A vignette from IDS featuring a BoConcept tray and lovely modern desk accessories.

Beautiful red display boxes from 1212 Yonge St.

Seating in the lobby of the Toronto airport Hilton. I love the contrast of the black veneer in the centre of the upholstery.

A few shots of red from my summer adventure in Atlanta: a sign in one of the many amazing antique markets, a collection of signs in the Coke museum, and some fabulous upholstered chairs in yet another market. Their antique markets are reason enough to visit Atlanta- can’t wait to go back.

Pops of red from a room I styled on For Rent season 4 (super economic options from Bouclair Home).

Finally, a little Rebecca Minkoff to round out the collection. Ok, so my purse is probably closer to Tangerine Tango but it’s a chic way to end this post. Happy Saturday everyone!

All images by Lisa Canning

The classic orchid. This particular orchid sits in the office of a recent commercial client IA:MM Showroom (can’t wait to share images from this fashion showroom when it’s finished- note the wallpaper, so glam). It was picked up by one of the staff for $20 from Costco and they are going strong 3 weeks in. Be warned- orchids are high maintenance. They require just the right amount of light, water and food but when taken care of properly (not my area of expertise) their delicate silhouette can provide an elegant accent in a space. Orchids are often my go-to flower when I feel a space is missing that little touch of something feminine.

When in doubt go green and white. If a room is full of colour but you still desire that breath of life flowers provide, go green and white. In this arrangement I used for my Interior Design Show project, I went to professional florist and paid over $100 for this bad boy. My local florist has been in business in the community for over 50 years, so I trust him when he tells me what flowers will last under the heat of showroom lights and will be hearty enough to travel. This mix of hypericum berries, alstromeria, hydrangea, and chrysanthemum lasted (I kid you not) 2 weeks, in pretty much original condition. I had the florist wrap the stems in a large green for a more sophisticated look.

How to extend the life of a floral arrangement: The arrangements above (used for a birthday party I threw for my dad last week) are the remainders from my IDS exhibit arrangements shown above (I was serious when I said they lasted 2 weeks!). But to extend their life, I swapped out some of the flowers that were starting to wilt with $7.99 roses from the grocery store. The roses filled the center arrangements enough that I was able to clip a few to make smaller side arrangements. I love how they provided another element of detail against the Marimekko wallpaper remnant I used as a table runner (this was a total last minute decision when I could not find my Chilewich place mats in the disaster that can sometimes be my house). Resourcefulness can yield beautiful results.

Hello sophisticated. While I love a good DIY, going to a pro is pretty amazing. This floral arrangement was a gift to a client and it is breathtaking. The skillful layering of colour and shape creates so much visual interest- and I love how the large green leaves have been folded into architectural beauties all their own. When you want something truly unique, go to a floral designer and trust their green (and glamorous) thumbs.

All images by Lisa Canning Interiors & Arnal Photography.

TIP #1: HIRE AN AMAZING ASSISTANT

Meet my assistant Lara Cupido, without whom I would surely be a grumpier designer (and poorly accessorized- that is her fantastic necklace I am wearing above, this girl has great taste). Lara has worked with me through 2 seasons of production design on For Rent, worked very hard through major client installations and has schooled me on the best restaurants in the city (look up foodie in the dictionary and it’s her face there). Inside and out, she’s one special gem and I’m so happy to have her as part of my team. (Photo by Arnal Photography).

TIP #2: WEAR SENSIBLE FOOTWEAR

As much as I love my heels, the Interior Design Show is one massive exhibit to work your way through. Save the heels for the opening night party, opt for flate for the rest of the show- above I am wearing sensible Stuart Weitzman flats during an interview with House and Home. (Photo by Sharyn Smith)

TIP #3: FIND A COMFY SEAT

Several hundred people rested their tootsies on this Pavia chaise lounge from BoConcept in my National Bank hub. Unless instructed otherwise, the booths at IDS are meant to be interactive. It’s a great venue to try out new products so do take it easy and soak in all the design eye candy. (Photo by Arnal Photography)

TIP #4: STAY HYDRATED  I don’t have any secret inside tips on where to get free water at the show- otherwise I would have taken more advantage! But one cannot live on coffee alone, so make sure to get your H20 fix too.

