- Follow us:
Friday, October 5th, 2018
This room is green because it has wide, open windows and it features this Tommy Bahama Home Living Room Hibiscus Round Accent Table 593-953.
Green home is a term that could mean so many different things. There are those who consider a home green only if the Energy Star standards have been met. There are those, however who don’t just depend on certifications in order to define a certain home green.
Generally, though, a green home is one that uses less energy. This is also one that’s been built using sustainable materials. And with the leading U.S. wastes already including non-industrial wastes such as demolition and construction wastes, it’s about time that green builders take center stage.
Find the Alternatives
The bulky building materials that are often used in many construction projects throughout the nation comprise the biggest carbon footprint. There is chance, though, because green builders, are seeking ways to give more options. They are now presenting materials that are recycled, locally sourced, reused, durable, and renewable.
The wisest homeowners have taken heed. From the usual aluminum window frames, there are now those that choose local wood as a material. The rapidly growing bamboo plant is also now highly favored among Zen enthusiasts.
It’s All About Energy Efficiency
Now let’s talk about greenhouse gas emissions. It is wrong to presume that only industrial plants emit these harmful gases. Even households can contribute to the problem and U.S. households have been very busy.
There are homeowners who take part in saving Mother Earth by installing only the energy efficient appliances. There are also those who now use solar panels. Yet energy efficiency isn’t the only thing that can make homes sustainable. Zero energy homes could still use steel, concrete and bricks on an environmentally sensitive area and then they become unsustainable in the process.
Consider the Location, Too
Green homes are also often built on developed lands. This is so the environmental impact is reduced if not totally brought down to zero. There is nothing green about sprawl because they eat up a lot of green space.
Another way to consider your home a green home is to build it in close proximity to your school or work so that you won’t have to spend a lot of energy on transportation.
Plant Shade Trees
Planting deciduous trees on all sides of your home will provide the maximum amount of shade. You just need to carefully plan as well as design where the trees would be specifically planted.
Going green through tree planting is another good way to save energy all year round. Imagine a cool home even during summer. And during the coldest months, these trees can also help your home weather the winter winds. You then reduce the heating cost.
Once you’ve decided to plant shade trees, it is best to inspect all around your home first. Determine which walls and windows receive the most amount of sunlight. The east and west sides should be provided with shade since these sides receive 50% more light compared to their south and north counterparts.
Be sure to plant these trees close to your house so that they will have ample room to grow out to their full height and also for proper air circulation. A tree that’s been planted 10 feet away from your house wall will eventually shade that area four times longer than one that’s been planted 20 feet away.
If you have limited space to plant trees, then you can always go for shrubs and vines. Use trellises to shade the walls as well as the windows. Examples of vines that will provide you with year-round shade is the Confederate Jasmine.
Design and Size Also Matter
Yes, size does matter because bluntly put, bigger homes have a larger physical footprint. It is essentially more difficult to maintain a 5,000 sq. ft. home compared to a 1,500 sq. ft. one.
As for the design, it is best to go for the already energy efficient ones such as the passive solar or passive houses.
Tags: green home, green living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable home
Posted in Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Do You Have A Green Home?
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018
Here’s a Bamboo Dresser from the Summer Home Collection of Fine Furniture Design.
Living in an eco-friendly home may be the hottest lifestyle to hit the world these days but there’s a lot more to this than just being cool. Through an eco-friendly home, you can actually make a huge contribution to Mother Nature’s preservation. With more and more people wanting to help, don’t you think it’s time that you consider changing your lifestyle, too?
Just imagine if more homes would sign up to become a green habitat, with everyone signing up to cut down on their power consumption, manage their wastes, and conserve water, and such. What a peaceful planet we would have.
Set Up a Working Water Management System
Your journey could begin with a water recycling unit. This can take a huge amount of time to plan but it’s going to be worth it once it’s up and running. A reed bed system works in countries such as India. There are many DIY water recycling units on the Internet, here’s one – http://www.ashwidea.in/2013/07/our-diy-grey-water-recycling-system.html
Don’t Cut Down Trees
People usually cut down trees when they build homes. Instead of wasting a grown tree, why not build around it? Your apartment can be nestled in the beauty of a lovely tree, just ask your architect or your builder to retain this lovely natural art. You don’t just get to save a tree as you do this, you also find yourself a uniquely-designed home.
