The Holiday House Tour: November 14 to 16

November 13, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Holiday inspiration starts here! Three beautiful homes, in Burlington, Hamilton and Mount Hope, have been decorated by a talented team of design professionals and retailers to showcase absolutely gorgeous holiday décor and entertainment ideas. Presented by the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington, the Holiday House Tour supports the organization’s many charitable causes. It’s truly a win-win for you – an excellent opportunity to see stunning holiday creations in spectacular home settings and to support positive change right here in our own communities.

Speaking of design professionals. Stoney Creek Furniture is decorating two rooms in one of the featured homes. Our design experts have really gone all out with unique ideas that frankly, will make you ‘ooh and ahh’. And here’s a sneak peek – you have to attend for the full effect.

Holiday House Tour

A sneak peek of one of the Stoney Creek Furniture rooms at the Holiday House Tour

About the homes. The homes featured in this year’s tour include a Tyandaga family home, an elegant one-story mountain-brow home and a fabulous home located on a golf course. There’s something for everyone – whatever your style, traditional to contemporary, you’ll leave with plenty of inspiration.

And what else?! Beyond the home tours, there’s so much more to see and do! Here’s what’s happening:

  • Design Demos. The experts are on-hand with demonstrations to make this your most beautiful holiday season ever – learn tips and techniques for tree trimming, mantle decorating, setting a perfect table and much more.
  • Contests. There are lots of ways to win great prizes. But you have to be there…
  • Dine with a Discount. Select restaurants are offering a 15% limited time discount to attendees.
  • Holiday Hampers. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help less fortunate families during the upcoming holiday season.
  • Holiday Scarves. Buy a beautiful scarf from Marquis Dreamstore, with all proceeds to the Junior League.
  • Ornament Sale. Choose from a great selection. All proceeds go to help improve the educational success of young women affected by poverty.
  • Hands-on Classes. Learn how to design a holiday urn – advance tickets must be purchased.

About the Junior League. Founded in New York in 1901 by Mary Harriman, the Junior League was originally comprised of 80 young socially advantaged women dedicated to improving health, nutrition and literacy among immigrant families. The organization grew quickly, today comprised of 293 Junior Leagues in four countries, with over 155,000 members. In 1934, the Junior League of Hamilton (now Hamilton-Burlington) was formed. For the past 80 years, the group has been dedicated to creating positive change in the community.

Kick-start your holiday season this weekend! Plan to attend: Fri. Nov. 14, 2014: 10 AM – 9 PM, Sat. Nov. 15, 2014: 10 AM – 4 PM and Sun. Nov. 16, 2014: 10 AM – 4 PM.

Don’t miss it! Tickets are available at the door or at www.holidayhousetour.ca

PS If you aren’t already convinced to attend, Hamilton and Burlington Fire Fighters will greet you at the Tour homes! I’ll definitely see you there.

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How to Decorate with Wall Clocks

November 1, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Today’s wall clocks are much more fun than those from the past. They are extremely trendy right now, showing up in unexpected places in stylish homes like yours. Here’s how to add wall clocks to your décor:

Wall clock grouping at Stoney Creek Furniture

Wall clock grouping at Stoney Creek Furniture

Collections. Why have one clock when you can have many? The trend today is to have a grouping of wall clocks, arranged in whatever manner suits your taste. You can group clocks around a theme, based on shape, material, colour or even type of numerals (all Roman numerals for example). Another option is to go totally eclectic, simply grouping what you love – anything from a wooden pendulum clock to a vintage starburst clock.

Time Tidbit: The first official method of telling time is the sundial, dating back 4,000 years to ancient Egypt.

Where to Group. Wall clock groupings are suitable in pretty much any room, but work especially well in a family or living room, study, hallway or stairwell. You need a fairly large space to make an impact.

Large Clocks. Truly huge clocks are available now and make a wonderful focal point. Place one over your mantel, hall table, dining table or sofa – it can be the centrepiece of your collection or stand alone.

Wall clock grouping at Stoney Creek Furniture

Wall clock available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Time Tidbit: Cuckoo clocks were innovated in Germany in 1630. Known for “cuckoo-cuckooing” every hour as a bird appears through a door, these clocks are highly collectible.

Different Zones. I really like this idea, especially for a large family kitchen. Hang several basic black and white clocks (like the ones from school) in a row on your wall, newsroom style. You can set for different time zones and even print the zone under the clock. Choose zones with significance – for example if you have family overseas.

Function. With wall clocks as art these days, it’s easy to forget that they also tell time. Add a wall clock to any room where you need a quick time reference – one of my favourite ideas is the bathroom, to keep you on schedule getting ready in the morning.

Time Tidbit: The study of measuring time is called horology.

Working and Non-Working. Don’t worry if some of your clocks don’t work. Many vintage clocks don’t and many new clocks are bought not working – they are simply art rather than timepieces. It’s all about the look. Mix and match and enjoy.

Words Around Clock. This is a fun idea if you are crafty. Stencil or freehand paint words around a clock or clock collection. Choose a quote about time or perhaps a meaningful date.

Clock display at Stoney Creek Furniture

Clock display at Stoney Creek Furniture

Variety. You really must investigate to discover the wealth of wall clocks available today. From chiming clocks to atomic clocks, from radio clocks to totally abstract clocks, from hilarious theme clocks to magnificent wooden clocks – each has its own charm to bring to your home.

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Trends in Home Accents and Accessories

October 24, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

The old adage says “details make the difference” – and that’s as true in home décor as it is in fashion. The right touches can transform a room from dull to dynamic, adding colour, texture, visual interest – and most importantly – personality. Accents and accessories are a great way to express individuality in your home, from art to cushions, you name it. The very best thing about accessories? Typically, they don’t cost a lot. You can change them often without a huge investment.

