IDS Vancouver, and we knew we’d be in for a treat. Serving up a fresh dose of West Coast and Canadian design, IDS Vancouver is one show that we have enjoyed in recent years because of its great mix of high end and affordable designs, plus its serious focus on quality programming and local exhibitors. We realized that we haven’t spent enough time in our neighbor to the north uncovering all the great stuff that Canada has to offer. So this year, we paid close attention to the Canadian exhibitors.
The Clay & Glaze exhibition, curated by show director Jody Phillips and presented by DXV Canada was a highlight. So many great ceramicists and potters were represented, many local to Vancouver and some from around the country. Some of our favorites included Lindsey Hampton, Andrew Molleur, Brett Freund and Heather Dahl.
Cool table that has a top that swings out for extra space by mth woodworks.
Loved everything from Willow & Stump.
Great Scandinavian-inspired bar cart by Bowen Liu in The Furniture Society booth.
The modern black and white drawings and paintings by Vancouver-based artist Dina González Mascaró were a show-stopper, but what really caught my eye was her incredible jewelry.
Woodworker Kate Duncan’s gorgeous bed (with secret drawer!) was one of my favorites—I also sat in one of her chairs and it was one of the most comfortable dining chairs I sat in!
Lightness artist Cameron Mathieson makes organic lighting using driftwood, tree roots and shades made of Japanese paper and resin.
Prototype-section winner Chop Value puts old chopsticks to use as everything from furniture to coasters.
In Open Studio, I was totally into COMH-A’s throwback modern space. The studio was founded in 2014 by Lauren Skinner and Déja Friesen, who met while completing their Interior Design Certification.
Although not local to Vancouver (or even close!), our curated Dutch Exchange was a bit hit. We were thrilled to have such a beautiful space designed by Burgers Architecture, and the four design studios: Ontwerpduo, Dirk van der Kooij, Steven Banken, and Vantot brought some amazing pieces to the show, giving the experience a greater international and edgy vibe.
Ontwerpduo
Ontwerpduo’s glow-in-the-dark lights
Close up with Gantt’s graphic table and tray
Each designer also had the opportunity to present their work and its stories to the audience in an engaging pecha-kucha style presentation, moderated by our friends at Western Living. Read more about the designers here.
