Dining Rooms: Tables, Chairs & Entertaining Tips!

November 2, 2018 by Stoney Creek Furniture

One of the top trends in 2018 is a return to a designated dining space – whether big or small, elegant or casual, open or a ‘proper’ room. It’s about time! Nothing brings friends and family together like a delicious meal in a beautiful space.

The Modern Collection

The Modern Collection

At the heart of the dining room are the table and chairs. Once, choices were limited. Today, your options are endless. Consider the variety of options available:

  • Style. Whether you like traditional, modern, farmhouse, industrial or transitional – casual or formal – there are endless choices!
  • Shape. The classic rectangle is still perfect, but ovals and circles are popular too. Today, table bases are much more than ‘four legs’ with choices from pedestal to trestle to sawhorse and much more.
  • Size. Your small space can still house a table and chairs! There are lots of smaller scale options as well as tables that perform double duty and offer storage.
  • Finish. Polished dark wood is timeless, but is it your favourite? Light woods are popular again, or you can choose distressed wood, grey-toned wood or fresh white. How about mixed finishes or accents of metal, mirror or glass?
  • Seating. You can choose traditional matching chairs, of course, or perhaps mix it up! Have you considered bench seating or a banquette? How about special armchairs at either end of the table? Leather, upholstery, plain, patterned – what suits your style?
Plank Road Collection

Plank Road Collection

Top 10 Tips for a Fabulous Dinner Party

Whether it’s a Holiday dinner party or just a meal with friends, here are some of our favourite tips to make it a memorable meal:

  1. If you’re serving hot food, be sure the plates are warm to help keep the food at the ideal temperature.
  2. Experiment with your centrepiece.It doesn’t have to be flowers! Try an elegant display made with fruit, veggies or brightly coloured-foliage.
  3. Use the china, even if it’s an informal meal or take out!Serving chips and nuts as appetizers? Put them in a crystal bowl!
  4. Light with candles and low watt lamps. Nothing destroys ambience like harsh lighting! HINT: Ivory and white candles are best – always unscented.
  5. Light your backyard to open your space and prevent the ‘black window’ effect.Keep the windows exposed and illuminate your garden.
  6. Always use cloth napkins at the dinner table!
  7.  Use paper guest towels in the powder room. Much cleaner and fresher!
  8. Don’t try a new recipe at a party. Prepare something you’ve served before to rave reviews.
  9. Have a second bar/drink stand in the living room. It keeps guests mingling.
  10. Send guests home with a party favour.Even the smallest thing is appreciated.

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

What Makes Sectionals the Ultimate Seating Choice for Your Home?

September 24, 2018 by Stoney Creek Furniture
One of our Top Sectionals: The Julienne

The Julienne: One of our top 10 sectionals.

The first word that comes to mind when I think of sectionals is ‘versatility’. No other piece of furniture provides so many options – in upholstery, size, style and configuration! What’s more, sectionals offer outstanding value and comfort. They often take the place of two (or even three!) sofas and chairs and are designed with contemporary living in mind.

Never considered a sectional? Please do! Here are a few reasons why sectionals are becoming a classic choice – and some inspiration to help you find the one that’s ideal for your space.

The Belaire: One of our top 10 sectionals.

The Belaire: One of our top 10 sectionals.

Endless options. Honestly, with the popularity of sectionals these days, if you can imagine it, you can have it! Whether your décor style is modern, traditional or farmhouse; whether you have a large or small space; whether you want a traditional or an ultra sleek look; whether you prefer leather, suede or fabric – it’s all available.

One of our top 10 sectionals by Decorest.

One of our top 10 sectionals by Decorest.

Speaking of fabric. Trends today are toward sectionals in neutral tones, providing a timeless foundation that makes it easy to go trendy with accessories, wall colour, etc. We suggest complementing neutral upholstery with cushions that have patterns or texture to keep the space inviting and interesting.

The Ellie: One of our top 10 sectionals.

The Ellie: One of our top 10 sectionals.

Configurations. Of course, the best thing about sectionals is the clever use of the corner to provide extra seating – and the options here are extensive too. Choose an L shaped configuration, a U shape, sides the same length, sides varying in length, seating mixed with chaise sections – whatever you need and want!

The Bradford: One of our top 10 sectionals.

The Bradford: One of our top 10 sectionals.

Think you can’t make a sectional fit your space? Think again! Sectionals fit every space from a small condo to a spacious family room. Even better, the design experts at Stoney Creek Furniture will work with you to develop a custom sectional to fit your needs precisely.

The 1100: One of our top 10 sectionals.

The 1100: One of our top 10 sectionals.

Performance and defender fabrics. Do you have a young family, pets or an active lifestyle? Today’s fabric protectors are amazing – providing your sectional with treatment that repels spills, stains and germs. It makes your sectional easier to care for, look newer longer – and provides peace of mind.

The Barton: One of our top 10 sectionals.

The Barton: One of our top 10 sectionals.

Ottomans and accent chairs. Not only does an ottoman with your sectional offer an extra seat and a place to put your feet, it also doubles as a coffee table. Find one that matches perfectly or offers delightful contrast. PS Accent chairs are another great way to inject a pop of colour.

The Shay: One of our top 10 sectionals.