Choose Solar
What can be more renewable than the power of the sun, right? So go ahead and tap this renewable energy source. In the process, you get to reduce your electric bills while improving your grid security. And since you have chosen to go green, then you also reduce your impact on the environment.
The greater news is that solar fixtures are now more affordable. More and more organizations are now enabling homes to install solar panels.
Pick LED
While choosing solar panels to gather energy is already energy-efficient, you could take a few more steps further when you make the right choices on your lighting fixtures, too. LED lighting or solar-powered ones are more energy-efficient. Buy only the cost-effective electronic appliances and be sure to maintain each one of them.
Other options for artificial lighting that can still help you save are fluorescent lights and halogen lights. These tend to last longer plus they are great in conserving energy.
Segregate Wastes
This nation is a nation of increased landfills and mountainous trash. But just like any habit or learning, everything begins at home. Tell every family member to segregate the dry from the sanitary wastes. Be sure to separate the bins and have them color-coded as much as possible.
Bring In the Greenery
The greenery will not just improve the air circulation in your home, it can also visually improve your habitat’s aesthetics. Having potted plants and flowers indoors is also useful especially during the summer.
If you live in an urban jungle where homes do not have the luxury of terraces, then you have to learn to construct vertical gardens or just bring in a potted plant or two.
Use Space and Architecture Efficiently
The efficient use of interior spaces can keep construction materials to a bare minimum. You can ask the interior designers to work on doors and windows that can optimize energy efficiency. Use wood flooring from renewable sources such as bamboo. Install water-saving toilet and other such environment-friendly materials.
Smaller houses are also known to be more energy-efficient. So if you’re not a huge fan of expansive houses, then you might as well do tiny house hunting. Here’s a bonus – smaller homes are a lot more affordable, too.
Tags: green home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable home, sustainable living
Posted in Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on The Green Home – Why Sustainability Is Hot
Saturday, November 25th, 2017
Uttermost Floor Coverings Balgha Red Rug 70029 is both functional and fashionable.
Taking the step to improve the energy efficiency of your home offers a plethora of benefits for you and your household. You do not just contribute to a fresher and greener community, you also get the added benefit of reducing your household expenses.
Whether you own or rent a home, and whether or not renovation is affordable for you, there are various ways to begin switching to a greener home. Smart energy consumption should be your family’s new mantra.
A Cool Roof
You can always begin with a cool roof. This is no less than your first line of defense against the ravaging elements outdoors. Make sure to have a roof that reflects the rays of the sun. Doing this will help reduce the heat that emanates from your roof, thus, improving the overall coolness of your home – no need to turn on air-conditioning.
The cool roof can be done by painting it with a reflective color or the use of tiles (the latter offer a different level of coolness both figurative and literal). Shingles and sheet covering can also have the same effect.
It could be costly at first since you have to add a few features to your roof but it is going to save you a lot of money on energy bills so it’s more than worth it in the long run.
Constricted Doors and Windows
Do not let cool air escape. One effective way to do this is to have tight doors and windows.
If you have aluminum window frames, then it’s time to change them. Vinyl or wood is a better alternative.
As for the windows, you can try the low-E (emissivity) glass panes. This is a kind of energy efficient glass that was specifically designed to prevent heat from escaping through the windows. These come with an invisible coating which can reduce heat transfer and, eventually, reduce your carbon footprint.
Use Energy-Saving Appliances and Fixtures
Everyone seems to be signing up for the energy-saving bandwagon. You can see this with the constant improvements on gadgets and equipment, with each one surpassing the first in terms of energy consumption.
Speak of using less power, you must also check the Energy Star rating of each appliance. This symbol is backed by the government where people use products that are energy efficient and can help save money.
The label of Energy Star is supposed to symbolize the reduction of greenhouse emissions and pollutants brought about by the misuse or inefficient energy use. Check out the list of energy efficient lighting, air-conditioning units, and electrical appliances.
