where i wish i was right now...

The 15th annual Interior Design Show is taking place right now (Jan 24027) in Toronto.

The Interior Design Show/IDS is Canada’s design fair. Since it's inception in 1998, close to 660,000 design professionals, consumers and media have attended. 

The newest and most innovative in international and Canadian products are annually presented by 300 exhibitors. 

Inspirational exhibits feature both emerging and established designers; and highlight international interior design, architecture and industrial design trends. 

The most influential architects and designers from around the world share their design philosophies and experiences within the international keynote speakers program.

IDS is more than just a fair. It is the total design experience.

www.interiordesignshow.com

Although I'm not there in person, I am there in mind and spirit. I'll be taking some time to cozy up to the computer, and take a really good look at the list of exhibitors where you'll find a TON of new and exciting websites that will keep you coming back for more. Be sure to check out the articles about this year's guest speakers and up and coming designers, too! 

So, so much information. I think my head might actually explode if I was there in person...on second thought, maybe it's best I'm not.

I dare you not to be inspired.

xx rouge.

pallet houses

Yep...that is indeed a home made out of used pallets. Did you know that there are about a gazillion (don't quote me on that) pallets used and discarded in North America every day?

Brilliant and simple thinking from i-beamdesign created a sustainable /recycled use for them. Why not build homes in disaster stricken areas? Or for refugees? These plans are available to the public for purchase as well. To check out more about this incredible design, check out their website and videos here:

www.i-beamdesign.com/projects/refugee/refugee.html

As you can imagine this can make a HUGE difference in many parts of the world.

AND, from a strictly creative perspective....you can go anywhere from this basic idea...weather proof homes, cottages, shelters...and yes, even furniture.

Here are a few more pics to prove that one man's trash is another man's treasure. And that sustainable building and living are indeed the best way to go on our planet!

Upcycle, recycle, reduce, reuse...go on, get creative!

Relove!

sparkly bits....

Hey readers!

Here are a few bits and pieces to think about over the holidays....

• The above is holiday artwork courtesy of my nephew, who is pretty sure that the reindeer chuck presents with parachutes off Santa's sled, so they land in your chimney. Not a bad idea for efficient delivery, don't you think? This was drawn on the outside of a Christmas package that arrived today. The Canada Post person loved it! I love it too. 

• Style at Home magazine says the hottest color trends for 2013 are: stony taupe (really...shades of grey), electric blue, powder pink, and grey-blue. In my humble opinion, these are MUCH better than the pantone "color of the year" as mentioned in my previous blog posting.

• I'm thinking about re-doing my bathroom in early 2013. Seriously thinking about pink and grey. Not little girl pink...but a more adult, deep, rich pink. Still girlie? Indeed. More grown-up?I think so. These are things I will ponder over the holidays...

• I knew "rouge" was a super fantastic name for a company such as mine...apparently I'm not the only one, as evidenced by the new Air Canada discount carrier called "rouge" that was launched yesterday. Looks like I may have to change my little company's name....so sad about that. I was here first!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season full of love, laughter, goodies and surprises! 

See you in 2013!

xx rouge.

emerald...oh my!

PANTONE ANNOUNCES 2013 COLOR OF THE YEAR: 

17-5641 EMERALD

In a 180-degree turn from 2012’s spunky Tangerine Tango, the Pantone Color Institute introduced Emerald as its color of 2013 “to promote balance and harmony.” Citing gemstones, the environment, and the association of green with regrowth, the Institute is touting it as the perfect hue for design, fashion, and beauty. Tangerine reigned supreme this past year and we expect to see a burst of green hit the design scene.  

Read more: http://www.dwell.com/articles/pantone-announces-2013-color-of-the-year-17-5641-emerald.html#ixzz2EmCDayw9

fruits that sparkle

Here's an easy, inexpensive, and great-looking Christmas decor idea!

Buy a bunch of fake pears (or apples) at the Dollar Store, spray with glue, and cover in glitter.

That's it...you're done. Seriously. You're done.

Let 'em dry, make sure they are completely covered in glitter, and display. I'd suggest a clear glass plate or bowl. You could even make them into tree ornaments by tying them around the stem with pretty ribbon, if you were so inclined.

Think sparkly silver (my favorite), shiny gold, or even a turquoise blue. How about pink?

Whatever works with your decor and color scheme...

Go ahead...try it!

xx rouge.

avant-guarde art

Great idea in the latest Style at Home magazine...had to steal it right away and try it out! It's a perfect way to add a great punch of energy to your space through artwork.

What you'll need:

• fun fabric
• scissors
• embroidery rings in multiple sizes

Instructions:

• separate the embroidery ring into it's two pieces
• lay out the fabric on a hard, flat surface (easier for cutting!)
• place the smaller of the two rings on the fabric...move it around so you see what you like inside the ring
• cut the fabric at least 2 inches wider than your smaller ring
• set the fabric, face down, on top of the larger ring
• set the inside ring on top of the larger, outside ring. Centre and push down to tighten and secure the fabric
• gently pull the fabric until it's nice and tight inside the rings
• tighten the screw on the side of the embroidery ring to secure
• trim the excess fabric
• hang on the wall

What's great about this idea is that you can change out the fabrics as often as you like to change up the look. This took me about 10-15 minutes from start to finish (when I hung them on the wall!). 

And you can't beat the price. I bought my supplies at Value Village...the "vintage-y" looking fabric is actually a set of curtains that I scooped up for $9.99 (and I have TONS left over for other projects), and both embroidery rings for $1.49 & $1.99.

I'm on the lookout for more embroidery rings, so I can expand this art piece all along the wall. I'll mix up the fabrics too, so it will really have some punch!

Enjoy,

xx rouge.

value village score

Wanted to show you my latest score from Value Village. As you know, I pop into Value Village every now and again to check out the furniture/lighting section.

I stumbled upon these two beauties on Monday...and I'm really excited about them.  Due to my current obsession with all things mid-century modern, these jumped right out at me.

Although there are no markings on the wood, I've been able to confirm that they are indeed from the early 1950's. Apparently this fabric is the original...and it's a tell tale sign of real vintage from that era.

The wood is a tiny bit beat up, but to me, that just adds character. The fabric is in perfect shape. Someone loved these and took great care of them! Or stored them away and forgot about them...

They are meant to be deck chairs, but I envision them side by side in my living room. It's such a rarity to find 2 exact matches!

So, it seems as though I am slowly working my way towards a new living room design. I had not intended to start purchasing for the new design for a while...but these were such a good score.

$12.99 each!  

Way too good to pass up. Building up your design bit by bit and piece by piece is the best way to develop a good design in my books anyway.

And since they fold, it will be easy to store them until I'm ready. 

Score!

xx rouge.