Interior Design Show 2015

Winter has come and will no doubt be here for a while yet.  I look forward to attending the IDS every year to see what new and wonderful products are available for Interior Decor and Design.  This is the primo show in Canada for all that is related to Design.  One will network, run into colleagues and even schmooze with the design celebrities who are all extremely approachable and love to take a minute to chat.

Some of what I saw......

7 Lighting Mistakes to Avoid

Posted January 20, 2015 in Top Designers At Work and Design Tips by House Beautiful

1. Relying on Only One Light Source. The key to good lighting is layering it at different heights. "Don't rely on only one kind of light source. Mix a variety of overhead and floor or table lamps," Alan Tanksley says. "Warm 'pools' of light draw people in and create intimacy."

2. Using Overhead Lighting That's Too Bright. "There's nothing worse than bright lights that make you feel like you're onstage," says Barclay Butera says. He recommends using dimmers and soft white bulbs in every room, including bathrooms. "Lighting shouldn't wash down on you: It's harsh and unflattering."

3. Not Thinking About Wattage. "Mood is everything, and who wants to dine in bright light? 60 watts for the dining room," Barbara Barry says. "I want it bright when reading, so 75 to 100 watts for the living room. It's nice to have options — if you don't have dimmers, then have some variety from 40 to 100 watts, so you can change the mood for the occasion. The bathroom needs overhead as well as side lighting. Keep the overhead to 75 watts, with 60 watts on each side. The best lighting is at eye level, not overhead, which creates shadows. And the best light is diffused light from a white or off-white lampshade."

4. Going Overboard With Recessed Lighting. "Use recessed lighting sparingly. Too many fixtures turn your ceiling into Swiss cheese!" Anthony Baratta says. And be mindful of where you place that kind of lighting. "Limit overhead can lighting to functional areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms — the light is too harsh and flat for your living areas," Timothy Corrigan says.

5. Forgetting About Dimmers. "Lighting is everything. It creates atmosphere, drama, and intrigue in a room. The easiest way to accomplish this is with a dimmer switch. I always use dimmers, even in the powder room!" Martyn Lawrence Bullard says.

6. Light Switches Placed in the Wrong Place. "We locate light switches about 36" above the floor. That way they stay out of the way of the art on our walls. We put switches about 1½" to 2" off the side of the door casing for the same reason," Gil Shafer says.

7. Neglecting Your Closet. Your closet needs attention, too. "Some good, solid recessed lighting is clearly going to help to distinguish this pair of black trousers, from that pair of black trousers!" Scot Meacham Wood says. "We will also regularly add a gallery fixture across the header of built-in closets as a secondary light source. You're regularly working with matching colors and textures while getting dressed each morning, so having good lighting is a requirement."

Set Design on Televsion and at the Movies.....

I love checking out websites where you can see the photos of the set design of television shows and movies.  I love watching The Good Wife and thought I would post some photos of her apartment which is lovely and traditional.  Further down in this post is the exact opposite - Samantha's modern, Malibu Beach House (Sex and the City); then the amazing beach house from the movie "Sleeping with the Enemy"

Good Wife

Samantha's Malibu Beach House in Sex and the City 

 Julia Roberts Beach House in Sleeping with the Enemy 

More Movie Sets

One of the Sets in the movie Eat, Pray and Love - The coachhouse

 

Niagara Icewine Festival

Ontario Icewine is one of Canada’s most cherished products. Celebrate for three weekends in January as the Niagara Region is transformed into a wintry wonderland.

Celebrating 20 years this year, the Niagara Icewine Festival offers plenty for every taste, from elegant gala evenings to irresistible wine and food pairings and outdoor activities from exploring Ice Street Villages to marshmallow roasting along the famed wine route.

If you haven't attended the Niagara Ice Wine Festival and you love wine then you must  plan on going next January.  There are still many events happening next weekend as well.  I was there this past weekend and what a fun time.  All of the wineries host special events and one in particular that we attended was at Pellar Estates where there were tours, and several different events taking place.  We went for the ice wine tasting and wine infused marshmallow roasting.  Need I say more -  yum!   

Over the weekend the town closed a portion of the main street and all of the different wineries were set up in their own booths as well as the different restaurants who had many delicious food offerings.  Great idea so no driving involved.  There were ice sculptures including 'cruiser' type ice tables and and fire pits set up with chairs around them for a little relaxing if you were so inclined.

At the Ice Wine Cocktail Colntest

 Roasting my marshmallow

After a fantastic dinner at the Grill on King, www.grillonking.ca  we headed out from our room on the main street to enjoy the evening of Sparkle & Ice which is a celebration with Niagara-on-the- Lake Icewinemakers and their VQA wines paired with Icewine inspired tastings and contest. While tasting the offerings, we had a live band to keep the spirits happy.   Such fun!n evening of Spa