by: Linda Jennings
Always inspiring, the IDS Show held recently in Toronto showcased the brightest trends and innovations in home design. Even the extremely cold temperatures couldn’t hold back the crowd of over 5,500 design enthusiasts, industry leaders and international superstars for a preview on opening night. What a dynamic presentation of companies pushing the envelope with fresh design trends alongside amazing music, great food and entertainment. I found myself taking photos in every booth. From girls in tutu’s showcasing storybook chandeliers to whimsical ping pong tables made out of Caeserstone surfaces, the products and displays were over the top!
The amazingly oversized and daring RED mod Italian sofa from Moroso/Klaus by Nienkamper caught my eye immediately. Who could resist this sculptural sofa in bold neon! And the outdoor yacht-grade white leather armchair from Andrew Richards Design (how luxurious, could I take this home to Florida?) and dream-inducing outdoor furniture from Jardin de Ville (in colors of lime) warmed up my passion for design.
The Victoria + Albert Booth really lured in the crowds with their “less is more” social media tub challenge. Visitors were invited to get in one of their baths; have a glass of bubbly and tweet their experience using #bigsmallbath to win a bottle of champagne! Designers, architects and bloggers welcomed the opportunity to “get on in” while commenting on how comfortable and roomy the bath felt, especially given its small footprint. The Ios Tub with Backrest and a Tombolo Bath Caddy equipped with two wine glass holders were a welcome treat for the trade-show weary to rest and rejuvenate.
What a perfect venue to discover Toronto’s newest design focused magazine DesignLines with their own DesignLines LOVES awards. The coveted Love tags were handed out to the best 100 products as chosen by the magazine’s editors. I was very excited that the Tombolo tub caddy with wine glass holders from Victoria + Albert earned “the love”! You can see more of their choices for best products at: designlinesmagazine.com #Dlloves.
When it comes to lighting trends IDS had every end of the spectrum covered; but it was the rustic birch pendants from Isabelle Auger, a talented designer from Quebec, that stole the show! Isabelle founded Atelier Cocotte to fulfill her growing desire to design and create objects. Her collection of hanging lamps made of wood veneer (white and red birch, oak, walnut and maple) includes nearly a dozen models distributed throughout Canada. Her love for wood and its endless possibilities were inspiring, I can’t wait to see more from this amazing designer!
IDS is a total design experience and one not to be missed!
To Learn More About Linda’s Hottest Picks
from IDS visit:
vandabaths.com | klausn.com
andrewricharddesigns.com | caesarstone.com
ateliercocotte.com | Livinglightingonking.com
Morosousa.com | Jardindeville.com