TIP #5: FINISH OFF THE SHOW WITH GREAT FRIENDS

The Canadian Design Blogger Meetup was the Saturday night of IDS- and it was so lovely to catch up with colleagues at Brasaii.

Here I am with fellow designers Jennifer Brouwer and Lisa Ferguson; with Dabble Mag divas Christine Da Costa and Nyla Free; and with blogger extraordinare Christine Dovey of Bijou and Boheme.

TIP #6: CAPTURE IT ALL WITH A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER

Special thanks to Larry Arnal of Arnal Photography for capturing my work at the National Bank hub. Here are a few of my favourite shots:

And for a round-up for the best of IDS12, take a peek at what fellow bloggers thought of the show: Judtih Mackin for HGTV here, Tim of Design Maze here, Jennifer Flores of Rambling Renovators here & Pam at Cherish Toronto here.

This is why I love trade day at the Interior Design Show. This year I attended several workshops that were truly invigorating (helpful as I needed the wake up Friday morning after wearing these all Thursday evening at the IDS party).

BLOGPODIUM

That’s me and the fab Nyla Free. Photo by Jason Hudson at BlogPodium 2012.

BlogPodium is a new platform that connects design & lifestyle bloggers, marketers, and the design community through a series of conferences. I thought this very first conference was a great gathering of media mavens- and here is what I took away from it:

YOUR BLOG MUST BE YOU: Speakers Kimberley Seldon and Kate Moore were adamant that your blog should be a reflection of YOU- your talents, your creative viewpoint, your voice. For Kimberley it’s not enough to say that something is “super cute” or “so awesome” (I was pretty much fist pumping when she said this, I completely agree that the vernacular of “cute and awesome” is so overused on design blogs particularly), and Kate agreed that if you want to be on a show like CityLine, you’ve got to show her something unique. Stay on point, and on message. And if you’re an Interior Designer Kimberley adds, you best be blogging about your own work!

EDIT, EDIT, EDIT: Speaker Margot Austin, who has been in the magazine world for 20 years, appreciates a well edited collection- a filter of beautiful things. The panel all agreed that there should be thought given into what you post- and that not all parts of your life may be true to the brand of your blog. Thought must be given to the approach and direction you want your blog (and this goes for all social media presence as well) to take.

WANT TO GROW YOUR BLOG: My lovely friend Jen Flores shared that if you want your blog to grow, consider a blog redesign, use pinterest and utilize guest posting. She also suggests updating your blog at least 3 times a week. Although she’s too humble to admit it, this woman is a blogging force to be reckoned with. 30,000 unique visitors and 100,000 page views monthly!!!

Blogging has been a great personal outlet for me and has been helpful in creating a brand for my business- and the people I have met in the blogging community are just fantastic. Some of the nicest and most encouraging creative minds.

BANKING ON DESIGN: ROBERT RUSCIO

Robert Ruscio, retail space designer, and designer of National Bank’s new Toronto flagship, offered his thoughts on the design of banks as a whole and the process his firm took towards the new National Bank flagship. The renderings of the new bank location are pretty gorgeous and let me tell you, the space certainly makes banking look way more fun- and way more stylish of an experience. I’m looking forward to some of the ways his firm has integrated the logo in more conceptual applications and the use of media in the environment.

Lastly, he shared that for every client, they create a list of words (kind of like core values) that inform the design and each design decision. Throughout the design process his design team are very cognizant  of these key words- and they ensure the final design does not stray from this. I’m applying this to my design practice too- just came up with my list for a bedroom project I’ve got going on and it’s proving very beneficial to the process of design.

HOW DESIGNERS LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE: KIMBERLEY SELDON & JOANNA GOODMAN

In this workshop aimed at Interior Design professionals, Kimberley and Au Lit Fine Linens owner Joanna schooled me on how to establish great supplier relationships. Kimberley reminded me that an A team of suppliers is essential for any design professional and that nurturing this team will make my job easier. And as Joanna so aptly noted- if you can’t be an expert in everything, make sure you work with those who are. And Joanna knows her sheets- Au Lit is the Holt Renfrew of bedding, and a favourite shop of mine in Toronto. She reminded me that the job of an Interior Designer is to guide clients on how to live the best way possible, not just look the best. This includes the BEST quality sleep. I am buying a featherbed as a result of this workshop, her passion for bedding is totally inspiring!

