As a prop/roomset stylist and sponge for all things design, I look forward to Toronto’s Interior Design Show all year long.  I love the concentration of innovative ideas, like-minded industry professionals and fresh new resources.  For me, Trade Day is the best time to attend because of the lecture series hosted by international design super stars.  Between talks I try to cram in as much sightseeing as possible and usually end the day on an exhausted, but inspired high. 

This year I was struck by two major trends that pervaded the exhibit: solid eco-friendly creations of rustic reclaimed wood; and gleaming, polished black and crystal uber-rooms that relied heavily on technology and glamour.   Seemingly in direct contrast to each other, these two big looks were found in everything from chairs to Winnebagoes and wowed show-goers on every level. 

Starting with the reclaimed wood and retro Canadiana theme, no one did it bigger or better than Toronto-based Castor with their concept-space installation.   Nestled on a small lawn of astro turf, a retro Winnebago decked out with patio lanterns was filled to the brim with ironical nods to all things woodsy.  An iron pot-bellied stove warmed the space (complete with log-pile and hatchet) while rustic bits and pieces were scattered throughout.   Self-defined experts at “upscaling”, cutting-edge designers Brian Richer and Kei Ng had by-far the most unique of the five mini-homes.

The same look could also be found at Studio North, the design showcase where established and new talent had pieces on display.  I had a few favorites here, but the most on-trend piece was by Rob Southcott entitled Community.  In his printed hand-out, Southcott describes the piece as:  “A series of furnishings that reflect the growing diversity found in contemporary society.  Each unit is made from a select variety of locally reclaimed lumber species assembled together in an abstract configuration based on the vision of multiculturlism”.  Can you get any more Canadian than that?  It doesn’t hurt that the multi-drawer armoir was shaped like Montreal Expo 67’s Habitat experiment.

 Another great piece at Studio North was a plexi and wood coffee table called Mule by Ian Cox.  Blending both modern and natural materials, Cox’s creation struck the perfect balance. 

Like Mule, some of the most successful pieces were those that blended the two trends together to make a new cohesive whole.  A spectacular example was the massive chandelier by Brother’s Dressler (part of the Crystalclear feature exhibit- more on that below) made of whimsical wooden branches adorned with sparkling crystals like falling rain.  I loved this piece as much for its beauty as for its smart juxtaposition of materials.

The Crystalclear feature exhibit by Swarovski was an absolute showstopper.  Six Canadian design firms participated in creating prototypes made from (what else?) Swarovski crystals.  This is where the glam trend took centre stage.  For me, the sparkling sculptures revived my recession-weary eyes with a big hit of indulgence.

Here are a few gorgeous examples:

1. Chandelier by Powell and Bonnell

2. Swing by Munge Leung

3. Sculpture by Jaques Bilodeau

Continuing in the same vein of luxurious modern, two more concept spaces genuinely delighted me.  Firstly, the Recroom Redux by Sixty-Fourth and Queen was a re-envisioning of the typical family-fun room.  This space was almost completely black, with hints of gem colours, subdued neons and flashy whites.  There were digital images on several walls creating moving pixilated art, turntables and a full club-sized bar.  It felt like a Japanese party pad.

Next on my hot-list is the concept space by Tomas Pearce Interior Design.   I think that I can safely say that it was one of the most luxurious installations at IDS.   I loved the shower-room with peek-a-boo window to the garage (housing a sleek Audi R8) and the retail-like closets and shelving.    This space was high-end sexy with hints of both masculine and feminine.

While everything else in the world is currently reminding us to reduce spending, contract financially and shrink expectations this fantasy home was like a seductive guilty pleasure.   Strangely, I felt re-invigorated when I reached the exit, like I was allowed to dream big again.

Aside from my two big trends, there were tones of things that caught my eye.  So, without trying to tie anything together or construe a though line, here are some of my other favorite things from the show: