There was lots to see at big Interior Design Show that was held last weekend here in Toronto. I thought that I would start by showing you the Ikea displays, which won the Gold Booth Award at the show.
I have always thought of Ikea as right-out-of-college or first-apartment-furnishings, haven't you?
Well-designed, yes, affordable, certainly, but even so, I always have thought of Ikea as moderate quality furniture that you would want to replace the moment you could afford the "real" grown-up stuff.
In the last few years however, Ikea has been making serious inroads into the kitchen cabinet business here in Canada by bringing high-end cabinet styling down to a price point that just about anyone can afford.
The company's advertising has been really smart and effective. I have found myself looking at their glossy, two-page ads and thinking, wow, that's Ikea?
And in this, I am not alone. Local interior designers have been really embraced this new Ikea product range.
With its grand scale, the Ikea booth's kitchen design was reminiscent of a warehouse space that you see in many downtown condo conversions.
Featured was the company's newest light grey walnut cabinet doors (SOFIELUND), rough barn board floors, neutral countertops and a statement-making cluster of pendant light fixtures over the center island.
With over-scale wall tiles that had the look of distressed leather and a floating blonde vanity, the
Ikea bathroom was just as incredible.
Flanking either side of the vanity, were two oversized cabinets in
white-stained oak (GODMORGON).
Opposite the vanity, there was this amazing copper tub.
Wait. Did you notice the grouping of light fixtures? They had all the magic of fireworks!
The rough barn boards on the floor, grey-brick fireplace, animal skin rugs, and warehouse-style windows all enhanced the space's cool, downtown-industrial-loft-feel.
More highlights from the show up shortly.