MASTER CLASS: WILLIAM YEOWARD

William Yeoward, UK based textile, furniture and crystal master was an absolute joy to listen to. Witty, charming, and all around adorable he shared some stunning photographs of his home, the company showcase cottage, and his latest collection of textiles. The process of how a designer goes from concept to actualization has been particularly intriguing to me as of late- and on this topic William shared that one should stick with a colour scheme from an environment you feel drawn to (ie woods, grasses, flowers, fruit, garden, etc) and I love the quote: “Where I’ve come from, what I’m about, where I live. This informs my design.”

It was very much a satisfying day of design inspiration, and it feels great to already be applying many of the above principles in my design practice.

Furnished by BoConcept, I created a multifunctional space for the modern family. When you visit the space you’ll notice a home office, room for toys and lots of concealed storage to keep the space feeling spacious. Using the National Bank colours of red, black and white I was thrilled to outfit this small space. More detail shots of the space to come : )

Thanks to Larry from Arnal Photography for the great pics below from the opening party:

Photo 1&2: The lovely Allen Chan, Sharyn Smith and Glen Peloso paid me a visit. Photo 3: Showing Jen Wilson some of the smart storage solutions from BoConcept. Photo 4: With the lovely Sharyn Smith, the fantastic lady of Eventful PR who I’m so happy to be working with. It’s been a great start to #IDS12!

The National Bank is the sponsor of the IDS 12 feature exhibit, How Do You Live? This exhibit will highlight small space living at its best, with TAS Designbuild developing the concept for the exterior shell of the multi-level showcase and six unique interior spaces, each designed and decorated by a different Toronto-based design firm.

The National Bank’s hub will sit side-by-side the HDYL exhibit- and yours truly is designing it! I’m thrilled to put my small space skills to use in this venue. I am humbled and excited to say the least to be a part of IDS 12.

What can you expect in The National Bank Hub? They have challenged me to transform a 16′ x 24′ shipping container (very cool that it’s reusable) into an office and den for the urban family. I’ll be going to one of my favourite retailers BoConcept (remember that great functional coffee table I used on The Marilyn Denis Show?) to outfit the space.

Not going to give away much more (surprises are so much fun)- but here’s a few of the sketches that led up to the final design:

Can’t wait to party with many friends and colleagues next week at IDS 12 and to unveil my design! I am truly so excited for this fabulous opportunity.

I hate my blog.

Ok, I don’t hate it- perhaps hate is too strong of a word. But I realize I have not given it the time and attention  that could make it a great blog. I don’t blog frequently, I don’t have stellar photos, I don’t always do the things that I read on how to make your blog great lists (although I try).

What I DO know however, is a great blog when I see it. So today on this bitterly cold Toronto winter day (way to wake us up 2012!) I share some warm love of blogs I love, and visit almost daily. Want to know how to write a great blog? Start here:

1. The Daybook Blog Sydney is the chicest self proclaimed dork you’ll ever meet. In a blog that began as a way to chronicle life with her family, it exploded when she started posting photos of her fab outfits. I love her blog because she keeps it real- her Awkward and Awesome posts are laugh out loud hilarious.

2. Meredith Heron- Sashay On to another woman who keeps it real. If you want candor, humour and a screen full of design eye candy, visit Meredith’s blog. You’re in for an entertaining look into Meredith’s design world- behind the scenes of client projects, what Meredith loves at the moment and revealing truths of the often gritty (as opposed to glamorous) design process.

3. Rambling Renovators  Truth be told, I can’t remember how I met Jen, my hero in DIY interpidness. We had our kids the same year, got married the same year, and connected over design and the balance of momyhood and career and all that talk grew into play dates with our kids. This is the mom who can whip a handmade quiche, while embroidering the napkins for lunch, while checking on the paint drying on her newly created custom costume closet, all without breaking a sweat. She is a mom who does it all and she inspires me all the time. Visit her blog for inspiring DIY’s and tender shots of her family life. 

