New Year, New Decor Colours: Your Guide for 2016 Colour Trends

January 8, 2016 by Stoney Creek Furniture

A change of colour, whether on the walls, in furnishings or in accessories, makes a dramatic change. Best of all, it can be done easily and affordable – perhaps just an accent wall, new chair or some throw cushions in the latest colour trends.

Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture.

Hooker Furniture Desk Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture.

Canadian House & Home identifies three major colour trends for 2016 in their January issue:

  • Jewel Tones. Ruby, sapphire and emerald add richness to any space. The effect is high end and luxurious when used abundantly, lighter and fresher when applied only to accents. It’s a classic look that’s perfect for a traditional or even a Victorian-inspired home, paired with tufting, curved lines and warm woods. In a contemporary home, jewel tones add depth and glamour to whites and neutrals.
  • Fresh Neutrals. Always stylish, the new neutrals are cleaner than seasons past. Neither warm nor cool, these are true neutrals that reflect light beautifully. Look for smoky grey and pure, clean white. For contrast, try using dark grey on trim and architectural details with soft white walls.
  • Matte Black. Black is sleek, sensuous and simply everywhere this season! Furnishings, accessories and even cutlery and faucets are showing up in oh-so-cool matte black. Ready to challenge the status quo? How about black walls? The overall look is certainly dramatic, but also ultra sophisticated.

    Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture.

    Hooker Furniture Dining Collection Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture.

Looking for further shade inspiration? Look to these options for your home this season:

  • Fabulous Florals. Timelessly beautiful, florals are always stylish – the trick is in keeping them fresh and fun. This year, florals are big, bold and often set against a dark background, usually black. Consider adding wallpaper or updating your upholstery for a quick injection of pattern!
  • Bluer than Blue. Is blue ever really off the radar? For 2016, look for darker, deeper blues, like indigo, turquoise, denim and especially navy. If black walls are too radical for your taste, navy may be the answer, with all the richness minus the leap outside your comfort zone. Furniture tip: Add a turquoise or mid-blue accent chest to contrast the darker walls.

    Hooker Furniture Chests Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture.

    Hooker Furniture Chests Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture.

  • Pink. Bright and dark pinks like fuchsia reign supreme this season, but you’ll also see a return to gentler pinks, including pastels and beige pinks. The latter colours are being used in main living areas and even highly functional spaces like kitchens; it’s unexpected, but also fun and flirty. Rose Quartz and Serenity, (pastel pink and blue) are Pantone’s combined Colour of the Year. Let these shades be your guide. You’ll want to stay away from bubble gum colours and lean toward cool, elegant tones.
  • Metallics. Still hugely popular this season, metallic gold, copper and chrome are especially hot. Experiment with metallic accessories or trims in your home on accents and furniture!

    Caracole Chairs Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture.

    Caracole Chairs Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture.

Don’t forget, you can add just a little of these colour trends to your home by integrating accent pieces and accessories – and still be a trend setter.

New Year, New Ideas to Get Organized

December 31, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

When the Christmas decorations come down, one thing is on my mind – getting organized! There’s something about the clean slate of a New Year that inspires us to tidy, sort and arrange our homes. For most of us, the biggest challenge is finding storage space. First, of course, you must edit your home and sell/repurpose/discard things you no longer need. Then you’re ready to store the items that remain, making them easy to access and replace when you’re done using them. Here are a few of our favourite storage ideas to get your home better organized in 2016:

Bookcases. A misnomer for sure, bookcases are much more than a place for books. Virtually anything can be displayed or stored on bookcases. Consider bookcases to showcase your collectibles, family treasures, etc.; they are functional and beautiful. You can also custom build bookcases that will accommodate your specific requirements – go floor to ceiling and wall to wall. In busy spaces like a family room, they can be a lifesaver. HINT: Use lots of baskets or boxes to divide and conquer clutter and keep it out of sight.

Industrial Collection Bookshelf available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Industrial Collection Bookshelf available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Shelves in Unexpected Places. Whether you purchase a small shelf or build it in, evaluate your home creatively to find new storage areas. I added a tall shelf on the landing of my basement stairs for an instant pantry. Where can you find space? How about that nook under the stairs? Or maybe cupboards above eye level for seldom-used things? Corner shelves are also practical for small spaces like powder rooms.

Open Shelves. This look is very trendy right now as well as being practical. Open shelves are ideal in kitchens, bathrooms and children’s rooms – anywhere you need quick access to in-demand items. The trick is in making it look visually pleasing and cohesive. We suggest keeping everything in the same colour family if you can. HINT: This is the year to make all your bathroom towels white.

Create a Mini-Office. You don’t need a dedicated room to create an office. A desk can occupy a corner in your bedroom (and look super stylish). Or if you need more work space, custom build a shelf wall to wall, ground it with drawers and tuck under a chair (or 2 to work side by side). Consider building it in your kitchen, hallway or family room.

Tower Suite Writing Desk Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture

Tower Suite Writing Desk Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture

Furniture Storage Solutions. Double duty furniture can solve many of your storage problems. Beds with drawers are a must-have for children’s rooms, as well as coffee tables with storage drawers, hall benches with storage and ottomans with storage. Today’s styles work hard and look great!

Danielle Collection Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture

Danielle Collection Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture

Hall Chests. Instead of a hall table, choose a chest. Instantly you’ve got ample storage space for gloves, scarves, keys, sunglasses and toys – whatever you need to grab quickly when you’re leaving the house. Plus, you’ll free the top from clutter, leaving room for a bouquet.

Chest by Hooker Furniture coming soon to Stoney Creek Furniture

Chest by Hooker Furniture coming soon to Stoney Creek Furniture

Curio Cabinets. Where do you showcase those treasures you received for Christmas? With new styling, curio cabinets have recaptured our imagination.

