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Tuesday, March 13th, 2018
The Jessica Charles Living Room Dare Storage Ottoman is a perfect dual-furniture for a tiny home.
You have probably seen many reality TV shows highlighting the joys and travails of owning a tiny house. You might even have pinned a few pictures that you think would also work for you and your family. But did you know how difficult it could be to adjust to tiny house living? It is definitely a lifestyle that does not suit everyone. So the big question is – are you cut out for it?
Tiny houses are, well, tiny. Since you will be dealing with a small space, you have to choose the stuff that you will bring in. Just imagine each day when you are able to hear the person who is currently taking a bath, or you will be able to smell every bit of food that will be cooked in the small kitchen. Now, are you really ready for that sort of experience?
Without a doubt, our nation has been enamored by the tiny houses. So if you are one of these folks who have really decided to scale down, then you have to learn a few things that can help you better adjust.
It’s a Family Thing
Remember when bad days come that you are in this as a family. Just think of it as a way to removing excess space between family members. Remember those times when the huge spaces or rooms in your home just became the home for clutter?
Now you are left with just enough space to work with so you have to make the most of it. And as a family, it becomes easier to cope with downsizing so get everyone’s cooperation. Just like many transitory phases in life, you should also inform the kids so that you are ascertained that they are also amenable to your plans. They will, after all, live with this decision, too.
As for adults, there will be huge adjustments as well such as learning how to make compost out of the toilet contents, cooking with wood, leveling, towing, and such. All these are new experiences for most people who sign up to live tiny.
Plan
A huge part of living in a tiny house is to differentiate the needs from all your previous wants. You could have four or five rooms in your past home but if you’re bound to move into a home with only a room or two, there’s bound to be major adjustments.
To avoid the shock, at least plan from the outset. Many tiny house homeowners end up having the original design of their homes altered all because they did not plan on bringing extra stuff. So the rule is to plan from the get-go.
Wesley Allen Bedroom Daybed 4320: A sofa by day and a comfy bed at night.
Acceptance
You have to accept the fact that a tiny house is not like your traditional home. You won’t be able to put in the same amount of stuff or even your junk, indoors. Also, decide on how you will set up your parking spot. Your tiny home is not an RV it is not going to be moved. Since this is so, plant the house in a spot where you think you will be able to thrive.
Most tiny house owners buy land. There are those who choose to stay mobile instead so they live in an RV and they keep moving about. These are huge decisions that you have to make soon and you better have a clear head as you make your final yeses.
Prepare for Maintenance Tasks
Even a tiny home will have its maintenance jobs. Not long after you get used to climbing ladders or cooking in a much smaller kitchen, the next adjustment would be to keep an eye on your propane levels, be wary of faulty appliances, and winterizing.
Tags: designing a tiny home, designing a tiny house, designing a tiny space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small house, small space, tiny house, tiny house living, tiny space
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Adjusting to a Tiny Home
Thursday, December 8th, 2016
CYNTHIA ROWLEY FOR HOOKER FURNITURE EN POINTE UPHOLSTERED ARM CHAIR
Vertical living and privacy characterize self-sufficient living in the city. Home buyers are often attracted to these characteristics but these could also be a turn off to some would-be homeowners. In essence, townhouse living requires that you take out your own garbage, maintain the boiler as well as the HVAC. What’s great about townhouse living, though, is that you don’t need the approval of the board in order to renovate your place. You also won’t worry about a neighbor living downstairs who’s complaining about your noise.
Hunting for the Right Townhouse
The very experience of buying or selling a townhouse is a lot different from purchasing an apartment. There are more spaces to cover with a townhouse than an apartment. There are also other items that you need to evaluate such as width. Of course, the wider the townhouse, the more value it has. In NY, for instance, the average width of a townhouse is at 18 to 20 feet. Anything that’s narrower than this is, therefore, more difficult to sell. Over 25 feet and what you have is already considered a trophy property.
Location Always Matters
Location parameters differ when you’re scouting for a townhouse. Understand the value of location. There are apartments with winning amenities but are located in an inferior block but this doesn’t seem to affect its value. Do this same scenario to a townhouse and the value of the property become a lot less.
Another factor that brings the price down for townhouses is the kind of tenants. The best buys are those that have rent-stabilized tenants. The value is greatly discounted because of the rent-stabilized tenants. On the other hand, if you are seeking to renovate the whole building, then rent-regulated tenants won’t make that possible.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Montgomery Loveseat: Townhouses are perfect homes for a loveseat.
Loving History
Townhouses have an honorable history to offer. European royalty used to dwell in such habitats. Today, they still make sense because townhouses are shelters for single families who can live comfortably in an urban setting. Empty nesters who are also looking to downsize will find that townhouses are a wonderful alternative to condo or apartment living.
Townhouses aren’t for everyone, though so it is crucial that you do your research before you sign up.
Townhouse Living – The Benefits
Townhouse Living – The Downside
Decorating the Awkward Spaces
Get the idea from the first Harry Potter movie – have a room constructed under the stairs. This could become a room where the coat rack will be placed or where the cleaning tools will be stored. That space above the radiator could be used as a place for your artwork, some practical hooks and flower vases.