4. The Glow Looking to be inspired by enviable (mainly NYC) interiors and the fashionable moms who live there? The Glow is a fairly new website offering a glimpse into the world of inspiring and fashionable moms (think a mix of The Coveteur, OhDeeDoh and The Sartorialist). Here you’ll find their styling ideas, go-to gear, multitasking secrets, and enviable decor. Favourites for me include the home tour of my fav handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff and Dwell Studio’s Christime Lemiuex 

5. Bijou and Boheme I’ve met Christine a few times and she is as lovely as her well curated, style packed blog, which I consider more of an evolving scrapbook of her favourite things. Her giveaways are unique and inspired and anyone who has the guts to take a staple gun, some faux fur and create this is pretty fantastic to me.

Happy reading! xo Lisa

Special thanks to inVU Drapery Co and IKEA for kindly providing product.

(From the top- Image 1: Placemats, plate, utensils, IKEA. Flower candle holder, inVU Drapary Co. Image 2 & 3: inVU Drapery Co. Image 4: Candles, mirror, platter, serving tray, IKEA. Image 5: Bronze dish, inVU Drapery Co.)

And (apologies for the delay…) happy to announce that Carol is the winner of a $50 giftcard to Urban Barn! Congrats and thanks to all who entered, the random list generator appears below. Happy shopping Carol!

Congratulations Kathleen and look for an email with how to collect your prize. And since I’m still in the prize giving mood, here is another fun contest just in time for the holidays.

Urban Barn is a favourite retailer of mine in Canada- love that many of the products are made right here at home and their price point and contemporary offerings are just lovely. They are currently hosting a contest I myself would LOVE to win- dinner cooked at home for you and 7 guests by Gordon Ramsay protégé Chef Dale MacKay. Coming off his Top Chef Canada win, this would be a delightful (and delicious) way to celebrate with family and friends. They’ve also sweetened the pot by including a set of 8 dishware, placemats and table decor. Approximate retail value of this experience is $15,350 CAD (wowza!). To enter the contest visit Urban Barn’s Facebook page for all the details.

In honour of this contest, Urban Barn has been so kind to offer one of my readers a $50 gift card to any of their Canada wide stores. To enter this contest, leave a comment below stating who you’d invite to dinner with Chef Dale MacKay, and of course visit Urban Barn’s page for your chance to win the big prize. I am all about experiences and memory makers- and sharing great food with friends is one wonderful way to do so.

The contest for a $50 giftcard to Urban Barn is open to all Canadian residents and closes November 27 at 11pm. Winner will be announced via email shortly after and the giftcard will be delivered via mail. (Images courtesy of Urban Barn).

Indigo has just launched its on-line holiday collection, and made updates to the website to make it easier to shop for you and everyone on your list. When given the (not at all difficult) challenge to spend my own $50 e-giftcard on the website, I was delighted by how easy it was to peruse the gift guides and by the wide assortment of product.

This wide assortment of product was really no surprise. In university, before I ever entertained the thought of pursuing a career in interiors, I would spend HOURS getting lost in the home section. In a languid manner I would smell the scented candles, admire the shiny pens and pick up one too many set of boxed note cards (a mild obsession I have, yes- notes cards, it is possible to have an obsession with them).

So when purchasing a little gift para mi, I navigated towards the paper products first, naturally. On my love list:

Kate Spade All Occasions Boxed Set

Assorted Hello Notecards

Moleskin Metal Roller Ball Pen

Design*Sponge At Home

Decorate: 1,000 Professional Design Ideas for Every Room

iPod Dock Clock Radio – Black

Silver Jam Jar With Brass Leaf

To get your own $50 e-giftcard, simply comment below telling me what you would purchase on the Indigo website. One entry per person and contest closes Wednesday November 23 at 9pm. Winner will be drawn at random and announced shortly after. Contest open worldwide (note Indigo’s shipping policies here). Good luck and happy shopping!