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!

Kids Bedrooms: How to conquer the divide

When it comes to designing a shared kids bedroom it can be hard. Especially with an age gap between the two kids sharing. How do you find peace and create a space that works..without having any space???

Image by beitesoboutiqueblog.blogspot.com

It's all about compromise!  

First, get your kids involved (it's their room after all!!) The best place to start is by asking what colors they want to see; what they like. Nine times out of ten it will most likely be purple (it's the #1 color choice for kids under 16). If not purple, it will be a bold color, like orange, blue, green, or pink.  Work with your kids to teach them a valuable lesson- on compromise! Get them to pick 3 colors MAX.  From there, you can hit the fabric shops and look for an inspirational piece of fabric that can possibly tie in all 3 colors. If not, choose one of those colors and run with it. 

image by fopple.com

Now this is a purple and pink bedroom done right! Most people would automatically take the color chosen and try to paint the walls that color. This can be very  tricky...A safe bet is to take a paint swatch that your kids have chosen and go about 3 shade down the paint swatch. Bold color choices can be too over powering on the walls, so this will keep the integrity of the tone, while being easy on the eyes. 

image by tlc.howstuffworks.com

Another good tip is to actually only use the color on a focal wall, or as an accent. In the room above, purple is used sparingly. The back drop is actually a neutral white, but the room reads as purple. 


When space is your problem it's important to have your furniture work for you, and not the other way around. Every piece should be able to do double duty. First, divide the room into functions: sleeping, homework, play, etc. From there find pieces that carry out that function but can be easily transformed into a second use. It will save you money and space, while keeping items (like pens, papers, craft supplies, toys, etc.) neat and tidy. 

image by thinkwarehouse.blogspot.com

A good idea always is the famous chalkboard paint. It never gets old or ignored. Remember texture and form- kids love things they can touch or that are unexpected. And easy does it on the Disney characters. One or two are fine...it tells something about your child and who they are, but an over load is just that. 

Lastly, have fun!! Get your kids involved in the renovation process even more!! Let them paint, create the art for the walls, help re-organize their toys into stations, and make beds. They'll love to feel like part of the process and it's something they can be proud of when they show off their now space to friends.

Got My Ticket!!

And I am SO excited!!!

And I can't wait to see all the new trends and meet all my fellow designers (while taking in some amazing talks)

For those of you who don't know this is the Interior Design show of the year

January 27th-30th, Toronto

With over 300 exhibitors and Canada's top Designers 

For more info check out:

http://www.interiordesignshow.com/

Kitchen Design Trend: The Farm Table

A Major Influence right now in Kitchens is the introduction of Farm House Tables

image from simplifiedbee.blogspot.com

The more rustic or vintage the better! It's a great (green) way to reuse or salvage great pieces that can be easily found at flea markets and auctions across the country- Here in Halifax we just happen to have a natural surplus- so make use!!

The rustic Farm Table (or Bakers Table) is making its way into contemporary Kitchens in a BIG way- replacing the typically island. I happen to love this look. To me, it automatically brings a worn, comforting element into what can very easily seem as a cold kitchen. It screams to be used- for everyday cooking- tough enough for the roughest kids and elegant enough to stand up to even the harshest critics. It's a perfect marriage.

image by apartmenttherapy.com

Here, the table top has been replaced with stone. A beautiful option. Although this table still has characteristics of modern design, it still carries the weight and stability found in traditional pieces. In this kitchen, the look is paired with salvaged wood shelving that breaks up what otherwise is a very modern, semi-industrial chef's paradise. Beautiful!

Image by flicker.com

I am also seeing the return of the Kitchen table to its right full spot- smack dab in the middle of the kitchen. Being a Maritimer, there is nothing better (or more familiar) than a good old kitchen party- and every family starts and ends the night around the kitchen table. Whether it's homework or paying the bills, chances are it's in the kitchen. 

