Interior Design Show 2011, February 28, 2011

This is my favourite event of the year.  In the midst of a cold dreary winter, we get to experience the Trade show for Interior Designers.  This is a chance to break away from the winter blahs, and see what the world of design has in store for us in the coming year.  

And this year did not disappoint.   There are two very predominate themes for decorating in 2011.  Firstly, I saw lots of COLOUR (COLOR, if your American) and ECO FRIENDLY. 

I think with the economic times, people want to feel better about life about the future, so they are wanting to enjoy life, feel better and have some fun.  This is where colour is relly exploding out there! There was colour everywhere ranging from slightly muted and warm to rich and lively.  Every colour is out there, in forms of soft furnishings like carpets,( from Weavers Art) ,cushions and go as far a glass or ceramic tiles and even fixtures, like these shower heads from Grohe.

So if you’re inclined to what to give colour a try, the world is your oyster. You can incorporate as little or as much as you want. I did see a lot of bright pumkin orange and a honeysuckle pink as predominant colours, but pretty much any colour out there works, from yellows to deep purples.  Mixing several colours in one’s decorating is very common this year.  Don’t be afraid to show your TRUE colours this year in your home decorating! 

For that someone who has everything, there is a new COLOURFUL paper product from Renova.

Recycling or reinventing pieces was another huge component in the Design show.  In our ever conscience world and desire for sustainability, I saw manufacturers, artists and designers alike redesigning like we have never seen before, all in a very positive way for the sake of our environment. It was comforting to know that we are all aware and trying different ways to reinvent furniture and/or using products that are sustainable. Some of these items were very entertaining to look at, as you will note in my Event titled Sibling Revelry (above.)

I was also fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time.  I got a quick snapshot of myself and Tommy Smythe of Sarah Richardson Design. He was very kind and gracious to take a moment from his busy schedule.

COLIN & JUSTIN, November 2010

Tonight I had the privilege of attending a seminar hosted by Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan of HGTV’s hit television show Colin & Justin’s Home Heist (one of their many television shows).  This evening was presented by Erin Mills Paint & Decor Centre in Mississauga and they did a wonderful job.  There were refreshments and snacks pre seminar, which gave me the chance to mingle with other attendees and decorators alike.  

I thought I was in the wrong conference room, when Mississauga's incumbent and respected Mayor Hazel McCallion entered the room to join our evening.  Then entered Colin and Justin wearing their bright pink and yellow tartan and I knew I was in the right place! The laughter and jokes that Colin, Justin and Hazel shared onstage was very entertaining and lighthearted.  Colin and Justin were just as witty, and humorous as expected.   We were awestruck as they narrated the power point presentation of many remarkable decorating transformations that they have completed.  We learned a few tricks with painters tape, pattern and colour…oh the colour. It was extraordinary to see how any room can be revamped.

Colin and Justin suggested that decorating does not have to be expensive.  One of the easiest and cost effective ways to decorate is to paint. Paint a room, cabinetry, furnishings or flooring.  There really are no limits. Your imagination and desire for change is what will inspire you.  I must add, as a decorator, the sky is the limit when it comes to colour, but as a home stager, less colour is better. Staging is more about neutralizing colour (which is not what Colin and Justin would like to hear, I’m sure). 

Colin and Justin did share a valuable acronym that helps them in all decorating (and is well suited with home staging) projects, and I would like to share this with you:

P – Plan (You need to establish a plan, inspiration and work layout for a successful decorating project.)

C – Colour Scheme (You should have an idea of what colour(s) you like or what inspires you, to make a room a space you want.)

B – Big Items (are key to how a room is decorated, whether they are existing or new pieces, beds, sofas, chairs, chests, and even fixed items like fireplaces and cabinetry, and windows play a large role in a decorating project.)

G – Gradually Layer (This does take time, to find ‘the right pieces’ for the space. This means the smaller items, cushions, vases, decorative accessories and accent pieces. Enjoy the hunt…aka shopping.  Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day).

After the outstanding seminar, Colin and Justin spent time with those who wanted to get their latest book signed or ask a decorating question.  As I write this, they are probably on a plane being whisked off to England to work on their next project, a television show called  “Take Me Home” (which is about learning to understand and help homeless people.  A very significant issue). What an outstanding evening it was! Thank you Colin and Justin for the entertainment, the lessons and the smiles!  I forgot about the cold November, for a little while.

 

(This item is also posted on my Blog but I think this new home is fitting.)