Nightstands: What to Choose and How to Decorate

September 18, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Nightstands are often an afterthought in bedroom décor. We often go with the tables that are part of our bedroom ensemble – and of course, that’s a great option. But nightstands don’t have to match your bedroom suite or even each other. Read on for nightstand inspiration – how to choose something unique, how to decorate the top and how to make them much more than just side tables.

Chatelet Collection

Classic Nightstands. You can’t go wrong with a timeless choice. Every possible finish, leg style, hardware option and size is available – classic comes in many variations. You can choose one to complement your bedroom set, or as mentioned, opposites also work well. Perhaps a more modern silhouette in an otherwise traditional room, for example.           Casana nightstand

HINT: If you want to minimize clutter, choose nightstands with multiple shelves, or even better, drawers. They keep your practical and personal items out of sight.

It’s All About the Detail. Check out the curved/scalloped edges, mix of white with distressed grey, the rustic look and the gorgeous case styling on the unique nightstands we’ve featured. Looking for glamourous? There are night stands in silver metallic, with ornate fretwork, Boho styling and much more. The detailing makes them simply stunning.Salon nightstand

Need Extra Storage? A larger piece of furniture fits the bill equally well – just make sure the height is compatible with your bed. The small chests featured throughout this blog provide lots of real estate and outstanding good looks. Look at the artistry, wonderful mix of textures and extraordinary hardware – whether you prefer a feminine, romantic sensibility or a true classic.melange plaid chest

Double Duty. If you’re short on space but not imagination, make your nightstand do two jobs. A small desk can house your night time essentials, lamp and computer and still leave room for a couple of display pieces.sofia desk

Outside the Box. How about something totally different? If you have lots of stuff, choose matching bookcases. Or consider old trunks with plenty of character. How about metallic bar carts or perhaps two gorgeous matching chairs? Don’t limit yourself with conventionality.salon table

No Need to Match. If you enjoy shabby chic or eclectic styling, consider two different nightstands. Be sure they are the same height and have similar finishes. Unify them with matching lamps and similarly styled accessories.

Decorating a Nightstand Top. Think of your nightstand as a mini palette where you can express your creativity. Be sure the colour scheme is cohesive and complements your room and vary the heights of objects – for example, a tall lamp, mid-sized sculpture , a couple of leather bound books and a low jewellery case. It’s also a great place for a framed picture – lean it against the wall versus hanging it for a contemporary feel. Showcase a small collection, crystal for sparkle, a display plate, fresh cut flowers and so on.

HINT: If your table top is smallish, consider wall mounted lamps. Another option? A tiny chandelier hung low over each nightstand. Unbelievably lovely!

Sofa Beds: Comfort and Convenience

September 11, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Sofa beds really are the ultimate in convenience. If you live in a smaller home, apartment or condo, they provide an instant guest room! What I like best about sofa beds is that you’re always prepared – for your daughter’s slumber party, for an unexpected guest or for a visit from your in-laws. Pull it out and you can easily accommodate guests in comfort and style. Just as importantly, when there are no guests, you have a gorgeous sofa that you can enjoy every day. It’s double duty performance.

Roomate Sofa Bed available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Flexibility. Consider how easy it is – you can put a sofa bed just about anywhere – in an office, hobby room, child’s room, family room or of course, a guest room. Or, you can let it steal the show in your living room. Many of the sofa beds we’ve featured here have matching side chairs or love seats to create a full ensemble. Or you can mix and match for a more eclectic, personalized look.

Décor Options. Today’s sofa beds come in every décor style – including contemporary, traditional and transitional. This gives you optimal flexibility as they will look great in any room.

Size and Materials. Whether you choose a double or queen version, a sofa bed takes the worry out of overnight guests. Regarding materials, leather or upholstery options are available – in brights, neutrals, plaids and prints. Be sure to investigate the construction behind the sofa. The sofa bed featured here is quality made and will deliver years of service.

Making Your Guest Comfortable. Some sofa beds are located in a designated guest room, but more often they are in a living/family room. With that in mind, you need to be extra attentive to make sure that your guests have everything they need to be comfortable. Wherever your sofa bed is situated, here’s a checklist of essentials:

  • Nightstand. Be sure your guests have a place to lay their jewellery, glasses, wallet, etc. A nightstand with a lamp should always be beside your sofa bed, even if it’s just for the evening. Remember, an accent table, trunk or even a sturdy chair can serve as a nightstand.
  • Tray of Toiletries. Be sure to put out a tray with toiletries for your guests – toothbrush/paste, soap, tissues, moisturizer, etc. If you put it on a tray, guests are certain it’s for them.
  • Entertainment. Many people like to wind down before they go to sleep. Keep a few popular books on hand, or if space permits, a small TV.
  • Linens. So obvious, yet many people forget this. Beyond what you’ve used to make the bed, be sure to lay out extra pillows and blankets in case it gets chilly in the night.
  • Flowers. Not essential of course, but what a nice treat. In whatever room your guest is sleeping, set out a fresh bouquet.

Did you know that sofa beds date back to the 1950s? How far they’ve come since then. You will be delighted to see the many choices now available.

How to Enhance Your Home with Accent Chairs

September 3, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Is there a corner in your home that just seems to be missing something? Or perhaps you need extra seating when guests arrive? Either way, the answer may be an accent chair! Accent chairs bring form and functionality to any room. Of course, they are great for sitting, but they also add style, character and colour.

