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Friday, July 14th, 2017
The Hooker Furniture Bedroom Studio 7H Aon King Upholstered Panel Bed satisfies both functionality and style in this perfect timeless ensemble.
What do you think makes a timeless interior design? Have you ever seen a photograph from a different era and you realize that the furnishings there are no different from the ones that you see in your living room today? And then you end up wondering, how could you replicate this look so that your home will not appear tired or worn out?
Timeless Design Has Staying Power
Timeless design must, understandably, have staying power. This style is not temporary so you must not go for something that’s just trendy or one that appears to be a fad.
If you want a home that’s timeless, then you need to find elements that may have appeared in the past but are still relevant till today and will still be so tomorrow. You need designs that are classic, with materials and hues that were meant to last.
Timeless Design Is Definitive
Classic or timeless design must be enduring. Classic designs are those that make good use of architecture and fuses it with style. Greek architecture is one such style. Just take a look at their statues, stripes, columns, moldings and busts and you would suddenly be able to define enduring style.
A timeless design must also effectively play with details. The decorative elements must complement the existing architecture. Just imagine a mannequin and how you would dress it up. The dress must complement the shape and color of the mannequin or you would be left with an ugly looking dummy.
Your home, therefore, must have frames that will make the design elements pop – and vice versa.
Timeless Design Is Non-Fad
Don’t expect timeless design to get inspiration from trends. It is also not ornate, fussy, avant-garde or opulent. Timeless design is all about sophistication even when the elements are understated. This is a style that is also functional yet not boring or bland.
Timeless style is all about subtlety and adaptability. It is a design that belongs to the environment and space. It can also infuse other design elements from the yesteryears or even from the future.
Timelessness can also mean experimentation where you mix contemporary with modern. No matter what styles you pick to make traditional, make sure that function is always prioritized.
Timeless Design Is Practical
Picking up from the fact timeless designs are functional, it also suggests that your timeless home must be confidently stylish no matter how many years have already passed. It is never boring neither is it over the top.
Timeless homes are proportioned and perfectly scaled. These are, of course, necessary in the creation of a functional space. The furnishings are never wrong since they fit in the space perfectly. The furniture pieces and other design elements bond to create rooms that look sublime.
Timelessness also means veering away from puffy or overstuffed couches and such. This does not mean that you only go for the overly streamlined pieces. Say no also to busy patterns and lines, spaces and shapes.
Timeless Design Has Traditional Hues
You will see a lot of neutral colors in timeless homes. These accentuate an interesting piece often at the center of the room. Grays, beiges and off-whites are ever present and these are often highlighted by bright architectural moldings on doorways, arches or ceilings.
The colors that you pick must form the right backdrop for your furnishings, statues, busts and artworks. Don’t be imprisoned in neutrals, though, as you can also choose from classic colors such as dark green, navy blue or jet black.
Timeless Design Can Also Be Bold
Achieving a timeless look also means veering away from anything that’s busy. You should learn to emphasize shapes and clean lines. Natural materials are also welcome like stone, wood and natural fibers.
Tags: classic design, classic interior design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, timeless interior design, timeless interiors
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Tuesday, February 7th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sanctuary Windsor Side Chair-Ebony 3005-75330: Wood is timeless, period.
Traditional – also known as classic style – is a timeless design for a lot of reasons. It is always symmetrical, it is conservative, comfortable and charming.
A Little History
French design played a huge role in the creation of the traditional style. The furniture styles, to begin with, became unique and quite popular during the reign of Kings Louie XIII till the XVI. The open-arm chair, for instance, was then paired with the console table. This duo became the predecessor to the Neo Classical style.
The fluted legs were a clear stray from the curvy legs that Louis XV loved. The design then hearkened to the ancient yet classic looks that the Romans and Greeks popularized. The extensive appeal of parquet flooring made Louis XIV use it for the rest of Versailles.
Use Period Pieces
What’s the bedroom without the traditional four-poster bed? This lovely piece was introduced during the 15th century with an original purpose of merely supporting fabric hangings. These, when closed, can reduce drafts while keeping the sleeper warm.
Minus the draperies, the homeowners are still charmed with the look that’s offered by the four-poster bed.
