How to add the 2014 Pantone® Color of the Year to your home

January 2, 2014 by Stoney Creek Furniture

 

PHOTO: Courtesy and property of PANTONE®. PANTONE and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. © 2013. All rights reserved.

PHOTO: Courtesy and property of PANTONE®. PANTONE and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. © 2013. All rights reserved.

A new year … a new colour of the year. Pantone, the global authority on colour, recently announced 18-3224 Radiant Orchid as their ‘2014 Color of the Year’. Radiant Orchid is described as “expressive and exotic” and a “captivating, magical, enigmatic purple” … and it’s no wonder. One glance and it awakens your senses and sparks your imagination. Suddenly spring days don’t seem so far away…

How can you add Radiant Orchid to your home? 

The most obvious way to bring Radiant Orchid to your home is paint. Combining fuchsia, pink and purple undertones, it is fresh and crisp – perfect for a bathroom or powder room. Try matching your trim to your walls (another trend for 2014) but in a satin or gloss finish. Or how about an accent wall in Radiant Orchid? It instantly livens up grays, taupes and beiges. 

Of course, there’s no reason to limit yourself to just walls with Radiant Orchid. A metal, industrial light fixture against the softness of a Radiant Orchid ceiling would be stunning. Or why not take a leap and paint that bench or old dresser in Radiant Orchid? Or perhaps a picture frame? Or maybe two kitchen chairs at either end of your table? Sometimes the unexpected is the perfect choice.

Complementary colours to Radiant Orchid

Radiant Orchid is a complement to colours on the opposite of the colour wheel – olive and deep hunter greens. It also blends nicely with turquoise, teal and light yellow. Try partnering it with these colours, or use it to uplift just about any neutral.

Accessories and Other Ideas

Details. If you’re a little shy to go “purple” on your walls, don’t worry! You’ll see this colour everywhere in the coming season – lamp shades, cushions, bed linens, decor items, dishware, vases, etc. Add a little or a lot to your neutral room and it’s an instant facelift. (Speaking of which, did I mention that pink/purple walls make your skin glow?)

Rug. Maybe you can find a Radiant Orchid rug – wouldn’t that make a dramatic statement? The trick is to consider something outside your comfort zone. A little decor risk can pay off in a unique and enchanting living space!

Fabric. Another super idea is to buy fabric (solid or patterned) in this energetic shade and make your own accessories – pillow covers, a table runner, napkins, curtains – or be more daring and upholster a chair in Radiant Orchid! Feminine accent chairs are “in” and this colour would be wonderfully on trend.

Flowers! And let’s not forget perhaps the very best way to add Radiant Orchid to your home…the flower itself! Orchids are readily available these days and quite affordable. I like the idea of a grouping – 3 or 4 in rugged clay pots. Be sure to find the right space for them as they can be fussy about their environment.

Pantone is an X-Rite company and the global authority on colour. PANTONE® and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. © 2013. All rights reserved.

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What’s new in 2014? A sneak peek at home trends.

December 16, 2013 by Stoney Creek Furniture

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s fun to think about what we will do to update our homes in the New Year. Lynda Reeves (publisher) and Suzanne Dimma (editor-in-chief) of Canadian House & Home Magazine recently gave a breakfast presentation on trends for 2014. We were lucky enough to be there to get the scoop – and of course, we want to share it with you!

Home Sweet Home. Never has it been truer than right now. The buzz word is “supercocooning”; our desire to stay at home and make it a cozy and comfortable “nest”. “Cocooning” is a term coined by marketer Faith Popcorn in 1981; today it has escalated into “supercocooning”. Sure enough, hotel bookings, car rentals, restaurant traffic and road tolls are all down, while sales of home electronics, in-home entertainment and take-out food is up. Making homes beautiful, efficient and a hub for communicating are the biggest trends.15377316_sOn the Walls. In general, walls have more texture. Incorporate these ideas in your home:

  • Trim Is In. Painted out trim and panelled moulding make a room feel rich, look larger and give it substance. To keep it current, paint the trim the same colour as the walls but give it a different finish like high gloss, for example.
  • Make a Statement. Add large, abstract paintings and murals.
  • Amp It Up. Try paneled walls, geometric panels, logs and glazed tiles. Think beyond flat walls – add shine, colour and depth.
  • Open Screens. Instead of a wall on a stairway, install an open screen – it will open up the space and add texture and interest.
  • On the Ceiling. Sculptured lighting is increasingly popular, with metallic finishes and details that give an industrial or deco feel.
  • On the Floor. It’s all about pattern! Patterned tiles make their way to the kitchen floor, adding charm and colour. Look for beautiful handmade, patterned carpet tiles as well. Traditional Persian and Turkish rugs are making a comeback, but now in your kitchen and bathroom. Yes, even parquet flooring is back!

