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

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!

Some DIY projects from a guest blogger....

I am asked on occasion to post "guest" posts on this blog and this particular post is about some DIY projects sent by Shahab Shokouth, that I thought were interesting,   so take a look.



(Photo) Doing your own DIY remodeling can at times be a daunting task, but it can also be quite simple, depending on the project. In this post we will discover several DIY remodeling tips and tricks of varying complexities.

• Custom Colored Glass Light Shades!

Tinting your own custom colored glass light shades can be done in 30 minutes with the following ingredients: Mod podge, food coloring, water, jars (or clear glass light shades). For the full instructions, view this clip.
Ball Canning Jars are perfect for this kind of project.

• DIY Towel Rack

This DIY’er is perfect for both the kitchen and the bathroom. Re-purpose the back of an old ladder back
back into a towel rack and hang your towels.


.

• Designer Tile Accents

Often times, the whole point of being a DIY-er is to save money. In this example, by having accent tiles on the shower wall (instead of tiling the shower with designer tiles), it makes for a cheaper price tag, but still showcases an effective and sleek, design cue. This is also ideal when you want some more elaborate tile work in your bathroom, but you don’t want to rout all of your tiles. And if you have tiled flooring in your bathroom, a designer tile accent may be an effective remodel for your floor, as well!

 

• Dresser Turned DIY Kitchen Island

Speaking of DIY friendly, here’s a DIY Kitchen Island, created by re-purposing an antique dresser. All it took was taking a dresser and repainting the surface. On the side, they have added hooks to hold kitchen utensils, and have simply added a towel dispenser to the side of the dresser. The vibrant blues and whites also help brighten up the kitchen space. If you’re not feeling very “DIY”, there’s the “Buy It Yourself” option… In that case, the Kitchen Island DIY installation process involves: buying it, placing it in your kitchen, and removing the price tag. Unless of course you’re buying it from IKEA in which case it will require assembly. Whichever way you go, it might be a good idea to decorate your Kitchen Island with some bowls, as seen above. This will also add counter space to your kitchen. New kitchen islands range widely in price, size, and quality.   About the Author Shahab Shokouhi is a Writer at Dulles Glass and Mirror – a manufacturer of commercial and residential glass products including custom mirrors, glass top, and glass top desks.

Getting some R and R in the Sun and in Style.....

About 3 years ago I caught up with 3 friends from high school via facebook, having lost touch for more years than I will mention.  Such fun to catch up and see where life had taken us.  One friend in particular,  had taken almost an identical career journey as had I.  We both started out in fashion design, then some other odds and ends, children and finally, our true love of Interior Design and Decorating.  She lives and works out of Montreal and recently purchased and renovated a lovely home in Florida which is available for rent.   I wanted to share photos of this extremely well decorated and well situated home by Susan Jameson, Decor Options who can be reached at -decoroptions.sj@gmail.com

The home is located in West Palm, and only 15 minutes from the airport.  The ocean is so close you can see it from the front of the house and the restaurants and bars are close by as well, which I think is always a bonus!!
Check out some photos of it below and for more details go to
   http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p963815

I think every room has been done to perfection!!

Beautiful stainless kitchen....

Lovely Sunroom looking out to the garden and pool area

Celebrating the Season.....

Our GTA West Chapter of CDECA had a nice celebration just prior to Christmas at the studio/showroom of one of our members.  Check out Parsons Interiors in Mississauga and Jackie Connolly will be happy to help you with your decorating requirements.www.parsonsinteriors.com. 

We had a great time and actually covered chapter business but more important - the food was great.  Unfortunately there are more photos of us having a good time and eating than of the lovely pieces in the showroom, so you will just have to stop by to see them!!