Establish Symmetry
French doors offer space that create balance. Use period chairs in a formal look and have them surround the equally classic table. A hutch complete with plate railing is the best way to highlight your collection of chinaware.
Endless Charm
Create a look that’s simple, one that’s airy and light. Begin with using white balusters and pair them with polished black railing. This is a fundamental yet always trendy look for any traditional design. Arrange your family photos using lovely frames and have the line the hardwood steps on your stairs.
Wool can be chosen for its timeless and durable appeal.
The English Impact
White and black toile wallpaper can set the classic tone to an open entryway as well as in the dining room. Use a drop-leaf table and pair it with classic chairs such as a Windsor chair. This kind of chair is portable and lightweight, thus, it can be used either indoors or outdoors.
English expats were the ones that brought the classic chair to the American continent where the look has become popular till this day.
The classic style may look predictable but in a good way. For the dining room, you can use upholstered chairs with painted frame and durable fabric. Pair this with a glossy wood table, add a matching buffet and this should be the best ensemble for your dining area.
The Patterned Paper
This is a useful element in any traditional home. Use patterned wall covers which became quite popular, first in Europe, then the rest of the world. These are referred to as tapestries. The thick fabrics acted as insulators as well as artwork. Add more timeless look by backing colorful fabrics with sizing. Apply these to the walls right above the dining area’s wainscot with white trimming.
It’s All About the Details
Ornamentation is the key to using the traditional design. An element that you can use is a white piece of furniture that features curved legs, leaf as molding, ornate rosettes and motifs. The classic touch can be completed with a gray and white marble backsplash with an S-shaped edge.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom True Vintage King Fabric Upholstered Canopy Bed
Architectural Drama
Moldings and wood carvings are the hallmarks of classic style. Whether streamlined or ornate, these are the best ways to provide a small space with a more upscale design. No traditional home, of course, is complete without the classic beauty offered by a crystal chandelier.
Show Your Collections
Collections are meant to be displayed and not enjoyed by just one person. So go ahead and have the lively living room become the gallery to your artwork. If you love collecting porcelain ware, then have a china cabinet placed in your dining room.
Tags: classic design, classical design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, timeless design
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Your Home and Its Timeless Appeal
Wednesday, February 24th, 2016
FFDM Antebellum Collection
Owning a Victorian home is not everyone’s privilege. To others, this is just a dream; to you, however, it may not be as dreamy especially when you discover that as ancient as the design are the roofing, wirings and windows. ‘Thinking of remodelling your Victorian home?
Most of the time, remodelling projects is not simple. Revamping an old home can be time consuming. Before you jump into modernizing your beautiful historical home, you may want to speak to some of the preservation societies first.
Owning a Victorian dwelling is intriguing and a lifelong journey for some. Such a home is full of character and works of craftsmen that – even when it’s already old – it can still catch home buyers’ attention.
Victorian Characteristics
Victorian homes were built somewhere between 1837 till 1901. This was the era when Queen Victoria still ruled. There are some people, however, who have also typified Victorian architecture to be Edwardian as well. This is what takes the period all the way to 1910.
Figure 1FFDM’s Vintage Classics
Edwardian and Victorian housing dominate the British suburbs today, for instance, the City Centre Conservation Areas and the Peterborough’s Park. Edwardian homes are seen to be less in value when compared to Victorian though most of their features tend to be similar.
FFDM Vintage Classics Collection
The traits that separate Victorian homes from the rest are –
Terraces. As more and more country people went to the urban areas, Victorian homes were then built in terraces where the kitchen is at the back while the garden is both at the front and rear. There are no garages since Victorian homes were built during those times when there were still no cars. These days, the gardens are often removed in favor of the parking slot.
Patterned bricks. The advent of the railway brought about easier transport for bricks and other such materials. It is because of this that patterned brick became quite popular. The Flemish Brick bond is often used in many Victorian houses. This is characterized by alternating headers or bricks whose ends appear on the face of the house’s wall. Stretchers, on the other hand, are the long sides of bricks appearing on the face of the wall.
Barge boards. These are the decorative wooden panels that are found on the gable ends of buildings. This is that triangular portion of the pitched roof. Look for these sections because they point directly to the Victorian period when such decorative panels were popular.
