Saturday, January 26th, 2019
The chill in the air just confirms that winter is still around. It is quite appealing to just crawl under the sheets and just hibernate. But this hibernation will only be made possible by comfortable and soft mattress and pillows.
The great news is, if your bed still isn’t on par with the standards of comfort, then you still have time to transform it. And as soon as you’re done changing a few things, you can already curl up in your comfy bed and sleep through the cold weather.
So, what should you do to achieve this level of comfort?
Change the Sheets
Altering the sheets will make a big difference. Don’t worry, it’s not too late. Sure, you could use the cotton sheets still but you might miss out on the warmth and comfort that different options could offer.
Take, for instance, some new flannel sheets. These are soft and warm but they are also durable. Do you wanna have a more luxurious sheet? Then opt for silk. This is also a naturally hypoallergenic material. It is even better than cotton when it comes to insulation, meaning, you’ll feel warmer under silk sheets.
If you’re not thinking of buying new sets of sheets for now, then you can just pile the blankets and add to the thickness of the current layer. This is definitely not the best option especially when you easily sweat under thick sheets.
Use an Electric Blanket or Heating Pad
You might have observed that even when you have already added more blankets that the temperature is still too cold; if this is the case, then you can warm up the bed by using an electric blanket. Use this before you slip under the sheets.
Use a bit of caution when using a heating pad or an electric blanket, though. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions as well as other safety tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
Add More Pillows and Throws
You don’t just add warmth when you put more throws and pillows inside the bedroom, you also create texture.
Scour your closets for the pillows and throws that have rich and luxurious materials. The bedroom design can be infused with materials such as fur, leather, velvet, and cable knit. You can stick to just one texture or experiment with several others. You can always layer should you consider having more than one.
A faux fur throw that’s carefully placed in an accent chair or on the foot of a bed is the best scene-stealer. It is also awesome for those chilly nights.
Flannel can also be a rich, luxurious alternative for a fluffy surface. It is also known to be an effective material that retains heat.
Ample Lighting
Since you’ll have longer nights, you need to plan how to light the bedroom. Since there’s an apparent lack of sunshine, you can scatter the lights all around the bedroom so that you’ll achieve a glow that will make it appear that you’re illuminating from within.
You may use incandescent lamps so you can have a warmer glow inside this room. Such bulbs mimic the sun’s glow. To optimize the impact, you can have multiple bulbs or sconces flanking your bed. If not, then the go-to lighting fixture is a chandelier.
Enough candles in the room (just be careful that you don’t start a fire) could help you achieve hygge.
Use Lighter Colors
The Scandi design often incorporates light colors even inside the bedroom. Where else can you better get some design tips than the Scandinavians themselves? They have the longest winter seasons so they know how to design their homes during such times.
Infuse shades of white, gray, and pale blues in the bedroom.
Tags: hygge, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, winter bedroom, winter design
Posted in Bedroom Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Winter Season | Comments Off on Is Your Bedroom Dressed Up for Winter?
Friday, December 14th, 2018
Spring is far from manifesting and many are just left, wondering, how in the world are they going to get through winter without getting bored or cranky?
In yesterday’s post, http://mccreerys.blogs.eprevue.net/2018/12/13/6-coping-tips-for-cabin-fever/, we listed six ways that people can cope with cabin fever. Today, it’s all about making use of our leafy houseplants as an ally in battling the winter blues.
The Leafy Prescription
If you’ve been feeling down lately because of the weather and because you can’t go out that easily, then know that you’re not alone. The frigid weather affects one in three Americans. Those months of heavy snow, gray skies, and freezing temperatures are simply too much to bear.
Have a trio of potted greens brought in at first. These go in the living room, the kitchen, and the bedroom. These are, after all, three rooms where you spend most of your time when you’re home.
These three potted greens will not just brighten your surroundings, they will also help you breathe a lot easier as they help in cleansing the air.
Add Some Citrus
Plants that provide juices are not just there for your morning beverage but also to provide a citrus, tropical look to your home. Taking a lemon or orange tree indoors requires a loam-based mixture. This should be slightly acidic at pH 6-7.
