IDS11 Inspirational Trip

I've only now recovered physically from the trek through IDS11.  I was there just soaking up everything and I must have taken over 200-300 photos, but I'm going to post a few things I just posting the great ones.

Enjoy! I know I did!

Brilliantly coloured paper products are making a splash of colour again in the Kitchen and Bathroom.  It's a conversation piece I can't wait to find a use for.

I fell in love with the Opera Chair by Hauser also. I just love the drape of the solid material and it's indoor/outdoor and found in many colours too.

Okay Here's a piece I find that fits within my scope of interests.  I often find my own husband frantically feeling about for the toast that has "gone into orbit" as he calls it. A simple set of wires put over the top of a toaster and the problem is solved.  This is by Krups.

I couldn't help but stop by and find out about the latest in the "Blackwatch" tartan by Alfred Sung.  It's the Scottish in me that gravitates to it I think. However, I did sit in one of the chairs and I have to say that for those short legged and can easily fit someone like my 6'-2" husband who's not skinny comfortably and without fear that it would break.  It's a limited outdoor set with a coffee table and sofa also.  But if I were forced to go and hurriedly change out the furniture in my living area, I'd put this in just because it seems so stable, durable and easy clean(big deal around here).  They do have cushions also.

I did stop by to hear most of what Thom Mayne had to say.  It was really interesting and my eyes didn't glaze over as I feared might happen.  He really did make sense when he was explaining about how he designs his buildings and inner spaces.

I was seeing the British flag here and there.  It seems that this trend is continuing and being fuelled by the Royal Engagement.  Elte has a rug created from bleached antique rug pieces that have been redyed Up Country was showing a sofa too.

These electric fireplaces caught my eye by Napoleon Fireplaces.  They would be great for little nooks in the wall of a livingroom like that little odd fifth wall some places have.

This next shelving comes from BLUM and I love it because short people like myself can actually open and close it with a touch. Push the door and it opens up.  Push a button found on either end of the cabinet and it closes.  Less dangerous than grabbing for the dining chair.  It's easy enough for people with arthritis to open and close also.  Perfect vertical storage space.

I'm afraid I didn't write down the designer's name of this bowl or the company selling it.  But I'd been dreaming of something similar for about a month now and I'm kicking myself.  I so want it.

School had me stop by the Ikea booth so here I am with their new shaker detailed dark cabinet kitchen doors and drawer fronts.  I've been sad ever since they stopped producing solid wood doors for their Billy bookcase series.  I just can't see it being safe to bring glass doors into my home yet.

Now I used to work with wood as a part-time business while I looked after my ailing parents.  So I have fond memories of making small folkart pieces in my father's basement. This coffee table is just lovely and the perfect conversation piece of a living room that sees lots of sun and chats over coffee. It's made by Urban Tree Salvage.

Para Paints had this great display and I see the trend of antique bird cages as display pieces are still around and here they are decorated with the 2011 Trend Colours.

Distinctive Appliances brought this range hood with a beautiful cityscape on it.  I could easily see this in an open concept kitchen in a beautiful condo.

This was something I found highly interesting, it's handmade and numbered.  Made to your tastes, it's inside is made of wood, you select the wood and what goes inside these is up to you.  I love the smooth shape and the surprise when opening it.  It reminds me of a faberge egg.  It's called the Aeropod by Dean Jackson these are limited only 49 will be made.

I know it's not original but when space is limited why not turn your wine collection into a temporary sculpture? Okay, I'd need steps to get to the top ones, but...by Visex Concept.

Ok, but anyone that grew up in my generation just can't resist the fantasical patterns of Rollout wallpapers.  I've seen a chair they designed in this same pattern and just thought it was cool.  This is the company that creates the scan wallpaper too. Scan the wallpaper with your iPhone and get a picture.  So cool!

Whimsy never had it so good.  Function meets fun in these pieces of furniture.  Made by Alain Belanger and Jocelyne Sylvain.

I was rushing past this piano and couldn't help but take a picture.  I'm afraid I was bad and didn't note anything about the picture and now wish I did.  A purple upright with such sexy curves so contemporary, yet retro '50's in colour.

This picture tells you who makes it and I just love the hot vibe this take on a windsor type outdoor chair.

So 1960's it's called the "XXX" and it's found in the Avenue Road Stocked 2011 catelogue.  I love it! It's made of thick tempered glass, so it's not going anywhere and not easy to chip!

This is the sofa in the room designed by Glen and David Dixon.  I have to admit Glen is as animated and great to talk to as he is on TV.  I didn't catch his round bed on film, but it was just as Hollywood Glam as the sofa.  Glen said they made them round to encourage chatting and conversation as opposed to have to lean around people to talk to someone at the other end of the sofa.  Great idea if you have the space.

