Top Five Faves at IDS Toronto

I really enjoyed my time in Toronto last week as I got to attend the Interior Design Show (IDS Toronto). I was an invited guest of BLANCO Canada as I am a part of the KDC (Kitchen Design Council). We had some great meetings over the days that I was there and also attended the show to get inspired. Being my first time at IDS, I was thrilled to see some fabulous looking booths and features that caught my eye.
Although it was tough to pick, here are my top 5 fave finds at this years show:

1. Nanton Coatrack by PALETTE INDUSTRIES

Seriously? Could it get any better? A coat rack in the shape of an electrical pole is perfect! It provides function and also looks so sculptural. This is a part of their NU(IS)ANCES series where they are creating a series set to reinterpret and reclaim public irritants. A great concept and what makes it even better is that they are from Calgary. Way to represent! 


2. Tensegrity Spaceframe by BARTOSIK

A gorgeous piece of electrical genius. Could be used for many installations and creates such a graphic statement. Based on two Kenneth Snelson sculptures: 'Needle Tower' - 1968 and 'City Boots' - 1968. Utilizing Snelson's structural discovery, appropriated and popularized by Buckminster Fuller as 'Tensegrity, new possibilities of light forms emerge whereby the light source and its electrical wire work mutually in compression and tension to produce a seemingly discontinuous field of light defined by it.


3. Chantilly Chandelier by Living Lighting 

A fabulous piece just launched at the show, this amazing light fixture is glam and rock & roll wrapped into one. It's versatility also really caught by attention as I could see it in many different spaces. Made with chain that is draped so elegantly, I found it to be a knock out! 


4. Silk Orchid Collection by ELTE

This project has been in the making for a couple of years and is made with Vintage Sari Fabrics from Jaipur, India. The Sari's are collected, unravelled, and then hand knotted into these exceptional, one of a kind masterpieces. I especially love the patterns that are created that are inspired by antique ikat fabrics. This really is a true transformation of beauty. 


5. BY_LISSONI Lounge

An breathtaking space created by LISSONI. The palette was a play on neutrals with a mix of natural textures and a hint of tribal. This was one of the best spaces that I saw at the show as it truly spoke to my aesthetic of decorating. A mix of everything from luxe, tribal, organic, modern, glamourous... but all working together create a space that was sophisticated and chic. Oh, and you can't forget the books with the backs removed. So perfect! 


Check Out:
IDS Toronto
Palette Industries
BARTOSIK
Living Lighting
BY_LISSONI
ELTE

Rockford Developments Project

We just checked in on one of our latest projects for Rockford Developments. We have been working on a new show home that they are building and are so excited to show you the progress. All finishes in this unit are upgraded and really showcase this gorgeous space in all its glory! When most think of homes in the suburbs, the words modern, refined and elegant don't always come to mind. Well, Alykhan Velji Design is about the flip that notion up side down and create a space that is just that!

Here is a little sneak peek at what we have done. Stay tuned for updates on the completed project.

Check Out:

Alykhan Velji Design
Rockford Developments

Happy (belated) Birthday Starck

(Side note, I have been having some issues with my computer and was meaning to post this last week but could not due to some technical difficutlites. His Birthday is actually on Jan 18th, but still needed to give him some props!)

Todays blog post is all about Philippe Starck, the legendary designer that has created so many gorgeous products and interiors. A man that has really been an inspiration to me and so many others.  His iconic designs have made an impact all around the globe working with names such as Kartel, Alessi, Baccarat and so many more. Industrial design, furniture, graphics, and even designing a yacht, he is has truly done it all.

A true visionary in the design community and someone that deserves great respect. Happy Birthday! Here is to many more amazing designs coming our way.

Check Out:

Philipe Starck

Fab iPhone covers

Not that the iPhone needs to be covered up as it is quite gorgeous on it's own. However, if I had my way, I would love to have a new cover every week. I know, that would be wasteful however, a boy can dream, can't he?!

