Hosting a springtime dinner party – furniture accents to make it easy and fun!

March 30, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

With Easter and warmer weather just around the corner, you’ll be having more gatherings with friends and family. While there are recipes and table setting advice for those special occasions, I often find that the infrastructure is what makes or breaks a party. Do you have adequate seating, table space and access to everything guests need? Today, dining is typically informal, buffet style or even just in the living room. Here are some ideas to make your casual entertaining a success:

Multi-purpose coffee tables. How about a coffee table that’s also a storage unit? You can even keep entertaining supplies like napkins, extra cutlery and side plates inside. Another personal favourite is the ottoman coffee table. With a tray added, it’s perfect for setting out edibles, but also a quick and comfy seat.

Joli Storage Cubes available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Joli Storage Cubes available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Poufs. Poufs are the rage this season and it’s no surprise. They look great, add whimsy to a room and are a portable, easy way to add extra seats for entertaining.

Union Jack Pouf available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Union Jack Pouf available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Bar carts/storage. If you want ease, a bar cart is your best friend at a party. Stock it with the beverages you wish to serve, ice, glasses, olives and swizzle sticks – and you’ve made drinks self serve – while you enjoy the festivities! Small bar carts are portable and can be stored post-party or repurposed. More substantial pieces make a stunning style statement every day.

Athens Trolley available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Athens Trolley available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Kitchen islands. Kitchens often wind up as the gathering place at a party, so why not embrace it? A spectacular island in can offer storage space, but also a huge tabletop where you can set out snacks and drinks or even an entire buffet! Add a few bar stools for seating and who needs a dining room?!

Avery Kitchen Island available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Avery Kitchen Island available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Bench seats. If your dining table has the traditional 4 or 6 chairs and you’re expecting a crowd, why not invest in a bench seat? It doesn’t need to match your current set as long as it harmonizes. There is a wide variety of options, including a elegant white bench, a sophisticated dark wood piece or long benches with a more casual look. Either way, it makes room for more people; they are especially great for children’s parties.

Willow Bend Dining Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Willow Bend Dining Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Nesting tables. The old rule about an available table surface for every guest is still true. Nobody wants to hold a glass, napkin or plate all evening. Try to position every chair with access to a side table or the coffee table – or break out the nesting tables. They create lots of surface space and tuck away neatly.

Coast to Coast Nesting Tables available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Coast to Coast Nesting Tables available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Armoires. During a gathering, you can really make use of all that storage space. What’s especially great is that an armoire looks amazing anywhere, even in your hallway. If you host gatherings frequently, store everything you need in your armoire – dishes, linens, wines, stemware, cutlery, candles, etc. It can be your one-stop shop. So efficient! You can also reserve a large shelf in the armoire as your bar cart – keep the door anchored open during parties and you’re all set.

Sunset Point Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Sunset Point Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

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What’s New and Exciting to Brighten Your Home for Spring?

March 20, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Although the days are still chilly, the promise of spring is in the air. In fact, before the warmer weather arrives is the perfect time to make your home spring ready – once temperatures rise, you’ll want to be outdoors. Here are a few suggestions to kick start your spring home makeover:

Brighten up for Spring with floral inspired accents.

Brighten up your home for Spring with floral inspired accents.

Fabric Accessories. The easiest and most economical way to brighten your home is new accessories in on-trend fabrics. The tried and true choices to update are throw pillows, draperies and bed linens – but how about other options like shower curtain, lamp shades and table linens? Go lighter in weight and colour. Some popular shades this season are deep yellow, cobalt blue and tangerine. Looking for something unique? Gingham and denim are ‘in’ choices for spring.

Marsala Magic. Don’t forget Marsala, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2015. This rich wine colour definitely has a fall sensibility, but if you’re a trendsetter, you’ll incorporate it for spring. A few touches of marsala, perhaps paired with citrusy green or yellow, is warm weather perfect.

Make It Green. Nothing says spring like greenery. Stock up on gorgeous house plants and stands throughout your home, start an herb garden on your kitchen window sill or simply add one spectacular floor fig or palm plant to your living room.

Brighten up for Spring with with nature-inspired accents.

Brighten up your home for Spring with with nature-inspired accents and light, distressed furniture.

Fresh Flowers. While crocuses contemplate poking their heads through the soil, you can start your indoor flower display today. Fresh cut flowers are especially lovely in spring – choose tulips, daffodils or stunning irises.

Floral Patterns. Go a step further with your spring theme by adding bursts of floral print. Large scale florals are abundant, in just about any colour combination from romantic pastels to rich primary hues. Watercolour prints are everywhere, whether floral or another pattern. Soft and sensual, watercolours are soothing and relaxing, ideal for any spring décor theme.

Furniture Finds. Of course nobody changes their furniture with the seasons, but spring is a great time to invest in a few new pieces. Consider a lighter wood finish – distressed finishes are very trendy now. If you’re thinking of adding an accent chair, a relaxed, lived in chair in off white or side chair with graphic link pattern are fresh and will integrate well anywhere.

Accent Chairs available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Accent Chairs available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Think Texture. Textured accessories are a popular choice right now. Choose items like an unusual lamp, burlap pillows, a unique vase or how about a show stopping wall hanging?

Black and White & Blue and White. These two timeless combinations are back with a vengeance for spring. Black and white is often highlighted by a pop of bright colour for a crisp, contemporary feel, while blue and white is serene, soft and more traditional.

