Introducing the Caracole Collection

May 29, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

It’s not often that furniture actually makes me gasp with delight – but that’s exactly what happened when I first saw the Caracole collection. I found myself charmed by piece after gorgeous piece, mesmerized by their uniqueness, extraordinary attention to detail and sheer beauty.

Sleeping Beauty & French Connection

Sleeping Beauty & French Connection

What’s in a Name? Everything about the Caracole collection is inspired. Let’s start with the names of the pieces – the Sleeping Beauty Bed, Cookies & Creme Closed Storage, French Connection Closed Storage – these are just a few examples. The designers at Caracole say that customers often smile when they hear the names – and smile even more as they discover all the remarkable and hidden features in each piece. There’s definitive whimsy at work with Caracole, but quality and craftsmanship are taken very seriously.

Material World. Finishes are customized and hand applied for individual beauty. Over 75 finishes are featured in Caracole’s impressive repertoire. Materials are sourced from around the world. Caracole is a trend setting line; you’ll find effects and styles not experienced elsewhere.

Design Details. Caracole is certainly fashion forward, but there’s an authenticity about the designs that is decidedly old world. It’s in the special nuances, the clever attention to detail and the amazing feeling that you’ve bought a piece of art rather than a piece of furniture. The handles on the pieces are jewel like in their design; drawers open to reveal a damask lining; intricate lattice work adorns some items. It’s these surprising details that speak to both excellence and personality.

The Virtue of Versatility. One of the first things you’ll notice about Caracole designs is that they match any decor style and fit in with all your existing furniture, whatever wood, finish or metal designs you already have. Each Caracole piece is such a unique statement that it becomes the focal point of a room!

Stoney Creek Furniture is proud to offer the Caracole collection. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find in store…

The glorious Sleeping Beauty Bed takes the fabric headboard to new heights! Taupe and white is always fresh, and with just a touch of iridescence in the material, it’s glamorous and feminine.

Sleeping Beauty Bed

Sleeping Beauty Bed

Perfect in a hallway, bedroom, living room… just about anywhere! Closed Storage pieces from Caracole are show stoppers.

Choose from Opposites Attract with timeless black and gold colouring.

Opposites Attract

Opposites Attract

French Connection with stunning gingko leaf drawer handles.

French Connection

French Connection

Smoke Gets in my Eyes, graced with Italian handmade glass.

Smoke Gets in my Eyes

Smoke Gets in my Eyes

Cookies and Creme – so beautiful it’s yummy!

Cookies & Creme

Cookies & Creme

Functional and gorgeous beyond description, Out & About, a set of 3 nesting tables adds style to any living space.

Out & About

Out & About

The gold and glass Bubbly side table showcases fabulous metal work.

Bubbly - Caracole

Bubbly

Caracole is truly a joy to behold. It is like jewellery for your home … drop by and see the collection today!

Introducing Modern Artisan – A New and Contemporary Furniture Collection

May 21, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Every now and then a new furniture collection comes along that is more than just exciting or unique – it’s a game changer. Such is the Modern Artisan collection now available at Stoney Creek Furniture. A dozen adjectives describe it… subtle, natural, sculptural and many others… but the one that first comes to mind is PURE.

Modern Artisan Dresser

Modern Artisan Dresser

Modern Artisan is pure in its approach and execution. There is nothing superfluous, nothing fussy, nothing overdone. It’s for homes that are uncluttered, unpretentious and understated. It is for home owners who want to enjoy their furnishings fully and freely. Comfort is implicit in Modern Artisan.

How is Modern Artisan made?

The Materials. Only a few key elemental building blocks are used to craft Modern Artisan pieces – cluster fumed oak, artisan metal and cast glass. These glorious raw materials come together for dramatic depth and visual interest. Cluster fume oak is rich and sensual, particularly when blended with soft matte gold metal. Casting glass adds additional appeal.

The Finish. The natural patina of artisan gold is wonderfully imperfect. The flaws should be appreciated as part of the craftsmanship of the piece. Metal forging dates back to the 12th century. That sense of old world integrity is evident in Modern Artisan furnishings.

The Process. Fuming oak also dates back centuries. Chemical interactions occur inside the cells of the wood grain to encourage pigmentation. Under the careful eye of a craftsman, a range of coloration is achieved for one-of-a-kind beauty.

Where does Modern Artisan fit in your home decor?

The Dining Room. Witness the sophistication and unabashed beauty of the Modern Artisan Dining Table. Fumed oak on a matte gold base and legs brings timeless grace to this piece. Likewise, the Modern Artisan Miters Touch Bar combines functionality with style extraordinaire. Here the metal frames the mid-section and continues to the legs and bracket feet.

Modern Artisan Dining Room

Modern Artisan Dining Room

The Living Room. The 1950s and 60s are celebrated in this glamorous sofa. Matte gold metal legs, the signature of Modern Artisan, anchor the curving silhouette and sweeping arms. This pared –down sofa is tailored and sleek, yet very supportive and comfy.

Modern Artisan Sofa

Modern Artisan Sofa

The Bedroom. The Night Cap Bed, a modern adaptation of the sleigh bed, is slim, narrow and opulent. Paired with the Artisan Dresser, Mirror and Accent Table, the ensemble is complete. It all matches exactly yet thanks to the hand of the craftsman, it never looks contrived.

Modern Artisan Bedroom

Modern Artisan Bedroom

Come experience it!

The Modern Artisan Collection a beautiful balancing act – art meets science, modern meets authentic, machine precision meets craftsman character. For the connoisseur who craves both comfort and elegance, Modern Artisan is the perfect choice. Come see it, feel it and fall in love with it today at Stoney Creek Furniture.