I wanted to share a website that my partner sent me a while back featuring thousands of iPhone covers in all different designs and motifs! There are literally thousands and it doesn't stop there, you can also get stretched canvas's, framed prints, t-shirts, and laptop decals! Oh my!

Check Out:

Society 6

The AVDesigns Team

I want to introduce the Alykhan Velji Design team! With the business expanding I have had to hire on more staff and thought to introduce these fabulous ladies to you! As part of this team, they will be doing posts on their fave finds so stay tuned.

1. Sam Pinksen (Senior Designer)

Samantha Pinksen joined Alykhan Velji Designs in 2011. Her flare for all things DIY, natural eye for design and gift for creating perfect technical drawings made her a perfect fit for AVD. A small town Newfoundland girl (like 75 people small), she completed her Interior Design education at the International Academy of Design in Toronto and travelled extensively, developing her eclectic international style . Before joining the team, Sam worked extensively in commercial construction and working with freelance clients. Next time you see her, ask if she has any homemade peanut butter cups for you.





2. Helen Del Bucchia (Junior Designer)

Elena (Helen) Del Bucchia joined Alykhan Velji Designs in 2011 as a Junior Designer. After working in Calgary's bustling oil & gas industry for seven years, Helen decided it was time to stop suppressing her passion for interior design and enrolled in the Residential Decorating program at Mount Royal University, successfully completing it in 10 months.
Helen credits her upbringing in Russia, the US and later Canada for her unique style and love for colour. From a young age she was organizing, decorating, and designing the spaces around her. 
If Helen is not decorating, coordinating or crunching numbers, she can be found travelling the globe with her husband or speed walking from one end of Calgary to another, stopping at every furniture and accessory store along the way.


Photos by: Bookstrucker Photography 

Excess Baggage

I LOVE BAGS! Duffles, satchels, totes, you name it and I love it. I have quite the collection and adding to it every chance I get. Thanks to Twitter, I was introduced to EGForge, a fabulous home grown company out of Calgary, AB. I instantly knew that I had to blog post about them. Their line of bags from backpacks to messengers are fantastic, having a casual chicness that suites a lot of different styles.

Each bag is made with waxed canvas and oil-tanned leather that really ensures that these products only get better with age. Founded in 2011 by  Eric Goodwin, his studio can be found in Art Central.

Check Out:

EGForge

Palm Springs: A vintage lovers paradise!

As mentioned in a previous post, I was lucky enough to spend 2 weeks over the holidays in Palm Springs. A city which is definitely becoming one of my faves not only for the weather, but for the gorgeous style it has to offer. I am a vintage fanatic and this city has an abundance of stores that offer everything from vintage clothing to furniture.

This city also has some amazing hotels such as the Viceroy, Parker and the recently opened ACE. I will be doing some posts on these soon, so stay tuned!

I thought to share some of the photos that I took over my holiday. I hope you enjoy and if you ever have the chance to make your way to Palm Springs, it is well worth it!

Enjoy!

And the winners are....

Thank you to all those that re-tweeted and liked my Alykhan Velji Design facebook page for our Papyrus Contest that we held in December! The response was great and the prizes are even better! Here are our winners:

Main Winner:

Jill Hoff

2 Secondary Winners:

Irene Seto
Kait Kucy

Congratulations! Please email me or FB message me your information and I will get these packages off to you asap.

Thanks again!

Check out:

Alykhan Velji Designs

X Ray Collection

While in Palm Springs this past holiday season, one of my favorite finds was this amazing collection of modern porcelain dishes from Micheal Weems and Rigo Moldonado. When I walked into the gallery, I instantly gravitated to the dishes and couldn't leave the store without taking one home with me. I ended up buying a rectangular dish with the fish x-ray and I LOVE IT.

These are vintage x-rays that were acquired by Michael Weems himself are perfect for dining or as art for the wall. The series consists of 5 different shapes and sizes with uniquely elegant images.

The gallery also includes a collection of fabulous Vintage Lamps made from vintage whisks, Classic Birds figurines from the 30's that have been updated with bold colours, and of course the Auto Erotica.

Check out:

Micheal and Rigo