And what, pray tell, am I going to be fangirling all over, like the hot mess that I am when starstruck?

The IDSWest (Interior Design Show West) this week!

I am lucky enough to have snagged a pass to the event, and I’m already doing little hops of glee in my brain.

Hopefully I can contain myself and not actually leap and twirl whilst surrounded by the stylish and fabulous. I’m sure a demonstration like that will earn me lots of friends. 

One of the reasons I’m looking forward to this event is the presentation by this guy:

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If you’ve been living in a cave devoid of any interior design inspiration and don’t know this man: this is Tommy Smythe. If you’re a Canadian and don’t know who this is, then shame. SHAME on you!

This is the right hand man of Sarah Richardson. This is the stylish and sassy package that helps her to design her gorgeous spaces. This is the careful set of eyes that accompanies her to these quaint – *ahem* quite possibly make-believe – antique shops in Lake Country, where they find gorgeous pieces in need of a few throw pillows or a quick trip to the upholsterer’s. 

All I’m sayin’ is that I don’t see those pieces when I go junking. Or I do… but for $1200. Sarah and Tommy must have rabbits’ feet in their pockets.

But on the same day that Tommy is doing his thing at the show, Brian Gluckstein is also going to be presenting – with a focus on taste and style.

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I’m very much looking forward to hearing his talk. It’s true that we get so sucked up into fads and trends (Chevron anyone? And yes, I love it, so let’s not knock it too hard), but to hear a giant like Brian talk about what IS classic design is going to be fantastic. 

You may know Brian from his last name. It’s splashed all over The Hudson’s Bay store. You may have his cutlery, or glassware, sheets, etc, in your home. I know I do. 

And speaking of The Hudson’s Bay store, there is also a talk being given by Arren William, the creative director of Home for The Hudson’s Bay Co – he’s going to predict design trends for 2014. And Suzanne Dimma and Mark Challen from House & Home are going to be sharing their styling secrets with their audience (learned from many a photo shoot).

To say that this event is going to be inspiring is an understatement. And this is only ONE DAY of the show (Saturday, the day that I’m attending). There are other fantastic presentations happening on Friday, Saturday AND Sunday. 

For those in Vancouver this weekend, the IDSWest show is open to the public. It opens Thursday night (the 19th) with an Opening Night Party and closes Sunday evening. There are over 300 exhibits, a marketplace, as well as numerous presentations over the four days. There is also The Laneway feature home – a compact model home put together by top designers, which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder on Saturday night. 

For tickets or more information, visit the IDSWest website and follow #idswest on Twitter! 

Maybe I’ll see you there!