The 62nd edition of the Salone del Mobile. Milano, the most eagerly awaited event of the year at Fiera Milano, was where culture, business and networking came together!

Like every year, the finest firms representing “Made in Italy” showcased not only kitchens and bathrooms but also indoor and outdoor furniture that boasted innovation and thoughtful artistic design that presented a socially conscious vision of the future of cuisine and dream rooms that foster self-care and connection with our deepest self.

The event hosted over 1,950 exhibitors from 35 countries in 174,000 square metres of exhibition space at Fiera Milano, Rho. All attendees were immersed in the exhilarating displays!

ENGINE-COWLING BOOKCASE
A bookcase made from an original airplane engine part demonstrates an original and overlooked theme of utility – nothing goes to waste.

THE CALDERA SIDEBOARD
Featuring shiny chrome made from painted stainless steel, a black frame and ash wood veneer adding a modern touch.

THE ARYA KITCHEN
Innovative in design, warm and hospitable in the nuances. The Slice creates pleasant and symmetrical geometries that streamline the furniture and open it to space.

SWIVEL ARMCHAIR
The Peppo swivel armchair picks up on the design of the ’70s and adds a contemporary touch that brings individuality and personality to any room.

“URBAN GARDEN” COLLECTION
Conceived by architect and designer Simone Micheli, blending graphics with materiality, expressed through organic lines that evoke folk songs and hints of art and craft and reflect the richness of popular culture.

“CRABBY” COLLECTION
Designed by Eleonora Barillari to evoke a little crab dancing among waves, in tribute to her and love for the sea and the pure beauty that surrounds us.

DUNA BATHTUB
The fluid curves of the tub, an essential element within this series, harmonize with the play of shapes and materials to impart a Mediterranean feel.

FANTASMINO
A playfully alluring opaline-glass table lamp with a contemporary twist – it’s both portable and rechargeable

The post Design Events appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

The 25th edition of the Interior Design Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre was nothing short of spectacular. Design lovers were treated to a truly immersive experience, with the “wow” factor in play throughout, from the emerging designers’ booths to those of the legacy brands.

Since 1999, IDS has become a catalyst for Canadian design, and, during the past two decades, innovation and inspiration have been at its heart and soul. Solving the problems of tomorrow and crafting seamless functionality fused with comfort have always been its guiding pillars.

But as society is changing, so are the issues of the world! And, Canadian designers feel a deep responsibility to create products that are also transformative.

Companies like Roche Bobois, whose boldly colourful and simplistic Bombom outdoor furniture caught the eyes of all who walked by, evoking sense of happiness and wonder. Montauk Sofa’s jungle-style collection wrapped guests with a unique feeling of Amazonian warmth. Signature Kitchen Suite appliances that combine purposeful design, precision and luxury were put to the test with a live cooking demonstration courtesy of celebrity chef Mark McEwan.

Among the many prominent attendees at the show, Alison Brooks, the founder and creative director of Alison Brooks Architects in London, U.K., honoured City Life with an exclusive interview. She delved into her roots and shared her thoughts on how the design world has done a better job of being more sustainability-conscious.

“It’s great to see the sort of homegrown talent and the manufacturing and design happening in Canada. We’re headed in a direction, which focuses much more on the process, in terms of sustainability. We have begun to change the way we extract materials and how we process them,” says Brooks. “This is an optimistic time for designers as their work is a response to our time’s social and environmental issues.”

When Brooks was growing up in southern Ontario, her mother always pointed out beautiful historic buildings and farmhouses in the countryside. Little did she know that those shared moments of appreciation would deeply resonate.

At 16 years old, when Brooks put pencil to paper in her architectural design and drafting course, she knew design was the work she could happily do for the rest of her life. She had found her true calling.

With her keen eye for space and form, she soon learned that design goes beyond appreciation for the aesthetic. Rather, it has the power to move people emotionally and psychologically.

