We have just stumbled out of the train from Toronto. So much to see, so much to do, and not enough time as always, but this year’s IDS 2010 and the inaugural Toronto International Design Festival (TDIF) was well worth the trip.
The Interior Design Show has a new home this year at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and the new venue definitely gives it a much needed renewed sense of purpose. Pairing the show with the TDIF was a genius idea and hopefully this is the beginning of a well-attended and celebrated annual event. It’s a wonderful showcase for our tremendous Canadian talent.
I brought back some photos which can be viewed on Flickr.
Here were some of the highlights from IDS 10.
Definitely one of my favourite finds this year, were these molded wall shelves by Coup Design Group. A new design studio that is very promising if these shelves are any indication. The bottom of this curvy shelf comes in a number of eco-friendly wood veneers, while the top is covered in your choice of custom wallpaper.
It was great to see MANOR12 getting much deserved attention. Their eco-friendly cushions are available through Modern Karibou. The light fixture will also be featured very soon.
Prototypes
We stayed at the fabulous Gladstone Hotel. If you’re in for an alternative lodging experience, I highly recommend you try it out (and yes, you should wear the earplugs provided). Each room has been designed by a Canadian designer and features a different theme.
The Gladstone also hosts the Come Up To My Room exhibit every year. Young designers are invited to create installations in rooms on the 2nd floor as well as throughout the hotel. I was finally able to attend for the first time this year. What a refreshing experience! I get a lot of pleasure out of the sense of entering the minds and imagination of creative people, and this exhibit definitely delivers.
For those who don’t already know the area, Queen Street West has some awesome shops, galleries, and restaurants. Artists and designers have taken a run-down neighbourhood and are transforming it into an exciting design destination.
I’m extremely pleased we made it to Toronto again this year. Let’s just hope next year’s trip doesn’t include another rowdy Bachelor party aboard our train...
I wish I could have been in TO. I love your photos!!!
On a different note... I'm in love with your HOLTZUNDMETAL WTC COFFEE TABLE!!! How can something be so simple and so complex at once:-).
Posted by: anispooner@gmail.com | February 08, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Great work by a great Canadian designer, Peter Wehrspann. You can learn more about him in this interview he gave a while back - http://blog.modernkaribou.ca/2009/06/youve-indicated-that-you-love-working-on-custom-pieces-whats-your-dream-commission--i-believe-i-have-had-a-couple-dre.html
Posted by: Laura Abell | February 08, 2010 at 01:31 PM