The Cocktail Table: Tips to Choose the Right Style for Your Space

October 10, 2017 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Cocktail table or coffee table? It turns out they’re two different names for exactly the same thing. But don’t you think cocktail table sounds more special occasion and more fun? I do—so that’s what we’ll use here! The truth is, whatever you call them, these tables are both practical and beautiful. They provide a convenient place to lay a beverage, snack, book or TV remote – and of course aesthetic elements like a vase, candlesticks, etc.

With entertainment season upon us, now is a great time to consider a new cocktail table. Before you shop – read on for some pointers and ideas.

Carlton Square Cocktail Table

Carlton Square Cocktail Table

Diversity. Imagine the table of your dreams – chances are – it’s out there. What do you like? What suits your space? Wood – dark, light, glossy or distressed?  Metal – gold, bronze or pewter? Glass-topped? A unique combination of materials? Slim legs or a sturdy pedestal base? Round, square or rectangle? Traditional, industrial, rustic or contemporary? The options are truly endless.

Tiburon Cocktail Table

Tiburon Cocktail Table

Multi-purpose. There’s no reason a cocktail table has to just have a single layer on top. Many tables now have multiple shelves, drawers, pull-outs and even lifting lids for hidden storage.

Cocktail Ottoman with tufting

Cocktail Ottoman with tufting

Ottoman Style. Speaking of multi-functional, one of my very favourite furniture pieces is the ottoman cocktail table. Some are equipped with drawers for storage and include a tray on top to hold drinks and snacks. Plus, it’s also a comfy seat and a footstool – and makes a gorgeous décor statement.

Markus Bronze Cocktail Table

Markus Bronze Cocktail Table

Focal Point. A cocktail table can be the focal point of your room. No need to match it to your end tables (unless you prefer it that way!). Choose a spectacular cocktail table, decorate it and enjoy.  How about a glass-topped table with an intricate gold base? So glamourous! Or a large farmhouse-styled table that’s beautifully rugged? Consider showcasing a collection on your coffee table, or a simple bouquet of flowers or an outstanding piece of sculpture.

Garrett Lift-Top Cocktail Table

Garrett Lift-Top Cocktail Table

Dining Space. In a small space, a cocktail table can double as a dining table. It’s fun and casual. Choose a large table, set it in style and enjoy! PS Poufs or mini-stools can be tucked under the table or kept nearby for easy access.

Modern Basics Collection

Modern Basics Collection

Multiple Tables. We always think ‘one cocktail table and two end tables’ – but why? If your room is configured with multiple seating areas (or if you simply have abundant space), consider multiple cocktail tables. How about several smaller round tables? Or perhaps two rectangular tables in different sizes? Keep the tables matching for cohesion within the room.

Other Options. Some are choosing cocktail tables that aren’t tables at all! How about a trunk, a repurposed sled or even a drum? Think WAY outside the box and find what’s right for you. A little whimsy can be wonderful.

And right now, we are celebrating our Anniversary with Scratch, Spin and Win. Scratch savings of 25% to 40% off your purchase! Click here for details.

No Comments / Posted in Accents, Accessories, Design tips, Tips

Dining Rooms: What’s Trendy (and Timeless!) This Season

October 2, 2017 by Stoney Creek Furniture

As Fall settles in, we turn our attention to entertaining indoors. With Thanksgiving upon us and Christmas on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to update your dining room. Right now is also a very exciting time to embark on a dining room makeover. The latest trends offer the opportunity to redecorate on YOUR terms – with a look that suits how you live and the things you love. Here’s what we’re seeing…

The Joy of Juxtaposition.

The biggest trend is the allure of contrast. New pieces mixed with vintage. Rustic paired with refined. It’s dramatic and fresh. Consider a glass topped table with Louis XVI chairs; a harvest-styled table with modern side chairs; leather chairs with a metal-edged table. Be bold!

Magnolia Home Boho Collection

Magnolia Home Boho Collection

Light Wood is Back.

Simple, pure, clean. After seasons of mostly dark and distressed woods, light woods are making a comeback. (Not to worry, dark is still popular too!). For an innovative touch, incorporate a couple of darker wood chairs. Inherently informal, light woods pair nicely with either light surroundings for a very fresh look or contrasting darker walls.

Easton & Griffith now available.

Easton & Griffith now available.

More and More Mixing.

For a few seasons we’ve seen the beauty of mixing styles and materials, almost with a touch of abandon! It continues this year. Metal, glass, leather, woods (from polished to rugged) are being combined in unexpected ways. Chair options are especially diverse. For example, choose four chairs the same but with different end chairs, or add a bench seat or even upholster each chair differently (but in complementary patterns).

Soul Dining Collection now available.

Soul Dining Collection now available.

Traditional Endures.

Thank goodness! If you love a matched dining room suite or the classic beauty of dark, glossy wood, don’t dismay. Some home furnishing choices will always be in style. This is one of them. Enjoy!

Grantham Hall Collection now available.

Grantham Hall Collection now available.

Materials Update.

What’s new? What’s new AGAIN? Wicker is back and is a great choice for a casual space. Velvet is popular again (did it ever really leave?). Acrylic chairs remain a trendy, fun choice this season, as do metal and metal-edged chairs. Rich plain fabrics, tropical prints and classic stripes are showing up for upholstery choices and table linens.

Consider Wallpaper.

With so much open wall space, the dining room is one of the best rooms for wallpaper. Choose a classic floral, funky geometric or a hint of sparkle.

Enjoy getting your dining room ready for the season ahead! More than ever, remember, you can bend the rules and express your individuality.

No Comments / Tags: , , , / Posted in Decor, Design tips, Entertaining, Fall, Furniture

How to Incorporate Stripes in Your Home.

