Toronto Renovation Stories & Expert Advice

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Cool stuff from IDS -- Part I

The Interior Design Show was fantastic this year. I don't know if it was just the general level of energy, or that even by Sunday, it was still teeming with people. I was particularly taken with the exhibits from the up and coming designers and craftspeople. The exhibitors I spoke with were energetic, enthusiastic and had some really great products to show.

The majority of the exhibitors were from Toronto and surrounding area, but there were some from both Canadian coasts and Europe. In fact I spoke with so many exhibitors I'd like to share with you (and I still didn't get through half the show), that I've grouped them into categories, which I will put up on this site over the next few weeks -- the first category is custom furniture and accessories, and were there ever some unique finds! The one thing I did notice about this year was that the new designers have a definite environmental awareness about them. Many were into using reclaimed or salvaged wood and other recycled materials when given the opportunity. Many of the pieces were made from local materials as well.

Custom furniture and accessories:

Castor: ultra cool furnishings and accessories designed, handcrafted and installed by local Toronto trio Ryan Taylor, Brian Richer and Kei Ng. Available direct or through Nienkamper.

The photos below are of a "Blind Stool" in cast aluminum and a hand-carved
limestone credenza. Part art, part furniture, all style.

http://castordesign.ca/

Marrs Furniture: Graeme Marrs makes unique furniture pieces from salvaged wood and "found" materials. There are some great wood accessories too.
http://marrs.ca/

Green Table- Materials:Found Metal, Ash, Horse chestnut, Paint. Dimensions:Height 65 Depth 60 Length 45cm.

Lego Table- Materials:Poplar, Butternut, Ink, Paint. Dimensions:Height 40 Depth 38 Length 130cm.

AxioMetal: makes primarily custom furniture. Stainless steel is the base of their designs. It is blended with wood, glass, stone, and leather to produce individual and creative kitchen and dining tables, occasional tables and chairs.
http://www.axiometal.com/

Roseland Art and Decoration: Roseland is a combination of fine art and limited edition furniture. It carries antiques, artistic furniture and lighting. The photo of the Canton D lamp, below, is hand-blown glass in one piece including the shade. It's part of a wide collection of glass lamps. The "Riggu stool" (below right) is made by hand in Senegal using recycled metal.

http://www.roselandgallery.com/

"Office in a Bag” new to Canada—an inflatable open dome which reminds me of a bouncy castle, only in reverse. If you're worried about the generator noise, according to the Canadian representative, the fans they use to keep it inflated are as quiet as regular fans and nothing like the generators used for the noisy outdoor versions we are used to. Designed in the UK, it was originally intended for commercial purposes. However, more and more consumers are using the domes to create private spaces in open areas -- it is particularly appealing to condo-loft owners. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes it had been used for offices, spare bedrooms, “teenage "hangouts” etc. Currently you can buy the "office in a bag" direct from the manufacturer. http://www.inflate.co.uk/