IDS 2010

The Interior Design Show 2010 kicked off this year at a new location - the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  The newest and most innovative in international and Canadian products are annually presented by 300 exhibitors, cutting edge exhibits plus over twenty-five Canadian and International design professionals, celebrities and visionaries in keynote presentations, seminars and workshops . . . including House & Home Editor Suzanne Dimma, Interior Designer Brian Gluckstein, Miami-based interior and fashion designer Barbara Hulanicki, Journalist Ingrid Abramovitch and many more . . . The ultimate ideas, products and trends. The Interior Design Show/IDS 10 is Canada’s largest contemporary design event.

Here are some of the beautiful bathroom ideas featured.....

Watermarks had a  fabulous display featuring a great "luxe" look. I loved this wall hung vanity/sink and glitzy mirror.  Unfortunately I am not particularly great at taking photos and this does not do it justice. For a really good look, drop into Watermarks in Etobicoke or Burlington to see just how gorgeous this is!

I am in love with this incredibly decadant and matching lav from Axor.
http://www.hansgrohe.ca/ I could really imagine relaxing in a space like this.

This tub from Wetstyle http://www.wetstyle.ca/ is very minimalist in styling and has coordinating sink/cabinets and wall hung storage cabinet.  I could imagine this in a very modern space or in a country retreat where the natural wood would fit right in.

Tolie Funiture & Accents http://www.toliedesign.com/ had a contemporary display in the current popular Black & White scheme with pops of red for pizazz. 

Napoleon Fireplaces had many gas and
electric styles on display, many that were
contemporary in design.
http://www.napoleonproducts.com/

Andrew Richard Designs offers both ready-made and custom pieces, arranged in a myriad of vignettes to offer suggestions and inspiration.Their furniture brings unparalleled innovation, style and comfort to outdoor custom-designed furniture.  I always look forward to their booth at IDS because it brings some "warm weather" ideas to us in the midst of our long winter.

This is an interesting new product from Surface Innovation Inc in Parry Sound.  It is a flexible Slate Veneer made from real slate and attached to several different backings.  This can be used on many surfaces and is an easy product to install for the "Do-It-Yourselfer".  They have plans to have a supplier in the GTA by spring.

IDS is more than just a show. It is the total design experience

Designer Night at Brentwood Classics

Last night I attended the Winter 2010 Designer Night at their lovely showroom. 150 guests enjoyed great food, cocktails lots of mingling & networking, fabulous door prizes while viewing the latest in their furniture lines including the new ur_style collection shown in the all important eco fabrics. Brentwood offers a wide variety of Canadian Made furniture to suit all tastes while remaining environmentally responsible and proving that you can have it all. The guest speaker, Interior Designer Glen Peloso whom many will know from "Kitchen Makeover" and "Take this House and Sell It" delivered a very informative and entertaining talk on how one should approach Commercial Design projects differently than residential. Glen is an excellent speaker who is able to present facts in a clear and concise manner while adding some good humour to the mix. To ad to that, Glen is a very gracious person and continued to answer individual questions, mingle with the designers & decorators as well as pose for photos.http://www.brentwoodclassics.com/
All in all a very nice evening and I am in love with all the wonderful furniture at Brentwood Classics. I want some new sofas for me!!

   

           Yours truly with Glen
            enjoying some vino!

The following pictures were taken by Vanessa Francis of

vanessa francis design (visit her at decorhappy.blogspot.com)

A very popular new trend is the Belgium Country House look using Linen upholostery

Winter Romance - Holiday Wedding

Well I really got into the Holiday spirit this year. I was honoured to attend the most incredible wedding I have ever been to - A Holiday Wedding for a niece the week before Christmas. It was spectacular!!

The reception was held at the Eglinton Grand in Toronto and WOW!! Very hollywood glam... Formerly The Eglinton Theatre, this historic landmark has been restored to its original 1937 grandeur! Holding true to its art deco décor, The Eglinton Grand is adorned with rich woods including mahogany and ebony, elegant marble, beautiful wainscoting and period furniture.

This venue recaptures the elegant design and sophistication of a majestic facility .
The balcony level has been recreated into a swank cocktail lounge. One level down, a spectacular ballroom - dining and dancing - evokes the romance of the old movies of days gone by.

They had the most elegant decor in the colors of their wedding - white, black and red. You really felt that you were back in the 30's hollywood glamour from the moment you entered the venue. Very classy event with fab food, great entertainment and of course the most beautiful bride and handsome groom. The did their first dance together all alone on the dance floor amid millions (ok not millions) but lots of twinkling lights and candles. All of the guests were up on the balcony level enjoying cocktails when the curtains were drawn and pouf! there they were below us looking magnificent. During their dance a video of their day was playing on the large movie screens which made it all the more like a fantasy. Well done Cara and Evangelos! So glad I could be part of your special day.

For a decorator this was like being in a candy store - so much to see and admire. The tables were decorated with black velvet burn out fabric, white with a 2' tall slender square vase filled with red berries, black branches with tiny white flowers and palm branches. The head table had black velvet skirting along the front and the attendants assembled their red rose ball bouquets along the edge - quite incredible.
I wanted to take it all in. I didn't want to leave!!