“Making life beautiful through design is the quest every architect and designer is trying to achieve,” says Brooks. “Design is like art. It’s possible for a chair or a rug or a lamp or a building to open people up to new experiences and see the world differently.”

Because of that, history and memory are a critical part of the creative design process. For people to respond and believe in something, the creation is dependent on the cultural memories of the time or location it embodies.

Brooks adds, “Cultures sort of spring from a certain place. I always start with a lot of research and use that as a source for reimagining what a place could be, how it operates and how it connects with that unique collective memory.”

That is what the Interior Design Show is all about. It is an invitation to see how design history has influenced what the future will hold and how it will change our lives.

The post The Interior Design Show 2024: Honouring Design History And Its Future appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

�����շ���Ä�� Hakebo yellow armchair that exudes youth, joy and comfort.

SMEG ’50S STYLE RETRO TOASTER
Add some iconic and classic mid-century flair to your kitchen with this four-slice toaster.

BRUNSCHWIG & FILS’ TOPAZ
A part of the Celeste collection, this unique wallcovering pattern and palette adds charm to any space.

BISTRO GARDEN TILE COLLECTION
A mosaic-style collection that features an espresso cup and saucer inspired by Parisian-boulevard cafés. Check out the whole collection.

CHERRY COCOTTE
The classic casserole dish is excellent for frying and slow cooking and is a true kitchen aesthetic piece.

LEMON VINE IRON WREATH
Welcome visitors to your home with the sunny spirit of a citrus grove.

ASPIRING FASHIONISTAS
Decorating kids’ rooms shouldn’t feel like a chore. HomeSense offers children art, décor and furniture they’ll love.

HAMPTON EXTRA LARGE CHANDELIER
Creates a lit-from-within effect as light streams past the beautifully sculpted metal leaves.

THE WATER/WHISKY TUMBLER
With its gold accent, this elegantly decorated stemware is a chic addition to a bar cart.

BESIDE THE SEA
This 500-piece puzzle from Galison is perfect for puzzling fun and, once completed, completed, is ready for framing.

THE FIAMO
A state-of-the-art outdoor pizza oven that caters to the needs of culinary beginners and seasoned chefs alike.

THE GRAFF SOSPIRO TWO-HANDLE
A flawlessly designed two-handle kitchen faucet that showcases its contemporary style.

WILLIAM SIDE TABLE
It features a beautiful circular elmwood top with a smooth stainless-steel trim in a brass finish for a distinguished feel.

DISNEY PRINCESS COLLECTION
Introducing Happily Ever After, which celebrates enchanting fairy-tale magic — a collection of everyday items that give kids the royal treatment.

CANAROMA TILE
Over 40 years of bringing technology, performance and utility together to connect function and opulent design.

The post Design News: Spring 2024 Edition appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

Canada’s largest and leading annual design festival never fails to impress. As trends, social issues, and talent emerge, the DesignTO festival celebrates bringing design and people together to create a sustainable, just and joyful future.

DesignTO Festival 2024 was momentous, featuring over 500 artists and designers and welcoming over one hundred and sixty thousand visitors. The festival happened online and in person at venues across Toronto, bringing the city and its homegrown talent into the spotlight.

The popularity of this festival is just one aspect of its significance: What are we without design? Thoughtful design promotes comfort, sophistication, and creativity. Beyond any art or craft, it is the heart and soul of innovation.

DesignTO Festival continues to thrive and inspire attendees and the next generation of designers. City Life Magazine is excited to share a select list of this year’s exhibits that left a lasting impression. Each exhibit was unique in its form of expression. However, the overarching message with all of them was that a world without design is a world without imagination.

JUGANDO A SANAR
A series of sculptural pieces by Nadira Narine explored themes of childhood trauma and “dopamine decor” and their relationship to each other. The award-winning Panama-born artist expressed her innermost feelings in this series by incorporating objects and memories from her childhood into her art, creating a whimsically lighthearted yet emotionally driven experience with the hope that we’d reflect on our childhoods with touches of nostalgia, healing and positivity.

