The Interior Design Show 2013 (IDS 2013) opens to the public tomorrow at the Metro Convention Centre , but yesterday they held their annual VIP party. Like 2012, the event featured a chair auction with proceeds going to the OneXOne children’s foundation. In 2012, the auction raised over $30,000 for the organization. This year, 19 Blu Dot Real Good Chairs, all digitally designed, were created by designers, artists and decorators such as Ian Grais, Jason Cass for Farrow & Ball and Winnie Truong. In addition to the auction, attendees were able to preview the exhibits and nibble on refreshments from a variety of different eateries from across the city including DelectablyChic! favourites like Tabülè, MoRoCo Chocolat and Wish. Latin-centric food truck, Gourmet Gringos was there as well.
As usual, exhibitors come from a wide range of decor and home renovation companies that cover all aspects of living space. From bedrooms to entertainment spaces to kitchens and more, there will be a booth for anyone looking (or thinking about) upgrading a room (or more) in their home. Definitely check out Miele, whose display not only consists of a history of the company and the requisite display kitchen, but also a vintage washing machine from circa 1911. According to one of the reps, it was one of the first with a motor. We have definitely come a long way in 102 years! If you are looking for kid-related pieces, check out the Modern Kid section, especially the booth shared by Three Pears and Tip Toe Rugs as well as Magic Pony, a studio, gallery and boutique known for blending “elements of art, design and popular culture to create a unique shopping experience.” Resource Furniture is back with their compact and convertible pieces. Those of us familiar with the Toronto fashion community will recognize Sarah Stevenson’s print at Modallion by Reznick Carpets. And as usual, Studio North features more unique, avant garde pieces. If you are really interested in up-and-coming designers, visit Creative Class, which features pieces by design students from schools such as Seneca@York, George Brown College and the University of Alberta.
There will, of course, also be speakers and seminars, including Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio and a presentation by the AGO how to build one’s art collection on Saturday. On Sunday, major names such as Bonnie Brooks from The Bay and Brian Gluckstein will be speaking. Tickets to attend the event are $19 online and $22 at the door. Note that the admission price does not include some seminars and speakers. Hours for the event are 10-7 on Saturday and 10-6 on Sunday.
