Latest in Home Decor and Design at IDS Toronto

The International Design Show Toronto 2016 was a lively showcase of products, designs and ideas with a Canadian flavor. Dominated by bathrooms, kitchen and flooring, the show also included a wide variety of independent creators who presented a beautiful range of home furnishings and accessories.

The second level of the Toronto Convention Center was filled with exhibits, all surrounding a main stage presented by Caesarstone.
The second level of the Toronto Convention Center was filled with exhibits, all surrounding a main stage presented by Caesarstone.
According to the company's website, Wood Anchor is currently the only reclaimed wood company in North America specializing in Landfill Diverted Elm.
According to the company’s website, Wood Anchor is currently the only reclaimed wood company in North America specializing in Landfill Diverted Elm.

Because many Canadian designers are known for their wood products, they had a strong showing at IDS.  From small specialty artisans to Ontario Wood’s group exhibit, the material was plentiful in lighting, furnishings and accessories.

Wood Anchor presented a beautiful hand-hewn slab table and amazing wood chandelier. The company is a full custom fabrication shop/design-build studio specializing in hand built wood furniture, wood furnishings, and wood art. It uses reclaimed and locally harvested lumber from sources that include old timbers from historical buildings, trees cut down by the City of Winnipeg due to Dutch Elm Disease (DED), and other species of trees cut down due to development or farmland.

Kino Guerin is known as a master of bending wood. The artist's spent 12 years researching and experimenting with vacuum press lamination. His work "has allowed him to push the limits of the process in a uniquely fluid way. With each furniture design, Kino Guerin creates an airiness and lightness, a piece of functional sculpture," writes Artful Home.
Kino Guerin is known as a master of bending wood. The artist’s spent 12 years researching and experimenting with vacuum press lamination. His work “has allowed him to push the limits of the process in a uniquely fluid way. With each furniture design, Kino Guerin creates an airiness and lightness, a piece of functional sculpture,” writes Artful Home.
MetalWood Studio showed live edge benches with a twist: The resin used in the gaps is done in a bright aqua for added interest. According to the Artist: "Why not? I love color!"
MetalWood Studio showed live edge benches with a twist: The resin used in the gaps is done in a bright aqua for added interest. According to the Artist: “Why not? I love color!”
A closer look at the colorful resin.
A closer look at the colorful resin.
Variations in wood tone add to the many interesting design elements of this credenza that was part of the Ontario Wood presentation.
Variations in wood tone add to the many interesting design elements of this credenza that was part of the Ontario Wood presentation.
The way the wood is crafted into an undulating wave is really amazing.
The way the wood is crafted into an undulating wave is really amazing.

It’s not often you run across a woman in woodworking, but in the Studio North/Prototype section of IDS, we happened upon Megan Tilston, of Merganzer furniture and design.  Her interest in woodworking was sparked by her grandfather and she know works for Merganzer, which creates beautiful pieces like this table from the Wave series. Wilson has a background in graphic design and “takes a thoughtful approach in crafting playful and sculptural furniture that sparks the imagination,” according to her bio.

Squares console from Many Squares

Another lived wood piece was this console from Many Squares. This very different product is made of hundreds of squares mounted on a flexible panel that can be installed flat or bend around curved shapes.

The blocks are also available in colored acrylic and can be ordered on a transparent backing, which looks amazing when lit from the back.
The blocks are also available in colored acrylic and can be ordered on a transparent backing, which looks amazing when lit from the back.
Coolican and Company specializes in small batch furniture, making a limited number of hand-crafted pieces in a variety of styles. The clean lines and quality, enduring designs speak to the company's description: "This is furniture that is built to last. Built to be used, loved and shared. "
Coolican and Company specializes in small batch furniture, making a limited number of hand-crafted pieces in a variety of styles. The clean lines and quality, enduring designs speak to the company’s description: “This is furniture that is built to last. Built to be used, loved and shared. “

While furniture was not the bulk of the show’s offerings, there were indeed plenty of amazing chairs.  From handcrafted wood models to retro upholstered pieces and those fashioned from reclaimed materials, chairs were everywhere!