If you’re not certain about how to begin, then you can just buy pre-mixed potting soil for your citrus trees. Just remember that your citrus trees need to have no less than 12 hours of sunlight each day. As you choose to grow them indoors, then be sure to position them right beside a south-facing window. Check the airflow in that area, too.
Bromeliads can also be grown indoors for the long haul, not just for this winter. Just like most tropical plants, bromeliads need bright light but not the direct, prolonged hot sunlight.
When outdoors, these plants grow under canopies so this sort of limits the amount of sunlight that they get. Consider this as your inspiration for setting up your indoor bromeliad garden.
During winter, you need to move these to spots that get ample light. As for their watering needs, they need a good one each month. Since they are epiphytes (plants that grow on rocks, logs or some other plants), they should not be kept soggy. Allow the water to drain as you shower them each month.
Flowers for Happiness
It is believed that flowers can help boost mental wellbeing. And the best ones that can help with one’s levels of joy and happiness are the following –
Gerberas and daisies for their vibrant hues. They also fill your mind with memories of sun-filled summer days and the outdoors.
Tulips, on the other hand, remind us of spring. They are gorgeous, colorful, and they represent new beginnings. If you want to add a touch of femininity in a room, then this is the go-to flower.
Roses are classic. Rose cards in the Tarot are considered as symbols of balance. They also represent hope, promise, and new beginnings. The elegance of this flower is sure to attract any beholder. Which is no surprise that it is the most preferred flower for weddings.
Did you know that roses also have the power to eliminate stress?
Hydrangeas are romantic blooms that have a soothing effect to the senses. These are commonly found in gardens but they can also be brought indoors since they are easy to care for.
Lastly, the orchids are both beautiful and elegant. Having them indoors means you won’t feel too bad during the dark winter days. These flowers are known to increase the level of positive energy in a room. They are also effective in cleaning the air at night.
Tags: indoor garden, indoor gardening, indoor plants, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, winter garden, winter gardening
Posted in Accents, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Winter Season | Comments Off on Indoor Winter Garden – Leafy, Citrus, Flowers Or All of Them?
Thursday, December 13th, 2018
‘Snowed in? Then you’re probably already feeling a bit of cabin fever. Also known as the winter blues or winter depression, this is as real as it gets when it comes to crankiness, irritability, sleep loss, and altogether feeling down.
So how do you battle the winter blues?
According to Web MD, current events and grieving…have led many Americans to retreat to the perceived safety of their homes. Although you tend to be around your family and friends when at home, there are some individuals who still feel grumpy that they believe they are better off without any companions.
More than roof raking or looking for ice dams, it is better to prep and make sure that no one in the family gets cabin fever. ‘Remember The Shining? Not a good thing, right?
Here are some tips on how you can battle winter depression –
Organize Photos
You may have waited a long time to organize your old photos, well, now’s the perfect time. This is an overwhelming project, no doubt, but it is one that can help you effectively while away the time while you’re indoors.
Roll up those sleeves and get to work especially when you have thousands of printed photographs to put in albums or frames. Check also those moving boxes because a few more photographs may turn up there.
Sit Down for Some Board Games
Who’s bored? Battle boredom away with board games. Take the time to read the instructions in each one, especially the ones that you have never played in the past. You can play any of the following –
Chess
Chinese checkers
Dominoes
Operation
Monopoly
Snakes and Ladders
Catan
Cluedo
Trivial Pursuit
Jenga
And never, ever forget the best board game of them all – Scrabble.
Set Up a Gallery Wall
Make sure that you are able to define your style when setting up your first gallery wall for the first time. You have to know the aesthetic style to go for. Are you a romanticist? Are you quirky?
If you’re still not certain about your style, then go for the classic look. The rule of thumb here is to set up frames five closed fingers away from each other. Set a good space for each of the pieces so that they do not look too crowded or clumped.