Bay and sash window. It was in 1832 when the plate glass arrived. This resulted into larger windows with six or four panes and a vertical sliding sash window, a single glazing bar right down the middle.
It was also fashionable to have a three-sided bay window. A ground floor bay window usually had a roof of its own.
Decorated roof line. Slate roofs are quite common among Victorian houses. Thanks to the wonders of the railway, the trains were able to haul slate and deliver at longer distances. Finials are often seen on the ridge and gable ends. Roofs also have ridge tiles that are made of terracotta. Whether it is glazed fired clay or unglazed, the color used is often red.
Stained glass. One of the most exciting design materials is stained glass. It originated from the Gothic revival and was popular during the Victorian period. Mosaic stained glass even replaced painting in many homes. These are often found on top of windows or on doors.
Floor tiles. Most Victorian homes come with geometric terracotta tiles especially on the porch areas. The ground floor is also often made with these materials. These tiles come in natural colors such as brown and red, dark blue, off-white and black.
A fireplace. What is a Victorian home without this? This is used to keep the house warm and is often surrounded by marble, stone or wood. Terracotta chimney pots are also quite common.
Tags: British, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classicism, Edwardian, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Victorian, Victorian fashion, Victorian furnishings, Victorian home, Victorian interior design, Victorian interiors, Victorian style
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Thursday, February 11th, 2016
Flexsteel Home Office Lateral File Cabinet W1209-716
Have you been searching for the look that would be most suitable for your home? If you want a look that is just right, one that is not too formal, fussy, warm or comfortable; one that is not traditional or contemporary, then what you want is the transitional look. Transitional interior design is streamlined spaces that harmonize all the design elements.
Transitional interior design works because it is what’s featured in many interior design magazines. Take a closer look at those photos and you will notice how you will get the best of both worlds – the old and the new.
Transitional interiors do not stray from what you have been familiar with. You actually have the leeway to freshen the look of your home according to your tastes. You can also update indefinitely if you want to reflect the interior design trends. As seasons pass, the design will also age, eventually, you will start to enjoy the timelessness that your home offers.
Transitional interior design is all about achieving the balance between traditional and contemporary. Sometimes, this is not the case. You can also mix and match a few pieces coming from other interior design themes. This is as long as they do not detract from the tailored setup.
Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Arcadia Nightstand 1520-100
Transitional Is Updated Classic
Also known as updated classic, you are sure to love this theme if you are a diplomat. You can use some statement accessories as the transitional look is one that suits color junkies.
Warm neutrals are the ruling hues for this style so go ahead and use taupe, cream, khaki, tan or gray. A hint of espresso or chocolate is also welcome. There should be an understatement of patterns. Do not use huge florals and bold prints.
If you are one person who cannot imagine a world without bright colors, then make sure that you use these hues strategically. Accents can have bright colors as can lamps, artworks and throw pillows.
Monochrome is never boring when used in a transitional setting. When used, though, make sure that you invest in strong furniture, patterned curtains, and wooden pieces. These are pieces that can effectively break up the neutrality of your chosen color palette.
Wide windows can offer ample lighting. Find lighting fixtures that can highlight special upholstery, walls and rugs. Transitional furnishings come with straightforward designs and crisp profiles. Say no to baroque finish, instead, find gentle curves that offer subtle energy.
Updated versions of furniture can be used together with the older sets. Use scales that are big enough. Make sure the cushions are inviting and comfortable. You would want your guests to relax and just flop down once you invite them over.
Clean lines are your new best friend when trying to embrace the transitional look. Shapely armchairs can balance a simple sofa. Round ottoman or a round table can be the perfect circular motif in a living room.
Stanley Furniture Bedroom Panel Bed 042-13-45
Transitional Flooring
Flooring is a crucial backdrop in all transitional rooms. Forget about the materials and concentrate more on the colors. You can use stone, natural wood, tile, or carpeting. You have the freedom to mix different floor surfaces in your home.
