2 Videos Highlighting Toronto Interior Design Show 2012

Irwin Weiner ASID - The Toronto Interior Design Show 2012 this January saw a resurgence in up-north style that spanned the globe. We were impressed with the imaginative use of shipping containers, with designers and studios turning them into living spaces (see above, from Mason Studio, Toronto), and the room that Piero Lissoni designed (see below, the show's official international guest of honor - what do you think of the bookshelf with books spine-in, showing off pages; it's a look!).

The official show overview video is directly above ... and delightful interior design blogger Kat Bell of Kat Bell Designs visited the show and took the video highlight reel (below) of some of the sights, designs, and innovative products that made an impression on her.

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What Is Your Concept of "Home"?

Irwin Weiner ASID - Most of us take for granted what "home" is. I've known people who have lost their homes due to foreclosure and eviction, and it's a life-wrenching experience. I was intrigued by this National Film Board of Canada video from Montreal focusing on four different home experiences, all in rehabbed buildings. Is "home" where many people can live together in community - yet have their own space or territory? Are we drawn to a building because we love it enough to want to save it? Is "home" where the heart is, or is it merely a roof over our heads as we go about everyday living ... and in some cases, aiming just for baseline survival?

This video got me thinking about my own concept of home. It's not always about professionally decorated spaces. It's not always about our mid-century, romantic notions of home and the nuclear family. Sometimes "home" is about found furnishings and salvaged goods; it's about relationships between people; it's about what you can afford; it's about choosing (if you're fortunate enough to have the means to choose) between something new and something old; and it's about bringing your personality and your essence into any space. My thoughts are with you and your families today, and hoping that your home - whatever and wherever it might be - is a happy, productive, and nurturing place.  

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Designer Bowls Forged by Fire

Irwin Weiner ASID - If you haven't heard of architect-designer Omer Arbel, then it's my pleasure to make the introduction. The creative director of Vancouver-based Bocci, Arbel is a visionary, process-driven designer who thinks deep thoughts about how our machine-made homes, furniture, and accessories can be improved to add more variations and artful imperfections to mechanical processes. Whether it's salvaging old timbers to make an exhilarating new home or metal forging his 19 Series bowls, Arbel is always thinking ahead. You'll enjoy this video showing

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2011 Contemporary Furniture Favorites from Vancouver

Gandia Blasco

Irwin Weiner ASID - It's impossible to keep track of every single furniture and lighting resource available for high-end interior design. But one good way to get a sense of what experts love is to see what contemporary furniture retailers are carrying in your community. Today's featured video is an interview of Livingspace Vancouver owner Ross Bonetti, and he gave us some resources that are worth looking into further:

• Gandia Blasco (see photo above) for hand-tufted wool rugs, poufs, and furnishings - and many are designed by one of our favorites, Patricia Urquiola

• Moooi, the whimsical Dutch design firm - look to them, in particular, for dramatic lighting

• Minotti, an Italian line that's both classic and spare (see photo above) - I appreciate their strong, minimalistic lines and the fact that most pieces will fit well into any interior; you should accessorize around them so your space doesn't look like you've reproduced a furniture showroom, however

• e15, manufacturer of the wonderfully sculptural ECO3 Eugene lounge chair (in above photo)

• Diesel Foscarini, a blend of Diesel's industrial take on fashion and Foscarini's masterful production of lighting (see photo above)

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Update on April 23, 2011 by Design2Share

Super King Size Leather Beds: We just found a great collection of sleek leather bed designs. They add sophistication, whether your bedroom decor is traditional or modern. 

Featured Project: DIY Painted Headboard

Now is the perfect time to think about freshening up your interior space. With a splash of color here and a new piece of furniture there, it's easy to redecorate. Here's a quick, budget-conscious DIY design idea to help get you started.

Paint Your Own Headboard

Chances are if you if you purchased your bed frame as part of a bedroom set, the headboard is already included. If you don't want to put forth the extra cash, especially after paying for a pricey mattress, no problem! Painted headboards are a great way to add a pop of color to your bedroom.

Step 1: Measure the width of the head of your bed and mark it with blue painter's tape from floor to ceiling. Now, choose your color based on your desired color scheme. You obviously don't want it to be the same shade as your walls, but it should complement that color.

Step 2: Once you have your color, paint the wall, staying within the blue painters tape. Once the paint dries, if you choose to do so, you can detail with paint or with some removable wall decals from a company like Blik. For as little as $40, Blik makes easily removable wall decals in fun shapes like bookshelves, chandeliers, birds, etc. If this sounds like too much work, don't worry and leave your wall a solid color.

Step 3: Simply position your bed up against the painted wall, prop up some decorative Euro pillows in coordinating colors and patterns, and you have yourself a headboard. You might want to take this opportunity to invest in a new comforter or duvet in fun, light, spring colors. You'd be surprised at what a little bit of paint and some new bedding can do for your space!

Contemporary vanities and more at Decor Planet for your bathroom needs.