One of a Kind Show Favourites

I attend the Christmas One of a Kind Show in Toronto just about every year, and this year was another great event. Last Sunday my sister and I hit the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place and walked the show floor for oh, about 5 hours. There was so much to see that we never wavered, and only sat down for a quick lunch at the halfway point. The show continues until Sunday, December 8th, so if your schedule allows, you should absolutely head downtown to check it out.

I always stop to see what Avril Loreti and Jenna Fenwick (Jenna Rose) have in store; they are both amazing young talents creating the most wonderful textile designs. The One of a Kind Show is one of the best places to pick up unique items to give as gifts, but of course I always manage to find a little something for myself ;) The show's Rising Star section features brand new artisans, and that is where I met the lovely Meghan & Rebecca of Calico Studio. These girls were awesome to speak with and I totally fell in love with their hand painted wool crepe de chine wraps with hand felted edges - so much work, but oh so beautiful!!

It was also in the Rising Star area where I discovered Akai Ceramic Studio. They have the sweetest handmade ceramic pieces, the K Bowl first caught my eye, but I really couldn't help myself when I spotted the pink mini vase. I knew it would look so cute on my bedside table, and it totally does!! I mean have you ever...

Akai Ceramic Studio has an Etsy shop, or if you'd like to pick up a little something as a Christmas gift without the worry of shipping, they will be at the CBC Charity Craft Sale on December 12th and at the Let It Snow Craft Fair in The Annex on December 14th.

Happy Shopping!!

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.

Homesense Opens in Leaside: My Picks

Just this week, HomeSense opened a new location in Leaside at Eglinton and Laird. This isn't just any old store, though, my friends, it's 30,000 square feet of home decor!!! The store is well stocked with fresh goods, and as always, the prices are right. I toured the store Thursday evening and snapped some photos of my favourite pieces.

These globes ($16.99) are very on trend right now, and would look great on a bookshelf in the study or den:

This upholstered tufted ottoman ($299.99) with turned wood legs is fab-u-lous!! Perfect for putting your feet up while watching a movie:

These lamps ($59.99 each) are totally industrial chic. I'm picturing them on end tables in a very modern space:

These pheasants ($34.99 each) have a very regal look about them. They're extremely heavy, and would make a unique set of bookends:

These jars ($24.99 and up) are statement pieces which would complement any decor. You can never go wrong with white ceramic:

With Hallowe'en almost upon us, the Christmas decor is just starting to come out of the woodwork. With so many amazing holiday items available, you may be inspired to adopt an entirely new holiday theme!!

Traditional Red & Gold:

Gorgeous Green & Gold:

Icy Winter Wonderland:

All photos by Pamela Graham for CherishToronto.

IDS 2009 Favourites

I spent Sunday afternoon at the Interior Design Show in Toronto, and it was interesting to see what's available in the marketplace. There were several new companies alongside established vendors, offering design inspiration from the floor right up to the ceiling.

Today I'm sharing my top 4 inspirational vendors:

#1 Chromalab (www.chromalab.net)

Tucked into a tiny corner booth, Chromalab caught my eye with colourful furnishings that have been reinvented to add a splash of design fun to any space. I love the way they've repurposed old pieces or generic Ikea pieces simply by painting them and swapping out the hardware for something more unique. These simple changes make a tired item look new and fresh.

Chromalab also creates the clocks you see on the wall. If you have a particular pattern in mind, Alicia and Tony can produce a custom order especially for you. I was thinking how great some of the retro fabric designs I blogged about last week would look on a clock face.

#2 Soon Cho (www.sooncho.com)

A textile designer, Soon Cho has a brilliant creative spirit that led him to create these remarkable light fixtures. As I first looked at these lamps, I didn't realize what I was seeing and it was several moments before I realized how that they had been constructed from plastic straws. Cho starts with basic Ikea Horup floor lamps, then removes the paper shades and recreates them by weaving together thousands of household drinking straws. Brilliant!!


#3 Tansy & Co. (www.tansy.ca)

I knew I would be imressed by this company when I previewed it online prior to attending the show. Sandy Middleton has blended her photography and design talents onto lampshades, clocks & throw cushions.
Bonus: Tansy & Co. is based in St. Catherines, and it's always a pleasure to support Canadian talent.


#4 Kosoy & Bouchard (www.kosoyandbouchard.com)

Another talented Canadian design duo whom I blogged about in the previews, these two Toronto based artists did not disappoint!! While Michelle (Kosoy) works wonders with the ceramics, Pierre (Bouchard) creates stunning pieces in glass. While some pieces are breathtakingly beautiful works of art, others are more functional, and I loved ALL of it!!