Here’s what’s trending in home accents and accessories.

Metals. We recently posted a blog about the return of gold. It’s back and better than ever with fresh softness and subtlety. What’s really new is showcasing multiple metals together. Whether gold, copper, brass, pewter, silver or nickel, feel free to use them together. The effect is quite stunning.

Vibrant Colours. Whatever the accessory, bright is right this year. Purple, pink, electric blue, aqua, orange – whether solid or patterned – it has to be bright. Choose a few bright pieces to bring your rooms to life: a footstool, tried-and-true cushions, stemware, wall hangings or linens. Of course, keep it grounded with a neutral base. The neutral of choice is no longer beige, it’s gray!

Coloured Glass. Coloured glass is a feminine touch that’s so affordable and pretty. Available in myriad shapes, the colours are vivid and pick up the light beautifully. I love bright green, turquoise and fuchsia pieces. You can choose clear glass or solid coloured pieces (like these charming vintage styled jars). The blue and white together are very on trend, as is the antique styling.

Blue & White Mason Jars

Blue & White Mason Jars

Elegant Fabrics. Fabric has gone luxurious, even glamourous this year – and especially now as we look to get cozy for winter. Velvet cushions are wonderfully indulgent, as are mohair throws and silk bedspreads. The ultimate luxury fabric is fur and hides – cropping up everywhere as upholstery, for throws and of course, as rugs. If your sensibilities say no to real fur, choose fine quality faux.

Ethnic and Tribal. This is hot accessory trend right now. Think of the bright colours of Indian tapestries, primitive carvings from the Caribbean islands, rugged masks from Africa, Buddha statues from Thailand. Mix it up for maximum effect.

Rustic. Rustic is being used in contrast with modern – it’s sure to grab attention. These wall hangings would be perfect in a child’s room, but why not in a contemporary family room? A little whimsy keeps your home from being too serious.

Wooden Art by Stoney Creek Furniture visual team

Wooden Art by Stoney Creek Furniture visual team

Statement Art. Big and bold is the mantra for wall art. Check out the wooden fish piece – wouldn’t that create perfect contrast in a modern kitchen?

Wooden Fish Art by Stoney Creek Furniture visual team

Wooden Fish Art by Stoney Creek Furniture visual team

How about my favourite – the keyboard? It would be ideal in a foyer or a funky living room.

Old School Keyboard display at Stoney Creek Furniture

keyboard made of paint cans at Stoney Creek Furniture

Traditional is Back. I love traditional décor and it’s back on trend. People want furniture to last, so they’re choosing classic, well-made pieces that look good today and will still look great 10 years from now. The same is true of accessories. You can’t go wrong with classics like silver candlesticks, Persian rugs and lamps with white shades and crystal bases.

Sheers. Curtains are softer and sheerer than they’ve been in years. Go for flowy and see-through materials in colours other than white – greens, russets and purples are popular.

Head out now and pick up some décor accessories for the fall and winter ahead!.Your home will be well dressed and oh-so inviting!

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Integrating New Furniture into Your Home

October 20, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

When you read that title, you may be thinking – “I just bring in the new furniture and set it up.” And yes, that’s certainly true! But sometimes new furniture doesn’t seem to ‘fit’. It gets the cold shoulder from your existing pieces, looking just a little out of place. So now what?

Here are a few guidelines to help new furniture look beautiful and appropriate in your home.

  1. Celebrate Contrast. There is nothing wrong with blending vintage and new, modern and traditional, rugged and delicate. In fact, putting them together creates an interesting juxtaposition. If your new modern hall table seems ‘wrong’, add a gorgeous French Provincial velvet chair beside it – suddenly it’s magical.
  2. Limit Your Palette. If you’re furniture choices are diverse, limit the number of colours in your space. For example, if your pieces include a mix of woods, styles and even metals, keep everything else simple. Stick to two colours for paint and accents; repeat them in your linens, draperies and upholstery. The furniture will take centre stage!

    River Run Bedroom Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

    River Run Bedroom Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

  3. Repeat Shapes, Patterns and Finishes. If you haven’t made that furniture purchase yet and you’re wondering if it will work, look for commonalities with what you already own. This builds a style foundation. Is the wood the same colour as other pieces in the room? Are the legs the same style? Is there a feminine curve on the sofa arms that echoes your round coffee and end tables? It doesn’t have to match – there just needs to be familiarity to create harmony.
  4. Focus on the Unique. If your new piece is one-of-a-kind – an eclectic rebel in your traditional midst – make it the focal point of the room. Don’t try to blend it in, give it a place of honour and recreate the space around it.
  5. Choose Base Pieces Wisely. Base pieces are the anchor of a room and your home. They set the tone for your style and theme. It’s prudent to pick timeless classics. Then you can add ‘flavour’ with accent pieces, one-of-a-kind finds and accessories.

Speaking of Furniture Classics… The new River Run collection is a perfect example. It’s decidedly traditional but still very chic. The pieces are solid and substantial with straight lines and subtle design accents. It’s a wonderfully casual look, even a touch rustic. The feeling is warm and inviting.

Crafted of rubberwood solids and flat cut elm veneer in a hearthside finish, River Run radiates quality. Custom-designed dark oil rubbed bronze hardware and turnbuckle elements help create a ‘lived in’ appeal.

River Run is an ideal furniture collection to build your home around. With furniture like this as your base – you can experiment with other pieces confidently to create an exciting, dynamic living space!

River Run Dining Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

River Run Dining Collection available at Stoney Creek Furniture

River Run is coming soon to Stoney Creek Furniture. Be sure to come by and experience it!

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