S0me snapshots from a Sunday afternoon wander in Toronto.

I wanted to get my roundup of my favorite things at the Interior Design Show in Toronto up right away, so that anyone thinking about going down this weekend will know what to check out. So without further adieu...

John Paul & Co

Booth 2234

beautiful and unique tablewares

Jane Lockhart Platinum Series

Booth 2315

Jane Lockhart's collaboration with Gresham House, a Canadian made upholstery company. Beautiful detail and contemporary style.

Snob

Booth 1910

Luxurious African Imports

North on Sixty/Yuill Built Inc

Booth 1422

Reclaimed lumber and wood is transformed into beautiful new furniture pieces. Great attention to detail.

Selene Italian Lifestyle

Booth 1228

This fantastic bookcase design is accessible from both sides, while keeping each view unique and interesting.

Modern Weave

Booth 1112

Contemporary area rugs with a bold passion for colour.

StyleGarage

Booth 612

A lovely mix of contemporary furniture with a vintage touch.

Metropolis Living

Booth 327

Reclaimed and repurposed industrial vintage pieces.

Crown Wallpaper and Fabrics

Booth 128

I loved seeing the Amy Butler wallpaper collection in person. Vintage inspired designs with Amy's signature flair for colour.

The Carroll Street Woodworkers

Booth SN-13

Unique handcrafted wood pieces, many utilizing salvaged or refuse materials.

All in all, it was a really inspiring show, and there is much more for me to share. The Sibling Revelry installations are great, and the entire Studio North area is amazing. But I didn't want to give everything away for those hoping to see the show still. If you want to check it out, visit the IDS11 website for all the details.

Well, here I am in Toronto. I apologize for the lack of posting lately, but work always seems to go crazy in the days leading up to a trip, so I've been busy attending to that stuff. But now that's been dealt with, I'm really excited to be here!

Tonight we had an incredible dinner with a large group from Twitter at Nota Bene, and then proceeded to the Opening Night Gala for IDS11. Tomorrow will be filled with taking in the whole show, and I'm looking forward to sharing many of the amazing products I got a sneak preview of tonight. And Saturday and Sunday will be full of shopping and sourcing! I have a huge list of stores to hit, and I made a google map to help plan the weekend. Umm, it has 32 places. And I've only been to 2 so far. Wish me luck!

You never know when inspiration for a colour scheme will strike. This weekend while watching the Golden Globes I was completely taken with Kyra Sedgwick.

She wore this stunning tangerine dress, and combined it with these chunky gold and turquoise jewellery pieces. It really hit me for a couple of reasons.

1. This colour is striking. It is rare to see a colour like this displayed so boldly, in fashion or otherwise. Plus it is really unusual. I would guess that these orangey tones are some of the least used in the fashion world.

2. The gold and turquoise jewellery is sublime. I'm so happy that Kyra or her stylist forewent the usual diamond product placement that these events are known for. Instead they went for something more unexpected, and the colour combination is perfect.

So how does this translate to an interior? I'm not sure yet, but my wheels are turning.

Frilly details seem to be popping up all over the lighting industry lately. I thought I would round up a few of my favorites to share.

Lolita Pendants by Moooi

Pendants by Rothschild & Bickers

BrowneHsieh

Fluted Pendant by Barn Light Electric

Wire Cage Light by Peddlers

I think this is going to hit really big in 2011.

Has anyone else noticed this:

Remix Wallpaper from Ferm Living

The Avalon by Kelly Wearstler

I wouldn't call this inspiration, as much as straight up copying. I wonder which came first? Who copied who? I'm sure Wearstler didn't design this pattern for Ferm.

Care to weigh in?

I am very excited these past few days, as I finally booked my flights to Toronto to attend the Interior Design Show, and the Toronto International Design Festival at the end of January. I love Toronto, and first visited the City about a year ago when I attended another design show there. During TIDF there are lots of amazing exhibits and design events that take place all over the city, and I'm really thrilled to get to experience some of these events first hand.

The event that excites me the most is Come Up to my Room, which is an annual design event that takes place at the Gladstone Hotel. Each year, several rooms and the public areas of the hotel are taken over by artists & designers, who create incredible conceptual art installations. The show is frequently the most unique and groundbreaking of all the TIDF events, and it receives rave reviews each year. Here are a few pictures of installations from previous years:

Pretty amazing. For hours, rates, and images from past years check out their website.

And if anyone is up for going, I will likely be there on Saturday sometime, as I ramble around the city. I can't wait!