AROUND STRANGE PHOOL’S TABLESCAPE
Mimosa Haque, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, chose the floating lobby of the Ace Hotel Toronto to set an intricate tablescape installation that explored otherworldly gardenscapes and newfangled floral design, inspired by nature’s imperfections and the architectural elements of the space.

JULIET: A JOURNEY FROM VERONA
Celebrating the creative process behind the international award-winning “Juliet” seating collection, this exhibit comprised a dining chair, counter stool, and bar stool, every element thoughtfully considered to offer an exceptional user experience while maturing beautifully with time. Crafted in Verona, Italy, these pieces draw inspiration from the tale of Romeo and Juliet. In this spirit, Juliet: A Journey from Verona was a celebration of the passion, innovation, and artistry of product design.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY WORK
Created and curated by Sean Hazell, this exhibit highlighted artifacts from the recent past, present, and future of work. The showcased items, both real and fictional, evoked themes of identity, inequity, and motivation. From stress balls to smartphones, what may seem to be ordinary objects are symbols of the intricate forces at our workplace. Moreover, they tell stories of our forever-changing work life and how they are changing us.

BOUTET STUDIO SHOWCASE
The narrative of this exhibition was created by carefully observing the margins and intersections of the fabric of society — people’s needs and skills that are often overlooked. DESIGNwith aims to bring traditional methods of creating and alternative approaches to design — that consider the whole person, such as human- centred design, design for accessibility and design for care — to the forefront.

AT WHAT POINT DOES IRRATIONAL THOUGHT BECOME RATIONAL?
Eric Lachance spent three months collecting as many chairs as he could to present the process of a recurring action in sculptural form. For him, chairs take on a profound significance when viewed through a larger lens as members of the family household, they hold emotions, traditions and experiences. Lachance is a Toronto-based artist known for his work in spatial, furniture, and product-design media, which explores the intersection of human activity and the built environment — its historical significance and iconography.

BOUTET STUDIO SHOWCASE
Francois Boutet’s collection was a forward-thinking reimagining of classic pop-art subjects. He designs and makes all of his characters completely from scratch in a variety of media, rendering their individual dispositions with impressive delicacy. The Quebec artist’s work has been highly acclaimed both in Canada and internationally for more than 22 years.

WALKING TOUR OF FOUR MODERNEST HOUSES
Architect Kyra Clarkson, co- owner of MODERNest Inc., led a walking tour to highlight four houses built by MODERNest. Designed and developed by architects, the houses were within a ten-minute walk of one another in the Trinity Bellwoods/Queen West neighbourhood. Each home was designed for a family to thrive in the cultural life of downtown, and all feature good spaces, lots of light, modern detailing, energy efficiency, solid construction, natural materials, and family-friendly and healthy living environments.

BUBBLE WALL: SPECIAL EDITION
An interactive art installation by Chaimi Design Collective that collected moments, feelings, and thoughts of individuals and tried to find the thing that connects us all. The bubble tea store was more than just a home to the “Bubble Wall,” it celebrated the culture that produced it. Participants were able to scan each bubble to read others’ stories and thoughts and share theirs.

GREAT FRIENDS
A collection of colourful oversized friendship bracelets by multidisciplinary designer Laura Carwardine, who produced them using the same techniques as typical bracelets but with much larger materials. Known for her fun colour combinations and for finding interesting colour palettes in everyday life, with “Great Friends” she brought fun patterns and vibrancy into interior spaces, playing on the nostalgia of making and exchanging bracelets with friends.

Photo Courtesy Of DesignTO

The post DesignTO: Designing A Better Future appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

PUNCHY OFFICE ARTWORK
Add personality with staggered art and organizational shelving, instantly adding bold colour tones.

HELLO KITTY® BEANBAG CHAIR
This charming accessory is great for studying, binge-watching and hanging out with your friends.

