Along with the warm and hot weather this July, came some visits to CDECA Affiliates in Vaughan.  A group of decorators from the GTA West Chapter as well as from the Toronto Chapter made the trek to Vaughan and it was well worth the trip.  Our first stop was at Zilli Home which was an amazing showroom.  We were offered refreshments along with some information about Zilli and then Anna Staggopoulos gave us a tour of the several floors within the showroom.  I have to say it was difficult pulling the ladies away from this location.  Great deals, Great product lines and they look after our interests.  What could be better!  Here are just a few of the many photos I took that day.

Second on our list was a visit to the Prima Lighting showroom which rivals Elte in the lighting department and has some product lines exclusive to them.  All I can say is "Gorgeous"  We were given time to browse and then had a tour of the showroom by Sam Folino and he shared information on some of the different aspects of lighting, including the new types of bulbs and where they should be used.  The final stop was a concealed room which Prima is in the final process of readying for designers and decorators to use when they bring clients.  It will offer total privacy, WiFi, fabric samples, computer, AND refreshments.  How better to show a client your ideas.  Prima is also delving into furniture lines as well.  It is definitely a place to go.  For those who like to shop on line, Prima has the sister company 'Click Lighting'.  Check both out.

Of course we had to have a little nibble so off we went to Grazie Ristorante on Jane.  Absolutely fantastic Italian food and wonderful service.  Thanks to all who took care of us.

     

Last, but not least on our day was Orro Mosaic.  All I can say is Wow!  Michael Shikan gave us time to view the products and I can say I have never seen so many different, unique and fabulous mosaics available.  We were like kids in a candy store checking them out and then the best part was we got to select any samples we would like and they will be available to us in an easy to carry container for when we visit clients.  
Of course bringing clients to this showroom will really blow their mind.

All in all it was a great day and we are so lucky as a group of decorators to have such supportive and wonderful Affiliates.  Thanks to all

Making a new Patio Table

One day this spring I ventured outside to my patio to sit for a minute and enjoy my coffee, only to find that my lovely glass patio table was now a pile of glass shards.  Not sure how this happened but I would not toss it.  It was longer than what I could find out there these days and the chairs were fine and most of these come as a set so I decided to remake it over using cedar fence boards cut to the correct size.  I couldn't find the colour of stain I wanted so I made my own.  I love mixing colour.

Below is what my table looked like prior to the crash!

Below is the new tabletop with the unstained cedar boards

 Running boards in the opposite direction on the underside adds stability and keeps boards from shifting

The finished result.  

GTA West Chapter Annual Spring/Summer Luncheon

It is that time again..... time for our annual luncheon and once again we selected Il Fornello's in Oakville.  They have amazing food and a variety that suits every taste.  We all met on Monday and were joined by several of our great affiliates.  Affiliates presented some information on their products and new connections were made.  All in all a fabulous time was had by all.

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??