Just Do It
Just like the Nike campaign, you can always begin any endeavor by just doing it, especially when you are stuck with what you have. If there is no way, at the moment, to change the appliances and fixtures that you have at home, then you can follow these quick tips –
Tags: energy efficient living, Energy Star, energy-efficiency, green home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Energy-Efficient Household – Make It Yours
Wednesday, September 13th, 2017
We all live in an era where energy efficiency is the hottest trend. But have you ever stopped to think what an energy efficient home is?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an energy-efficient home design is one that has a high score on energy efficiency. This Score reflects the energy efficiency of a home based on the home’s structure and heating, cooling, and hot water systems (Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-home-design)
The Natural Climate
It is important, nay, crucial to know the natural climate in your region. Consider the conditions of the winds, the skies, and the sun. Get your hands on a sun path diagram so you can find out which rooms the natural lighting will seep through. Take note also of obstructions such as telephone poles, trees, and nearby buildings.
Apart from the sun path diagram, you can also obtain a wind rose which will show the rate of prevailing winds. The U.S. Department of Commerce has its own wind data collection. These are based on various airport locations so it might be easy for you to find one that is near your would-be home.
Knowing the predominant sky conditions will also help you set up your energy-efficient home. Throughout the year, does your area have clear, overcast or partly cloudy skies? Take advantage of natural light as much as you can. This will greatly reduce your electrical bill since you won’t be depending a lot on artificial lighting.
Just to give you an idea, overcast skies are three times brighter at the peak of the sky’s dome than the horizon. Predominantly overcast areas include the Pacific Northwest where you can maximize free natural lighting. With this in mind, you can now be aware of your window placement so that you also won’t have unwanted glare.
The building orientation which includes the shape of your home will also greatly influence cooling or heating requirements. The best energy-saving orientation is to have your home face the south when you’re from the Northern Hemisphere.
This setup will help you capture solar gain during the wintry months and block solar gain during summer.
Choose Energy-efficient Building Materials
Concrete or concrete foams. This can be sandwiched by two-layered insulation materials. This will then become a permanent part of the house whether through freestanding walls or building blocks.
Rigid foam. This can be used to insulate your home but can now be made from natural sources such as hemp, bamboo, and kelp. Rigid foam is also widely used in the creation of surfboards, turbine blades, and some furniture.
Rigid foam also offers heat and moisture resistance, better acoustics, and protection from pests and mold.
Straw bales. These weigh 50-90 pounds each. You would need 300 medium-sized bales to construct a 2,000 square foot house.
And the great news is? They can last for thousands of years.
Other materials such as recycled steel, foam insulators sandwiched between plywood, plastic composite lumber, and earth can also be used.
Invest in Energy-efficient Appliances
Reduce energy costs by installing Energy Star-rated appliances. You can potentially save up to 70% when you choose these.
An Energy Star is a government-backed symbol. It is there to measure energy efficiency, reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, and for consumers to save on their energy bills.
Figure 1.
Green Furniture
Just as you would choose your appliances or your building materials, make sure that your furniture materials are also made from natural, energy-efficient sources. An example is our Uttermost Living Room Avner Wooden Cube Table here at McCreery’s Home Furnishings (Figure 1).
Constructed almost entirely of sustainable, plantation-grown mango wood, this bunching table offers invaluable storage and style in an elegantly casual, waxed driftwood finish.
Tags: Energy Star, energy-efficiency, energy-efficient home, green home, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable design, sustainable living
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Erecting the Energy-efficient Home in a Constantly Cold Region
Wednesday, April 5th, 2017
Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Sheridan Two Door Chest
Green is the most renowned color of nature. It is one of the most abundant colors that are related to life, freshness, even freedom.
Green is also a relaxing color to your eyes. It soothes, refreshes, it relaxes, it invigorates both physically and mentally. What’s great is that is offers a multitude of shades
Green is a trendy color year in and year out. The greater news here is that emerald green is a fashionable color this year. Cockatoo green is also huge this 2017 so take your pick.
Green Interiors
Talking about interior design, colors allow you to show your personality. They can also create the most interesting optical illusions. Colors can also influence the way you psychologically respond to furnishings. There is such a thing as color psychology which shows the reasons why certain colors evoke certain feelings. Also, it explains why certain colors work with certain pieces of furniture or in particular rooms.
Using green with the right kinds of shades can give your home a well-contoured look. It can also offer special effects such as being inspired to live in a natural atmosphere.
In the right amounts, green can be used in almost any room. The living room is one of the prominent rooms that makes good use of this luscious color. In such a room, the color green can be used on furniture, as an accent wall, as an area rug, on decorative pillows, lighting, framed paintings, the leaves on vases, and practically everything that you can think of.
Using a green sofa, for instance, means you are ready to make that sofa your focal point.