The secret to small space decorating is to make use of every nook and cranny. Townhouse living could be a tad more difficult but it also has its perks that other homes can’t offer so you might as well embrace those.
Tags: designing a small space, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small space
Posted in Townhouse Living | No Comments »
Monday, August 15th, 2016
Fine Furniture Design Living Room Chaise 3101-06 offers restful lounging and sitting.
There are various upsides to small apartment living. First, there’s lower rent, also, it is at a closer proximity of many downtown areas. Small is also cozy depending on how you design the space so it’s all a matter of how you would beautify you place.
One of the sad mistakes that apartment owners make when decorating their small apartments is that they focus only on functionality instead of coupling it with design. Don’t go through the same errors – it’s time to learn some small apartment styling tips.
Delineate Different Areas
Living in a tiny space shouldn’t automatically mean embracing the open space layout. In fact, there are so many other designs that you can look into. There’s just one thing that you need to keep in mind – that you must keep yourself from overwhelming the space with unnecessary stuff.
Define the different areas by giving each a function. Shoe and coat racks can be placed by the door and that’ll define your entryway. A simple buffet should divide our dining and kitchen areas. This provides easier food service and ample storage. Backing your sofa right by the foot of your bed can draw the beholder’s eye towards the living area.
Be sure to highlight your hobby or interest as this will cap the look of your home. A bike rack will tell everyone that you are a fitness enthusiast or maybe just a lover of the outdoors. Make who you are become an integral part of your design project.
Use Dual-Purpose Furniture
When you are dealing with a tiny space, know that every inch counts. Maximize the space by buying only the kinds of furniture that have a double purpose. Find pieces that will work with the limited space that you have.
The space where you’ll set up your bedroom can have a foldable sofa. An ottoman can be a seating and storage unit at the same time. A foldable dining table can be hidden from view when no longer in use.
Find dual-purpose pieces that are the appropriate size to your tiny space. Those overstuffed furnishings will only make a small place look a lot smaller.
Look for Unused Spaces
Having moved into your cute space for months, it’s easy to be stuck with the design that you initially came up with. There are many spaces that you can free up and repurpose. If you’ve been storing old magazines in huge boxes for the longest time then this just means that it’s time to unclutter.
Nooks and crannies could also have their purpose. They can be used as a corner library or as a small corner office.
Grow Vertically
It is crucial that you think vertically when you have a small space to work with. The tall, narrow storage units can help solve clutter issues. You can begin by placing two bookshelves of the same height on both sides of the doorway. A single entertainment center can also be used, one that reaches from the floor all the way up to the ceiling.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Joli Nesting Ottomans offer dual purposes – they can be used as a seating as well as a storage unit.
Make Organization Your New Best Friend
Storage is your best pal when you have a small apartment. This is your tool in hiding stuff that you don’t need at the moment. Practically speaking, though, you have to learn to find and keep just the things that you need.
Make good use of back-of-door hangers and hanging organizers. Line your shelves and drawers with extra bins or baskets.
As soon as your organization tools are set, you would soon realize how much space can actually be freed up. Just cap your design project with a light paint palette and you’re done.
Tags: decorating a small home, decorating a small space, furnishing small apartments, interior design for small spaces, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small apartment furniture, small space, small space design, small space interior design, small space organization, small space solutions, tips
Posted in Apartment Living, Interior Design 101, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
Friday, June 24th, 2016
1586-90014-BLK1 Belle Semainier Chest is petite and vertically superb for any small apartment.
Small apartments may have their upside but they also come with some furnishing concerns. Sure, you love paying the lower rent and being close to your work, add the coziness and all, and what you get is a warm, easy-to-decorate place. But is it really that easy to furnish a tiny apartment?
One of the greatest misconceptions about decorating smaller apartments is that functionality should always come before design. While function is important, it is also just as crucial to create a design that describes who you are. An apartment might have limited space but this does not mean that you have to be short on style, too. You have to find the right balance between style and function or you won’t be comfortable in your apartment, eventually.
You Can Still Define Separate Areas
One advice that homeowners often get when it comes to style is to use an open space layout. This lack of definition on space could look cluttered if not given much attention.
As much as you can, try to define separate areas by giving each area a purpose. For instance, you can place a coat and shoe racks right by the entryway. Place the buffet between the kitchen and dining areas so serving and storage become easier. Back the sofa up to the foot of the bed so the beholder’s eyes are drawn to the living area.
If you have a hobby, go ahead and experiment in separating the area where you would display your collections and other living areas. Don’t be afraid to show who you are. If your hobby is biking, then install an indoor rack that will make your bike look like it’s been intentionally made into a décor. Plants may also be used to signify changes in space use.
Make Use of Dual-Purpose Furniture
Every inch counts when it comes to dealing with small space. Invest in smaller furniture that, preferably, can double into something else. Focus your energies on buying furniture pieces that work with your chosen theme.
Bedrooms are often the perfect rooms for dual-purpose furniture. It is best to buy furniture that has a dual purpose than to work the space around the furniture that you purchase.
