Interior Design Show IDS 2014

I love the annual trek to the Interior Design Show in Toronto to see what's new in the world of interiors and what some of my favourite suppliers are showing.  This year seemed to grab me as an exceptionally creative one; maybe it's because of the long cold winter we've been having so far - but I really enjoyed the vast range of colours, the myriad of textures, and the evolving organic shapes as I moved from booth to booth. 

Here is a showcase of some of my favourite things from IDS 2014.

Beautiful photographic images on traditional furniture.

Introducing Montreal artist and furniture designer Corinne Campenio.   

Born in the South of France, Corinne's travels are the subject matter of her creative works as she transforms her images into works of art on chairs, pillows and benches.

The good news is that she has just opened a showroom in Toronto so you can see these pieces first hand.

With no need for an introduction, well established LLADRO, the Spanish luxury porcelain brand since 1953, continues to thrive on its innovative heritage by expanding into unique product lines that explore function and whimsy for a new generation.  

The matte and high gloss pieces in black, white and gold from the Naturo fantastic line would be striking statement pieces on a coffee or dinner tabletop in any home.  I love the organic shapes and fluid textures of these handcrafted pieces on their own or as a collection.  I can picture any of these pieces used in a  contemporary or traditional setting.

Naturo fantastic

Also from Lladro, I couldn't miss the striking and intriguing porcelain characters from The Guest line.  Created by Jamie Haydon for Lladro Atelier and given unique personalities by cutting-edge artists invited to make their mark, these pieces are sure to promote smiles if not curious conversation at your next dinner party.  These are designs truly fitting the mandate of  "a world of new experiences in porcelain".

The Guest

When it comes to lighting, there is always an opportunity to make a statement and elevate a space with so many creative options out there.   It's a weakness of mine when it comes to sourcing, I have to restrict the amount of time I spend because I could look at light fixtures for hours.

Two standouts at the show for me include AM Studio of Toronto

These simple glass pendants are so striking when you hang them in multiples at various heights.  This effect can be used in almost any room: in a corner over a side table, kitchen island, bedroom or dining room.

the sleek linear ceiling fixture at top of picture is called   Manhattan - Flying Lines from AM Studio

A group of 15 leading edge Quebec designers joined forces and formed a collective to exhibit their unique lighting and furnishings and QC Design was born.  Always original and often eco-friendly, some of these artists have already gained critical acclaim and continue to promote the creative culture of Quebec's product design scene.  I love to see emerging artists receive good exposure, go Canada!

via QC Design

Kitchen and Bath 

I love to design these spaces because good design can really change how people live and enjoy their homes.  Once thought of as purely functional spaces, the kitchen and bath industry has literally exploded with hundreds of vendors and products that continue to surpass our expectations of what these spaces can be. 

Cranberry Hill Kitchens caught my eye with the huge statement range hood, the interesting door treatment (intricately carved but only on the bottom third), and their use of mirrored inset panels with vintage hardware.

Blanco is always innovating and I loved their new Modex sink in Cinder Silgranit with colour-matched Blanco Alta dual spray chrome/cinder faucet (shown below).   This one also has built-in butcher block.

So chic, low maintenance, and extremely durable - everything you want in a kitchen!

via Blanco

How beautiful and sophisticated is this bathtub!  Have you ever....?   I love the contrast of the white acrylic tub against the reclaimed wood backdrop wall.  

Personally, I would love to see this tub floating in the middle of a huge luxurious bathroom,
or set against a wall of high gloss black and mirror mosaic tiles.

Tomlin Group - Acryline tub

 On the opposite spectrum, also from Tomlin, is this beauty in a stainless steel exterior with a mirror finish.

I would classify this tub as rustic-glam!  The vintage faucet is a really nice touch.

Tomlin Group - Slik Portfolio

Also in the Slik Portfolio is this beautiful vintage shower door enclosure in polished chrome, 

it really adds to the vintage vibe of the black and white space, and much more stylish than a solid glass door.

via Slik Portfolio

Another established name in bath products is Fleurco, predominantly known for their shower doors.
They recently launched an integrated shower base with seat incorporating shelves for storage inside and outside the shower. I think it's going to be a big hit with both designers and contractors because it's easy to install, it's very functional and looks great too!

via Fleurco

Sometimes you want a unique vanity for your luxe bathroom but don't want to wait the required several weeks or have the funds for a custom designed piece.  

Along comes Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry to provide an option that gets you the best of both worlds.  

They produce limited editions of semi-custom vanities offering a custom look without the price tag.

White quartzite countertop and hand-forged iron door handles give this little vanity a luxe look for less.

If you want something really different, and your wallet is bulging, check out Unik Stone bathroom fixtures.

Made of one solid piece of limestone, these products are both solid and seductive - not to mention heavy!  The oak drawers add interest and warm up the sleek chrome legs while adding function.

And finally, the miles of tiles from various suppliers are always fun to check out.  

It's amazing how they can transform a space - just consider it the jewelry! Here's some of my favs.

