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Magazine:  Style at Home
Prop styling:  Rodney Smith, Judy Inc

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Photographer:  Joe Saraceno
Prop Styling:  Charlotte Carson, Judy Inc

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Prop styling, Christine Roberts, Judy Inc

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Prop Styling:  Christine Roberts, Judy Inc
Wardrobe:  Kurt Salt, Judy Inc
Makeup and hair:  Jackie Gideon, Judy Inc

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Photographer: Fred Fraser
Prop+Roomset: Liz Dungate, Judy Inc
Hair+Makeup: Liz Dungate, Judy Inc
Styling: Alecia Ebbels, Judy Inc
Asst. Propping: Dana Mooney, Judy Inc

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Magazine:  Spade Magazine
Photographer:  Maxime Bocken
Prop Styling:  Christine Roberts, Judy Inc
Wardrobe Styling:  Dwayne Kennedy, Judy Inc
Makeup and Hair:  Sabrina Rinaldi, Judy Inc
Model:  Alice, Elmer Olsen Models

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:

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Photography:  Matt Barnes for Westside Studios
Prop Styling:  Stephanie Saunders, Judy Inc
Wardrobe Styling:  Dwayne Kennedy, Judy Inc
Makeup and hair:  Natalia Zurawska, Judy Inc

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Photographer: Fred Fraser
Prop and roomset: Liz Dungate, Judy Inc
Makeup and hair: Liz Dungate, Judy Inc
Model: Michelle Mackenzie, Richard’s International Model Management

There is something to be said about a great grouping in decorating. As a way to create impact, interest and that “wow” factor that every room should try to achieve in some way or another, start thinking about grouping to make it happen. I’ll admit that some things can stand alone and create impact in a room – a fabulous oversized painting above a mantle, a statuesque sculpture sitting by itself by a beautiful window overlooking a garden, and so on. But, by and large, to create impact in your decor it’s best to think about groups.

Case in point, whether I’m working on a job styling or propping for a magazine, newspaper or advertising job, I always pay close attention to the accessories that are needed, and what would work best together. Be it be candles on a table, artwork on the wall, or vases on a fireplace mantle, it’s important to create a vignette that is attractive and interesting to the eye. And yes, this is often the tricky part. However, generally speaking, there are a few rules to follow.

George Whiteside for House and Home

Try using the same or similar coloured items. If you want to create a lovely centerpiece for dinner or just for display, try and choose at least 3 vessels of the same colour. Shapes and texture will automatically complement one another if all the items are white, or black or even hot pink.

Colin Faulkner for House and Home

Ground the collection. Trays, mirrors or interesting pieces of stone or wood are fabulous for grounding a collection. I pick up trays everywhere I go, and use them on bedside tables underneath a lamp, clock and water glass. It gives the grouping an immediate feeling of unification.

Shape matters. If possible, choose shapes that are pleasing to the eye, and contrast each other in some way. For instance, a tall skinny glass vase alongside smaller wider and rounder glass vessels creates that impact you’re after. Put a selection of blooms in each and you probably have some “wow” factor.

Angus McRitche for Chatelaine

Finally, have fun with groupings. I personally love framing a colourful painting my 3 year old did at preschool with a finely framed expensive art piece, some wooden initials, and so on. I love mixing medias, shapes and sizes of artwork – but I do try and keep frame colours the same or similar. Lighthearted alongside serious – like they say, opposites attract and in this instance, it’s true.