How to Decorate with Florals

May 8, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

As we’ve mentioned many times, fashion and decor trends go hand in hand. So it’s no surprise to see flowers in full bloom on both clothing and sofas this season. As spring finally well, springs, nothing is more beautiful than bringing a little of the magic that’s emerging outside into our homes. Read on for tips on how to incorporate florals into your home.26320206_s

The Real Thing. Fresh cut flowers, especially delicate spring blooms, are always the perfect addition. Tulips are the “in” flower this season – but don’t forget crocuses, hyacinths, daffodils and so many others. Rustic pots, basic terra cotta pots and old watering cans make wonderful containers, as well as the timeless beauty of crystal. Purchase glass or crystal vases in several sizes, including low, square and a bud vase, for a variety of options.

HINT: How about a monochromatic display? Perhaps a variety of flowers all in yellow or pink? Gorgeous!

Colour. Don’t forget Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid. When you’re adding florals to your decor, include accents in radiant orchid. The purple is glorious and brightens any room.

Wallpaper. Graphics and embossing are definitely on trend, but so are florals. ‘Forests’ with wandering branches are growing on walls everywhere, as are tiny florals reminiscent of the 1970s cottage look. Larger florals are also making an appearance, preferably in soft shades.

Furniture. Don’t overlook the absolute joy of floral furniture. Upholstery in florals is very popular, especially for ottomans and side chairs. Don’t hesitate to go for something with punch. A sofa in a gentle floral is also captivating and lovely – coupled with plain side chairs. A floral love seat makes a great sitting area in a bedroom, or even a hallway.

If you have an artistic flair, painting some flowers on furniture is also charming. Old pieces look especially quaint when decorated this way. Add some vines, leaves and pretty buds.

Sam Moore sofa available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Sam Moore sofa available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Accessories. Fabric accessories are a great way to bring on the bouquet without spending a lot. Floral bed sheets, draperies, a small rug, shower curtain or towels are just a few suggestions. Remember, less is more. You don’t want to slip into tacky. Sometimes a few floral touches are all you need for a pretty effect. My favourite decor addition is cushions – and florals are in abundance in the stores. I invested in a floral needlepoint pillow several years ago. Money well spent. It looks beautiful year after year – and especially current this year!

Craftmaster available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Craftmaster available at Stoney Creek Furniture

Graceful Touches. Add a rich lavender hand lotion to your powder room, brew a cup of rose hips tea, light some passion flower incense, indulge in a lilac candle. Does anything smell as wonderful as lilac?

Don’t forget, less is more. Have fun with flowers and Happy Spring!

Top 10 Upholstery Trends

May 2, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

We’ve been talking about upholstery a lot lately – and no wonder! Diana Sisto, Creative Director at Brentwood Classics, an industry-leading sofa manufacturer, recently spoke at Stoney Creek Furniture’s Inside Out Home Show. She revealed the Top 10 upholstery trends to watch. If a new sofa or chair is in your future, take note.

1. Greek Keys. Echoing the elegant design of Greek architecture, a meander is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. These patterns are called the Greek Fret or Greek Key design. Perfect in a traditional or contemporary home, pieces upholstered in Greek Key designs are classic and enduring.

2. Ikat. Actually a dyeing technique similar to tie-dye, Ikat creates colourful, graphic patterns, often with rich ethnic or ritual meaning. Traditionally, Ikat are symbols of status prestige; in fact, some cultures believe the cloth is imbued with magical powers! Gorgeous in any decor but particularly suited to an eclectic or Bohemian space.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

3. Watercolour. If Monet comes to mind, you’re exactly right! Watercolour fabrics use a painting style reminiscent of the Impressionists. The designs are usually transparent and appear luminous because the pigments are laid down in a relatively pure form. Soft and sensual, Watercolour upholstery pairs well with this season’s pastel trend.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

4. Lace & Crochet. As with fashion, lace is a popular choice for upholstery this season. Traditionally openwork fabric patterned with holes in the work, fabrics are incorporating beautiful lace designs. Crochet, which often has flowing lines or scalloped edges to give interest, is also making an appearance. A traditional or Victorian home is well suited to this trend.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

5. Faux Bois. French for false wood, this upholstery trend is self explanatory. Showing up in various media, it’s a rugged yet modern look, a complement to most styles of decor.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

6. Artist Inspired: 60’s Modern. Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol are synonymous with abstract expressionism and pop art. These fabrics, like the art they draw inspiration from, have random patterns and often include imagery from advertising, news, etc. Whimsical and avant-garde, this style is for the risk taker.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

7. Skin Deep. With the 1920s popularized on TV and in movies, shagreen will be making its way to our homes. Traditionally made from the hides of shark and stingray, today’s faux shagreen is sleek and environmentally safe.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

8. Radiant Orchid & Blue Crush. Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid, is surprisingly versatile. As an accent, it complements olive and deeper hunter greens, as well as working well with turquoise, teal and light yellow. Likewise, Blue Crush acknowledges our everlasting love of blue, as a room’s focal point or a subtle accent. Look for rich green-blues or Moroccan blues.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

9. Ornaments. Details make the difference. Gorgeous button tufting, nailheads and skirt tapes are being worn by well-dressed sofas and chairs. Ornaments add a touch of sophistication.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

10. Oversized Prints & Patterns. Sure, solids are timeless, but if you’re fashion forward, big bold prints look incredible on large scale pieces, especially in spaces with plenty of ‘breathing room’. Bright colours enhance the effect.

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

Image courtesy of Diana Sisto of Brentwood Classics

When you’re buying spring fashions for you, just remember your upholstery may need a new look for the season too.