Using green in larger areas means having to use this beautiful color in the bedroom (which veers from the common blue or black), the bathroom (which is apt because that is a room that’s associated with water and freshening up), even study rooms.
Green in the bedroom has been known to lower people’s heart rate and blood pressure. You can also use green on curtains and the bedding as an alternative solution if having green walls is a little too much for you.
Using green in the dining room is not that common but it is an idea that’s worth exploring. The fresh color is known to increase appetite which is why it is quickly becoming a popular option in kitchen and dining room designs these days. Back in the day, it was always red for appetite, period. Now, it is believed that green has the same effects as red, yellow and orange.
If your budget, at the moment, would not allow you to paint an accent wall or to change the bathroom tiles to green, then you can always use green in the kitchen as accessories. Have green media plates, green bottles, green dishes, and even green spice dispensers.
Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Florian Green Glass Table Lamp 26199
What Green Can Make You Feel
Have you ever stopped to wonder how the color green actually makes you feel?
Green is often associated with nature, forests, trees and freshness but there’s a lot more to this color than flora and fauna.
Green is also known to represent health, good luck and tranquility in Chinese culture. Researchers have also discovered that green can improve one’s reading ability. Students who use green sheets over their reading materials tend to increase their reading speed as well as their comprehension.
Green is also the symbol of fertility. Back in the day, specifically in the 15th century, this color was used on wedding gowns to symbolize productiveness.
Green is also known to relieve stress as it helps hospital patients heal faster. To apply this in your home, you can have a green room where guests can unwind.
Tags: green, green color scheme, green design, green home, green interior design, green interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in 2017 Trends, Accents, Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Spring Green: Embracing Nature’s Color In Your Home
Monday, February 13th, 2017
This lovely Living Room Uttermost Avner Wooden Cube Table 25603 was constructed almost wholly of mango wood (sustainable and plantation-grown). When the need calls for it, you can use the lift-off top as a serving tray.
A lot of people wonder how they can come up with the most stylish yet still eco-friendly home. Most just end up wondering while a few get to unleash their ingenuity and come up with means to be chic while being green.
Going green is not just a fad anymore. This is actually a necessity in our world these days. People need to treat resources and Mother Nature with care and respect.
Going green is not that hard either. You can begin with your family and eventually create a lifestyle out of it. Here are a few environment-saving yet still stylish tips that you can follow –
Conserve Energy
This is the initial step to going green. Energy conservation doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple as switching off the lights and appliances when they are no longer being used. Doing so will save you a lot of money over the years.
It also pays to encourage every member of your family to take part in this new endeavor. Ask them to spend time in just one room if they have to bond or are just merely resting. You can also invest in home automation and smart lighting systems so that you are ensured that your electrical appliances will be turned off when no longer in use.
These small contributions will contribute to the decrease of carbon footprint in our environment.
Say Yes to LED and CFL
CFL or compact fluorescent lamps are your best eco-friendly alternative to natural light. Incandescent lights are still in use now but they might become obsolete in the near future as more and more people are becoming concerned with the environment.
Switch to CFL or LED lighting and choose from a wide array of sizes, shapes and tones. Both choices can also add to the aesthetic value of your home.
Have Skylights Installed
If one or more rooms lack natural light, then consider having a skylight installed. This will help stream the light throughout the room and even reduce the use of artificial lighting. As the sun goes down, you will even have an amazing view of the starry sky.
Insist on having a skylight when you are planning to renovate your place.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
You’re not going green if you don’t learn to reduce waste that’s generated by your family. Begin in the kitchen and create a compost pit right in your backyard. This can even be a pot in the balcony where organic waste can be recycled into manure. You can then use it to fertilize plants and shrubs.
These same potted plants can be used to decorate the interiors of your home.
Install Solar Panels
This is a really expensive move but the great news is that they can eventually help you save on energy and energy costs. With regular usage, you should be able to surpass your investment in terms of savings.
Reinvent the Interiors
A huge change that you can also make is to bring a bust of color into your home. Use warm colors such as yellows and red to stimulate activity while cool colors like greens and blues can be used in spaces that need serenity (yes, that’s the bedroom and the bathroom).
A lot of paint cans contain VOCs or volatile organic compounds which could cause a plethora of health problems. Fortunately, there are various brands that are non-toxic and natural. Some are even made from clay or milk protein (casein). Use only the safe kind of paint for your home.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Karma Naturals Burl Rug 6506RS05000800750 is a member of the Karma Naturals collection. This naturally-constructed carpet will fit right in a green home.
