So… this post is a little tardy, but being that I’m now 30 weeks pregnant (when did that happen?) sleeping has taken precedence over blogging. Instead of a round-up of my IDS12 favourites, I thought I’d offer a few survival tips to IDS from this first time exhibitor (still can’t believe that happened too).
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.
