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.

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.

Meeting Jeff & Jenni

I don't normally post photos of myself on the blog, but for this I'm making an exception. Elte was the place to be tonight, with a special appearance by Jeff Lewis and Jenni Pulos of Flipping Out. The two were interviewed by Cityline's Tracy Moore, and it was great to see that in real life, Jenni and Jeff are exactly as they appear on the show. Watch for their new show, Interior Therapy, which will air next year on the Bravo network.


Although Jeff Lewis began his career as a house flipper, the US economic crisis forced his business to evolve, and now Jeff and Jenni spends their days consulting with clients on renovation and design projects. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Jeff Lewis Design aesthetic, here is a taste of his work:

Photos courtesy: Jeff Lewis Design

Thanks for visiting Toronto, Jeff & Jenni!!!!!

Today I'm Looking Forward To...

...Jeff Lewis at Elte!! Woo Hoo!!

Photo credit: Lou Mora, Courtesy Elte

If you've ever watched Flipping Out on HGTV, then you know all about the obsessive compulsive Mr. Jeff Lewis and his dedicated team. Jeff's right hand woman, Jenni Pulos, will also be at Thursday evening's event. So excited to meet them both!!

IDS Trends from ELTE, IKEA

There were a few trends that showed at IDS this year: Bright Colours. And Black. What a contrast!

Bright Colours: At ELTE, the focus was on Second Life Rugs which is "A collection of Turkish & Persian antique rugs and kilims which have been neutralized, redyed and given a 'Second Life' in cool, contemporary colours." This revitalization opens up the antique rug market to a larger audience, since these rugs look appropriate in both traditional and modern environments. The practice also keeps these older rugs in homes and out of the landfill.









Black: The Ikea booth at the centre of the IDS floor featured an ALL BLACK "goth" kitchen. What a difference from last year's booth!! Picture black cabinetry, black counter tops, black fixtures, black back splash. To stimulate visual interest, there is a mix of textures - a resplendent counter top, a glossy faucet, shimmering back splash tiles and a dash of stainless steel. I think Ikea went overboard for dramatic effect, but this clearly signals the dethroning of the all white kitchen.

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.