Howard Miller Curio available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Howard Miller Curio available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Wishing you a happy, healthy and organized 2016!

2016 Décor Trends: How to Get the Very Latest Looks

December 24, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

2016 is quickly approaching – and that means just one thing – redecorating. The Editors at Canadian House & Home® certainly know a thing or two about great design; with their guidance, your home will be perfectly on trend in the year ahead. Here are their Top 10 picks for 2016 décor trends:

  1. Pin Leg Furniture. The 1950s are so trendy right now. Skinny, splayed furniture legs are just one example – and they’re everywhere. The legs are long, lean and modern, with a contrasting curvy silhouette for the main part of the piece. Perfect for a contemporary or eclectic space.

    Shannon Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

    Shannon Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

  1. Inlaid Stone Floors. Go big and bold with durable, beautiful stone inlay. It’s a fresh take on traditional stone floors with strong geometrics, playful patterns and touches of vivid colour.
  1. Pretty & Practical. This season, a feminine aesthetic is making its way into unexpected rooms like the kitchen and laundry room. Choose pastels, floral patterns and don’t forget Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2016, the pink/blue combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity. If you want to sample rather than dive in, simply add touches of delicate colours in your accessories.
  1. Modern, Glass-fronted Cabinets. With a nod to Shaker styling, the new look for display cabinets is decidedly minimalist. Uncluttered and simplified, clean lines and subtle styling are the trademarks. Be sure the items you display are edited – adhere to a less is more philosophy.
  1. Serene, Simple Style. A key trend for 2016 is a very restrained approach to home décor. Each element, each piece of furniture, each accessory is important, carefully chosen for the desired effect. The understated décor allows textures, colour and architectural details to come forward.

    Montreal Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

    Montreal Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

  1. Next Gen Appliances. Appliance manufacturers have been thinking way outside the box with new features like double side-by-side oven doors and washing machines with a washing ‘drawer’ for small loads. Functional and stunning!
  1. Parquetry. We’ve all seen incredible parquet floors with intricate, spectacular designs. The current trend goes beyond floors to celebrate the beauty of parquet in surprising places – furniture (tabletops especially), accessories, even fabric and upholstery!
  1. Updated Neutrals. Timeless classics like jute, raffia and sisal add texture to any room. This season they’re getting a makeover with touches of colour – it’s fresh and fabulous!
  1. Retro Family Time. Enjoy family time from an era past in a room that’s light and airy. Low tech is the theme. Get comfy on a settee with 1960s styling or play a game of ping pong. Splashes of bright colour in accents and accessories make the space inviting and fun.
  1. ‘70s Italian Style. The look is sexy and moody, featuring one-of-a-kind furniture, earthy palettes, lush fabrics and abundant texture. Think high style! Bring on contrast by mixing angular lines with fluid curves and traditional elegance with contemporary drama.

    Tower Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

    Tower Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

I can’t wait to get started on new décor for 2016! Full credit goes to Canadian House & Home for their insights above – as showcased in their January 2016 issue.

Unique Gift-Giving Ideas: Home Accessories, Accents and Beyond

December 18, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

We all want to choose special, thoughtful Christmas gifts that will be enjoyed and appreciated. With that in mind, this holiday season, why not give something for the home? Consider the advantages: home accessories and accents, whether big or small, will bring pleasure to the recipient for years to come, they help create a pleasing environment for the entire family and they’re both practical and beautiful.

Here are a few suggestions to kick start your imagination:

Wall Art. The right wall hangings transform a room. Look for the latest trends like bright bold prints, wild animal/nature themes and gold/brass frames. Don’t forget that mirrors are also art! Consider a dynamic new shape or a grouping of several smaller mirrors.

Accessories. Give something trendy to spice up a room – like faux fur pillows, rustic wooden candle holders, industrial-inspired lamps or a throw featuring Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2016, a subtle pastel pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity.

Lighting options available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Lighting options available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Small Furniture Pieces. Poufs, tiny accent tables, a small bench – gifts like these are affordable and yet add enormous charm to a room. They’re sure to be admired by the home décor aficionado on your list!

Corsica Table available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Corsica Table available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Feeling Extravagant? Go Big! There’s a furniture gift for everyone in the family:

For Your Husband: How about his very own wing back chair? He can use it in his study or even in the family room for watching TV. There are numerous options available, from timeless leather with a tufted back to more modern silhouettes.

Candace Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Candace Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

For Your Daughter: Many young girls love getting prettied up! What about the gift of a gorgeous vanity and chair set that will make her feel like a princess? There are styles in white, soft grey or darker finishes, depending on her preferences. With a mirror, drawers and counter space, it can handle all the accessories she needs to look perfect for her busy day.

Inspirations Collection by Wendy Bellissimo available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Inspirations Collection by Wendy Bellissimo available at Stoney Creek Furniture

For Your Son: Every boy wants bunk beds – they’re so much fun – whether for sharing a room or just for sleepovers. There are many variations, with some including loads of storage space for clothes and toys. Another option for boy or girl is a stylish desk, making going back to school after the holidays just a little more bearable.

Dawson's Ridge Bunk Bed available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Dawson’s Ridge Bunk Bed available at Stoney Creek Furniture

For the Family: The whole family will enjoy home entertainment seating. Styles with two or three seats are available, or two units can be grouped together if you have a big gang. They’re comfortable, attractive and durable, with all the perks and whistles, including reclining seats and cup holders.

Motivo Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Motivo Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

For You! Start dropping hints for a cozy, round upholstered chair for your bedroom, study or hobby room. It’s ideal for a good read and will make any corner inviting. Here are some other ideas: a contemporary curio cabinet for your collectibles or a traditional chest to store your sentimental treasures.

Snuggler Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Snuggler Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture