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Starstruck at IDS

Friday, January 27, 2012 by Chris

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I was lucky enough to start my Interior Design Show whirlwind yesterday morning with talks by top New York designer Amy Lau and 1stdibs.com founder Michael Bruno. Between the two speakers, Lau kindly signed copies of her lavish new book, Expressive Modern, and Bruno was one of the fans in line, along with yours truly, to get his copy autographed. Lau was utterly magnanimous: we chatted as she signed my copy and asked for recommendations of things to see and do while she was in Toronto. I steered her to the Gardiner Museum of Ceramics, which I was pretty sure she'd love. Bruno was also friendly, not to mention impossibly handsome, as he posed for a picture and we shared a few words. Yes, I was starstruck at IDS.

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IDS 12: Let the Fun Begin

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Chris

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Toronto's Interior Design Show (IDS 12) kicks off this morning with a slate of design heavy hitters and a media preview in advance of this evening's big opening night party ($60 and worth every penny!). Tomorrow is trade day, then the doors open to the public on Saturday and Sunday ($22). This truly is my favorite event of the year and I'm palpably excited to see what's new and what's next in interiors, something IDS is incredibly good at presenting. As always, I'll be paying special attention to the Studio North and Prototype exhibits where Canadian talent and cutting edge designers face the industry and the public in search of customers and critique. Above are pieces from Studio North participants Nomo Creations, Tahir Mahood and Tyler Mackenzie Craft & Design.

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CB2 Unwraps Toronto

Sunday, January 15, 2012 by Chris

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It's been under wraps for months but the two year-long renovation of the former Big Bop building at the corner of Toronto's Queen and Bathurst streets is nearly complete; this week the hustings started coming down on what will soon be furniture retailer CB2's first international location. Owned by U.S. chain Crate & Barrel, CB2's focus is on "affordable modern" home furnishings and accessories. The store opens next Saturday (January 21) following a much-anticipated press preview on Friday evening. The renovation has turned an architectural eyesore back into the graceful swan it once was. Built in the 1800s as an army barracks, the structure had many incarnations including time as a masonic temple and a United Cigar store, below in 1928. A fire destroyed the top floor and mansard roof, which were never rebuilt. At least the current reno returns the handsome red and cream brick exterior to its original grandeur.

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Excuses, Excuses . . .

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Chris

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I've been wanting to blog, I really have, but gosh darn it, life just keeps getting in the way. The photo above is me working on the chair I've been re-upholstering Saturday mornings; somehow the class consistently eats most of the day and then I'm left with only Sunday — a day previously reserved for blogging — to catch up on ALL the other things that need to be done. What's more, I'm working with a new decorating client on an exciting project and doing some paid outside writing. Oh, and then there's been the little issue of finding a new place to live. So forgive me, dear readers, for my absence. I've got half a dozen styleNorth posts in the can just waiting for me to pull together and as soon as I find a little time I'll be all yours once again, I promise!

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Metal Cubes Have Their Moment

Monday, March 14, 2011 by Chris

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Flipping through the latest issue of online decor mag, Lonny, I was immediately struck by the preponderance of simple cube tables. Clearly the design and variations on the theme are having a moment. Nesting cubes show up elsewhere, a solution I myself recently recommended to a client whose combination living/dining space I'm helping to make over. For my client, the chrome nesting tables were a cost-effective solution that meant we didn't have to buy side tables AND a coffee table. I hope to be revealing the finished space soon -- just waiting on a few errant pieces and the draperies, stay tuned . . .

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