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Decorating a Mantel – Tips, Techniques and Beautiful Suggestions

March 15, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

For those of us fortunate enough to have a fireplace, one of the best perks is the mantel above it. What a great opportunity to showcase your décor style. The mantel and fireplace are often the focal point of a room, so all eyes will be on your mantel display. Here are some suggestions to make it outstanding.

Stoney Creek Furniture carries a variety of mirrors and artwork that would add some sparkle and style to almost any mantel!

Stoney Creek Furniture carries a variety of mirrors and artwork that would add some sparkle and style to almost any mantel!

Let’s start with some basic principles:

  • Display what you love. A mantel is a wonderful podium for cherished items and collections.
  • Don’t overcrowd. Less is usually more.
  • Mix materials, but not too much. Too many textures distract from your overall theme.
  • Work within the décor of your room. The mantel should be unified with your space, whether traditional, modern, etc.
  • One large, fabulous piece may be enough. An outstanding photo, mirror or painting can be stunning alone. Rest it on the mantel rather than hanging above for more impact.
  • Symmetry is pleasing, but don’t go overboard. If you place candlesticks on either end for example, mix it up in the middle.

How about using one of these theme ideas?

  • Nature Inspired. Consider a beach theme complete with seashells and driftwood. Or perhaps a nautical theme with knots, a compass and old steering wheel? Or maybe keep it beautifully green with potted plants, pine cones and even a bird nest.
  • One Colour. Decorating your mantel using a monochromatic colour scheme is fresh and fun. Choose a colour that complements your room — white is always perfect or something soft like pale aqua, mauve or green.
  • Hobby. If you have a hobby or collection you’re passionate about, show it off. How about a collection of old cameras for a photographer? Or how about displaying teapots of every shape and size? Even a collection of Buddha statues would be perfect on a mantel, and bring a Zen feeling to the space. A little whimsy and personality is charming.

Here are some more guidelines:

  • Layer. Front to back layering adds depth and drama. Choose items of varying heights and sizes. A great look is to slightly overlap photos or artwork, showing most of, but not the entire piece. HINT: Books placed on their sides make a great pedestal for creating height variations. Choose beautiful books with leather bindings – you’ll find them at flea markets.
  • Texture. Some contrast in texture adds visual interest. Mix pewter and bronze elements, for example. Or add antique china to a rugged display; or place rattan disks behind glass candlesticks.
  • Classics. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful mirror, silver candlesticks, urns and topiaries. A timeless look is gracious and elegant. This is where balance and symmetry work best.
  • Variations on Classic. Customise classic looks with unique substitutes. For example, choose an ornate mirror framed in black or one of the very popular oversized clocks as your main piece. Frame with lanterns or antique oil lamps on either end instead of candles.

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Add Classic Comfort to Your Home with Wingback Chairs

March 10, 2015 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Wingback chairs are a timeless classic – and while we typically associate them with traditional décor, today the choices of leg shape and upholstery make wingbacks welcome in any room. Whatever your décor style, one thing is certain: wingback chairs add character and charm.

Cordova Wingback Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Cordova Wingback Chair available at Stoney Creek Furniture

HISTORY. Wingback chairs date back to the 1600s in England, but became popular in the early 1700s. The winged design was originally designed to block drafts. Ladies used the wings to snuggle themselves in for warmth against chills. Of course, with central heating we no longer have that issue, but the shape still offers abundant comfort and coziness.

MATERIALS. Wingback chairs come in every possible colour and fabric imaginable – patterns, plain fabrics and even blocks of colour mixed with stripe. One of my personal favourites is a wingback in leather. It’s the most classic of the classic, oozing panache and pedigree. A bright colour or even a red check pattern is also fabulous, contrasting with the usual neutrals.

Leg style also varies these days. The standard is the Queen Anne leg – this is definitely at home in a traditional space – but many models have decidedly simple, straight legs for a more transitional/modern aesthetic.

PLACEMENT. The size of a wingback chair makes it an impressive addition to any room. It’s majestic, substantial and wonderfully luxurious. Where does it look best? How should it be placed? Read on…

  • Side-by-Side. Who says that two chairs placed side-by-side have to be small? Two identical wingbacks together make a dramatic statement and can act as a room divider of sorts, creating separation from a dining area, for example. Place a small table between them if you like.
  • Flanking the Fire. This is an elegant look, tradition at its best. A wingback chair on either or both sides of a fireplace is sublimely sophisticated.
  • Reading Nook Relaxation. Wingbacks fill a corner perfectly, creating an ideal spot to read. Add a floor lamp behind and a table beside and you’re all set.
  • Dining Chair Extraordinaire. I love this idea! Instead of having all your chairs matching, substitute two identical wingback chairs at either end of your dining room table. Be sure the leg style/finish works with your other chairs. Consider a bright floral or geometric print to make it fresh and fun.
  • ‘Dad’s Chair’. Generously proportioned, wingback chairs are the best seat in the room – the one everyone wants to watch TV. Claim ‘Dad’s Chair’ as your very own and add a footstool for maximum comfort.
  • Bedroom Chair. Perfect for a quick seat or to fill a corner graciously. A cushion or lavish throw in faux fur make great accessories.
  • Hallway Chair. If your foyer size permits, consider a wingback chair, perhaps nestled by the staircase or in an alcove. It’s a beautiful seat for donning shoes or simply a stylish welcoming statement.

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