The Interior Design Show West is celebrating 10 years at the Vancouver Convention Centre until Sept. 28, and MOVATO Home is here to follow the best coming out of West Coast design.
Last night’s opening party was a chance to see the show for the first time, and there is a lot to write home about.
We’re starting with wood — since the material is everywhere you look at #IDSWest14 and really sets an aesthetic tone at the show — but be sure to check back all weekend as we round out the Best of IDSWest.
Here are some natural design leaders, to start…
Barter Design Co. welcomes us to this PLACE
Creating an entrance with impact, the work of Barter “tells a story about Canadian West Coast design.” The smell of natural wood immediately greets guests heading into #IDSWest14, as the samplings of the collection leads you into the show.
The multifunctional Gather Blocks, “intentionally” small tables from the Connect line, and BC Red Cedar modular columns from the Revolve series really set a tone.
“They speak of the natural beauty of our materials, the breadth of our craftspeople, and the laid-back, nature-inspired lifestyles we live,” says the design company. “We take inspiration from the natural resources that surround us, and insist on using them respectfully.”
Wonderful, wonderful wood
One thing that sets the IDSWest apart from its East Coast counterpart is the dedication to using (and re-using) natural materials. Wood is celebrated all over the show, and used in modern and inventive ways.
The Structure series, which challenges six designer to create innovative prototypes from Weyerhaeuser’s Parallam SLS material — scrap veneer and random pieces of wood — is certainly interesting.
We caught up with industrial designer Rob Nathan, of 4139 Design, who created a limited edition coffee table from the local Douglas fir material, which features beautiful, warped shapes under glass.
Nathan is joined by the Blenheim Brothers Goods Co., Scott E Forsythe, and Romney Shipway.
Other notable wood workers include American company cerno; we really like their stuff.
The industrial design and manufacturing company uses LED lights to create modern fixtures and furniture. Cerno’s fixtures are handmade and include floor lamps, pendants, sconces and tables.
Brent Comber is another name that is receiving ample praise from the industry at #IDSWest14. Creating sculpted objects, his new work “riffs on the highly-disciplined approach of ikebana” — the Japanese art of flower arranging.
The solid-wood table and seating collection feels both sculptural and natural, as the shapes, lines and forms together achieve a look that is modern and balanced.
Other notable wood design lines include salvaged and reclaimed works from Live Edge Design — who furnished their entire display (three tables, six chairs, a vanity and other objects) using one tree — and mth woodworks, from Michael Thomas Host — “the son of a forester and an avid outdoors-man.”
But there is way more to this show than wood! While the medium is omnipresent around the exhibition, there are over 250 participants showing their wares and much more to see.
So stay tuned. We have more to share.
Follow me @LauraBeeston for a live play-by-play over the next few days, and articles from the Prototype exhibition, The Design District and other decor finds all weekend.
