IDS 2016 has come and gone and I can't say I was disappointed. It didn't feel like years past, where there is usually a huge draw to a few specific sponsored booths - I'm looking at you Miele and Ikea. It was more low key, perhaps with less blinding in your face sponsorships and more handcrafted, unique finds. Totally up my ally, so thank you for that. It felt quite cold a couple of years ago, with most of the show showcasing only baths, baths, and yup, you guessed it, more baths.
I have to be honest - I barely took any photos, mainly because I was with two of my design friends and we had so much to talk about I sort of slipped on that. Plus we were rushing around before one of the seminars and I left immediately after because I had a meeting scheduled close by. I also missed the opening night gala, which always gives me an extra bit of time to scout. Especially when you are stuck in a never ending drink line and truly get a sense of what's around.
Some of my favorite moments included getting up close and personal with these spectacular lights from Lightmaker Studio, who are based out of the Distillery District in Toronto. I absolutely cannot wait to work with these fabulous folks sometime in the future. If you are an amazing client, and looking to redo your lackluster space, let's make this happen now.
I also adored these very on trend blush doors from 1925 Workbench, another local shop that operates out of Toronto. I first came across their work in an Fall issue of Designlines, and I've always kept them in the back of my head as a resource for sliding doors and custom furniture pieces. I love that the company was started by a husband and wife team who created their own custom barn doors because they simply couldn't find what they were looking for anywhere else. It's an inspiring story and a great product, and I can't wait to see more of their work profiled.
I was also smitten by the gallery space created by the people behind Caviar20. WOW - I want everything you have. I'm a huge lover of art, and they seem to have a laser focus on what's current and hot. I especially liked how they styled their space, and this Pierre Paulin chair is to die for, I cannot even begin to discuss this magic combo of pink, green and black.
Other notable mentions are the brilliantly designed natural fiber and handmade rugs from Jan Kath. I've wanted to do a post about his rugs for forever now, but somehow haven't gotten around to it, so shame on me for that. This man is an absolute artist who creates the most startlingly unique rug landscapes for your feet to rest on. EQ3 was another winner in my books, their Assembly line was well crafted and modern. I love that they support working Canadian furniture designers - really well done EQ3, seriously, well done.
I also had a great, completely unexpected, and most of all, incredibly embarrassing, run in with Orlando Soria, the designer and writer behind Hommemaker, creative director of Homepolish, and best friend of my ultimate girl crush, Emily Henderson. I was walking down Queen Street and basically walked right into the guy. Total fan girl moment ensued, and there are some things in life you can't take back. Let's just say I never stop anybody, it's totally unprofessional in my books (I am a TV producer after all), and I see celebrities ALL the time. Well maybe not all the time, but it's my job. I don't see the point of taking selfie photographs, or asking for autographs, and an awkward encounter is never pleasant for anybody. Trust me on that. And yet, I introduced myself, and tried to compose myself as best as I could under the circumstances. He was lovely, I gave him some Toronto recommends, and we parted ways with a hug. For me, that was more than enough - thanks for being classy Orlando. Me, not so much!