Monday, January 31, 2011

IDS 2011: The Great Canadian Outdoors

There are few things Canadians look forward to more than the warmth of spring and summer weather. Like eager butterflies, the moment the snow melts, we emerge from our cocoons and flock to backyards and cottages. No longer content to kick back on the deck in folding aluminum chairs, home owners seek a comfortably furnished outdoor space to relax.

I found two outdoor furniture companies at IDS 11, each on opposite ends of the affordability scale. For those with a healthy budget, and who want investment pieces that will last a lifetime, Andrew Richard Designs has an amazing selection of high quality pieces. A more affordable option is the stylish new Sung Outdoor line of outdoor furniture available at The Bay.

Andrew Richard Designs
A birch bark wall, so organic!!


Tuuci Mercury Bed:



NEW! Stainless Steel and Teak Cityscape Collection:


NEW! Stainless Steel and Teak Silhouette Sofa:



SUNG Outdoor
Blackwatch Collection, a classic!



All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

IDS 2011: Sibling Revelry Exhibit

Sunday was the final day to take in IDS 11 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I spent 5 hours walking the floor of the show, chatting it up with exhibitors and snapping more than 140 photos. My personal favourite feature was the Sibling Revelry exhibit, where four sets of siblings designed a 600 square foot space together.

For their conceptual space, My and Thien Ta Trung found inspiration through experimentation. They used an innovative material, Concrete Cloth, to form the walls of their space, applied wrinkled paper to the walls, used gravel as flooring and filled the space with a cascade of tropical plants.




Brothers Glenn and David Dixon were inspired by the story of a young Japanese girl who had been diagnosed with leukemia. The girl, Sadako Sasaki, was told by a friend that if she could fold 1000 cranes she would be granted one wish, the wish to be well again. Sadako spent her days folding these cranes, hoping to reach 1000, but was able to complete only 600 before she passed away. Here in the Dixon brothers' space, 1000 cranes hang from the ceiling as a symbol of hope and peace.




The third Sibling Revelry space was created by Brothers Dressler: Jason and Lars. These twin brothers are both designers and manufacturers, with a focus on responsibly sourced materials and local production. The 'branches chandelier' is a true show stopper.



The space designed by Sarah and Theo Richardson was a fun collaboration, using reverse engineering which saw Theo's products surrounded by Sarah's signature design aesthetic. Each room features a single primary colour, and was designed around at least one of Theo's pieces. See if you can spot the 'Theo' in each room.


EAT



WORK






SLEEP






Did you spot the 'Theo' in each room? Here are the answers:

Photo 2: In The Right Light & Light Without Darkness
Photo 4: Branch Floor Lamp & Bias Clocks
Photo 6: Excel Wall Sconce
Photo 9: Clinker End Table
Photo 12: Russian Doll End Tables

Interesting concepts, well planned spaces and excellent execution from all of the Sibling Revelry participants. It was a pleasure to meet the Dixon brothers, Brothers Dressler and Theo Richardson. Congratulations on a great show!!


All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Trina Turk for Schumacher


The photo featured in yesterday's teaser post was from Trina Turk's initial indoor/outdoor fabric collaboration with Schumacher. The second collection for the upcoming warm weather season was recently launched and there is a stunning array of gorgeous patterns and vivid colours. What else would you expect from Trina Turk?










Now who's ready for summer?
Or at least a warm weather winter getaway?

All photos courtesy of Schumacher.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Pre-Post Post

While browsing websites the other day, I came across some beautiful summer fabrics that I want to share with you. Unfortunately I'm too busy to write a full post right now, but here's a sneak peek:


Details coming soon!!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Sarah 101: Episode Four


Tuesday night's episode of Sarah 101 on HGTV saw Sarah and Tommy take on the design of a bachelor's bedroom, assigned the task of adding warmth and personality to an industrial loft. The first step was to select a key fabric which would provide a jumping off point for the room's colour scheme. The fabric Sarah & Tommy selected was none other than Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon. (What are the odds that the star fabric of this bedroom would be the same print I wrote about in my previous blog post?!?!) Pulling colours from this inspiration fabric, they chose a secondary print, Schumacher's Conundrum. The dragon print would be used for an upholstered head and foot board, while the celtic/gear conundrum print would cover a wing chair.



Since these Schumacher fabrics were a splurge at $150/yard, it was necessary (and practical) to save on the drapery fabric. Sarah was able to find a suitable woven solid for just $5.99/yard, and considering that the windows would require almost 60 yards of fabric, it was a bargain to come in at less than $500.00 for all of the fabric and lining. To quote Sarah, "Keep stuff this big neutral."


With fabrics pinned down, it was time to choose paint colours. Again, using the Chiang Mai Dragon fabric as her guide, Sarah selected teal blue and mustard yellow for the walls. When changing from one paint colour to another in an open space, Sarah's advice is to make the colour change at any sharp corner. She also points out that it is easiest to change at an inside corner rather than an outside corner, since it can be difficult to achieve a razor sharp edge where the two colours meet.


The concrete floors add to the industrial vibe in this loft bedroom, but in order to give the room more livability and bring it down to a human scale, Sarah and Tommy decided to bring in a rug. They selected a vibrant semi-antique rug, explaining that older rugs tend to have better colour sense and more saturated colours than new production. With the bed on the main focal wall, Sarah positioned the rug perpendicular to the bed. This gives more space to walk on the carpet on either side of the bed.


Diverse and unique accessories with patina and age add a touch of soul to the space. An overscale ladder and mirrors framed with vintage tire moulds add to the industrial loft feel. To add nostalgia and personality, Tommy advises taking treasured heirlooms out of the box and displaying them where they can be appreciated every day.



Sarah's secret to creating a balance between the industrial and fine elements in this space is to use both styles in equal amounts. The same concept is applied to achieve balance between the masculine and feminine elements:

Industrial= Fine
Ladder = Wing Chair
Side Tables = Carpet
Console = Bed
Concrete Floor = Patterned Rug


Did you enjoy this episode of Sarah 101?

All photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Chiang Mai Dragon Anyone?

What's Chiang Mai Dragon? Wonder no more, I'm here to enlighten you. Schumacher, one of the oldest and most respected companies in the world of interior fabric and wallcovering, created this exuberant print from a 1920's art deco block print. Available from Schumacher in several colourways, as both wallpaper and fabric, Chiang Mai is a surefire conversation starter which you can add to your home in a variety of ways.

Chiang Mai Dragon (Aquamarine)



Chiang Mai Dragon (Mocha)


Home of singer Shawn Colvin
Austin Monthly via Apartment Therapy


Custom Sofa Design by Erin Gates
via Elements of Style


On the Wall at Grace Home Furnishings
via Pencil Shavings


Toss Cushions
via CocoCozy


Upholstered in Chiang Mai Lacquer
KLUpholstery via Etsy


Custom Clementine Chair
via Hudson


Exclusive Boxed Stationery
via Dempsey & Carroll