation home? Having to pay more than you’re capable of.
Another part of your budget for this summer home is the year-round upkeep. Summer vacation is not spent entirely in this home – you will get out and seek out recreation. In this case, your summer home is not a hotel so you will need a year-round budget for its maintenance.
Who Will Stand Guard?
Speak of more costs, another expense that you have to seriously consider is the management fee. If you would only visit during the summer, then someone would definitely take care of your summer home. Consider renters so you won’t have to worry about the home’s maintenance while you are away.
A local property manager should be able to properly maintain your summer home. He or she will definitely cost extra but this is much less than paying for a leaky roof or a frozen pipe.
Still from the Summer Home Collection, here’s the Poster King Bed.
The Rental Income Opportunity
A smart purchase for a summer home is one that will incorporate earning an income. The rental potential of a home, especially when managed correctly, could help offset the costs that were mentioned above.
Allowing renters to take care of your home means you won’t have to worry about your home while you are away. Looking at it as a long-term investment of softs will also bring about income that will help pay the property off and even build equity.
So when you’re out to shop for your dream summer home, be sure to check the nearby towns as well as speak with local agents. Find out also, online, whether what you’re thinking of buying is actually worth buying or even renting. Never forget to do your research on the occupancy rates, too. Knowing how often families and businessmen rent properties is also crucial. Repeat customers are crucial if you’re serious about your rental property business.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for vacation home, summer home, summer house, vacation rental properties, vacation rental property
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Summer Season | Comments Off on Summer 2017 Vacation Home – 4 Things to Know Prior to Buying
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