Decorator's Blog

Toile Designer Club

October 12, 2011

I spent this morning at Toile Designer Club, in Toronto, and what a delight it was. Members of CDECA were invited to Toile to hear 3 speakers representing some of the lines that they carry as well as peruse the showroom's many other lines and mingle with our peers.

We were promised a wonderful atmosphere, and were not disappointed. First up was Hans-Christian Sanders to talk about his company: HC Sanders - Fine Bedding since 1885,  from Germany that now has a flagship store in Toronto called H.C. Sanders.  Luxurious yet technical and not for the faint of heart in regards to pricing but so nice it has this girl wondering how much is in the coin jar at the moment.

Pietro Costantini Modern Italian Furniture was represented by their Canadian sales people who are headed to High Point Market in a few days to launch some new designs. I fall on both sides of the contemporary fence; I’m either shaking my head in bewilderment or falling in love, today I fell in love. I’m dreaming of the client that is dreaming of these designs in their home or office space.  Does this client live in Tottenham or Alliston, perhaps Orangeville or Caledon? :)

Kravet was there as well featuring the New Barbara Barry line of fabrics called Indochine. Yummy. Enough said?  Perhaps, but for those of you that love everything Asia has to offer but can’t get there here is a lovely video about the Indochine collection and the source of its inspiration. Barbara Barry took the photographs herself and narrates it as well.  Enjoy!

Barbara Barry's Indochine

You know where to find me if you’re inspired by anything you read or see on the blog.

Cheers

Mary

South Simcoe Home Show 2011

The home show in Alliston during the weekend of April 9, 2011 was awesome!!  The weather proved to be playing havoc with attendance, it was either beautifully sunny and warm or pouring rain.  What did we really expect though.....after all it is April. :)   The good news is that those in attendance were serious about being there.  I booked a new client at the show which is fantastic!!  I also have some excellent leads to follow up on as well for future work.

This year I decided to design my booth show casing what I do rather than the result of what I do.  I'm fortunate enough to have a handy husband who built me a solid wall to hold a new flat screen TV , we added a floor , lighting and concept boards, that were used in CDECA's IDS 11 booth this past January, and there was no doubt as to what I have to offer and do for a living.  

I'm going to take this booth on the road next year with visits to the spring  Home Show's in Orangeville, Brampton, Caledon and Alliston and maybe a few  Fall 2011 Home Shows as well.

Cheers
Mary 

I was called in unexpectedly to the International Home Show to work the closing shift in the booth for the IDRC yesterday and had a wonderful time.  Thursday is not a very busy day for the show but I found that the people I talked to did not disappoint as they came prepared with pictures, samples and a ton of questions.

Towards the end of my first second consult I discovered the lady I was speaking to was from Cookstown!  Just a short hop from where I live.   I also talked to people from Mississauga, Cabbage Town, Brampton and Caledon!!   I think the great location of the International Centre makes the trip inviting for people no matter where they live.

And now a short rant.  A Mississauga couple told me last night that they were wanting to do a renovation in their home, found a contractor that they liked and thought that the project was moving forward.....until the contractor failed to show up for an appointment.  The contractor also failed to call his clients to let them know, this contractor is no longer their contractor. Why do businesses behave this way at any time but during this economy it's mind boggling.

Cheers
Mary 

March 29, 2011

It’s spring Home Show season again!!

This year, as in years past, I’ll be participating in the International Home & Garden Show at the International Centre, Airport Road, Brampton, ON

The Ask A Decorator booth is sponsored by Interior Décor Resources Canada, IDRC, who ask their members each year to work the booth answering decorating questions from the show attendees that line up for this event each year.

Last fall I was asked to take the lead on decorating the booth and together with a great team we created a lovely bedroom setting that got lots of attention.  I was thrilled when my phone rang in the weeks and months to come with inquires from show attendees to help them create decorating solutions for their own homes.  This show attracts many people from all over Ontario, and this past year I received calls from Orangeville, Brampton, Caledon and Thornhill!

I always have a blast doing this show as the consumers come prepared not only with pictures and fabric samples but they are also pretty savvy in their decorating and design knowledge too! Keeps me on my toes.

I’ll be working the booth  Friday    10 am – 1 pm

                                       Sunday    10 am – 2 pm

Come by and see me in Hall 2 Booth #613 across from the Main Stage. And while you’re there check out the line-up of celebrities that are going to be centre stage this year. Celebrity Superhouse Theatre

See you there!!

Cheers

Mary

January 30, 2010

David and Glenn Dixon

This year’s Toronto IDS 11 had me at a stand still twice! The first time was on Friday during Trade Day when I went through the Sibling Revelry exhibit. Brothers, David and Glenn Dixon’s space was, quite simply, beautiful. Grey, white and black were the main colour story, a story told well and worth repeating. Soft and elegant with a touch of whimsy here and there the space had the grown up part of me wanting to move right in and curl up on the sofa with a good book. I’ve wanted to paint the main room in my own basement grey and as my husband was with me on Trade Day, he now gets it.

January 25, 2011

There isn’t any show, design or home, that I eagerly anticipate like I do the Interior Design show or IDS as it is widely known.

For the past 4 years I have volunteered for CDECA on the National Design Show Events committee. Took my first tentative steps and worked a shift or two at the IDS08 and then went on to join the committee.

This year we have an awesome new booth. The committee and I have worked very hard this past year to bring this booth to where it is now and are very excited about the concept we have created around a house plan I designed for a couple of empty nesters, complete with an open concept for entertaining and 2 home offices. The 5 concept boards are spectacular, and are sure to inspire with great decorating ideas around space planing, including paint colours, fabrics, flooring and tile.