Canadian design fair the Interior Design Show brought more than 300 exhibitors—and one balloon artist— to the the Metro Toronto Convention Centre January 24 to 27. The design-savvy companies who participated in the show brought everything from half-clothed models to cozy lounge areas to their booths, while others relied on sleek, inviting design to draw traffic. Here's a look at how some exhibitors stood out on the trade show floor and a peek at the massive balloon sculpture that hovered above it all.
Emily Quinn
First-time exhibitor Emily Quinn, which supplies interior designers with high-end furnishings, placed two half-clothed models with suggestively disheveled hair into its showcase bed. The cheeky stunt drew attention on opening night.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
Ikea
Ikea took over the ticket counter, using a lamp as a simple, homey touch that made the space feel less clinical. The brand also decked the back wall with a leafy, wallpaper-like design and placed its bright-red logo front and center.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
Designboom Mart
The Designboom Mart, a showcase of young, international designers, was a new feature of this year's show. Clean wooden cubes formed the backdrop for the showcase, giving the area a creative, start-up vibe. On opening night, furniture and housewares designer Joe Jin showed off his new Daisy Garden Mat. Bright rain boots and a bucket filled with gardening tools were simple ways to spruce up the display.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
Caesearstone
Ceaserstone, which produces quartz surfaces, partnered with Japanese company Nendo to design an installation called Stone Garden. The installation comprised 222 table-like structures made out of pebble-shaped quartz surfaces in nine different colors. The structures were grouped together to create the illusion of a floating landscape.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
Kia
Sponsor Kia commissioned some of the show's designers, including Karim Rashid, to create one-of-a-kind car wraps for display vehicles that flanked the entrance to the show. The idea was to underscore how modern design and automobile design can intersect.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
OneXOne
Several Canadian designers designed chairs for OneXOne. The chairs were auctioned off on opening night, and proceeds benefited OneXOne's programs dedicated to improving water, healthcare, education, play, and hunger for children across the globe.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
Para Paints
Para Paints used an arty, tunnel-like series of curved columns to display its new colors.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
National Bank
Guests sat in modern, plush seating in a concept space that National Back designed in a collaboration with Trend Hunter and designer Jerry Chin. The space was designed to showcase workplace innovation from around the world.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
The Design Lodge by Gus Modern
The Design Lodge showcased furniture by Gus Modern made with recycled material from vintage cars.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
Rimowa
Instead of a traditional booth, the suitcase manufacturer erected a playful runway. Mannequins in dresses by Toronto designer Thien LE posed with the colorful new suitcases.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
Willy Chyr
The Chicago-based balloon artist Willy Chyr, who creates large-scale sculptures for brands and events, brought his largest piece yet to the convention centre.
Photo: Arash Moallemi
