The Beauty of Soapstone.....

I recently was treated to a meal cooked by Wayne Wanamaker of Great Mountain Soapstone, on a piece of soapstone which was incredible. The food was cooked so that the meat and fish were seared on the outside and the inside was very moist.  If one can cook on it, then one can surely have it as a countertop.

Guest blog by Wayne Wanamaker -

Soapstone is becoming the “newest” oldest trend in countertops. It is gaining in popularity with architects, interior and kitchen designers alike, as they are drawn to soapstone’s soft feel and matte finish.   It is becoming a highly coveted material and is both a much needed and excellent alternative to quartz and granite.

When you mention soapstone, the first thing that comes to mind is the carvings of the Canadian Inuits.  There are essentially two categories of soapstone; Artistic and Architectural. Artistic soapstone (including most soapstone from Canada) has a very high talc (a soft mineral) content, approximately 80%, making it quite soft and ideal for carving and sculptures.  

Architectural soapstone on the other hand has a lower talc content, approximately 30%, making for a superb countertop and sink material. It still has the appearance and properties of Artistic Soapstone, but with the strength and durability needed for use in the home. This grade of soapstone typically comes from the United States, Brazil or India.

Soapstone’s talc content makes it smooth and waxy to the touch, also making it very water resistant and chemically inert as well as being absolutely stain resistant.   Red wine, lemon juice, acids, oils, vinegars, etc. will not impact the surface.  Unlike granite, there is no chemical sealing required, and so no unwanted toxins on your counter surface.  The only regular maintenance of soapstone that is required is the periodic application of either food grade mineral oil or a wax made from linseed oil and beeswax. While not required to seal the soapstone, these two products can be used to enhance the color and pattern of the soapstone. 

Another huge benefit to using soapstone is that it is heat resistant, which allows you to safely put a hot pot directly on the surface with no fear of damage.

 Soapstone can also be used to make sinks.  They can be made to any size or configuration leaving its design limitations to only ones imagination.  The sinks are put together using a blind mortise and tenon joint, fastened with epoxy and guaranteed not to leak for life.  The bottoms are sloped on all four sides to the center drain basket. The sinks are also made from the same slab as the countertop to ensure colour matching.

Soapstone is also an excellent material for use on countertops and tables in outdoor kitchens because of its non-porosity and stain resistance. Also its earthy, organic appearance lends itself to the outdoor setting.

The design possibilities with soapstone are endless for both interior and exterior projects. When designing your next project, it might be worth it to consider soapstone.

Great Mountain Soapstone currently stocks 9 colors, ranging from grey/black, green/black, grey, charcoal, black to dark green.  The slab sizes are similar to those of granite, but can vary in size, depending on the colour, and are worth the time to check out in person. We now have a full slab gallery showroom located in the International Centre as part of the SOFA family of showroom.  We are open Monday to Friday, 10 to 5. 

Creating incomparable interiors with Eric McClelland At SOFA

I wanted to share my thoughts on this event which I attended a month ago but have been very busy in a good way - clients, working a little on my own home and getting ready for spring.

I attend many seminars, events, showrooms and trade shows in order to keep abreast of new and great ideas in the Interior Design and Decor industry.  We can always learn something new and sometimes we just need a little refresher to bump it up a notch or get inspired.  I have met and listened to many of the local celebrity designers and come away with the knowledge that they are all very approachable and willing to share what they have experienced.

I recently met Eric McClelland at a SOFA event and found him to be an engaging speaker with much to share on the topic of "Creating Incomparable Interiors" so that you stand out, not to mention how amenable he was to chat after and pose for pictures.

I, along with everyone else in attendance came away feeling uplifted and ready to 'get creative' and do marvelous things.  If you ever see Eric's work you will understand what I mean as he has an innate way of creating amazing spaces.  Eric is co-owner of Fleur-de-lis Interior Design in Toronto.

Of course I had to have photo with Eric

Beautiful Porcelain

I recently had the opportunity to see some of the fantastic porcelain created by Bill Reddick who had a display at SOFA, one of my favourite haunts for design inspiration.  Bill  is known for his ceramic and pottery which takes inspiration of the Song Dynasty with a contemporary look.  He is the creator of Canada's official state dinnerware, which resides in Rideau Hall in Ottawa..  Check out his website to see the lovely pieces already completed.

Corinne Campenio designs from France now at SOFA

I attended an event at SOFA this morning to introduce a new design source coming out of Paris, France with gorgeous products.  The line offers chairs, benches, headboards and toss cushions all designed by Corinne Campenio.  This talented designer travels to various cities around the world to find her inspiration which she photographs and then transforms into beautiful creations.  The frames for the furniture is made of Canadian kiln dried maple in Montreal and can be finished in whatever the client would like.  The options are plentiful and so unique.  One can combine any of her fabrics on any style of chair or bench for a completely one of a kind custom design.  The printing process is done with the sublimation process and the design goes deep into the fabric making it very durable and resistant to scratching, fading under normal conditions.  This fabric also meets fire resistant requirements and commercial standards.   Currently this line can only be sourced at SOFA within the GTA.