September 26, 2017 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Stripes are timeless. They’ve always been in style and likely always will be. But don’t think classic means boring. Stripes can take on many personas. Boldly-coloured stripes are modern and daring; navy and white stripes are elegant; stripes in the same colour family are subtle and sophisticated. Why are stripes so spectacular? Read on…

Magnolia Home Parlour Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Magnolia Home Striped Parlour Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Stripes can change room shapes.

Vertical stripes make a room appear to have a higher ceiling. Horizontal stripes make a space feel wider and elongated. Walls painted with alternating plain and glossy stripes in the same shade give a room the illusion of greater depth. But always keep proportion in mind. A large room looks best with wide stripes; thin stripes will be dizzying. Likewise, thin stripes suit a small space where big stripes would be overwhelming.

Stripes are ideal for walls, floors, ceilings, accessories and furnishings.

How’s that for versatility? If you love stripes, consider striping your walls or using striped wallpaper. If you want a unique farmhouse look, paint stripes on rugged wood floors. For a one-of-a-kind ceiling, paint alternate stripes in a pale pastel and white. How about pink or blue? For a sofa that will look good today and down the road, consider stripes. Or for just a touch of striping, stick to accessories – you’ll find everything from striped rugs to bedding to vases to dishes to wall art!

Stripes partner perfectly with other patterns.

It depends on how adventurous you are and the effect you want to create, but generally, almost anything goes with stripes. Polka dots? Yes. Plaid? Yes. Florals? Yes. But unless you want sensory overload, be sure you use the same colour scheme across patterns and if you’re choosing florals, go dainty and muted rather than bold. For a graphic yet classic look, go for black and white stripes. They match just about everything – a neutral in disguise! TIP: Never go overboard with stripes, especially when mixing with other patterns. Keep some key elements pattern-free.

Magnolia Home Parlor Settee

Magnolia Home Striped Parlor Settee available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Stripes add interest to plain.

If you choose plain upholstery for your primary furniture pieces, stripes are a great way to add interest and dimension to your space. Whether you choose a striped ottoman, a striped accent chair or something as simple as striped lampshades and cushions, you’ll immediately notice the richness and charm stripes add to an otherwise ordinary room.

Stripes let you go a little crazy.

Like we said, stripes aren’t always conservative. Stripes can be fun and whimsical – consider stripes of varying widths and colours in a kid’s room or family room. Go horizontal, it’s quirky and fresh! TIP: Always choose contrasting colours for stripes or colours from the same family, whether bold or soft. Avoid using loud colours together like red and purple, for example.

 

No Comments / Tags: , , , / Posted in Decor, Design tips, Tips, Trends

Meet Fall’s Trendiest Neutral: Chocolate Brown (and a hint of Blush Pink!)

September 15, 2017 by Stoney Creek Furniture

The name Chocolate Brown conjures up images of warmth, coziness and even deliciousness! Brown was once the most-overlooked colour – reserved for dated wall panelling and drab sofas. Today, chocolate brown is changing our attitude. Chocolate brown is rich and exciting, perhaps even a little sexy.

Here’s why it’s this season favourite neutral:

Magnolia Home Boho Collection

Magnolia Home Boho Collection

  • Works in any décor style. Chocolate brown is very versatile. While we often associate it with traditional décor, it performs just as well in a modern or transitional setting (or just about anywhere). Brown can be spicy, cool or romantic depending on the furnishings you choose and the colours, finishes and metals you pair it with.
  • Provides a foundation. Chocolate brown’s neutrality makes it a perfect foundation to highlight art, furniture, architectural details, etc. Consider bold art on a chocolate brown accent wall, a gold metallic table on a chocolate brown rug or bright white pillars and trim in a room painted chocolate brown. While never boring, chocolate brown’s straightforward nature makes every colour near it spring to life.

    Warm, brown leather Natuzzi Editions sofa in a chocolate panelled room

    Warm, brown leather Natuzzi Editions sofa in a chocolate brown room

  • Exudes stability, earthiness and calmness. Brown is a soothing colour with a legacy of security, relaxation and genuineness. What beautiful sentiments to convey in your home! A space with chocolate brown tones is welcoming and warm; elegant but without pretense.
  • Represents nature. Adding to its allure, chocolate brown is a natural hue – it’s the colour of many woods and is a classic, forever-stylish furniture choice. Consider the beauty of a dining table, coffee table or bedroom dresser in a timeless dark wood.

    Cozy two-piece sofa chaise

    Cozy two-piece sofa chaise in a soft brown

  • Ideal for upholstery. Beyond wood, chocolate brown is also incredibly popular for upholstery – and for good reason. It stands the test of time, looking stylish for years while you update the paint colours, accessories and accent pieces around it. Look for gorgeous brown leather or suede sofas, tweeds, rich cottons and luxe velvets.
  • Makes other colours richer. When you pair virtually any colour with chocolate brown, you give it a shot of sophistication. Pastels, turquoise, coral, yellow – all of these pretty shades get a little more glamourous when they sit beside chocolate brown. Try adding brown accents for instant chic.

And Now…Blush Pink!

In complete juxtaposition to chocolate brown, blush pink is also trendy this fall. Not only does it look spectacular with chocolate brown, it’s fun, hip and totally unexpected as a fall colour. Choose blush pink for accessories to brighten up a neutral room or go all out with blush walls. Blush pink is also a fresh choice for an accent chair, rug or draperies for a touch of summer year round. HINT: A blush pink ceiling adds ambience and charm to a space.

This fall, consider chocolate brown as a foundation or accent colour for your home. You’ll be amazed at how stunning the results are!

No Comments / Tags: , , , , / Posted in colour, Fall, Tips, Trends

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