Colours & Patterns. It’s time to be adventurous. Here are some suggestions:

  • Animal-inspired. Leopard has been used as an accent for many years, but is now seen on larger elements like wallpaper. But think soft and warm, not overpowering.
  • Bright & Bold. Fabrics are “happy” with prints that make you smile in primary colours, geometrics and vibrant designs. Check out futuristic wallpaper in geometrics with metallic touches and texture.
  • Nice Neutrals. It doesn’t have to be white! Mid-tones that add colour, such as warm grey, taupe and soft brown make a home cozier. Even your kitchen cupboards can be painted a colour other than white.
  • Hue News. Soft, filtered, delicate hues soothe the spirit and add a touch of ‘zen’. Instagram-inspired soft pink, pale cornflower blue, orange-red, sunny-yolk yellow, gentle turquoise…
  • Beautiful Blue & White. A romantic favourite goes more modern – look for tableware, accessories and wallpaper for example.
  • Marvelous Metal. Incorporate copper, gold and bronze throughout your home. A little adds a lot of ambience.
  • Safari Chic. Safari chairs, buckles, straps and classic camping accessories have been reinvented for a touch of masculine energy – think stripes, khakis, rugged palettes and natural materials.

Furniture Finds. Furniture trends are a study in contrasts this season. On the modern side, look for clear coffee tables and desks in glass or Lucite with accents in metal and etching – in opposition to feminine sofas with curved backs and tufting and retro chairs in pastel colours.

Accents & Accessories. Macramé crafts are back including dream catchers and hanging macramé art, even over the bed. Knitted items are featured as well as the earthy look of glazed pottery. Another trend for 2014 is Round bathtubs. They are so luxurious with a nod to the artisanal feel of ancient Roman baths.

I can’t wait to incorporate some of these ideas into my home in 2014! Let the planning begin.

Concepts courtesy of Canadian House & Home.  Featured in House & Home, January 2014. Copyright House & Home Media. All rights reserved.

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Get comfy and cozy with a fireplace in your home – tips to choose and enjoy!

December 5, 2013 by Stoney Creek Furniture

It is definitely that time of year when we feel like staying home and getting snuggly. As the weather turns chilly, I often daydream about having a fireplace in my living room – or even better – the bedroom! A fireplace adds heat to be sure, but it also adds so much more. A fireplace elicits instant atmosphere; somehow it brings the outside in, taking us back to the campsite or the beach. It offers nostalgia and tradition and warmth all in one…

Types of fireplaces

The classic fireplace is wall-mounted, built flush against and into the wall. Usually there is a decorative upper or lower mantle for display purposes. The fireplace is connected to a chimney or vent to funnel the smoke out of the fireplace to the outdoors. Wall-mounted fireplaces can run on real wood (my favourite!), gas or even electricity.modern fireplace

The second type of fireplace is free standing. The best thing about a free-standing fireplace is that it is much easier to install and requires less modification to your home. As with wall-mounted fireplaces, free-standing fireplaces run on wood, gas or electricity and require ventilation to the outside.wood burning fireplace

What look is right for your home?

A fireplace becomes the focal point of any room, so it’s important that it complement your décor and furnishings. Think carefully about the materials you choose and the style of mantle.stone fireplace

Modern: Think clean and simple. Slate or simple wood is perfect. Maybe instead of a mantle, use a single shelf embedded in the design.

Elegant: French styling is gorgeous. Go with curves and graceful architecture. Bigger may be better. Make a statement! A beautiful screen adds even more grandeur.