This interesting chair was part of the outdoor furnishing display by Andrew Richard Designs.
This interesting chair was part of the outdoor furnishing display by Andrew Richard Designs.
Among the several exhibitors using recycled materials was Adam Fullerton Creative Designs & Upcycling, whose unique pieces were a draw. Fullerton focuses on the story each piece tells. "Our philosophy for design is simple – collect wasted materials and turn them into objects of curiosity, style and functionality for your space." This chair is fashioned from a discarded bathtub.
Among the several exhibitors using recycled materials was Adam Fullerton Creative Designs & Upcycling, whose unique pieces were a draw. Fullerton focuses on the story each piece tells. “Our philosophy for design is simple – collect wasted materials and turn them into objects of curiosity, style and functionality for your space.” This chair is fashioned from a discarded bathtub.
The outside of the Aeropod is highly polished chrome that's reminiscent of vintage airplane parts or a meticulously restored vintage automobile grille.
The outside of the Aeropod is highly polished chrome that’s reminiscent of vintage airplane parts or a meticulously restored vintage automobile grille.

Also in the Studio North & Prototype section, we found these unique and shiny pieces that are a far cry from anything recycled. Designer Dean Jackson developed his Aeropod series as “unique pieces that serve a function and stimulate conversation.” It is a rare edition of only 49 special cabinets, each customized for storage such as wine, watches, tobacco, jewelry or martinis.

The interior of this Aeropod is lockable and is meant for jewelry.
The interior of this Aeropod is lockable and is meant for jewelry.
The Vibrato 3-D printed bathroom faucet.
The Vibrato 3-D printed bathroom faucet.

While bathroom and kitchen fixtures abounded, these designs from DXV by American Standard were hands down the most interesting. DXV is the high-end, cutting edge line from the fixture company.  Created using a 3-D printer, DXV’s three prototype designs are like concept cars — expensive and limited edition.

What’s most intriguing is that there is no large water main running through the fixture: The water flows through the thin spiral of the fixture.  As designer Regina Sturrock explained, it’s a revolutionary design of how water is delivered through an innovative fixture.

The Shadowbrook 3-D printed faucet.
The Shadowbrook 3-D printed faucet.
This Sonnet bathtub from Fleurco makes the most of space by adding small shelving area set into the side of the bathtub.
This Sonnet bathtub from Fleurco makes the most of space by adding small shelving area set into the side of the bathtub.
From Graff, the newest collection, called Dressage, "is furniture with a strong handicraft and manufacturing element, where the warmth of tradition, transmitted by the use of solid wood, meets with the functionality of an innovative material," says the promotional material. It calls the collection "designed for the bathroom but inspired by the world of interior design." The mirror at the left end swivels for convenience.
From Graff, the newest collection, called Dressage, “is furniture with a strong handicraft and manufacturing element, where the warmth of tradition, transmitted by the use of solid wood, meets with the functionality of an innovative material,” says the promotional material. It calls the collection “designed for the bathroom but inspired by the world of interior design.” The mirror at the left end swivels for convenience.
This funky basin is from Godi's Isabella Series. It is made with solid ash wood and solid marble sink top. The low profile design is perfect for smaller spaces and matching storage units are also available. The pedestal can be purchased oriented to either the left or right.
This funky basin is from Godi’s Isabella Series. It is made with solid ash wood and solid marble sink top. The low profile design is perfect for smaller spaces and matching storage units are also available. The pedestal can be purchased oriented to either the left or right.
This shiny and elegant black single vanity from Godi is perfect for black and white bathroom. The gray marble vanity top adds to the glamorous feel of the set.
This shiny and elegant black single vanity from Godi is perfect for black and white bathroom. The gray marble vanity top adds to the glamorous feel of the set.
Tenzo, which also showed a variety of rainfall and LED light shower heads had these modern and colorful faucet control panels.
Tenzo, which also showed a variety of rainfall and LED light shower heads had these modern and colorful faucet control panels.
This may look like your average tiled shower, but it's actually paneled with a new product from Utile. The panels look and feel just like real tile, but they have no real grout, making cleaning easy and durability outstanding. They are installed in the shower over the wall. For renovations, the original tile must be removed. Utile comes in a variety of patterns and colors.
This may look like your average tiled shower, but it’s actually paneled with a new product from Utile. The panels look and feel just like real tile, but they have no real grout, making cleaning easy and durability outstanding. They are installed in the shower over the wall. For renovations, the original tile must be removed. Utile comes in a variety of patterns and colors.
This is a stunning example of the "secret kitchen" trend, where all appliances and components are hidden behind sleek cabinetry. Designed by Bauhaus Kitchens, the island is floating, supported by large bars that run the length of the cabinetry and the island.
This is a stunning example of the “secret kitchen” trend, where all appliances and components are hidden behind sleek cabinetry. Designed by Bauformat kitchens, the island is floating, supported by large bars that run the length of the cabinetry and the island.

Both the console and the vessels on the table are beautiful concrete accents for home interior designs.
Both the console and the vessels on the table are beautiful concrete accents for home interior designs.

Concrete as a design material is still very popular. From thin concrete skins that can be applied to walls like sheetrock, to concrete fire pits, fireplaces and furniture, designers presented many options.

A closer look at shelving made from a two-toned carbon fiber material.
A closer look at shelving made from a two-toned carbon fiber material.

One of the newest materials is this carbon fiber material that is encased in a composite, innovated by Designs by DT. The fiber is highly drapeable, can conform to virtually any shape and is highly durable.  Designer Mike Ip uses the fiber to serve as the base for desks, shelving and tables.

Launching February 1, Farrow & Ball's new colors are mostly muted, soft tones, with the exception of one that's similar to verdigris.
Launching February 1, Farrow & Ball’s new colors are mostly muted, soft tones, with the exception of one that’s similar to verdigris.

Pantone have already released it’s colors of the year, but UK-based Farrow & Ball released their new colors for 2016 at the show, displayed on deer heads.  The company, known as craftsmen of paint and paper, also showed their new wall coverings.  While the 80’s may have given wallpaper a bad name thanks to cringeworthy designs and cheesy borders, today’s wallpaper is more about texture and artisanship. Farrow and Ball’s papers are printed with their own paints, which makes matching and coordinating a breeze.

Some of Farrow and Ball's paint-printed wallpapers.
Some of Farrow and Ball’s paint-printed wallpapers.
Ontario Wood's display included these stunning wooden chandeliers, rendered in a number of types of wood. The branch shapes -- and the great number in each fixture -- make for a stunning piece.
Ontario Wood’s display included these stunning wooden chandeliers, rendered in a number of types of wood. The branch shapes — and the great number in each fixture — make for a stunning piece.

IDS 2016 had plenty of lighting options to see — from hand-crafted wooden versions to shiny, modern lighting fixtures. Either way, today’s lighting makes use of LED technology as well as the new designs where the bulb is an artistic component, not an eyesore to be hidden under a shade.

Like a lightening bolt, this wall light from Hollis + Morris can also be hung in chandelier fashion over a table.
Like a lightening bolt, this wall light from Hollis + Morris can also be hung in chandelier fashion over a table.
From AM Lighting, we really liked these pendants from the Neverending Glory collection. The company notes that it "reflects nostalgic emotions and interprets opulent candle chandeliers in new way to symbolize those prime moments of appreciation and glory. Made from blown glass, they come in clear and white -- perfect for almost any space.
From AM Lighting, we really liked these pendants from the Neverending Glory collection. The company notes that it “reflects nostalgic emotions and interprets opulent candle chandeliers in new way to symbolize those prime moments of appreciation and glory. Made from blown glass, they come in clear and white — perfect for almost any space.
In a trend that doesn't seem to be going away, the branch style light was shown by Lightmaker Studio. Available in brass and copper, the tree-like structure is fully customizable. The uniquely shaped bulbs are a sophisticated touch.
In a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away, the branch style light was shown by Lightmaker Studio. Available in brass and copper, the tree-like structure is fully customizable. The uniquely shaped bulbs are a sophisticated touch.
The softly pearlized exterior of these pendants by AM Lighting are fantastic in such a large grouping, but would be equally love used singly.
The softly pearlized exterior of these pendants by AM Lighting are fantastic in such a large grouping, but would be equally love used singly.
We love the reticulated pieces that make up the vertebrae-like sims of Lightmaker Studio's Verve chandelier. A play on a traditional chandelier, using cast brass “vertebrae.”  They are fully flexible and can be fashioned as desired.
We love the reticulated pieces that make up the vertebrae-like sims of Lightmaker Studio’s Verve chandelier. A play on a traditional chandelier, using cast brass “vertebrae.”  They are fully flexible and can be fashioned as desired.
A beautiful pendant from Luxi Studioworks, founded and run by designer Alisha Marie Boyd. Boyd is an award winning Canadian artist, designer and goldsmith. The fixture can be ordered with a hanging cord in just about any color.
A beautiful pendant from Luxi Studioworks, founded and run by designer Alisha Marie Boyd. Boyd is an award winning Canadian artist, designer and goldsmith. The fixture can be ordered with a hanging cord in just about any color.
Inspired by space, Kath's rugs are wall-worthy art as well as floor coverings.
Inspired by space, Kath’s rugs are wall-worthy art as well as floor coverings.

Floor coverings were generously presented and some of the most interesting rugs were from Jan Kath, noted as one of the world’s most in-demand creators of hand-knotted carpets. Kath takes traditional rug designs and adds a new dimension, with precisely planned bright colors or an explosion of lines masking parts of the design. Kath creates his design so that “he purposely breaks with  conventional styles and  throws strict design rules overboard,” says his website.

