Event: Interior Design Show, Toronto

If you’re in love with the world of interior design, then the Interior Design Show (IDS) is the place for you! IDS is coming to Toronto this weekend, and there is a long list of impressive speakers and exhibitors that will be in attendance.

IDS speakers include Shauna Levy (President of Canada’s Design Exchange), Brian Gluckstein (interior designer), Lynda Reeves (of House & Home magazine), Tommy Smythe (designer and tv personality), Karim Rashid (designer), and Arren Williams (creative director, designer, writer).

IDS exhibitors will include many of my favourite brands, and I’m keen on seeing what’s new and upcoming in the world of design. This will be an especially fun visit for me as I have my own renos to plan, and I’m looking for what I can include in my designs. Here are just some of the exhibitors you’ll get to meet at IDS this year.

1925 Workbench

Anony

Bettencourt Manor

Blanco

Bole Floor

Casalife

Kroft

Maison Basque

Urban Barn

If the weather cooperates, I’ll be in attendance, so stay tuned for future posts right here on White Cabana as well as on my Instagram and Twitter accounts.

If you’re interested to learn more, check out IDS. The show runs from January 18-21 at Toronto’s Metro Convention Centre.

The Friday Five: What’s Your Motto?

When I was with my nephews and niece in December, the topic of personal mottos came up. As it does, right? Well, the kids’ mottos were things like…play all day…live for mac ‘n cheese…they have to start somewhere, right? I find that when the new year comes around, people often talk about their mantra, motto, or words that are going to guide them for the year. My personal mantra seems to change every couple of months depending on what’s going on in my life – “treat yo’self,” “you only live once,” and “work hard and be nice to people” have certainly been in my motto mix. I also often wear two MantraBand bracelets that have great reminders on them – “nevertheless, she persisted,” and “she believed she could, so she did.” Even though it  might sound silly, looking at these bracelets – and reminding myself of my motto(s) – have helped me get through some tougher days and reminded me to stay focused on what I value and how I spend my time.

If you need a little direction for 2018, here are five items with some helpful reminders to work hard, be strong, and make the most out of life!

MantraBand, Tattly Conquer temporary tattoo, mug, poster, Make it Happen pencil pouch

Trivia Thursday: English Roll Arm Sofa

As many of you may already know, I love my sofa. It was my first real furniture investment post-PhD life, and almost five years later, I still absolutely love it.

my living room as photographed by Donna Griffith, via Style at Home

This sofa is an English roll arm style, which is characterized by a tight back and rolled arms. This tailored style has low arms and, generally, a deep seat, which makes it a very comfortable piece. The English roll arm sofa looks perfectly at home in casual spaces as well as more formal spaces.

via Modern Country Style

via My Domaine

Alexander James Interior Design

 

sofa, $1982 CAD, Overstock

sofa, $1609+ USD, Roger & Chris

loveseat, Lee Industries

chair, $799 USD, One King’s Lane

Design: White Bathrooms

2018 is the year of a couple of reno projects at my home. These are big renos that I’ve been putting off for a while, but this is the year. One of the projects to tackle is my basement combo laundry-bathroom (I’ve talked about this room here and here). It’s a well-used space, but it’s poorly designed. The sink is too small, the wallpaper is too floral, and it is well-past its 1990’s look.

I’m not going wild with my design – white, white, white – with hints of grey and black. I’m drawing inspiration from these spaces that have some common elements: white subway tile walls and grey/black floor tiles.

via Sarah Baynes

via Decorist

via Kristina Lynne

via DigsDigs

via Residence Mag

via Velvet and Linen

via DecorPad

I think I’m set on chrome fixtures, and I’ll have a fantastic white laundry sink. I’ll be replacing my 90s washer/dryer and installing a stacked washer/dryer system (either separate units or an all-in-one). There’s much to do, that’s forsure! Care to follow along this makeover story?

 

Two for Tuesday: Blah Blah Blah

One of the things that I really should try to get rid of from my vocabulary is “blah, blah, blah.” I use this to extend story details and as a replacement for “etcetera.” My 4 year old niece even asked me why I say “blah, blah.” Instead, maybe I should invest in a blanket or pillow and start explaining the details of the stories I share.

Blah Blah blanket, $266 USD, Donna Wilson

Blah Blah pillow, $31.35 USD