Inspired at IDS 2013

Well it’s been a little over a month since the Interior Design Show in Toronto.  I have started this post several times and struggled with the words to describe what I saw, what inspired me and what was pure gorgeousness.  So instead of agonizing over what to say, I’ll show you the pictures instead – what a concept!

From Studio North, a section of the IDS floor devoted to unique artisans, crystal wine glasses repurposed as lighting from Tat Chao out of Montreal.

Urban Barn’s take on mustard:

And this lighting display from Living Lighting on King

Wide plank engineered hardwood from PurParket:

Gorgeous ikat inspired area carpets from Weavers Art in one of my favourite colour combinations:

Industrial cage lighting from the Earth Inc. booth

A wonderful blend of rustic and modern from Tomlin Group

There were many more inspiring exhibits some of which have been covered on the TBB Wine Dine and Design blog:

• Texture at the Interior Design Show 2013– from Lisa Goulet
• IDS2013 – Searching for Emerald – from Nicole Duguay
• The Return of Warm Metals – at IDS 2013 – from yours truly
• What Walls are Wearing … IDS13 – from Maureen Coates

I am looking forward to drawing on this inspiration in upcoming projects!

Happy decorating!

An Inspiring Interlude–#IDS2013

This week I’m heading to Toronto for the 2013 Interior Design Show, fondly known as #IDSToronto or #IDS2013 for those of us on Twitter.

It will be a whirlwind of activity including opening galas, after parties and glitzy hob nobbing!

Honestly though, the real reason I’m there is to be inspired.  Friday is “Trade Day”, where members of the trade are granted exclusive access to the show and it’s exhibitors, speakers and product.

The last few shows I’ve been to have provided inspiration on several fronts.

• The abundance of wood in design

• Lighting that dazzles

• Bathroom fixtures that amaze

• Works of art underfoot

I am looking forward to more inspiration this year – that and well, perhaps a little bit of the partying too *wink*!

Happy Decorating

Mini Loos

We love our home.  We love the location, the style, the age (+50 years) and the back yard with it’s 35 year old grape vine arbour … well that’s what sold it for us.  And I’m not even going to mention the large attached garage that has been re-dubbed “The Lounge” which now doubles as a music studio, bar, surplus furniture warehouse.

One of the few things we don’t love is the fact that there is no washroom on the main level.  There’s one on the second storey and one in the basement, but you’re out of luck on the main level.  Not only is it a convenience we miss, it is an issue for guests who find stairs a challenge.

So, what to do???  We are currently in the process of planning an addition of a covered front porch.  The plans include a future enclosed entryway.  When that happens we will convert the current front closet into a mini powder room.  And when I say mini, I’m talking 36”x43”.  Yup – miniscule!

This got me searching the wonderful wide web for a “little” inspiration *snicker*.  I guess we’re among the minority because I couldn’t find too many mini loos as inspiration.  But here are the few I did find:

Traditional Powder Room design by Burlington Architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

There is so much I love about the one above – the wallpaper for one and the built-in book case (for the all-necessary reading material).  But the best is the mirror – did you notice it?  The snowshoe is a mirror – genius!!!

Traditional Powder Room design by Toronto General Contractor Norcon Home Improvements

Ours will be very similar in size the one above, although I don’t think we will have room for a pedestal sink.  I like how the floor continues into the powder room.  But, people, when you are taking pictures of your work, take note of the little things … like the extra roll of TP – really????

This next one really IS in a closet!  Love it!

 

 

Source: room-galleries.myhomeideas.com via Donna on Pinterest

Source: ideastosteal.com via Donna on Pinterest

I like this one for the size of the fixtures, and how they’ve built around the tank and heater.  Not quite sure what’s going on behind the toilet – looks like the cover may have been pushed back through the wall – oops…

Here’s a couple of examples show how to make the room seem bigger with wall treatments:

Eclectic Powder Room design by Detroit Interior Designer Dunlap Design Group, LLC

Traditional Bathroom design by Chicago Kitchen And Bath Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

Modern Powder Room design by Toronto Interior Designer Croma Design Inc

I did manage to find some neat fixtures – like the sink above – and these next ones too …

Source: digsdigs.com via Donna on Pinterest

Source: blog.thebathoutlet.com via Donna on Pinterest

Source: astonmatthews.co.uk via Donna on Pinterest

And finally, hubby has his vote in for this one .. me, ummmmm, not so much …

Source: scooper.com.au via Donna on Pinterest

However this turns out, I’ll guess I should  just be happy if I don’t have this :) …

Source: bing.com via Tammy Lenover on Pinterest

So, have you a mini powder room?  Or have you seen or used one?  If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears :)….

Friday Find – January 14

I found this little gem in the “Best for the Bath” feature of February’s House Beautiful.  It’s a peanut shaped teak bathtub from the  Purify Collection at Gardenside.  Read about it and it's creator here. 

Isn’t it gorgeous???