Creating an Inspiring Home Office

February 5, 2018 by Stoney Creek Furniture
Sutton Collection

Sutton Collection

Don’t you agree that it’s much easier to work in a beautiful space? I’m convinced that a dull, dreary home office zaps your energy, while a gorgeous room actually improves your productivity! Whether you’ve grabbed a corner of your bedroom as an office, or have a large, dedicated work area, there’s so much you can do to personalize and energize your space.

Here are some of our favourite ideas:

Choose your colours. Colours affect our moods profoundly. When you’re decorating an office, keep in mind that colour may strongly influence how you work! For example, yellow is stimulating; blue is calming and encourages concentration; green creates a sense of balance and harmony; purple is contemplative and promotes deeper thinking. A neutral office is always ‘safe’, but may not spur your creativity. Of course, always choose colours you love!

Bellamy Home Office Collection

Bellamy Home Office Collection

What’s your style? Is your home rustic, contemporary, modern or traditional? With the diverse selection of office furniture available today, your work space can beautifully complement the rest of your home. Whether you like sleek and simple, elegant glossy wood, rugged distressed wood or mostly metal – it’s available! Add a credenza if space permits to house your supplies and create a unified look.

Dress up your walls. Don’t stare into space for inspiration, gaze at a wall that will make you smile! How about graphic, bold wallpaper? Or a chalkboard wall for messages, art and ideas? Or a gallery wall of favourite images on a theme? Or even a hand painted mural of a favourite quote?

French Cafe Collection

French Cafe Collection

Pick Some Flowers. Add some on-trend green plants to purify the air and soothe your spirit or fresh cut flowers for scent and beauty. Natural elements make any room more joyful.

Sitting Pretty. Your office chair doesn’t have to be blah and boring! There are so many designs available that not only look great, but are comfortable and supportive for long periods of sitting. Wood, metal, leather, upholstered, tufted – there are endless choices.

Add Shelves. Bookcases are the office standard and are always appropriate, but open shelves may allow you to better express your individual style, including displaying your collections and your sense of whimsy – things that make work more fun! If your drawer space is limited, shelves are also a perfect place to display beautiful and functional containers for work materials, supplies, etc.

Transcend Collection

Transcend Collection

Go Luxe. Who says a home office has to be strictly practical? Choose rich jewel tones and luxe fabrics – a leather work chair, velvet accent chair, lamps with fabric shades and a thick, plush rug. Indulge!

Create your dream work space and get inspired! Who knows, the next big genius idea may be yours!

Introducing the Plank Road Collection: Where Vintage Meets Contemporary

January 26, 2018 by Stoney Creek Furniture

The word ‘plank’ conjures up images of timeworn timber; of wood lovingly etched through use and age. That appears to be the inspiration behind Plank Road, a new furniture line that brings heritage and quality together beautifully. Plank Road is vintage farmhouse and factory industrial combined, yet with a thoroughly modern sensibility. Let’s look closer…

Plank Road Counter Height Dining Collection

Plank Road Counter Height Dining Collection

History.

This manufacturer proudly stays true to its roots, dating back to 1946. Plank Road is crafted, not contrived; it’s constructed simply, showcasing the wood’s grain, rough hewn character and uneven plank design.

Quality.

Solid woods like New Zealand Pine bring sturdy beauty to this line, made in the tradition that cabinet makers have been using for centuries. There are no fussy details, no unnecessary embellishment. The lines are clean and the palette neutral, allowing texture to take centre stage.

Plank Road Dining Collection

Plank Road Dining Collection on display at our Stoney Creek location.

Ambience.

‘Nostalgic’, ‘cozy’, ‘casual’ and ‘organic’ – these words describe the old meets new feeling of Plank Road. Each piece has a unique character than brings understated charm to any space and style, from modern to traditional.

Finishes.

Two finishes come together to tell the Plank Road story – Stone, a natural brown that lightly shades the natural pine and Charcoal, a grey hue that adds contrast and weathering.

Plank Road Bedroom Collection

Plank Road Bedroom Collection on display at our Stoney Creek location.

Selection.

Beds, dressers, dining tables and chairs, side boards and cabinets in multiple styles form the foundation of the line. The pieces integrate seamlessly with many other home furnishings, or can be bought as an ensemble to complete a room.

Practicality.

While the look is rugged vintage, modern lifestyles are at the heart of Plank Road. For example, a counter height dining set make meals casual and laid back while built-in outlets in select storage pieces make it easy to stay connected. There’s care, passion and thought behind every Plank Road piece – and it clearly shows.

Are you looking for furnishings with vintage appeal, quality craftsmanship and timeless style? Come in to Stoney Creek Furniture today and take a stroll down Plank Road!