If you can, pace out the sculptures from the framed pieces throughout the wall. Is there are color scheme for your photos? Even if the photos have different hues, no worries, let the wall color become their anchoring element should this be the case.
Bake Some Goodies
So what is the latest craze when it comes to winter desserts?
Have you heard of the toasted coconut cupcakes? How about the Jaffa cake?
If you want the classics then go ahead and bake chocolate cake, oatmeal raisin cookies, or fudge brownies.
Teach yourself some new recipes this winter.
Turn Into a Bibliophile
Winter is also the perfect time to become a bookworm. Peruse your shelves for your reading gems. Bring out the ones that you have been meaning to read but have been too busy to get around to.
Have the kids pick some of their favorite books and, together, you can start reading hour (or hours).
Make sure that you have a cozy reading corner and you’d end up being uncomfortable. Choose an area in your home (if you haven’t already) that has ample space for a desk, chair, and shelves of books. If you’re going to share this corner, then make sure that there are floor cushions and a lot of reading options.
Create Crafts
Have you shared so many DIY videos that your email is jammed with them? Then it’s time to look through them and see what you can do this winter. Buy enough supplies for your winter hobby.
Tags: coping with cabin fever, holiday activities, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, winter activities, winter design
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Winter Season | Comments Off on 6 Coping Tips for Cabin Fever
Monday, December 3rd, 2018
It’s December! How time flies. If you’re dwelling in the coldest states, then you’re definitely prepping for snow while also getting ready for the string of social gatherings ahead. December, after all, is the busiest month of the year.
But what are the things that you need to include on your December to-do list?
Shut Off and Disconnect
You have to disconnect the hoses and shut off the water source for all of your outdoor plumbing. This is especially true if it snows heavily where you live.
Be sure to carefully drain and roll the garden hoses before you store them in the shed, only to be brought out in spring.
Check the Trees
Heavy snow can cause an awful amount of buildup that can easily break tree limbs. Be sure to brush off all snow off the tree limbs after every heavy snowfall. Use a broom with extension to do this task.
If you’re too late in saving a tree limb, then that’s fine, just be sure to remove the limb as soon as the weather permits.
Make Space
Winter is the season for coats, hats, boots, mittens, and scarves so there has to be a dedicated spot for these. These winter pieces seem to multiply as the season progresses so setting up the coat rack or a hat stand would go a long way in helping you keep your home decluttered throughout the season.
The main entrance is the best spot for these supplies so be sure to set up a dedicated closet in that zone. Make room for even more layers of winter clothing and stuff.
Put Up the Holiday Décor
It’s time to bring out those Christmas lights and check if they are still working. Replace the non-working ones and hang only those that you deem safe. Exterior wreaths and lights must use only a safe outdoor outlet.
Do ample research if you plan on using living Christmas tree. Be sure to buy early because nurseries will not hold trees that are not paid for and ready to be taken home.
Make sure to put the tree in a transition zone and to limit the size of Christmas bulbs that you would use. After the Christmas holidays, you can move the tree outdoors and have it planted for next year’s use.
Make It Simple
A lot of people tend to feel overwhelmed by the parties and whatnot during the holidays when, in fact, it should just be simple. Just focus on what truly matter such as your family and the joy that you feel when you hold the activities that you have scheduled.
Preparing in advance will also help you in avoiding stress. It also won’t hurt to delegate some of the responsibilities to other family members.
Practice Dealing with Winter Storms
Are your snow shovels in their greatest condition? Check also the window scrapers, gloves, and other weather supplies. Make sure that all of these are accessible and near the door.
And even if it does not snow heavily where you live, it pays to have ample stock of food in the pantry. There must also be enough supplies of flashlight batteries, candles, and bottled water.
Refresh the Guest Rooms
The holidays are the perfect excuse for most people to show unannounced so don’t be caught unaware. Prep the guest rooms now by making the beds and replacing any lighting fixtures that need to be fixed.
Just like a hotel, you should ascertain that your guests would receive the best kind of accommodation. If you can, add the following as supplies and amenities –
Vacuum and dust these rooms now and then so that you will always be prepared to welcome a guest into your home.