Since color cannot be relied upon in punching up the flooring or even the rest of your transitional space, the be sure to take note of the textures that you bring in. Use natural fibers, woven fabrics, shiny and matte finishes. Think also of chenille, burlap, sisal, leather and rattan. These are materials with tactile beauty which will fit just right in. Do not go overboard, though. Layer these materials effectively and you will see your home come to life.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic interior design, classic interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, transitional, transitional interior design, transitional interiors
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
What could spell glamour more than this sturdy table from FFDM’s Raylen Vineyard Collection?
Many homeowners feel a sense of accomplishment when they look at their places of residence. Each one of them wants their condos or bungalows to look their best, one that represents who they are, what they do and what kind of lifestyles they live. These people often look for things that inspire with regard to interior design. Of course, there are magazines, books and the internet to provide them with design guidelines. Looking at the glitz and glamour displayed on the pages of these interior design media, you might think that they are too magazine-y or that they are unattainable. With the right set of hands, though, there are ways that you can replicate those glamorous home designs.
Razzle Dazzle ‘Em
You’d be surprised at how simple it actually takes for you to make your home stand out. So where should you begin?
The fundamental in creating a glamorous home is to have a knack for organization. Being organized and clean in your home will make your dwelling place a haven, not just another structure. From now on, make sure that the surfaces are all clean, glass and metal furniture and frills are polished, and your accessories are up-to-date.
Know how to rotate the collections that you have – when it’s wintertime, bring out your darker, texture-rich furnishings and accessories. There are different color palettes for every season so be able to find out what palette works on a certain season.
Glamorous living also means always being inspired. This does not automatically mean embracing the latest trends. Being glamorous entails class so know which designs are considered classic.
Hickory White Bedroom Hall Eglomise Mirror 903-42
Glam also means knowing how to put a sparkle in your place. Bling and sparkle do not mean the same thing, though, so be careful. A thing that sparkles is shimmering and lovely while a bling it over-the-top.
Through patience, you can find sparkling items such as crystal pieces, gold accents and such. Those shiny metallic candelabra will also look perfect in a glamorous setting.
Colors that are glamorous are blue and white in porcelain; velvet stuff, purples, greens, especially gold. Black and white, when used in moderation, can also be glamorous. Neutrals in gray or weathered woods complete with gilded details evoke a French feel. Deep gray in wool and tweed can also be paired with deep woods to show sophistication.
While shopping, be sure to search for quality items. Do not look for cheap items as these will not give you the endurance that a glamorous home requires. Instead, invest in timeless pieces of wood, metals and rich fabrics. Add luxury to your home as you put trims and silk panels.
But have you ever wondered what makes something evoke glamour?
Become a collector with this Century Furniture Living Room Console SF5424.
A glamorous thing looks and feels special. If you have seen the designer pieces on clothes such as Christian Dior or Vera Wang, then you know that there is a certain aura that befits them.
Metals can also be glamorous as are bright and colorful pieces. Black and white can also evoke glamour, sophistication and richness. These are the pieces that are worth splurging on. Touch the furniture and you will know that master artisans worked with them. The draperies and carpets also come in rich textures and patterns. Now these are the very reasons why you should not look for things that are trendy when shopping for glamorous items. Think of it in this manner – will these items still be around after 20 years?
There, you’ve got your answer.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, glamorous interior design, glamour, interior design theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, metal, timeless, timeless design, timeless interiors
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Monday, February 1st, 2016
This lovely Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Gianna Chest 638-50066 fuses the Old World and the New in a seamless manner.
The Tudor monarchs, according to history, were able to bring comparative peace and prosperity throughout England, Ireland and Wales. The wealth of many landowners was invested in buildings. Theirs was a moment of cultural bursts and classical architecture revival for Italian style. The Tudor style is a class of its own.
Europeans had a moment when gothic was at the center of their style. The perpendicular style has broken away from all this. The Tudors were the ones who developed fan vaulting (evident in the Gloucester Cathedral cloisters).
Now let’s go to a dating feature known as the Tudor Rose. This is a red rose badge with a white rose badge within. This signified the union of Henry VII to Edward IV’s daughter. This is now a decorative piece that is used to signify posh and sophistication to the highest levels.
Renaissance features can also be seen inside Tudor dwellings. These features are confined to the wealthy and the elite members of society then. Henry enthusiastically built Italianate motifs.
