IDS: Rug Roundup

Later this year when I move into the new condo, one of the big ticket purchases will be a large rug for the living room, and maybe a runner for the front hall. Could that explain why I noticed so many rug options during my tour of IDS? You name it: recycled, over-dyed, custom creations, kilims and flat weaves. There are so many wonderful options, how will I ever choose?

Reloaded Rugs from Reznick Carpets.
With a rainbow of saturated colours to choose from,
these rugs add a vibrant splash to your floors.

Kilim-backed Coco tub chair created by Modallion rugs
in collaboration with Barrymore Furniture.
Who says rugs have to lay flat on the floor?
This is quite possibly the coolest chair of all time.

Wool and silk Prayer Rugs from Modallion.

Designed by Robyn Waffle, the imagery includes
connection, life, faith, after life and spirituality.
Amazing colour - these would be perfect
for a tween or teen room.

Above photo via Modallion

Flat weave rugs from Kate Thornley-Hall,
available in Toronto through Y&Co.
Hand made? Custom colours? Yes, please!!
These rugs will last a lifetime.

Hand made recycled saree rugs from Elte.

Trust me, these rugs are beyond imagination. The colours are from the heavens,
and the silk is soft as warm butter.

The Cherish Toronto rug fund is open for donations, please contact me for more information ;-)

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto except as noted.

SAG Dresses: Best By Colour

I find it interesting how fashion and decor trends have become nearly simultaneous. Not long ago, I would have said that fashion trends lead the way and home decor follows about a year later, but all that has changed. What you see on the runways and red carpets will soon be on your couch. This is why I loooove to watch all of the red carpet arrivals during awards season.

Tonight the Screen Actors Guild awards aired, and although there were plenty tried and true neutrals, I always look forward to seeing some COLOUR!!!. For this post I'm narrowing my favourites down to just one Best Dress per colour. And, by the way, how is it that no one wore yellow?!?!?

BLACK
Tina Fey in Versace
I'm happy to see Tina looking this great.

WHITE

Viola Davis in Marchesa
The gold bodice detail makes this dress sing!!

LIGHT GREY
Naya Rivera in Naeem Khan
A deep neckline and beading add interest.

DARK GREY

Ariel Winter in Colette Dinnigan
Very pretty and age appropriate for the young star.
(Can you imagine walking a red carpet at 14?)

RED
Michelle Williams in Valentino
This shade of red is perfect on her!!
One of the best looks of the night.


FUSCHIA PINK
Sofia Vergara in Marchesa
As always, Va-Va-Voom!

LAVENDER
Regina King in Alberta Ferretti

One of the only lavender dresses on the carpet.

MAGENTA
Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera
A simple, pretty & feminine dress never fails.

SEAFOAM
Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza
Although somewhat reminiscent of Penelope Cruz
at the 2009 Oscars, Kaley looks like a princess.

GREEN
Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta
This is my favourite dress of the night!

BLUE
Diane Lane in David Meister
She looks great at 46!! Love, love, love the blue!

BONUS: Best Jumpsuit
Rose Byrne in Elie Saab
The bobbed hair inspired this look, reminiscent
of Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface.

All photos via People Style Watch

Highlights of IDS: Fave Booths to Visit

Obviously, these highlights are strictly my opinion, but if I were you, I wouldn't want to miss any of these booths. Toronto's Interior Design show is massive, filling the entire upper floor of the North Convention Centre, and it took four hours of walking to cover it all. If you find your energy waning, at least try to make it to these show highlights:

BY_Lissoni Lounge,
Created by Piero Lissoni, Italian Architect and Designer
IDS 2012 International Guest of Honour
Such a comfortable and bright space to unwind!!




The renowned designer, Piero Lissoni


Taylor Hannah Architect
I wish I had more information about this amazing small
space, which includes areas for entertaining, eating,
sleeping, and bathing - all within 480 square feet!!


Yes - that is a framed television screen above the bed.
When not in use, it looks like a mirror - so cool!!

LOOOOVE this unique backsplash!!!!

You can't miss the Andrew Richard Designs booth at the
centre of the show floor. No, really, it's impossible to
miss the bright, fresh and happy colour palette
of this year's outdoor furniture collection.

I had the pleasure of meeting Andrew Richard at Thursday's

media preview. He told me that the inspiration for the
entire colour palette came from a single striped fabric.
Great collection, Andrew!!

Last, but certainly not least, the Elte booth is a must see!!

It's beyond gorgeous, full of inspiration, and the
recycled Saree rugs are the most beautiful I've ever seen.






Can you say OMG over and over again until your mind
explodes? These recycled saree rugs have pretty much
the same effect. I just can't get over these beauties!!

If you hurry, you can still head down to IDS this afternoon at the Metro Convention Centre (north building). If I were you I would run there now!!

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.

IDSToronto 2012: Preview

This morning a group of design bloggers and other media were treated to a sneak preview of this year's Interior Design Show, which is being held at the North building of the Toronto Convention Centre until January 29th. There is a lot to see at this show, so if you're planning to attend, I definitely recommend a pair of comfortable shoes!!

Our gracious hostess and guide,
Shauna Levy, IDS Co-Founder and Director

I don't want to give too much away too soon, but I am particularly looking forward to exploring the How Do You Live exhibit, sponsored by National Bank. This show feature examines the trend of condominium living, particularly here in Toronto, where there are 170 condominium developers, and more than 80 cranes currently standing (wow!!). Each container in the exhibit is decorated by a different Toronto based designer, and each presents a unique approach to living in a small space.






The National Bank participated in this exhibit as well, transforming their own mobile container with a design by Lisa Canning.

How Do You Live?

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.