Inside the Toronto IDS

Well everyone I'm back from Toronto and tired, tired, tired. What a weekend this has been!


The Toronto IDS was a smash to say the least! With over 300 exhibits to check out, this is the place to be if you are a designer or design enthusiast. 

The weekend started off with the opening night Gala, featuring a sneak peak at all the exhibits, and of course with all the big name Designers in house.

I was SO honored to meet Sarah Richardson and Samantha Pynn inside the `sibling rivalry` exhibit that Sarah and her brother Theo featured. It just happens to be one of my favorite (of course!)

This is the first room of three the duo completed. I love how it feels so Nova Scotian. All the elements speak that of of a warm, sophisticated cottage. Love the bright red, mix-matched dining chairs as well. This would be so easy for anyone to do - design savvy or not. 

This being the second, informal living room and office. The cool tones work very nicely as a middle point to the high-energy bedroom to follow.

I have seen Sarah use this bright yellow before in a bedroom (something most people would not necessarily think to choose). I love how unexpected can seem so right. So comforting. 

And I love this lounge. I have been on an antiques kick for a couple of months now, and this speaks my language. I love the V-stripe fabric as well. Subtle and lovely. 

 Over the course of the weekend several talks were hosted on the main Krups Stage. Literally thousands of people crammed together on louis ghost chairs to hear the latest in design debates. 

Now, for the big moment: MY FAVORITES

Right off the bat, and I think a lot of fellow designers would agree, the IKEA booth really grabbed my attention.

 Featuring an all black Kitchen...something we don`t really see anymore, with an entire wall of storage, large island and detailed cabinetry. Over the entire installation were various shapes and sizes of pendant lanterns, which broke up all that black and really created a massive focal point. Centered in this beautiful display was the large scale island featuring a leathered-granite. The texture was to die for. 

To me, the wall of storage separated by a large mirrored wall which housed a built-in TV by Radian Audio was a show stopper. At first glance, the mirrored wall just looks like that. A nice break in the center of a storage dream. Until the TV is turned on and a hidden plasma shows it`s delight. I really see a movement toward this type of design in homes. TV`s that are either behind glass and installed flush into walls, or TV`s that are hidden behind art. Which brings me to my next favorite.

 This gentleman featured his creations of a dual purpose. This television mount sits flush in the wall, and with the slightest pull, comes out and flips around to show either the television or the custom art option. Slick. 

Next is this beautiful area rug. I also saw a trend in rugs this year which lend a hand to 'art for the floor'. How much would I love to have this?

For anyone who loves and appreciates tile for what it's worth in artistry, this was the place to be. With new, more daring and contemporary tile available, these were my fav's.

 I love this Cedar tile. A beautiful change from the usual. 

One thing the IDS did have this year for sure was heat. There were a number of suppliers featuring the newest in Fireplace technology and installations, but I love these outdoor pits. 

These large scale fire pits use gas to feed their flame. With just a simple turn of a key (literally) you can control the desired temperature.

Lastly, this Rolls Royce of contemporary Kitchens features a hide-away-kitchen. The sleek design features cabinetry that slides up and down (into the cabinet base for an ultra smooth glide) to expose all the normal functions and features of an everyday kitchen.

 Pictured here is the faucet that swings out, as well as the interior cabinet structure. Even the sink is hidden by either a rolling butcher block cutting board option or a stainless steel plate. Either gives the illusion of a simple counter work surface- such as a home office or built-in storage system. Beautiful. Pricey- very pricey- but beautiful. 

Some other mentionable displays are below. Who wouldn't want that chandelier?? 

And I love this kitchen design. It's part island, part fixture, with an arched base. I think this would work lovely in an open concept, contemporary home. The lighting underneath also up's the wow-factor!