Then came Elizabethan homes where old homes were torn down only to be built anew. Most homeowners were then yearning for improvement as that was the great period of building. If you have ever seen those narrow yet all townhouses complete with borough walls, then these are the homes of artisans and merchants who built their homes slowly through the years.
Homes of the wealthiest members of the society are often built with huge windows and decorative chimneys. Glass was then used in Elizabethan homes with glittering glazing designs. The most elaborate fireplaces are set up and ceilings were slowly decorated with strapwork.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Gianna Chest 638-50066 comes with a feminine pair of cabriole legs but with a masculine Old World design.
Tudor Is Symmetry
Symmetrical plans will always be favored in Tudor settings. Otherwise, Renaissance in classical details appears so then you can find fireplace, doors, and columns. Round-headed arches and niches together with all the other features of Tudor style were revived during the Victorian period.
Tudor may be an old fashioned style but it can become a part of modern living, too. The styles come originally from the UK during the 15th to the 16th centuries and are now a huge part of tourist attractions.
Genuine Tudor design can now be recreated but your place doesn’t have to look like a tourist spot, though. Only a few are lucky to live inside a genuine Tudor dwelling so for the rest of the world, repros are the answers.
Mock Tudor generally refers to black and white semi timbering on the facade of buildings. Interior design, however, is much more distinct. If you are careful enough in making your design decisions, then you can even recreate the Medieval era of trade, arts, crafts and intellectual awakening right inside your home.
There is no architectural detail that is more recognizable under the Tudor style than the iconic half timber structures. The exterior of homes can be laden with stucco, wood or stone. Imitate this same style by exposing the very structure of your home.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody Urn Pedestal Nightstand 5070-90015 comes with classic designs and a rustic finish.
Gable roofs are also common which give the homes their gingerbread appeal. Modern-day Tudor replicates the genuine Tudor Dynasty through architecture and interior design revivals. If you haven’t yet, you should install tall, narrow windows with small panes. Modern day cladding is acceptable such as flagstone, brick and stucco.
As for the outdoor landscaping, be sure to have manicured hedges, brick walkways, fencing and pool houses. These amenities should set you apart from the neighbors but in a nice way.
The Old World style can also be brought inside the kitchen through wrought iron and wood combinations in furniture pieces. Custom islands and wrought-iron lighting fixtures are also a huge part of Tudor interiors.
Are you ready to take on Tudor design, a unique style right inside your home?
Tags: 16th century, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classical design, designing based on culture, designing with glass, European interior design, European interiors, European style, fireplace, glamour, glass, glazing, Italian style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, old home, old homes, revival, symmetry, traditional, traditional interior design, traditional interiors, traditional style, traditional theme, Tudor, Tudor architecture, Tudor design, Tudor furniture, Tudor interior design, Tudor interiors, vaulted ceiling, Victorian, Victorian interiors, Victorian style
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Thursday, January 28th, 2016
Biltmore desk from FFDM. It may be traditionally classy but it also comes with modern features to accommodate your gadget needs.
There is reason behind the liking for hardwood furniture among sophisticated homeowners. This kind of furniture can provide a different level of appeal in any home. While both softwood and hardwood materials are great for furniture creation, there are benefits and disadvantages for both.
Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees which produce covered seeds. This is a sturdy material that has been used for centuries in the manufacture of furniture and flooring, too. It is heavier, harder and classic looking when compared to many kinds of softwoods.
One of the best examples of a hardwood is the good, ol’ reliable oak. Oakwood is super solid and has been used in manufacturing heirloom furniture pieces. Oakwood bedroom furniture sets look elegant and will surely leave a lasting impression with anyone.
There are many styles of hardwood furniture that can be found in the market these days. If you want to use a classic, contemporary, traditional, periodic or rustic theme, then this is the material to acquire. All hardwoods are solid and long-lasting.
Biltmore pieces come with durable and beautiful hardwoods that will make your home stand out.
Hardwood Furniture Advantages
It may be tempting at times to just choose furniture made with inferior materials since they are cheaper. But that is all that they are – inferior. You will, eventually, spend more as you buy a replacement for the low quality furniture which you settled for.
