Canadian Quest II

We're looking forward to our trip to Toronto this week. As we said earlier, we've been asked to speak at their Interior Design Show and we're eager to check out the different exhibitors at this year's show. We got a sneak peek of what to expect and have listed a few things here that we're excited to see in person. We'll be sure and keep you posted on what's new. In the meantime, check out some of our favorite picks below:

-JK Studio (Image 1): Primarily working in wood and building interior furnishings, the studio's focus is on producing work that is unique, thoughtful, and innovative while respecting tradition. We love these hanging light fixtures.

-Heidi Earnshaw Design (Image 2): This studio based practice specializes in the design and production of handcrafted, solid wood furniture, functional objects and fully fitted spaces. Through individual client commissions and an expanding collection, they strive to create unique and carefully detailed pieces that are durable, timeless and responsibly made. We especially like this console that looks like a distant cousin of something designed by Pierre Chareau.

-Shawn Place Designs (Image 3): This is a small furniture company located in northern British Columbia and is headed by designer/craftsman Shawn Place. The company produces beautifully designed, handcrafted modern furniture of the highest quality. Every piece of furniture is hand-built by Shawn Place, from the shaping of the timber to the weaving of the seat, something almost unheard of in this age of mass production. The Owl Chair you see here is definitely a favorite and feels modern yet familiar at the same time.

-Felt Studio (Image 4): Led by Kathryn Walter, this studio is a laboratory that explores the material and culture of modern industrial felt. Influenced by her background in sculpture, Walter has created a body of work ranging from intimate artworks to large-scale installations. We're crazy about the geometric pattern above and can't wait to see some of her work in person.

-Ateliers des Cent-ans (Image 5): Renaud Sauve, formerly a prop designer/manager with Cirque du Soleil has left his days under the big tent behind and now creates his own line of porcelain ware. Beautiful forms with subtle detailing make this collection a real stand out. We certainly hope we can come back to the states with a few of his pieces tucked in our luggage.

If you find yourself at IDS next weekend, please stop by the main stage Saturday afternoon to hear us talk with Melanie Morassutti about Design Authenticity: Understanding your decorative roots.