Although I love the look and extra storage that a island provides, this is a lovely break from the norm. With so many options available, you can still have storage for all your needs while bring a little nature back inside. Love it!

What do you think??

'Tiss the season! ...(for new sparkle)

sky-wallpaper.com

I absolutely love sparkle, glam, shimmer, twinkle, and glitz. Not only do I think every outfit needs a little pazzaz (no matter the season) but so does your home (in every room). From glass mosaic photo frames to bathroom fixtures, it all counts in the wow-department. 


In a season over flowing in wow and wonder I'm like an extremely caffeinated tweener, so stoked for Christmas morning. I love shopping downtown- looking at all the beautiful displays and trees decorated around town. 


My favorite items are (of course) anything that glimmers, but nothing tops simple, outdoor lights hung around the neighborhood. Why is it that everyones' home just looks so much better with Christmas lights? That to me is Christmas. 


For a couple of years now I have had a secret obsession with feathers as well. I even went as far as making a DIY pair of white feather wreaths that I still think is one of my favorite decorations, personally.

I think using feathers has been a designer favorite over the past couple of seasons, but I really would like to see this one stay. To me it's just chic. Classic.
 I found this beautiful feather tree at Bouclair that is on my wish list for this year.  It is available in white, black and purple. All extremely popular colors for those who like an unconventional Christmas. Next year, I have already decided that I want a white tree, so I am going to jump on the boxing day blowout train and pick up everything I need at 70% off. 

apartmenttherapy.com

Now, this isn't your grandmothers tree!
What do you think?

The Cutest DIY Paper Bags!

Just in time for the holidays, my friend over at Make Something Everyday has shared her DIY secrets to the cutest little gift bags...just in time for the holidays.

I love them so much I had to share them with you. Try making your own this season!! 

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

The roads are busier, the malls are crowded, people are starting to put up their outdoor Christmas lights....ahhh, the holidays are here. I love the holidays personally. Every year I get really excited to decorate my house just the way I like, to throw our annual Christmas party with our closest friends and family, to bake unreal amounts of high calorie goodies and start new traditions with my husband and daughter (this year being my daughter's first Christmas makes it even better!) All that, with a little Sinatra in the background- life can't get better. Well, maybe with some Baileys.

So keeping with the holiday spirit, here are some of my tips to get you through decorating- without blowing your budget

1. Take Inventory

Look at what you already have in storage. Every year it seems that with new trends and really well done retail displays we can get caught up in buying new items that we feel we MUST have, when in reality, we don't. I think vintage ornaments are not only beautiful but chances are they tell a story. Maybe one you could share over while entertaining...

2. Pick a scheme and stick with it.

It only takes a few minutes to take a step back and plan out what you would like to see this year; both indoor and out. Whatever you dream, stick to just a few colors and make sure they all fit the same theme. For example, if you are going for a traditional, country Christmas...keep accessories and decor within that theme. Don't place every item you have in storage out just because you have it. 

3. Think outside the traditional box

Sure, Christmas is primarily traditional, but that doesn't mean you can't be creative. When making your festive wreath for example, step outside your comfort level and try something unexpected. Pretty much anything in a smaller scale can be wrapped or strung along a foam wreath. Try flowers, oranges, herbs...anything that might give your guests the 'wow, that's unusual' factor as they walk into your home.

4. Christmas isn't all red and green

A lot of  people try gold, silver or blue, but there is a full spectrum of colors to try. This years' popular colors would be purple which is making its way into Christmas, naturally. Same goes for bright green or pink. I might try orange this year...why not?

5. Relax, it's the holiday's after all.

Nobody like a host or hostess running around, trying to be Joan Cleaver. Relax. Take time to plan out what you would like to accomplish this season, and be reasonable about it. Things pop up in life, people stop by. Try to do as much as you can in advance (this includes baking, which can be frozen) and make sure that you enjoy yourself this year. Your family and friends will not remember how your house looks, just the memories of a great holiday. 

That's what it's all about right?

Happy Shopping!