Bristol Collection

Bristol Collection

Here’s what an accent chair can do for your home:

  • Add Colour & Pattern. Accent chairs come in every conceivable colour and pattern. Go neutral to blend in, or add a jolt of colour like yellow, turquoise or sea foam green. Plaids and geometric prints are especially trendy right now and add so much visual interest.
  • Add Diversity. An accent chair (or 2) is a great way to introduce a silhouette, theme or pattern into a space; in fact, it can set the tone for a room. Conversely, an accent chair can be in contrast to the décor of the rest of a room as a stunning focal point, unique in its styling and colours.
  • Add Convenience. If you often entertain, an accent chair is a convenient extra seat – or a special seat away from the group seating on the sofa. It’s your own little oasis of comfort.
Accent Chairs available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Accent Chairs available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Chair Considerations. You’ve found the perfect chair for you – it’s beautiful and comfortable. But before you buy, here are some other points to consider:

  • Size. Will the chair fit your space and match other furniture proportions? An accent chair can certainly stand alone in style, but be sure it harmonizes with the size of other pieces .
  • Leg Shape. Straight is more contemporary, curved more traditional, ornate more Victorian, flared more mid-century, etc. Consider the effect you want to create.
  • Finish. Look at light and dark woods, distressed options, even metal – finish material and colour also help determine décor style.
  • Upholstery. Fabric or leather? Consider durability, washability and colour fastness. A seldom used chair can be covered in a delicate fabric, but a family room choice must be tough.
Accent Chairs available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Accent Chairs available at Stoney Creek Furniture

What are your accent chair options? There’s an accent chair for every space, ever taste and every need. Here are a few of the more popular styles:

  • Club Chair. This chair says ‘comfort’, loud and clear. It’s typically plushy back and bottom, has high sides and a fitted form that’s conducive to a nap or a long conversation. Perfect in a living room.
  • Slipper. The lovely slipper chair has gained popularity for its simple silhouette and versatility. It’s a great addition to any room or corner, but I like it best in a bedroom or washroom. Without arms, its best suited as a quick, but beautiful, seat.
  • Wing Back. Once the domain of a traditional study, contemporary versions are softer, available in gorgeous colours and suit any room; especially perfect in quiet corner for reading.
  • Occassional. Many people call any accent chair an occasional chair, but in fact, it refers to a chair that is slight and easily movable, and sometimes with an open wood or wicker back and a small seat cushion.
  • Bergere. These are easily the most elegant of all accent chairs. Defined by longer wood legs and a visible wood frame around cushioned seats and backs, the bergere suits any home committed to sophistication.
  • Recliner. The most comfortable chairs ever – and with the abundance of options available today, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. The quintessential family room chair.

The accent is definitely on chairs! Whatever your style, find one you love and relax.

Back to School Report: The Latest Trends for Children’s Bedrooms

August 28, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

When it’s back to school after a fun-filled summer, it’s time to focus on getting our children’s bedrooms ready for the year ahead. Whether you’re thinking a complete renovation, some new furniture or just a few new accessories, let us inspire you! Of course we want our children’s bedrooms to be functional – for sleeping, studying, quiet time, storage and entertaining their friends – but we also want them to be fabulously fun and beautiful.

Bryce Canyon Collection

Bryce Canyon Collection

Here are our Top 10 trends for kids’ rooms. What will you and your family choose?

  1. Black & White. We always think of brights or pastels for children’s rooms, but black & white is so chic – and it turns out children find the graphic combination quite stimulating. Choose timeless, quality furniture in black and add pops of your child’s favourite colour in accessories for a stunning room.
  2. Grey. If black & white is too strong for you, opt for grey. Again, it’s a colour we seldom consider for children’s rooms, but the effect is spectacular. Be sure to add soft accents in yellow, pink or turquoise to keep it fresh. (On wallpaper perhaps?) Maybe even consider grey furniture. Your child will feel all grown up!

    Payton Collection

    Payton Collection

  3. Oh-So-Bold! The new twist on bold for a child’s room is to forgo matchy-matchy in the colour scheme. Lots of brights mixed together is the trend. With so much bold colour, bedroom furniture in a classic wood is the ideal complement.
  4. Sitting Areas. Older children love to entertain in their rooms. Consider a curtain or divider to hide the bed and give the room a den feeling and create a mini sitting section with a couple of comfy chairs. The go-to choice for trendy kids? Poufs. They are a must-have!
  5. Bed Focus. Many parents complain that there is so much happening in children’s rooms that they’ve forgotten it’s primarily about sleep. A popular trend is to make the room all about the bed – as the focal point for the space. Choose something outstanding, like a daybed.

    Wendy Bellissimo Collection

    Wendy Bellissimo Collection

  6. Lots of Storage. Storage space is always in style, but today especially when kids seem to have more and more things. Shelves and built-ins are a great option, but I recommend beds with drawers. What a great way to optimise storage space and hide clutter.
  7. Preppy. Classic bedrooms are stylish again, with a nod to the 1980s. Navy & white colour schemes, stripes, traditional, unfussy furniture and minimal accessories set the mood.

    Smartstuff Collection

    Smartstuff Collection

  8. Mainly White. Lots of white, including furniture, walls, rugs and linens is an elegant touch for kids craving sophistication. Touches of colour add some fun, but keep it minimal. The look is serene.

    Smartstuff Collection

    Smartstuff Collection

  9. Vintage. Cast iron beds, floral wallpaper and shag rugs on hardwood – an older retro look is also hot these days. Decidedly pretty and feminine.
  10. Luxury. One of my favourite trends is to add luxury touches to a child’s room. Not real certainly, but fun imitations. Faux fur cushions, faux zebra rugs, a faux leather ottoman and perhaps a faux sheepskin hide thrown over a rocking or accent chair.