TALIA LARGE FLUSH MOUNT
A signature-collection statement piece that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

GROTTO TABLE LAMP
Modern and minimal, the Grotto table lamp will add a contemporary edge and ambience to your space.

BELLUCCI ARTISTA NERO
Carefully handcrafted in Milan, Italy, with ergonomically designed professional components enhanced by wooden elements.

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This thick floral-shaped bathmat gives your feet a warm welcome when you step into the bathroom. Easy to match with bath towels and shower curtains.

The post Design News appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

Established in China in 2004, with a bold vision to be an integrator of global healthy sleeping resources and engages in the development, production, and marketing of a whole set of healthy sleep systems. As a result of two decades of rapid growth, DeRUCCI has more than 5000 stores across the world spanning Australia, Canada, Germany, Dubai, Hong Kong, the United States and many more. In addition, their multidisciplinary design team based in Italy and France to tailor-made to provide the perfect combination of body care, comfort, and style.

The brand’s specialty is to help its customers achieve the most optimum level of sleep possible. As we have seen the detrimental health effects of poor sleep. DeRUCCI’s commitment to its customers is reflected in the time and development funds invested in its research department aimed at developing the best mattresses and furniture possible.

“That’s why a lot of customers come to us to look for the best sleeping product,” says Mercury, President of DeRUCCI. “That’s how we distinguish ourselves from our competitors. We invest a lot in research and development, and we collaborate with world-leading organizations who develop the latest technology in sleep.”

DeRUCCI joins hands with the human ergonomics study center of the Catholic University of Louvain, the Sleeping Study Center of Asia Pacific and the Industrial Design and Study Center of Milano Italy, collaborating with over 10 international bedding suppliers such as DOC Switzerland, Germany Mieles to created intelligent healthy sleep system fitting to the human body.

While the DeRUCCI brand is revolutionizing the sleep culture its product line for living room and restaurant-style decor demonstrates their desire to make your home as comfortable as possible. From exquisite coffee tables to lavish dining room tables and comfortable sofas to top-of-the-line “DeRUCCI Sleep Aid” massage chairs.

The Mousse Sleep Aid massage chairs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their innovation, luxury, and exquisiteness. It is one of DeRUCCI’s featured collections of high-end intelligent products that will come into being in the future.

With built-in features such as exclusive sleep music that plays on super double surround three-dimensional music speakers, improved ultra-silent massage chair movement with a setting preference to the “spiritual level” for quiet enjoyment, three personalized program sessions tailored for the mind, body, and soul, and six massage procedural modes (Sleep aid mode, Random mode, Calm mode, Full body comfort Model, Waist and hip relaxation mode, neck and shoulders mitigation mode)

DeRUCCI’s cutting-edge technology with a European-style influence holds true. They continually blend a contemporary European design with beneficial human engineering concepts that develop every mattress and furniture into a masterpiece.

DeRUCCI’s history is one of great pride. They were the pioneers of customizing healthy sleep systems that transcend beyond the traditional ways of the bedding industry. The very concept of “healthy sleep systems” was never a part of the conversation until DeRUCCI’s influence. By integrating excellent healthy sleep resources, DeRUCCI has realized the continuous innovation and rapid iteration of products. They create adaptive intelligent products, the world’s first Schumann resonances helping sleep mattress, and smart control of health pillow with APP which could test human heart rate, temperature, ambient temperature, humidity, etc.

“We are working on a smart mattress that has sensors embedded right into the interior designed to track your sleep performance overnight and give your health suggestions. Essentially, the idea was inspired by the Apple Watch. But instead of wearing it, you lay back and sleep. With this mattress, you can even change the firmness level electronically in accordance with optimizing your sleeping experience. And of course, we are experimenting with different materials to construct our mattresses but concerning the latest technology, that is what we are working on right now,” says Mercury.