So, to save yourself a lot of money and energy, even time, consider buying hardwood furniture in the first place. Hardwood furniture is an investment that can give you a lot of benefits. First on this list is its natural beauty.
Mahogany, oak, mango and acacia are all naturally beautiful. They automatically up the level of warmth and coziness in your home. Genuine pieces of hardwood furniture are not difficult to spot. Just run your hand through the surface of the wood and you would know that you are touching the right thing.
Another benefit that comes with hardwood furniture is its sturdiness. Invest in quality oak or mahogany furniture and this will surely become an antique years from now. Hardwood even improves with age and is even built to outlast the owners. This means that hardwood furniture is the perfect kind of heirloom piece that you can pass on to your posterity.
Fine Furniture Design Salisbury Home Entertainment Left Wall Unit Top 1020-692TL.
Toughness also comes with all the other benefits of hardwood furniture. Of course, you already know that buying cheap flat-pack pieces can be easily damaged by children and pets. Traditional woods can withstand scratches and even bigger problems. They are repairable and can be polished to look new all the time – this you cannot expect with cheap furniture.
The classification of wood as to its hardness or softness comes down to its physical characteristics. While it is generally true that hardwoods are harder than softwoods, there are also exceptions like in the case of yew. This is classified as softwood yet it is relatively hard. Balsa, on the other hand, is a type of wood that is much softer than most softwood.
Hardwood vs. Softwood
Most hardwoods are used in the creation of sturdy desks, cabinets, flooring materials, and decks. Softwood is used in some building components although most are used in paper manufacturing and the creation of medium-density fiberboards.
Hardwood furniture pieces are also easy to clean. To maintain, all you would need is daily dusting and an occasional application of polish or cleaning with mild detergent.
Choosing hardwood furniture that can live for hundreds of years means investing in the toughest and densest materials; you will never be wrong to select hardwood furniture. It won’t just last for years, it is also stunning and classy, one that would elevate the way people see you.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Vintage West 54in Round Dining Table with 20in leaf is hardwood furniture made with hardwood solids, resin, decorative nails and aluminum. This traditional dark wood comes with a dark charcoal finish, unsurpassed quality, and solid frame. This lovely piece will never contract or expand during extreme weather changes.
Tags: benefits of using wood, benefits of wood furniture, classic, classic design, hardwood, hardwood design, hardwood furniture, hardwood pieces, hardwood species, hardwoods, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, oakwood, solid wood furniture, traditional style, traditional theme, walnut hardwood, walnut hardwood type, walnut wood, warm colors, wood elements
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 26th, 2016
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE. Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II 39.5 Lateral File 374-10-466.
Renaissance style came into existence because of the emergence of architecture and art in ancient Rome. Though people think of the greatness of Rome when it comes to the beauty of this style, it goes without saying that it was truly born in Italy during the 14th century.
English designers embraced the motifs that they read in Renaissance books. Artisans who were in London were also influenced by this style.
Grotesque, Moresque, Myths, etc.
Grotesque is a kind of decor which has its foundations in Ancient Rome’s wall paintings. In the 15th century, many of these works of art were discovered; they featured scrolling plants, mystical creatures, figures, vases and masks.
Strapwork, on the other hand, is like the leather strips. These are daring shapes that come in three dimensions. English designs, especially during the 16th century, are laden with this style. This style is especially useful in framing motifs and architectural forms.
Moresque, on the other hand, is called such because of its link to the North African and Spanish Moors. If you see those interwoven leaves, stems or tendril patterns, then you have a pretty good idea of what moresque is.
Romans and Greeks are known for their busts. The Renaissance style is also quite popular with what’s known as the roundrel. This is a decorative motif which originated from the Roman coins.
This Universal Furniture Dining Room Double Pedestal Table 409658-C spells royalty.
But what are Greeks and Romans without their myths? The Renaissance culture in England spurred a revitalized interest in classical mythology. Paintings and prints featured these mythical characters as the motifs.
The beauty of the Renaissance style does not end with the Romans. When Henry VIII became king, he inspired the rest of Europe as he became a patron of the arts. People marvelled at his court and the many luxurious objects in his kingdom. It was because of his love for the arts why he also commissioned foreign artists to design more than 50 of his royal palaces. The beauty and splendour of his court proved just how powerful and intimidating looks can be.