This is the ceiling of the Dixon room, it's all garden trellis like grid with oragami birds hanging from it.  I'm so glad I didn't have to fold all those but it's beautiful to see.

I caught Sarah Richardson's rooms also that she did with her brother, Theo Richardson.  They are both so talented and I love the Country Relaxed feel as opposed to the Dixon's Hollywood Glam.  I too love the feel of giving each room it's own character by giving it its own colour if you can.  With open concept it can be difficult. I was told Theo made this coat rack.  I love it because of it's random pegs can be moved as needed.

I love the different chairs being brought together my this cheery red.

I get the relaxed feel in this room and the idea of slowing down the creative flow and stress while work may just work here.  I think I might try this when I redecorate my small space.

All I can say is the Headboard! I love it, bold and bright, the detail of it reminds me of a Canadian Maple Leaf.  The lighting is perfect.

Well, other then posting photos taken for a very large class assignment I've finally unwound. I hope this isn't too long and it's given you some inspiration.  Yes, I'm as ecletic as the pictures above, but somehow it all comes together.

From labels, photos and Art

      I've had such a busy few weeks I'm just taking a second to add this post to update on all the things I've found lately, from old school friends to a couple of Canadian Mom Companies that offer great products and services.

     First off, Kris Bovenizer an old friend from grade school has just started up a website on her artwork.  It's a must see, great sculpture and dimensional paintings, she's in the process of adding more to her site as I write.  Toronto born and raised, this is an artist with strong feminine feel to her work.

http://www.krismadethis.com/

     Next up is a great company started by a couple of Moms looking for labels for kids stuff that actually live up to their claims.  With great colours, logos and personalized names these labels vary from iron-on, permanent stick, shoe labels to labels for pencils.  They've now ventured into kids stationary sets, kitchen, storage and electrical organizing labels.  Follow the site below and they will donate some of the proceeds to Easterseals.
http://www.easterseals.mabel.ca/
Here's the way I've used their photos to easily identify one ingrediant from another within my own pantry.

     Here's a photographer who's in demand.  Specializing in portraits and portraits for special needs families.

 www.susancosgrovestudios.com

Susan really works to capture the true person and not just an image of a person.  Below is a couple of photos of my son and my self she has taken.  From intimate to professional she has the talent to provide the photos you need.

Finally have something that might work for a business card, comments are welcome!

Comments are welcome.  I've yet to put down any documentation behind a company name yet. But here goes.

Card 1:

I like this one and it keeps with the pink within my blog space.

Card 2:

This one I'm not sure of as when it got scanned my contact information disappeared.

Card 3:

I like the off set style of this card and think I might gold emboss the top rectangle.



Card 4:

I think the background could be stronger by selecting an Ivory Linen paper.

Card 5:

I really like this card.  Just got the photo done by: Susan CosgroveGr

www.susancosgrovestudios.com

Sue is a great friend and specializes in Photography for Special Needs Families and photography for Services that serve Special Needs People and Families.  She'd be more then happy to help if you're in the Toronto Area and need a great shot for your Marketing also.



Card 6:

Okay, no logo and all neutral grays.  It seems almost lack luster when it's reprinted.  Perhaps some colour can make this one get a little better???

I would love to hear some reactions and find out which one's better.

Until later.

"Nature Walk" with Benjamen

Okay, Toronto has NOT gotten off scot free from the winter snows.  I thought I'd toss up a few photos for getting us towards welcoming spring and all the beautiful, lively colours coming out this year.

My son is standing on the sidewalk, currently no one with a wheelchair, walker or canes can move outside as none of the apartments in the neighbourhood have bothered to remove the snow.  My husband can't even find the edge of the sidewalk so he can't navigate at all.  This is an annoyance we often have to deal with.

 The cars are sliding along, the salters have been out but it's just made it more slippery for everyone.

 Benjamen couldn't resist making snow angels, he went sledding for the first time at school.

 The snow is getting deep as we move through it.

 Stopped at Tim Hortons for a hot chocolate and saw the wind blowing snow off the trees outside.

 A tree outside our apartment building, note the snow, I love the scale of the tree to Benjamen.

 Benjamen wading through the snow towards home.

 The entrance to the park, I love the twisted angels of these sour apple trees.  We often see some of the neighbourhood kids climbing into them and sitting around in summer.

The weeping willow tree, leaf-less and covered in snow.

Last Semester Coming Up

15 more weeks until I graduate.  My last semester starts on Monday and I've practically gotten nothing finished beyond, Christmas Preparation, Storing all Christmas decorationa again, and a little more organization in the Master Bedroom.

It's snowing pretty badly today, but I need to go out and get a new journal for class, I can't scrapbook interesting images from the magazines I've got waiting.  Believe it or not these journals are still part of our grades and I'm in a mess of what I need to do during my day without one.  My husband doesn't understand that I feel like I'm in limbo without one, because he doesn't use this method.