Rethink Your Flooring
A lot of designers are now recommending wall-to-wall-carpets to be ripped out. While these make the home look more inviting, they are also the home for toxins and allergens. If you really love the look of carpets, make sure that you spray on a carpet sealer and to vacuum weekly.
Bring in the Green
Lastly, how can you be green without potted plants and flowers in vases? ‘Nough said.
Tags: eco-friendly home, eco-friendly tips, green, green home, green interior design, green living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Flooring Design | Comments Off on Green Interiors for the Green-hearted
Thursday, November 17th, 2016
Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Bamboo Dresser 1050-144
More and more people are becoming environmentally-conscious these days. The green design for homes has become a standard of sorts and it is no surprise that it is now gaining popularity. Having a green home means owning a place that is environment friendly and has ergonomic designs. This is a design that appeals to those who want to conserve what’s left of the planet. This is also the chosen ambience for people who want to live a healthy lifestyle.
Sustainability Is Piping Hot
Just like other fields of design, interior design will forever be tied to the ever-changing styles. What’s in or out with regard to interior design is almost always what’s in or out in the world of fashion. Should you design goal be about renovation, redecoration or architectural detailing, every interior designer must know what the hottest or classic trends are.
Know that in the design industry, these days, the fastest-growing section is interior design sustainability. You can now practice rain water collection if you want to your home’s water needs or you can buy furniture made with sustainable materials like bamboo.
Highlight Green
The ASID or American Society of Interior Designers strongly believes that green design must be included in every interior designer’s approach these days. The reduction of environmental impact does not just lengthen Mother Earth’s day but could also make your home a healthier place to live in.
Use Energy-Wise Stuff
One basic way to go green on your interior design is to efficiently use every bit of space that is available in your home. Use harmful construction materials to a bare minimum. Live in micro-houses or apodments. These are solutions that are less than 300 square feet and already come with amenities such as a refrigerator and a microwave.
Every interior designer must also work in maximizing doors and windows so that more light could come in. With ample natural lighting comes energy savings. Use wood flooring, furniture and other home products that come from renewable sources. Have water-saving toilets set up.
If you want to be surer about the source of your materials, then talk to the suppliers.
Say Yes to Waste Reduction
Decorative stuff and furniture can be easily repurposed these days. If you are truly environmentally-conscious, you can refurbish or a better option is to decide on a style that you would want for the rest of your life then invest in furniture pieces that would last as heirloom pieces.
Use fabrics, tiles and carpets that were made from recycled materials.
Plan Lighting Efficiency
Another part of your plan is to be clever about the incorporation of light in your home. Use skylights and windows more effectively. Maximize daylight by using these parts of your home and minimizing artificial lighting.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
You may or may not believe this but the color that you use to paint the interior or exterior parts of your home can spell a huge difference in light and heat absorption. The hottest summer months require cooler and lighter colors such as greens and blues. These hues can reduce room temperature by as much as 6-10 degrees.
Maitland-Smith Accessories Bamboo Cast Brass Bar Cart 3020-042
Use New Window Treatments
Do not forget to consider the drapes, curtains and blinds. These can also help in the reduction of energy costs. You might think that window treatments are mere decorative items but they are, in fact, choices that can make a huge difference.
Drapes, for instance, are effective in keeping out drafts in winter seasons while shutters and blinds keep the warmth outdoors.
Landscape Your Way to Green Living
Lastly, you can plant trees right where the sun rises. This will reduce the amount of heat that goes through your windows during the day. Eventually, you will observe how your energy costs are greatly reduced.
You see, green living is tantamount to living a life of substantial savings.
Tags: energy efficient living, energy-efficiency, energy-efficient home, green, green design, green home, green interior design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainability, sustainable design, sustainable home, sustainable home design, sustainable interior design, sustainable lifestyle, tips
Posted in 2016 Trends, 2017 Trends, Green Living, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Thursday, October 13th, 2016
American Leather Living Room Alessandro-Sectional
Eco-friendly or green interiors are designs that center on the improvement of air quality and the reduction of impact on the environment. A lot of Americans spend about 90% of their time inside their homes. This is where, unfortunately, most pollutants are also found.