One of Henry’s favorite palaces is the Hampton Court Palace located in Surrey. He did not spare any expense in developing this traditional style palace. The ornaments that were used here are indicative o the strong influence of the Renaissance. This building’s Great Hall still stands today.
Going back to its home, Renaissance style was further developed with the help of Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio. Serlio published a series of books discussing architecture and the Renaissance. Buildings of antiquity were recorded in those books, thus, promoting classical style for both the interior and exterior features.
Fireplaces and ceilings became canvasses of sorts to many patterns, textures and works of art.
Hooker Furniture Home Office European Renaissance II Double Bookcase with ladder & rail 374 10 225. Learning was also a huge part of the Renaissance so to depict this on your style, take home this bookcase and start displaying your most treasured books.
Styles that are related to the Renaissance is the Neo classical style. It was during the 16th century that books containing decorative motifs offered inspiration to many British designers and artists. The Classical as well as Renaissance Revival during the 19th century became quite popular as archaeological discoveries were being made in Greece and Italy.
Renaissance and Your Home
You do not need to have a degree in interior design just to use this classic style in your home. Do not feel intimidated. Just remember as you start putting the elements together that the chairs, tables, cabinets and drawers have to be ornate, luxurious yet still comfortable. Choose oak, Remember to overlay but not overdo. Say yes to a lot of brocades, candelabra, tapestries, Oriental rugs, embroidered items, and velvet.
There is still a huge difference between mess and a concoction of different arts, elaborate walls, decorative pieces and the most inspiring furniture so take it easy in designing a Renaissance-inspired home.
Tags: African, art, artwork, classic, classic design, classic interior design, classic interiors, classical design, classicism, displaying works of art, fireplace, Grotesque, history, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Moresque, patterns, Renaissance, Renaissance design, Renaissance interior design, Renaissance Revival, Renaissance style, Spanish, textures, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips
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Monday, January 25th, 2016
This FFDM Protege chair will be a lovely ‘mismatch’ to another neutral-colored seating piece.
If your heart jumps each time you see a condominium unit or a townhouse, then know that you have to prepare to live in a place that is cozy. Foregoing the idea of an open space plan is not an easy decision to make but should you sign up for this kind of home, then it’s time to look for the right design that is most suitable for it. ‘Ever considered the shabby chic style?
Okay, so you have saved every bit of hard-earned money and have sacrificed on shopping and travel – what now?
Old vs. New
Carefully plan what theme you will use before you move in to your new condominium or townhouse unit. One of the most utilized, these days, when it comes to limited space is the shabby chic concept.
Rachel Ashwell popularized this stylish interior design concept to focus on comfort, highlight the beauty of seemingly time-worn furniture and objects, and for the homeowner to appreciate practical living.
This concept can even guide you in mixing traditional and new pieces. Choose from our catalogue and find the right furniture, accessories and lighting fixtures.
If you are thinking of buying second-hand furniture, think again. It is much better to have new furniture given a distressed appeal than to take the risk of buying the damaged ones. Bargain shops sell at the lowest prices but you are never guaranteed of the quality of the stuff that you are buying. So, it is much better to invest in a few quality pieces than to have different sets of furniture only to end up spending more money on repairs.
Coming from the Ancestry Collection of FFDM, this light-colored drawer is sure to be a big hit inside any shabby chic setting.
Let’s Decorate
The shabby chic style is basically minimalist and is almost synonymous with white. You may paint the walls of your home with flat white, pearl, cream, or any shade of white. Apart from having white(ish) walls, take note that you also need to have a few white furniture and accent pieces. These will add a distinct as well as intimate feel to your home. White furnishings are also easy to clean using your regular household bleach.
Now, which room would you like to design first?
First, there’s the living room. Carry the modern facade from the outside to this part of your home. Your condominium or townhouse unit will surely have a rustic yet cozy appeal once you start bringing in the lovely furniture and accent pieces.
The living room must have a clean yet non-antiseptic feel. It should be minimalist but with a few accent pieces to boost such as a lovely chest, a coffee table, console table, or some shelves.