I've got 3 ideas out of 10 needed for class of possible logos...sigh.  I just haven't had time to sit down and brainstorm.  Though I do have an idea for the designs for decorating dinnerware, so that's a good thing. 

My last textbook isn't here and it won't be here until 2 weeks into the semester, this is very disconcerting.  I only feel comfortable when I walk into class with everything needed for that class.  It's one of my few quirks.  I know I have to get out of this safe zone because I know my designs will feature parts that I will need to research and not have always at my finger tips.

I'm going to have to further add to my portfolio in print and online on Sunday, as well as get a good start on the journal.  I've got my time on the TTC subway to do some work if it's not too crowded and I've finally got my cell phone set up to use the internet and such. That I can only use during my above ground sections of my trip back and for to school.

Monday I've got Interior Decorating and Communications Classes so hopefully I'll be able to take the English Text into school and leave it in my locker as I'll have time after class to read it before going home.  As my classes end at 1:30 pm and I won't have to deal with interruptions at home while reading.

I'm actually looking forward to this semester, but I won't be comfortable until that last textbook is in my hands.

Until later everyone.

Organizing Slow Down

So much for my final push to organizing.  I'm now typing with one hand, because I've injured my right shoulder somehow.  This annoys me to no end and it happened after my doctor left for the day and he's off tomorrow all day.  I'm not sure what's going on but it hurts from my shoulder blade to my wrist.

However, I have purged my magazines, assembled a new bookcase, unpacked three totes of books, found homes for my textbooks I want to keep (though it's not athetically pleasing yet, but it will get there). 

I've still got to organize the linen closet and the Master Bedroom closet, then everything will be much less disturbing to me.  I like to be able to move easily and at least know where everything is.

Then I'll be able to get back to what needs to be done for the textural nursery perspectives, my portfolio, finish reading the Photoshop book I bought and catch up on my magazine reading.

New Years Goals

photo from: successforgoalsetting.com

I keep hearing that writing down your goals for a coming year will increase the chances of your fulfilling your goals and not abandoning them.  So I figure I'll write them here so that my readers can understand that my life and business twine into one.  With this unique perspective I find many see it as a bad thing and worry that my priorities are higher in other places.

I live a life different to most.  My husband and I have basically switched the traditional roles, however, many employers believe my son will take me away from my work.  I've actually had an employer's wife say this to my face when I said I was pregnant.  This is the farthest thing to the truth.  My husband and his mother are here if my son needs a parent when he's at school or ill.  I'm the one that goes out to work, while my husband who's blind is our stay-at-home parent.  No one expects a father to come flying home every time their child goes to the principal's office, so why figure I'm going to need to drop everything?

In this age you would think that this would be something commonly accepted, however, I've found that it's not. 

So on to my goals for the New Year:

1) Finish my diploma course in Interior Decorating in April.  This will be my last semester.

2) Finish assembling my first portfolio.  This I started just before my camera took it's fateful fall, but with the new camera I believe I'll be able to get even better photos soon.  I'm also working on perspective drawings for the textural nursery and changing over some of my presentation workbooks to jpeg files from pdf files.

3) Find a position within the Interior Decor Field.  It's my dream to offer my keen understanding and sensitivity about special needs families to a firm.  With people aging in place and more "special needs" people proving yet again, that with courage and a willingness to do a few things different, that we all can expect the same things from life.

4) Continue blogging about how current design fits or doesn't fit within families with special needs.  There are so many things out there that are changing and many of them are actually great, however, I've seen some pretty badly laid out public spaces.

5) Finally have my sinuses operated on and get my stomach dealt with so that they won't interfere with my work and life anymore.  I am sick of being sick and won't take it anymore.

6) Take my son on a vacation this summer.  I haven't been on a vacation since my honeymoon 12 years ago.  I think we all deserve it.

That's the goal to begin the year with.  They may seem small, but I want to be practical rather than over extending myself and disappointing myself and those around me.

Right now, my goal today is to organize the Master Bedroom, by assembling a bookcase, getting the last of my packing unpacked (4 years later) and hopefully getting more space to move.  I'll be giving space for reference materials and my portfolio I hope also, but we'll see how much will fit.  I'm afraid personally I grew up in a place where the furniture out weighed the amount of people. (I dread inheriting that house and clearing it out. However, on the bright side it will make an excellent before and after house.)  I admire those that can live minimalist lives, but I have a hard time planning things when I have nothing to do it with.  I plan ahead and like things at my finger tips.  But today the Master Bedroom is now just a dumping ground for things that don't have homes yet and I can't live like that.  So in comes the New Year and on to the final push on the last of the organization in my life.

I Hope Everyone Success in the New Year!