As I mentioned last time you checked in, I had plans to head to Toronto for IDS 13, and I kept my word and took one for the team! My husband and I took a leisurely train ride to the big city and spent the weekend taking in the sites ,otherwise known as design shops! We stayed at the Sheraton which had one of the biggest light fixtures I've seen in a while. Look out below! It's definitely a statement piece. Each time I visit Toronto I like to find some new stores and refreshment pit stops.This time was no exception. We explored new neighbourhoods along Queen Street East like Lesleyville and Riverside, where I found Kimberley Jackson a great store with handcrafted furniture and accessories. I fell in love with these amazing giant clocks. When you are trekking all over, a coffee break is a must and if it's at a stylish and funky place like Dark Horse Espresso Bar even better. I loved the reclaimed industrial feel. What do you think? After walking as far east as my boots would take me, we turned around and went west along Dundas to The Junction to find a store I had heard about called Metropolis Living. It has amazing idustrial pieces, quirky one of a kind accessories and membrobilia. Each piece tells a story and adds personality. In the same neighbourhood I stumbled upon another jewel, Post & Beam Reclamation. I had heard of it's charms before from designers in tv land. So I was happily surprised to find it. It has a wide array of lighting, doors, and architectural elements. I browsed briefly but would have loved to have spent hours appreciating all it's beauty.
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Throughout the year all over the world there are amazing design shows for all of us to attend and check out the latest and greatest. Designers, furniture,lighting and much more right at our fingertips. We can learn from them, be inspired and enjoy all these interesting and unique designs. One of these industry shows is the giant Maison Objet in Paris, it is currently being attended by thousands of design fans. Maybe one day I will be lucky enough to make it to Paris but until then I make a special road trip every year to Toronto's Interior Design show. This will be my sixth year of the show's fifteen year history. I love to soak up the atmosphere of amazing collaborations showcasing not just Canada's design elite but also International talent. Each year I sit in on the design talks with some of my favourites including Brian Gluckstein who is based in Toronto but has world wide acclaim. While there I always take pictures and absorb as much information as I can to use and share with you guys. Stay tuned for IDS 2013 when I come back design refreshed!
Over the holidays I decided to take up knitting again and try my hand at making the popular infinity scarves. After more than a few tries I got the hang of it and made some for friends and family. My daughter loves her grey one and wears it every day to school. (see left). The art of knitting and the popularity of knitwear has definitely made a comeback. I found some fun pieces for the home to go hand in hand with the fashion trends. Funky footstool and cozy pillows. Great spot to sit and read your favourite design book.This armchair has it's own sweater. . . .Knitted bedding makes for a goodnight's sleep.Take a seat on this knitted chainlink masterpiece.Even your favourite beverage can be stylin' with a knitted sleeve. Knitting is not just for little old ladies in rocking chairs anymore - it's also for middle aged decorators and you too!
This week I decided to try something different, I added myself to the millions of tweeters and followers and joined Twitter. It is probably the biggest social media outlet in town, started back in 2006 by Jack Dorsey. It allows you to share your opinions,likes and dislikes in 140 characters or less. I had been wondering about expanding my blog and its audience when my sister-in law suggested the world of Twitter. She said I could tweet regularly and quickly in between blogging.and direct followers to my blog. That's exactly what I did- so why not follow me all you tweeters out there @myurbanNEST. See you there!
Here we are, it's a new year, a time for resolutions and new ideas. In my house however it's time for a new table! My wonderful husband bought me a piece on my design wishlist for 2012 . It's the " Docksta" table from IKEA and it now sits proudly in my kitchen. The shape of this piece of furniture is based on the iconic " Tulip" table by a popular mid century designer Eero Saarinen. He is responsible for many classic pieces still popular today. The " Docksta" table is an affordable imitation of the tulip table following the lines of the original, it's not as elegant but it does give a similar silhouette. You can use it in a kitchen, dining room ,foyer or even office as a unique desk. Matching it with interesting chairs, stools or even a banquet. The table just comes in white but you could customize it by painting the base or adding a glass top.Of course now I have my table I need chairs to go with it! I found a few possibilities but maybe you have some ideas. What do you think? |