You should always consider people who are living in your home. The aesthetics of your home shouldn’t be your only concern. Safety is a factor that must be prioritized as well as the health of everyone living in a single place.
Home design, therefore, must be able to balance safety and aesthetics by coming up with a green design.
So, are you ready to create this so-called sustainable design?
Decorate with Plants
There is no better element to make your home a green place than to place plants inside your home. Plants are great air filters and are also effective removers of chemicals. They also have health benefits to offer while giving your home that natural, fresher ambience. If you want to improve the quality of indoor air, then be sure to bring in bamboo palm, peace lilies or Gerbera daisies.
Bring in the Sunlight
One other eco-friendly way of creating a green environment is to let in a good amount of sunlight. You should maximize daylight so that you could avoid wasting electrical energy on those bright lamps.
Open shades and use skylights to bring in a tremendous amount of sunlight into your home. Having ample light also means fewer pollutants, meaning, you and your loved ones become much healthier.
You can further the energetic and fresh aura in your home by opening those windows. You can even make them greener through the application of special coatings that would reflect the sunlight while providing insulation. These should keep your home quite warm during those cold seasons.
Say goodbye to heating or cooling equipment because of your newly-coated windows.
Save Energy with Proper Lighting
Using energy-efficient lighting can help both the user and the environment. Compact fluorescent lighting saves energy as well as electrical power. This also prevents greenhouse gas emission as well as pollutants.
When buying lighting, be sure to read the labels and find the ones that are energy-efficient.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Karma Naturals Burl Rug 6506RS05000800750
Go Organic
Another way to establish an eco-friendly home is to find organic stuff. Do away with particleboard, plastics and chromed metal.
Find furniture that is manufactured using organic materials. This can be made from wood blocks, stone or marble. Don’t fret about design because there is a lot to choose from. There are also customized designs for bamboo and other wooden furniture.
As for the flooring, be sure to use stone flooring like marble. You could also use wooden parquet or pick laminated flooring.
As for your pillows, mattresses, bedding and carpets, be sure to find the wool-stuffed ones. This is so you won’t have to worry much about dust mites. These mites can cause allergies, thus, they’re not great for your health so always choose organic stuff.
Say No to VOC
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These are harmful to anyone’s health. These are commonly found in paints. So, when you paint your house or are about to buy stuff for your home, be sure to check for those that do not emit VOCs. The highest you could go should be those low VOC paints.
It is great to have eco-friendly interiors. It won’t just benefit you as a homeowner but also the people who live with you in your home. You must do your share in saving the planet, after all, just like the rest of the world – it’s the only home you’ve got.
Tags: eco-friendly interior design, eco-friendly interiors, energy efficient living, energy-efficiency, energy-efficient home, green home, green interior design, green interiors, green living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
FFDM Summer Home Collection: Allowing natural light to stream in during the day can save you a lot of money on energy.
Do you believe that your house is a system? You can easily save money and even improve the performance of your home if you are willing to take cost-effective measures. These steps can significantly reduce building load, eventual appliance and furniture repairs, etc.
Target the Exteriors First
The most effective way of improving your home’s energy efficiency is to look at your walls, doors and windows. Make sure that the walls are well insulated. Only when these are already considered green should you begin looking at other systems such as lighting, heating, cooling and appliances.
Set Up Effective Insulation
Minus effective insulation, a home will have heat flowing profusely out of the walls. This is especially catastrophic during winter. See to it that you use the least amount of energy, though, in heating or cooling the house.
Houses without wall insulation or has wall cavities should have blown-in insulation. This will up the level of comfort and cost-efficiency so if you still have uninsulated walls, it’s best to look into having a professional installer do the job. For homes with damaged or old insulation, on the other hand, should undergo insulation upgrade.
Meet the Energy Auditor
You can begin your path towards green living by talking to an energy auditor. This green home professional has expertise in choosing the right insulation materials such as fiberglass, foam or cellulose. Such materials can help keep heat or coolness inside the walls of a home. The keywords that you need to remember are these – properly installed. This means the insulation was installed by a contractor using the right assessment and installation tools. The contractor, for example, uses infrared camera to check for void in walls.
Improve or Replace Windows
If the windows in your home are already old and leaky, then this may be the time to have them replaced with energy-efficient types. If you’re not willing to say goodbye to your windows just yet, then you could look into weather-stripping or having storm windows.
