Inspiration. Innovation. Interior Design Show 2012

Listen, can you hear that pulsating sound? It’s my heart racing from my senses absorbing everything from the opening night party and media preview last night at the Interior Design Show in Toronto. So many incredibly talented and innovative designers/companies are exhibiting this weekend and it’s open to the public!

Aside from the exhibits displayed, there are guest speakers and seminars throughout the weekend including Brian Gluckstein who will reveal designer tricks, House & Home’s Mark Challen and HGTV’s Tommy Smythe show you how to make the most of small spaces and you can even bring in photos of your own design dilemmas and get a free 15 minute consultation with a professional Interior Designer.

But first, I wanted to show you the CHERISH Auction & Exhibit. Each of the 20 MAGIS Juian chairs were “re-imagined” by a different designer with proceeds going to the ONEXONE Foundation.

This tall one was designed by Yabu Pushelberg – it really stood out!

Most of my favourite designs are in the details visually or in the functionality. Hubby and I are starting to look at inspiration for updating our kitchen and have an interest in tiles for the walls.

I was stopped in my tracks (with one of those “OMG” gasps) by a featured display of gorgeous tiles from several Italian representatives including shown below by FAP Ceramiche. I’m eyeing the trends in tiles that resemble textures and appearances of wood, bamboo. There are also 3D tiles that are so contemporary and interesting..everyone was immediately drawn to touching. Stunning!!

If you’re interested, Dolce Ceramica: Tile Trends & Design Tips from Italy will be presented by Style at Home editor Erin McLaughlin on Saturday at 2pm.

I love a good soak..and I probably could have just done a whole write up about all the cool bathtubs that are exhibited.

Glass table by North on Sixty

This really neat collaboration of Colours + Lines by UUfie & DuPont Corian of “Peacock Chairs” made stunning visual effects while showing the durability of the material used.

This fold-away shower was so clever and functional I had to show you the “ins and outs” of this Italian innovation. It just reminded me of origami. Very neat for a bathroom that has limited space.

Speaking of hide-away…here’s a cool bunk bed system that is the “murphy bed” updated! Exhibited by Resource Furniture . A few exhibitors had this hide-away concept for family rooms and kitchens in various forms that keep the rooms appearing chic and sleek!

The STUDIO NORTH zone featured some very bold new Canadian designers. Mostly independent lines that carry limited items or custom made. So many noteworthy and exciting pieces were exhibited.

Here is the “Why Knot Bench” by Kino Guerin.

Philippe & Anne Pallafray’s furniture and sculptures mixes vintage elements with unique materials from nature including this moose antler table. (see below)

Tahir Mahmood is a designer
originating from Lahore, India.His career in Art Direction and Graphic Design landed him here in 2007 and his designs are inspired from his childhood experiences. Here are his ROSHAN candle stands. The stand has dual functions – one side acts as a dinner bell and the other side to soften the mood by candlelight. Inspired by his childhood visits to villages in India, these stands were from memories of the rich fields where cows grazed and wooden bells strung around their necks. (see below)

If you have a chance to attend the IDS12 this weekend, be ready to be loaded down with inspiring ideas and meet some industry people who can help you take the next steps in making your design dreams come true!

Visit the INTERIOR DESIGN SHOW WEBSITE for information on guest speakers, events and ticket information.

IDS12 is open to the public on Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29th.

Oh..and I just had to show you this plate that was displayed at the Elte exhibit! Loved it!!!

There’s so much more I could show you, but trust me – tt’s worth going to the show and checking it out yourself! But you must know, this is not a show that you buy “stuff” at. It’s not a “home show” but a design show. You will find many great ideas for inside and outside your home AND design inspirations overall. Take the time to let your eyes be treated to all the creative offerings!

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