Holy Schnikes, it was a busy weekend! The Interior Design Show (IDS) 2012 and related festivities (Blogpodium and Canadian Design Bloggers Meet-up) kept my schedule filled – but I’m not complaining, it was all fun and informative. I can’t possibly talk about it all of these in one post so today I’m focusing on IDS.

 On Thursday the Show was kicked off with the opening night party.

There was the Cherish event, where 20 different designers re-imagined the iconic Magis Julian children’s chair and they were auctioned off. The auction benefits the ONEXONE non-profit children’s foundation. I had 2 favourite submissions:

1. This one completed by the Bay was a fave because it looks like rose gold, and boy oh boy do I love me some rose gold.

2. And this one completed by Lucid Interior Design is upholstered, so no need to explain why I like this one.

There was good food, music and libations.  It was a great party, and of course, what would IDS be without some lovely design bloggers??? And after a couple of cocktails a few of us were ready for our close-up….on the counter at the IKEA kitchen booth.

Ana, Misty, Amy, Sarah, Moi, Christine, Heather and Christine. Photo credit to Amy’s camera and the random guy who “styled” and took our photo.

Now for the important part, the exhibitors.  What caught my eye?  Well, a couple of things….

I am always attracted to colour and pattern, and there were a number of bright and interesting rugs at the show.1. Graffiti style rug by W Studio 2. Bright abstract landscape by rug Reznick Carpets 3. Super-fun typewriter rug by Reznick Carpets 4. Neon bright rugs at Modern Weave 5. Bright and floral rugs by Modern Weave 6. Colourful photo print rug by Reznick Carpets

1. pretty sparkly gold lighting at Elte booth 2. really interesting brass lighting at Snob booth 3. chandelier that looked like thousands of silver necklaces strung over it at the Living Lighting booth 4. gorgeous chandy with bronze metal orb around it at Upcountry.

A few more things I enjoyed that don’t really fit in a particular category…

The dresses at Benjamin Moore, can you believe these are made out of paint chips?

Ever since I started building the gallery wall in my bedroom, my eye tends to be drawn to these, especially those with an eclectic style. I loved this on gallery wall of plates at the Elte booth.

I loved the contrasting purple tones in the upholstery of this pair of chairs found in the By Lissoni Lounge.Loved the paint display at Beauti-Tone by Home Hardware, interactive and pretty!

I’m loving deer heads and antlers these days. I find they give a feeling of rustic and modern all at the same time – I found this one at the Elte booth.

This booth won a silver award for best booth.  Orling & Wu is a store in Vancouver that sell beautiful decorative fabrics, wallpaper and objects. As we all know I’m addicted to fabrics, and I loved the bold patterns and gorgeous colours in the fabrics (as well as the wallpapers) by Sandberg a Swedish company specializing in textile and wallpaper art. Orling & Wu are the only Canadian store that carries Sandberg. I think I’ll be looking into a more in-depth profile on this store for another post. But what a great IDS discovery!

That’s my overview of IDS 2012! Some great exhibitors and interesting finds!

Have a great day!

XO,