On the cusp of the brand’s 20th anniversary, the DeRUCCI team has relocated and expanded at their brand new 13,000-square-foot showroom location (Markham, Ontario) and celebrated this historical milestone with the grand opening on November 11th, 2023. This grand event welcomed guests from all over the Greater Toronto Area and York Region. Guests were left speechless as they became immersed in the most innovatively designed mattresses and furniture products.

“What makes us so special is the fact we work like a family, and we trust each other. We have always been very close, and a majority of our team has worked at DeRUCCI for several years. We love what we do and want to make people feel very comfortable no matter when they come to the showroom, or after the purchase,” says Mercury.

3135 Hwy 7 Unit 1AB, Markham, L3R 0T9

(905) 477-8777

info.toronto@derucci.com

The post The DeRucci Touch is a Sleeping Must appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

OLIVEWOOD SALT KEEPER
This Olivewood Salt Keeper is made in Royans, on the edge of Provence, and each piece is unique, with irregular graining and knots. Fill it with fleur de sel finishing salt or sel fin for cooking.

IKAT DECORATIVE TRAY
Pieces of ikat cloth are dipped in resin to create this handmade fibreglass tray, perfect as a decorative accent or for your keys or jewellery.

MIND THE GAP
Wandering through these grounds you’ll spot prowling leopards, leaping deer, strutting peacocks and relaxing cows. Paying homage to art, architecture, culture and rituals from around the globe.

SUMMERHILL NURSERY AND FLORAL
Garden enthusiasts will find everything they need at Summerhill Nursery and Floral – including inspiration – to create unique indoor and outdoor spaces.

NELLIE HOOK
A unique way of hanging up bags, scarves and coats, this hook features a hand that is gently holding a single flower.

HAPPY LAMB
This charming artwork captures the essence of a cheerful lamb, exuding warmth and a sense of playfulness that will brighten any room in your home.

MAKE IT WORK
Need a spot to study or get in some overtime? Choose a desk with clean lines, a narrow surface and plenty of storage space.

OUI CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN
Whether you are cooking up hearty stews, braising or baking your own artisan-style bread, this cast iron Dutch oven is a must-have for traditional home cooking in any kitchen.

TAPIS PASTEL
This pastel area rug has a square shape and a geometric pattern that creates a sophisticated visual texture, making it perfect for an interior design project.

TRIANON SIDE TABLE
Modern organic design takes centre stage in the Trianon side table. Perfectly balanced for a stunningly elemental style.

The post Design News appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

INDUSTRIA FLORA
Inspired by Mediterranean ceramics, the textured floral patterns bring soft and sophisticated visual interest to any outdoor space.

STYLISH FURNISHING
This wicker-accented egg chair is the ultimate oasis for relaxing, reading or listening to music.

MILA MIRROR
Set in an intricately crafted frame, this antique-inflected piece displays age-old sophistication wherever it’s placed.

FLEXIBLE FURNISHING
Everything happens here, from sleeping to entertaining friends, inspired by a practical design that makes the most of a small space.

COCKTAIL LIE-ON FLOAT
Make the most of your summer with this spritz-bottle-shaped inflatable mattress. Perfect for relaxing … or taking the best Instagram picture!

HEXAGONAL ICE CUBE MOULD
The ice tray … reinvented! Made of flexible silicone, it can be used to make ice cubes, candies or chocolates.

SKECHERS STREET X THE ROLLING STONES: UNO – ROLLING STONES SINGLE!
This lace-up features The Rolling Stones’ “Lick” logo, a cushioned Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® insole and a translucent Skech-Air® clear midsole airbag.

THE PERFECT CANVAS FOR A DELICIOUS MEAL
Elle Design Planning caters to a specific vision, making each special occasion unique, creative and one to remember.

STYLISH AND SIMPLE HEMNES BOOKCASE
Beauty from sustainably sourced solid pine, a natural and renewable material that gets more beautiful with each passing year.