The Shay: One of our top 10 sectionals.

Family gatherings. What’s my favourite thing about sectionals? They really do make it easy for friends and family to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Sectionals provide a cozy atmosphere that encourages conversation and togetherness.

If you need new seating for your living space, consider a sectional – there are so many exciting features and advantages!

No Comments / Tags: , , , , , , / Posted in family room, Furniture, living room, Tips

How to Live Big in a Small Space

August 27, 2018 by Stoney Creek Furniture

There is a definite trend today towards living in smaller spaces – not just of necessity, but of choice. Many find that less is more and that a small space is actually liberating! But we don’t want to sacrifice style and comfort in our smaller spaces.

Small Scale Sofa

Shop Small Space Sofas>>

Here are our best tips on how to make the most of your smaller room.

Organization. The foundation of any home, particularly a smaller home, is organization – translated – plenty of storage for everything you need with style to spare. Consider a smaller-sized chest (in every style from country chic to urban industrial) that looks great and makes clutter a thing of the past.

Kitchen Island

Shop Kitchen Islands>>

Sleep chests. If you need a spare bed but don’t have space for a dedicated guest room, a sleep chest is an absolute must! By day, a sleep chest serves as a beautiful piece of furniture (you can use the top for display); by evening it quickly and easily converts into a bed. Less expensive than most Murphy beds, sleep chests work perfectly in condos or any smaller-scaled space.

Sleep Chest

Shop our Sleep Chests>>

Smaller-scaled furnishings. We’re not talking about small pieces that look dwarfed, but rather tailored furnishings that are designed to look and feel appropriate in a smaller room, with no compromise on form, function or beauty. There’s a tremendous selection of sofas, accent chairs, dining room tables and chairs and much more available – in styles that blend with your existing pieces.

Small Space Furniture

Shop Small Space Sofas>>

Think creatively. Don’t let your preconceived notions about ‘I don’t have room’ limit the beauty and effectiveness of your space. How about easy breakfast dining with a bar table and stools tucked against a wall in your kitchen? Or a centre island that’s small on size but huge on convenience? Or what about elegant side chairs that are scaled down with a gorgeous tufted leather sofa that is slightly smaller?

Clean lines. Elaborately detailed furniture makes a smaller space look contrived and fussy. Stick with a transitional/contemporary look that’s timeless and streamlined. Likewise, choose classic styles rather than trendy items. While a little whimsy is fun, a smaller space is best suited to a more elegant vibe.

Neutral shades. Whether furnishings, wall colours, fabrics or accessories, neutral shades enlarge a space, not to mention making it more sophisticated. While a pop of colour is welcome, aim for your palette to be mostly neutral, whether plain or patterned. Steer away from ‘pretty’ colours in a smaller area to avoid the ‘dollhouse’ effect.

Remember, a smaller space doesn’t have limitations, it has potential! With the right furnishings and classic décor, a small space offers endless opportunities to express your style.

No Comments / Tags: , , , / Posted in Design tips, small spaces, Tips

How to Get Your Home Back-to-School Ready

August 16, 2018 by Stoney Creek Furniture

It won’t be long before it’s time to go back to school and work! While you’re soaking up the last weeks of summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to make some changes to your home to create a study-friendly environment. With the right furnishings, it’s easier than you think to carve out a dedicated space for homework or a home office.

Here are a few ideas to ignite your imagination:

Transcend Collection

Long Live the Traditional Office. If you spend a lot of time working from home or are looking for a dedicated homework space for your kids, there are myriad options available for creating a space that’s inspiring and timelessly beautiful. Choose a desk in multiple configurations with matching bookcase or credenza, open shelving, cupboards, drawers and so much more. You’ll be surprised at how much functionality you can fit in a relatively small space.

Tuscan Retreat Collection

Double Duty, Space Friendly. Small footprint table and chairs are perfect for breakfast AND perfect for an ad hoc home office. There are so many options available – including bar tables that sit against a wall or even a small-scale kitchen island. Whether it’s making getting fed and out the door faster OR providing an extra study space, these pieces are so versatile. Plus, don’t forget kids’ beds with drawer storage! A long time family favourite, these beds are an ideal way to tuck away kids’ belongings and keep their bedrooms better organized.

Primitive Collection

Accessories Kids Will Love. Magnolia Home has created school-style furnishings and accessories with their trademark farmhouse sensibility. Your kids will love them, PLUS they add charm and whimsy to your home. Our picks: an old style chalkboard and retro schoolhouse desk.

Serta Mattress-in-a-Box

Our Favourite! Mattress-in-a-box. One of the toughest things about moving (for example, to and from college dorms!) is transporting the mattress. Serta has the problem solved with its mattress in a box line. So portable, it even fits in the trunk of a car. What’s best of all is that because it’s from Serta, you won’t sacrifice quality or comfort.

Condo-Sized Furniture. Whether it’s a complement to your home office, in a college student’s room or simply for your downsized home, there are sofas, accent chairs, coffee and end tables and much more specifically scaled to suit a smaller space.

Back to school is just around the corner. Start planning how to make your home more study-friendly now and score an A+ for organization!

No Comments / Tags: , , , , , , , / Posted in Accents, Decor, Design tips, Fall, Home Office, Kids, Tips

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