What is a Chesterfield? The first Chesterfield Shop was opened in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood in 1948. It is said that the first Chesterfield – an elegant sofa with deep buttoned, quilted leather upholstery and low seat base – was made in honour of Philip Stanhope, the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773).

How the times have changed for all of us. In 64 years of selling furniture in Toronto, our name may have century-old origins, but our contemporary products say otherwise!

On that note, got back recently from The 25 ^th International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York with lots of new and inspiring ideas to share with you.

The ICFF was exactly what you would think it would be…eclectic, colourful and sometimes pretty out there. (See BRC Designs’ intricate American Pipe Dream Chair below.)

On the trend front, tufting and nail heads were front and centre. Tufting was not just on the front and seats of sofas and chairs, but on the back and sides, as well. Nail heads came in all shapes, sizes and materials, including copper, bronze and silver. Tangerine is still making a splash, but mostly as an add-on cushion accessory to bring you into the summer season. Great colours for fall are navy and the ever-present shades of white. Bring on the stain-guard!

It’s a cool show; New Yorkers are always at the forefront of fashion. And then there’s the fabulous Aqua line of clothing at Bloomingdales… and the incredible Meatball Shop…but I digress.