Favourite things at the 2010 Interior Design Show

Did you miss the Interior Design Show in Toronto? Well, if you did here are my top 4 favourite things from the show but you can still check it out online and get some ideas http://www.interiordesignshow.com/

1 -- COPPER. It was featured in all kinds of ways - sinks, hardware and other decor pieces but my absolute favourite copper showcase was at IKEA they had a copper kitchen. The door panels were flat so the copper was the real showstopper. They paired it with a modern but simple looking handle in stainless steel (yes, you can mix metals). Some lower cabinets in a gray tone and a charcoal back splash. Really fabulous!!

2 -- HANDMADE, FOLK ART. This was everywhere but not over done. Very simple pieces but clearly made by hand. This was seen in pottery form, textiles and glass. These pieces have a story and are truly unique as each piece is not perfect. This seems to be a trend that is considered the 'anti-technology'.

3 -- INDUSTRIAL. Especially in furniture. These pieces had visible mechanics. Many had a very military/utilitarian feel. There were a lot of stools and other types of seating that had this industrial quality. There pieces are no frills and function centered.

4 -- VINTAGE ARTWORK. We have been seeing this for a while but at the show these art pieces, again, had more of a utilitarian feel - they were all used for another purpose before they became 'art'. We saw maps, eye charts, ads and teaching materials (all vintage) framed and featured in various spaces.