LUNULA DRESSER
A visually arresting dresser with 3-dimensional cast-resin fronts and cast concrete legs offers a bold, contemporary style.

Text by Monica Marano

The post Design News appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

With every new year comes a fresh list of forecasted interior design trends that inspire change. Whether you are looking to transform your entire home, refresh a bathroom or add a few small details, the new year is the perfect time to do it. A renovation can be an expensive and long process, but it is also the best way to tailor your home to your personal style so that you can enjoy your home your way. Stay up-to- date with 2023’s trends so that you can renovate your home in style.

This year we are seeing a shift towards a strong personal style. “Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, or just looking to refresh some rooms, your space is a reflection of you,” says Sharon Donaldson, Home + Reno Show Director, Blue Ant Media. Fortunately, injecting your personality into your home can be as large or small a task as you would like. Tackle one room, or your entire home. “We’re seeing so many exciting home-décor and renovation trends for 2023, with new colours, shapes and concepts to make your home truly your own,” says Desta Ostapyk, Designer and Ambassador for Home + Reno Show 2023.

Reinvent your space by taking inspiration from 2023’s newest home renovation trends.

ARCHES & CURVES
Gone are the days of boring straight lines. Adding arches and curves to your home adds a contemporary and fresh feel that is always interesting to look at. Whether you choose to add this trend into your home in the form of windows and doorways
or furniture and mirrors, rounded edges are the perfect features to add detail to any space.
 

WELLNESS & COMFORT
You spend the majority of your time in your home, and it should feel like your own personal safe space. A feeling of calm in the home is the basis for strong mental health and well-being. To make your home feel like an emotional escape, create a new space where you can do your favourite hobby, such as working out, reading or painting, or refresh an existing space that needs some extra attention.
 

MOODY & DRAMATIC SPACES
We have seen both the dark academia and gothic trends come back for 2023 across all spectrums from fashion to interiors. “Moody living rooms and bedrooms” are even trending on Pinterest. Bring the drama to your home with dark, rich tones, textured fabrics and furniture.
 

CLOSET ORGANIZATION
Nothing feels better than an organized closet, and a new year is the perfect time to get rid of all the things you haven’t been using. This year’s closed shelving is the perfect way to keep your closet chaos hidden. If you have little to no closet space, don’t fret, as there are many options, such as under- the-bed storage or storage within other furniture.
 

MUD ROOMS & LAUNDRY ROOMS
We often forget about the aesthetics of the most functional rooms in our homes. Even though mud rooms and laundry rooms may not be your favourite spaces to spend your time, they should still reflect you and your unique personality. Elevate your space with unique storage, beautiful lighting and curated colours.
 

NATURAL LIGHT
During the winter months we experience shorter days with minimal sunlight; that means we need to optimize the natural light we do get. When doing renovations, add large windows, light colours and reflective surfaces to keep your home feeling bright.
 

CHARACTER & DIMENSION
Adding character and dimension to spaces in the home isn’t new. This is a trend that has stuck around for a reason. Adding slat walls and textured furniture, doors and wall features provides a luxurious look and feel to your home.

The post Renovate your home for the new year appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

CITRON SOFA
Featuring Brussels Citron upholstery, flared arms and inviting button- tufted back cushions, the Sebastian Apartment Sofa by Jonathan Adler is the perfect way to brighten up a space.

PEACE ‘N’ LOVE
Hand-painted with real gold accents and a gloss glaze, Jonathan Adler’s Vice Gilded Peace Canister sits beautifully on a bedside table or on the kitchen counter.

GEOMETRIC GOLD
Both practical and pretty, Elte’s Thor Sideboard features hand-carved charcoal wood cabinetry with luxurious geometric antique-gold sliding doors.

CERAMIC SIMPLICITY
New York-based ceramicist Re Jin Lee’s work reflects her contemplative approach to ceramics, characterized by organic forms and asymmetrical balance, like this Smoked No. 7 sculpture.

The post Design News: 2023 Spring Edition appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.