One of the other unique features of this year's IDS was the use of experiential displays.  There were a few vendors that provided a walk-through experience of the their products in a multi-sensory and all-encompassing way, through the use of interactive product displays, mixed media presentations and with help from some very well outfitted salespeople!  

A memorable venue that stood out for me was Korhani home.  I've seen their entertaining runway shows at Fashion Week in Toronto where models strut the runway in floor coverings made into extreme fashion.  

  But this was their first time at IDS and they made it a true experience with a 3 minute walk-through with live, animated broadcasts coming from still mannequins with "digital faces" dressed in various themed rugs.  

The mannequins are wearing designer RUGS!

I always leave the show wanting more and carry off a bag full of product info that I explore later.  

The best part however, is the creative stimulation that every designer needs and being in an inspiring environment that encourages me to keep pushing the creative envelope and expanding my horizons for the next project!  

Kitchen Kraze

Over the last few months I've seen a growing interest in kitchen renovations from clients, friends and family.  My Real Estate Agent friends also tell me that people are looking to buy homes with mediocre kitchens so that they can build the spaces of their dreams to meet their specific needs.  It's worth the investment too because a good kitchen renovation can increase the value of your home by up to 15%!

I love a classic white kitchen with marble counters, open shelving, and restaurant grade appliances - it's a favourite look in the design community and the shelter magazines because it's timeless, elegant and works for almost any style.  

BUT... I also want to see something different. 

So where to start, you ask??

With any kitchen client, the basic functional needs are similar:  good storage, ample counter space, improved lighting, and overall better flow and integration with the rest of the home for the way people are living today.  We spend a lot of time getting the layout right to maximize every inch of space and provide a highly organized work space customized to the client's specific culinary needs (or lack thereof!).

However, from an aesthetic point of view, the sky's the limit! 

Once we've determined we're going classic, transitional or contemporary, 

the options for finishes are extensive.

Here are some recent inspiration shots that were chosen for 3 different clients - all of whom said they didn't want a white kitchen.  

You'll see a variety of styles for classic, transitional and eclectic kitchen styles.

I love how the quartz top on the counter was used for shelving on the island.
Open and closed storage allows for function and pretty to live together in harmony.

I like the different materials used for the island to create interest and drama

Industrial pendants and metal cabinet doors really make a statement in this eclectic kitchen by Nate Berkus.

A classic white kitchen with a twist - the punch of blue cabinetry with wooden counter top on the island turns this traditional kitchen into a real showpiece!

How smart is this?  See how happy mom is?

I would love to see these finishes in a loft with concrete floors and exposed brick walls.

Aya Kitchens

I think grey is the new white - it's definitely a classic look!

Now, scroll back to the top and look at how different all the light fixtures are in each space.  Each kitchen style can accommodate a variety of lighting options based on the feel of the space.  

Lighting is an integral part of kitchen design; whether to add sparkle and drama, or to contrast with the cabinetry, enhance counter tops and of course, provide much needed task lighting.

This is just a tiny sample of how you can create a truly unique space that fits your family's lifestyle and your design aesthetic... 

and why it's a great idea to hire a designer to help you get the best looking kitchen in the neighbourhood!

images via

Kitchen Lighting

I'm about to start work on a new kitchen project and while researching for lighting options and looking through my archives I realized how much I dislike seeing the traditional recessed lights that provide the necessary but completely unappealing overhead lighting around the perimeter of the counter surfaces.

I then ran into some gorgeous... 

Diamond Baratta

These vintage fixtures are a stunning contrast to the slick granite counters sitting on the traditionally carved wooden legs of the island.  And, as long as you're looking up... how about these ceilings?  Wow! 

via Decorati

I love the unabashed luxe of this chandelier as it reflects off a stunning silver textured ceiling.  What really made me do a second take was how intriguing it was to use sconces along the top perimeter walls instead of recessed lighting in the ceiling.   Of course, with the intricate treatment on the ceiling you wouldn't want to interrupt it with spots of pots!

via Dabble Design by Erinn Valencich  Photo by Adrian Anz

For a modern kitchen like this one, I like that the fixtures are so sleek and simple.  There are actually a few recessed lights, but the white on white blends seamlessly into the ceiling and the drop pendants really draw your eyes down and away from the ceiling.  How about this curved island?  What a nice way to soften the otherwise clean lines of the space.  I like the glitter of the back splash too!

Tommy Smythe

The mix of rustic and modern elements in this black & white kitchen by Tommy Smythe is classic but the massive wrought iron lantern truly takes center stage almost dwarfing the farmhouse table.

Does the back splash tile look familiar? (see Decorati photo 2 shots above)

Amy Lau

The kitchen cabinetry plays a supporting role here as the backdrop for the multi-coloured showstopper of a chandelier and the clean lines of the mid-century modern dining table and chairs.  Exquisite as expected from designer Amy Lau.

This little display goes to show that you don't always have to stick to the rules when it comes to lighting.
Express your personal style and look for alternatives to recessed lighting - you may just end up with a piece of art hanging from above and create a one of a kind kitchen you'll love to come home to.