Welcome back all GTA Wester's and everyone else in CDECA

We returned refreshed from a nice little break in August and ready to get going on the fall decor projects.  Our first Chapter Event was sponsored by Sun Glow Window coverings and hosted at Q Design in Mississauga.  Our topic was "It's all about Fabric" and the Sun Glow representative demonstrated some of the newest blinds and how they function.  We were brought up to date on black out options and many more.  The variety of fabrics is amazing and way ahead of what we used to see in blinds.  Q Design carries the Sun Glow product line so anyone sourcing in the West can go and see them.  

Sun Glow has both commercial and residential products and as far as I am aware they are the only supplier who offer Swarovski Crystals to some of their lines.  Sun Glow has an incredible variety including some great ideas for children's rooms.  They cover the gambit from plain to glamorous and everything in between.  As to the many options, it would be far more than one could write so if you are in the market for window coverings check out their website at http://www.mysunglow.com

We were offered a lovely healthy breakfast as well.  Thanks to everyone for a great event.

Summer Vacation

Attention all CDECA Members

The GTA West Chapter is taking a little break for the remainder of July and through August, however we will be back in full force in September. 

We have been busy planning and organizing some great events for the fall so keep an eye on the CDECA Website Calendar and emails from the office

As an old song goes "see you in September"

July Sourcing Day in Vaughan

Along with the warm and hot weather this July, came some visits to CDECA Affiliates in Vaughan.  A group of decorators from the GTA West Chapter as well as from the Toronto Chapter made the trek to Vaughan and it was well worth the trip.  Our first stop was at Zilli Home which was an amazing showroom.  We were offered refreshments along with some information about Zilli and then Anna Staggopoulos gave us a tour of the several floors within the showroom.  I have to say it was difficult pulling the ladies away from this location.  Great deals, Great product lines and they look after our interests.  What could be better!

Second on our list was a visit to the Prima Lighting showroom which rivals Elte in the lighting department and has some product lines exclusive to them.  All I can say is "Gorgeous"  We were given time to browse and then had a tour of the showroom by Sam Folino and he shared information on some of the different aspects of lighting, including the new types of bulbs and where they should be used.  The final stop was a concealed room which Prima is in the final process of readying for designers and decorators to use when they bring clients.  It will offer total privacy, WiFi, fabric samples, computer, AND refreshments.  How better to show a client your ideas.  Prima is also delving into furniture lines as well.  It is definitely a place to go.  For those who like to shop on line, Prima has the sister company 'Click Lighting'.  Check both out.

Of course we had to have a little nibble so off we went to Grazie Ristorante on Jane.  Absolutely fantastic Italian food and wonderful service.  Thanks to all who took care of us.

Last but certainly not least on our day was Orro Mosaic.  All I can say is Wow.  Michael Shikan gave us time to view the products and I can say I have never seen so many different, unique and fabulous mosaics available.  We were kids in a candy store and then the best part was we got to select any samples we would like and they will be available to us in an easy to carry container for when we visit clients.  Of course bringing clients to this showroom will blow their mind.

Thanks to everyone for a great and informative day.  We are so lucky to have such great Affiliates.

GTA West Chapter Decorators 'On The Road Again'

Attention Accredited & Student Decorators

Over the summer we will not be having 'formal' meetings, however we have arranged a sourcing day. Join us for our Third Summer Sourcing Day. This year we are heading up to Vaughan to visit a few of our Affiliates Showrooms. When: Monday, July 8 Time: 10 a.m. Where: Vaughan - We'll meet at 10 a.m. for our first showroom which is Zilli Home Interiors at 672 Chrislea Rd, Vaughan. We will then proceed to other destinations such as Prima Lighting and Oro Mosaics. (see list and directions attached). We have also scheduled some time for lunch at Vaughan Mills Mall. Please bring along your credentials so you can register for the for Trade Discounts at the showrooms we visit, and begin to take advantage member discounts and benefits. This invitation is also extended to and student members as well, and we encourage your participation. Our hope is to help to develop mentoring opportunities. Please R.S.V.P. for this event by June 24th to: Jeannette Wisby – jw@designsavvy.ca Car pooling is recommended, so please inform me if you would like to drive, carpool etc. and what area you are in. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

GTA West Chapter Spring/Summer Luncheon

Yesterday many of our chapter decorators and several of our great affiliates joined together at Il Fornellos in Oakville for our annual summer luncheon.  Affiliates presented information on their products, new connections were made and a fabulous time was had by all.

SoFA presents: Cobi Ladner " Building a Brand from the Inside Out"

Many decorators and designers attended the recent presentation at SoFA on Building a Brand by Cobi Ladner.  Cobi Ladner is one of Canada’s leading decorating and lifestyle authorities. 

Since 2008 Cobi has enjoyed her conversation with design professionals and homeowners through her popular website cobistyle.com. As a successful entrepreneur, Cobi turned her thoughts and ideas into a full- concept home decor product line, based on the bold notion that a home should be as unique as its owners, and put a smile on their face when they walk in the door. 

Now an emerging national brand, cobistyle is expressed in many product categories ranging from furniture, fabric and drapery to accessories, lighting and soon-to-be bedding and bath. In three short years, Cobi’s collection of beautiful ideas’ has found a home in over a thousand stores across Canada, and she is thrilled about engaging her peers with this new and exciting, very personal vision, called none other than, cobistyle.

Join us in the Canadel showroom to learn how Cobi built her brand from the inside out.

Cobi left the magazine to pursue her passion of 'fun, colourful and affordable' home furnishings which include everything from furniture, fabric, drapery, lighting, pillows, accessories, throws, teapots and soon to come bedding.

Cobi's name also stands for " 'creation of beautiful ideas'  which she completely believes in, has embraced colour and her presentation dealt with creating your own brand as she has.  One must build their brand.  How people decorate their individual homes is what your home says about you.

Cobi talked about other famous brands and how they identify a distinct product or person.  As decorators and designers we need to be building our brands.  It should reflect your own personality and a feeling we create.   We need to be individual and promote our personal style. 

Below are a few photos of Cobi's style 

It's A Steal Consignment Showroom in Oakville

It is intended to be a source for the decorating community for lifestyle transitions, staging and replacement pieces.  Items that sell include nightstands, upholstered pieces, buffets (but no hutches) and bedroom furniture.  What doesn’t sell is dining room sets, hutches and headboards.  The agreed-on price is valid for 60 days and is reduced at intervals to 30% and 10%. The listed price cannot be negotiated.  Sales are split 50%-50%.  If an item does not sell, it can be picked up by the owner or sold for charity.  Kathleen noted that charities generally prefer money to goods.  More information and a copy of the agreement can be found on www.itsastealfurniture.com.

Furniture and decor finds are displayed in stylish vignettes created by design partner, Kathleen Steele. We help customers see the look and get the look they want for their home.  Want to sell something? Great!  Send us a picture of your couch, loveseat, chair, dresser, night stand, dining room suite, kitchenette, settee, lamp, rug, artwork, cushions... the list goes on and on. Our fabulous Design Partner, Kathleen Steele will take a peek at your treasures and be in touch with you. If technology isn't your best buddy, just give us a call and we'll figure something out together. It's a Steal Furniture Consignment and Decor Finds is the real deal when buying and selling the consignment way.