       

 

SOFA and another great Presentation - Fisher & Paykel

I recently attended a presentation at SOFA by Glen Peloso.  For anybody who hasn't been to one of Glen's presentations you are missing out on some fun and facts.  This recent event was Hosted by Fisher & Paykel (pronounced like Michael) in their gorgeous showroom at SOFA.  The premise was 'Kitchens for the Way we Live" and Glen took us on a walk down memory lane to see where we have evolved from and where we are today.  Glen always has some humorous bits to inject when he is speaking and it keeps the topics interesting throughout. I took a few photos of the showroom before dashing to another event.  It really is a busy time of year for those of us in this business.

It would be remiss of me to not mention a little about Fisher and Paykel.  This organization has long been committed to environmentally conscious operations as a business, and to creating new products that increasingly limit the impact on the environment's natural resources.  Today they strive to emphasize sustainability in everything they do, from comprehensive recycling programs to continual energy and water consumption reduction efforts both in manufacturing and new product design.  Visit their website for more information and a look at the amazing options they offer.  They have a great recipe section as well.   Then go to SOFA for an up close look and you will fall in love....

 

SOFA - Source of Furniture and Accessories

If you follow my blog you will notice that I am writing about SOFA on a regular basis and that is because I am up there quite a bit and they have fantastic showrooms and seminars. I attended a recent Marketing seminar which was great and then checked out a couple of new showrooms.

Today when I checked out Pab, which is a furniture design and build company owned and run by Philip Brown, I was fascinated.  Philip has a unique eye and his products are one of a kind and original.  He combines form and function as well as incredible design.  Check out his website Pab Furniture.

The other new addition to SOFA is David Pearl Cabinetry.   The doors are made in Britain and Italy and are the very best quality and standards.  They offer High End Custom Cabinetry with British & Italian Doors can produce Chic, Modern, Contemporary, Victorian or Traditional Kitchen Design.  Doors are made of both Painted MDF and also of Real Wood, using timbers such as Walnut, Maple, Pine & White Oak. 

Cobi Ladner visits SoFA

I recently attended a presentation at SoFA, and sponsored by Canadel by Cobi Ladner on the importance of "Branding".

I think most people have heard of Cobi Ladner, formerly of Canadian House & Home Magazine.
Cobi gave a wonderful seminar on how she created her own personal brand.  She spoke about how people today want a "look" and I have definitely been hearing that around the home decor community.  Actually recently someone said it to me about a location in which to live.  They didn't like the feeling or look of the area, even though it was perfectly acceptable.  We are striving to have our own look and a feeling when our homes.



Cobi left the magazine to pursue her passion of 'fun, colourful and affordable' home furnishings which include everything from furniture, fabric, drapery, lighting, pillows, accessories, throws, teapots and soon to come bedding.

Cobi's name also stands for " 'creation of beautiful ideas'  which she completely believes in, has embraced colour and her presentation dealt with creating your own brand as she has.  One must build their brand.  How people decorate their individual homes is what your home says about you.

Cobi talked about other famous brands and how they identify a distinct product or person.  As decorators and designers we need to be building our brands.  It should reflect your own personality and a feeling we create.   We need to be individual and promote our personal style.

Below are a few photos of Cobi's style

Another photo op for me but for some reason I look sad?  I wasn't though ,

maybe just looking a little off??

 

Jamie Alexander shares Spring 2013 Trends from High Point

This morning I attended another fabulous event hosted by SoFA and was so inspired by the presentation by Jamie Alexander who has an incredible knowledge about Design, Working with Clients and is great to listen to.  He shared many points on how we as Decorators and Designers can work maintain control over our projects with very excellent tips for us to follow.

 

Some of the topics were - 

- New Trends
- Trends "Gone Wild"
- Suppliers in the "New"

How to sell furniture to your client
- From your office to their home
- From your local retailer to their home
- When the client takes over the online deal

Seeing is believing
- selling the piece without the client touching the piece
- choosing fabrics with an end result you and your client is happy with
- the basics of case goods
- Your "Go To" list the supplier listing you cannot live without 

The second portion of Jamie's presentation dealt with the 2013 Trends he spotted while at the recent Highpoint Furniture Market.  Here's some of what you will be seeing...'