In the dining room, be sure to showcase a table that was aged to sit perfectly in this important space. Have a Victorian couch rest against the white wall. Wicker chairs would look lovely when placed with white curtains as backdrop.
Now to the kitchen: have the furniture and appliances in neutral colors. This is so they won’t clash with the condo or townhouse’s overall appeal.
If you are one of those who prefer to have a home office, then use a white desk as much as you can. Now couple the lovely white desk with a unique accent chair and some neutral shelves.
Should you still have space for one guest room, then make sure that this room is just as cozy as the rest of your home. Use the same shade on the walls and on the furniture that will be placed there. Since the bed is pretty much the focal point, then take time to choose the ones that you will invest in for the master bedroom as well as this room.
Lastly, with your shabby chic bathroom, ascertain that you do not miss out on an ornate mirror that will bring character to this room. Find one that has a wooden frame that matches the stylish theme that you have chosen.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interiors, classic style, feminine, feminine design, feminine interior design, feminine interiors, feminine style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalist, minimalist design, old, old vs. new, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design, shabby chic interiors, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, wood, wood elements, wood furniture pieces, wooden elements, wooden furniture
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016
What would be more perfect for the dining room in your old home than this table from the Antebellum Collection of FFDM?
Do you know the old saying that old homes have souls? If this is the case, then you really have to find time to redesign an old home (if you happen to live in one). Interior design, after all, is not all about the creation of a new residence. If you are one of the few that are blessed to own a house that has already earned its own character, then it’s high time to bring out its best features.
Hide All Imperfections
One of the best ways to conceal imperfections is to paint over them. So go ahead and paint the ceilings and walls. Be sure to highlight the walls, trim and ceiling.
What makes people fall in love with older homes is how they speak of a different era. Back then, there was a certain level of personality and polish that are required for finishing touches. Simple coats of paint can preserve and highlight beautiful architectural details.
Designers typically paint a single color on the trim, walls and ceiling. The trim has a slightly higher gloss so that it subtly calls for attention. Once this palette is already in place, find a bold shade such as dark gray to paint your doors. These will serve as architectural highlights in your home.
Paint the trim work in neutral contrasting shade if it is still in great shape. This is a great way to show it off while being consistent in every room throughout your place. Applying the same paint on the ceiling can help fuse the look together for a more stately and architectural appeal.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom True Vintage Arched Mirror comes in a light wood finish and an elegantly aged driftwood finish.
Still on your home’s vintage trim, make sure to use in-window shade rather than hanging drapes. This is so you can leave the trim exposed for everyone to enjoy. These shades also add a modern touch in a subtle way, one that would not steal the integrity of your original home.
If, however, you have awkward looking windows, then go ahead and use those drapes. A lot of older homes tend to have quirky windows. A wall of drapery should hide such windows.
Another beauty that you can use in designing old homes is the installation of stained glass. If you do not already have them, invest in this type of glass which will make simple white walls appear more stimulating.
Embrace Contemporary Furnishing
Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed Queen 313280B at McCreerys Home Furnishings
If you want your traditional home to have an edgy, modern-day feel, then make sure that you invest in contemporary furniture pieces. These are those simple pieces with clean lines. Find rich textures, soft colors and linear pieces. Going radical when it comes to modernity is not the way to go, though. Make sure that you are able to control both contemporary and traditional concepts in such a way that they won’t fight. Take for instance the lovely Universal Furniture Bedroom Santa Rosa Poster Bed (313280B) which brings together both contemporary and traditional concepts so beautifully. This queen size bed is crafted using birch veneers and hardwood. It comes in two-tone finish namely the dark vintage and the lighter heirloom tone. Its aged birch veneer is the right touch to any traditional setting. Add to this the antiqued metal, crown molding, as well as overhanging tops, and you’ve achieved sophistication.
This lovely bed also comes in California king size.
Still on mixing modern and traditional periods, another way to add a modern feel is to place appliances such as TV, a computer or a plush sofa inside the room. Modern accessories will also make a huge difference in old homes so don’t be afraid to add in a dash of modernity.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classicism, contemporary, drapes, guidelines, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern, neutral paint, neutral paint colors, old architecture, old home, old homes, redesigning old homes, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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