Consider having a trundle bed that folds into a sofa when you want to watch the television. A hollow ottoman can also double as a storage case, or a dining table with built-in leaf to make guest entertainment a lot easier.
Whatever kind of dual-purpose piece you buy, just make sure that you buy the sizes that are appropriate to your available space. Overstuffed pieces will only make your space look a lot smaller than it already is. Now don’t worry too much about searching for sofas, there are many designs that will fit your micro-living space.
Assess Unused Spaces
Living in a small space means you also have to rethink unused areas now and then. If there are extra pots that lay around or candles that have not been used for so long, then what’s the point in keeping them around?
Now look around your apartment and find out if you have any dead spaces that serve very little to zero purpose. Find blank walls and unused corners then discover how you can make these spaces more useful. Use them to your advantage, create storage where there was none before.
Extend Vertically
Planning the best way to use space means you have to know how to use vertical storage. Narrow, tall storage systems work best in smaller spaces so shop for those kinds. An entertainment center that is narrower yet reaches from floor to ceiling is your perfect divider between the living and sleeping areas.
Decorating tiny apartments doesn’t need to be taxing. All you need is a little creativity and a tad of patience and you should be fine.
Flexsteel Living Room Love Seat 1139-20 is the right solution for small apartment seating needs.
Tags: decorating a small home, decorating a small space, designing a small apartment, designing an apartment, furnishing small apartments, furniture for small apartments, interior design for small spaces, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small apartment design, small apartment furniture, small space, small space organization, small space solutions, studio apartment living, styling an apartment
Posted in Apartment Living, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2016
Accessorize limited space with this lovely Maitland-Smith Accessories Box Of Young Penshelll 1100-437.
Condo living has become quite popular in the past decade. This isn’t surprising because living in a condominium is an efficient way to maintain a city lifestyle while having accessibility to different metropolitan areas. Condo allows families or individuals to live conveniently. In a condo, you are always near schools, workplaces, malls, and everything that you require for your daily needs. With these benefits come limited space, though. These are the only issues that a condo renter needs to deal with.
Thou Shalt Not Fear Condo Living
Even the smallest condominium spaces can bring out your creative side. This is also an opportunity to come up with an energy efficient home, one that will cut down your usual expenses. Your place, no matter how small, can be a relaxing haven after a whole day of stressful work. It becomes a peaceful place only if you know what elements to bring in.
Now keep in mind that the small space of a condo should not limit your artistic style. If you are fond of travelling, then you can display framed photos of the places that you already visited. You can also showcase maps, cultural emblems, tickets and all of your travel finds.
Frame these travel elements with rare earth hues like gray, brown or black. Find wallpaper that looks similar to a map. It will then be easy to find stones that you can place on your work desk. Throws and pillows with country design will also look great in a travel-inspired condo.
Huntington House Living Room Loveseat 2031-40 is perfect for those cuddly evenings with your loved one.
Another timeless design that you can use in your condominium is chic elegance. You will definitely stand out from among other condo dwellers once you bring in some sophistication to your cozy dwelling.
Chic elegance need not be expensive. All you need is a sharp eye for class and detail. Center your attention on neutral colors such as gray, beige or dark brown. Find lighting fixtures that can illuminate interesting decor or artwork.
Chic elegance also means choosing furniture that is polished. ‘Want glass furniture? Go ahead and invest in such.
Condo living can also take you back to the past. Retro and vintage also are timeless designs and concepts that are being embraced all over the world today. These styles can be seen in fashion also in interior designs of restaurants and other establishments. Retro style offers a distinctive feeling though you also get excited over disco embellishments in red and orange.
Display your collections of old catalogs, typography, unique cookware, and old books. Say no to bulky room furniture as they tend to occupy a lot of space. You may invest in an earth-colored couch and a wooden dining table complete with tea set.
Condo Living in Plains and Prints
The fashion map can point to two different directions – plains and prints. Visitors will surely love fresh zebra prints, polka dots or the classic fusion of black and white.
Plains and prints are the easiest pairing that you can grab. Just remember one thing, though – do not overdo this combination or you’d have a messy and loud condo space.
Hooker Furniture Home Office Viewpoint Room Divider 5328-10445. Dividers can create a division of sorts inside a small condo unit.
Nature and Condo Living
Natural scenes such as mountains and trees are great views inside a condo space – even when they just come from a framed photograph. You are one of the lucky individuals if you are given a nice view of the city skyline. To balance the modernity offered by this view, you can bring in some potted plants. You can also have a lavish view of the morning sunlight if you draw the curtains to the side. This is also an effective way to save on electricity.
Summer loving colors like red, yellow, orange or blue can effectively illuminate your condo space.
One Shade of Condo Living
Simplicity will always be beautiful. If you are not a huge fan of lively colors, then you can go ahead and go monochrome. White may be stark but finding the right shade will make a home appear more expansive.
Black, gray, dark brown and other dark colors should be used minimally since shadowy colors tend to make a small space appear much smaller.
Tags: condo, condo living, condominium living, designing a small space, living in a condominium, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small space, small space living, small space organization, small space solutions, tips
Posted in Condo Living, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
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