IDS REPORT: OPTIMISM & SYNERGY

It has been a busy week post IDS- largely because I have been so inspired by my experience this year. I feel rejuvenated, enlightened, and downright optimistic thanks to my interactions at the show, and I’d like to share why. Here are my top highlights:

#1. The Power of Connections- Tweet Up Dinner: At this fantastic dinner many of us who have only tweeted or known of each other got to connect in real life. I had the opportunity to hear how the lovely Michelle of Holley & Gill got blogging and picked the brain of the tech savvy Kelly Fallis.

That’s me with the delightful Holley&Gil blogger Michelle (thanks Lisa Ferguson for the lovely photo), me with the dapper Arren Williams, my delicious meal at Nota Bene and a room full of amazing design enthusiasts.

#2. Learning from Masters: Notes from the VIP lounge: Something I have learned in the last few years of running my business is that if you don’t ASK you don’t grow. My business completely changed when I hired a business coach and asked Meredith Heron to mentor me over a cup of coffee. I’ve also learned that people are happy to share their successes and failures even if you don’t know them personally- and with the power of twitter, it’s easier to connect with these professionals. Thus I did a lot of asking this year at IDS. I picked the brain of Lisa Ferguson (who recommended an app for my new iphone that will change the way I do business!), and got to talk about the road to success with the gorgeous Kelly Deck. I will admit I was totally starstruck when I met Kelly, and must report she is as lovely and charming in person as she is on her show Take It Outside.

A blurry shot of Kelly Deck!

#3. A warm embrace of colour: There was a lot of boldness on the floor- saturated hues and bright colours. However, I didn’t see much Honeysuckle– but got to see lots of lime, purple, aqua, cobalt, orange- lots of bright, happy colours.

Gorgeous rugs by modern weave

Deliciously colourful Style At Home booth with a painted floor

Concept space by the Ta Trung siblings

I want this piece by Alanna Cavanagh

A lively mix of oranges in the Richardson concept space

#4. An energetic mix of pattern: 2011 is all about mixing and layering patterns. I am in love with this approach to decorating- when done well it can look dynamic and feisty- I love it.

Love the patterned wallpaper with subdued art at Frini.

Incredible high fashion tiles from Edgewater.

Lovely mix of patterns unified in a colour palette of blue and white.

Stay tuned for Part 2!