Window replacement may not be a cheap project but it definitely saves you money in the long run. This could also improve the level of comfort in your home.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
If you are living in an older house with obvious poor insulation and damaged windows, then know that having good landscaping can save a lot of energy while you’re still planning the huge architectural project. Deciduous trees that are planted on the west side of the house could help block infrared radiation. See also that the insulation is upgraded and your home meets Energy Star requirements.
Check the Old Furnace
Furnaces that were built before 1992 have a standing pilot that wastes about 35% of fuel. It is also possible that such furnaces are almost at the end of their service lives.
Invest in a condensing furnace as this offers an annual efficiency of no less than 90%. This kind wastes less than 10% of the natural gas and could help save 27% on your heating bill.
Furnaces that were installed beyond 1991 are probably annual fuel utilization efficient. If you’re in doubt, you can always ask the help of an energy auditor or a heating service technician.
Check the Hot Water System
To improve the hot water system’s efficiency, begin by turning down the temperature to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to insulate the hot water lines so that they won’t cool off too quickly. Lastly, use only low-flow fixtures for baths and showers.
Green living may be a lot more difficult to maintain but it has its perks. You save money and you become an ally of Mother Nature.
Tags: eco-friendly interior design, eco-friendly interiors, eco-friendly tips, energy efficient living, energy-efficiency, energy-efficient home, green home, green interior design, green living, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable design, sustainable home, sustainable home design, sustainable interior design, sustainable lifestyle, sustainable materials, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
Cynthia Rowley 1120CR Kit Club Chair is green, lively and aesthetically awesome.
It is a known scientific fact that there are certain colors which evoke a happy feeling. Summary colors like light blues, sunny yellow, and citrus greens are known to bring a light-hearted vibe which bring to mind tropical living, exotic plants and lime drinks.
Understanding Green
Green is the color of harmony and balance. This color can also mean growth, rebirth, spring, or renewal. This is the color used when depleted energy needs to be revived. It is also the sanctuary to people who feel stressed with their modern living. Logic would tell that this is why there is so much green on earth – it’s as if God wanted his people to feel relaxed and feel positive.
Green is the marriage of blue and yellow so it also exudes the clarity offered by yellow and the calmness of blue.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Jazzy Shag Rug 5820RS05030708200: Step onto freshness!
Lime Green Elements
By adding lime green elements into your home, it is easier to feel the summer vibe all-year-round. Even when there are constant weather changes, you would soon feel that your home tends to have a lighter, airier feel compared when other hues were used primarily.
Citrus green hues are not always lime green in color. Those that have a tad more yellow can be used in moderate amounts when you want to grab a little attention and vibrancy.
Remember that colors that you see on your computer monitor often do not match what comes out in paint cans. So get some samples as well as test colors to use on your intended space. This is so you would know how they would actually look like when used on the walls.
Creating a focal point is easy when you have lime green on your side. Just use this as a statement wall and you’re done. This particular color will also fuse well with yellows and blues which are its adjacent colors on the color wheel.
Lime green can also be an effective color to use in the kitchen. It can add vitality and life to this space. It is also easy to pull off this bold color on your kitchen wall because this is an area which tends to be well-lit day or night. .
One rule to remember when using a vibrant color in your home is to use less. As the saying goes – less is more. If you’re not a huge fan of feature walls, then add just a few touches of lime green on the trim, on baseboards, or on accent pieces.
It is also wrong to default to lime green being a modern or contemporary color. It can also be used as an accent color in traditional rooms. Lime hues effectively break up warmer wood tones and could make a room more inviting.
A quick way to upgrade any unfinished concrete flooring is to have it painted. Lime green paint can be used to dress up a studio floor. This floor can mirror a beautiful landscaping outside which makes the indoor-outdoor transition easier.
Lime green walls should not be used in bedrooms, though. It’s a wrong hue there because you would want the place to be restful instead of one that invites activity. Bold colors tend to draw attention and quicken the blood so limit their use inside areas where you usually rest.
Lime green adds the right dash of color to an almost white bathroom. Rather than have a stark bathroom, add interest and flair by having lime green accents.
Another fun way to bring life into a space is to put a colorful piece of furniture there. So, would you consider investing in a lime green sofa or chair? Why not?
Tags: green, green color palette, green color scheme, green home, green interiors, lime green, lime green interior design, lime green interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