One-upping a traditional design, Kath's bright turquoise gives the rug into an edgy, modern feel that would still work with traditional home decor.
One-upping a traditional design, Kath’s bright turquoise gives the rug into an edgy, modern feel that would still work with traditional home decor.
This herringbone design in a lighter wood is one of Northern Plank's best selling floors.
This herringbone design in a lighter wood is one of Northern Plank’s best selling floors.

Wide plank floors were one of the trends identified during some of the presentations at IDS. While the popular grays of last year are still selling well, natural colors and parquetry designs are very hot.

Updated natural floors are becoming very desirable.
Updated natural floors are becoming very desirable.
All the pieces are hand-crafted from aluminum and then powder coated at a local vendor. The wood tops are hand sanded and coated with an organic, low VOC wax.
All the pieces are hand-crafted from aluminum and then powder coated at a local vendor. The wood tops are hand sanded and coated with an organic, low VOC wax.

Modify Furniture is another really interesting studio that was included in the Studio North & Prototype area of the show.  It is a design/build furniture studio based in Bridgeport, Connecticut that was founded by former pediatrician Marci Klein. Her “small studio with big ideas” creates these functional and colorful credenzas with customized utility trays, which are also included in the desk.  Many features are customizable, including the artwork on the front.  From graffiti works to your own children’s art, anything can be featured on the metal doors.

The trays in the desk are customizable to hold iPads, desk accessories, candles, sticky notes -- you name it! A bin, with a hole for cords, is concealed underneath each accessory
The trays in the desk are customizable to hold iPads, desk accessories, candles, sticky notes — you name it! A bin, with a hole for cords, is concealed underneath each accessory
These sophisticated country style pieces were among the furniture offerings from UpCountry. The high gloss desk and trunk-style drawers are perfect with the ornate lamps.
These sophisticated country style pieces were among the furniture offerings from UpCountry. The high gloss desk and trunk-style drawers are perfect with the ornate lamps.
Rustic but chic is the only way to describe this setting from UpCountry. The mix of lighting fixtures and upholstered chair with a leather cushion and hide pillow work well together.
Rustic but chic is the only way to describe this setting from UpCountry. The mix of lighting fixtures and upholstered chair with a leather cushion and hide pillow work well together.
"You Won't Believe Your Eyes" is an apt description for the work of Hugo Diego. His specially digitally printed paper is 12 feet wide with no seams. To say that it is looks like real wood, concrete or metal is an understatement.
“You Won’t Believe Your Eyes” is an apt description for the work of Hugo Diego. His specially digitally printed paper is 12 feet wide with no seams. To say that it is looks like real wood, concrete or metal is an understatement.

Customization was the key word when it came to images for your walls or accessories.  More than just wallpaper, the products we saw were digitally printed and stunning.  From realistic wood to images of your choice, your imagination is truly the only limit here.

Grafiti images around lighting fixture Art2Lights
Custom light fixture for you with an image that you provide

Grafiti images from around the world adorn light fixtures by Art2Lights. Gathered by two friends who traveled together, the images are colorful and truly cool.  The company can produce a custom light fixture for you with an image that you provide — think of the possibilities!

Rollout wallpaper company also sells digitally printed wall coverings that are commercial grade type II vinyl, ideal for hospitality, retail, and workspace interiors. Working with artists, they produce unique coverings that are "an immersive, boutique wallpaper design experience."
Rollout wallpaper company also sells digitally printed wall coverings that are commercial grade type II vinyl, ideal for hospitality, retail, and workspace interiors. Working with artists, they produce unique coverings that are “an immersive, boutique wallpaper design experience.”
This booth by Digital Print Specialties shows all the products that can be custom printed for your interior: acoustic panels, canvas prints, fabric, wall coverings, tiles and murals. "From interiors, fashion, merchandising and even art installations, we offer the largest selection of specialty printable," says the DPS website. If you don't like flamingos, you can have just about anything else from your own digital files if you wish.
This booth by Digital Print Specialties shows all the products that can be custom printed for your interior: acoustic panels, canvas prints, fabric, wall coverings, tiles and murals. “From interiors, fashion, merchandising and even art installations, we offer the largest selection of specialty printable,” says the DPS website. If you don’t like flamingos, you can have just about anything else from your own digital files if you wish.

Hand crafted, retro modern, rustic chic or 3-D printed — it was all there at IDS Toronto 2016.  Keep an eye on Homedit.com for features on the trends, products and designers who exhibited at the show.