IDSwest 2011 Preview

Art, design and architecture take centre stage starting this Thursday through Sunday at Vancouver’s IDSwest 2011 show (September 29-October 2). A long list of carefully curated exhibitors will be on hand with their latest furniture and home décor collections, while special features showcase innovative design and industry experts share their unique takes on design. Wondering how you’re going to see it all? Follow this guide for the event’s top attractions and you won’t miss a thing.

MUST-SEE SPEAKERS

Beg out of work early on Friday afternoon and snag a spot at Ross Lovegrove‘s 5pm keynote speech. Best known for designing the ultimate 80’s icon—the Sony Walkman—this renowned industrial designer also had a hand in the iMac, and has consulted for fashion heavyweights Louis Vuitton and Hèrmes.

Stick around after Lovegrove’s address for Western Living 2011 Designer of the Year Omer Arbel. His discussion of his process-driven approach to design as it relates to different scales of work provides a glimpse into the mind of one of the West’s most interesting design talents.

Two of Sunday’s presentations promise to solve your home design dilemmas. At 11:30am Kelly Deck of HGTV’s Take it Outside offers her advice for improving your space. Then, at 3pm, a panel discussion featuring art gallery owner Jennifer Kostuik, wood sculptor Brent Comber and fireplace creator Brad Carpenter share tips on choosing your aesthetic and creating stunning visuals.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Discover the next generation of top designers at Future Masters where these up-and-comers will be revealing their most creative works in a broad range of disciplines.

If you live in Vancouver you know housing isn’t cheap. An innovative approach to the city’s housing affordability problem may lie in the ultra-compact, high-design, 220 square-foot L41 home. Even if you can’t imagine living in a home that small, the storage solutions and energy-efficient design are defnitely worth a look.

Free advice from the pros? Yes, please! Bring photos, samples or floor plans to the show and qualified professionals from the Interior Design Institute of BC will help you solve your interior design problems at the Design Dilemma booth. 

HOT DÉCOR TRENDS

A sneak peek at the launches at this year’s IDSwest reveals that jewel tones are making a return in contemporary furniture design. Add some fun to the room with a gorgeous pop of ruby red, emerald green, or sapphire blue.