The end of 2016 is approaching. What better time to cast away tired design trends and make way for fresh new ideas in the New Year?  Here are a few of the trends that are on their way out…and what’s following to take their place:

See you later beige. Neutrals were definitely on trend in 2016, but as the year winds down, we’re anticipating fresher, more vibrant hues in 2017. Pastels will be used as neutrals with saturated jewel tones like amethyst and emerald taking centre stage. Still love basic beige? Don’t worry, if you blend beige with lively colours, the overall effect will still be new and exciting. Besides, if you prefer the timeless beauty of neutrals, greys and browns are still popular.

Magnolia Home French Inspired Twin Sisters Upholstered Bed

So long to dull metallics. Awhile back, we said good bye to using just one metallic in a space and began mixing metals of all shades for a wonderfully eclectic result. This year, duller metallics are losing ground – especially brushed nickel. How to stay current? Add bright brass alongside nickel and pewter to give it a glow. Mix silver and chrome with nickel. Add copper to your kitchen to ‘wake up’ your stainless steel appliances. If you’re investing in new furniture, think vibrant metal trim.

Moe’s Tiburon Collection

Au revoir to a single design style. Eclectic home décor is visually interesting, welcoming and provides greater flexibility to express your personality. In 2016, many of us were still trying to ‘match’ styles – to commit exclusively to contemporary or traditional or vintage styling. No more! In 2017, antiques pair with modern; a touch of cottage with transitional, a jolt of bold with conservative. If you choose to mix styles, anchor it with similar colours and proportions.

Decor-Rest Sofa

Bye bye to big furniture. Maybe it’s that homes are getting smaller, or maybe it’s just that a ‘less is more’ lifestyle is on trend. Either way, scaled down furnishings are on trend in 2017 with big bulky pieces making an exit. A more elegant sense of scale and proportion is on trend for a polished, slightly more formal look. (But still inviting!)

Adios to just quartz or granite. These materials are still on trend for 2017, but no longer are they the ONLY choices, whether for counter top, flooring or accessories. Marble is showing up everywhere for 2017 – in every room, every material and in every imaginable way. Hop on the marble trend and enjoy!

Welcome 2017 with fresh décor ideas and approaches. Out with the old – in with the new!

Trends come, trends go. While it’s fun to dabble in new ideas, if you have a limited decorating budget, we suggest investing in classic styles that look spectacular year after year. Nail head trim is a perfect example! It’s been a furniture staple for many, many years – yet recently it’s come to the forefront again, used in new, dramatic ways. Here’s everything you need to know about nail head trim and how to add it to your home.

Nail head trim dates back to the 17^th century. How’s that for classic?! 400 years ago, nail heads were used by furniture craftsmen to actually anchor material to wood; it was a practical way to make strong and durable furniture. How far this trend has evolved! Today it’s the pinnacle of style, adding aesthetic value and bringing vintage-inspired charm to all types of furnishings.

What style of furnishings suits nail head trim? Once used almost exclusively for masculine, substantial leather chairs and sofas, nail head trim has moved into the spotlight. Now you’ll find it on all kinds of fabrics, all textures, even decidedly feminine styles. (BTW, it still looks fabulous on classic ‘manly’ leathers!) From a white leather headboard to a curved, velvet covered arm chair – nail trim brings timeless beauty to a diverse range of furnishings.

Transitional Sofa with Rolled Arms and Spaced Nail head

But isn’t it VERY traditional? Yes, nail head trim brings a sense of tradition and decorum to furniture, but it’s certainly not old school! What makes nail head trim so fun right now is the juxtaposition of old world elegance with modern sensibilities and aesthetics. Nail head trim on transitional, even contemporary furnishings, is fresh yet established – an exciting blend!

Not just for chairs and sofas. Since nail head trim is trendy right now, it’s showing up everywhere. Once the domain of chairs and sofas only, now you’ll find it on headboards, ottomans, bar stools, accent tables, even draperies! What’s more, it’s being used as more than trim – today you’ll find nail heads being used to create gorgeous, intricate patterns on furnishings, notably chests and tables.

Storage Ottoman with Nail Head Trim

Why nail head trim? With sophisticated manufacturing techniques, nail heads are no longer needed for construction – today they simply look amazing! Nail heads accent the lines, shape, texture and colour of furnishings, proving beautiful definition.  It’s like jewellery for furniture!

Berkeley 3 Urban Arm Chair at Stoney Creek Furniture

Nail head options. Whether brass, brushed nickel or shiny chrome, you’ll find nail head trim in many different sizes and finishes, depending on the size, style and colour of the furniture. It adds a custom, artistic touch, giving the piece a high-end vibe.

Explore the many furniture options now available with nail head accents. It’s a beautiful way to add classic charm that will stand the test of time. And don’t forget, eclectic is exciting – mix and match nail head designs with your current pieces for a stunning look!

There’s lots of advice available on how to make a small space feel more expansive – but what if your decorating challenge is just the opposite – what if you have a room that is so big it feels cavernous and uninviting? Read on about how you can make the most of all that real estate.

Scale Your Furniture and Artwork. Keep proportions in mind when you’re choosing furnishings for a large space. Opt for a large round or square coffee table; choose a generously built sectional for seating; select end tables and lamps that fit the scale of the room. Look for some high pieces as well – floor lamps, tall bookcases, sculpture, etc. Make sure your artwork is also larger and bolder; consider statement or abstract art with vivid colours.

Moe’s Circa Open Book Shelf with Iron Frame

Create ‘Rooms’ within a Room. This is the greatest advantage of a large space – you can make it multi-functional. Consider a small table and chairs by the window for a coffee nook; create a music corner with piano, guitars or whatever your passion; designate a mini office with desk and bookcase; maybe even set up a games area with a billiard table. You can use room dividers/screens to help delineate areas; rugs also work well to divide spaces.

Load up on Texture. Texture adds a feeling of comfort and helps with the ‘echo’ effect often experienced in big rooms. Cushions, lush draperies, shag rugs, a large ottoman, statement light fixtures, throws, plants – there are so many ways to instantly make a room cozier. Choose fabrics and upholstery like velvet, leather, suede, nubby silks – even corduroy or denim for a more casual vibe.

Bernhardt Candace Sofa

Go Bold on Your Walls. Bright or dark paint or large scale wall paper prints all work well in a bigger space. Your options are really unlimited. Remember you can use different paint colours to divide spaces within your room.

Add Architectural Detail.  Pillars, ceiling beams, wainscoting and other trim add aesthetic value and visual interest to a space. They also make a room warmer and more welcoming. Wainscoting is a great way to divide a wall into two colours, which also makes the space appear cozier.

Chatelet Collection

Paint Your Ceiling a Darker Colour. If your large room has a high ceiling, paint it a darker colour than your walls. It makes the ceiling appear lower and the room feel more intimate.

Choose Substantial Focal Points. We often say that every room needs a focal point. It`s particularly true in large rooms. In fact, a large room can support more than one focal point to anchor the space. It could be an armoire, a fireplace, a piano or a spectacular desk, for example.

Place Furnishings Away from Walls. When space isn’t an issue, there’s no reason to position sofas and chairs against the walls. Bring them inwards into groupings and embrace the space around for easy traffic flow. You’ll especially appreciate this when you’re entertaining. If the areas surrounding the furniture seem empty, add some beautiful green floor plants for interest.

A large room is really is a blessing in disguise. Enjoy making the most of yours!