Tags: holiday to-do list, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, to-do list for the holidays
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Winter Season | Comments Off on It’s December and Here’s Your Checklist
Tuesday, November 20th, 2018
Everyone’s prepping for snow and for the upcoming holiday gatherings. These social activities make up your December calendar. Sure, it’s going to be a really busy holiday season but with just the perfect amount of preparation, you could walk away a winner.
Here’s your December checklist –
The Hose Disconnect
If you live in a snow-filled region during winter, then know that hoses tend to freeze up. This is also the time to shut off the outdoor water supply. Disconnect all your hoses and make sure to drain the water. Store them, rolled up, till spring.
Sweep the Trees
Yes, you read it right. Heavy snow tends to build up on the tree limbs. This can lead to breaking. Be sure to brush or sweep off each of the tree limbs that have been heavily burdened with snow. Find a broom that can extend all the way to the limbs. Should there be a case of a tree limb still falling, then make sure to have it removed as soon as possible.
Prep the Gifts
It’s time to stock up on boxes, wrapping paper, gift tabs, ribbons, and tape. Be sure to store these in an area or storage unit that’s easily accessible. Set up a work surface so you can have all of your supplies ready the moment you already find it appealing to wrap all your bought gifts.
Now don’t wait till the last minute to do your shopping and wrapping.
Bring the Winter Stuff Out
Winter requires boots, coats, scarves, and mittens. Be sure that there’s room enough in your closet to for these winter must-haves. If not, then set up some coat hooks by the hall or have a boot tray in the mudroom.
Put Up the Holiday Decoration
It’s time to bring out the Christmas lights, Christmas balls, and every decorative element for the holidays. Test the strands and have the ones that are no longer working replaced right away.
Hang the wreaths and exterior lights that are rated for exterior use. Have them plugged in an outdoor outlet.
How about trying boxwood inside containers and bedecked with twinkling lights? Shop for a Christmas tree as well as some evergreen wreaths for your front porch.
Simple Holidays
Sometimes, simplicity is key. If you’re feeling overwhelmed because of the upcoming schedules, then just simplify everything. Take some timeout because the world won’t stop just because you haven’t wrapped your niece’s gift just yet.
Focus on some activities that you enjoy doing. Give yourself some time to say no to events that tend to stress you out.
If there’s a major event that you will be hosting soon, then do all that you can to prepare much, much more in advance. This should prevent those last minutes stresses.
Prep for Winter Storm
Check your cleanup tools and equipment such as the snow shovel, window scrapers, and gloves. Be sure to place them in an accessible area along with your other winter weather supplies.
Now if you’re thinking that it doesn’t snow where you live, then it won’t hurt to prep. Make sure to keep the pantry still stocked with bottled water, food, flashlights and candles. These are, just in case, a power outage would happen.
And if you’re feeling a draft, then it’s time to apply some weather stripping in that area. This will help warm up your house and would even help you save thousands on your energy bill.
Arrange the Guest Room
Of course, you’ll be having guests over so be ready to welcome them with a clean guest room. Freshen up the sheets and dust off all the surfaces. Replace the bulbs that need to be replaced.
Tags: December preparation, holiday list, holiday preparations, holiday to-do list, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Winter Season | Comments Off on Let’s Have Your December Checklist Now
Friday, November 2nd, 2018
Is the winter season eager to unfold where you live? With the shorter daytime, this is the perfect moment to begin some serious planning for those nesting months. Yes, it’s time to light the hearth and just bond with your family indoors. With lots of cuddling and bonding moments ahead, it’s time to plan for activities that are meant to kill boredom.
Blockbuster Movies Galore
Now is the time to catch up in watching those blockbuster movies that you missed the previous summer. Now that you’re done sunbathing and gardening, there’s much time to spend snuggling and eating popcorn while enjoying all those exciting movies that you failed to watch.
