08 March 2011

International Home and Housewares Show - Downtown Chicago!

I just spent two days in the windy city attending a trade show with my design-sister, Jamie. After a delightful Sunday brunch at Grand Lux Cafe, we were off to the show.



































They are pretty strict about snapping photos of the booths, but I was able to capture a few without getting caught (phew). One thing I took away from the show was the amazing infusion of bright color into everyday, well-designed items for the home. There were still plenty of products for those of us (me) who love neutrals and natural earthy tones-n-textures but overall, color was everywhere! 

 





























We attended a few short cooking demonstrations to break up the hours we roamed the floor. They let you take photos in this area--like of dreamy Aussie, Curtis Stone! Like the products themselves, the chefs they brought in were full of life! (Confession: I did buy his cookbook while I was there but, like a good Dutch girl, not until day two when it was $12 cheaper.)








































On Monday, after an early breakfast at the Corner Bakery Cafe, we attended a color forecasting presentation by "America's Color Guru" Leatrice Eisman. Very informative for my job, took gobs of notes and pictures and I got to meet her afterword. What a lovely, down to earth woman. The color for 2011 is Honeysuckle Pink (a corally-pinky color). Infuse this color into your home/wardrobe and feel like a fashionista!



































My designer-brain had plenty of takeaways from the show, but I would sum it up by saying: since we all have to cook and clean and organize, you may as well feel happy doing it. So, next time you are in need of a spatula, buy one in a bright fun color and think happy thoughts!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I'm SO jealous! I would have loved this. Next year, I'm going with you! AND you ate at Grand Lux - did you love it?