Hygge and Wabi-Sabi: What They Are and How to Experience Them in Your Home

January 19, 2018 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Have you heard of hygge and wabi-sabi? They are lifestyle/décor approaches that are rooted in very different cultures, yet they encompass philosophies that are beautifully intertwined. Both are about appreciating simplicity, embracing comfort and finding joy in everyday pleasures. Hygge and wabi-sabi are trending right now, yet they reflect an aesthetic that is timeless. Sound interesting? Here’s more information about each concept – and how you can bring hygge and wabi-sabi sensibilities to your home.

Hygge

Hygge is all about being comfortable, cozy, content and peaceful. Layer with pillows, throws and warm textures.

Hygge is a Danish word used to describe a special feeling or moment.

It’s a way of living for the Danes and an important part of their culture. Some say it’s the ‘art of creating intimacy’. Hygge is all about being comfortable, cozy, content and peaceful, whether alone or with friends and family. Hygge is not something you buy, although some items can certainly help foster the feel-good of hygge. Like wabi-sabi, hygge isn’t artificial or contrived; it simply is. That said, here are a few ideas to help set the stage for hygge in your home:

    • Plenty of pillows, throws and cushions in soft fabrics.
    • Lots of candles – and a real fireplace would be nice!
    • Comfortable, generous furnishings to cuddle up in.
    • An armchair in a corner for reading.
    • Knitted and handcrafted items.
    • A simple wood dining room table and comfy chairs to host dinner parties with friends.

Wabi-sabi is ancient idea founded in Zen Buddhism.

It’s about appreciating the beauty of the imperfect, whether through wear, age or use. It’s in opposition to our modern obsession with perfection and organization – instead welcoming flaws, cracks and idiosyncrasies. Wabi-sabi isn’t linear or symmetrical; rather it’s wonderfully random and easy-to-live with. It’s about not sweating the details – a little rust and a few paint chips are fine. It’s about seeing the story behind the flaws and enjoying it. How can you bring wabi-sabi to your home?

    • Blend vintage and heirloom with newer pieces – eclectic is welcome.
    • Handmade is perfect – and remember, natural is best, like pottery for example.
    • Exposed brick and beams suit this style.
    • Leather and furnishings with distressing or mark are on trend, but the distressing should come from natural wear.
    • Choose wood grains that are uneven.
    • Look for organic and natural materials like cotton and linen – a little wrinkling is good!
    • The key word is ‘authentic’ – wabi-sabi is never pretentious or fake.
    • Neutral décor works well with wabi-sabi, keeping the palette muted and subtle.

What’s truly beautiful about hygge and wabi-sabi is that they both focus on acceptance and simplicity – enjoying life in the moment and not obsessing about perfection. They take a genuine approach to home décor that creates a perfect escape from today’s demanding world…

Part 2: The Most Livable Decor Trends for 2018

January 12, 2018 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Last week, we showed you some of our favourite decor trends for 2018 – but with a difference – we weeded through the impractical and inconvenient to bring you the freshest and most livable decor trends we’ve seen.

This week, we have some more easy-to-live-with 2018 trends – what will you choose?

Statement Ceilings. Some are calling it the ‘5th Wall’ and I can’t agree more. I’ve been painting and dressing ceilings for years and now it’s totally on trend! Look up and imagine the possibilities – wallpaper, metallic paint, animal patterns, stripes, circles or classic distressed beams. Honestly, it transforms a space!

Gene Sofa

Gene Sofa

Less Linear Furniture. While we still love mid-century modern, 2018 embraces eclectic. Furnishings have more curve and are more fluid and casual. There’s less rigidity and oftentimes even a touch of something wonderfully random. Make it livable by adding one or two new accent pieces to your home while keeping your contemporary/transitional vibe intact.

Maximalism. As we strive to insulate our homes against the stress of the outside world, a new livable trend called ‘maximalism’ is becoming popular. It’s all about supreme comfort! Bring on the texture, colour and pattern – layer it, embrace it, revel in it. Pattern is even the new standard for houseplants, which are outrageously popular this season. Look for plants like the Wandering Jew and Prayer Plant.

Ottoman with storage

Ottoman with storage

Flexible Furnishings. We’re looking for furnishings that do more – showcasing double duty, portability and purposefulness. You’ll see more options that offer storage and are easy to move from place to place. In 2018, even accessories are tasked with doing more than just looking good! Experiment and enjoy!

Sage as a New Neutral. This greyish green shade is soft and easy to decorate with; it stays neutral, while bringing subtle colour to any space. Sage blends seamlessly with just about anything, including woods, metallics and many other colours. Try it on your walls, in accessories, on an accent chair, paint an old piece of furniture sage – or try it on the ceiling.

Athens Server

Athens Server

Bar and Coffee Carts. Our fascination with all things mixology continues in 2018 – stunning bar carts with beautiful decanters and glassware are ultra trendy for living/dining rooms. But is it livable for you? If not, make it a coffee cart, complete with beautiful mugs, a plethora of blends, tea and coffee canisters and even a few plants.

Redecorating for 2018 is exciting! Whether you want to do a few small updates or a complete home makeover, try some of these livable decor trends that will look great throughout 2018 – and way beyond!