Declutter then Redecorate
Once you’re caught up on your movies, it’s time to get serious and do some cleaning as well. Since you’re indoors anyway, you might as well take the time to check out the messy closets and all the nooks and crannies in your home.
Before you even commission a licensed electrician to check on your wiring systems if they’re ready for winter and before you even ask a plumber to look at your home’s plumbing system or before you check the roof, you should do the easy tasks first.
After decluttering, you can also move things around just to refresh the look in your home. Try hanging framed photos in different spots. You can also rearrange furniture or look for new design ideas on the Internet.
Get to Know Jane, Mary and William
Austen, Shelly and Shakespeare that is. Reading is one of the most wonderful things that you can do during winter. So just like your movie marathon, this is also the perfect time to catch up on your favorite novels and bestsellers.
And please don’t just read. This time, relish the moments by snuggling in your cozy and warm home. A mug of hot chocolate is also a must.
Plan the Garden
Winter is the best time to begin planning the upcoming year’s garden. Whether you’re going to plant a vegetable garden or a flowerbed this time, this cold season will help you dream about the colorful produce and flowers. Before you know it, spring will be on again and then getting those seedlings going would be late by then.
Plan Your Spring Getaway
Wintertime is also the best time to pick a destination for your spring vacay. You can book the flights as early as now so that you would be given the best fares. Spend the cold evenings researching travel sites and what destinations would best fit your schedule in spring.
Rest
Now when was the last time that you enjoyed a daytime nap? The human body needs to revitalize at night by having 8 or more hours of sleep (preferably). Those who get less than these end up with all sorts of unwanted health conditions.
It’s cold outside so just go ahead and take that midday nap in the coziest place in your home.
Enroll in a Class
Take advantage of your free time by learning something new. Even just a few hours of online tutorial or class can help you gain skills or enhance your existing know-how.
There are various online language classes to choose from and some arts and crafts DIY courses, too. Choose which one you would enroll in to while away the time this winter.
Camp In
If you have a fireplace in the living room, then it’s time to set up a campfire. Complete the activity with comfortable pillows, games, good storybooks, and snacks. This is also an amazing activity should the power go out.
Just relax in your pajamas and cozy up with those thick blankets.
Tags: fall decor, holiday design, holiday home design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nesting season, prepping for the holidays, winter activities, winter decor
Posted in Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Winter Season | Comments Off on And the Nesting Season Is On
Thursday, October 25th, 2018
The nights of fall are ever drawing closer to the even colder winter evenings. Your days are going to get more hectic so your nights have to be restful to compensate for the eventful mornings and afternoons. Did you know that the Danes have been listed as one of the happiest people in the world? They all attest to one thing – hygge.
The whole point of hygge is living a lifestyle of warmth and calm. Pronounced as hue-gah or hoo-gah, this is the term used by Norwegians to describe wellbeing. This is the way of life of the Danish.
Hygge began in the 18th century. This appeared in the writings of that time and has long since remained as a wonderful lifestyle embraced by many.
Hygge transcends winters through summers, although, it becomes an even more apparent style when the cold season is at its peak. The power of this style is able to downplay the bleak, dark winters as it has made happy people out of those that do not see the rays of the sun for a long time.
Often referred to as togetherness or coziness, it is not the literal translation of the Danish term, though. No English word can aptly describe it, hence its meaning is a bit hazy.
What the world knows is that hygge is a mood or feeling more than anything else. This can also be used as a state of mind, too. It can be used to describe a warm bath one moment, then it can be the style of a home on the next instance.
You can also be hygge when you’re enjoying a mug of hot cocoa while curled up and reading your favorite novel. Hygge also means intimacy. It can also be a social event or gathering for the family.
How to Hygge
Invest in a lot of candles. It is believed that Scandinavian countries including Denmark, of course, are the biggest consumers of candles annually. Whether you prefer scented or unscented, it really doesn’t matter. But Skandinavisk, a Danish brand, has come up with a hygge fragrance with hints of baked strawberry cakes, brewed tea, rose petals, and even wild mint.