• Refined Asian done in black (not high gloss)Antique & reclaimed pieces - New Antiques that are created to look like real Antiques by using some of the old furniture making methods
• The reclaimed look is still strong however it is new pieces made to look very old
• Room Divider Screens which makes sense with the popularity of the Open Floor Plans today
• Art that represents Architectural images, prints
• Tufting is still big and staying that way
• Faux Fur - not only throws or area rugs, but now on sofas, ottomans
• French Style - but with new finishes and fabrics; more updated
• Retro reborn,  e.g. the Arc Lamps
• Colour is now found on Walls, flooring and accessories and large pieces of furniture is neutral
• Wing Chairs made more tailored and smaller
• Mixing metals is still hot - hammered and matte finish.  Gone is the high gloss silver
• Trunks, tins, boxes
• Lots of pillows on sofas
• Mirror, inlaid pieces on lamps, black mirror used on furnishings;  Lacquer is out

HAPPENINGS AT SOFA

Don't forget to sign up for the Vendor Showcase being held at SoFA on May 29th.  This year there are several very interesting seminars being held throughout the day at different times so you can potentially have the opportunity of attending all of them.  Below is the invitation and further down is the list of available seminars remaining.  They are being filled up so if you are interested,m register today by visiting SoFA and checking the Events Tab.

SOFA Presents: Vendor Showcase 2013 Seminars

May 29, 2013

Agenda:
New This Year....
SEMINAR SPEAKER SERIES

• Ventilation 101
  Session 1: SOLD OUT
• Learn How to Best Deal with Contractors from Start to Finish
  Session 1 & 2 : SOLD OUT
• 3D Dream Design by ViewIt Technologies
  Session 1 & 2 : SOLD OUT
• Landscape Seminar: Designing Inside Out
  Session 1 & 2 : SOLD OUT

Seminar:	Profit Success for Designers, Suite 209 Marketplace, Beauti-Tone Seminar Room
Time:	1 pm to 2:30 pm
	Are you blessed with a flair for fashion? Do you love bringing happiness to customers? Discover how you can: Attract More Quality Design Clients Show Window Fashions, Upgrade to full service & Earn 50-60% PROFIT Sponsored by the View Window Fashions
Seminar:	Selling Blind Motorization is Easier Than You Think, SOFA Design Lab, Session 1
Time:	2 pm to 3 pm
	Hosted by Allterior Design
Seminar:	Selling Blind Motorization is Easier Than You Think, SOFA Design Lab, Session 2
Time:	3 pm to 4 pm
	Hosted by Allterior Design
Seminar:	Ventilation 101, Suite 206
Time:	2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
	What Every Kitchen Designer Needs to know! Hosted by Distinctive Appliances Inc.

The View Window Fashions at SOFA

Yesterday was quite the day and being Valentines Day I had a great day.  Starting of the day was a presentation by The View Window Fashions who have 3 locations, one in Vaughan, one in Toronto and just opened another location, this time in the Marketplace at SOFA.  The view consists of three people who have been in this business for many years and they know window coverings.  They will carry Hunter Douglas www.centurianwindowfashions;  MaxxMar  www.maxxmar.com,;  Levelor www.levolor.ca and Graber graberblinds.com.
The presentation commenced with three "Men in Black"  entering and then 'one man in black' strutted his stuff.  The view provided chocolate roses and eye candy for valentines day.... and later refreshments in their kiosk.  Danny Tulino, speaker for the group presented some of the newest offerings and there are many great ways to 'Dress' your windows.  All in all a great presentation and more great knowledge.

Gotta love SOFA, www.visitsofa.com for arranging all these educational and fun events for us decorators and designers and thanks to The View for the great refreshments and to the wonderful showrooms for the way they welcome us and also the great prizes.

Thanks to Linda and Lailyn!

TCHFM 2013

Every year the Canadian Home Furnishings Market rolls out their offerings for retailers and designers/decorators for several days in January.  It is always housed at the International Centre.  The various showrooms host several parties for trade visitors and this year I attended the SOFA Cocktail Party www.visitsofa.com on Sunday evening and enjoyed networking and many tasty treats! So many people! So much fun!

Marcantonio Designs www.marcantoniodesigns.com unveiled their new showroom and I couldn't resist a few photos

 Did a little sourcing at Ren-Wil  www.renwil.com and loved these pieces....

It is always interesting to check out the new products available.  Below are a few photos of what I saw....

Modern Art and lighting

I loved this outdoor lamp post - very industrial look

Interesting lighting made with chains

Great Lighting at great price points which can be shipped directly from Quebec to your office!

The Trends Display is a group of different spaces, set up using furniture from different manufacturers who are participating in the show and how a space can come together.  Below is one that I likes

Just outside of the Canadel Showroom www.canadel.ca  was a new set up for relaxing during the show.  The stools were incredibly comfortable!