Once again IDS West didn’t disappoint.  Although the entire show was inspiring there were a few highlights I would like to share.

Firstly, it took FOREVER to get through the show as I bumped into so many designers that I have gotten to know over the years.  It’s so great see some familiar faces that I haven’t seen for awhile. 

Left to right: Louise Henry, Jennifer Berkeley (she’ll always be JB to me), and Cindy Stocker

The first stop was Para Paints’ booth and a quick visit with Jennie (their interior designer).  The booth itself was amazing.  Jennie was kind enough to give me a few new fan-decks with the current trend colours.  Please drop by Flüff to have a look.  Apparently after the show they will no longer be available.

Jennie from Para Paints

As usual there were many suppliers represented for a variety of surface finishes.   I found some very interesting back-splash tiles that I fell in love with – a fresh look for Fall. 

Back-splash tile

For furniture I was most impressed with the yellow sofa from Van Gogh.  I personally wouldn’t order it in yellow but it looked amazing in the booth.  The style was incredible;   retro influenced but so “now”.  It’s brand spanky new so it isn’t even on their website yet.   The series is called the “Florence” and you will definitely be seeing it in our showroom soon.

Yellow “Florence” sofa from Van Gogh

And I never tire of seeing what Judson Beaumont is up to.  I love his whimsical designs – functional yet so adorable.  (Maybe my grand-kids need one of these?!)

Judson Beaumont’s whimsical designs

“Dinner by Design”, a contest sponsored by GE showcasing a variety of table settings, was impressive.  My favourite (and not because we provided product for the display) was Moeski Designs.  Utilizing the gorgeous images of nudes was risky yet so incredibly effective.  Good work Karen and her crew. 

Moeski Designs

I so enjoyed seeing he 40+ artisans showcased in an area called the District.  Two of my favourites were both ceramicists;  Kathleen Tennock has been on my “A” list for a long, long time.  The organic shapes along with the raw raku finish create the most amazing finished pieces.  It was so great to see her work again. A new-to-me artist was Haejin Lee.  Her ceramic tableware is wonderful – organic in texture & shape.  The booth was beautifully presented a well. 

Left: Ceramics by Haejin Lee.
Right: Raku ceramics by Kathleen Tennock

Sadly the line-up for the Laneway house was just too long and I didn’t get to see it.  From all reports it was worth the wait. 

Let us know what your IDS West highlights were!  

 ~Patti Houston, Owner