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!

Glen Peloso at SoFA and that 5th Wall - Flooring!

He's back and spoke to a full house as the saying goes...  

Glen Peloso presents 

       Get Floored with Design - Smart Choices for that 5th Wall!

I was lucky enough to be at this fabulous presentation yesterday where Glen Peloso spoke about flooring and their effect on the space and how they set the tone for the space.  I have heard Glen speak several times and never disappoints!!  He is an excellent speaker in that he has the ability to combine knowledge with humour.  And there was humour.  We definitely learned many great things about the importance of selecting the correct flooring for each project but we also had a lot of laughs and that made for a great time for all.  Glen offered many details about the different options - hardwood, vinyl, laminate, carpet, til and concrete.  He went through current trends, new innovations, his favourite products, common issues and also some great information on working with flooring in our businesses.  If you were not able to make this event, I will be summarizing his info in another post.


'Grounding your design plan on the floor can create a successful design and a happy client' is Glen's philosophy; well having Glen present information 'creates a successful event and happy audience'.

Red Rooms

Happy Valentines Day!!

Of course we think of red when thinking of Valentines Day, Hearts, etc.  Red has both positive and negative connotations.  It can bring to mind images of anger, aggression, danger but it can also bring to mind images of passion, desire, love, sensuality, exuberance, energizing and definitely attracts attention.  I could go on about the historic significance of red and so on, but I want to share some photos of using red in design.  It is so warm, welcoming and full of life!

Bringing the world of Fashion to Furnishings presented by Whittington & Co.

We have all heard that everything in design starts on the fashion runways.  Well last week Whittington & Co. www.whittingtonfurniture.com hosted an event that really brought this alignment of fashion & furnishings to the forefront.

The evening started with wonderful food and a lot of mingling while viewing the mannequins placed throughout the space and dressed in the newest fabrics, including the new Jonathan Adler collection.  Many of the fabric reps were there and their fabrics on mannequins as well.  My first career was fashion design so being around fabric always gets my creative juices going and of course mixing fashion and interior design is just perfect.  Fashion + Design = Happy

Love these mannequins






There was a `fashion show` with models wearing various upholstery fabrics to really emphasize the point and a grand unveiling of three spectacular chairs designed by Jason Mota in collaboration with Whittington artisans which were auctioned and funds going to Peel Children`s Aid.

Looking so Mysterious, shrouded in black cloth, couldn't wait to see what was underneath

My photos do not do these creations justice, but you get the idea

 

 
By the end of the fashion show, people were taking turns posing in the chairs.

The Interior Design Show 2013

It has been described as the biggest design party of the year: industry movers & shakers convene on the show floor for a night of local food, cocktails and a sneak peek at the products on display.

January 24th was the start of IDS13 and opened in great style at their annual opening night gala at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre — Do they know how to throw a good party!  What a time to be out and about with everyone connected to Interior Design and Decorating.  The food and refreshments were amazing and a lot of fun was had by all.  It is a great way to see the different exhibits and catch up with colleagues.  AS we entered there was an amazing huge balloon arrangement floating from the ceiling and lots of music.  First thing after getting our coats checked was an offering of yummy cupcakes and a glass of wine.  What could be better - chocolate + wine = bliss

I was lucky enough to catch up with some of the best local and international designers, and scout out the hottest new interior design finds.  This is an event I look forward to each year and what a great way to start a new off and get inspired for the coming months.

With more than 300 exhibitors showcasing innovative, inspiring interior design, architecture and industrial design trends, the show is a must-see for design lovers. It is like being a kid in a candy shop!  A total and fabulous design experience.

After chocolate cupcakes & wine my colleagues and I headed over to check out the CDECA Exhibit which looked amazing!

Of course Audrey, Deb and myself had to pose in the CDECA Exhibit.  We did a lot of posing that night

Of course it wasn't all partying... I caught a great seminar on Friday morning,  "Renovation Bootcamp - Kitchen Profit is not a Swear Word", presented by NKBA with speaker - Robin Siegerman.  I personally took away some valuable lessons.  Then on to check out more of the show.  

Loved these clocks from The Felt Store - how fun and unique

Great design from Jason Wu for Brizo














IKEA's display was probably the most photographed and certainly had
a ton of visitors all through the event.  These are publicity photos minus all the visitors

IKEA's Vintage Copper Tub got many raves!!

Canadel, Distinctive Appliances and SOFA joined to create a fabulous exhibit and a Party inside the Party with great food and beverages. Table design below using Canadel samples was designed by Jane Lockhart

     

A walk through the unique 'quartz' stone garden by Caesarstone

My favourite was the Design Agency (former Designer Guys) "Canadian-themed Lounge" which was to resemble a deconstructed cottage.  Using Evoke Vinyl Flooring in a variety of ways, from the bar, bar stools, lounge seating and flooring they were able to create an exciting Lounge that was rockin' all night with beer cocktails and yummy snacks.

What a great way to display and store the beer bottles

Here is a display by Wood Stone Metal displaying bottle storage/display using live edge wood
provided by Exoctic Woods.  What an interesting way to store your wine!

Interesting exhibits by Beauti-tone

  

Lovely Summer outdoor furniture from various suppliers like Hauser & Andrew Richards really gets one in the mood for warmer weather and summer relaxing

Urban Barn's display was fresh and crisp

Love this... must get one for my office

IKEA`s Display brought many visitors

 Great tubs - Wet Style

The Tomlin Group display of a gorgeous Cast Iron & Copper Tub