The next step is to add textures. Warmth and coziness are instantly added to a habitat when the eyes see soft textures and if the hands feel the lushness of fabrics. Imagine adding knitted cushions, fluffy woolen rugs, and fur throws – these are capable of stylizing your home while providing the needed comfort.
Add a roaring fire in the furnace and some soft candle lights and you’ve set up the perfect hygge.
The third concept that you must remember is that the simple things are welcome in a Danish home. There is no pressing need to overhaul your home. Just treat yourself to an afternoon tea, immerse in a bubble bath or create a gallery of your favorite paintings and you’ve just achieved hygge, too.
The fourth step is to update your clothing. Invest in loose tops, onesies, harem trousers, and just about any comfortable piece of clothing. The more relaxed you are when wearing the clothes, the more that you should seriously consider it to become a part of your wardrobe.
Hygge also means being with friends and enjoying a social gathering. Whether this is a simple dinner or a more complex party, the idea is to have fun while eating wholesome foods.
Plan all those winter nights when you would gather together your family or your friends in front of the fireplace. Now don’t think that hygge is all about staying indoors. You can still wear warm clothing and circle roundabout the fire pit – this, too, is very much a hygge experience.
Tags: hygge, hygge design, hygge style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Winter Season | Comments Off on Goin’ Hygge for the Holidays
Friday, December 22nd, 2017
When you are prompted to use a color combination that is found in nature, it is almost always a huge success. Especially in the right hands, using the shades of green and brown is like saying yes to the very beauties of trees and Mother Nature herself.
Color will always be a crucial aspect of every interior design. You also know by now that every well-planned space is enhanced by the use of correct colors. The right color for any space is relative and cannot be prescribed.
If you want to successfully use green and brown together, you will need to plan in advance. Careful planning ups the confidence in your use of the hues plus you will understand how each hue works.
Ask the Right Questions
There are important questions to ask when you are about to work with colors that you haven’t used in the past. First, ask what, then who, and then where.
What is the function or the purpose of the room wherein you’re going to use the green and brown color fusion? Residential interiors should be personalized. This means the colors and all other design elements that you use there need to be based on your preference and choices.
In contrast, you can also experiment with bright and trendy colors. So brown doesn’t have to be tree-trunk-brown or green doesn’t have to be tree-leaf-green.
The function of the space as well as the intended ambiance and homeowner preference, will all dictate the shade of brown and green that will eventually be used.
The next question is this – who will use the space? What adjectives would best describe you? Prior to deriving the shade of brown and green that you would use, be able to define the age group of the persons that will use the room. You also need to specify their special needs. Defining these things will allow you to make your decisions about visual resolutions and such.
The third question is – where is the color combination going to be used?
Color schemes differ for every space. Spaces with hot and bright climates need to have cooler colors while those with colder weathers might have a desperate need for darker shades (or vice versa depending on the style that you’re trying to project).
Possible Brown and Green Color Combos
Celery and taupe will look great with oatmeal-colored walls. Just imagine these color combinations inside your bedroom. What could be more soothing?
You can also have fun with green shades as you anchor the color with a dark brown couch. Another wonderful thing about the brown couch is that it is kid and pet-friendly. You won’t have to worry about stains because the dark-colored seating unit is beautifully dark.
If you want to be surprised by the sex of you about-to-be-born baby, then you can set up a nursery in green and brown. Don’t use too dark of a brown shade, instead, find brown checks and fuse them with green ones.
Brown and green is a fusion that is vibrant, gender-neutral, and kid-friendly.
You can also use sky blue together with this lovely marriage of nature’s colors. Just imagine the color of the skies joining the beauty of the color of the earth and the lush greeneries – it is an amazing sight to behold.
Green is also the right accent color for brown. There is a reason that God paired green leaves with the earthy brown tree trunk. Since this is so, you can also stick with the simple palette of evergreen and chocolate brown. Throw in the dependability of crisp white and you’ve got a visual appetizer that’s hard to resist.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Winter Season | Comments Off on A Brown and Green Holiday
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