Traditional: Bricks or wood are suitable for a fireplace in a traditional home. Go for contrast against your walls, or blend in the fireplace by painting the mantle the same colour as your backdrop. White is a perfect choice, allowing the items on the mantle to take centre stage.

Casual: Stone or earthy materials set a casual or country tone. Try a slab shelf or one made in reclaimed wood. Consider going floor to ceiling with stone or brickwork.bedroom fireplace

How to decorate a mantle shelf

First things first – there are no rules! Display what you love and what suits the mood of the room. But if you’re seeking some guidelines, these suggestions may help:

Lighting: Sconces, candles or small lamps, even antique oil lamps, provide a source of illumination and of beauty. One on either end of the mantle creates pleasing symmetry.

Art: Display something large over the mantle that draws the eye upward. A piece of art, a spectacular mirror, even an antique window or door! Of course, these days you may have a TV over your mantle, and that’s fine too.

Smaller items: Create interest in texture and height with smaller items that echo your theme – trinkets or leather bound books or plates or photographs – whatever you like.traditional fireplace

Are you feeling inspired? I hope so! Remember; don’t be limited to the living room for a fireplace. If you can, consider your bedroom, family room or dining room – and then relax in the glow!

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Are you bored with your headboard? Get ready to make a change!

November 29, 2013 by Stoney Creek Furniture
Melange by Hooker

Melange by Hooker

In most bedrooms, the bed is the focal point. And why not? The bedroom is all about relaxation, rest and retreat. So let’s talk about making your bed a beautiful statement of your style and personality. Of course, linens, bedspreads, duvets and pillows add a great deal to the fashion of your bed… but beyond that, it’s the headboard that really takes centre stage.

Types of Headboards

There are so many types of headboards – there’s something to match every style of décor, every budget and every creative inspiration. There are sleigh beds and canopy beds and cannonball beds – headboards made of wood, leather, metal, fabric – beds with modern styling, country charm, romantic whimsy and so many more. Go shopping and you will be mesmerized by all the variety. Remember, your headboard doesn’t have to match your dressers. In fact, a complementary headboard can look extraordinary. Visualize dark wood dressers with a cast iron headboard in a pewter finish. It’s the contrast that makes it special.

Melange by Hooker

Melange by Hooker

Unique Headboards

Here is a wonderful opportunity to use your imagination. Really, anything that is artful or beautiful can serve as a headboard. Think of it like a backdrop behind your bed. I’ve seen some gorgeous ideas – two antique doors, tree logs layered, a favourite piece of art mounted on wood, shelves holding art items, architectural pieces, a room divider, a tall rounded mirror… it’s really just a matter of thinking totally outside the box. A great place for inspiration is an antique market. You will be astonished at all the things you’ll find that will make a superb headboard. 

Miller Creek by American Drew

Miller Creek by American Drew

Fabric Headboards

One of my favourite looks is a fabric/upholstery headboard. There are a lot of options available to blend with your décor – or you can have one custom made. It’s very glamorous and luxurious. If you’re adventurous, you can make your own fabric headboard. There are lots of do-it-yourself manuals and information online. It’s a great way to have a high end look at a thrifty price. (Speaking of thrifty, the most affordable way to create a headboard look is wallpaper. Just paper where a headboard would be – choose a bold pattern. If you like, frame it out with wood moulding.)

Corsica by Hooker

Corsica by Hooker

Choosing a Headboard

Whether you buy a ready-made headboard or create one yourself, it’s important to consider these points when making your decision:

  • Comfort. Will you read or watch TV in bed? Then you will need something comfortable – something upholstered would be best. Wood or metal may look great, but they’re not cozy.
  • Material. Metal gives a very chic, modern look to any room, while wood is more traditional. Leather is very stylish but may be cold to the touch. Bring on the pillows!
  • Height and width. In a large room, you can go quite high with your headboard. Be dramatic! Maybe even extend it to the ceiling. If you want to go a little wider than your bed, please do. It’s a very contemporary and trendy look.
  • Attached or not? If you buy a headboard already attached to your bed, it will be solid and sturdy, but you are married to that style for as long as you have that bed. A detached headboard gives you more flexibility.

    Melange by Hooker

    Melange by Hooker

Give your bedroom a whole new look with a new headboard. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it will make.

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