I’m in the midst of planning a gorgeous tablescape for Dining by Design, a great event hosted by Replacements that will be held at the upcoming High Point Market. I’m sifting through thousands of inspiration photos and ideas, but I know that there are 5 things my table setting will definitely have! Let’s take a look!!

Modern Geometrics

Jill Rosenwald

Bright, colourful patterns that combine fluid and geometric designs are fashion-forward in tabletop right now! I am SO inspired by designer and potter Jill Rosenwald from Boston - her pattern play is like no other!! And look at those colours! She definitely speaks my language.

Layering Old and New

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

It’s all in the mix when it comes to table settings today. Replacements is the perfect partner for this trend-forward look because they offer an incredible selection of new and vintage pieces - 11 million to be precise!!

Textural Designs

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

Texture is nothing new on a table, but usually it’s found in the linens and flatware. Textural plates are a fresh look for tables today, adding a lot of interest and dimension.

Dressed-Up Casual

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

Overly formal looks are a thing of the past - today it’s all about a relaxed look that’s still a bit dressy! I love a mix-and-match approach that gives you that laid-back look, while still setting a proper place at the table!

Fresh Flowers

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

I cannot even imagine a table without fresh flowers and greenery!! It can be a central bouquet, a collection of tiny vases that each hold one bud, or a centerpiece of vines and branches - but definitely be sure to set your table with blooms and stems!

I can’t wait to show you more of my inspiration for the table I’m designing at High Point Market - stay tuned!!

Until next time,

-Cynthia

One of my favorite things about traveling is to find artists and artisans in each of the destinations I visit! I love discovering new products and gorgeous accessories that I can use in my projects to add a unique touch. And I truly want to support amazing designers and artists who create special items! Here are a few of my favourite pieces that I’ve found this year on my travels!

South African crafts and beads are one of my favourite finds from the High Point Market last October. The blues and greens are gorgeous, and the craftsmanship is perfection!

I was thrilled when I walked into this new store in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. I can neither confirm nor deny there may have been screams followed by a frenzy of fabric being unrolled. This is the real deal: beautiful screen-printed fabric made in the Bahamas! Originally started in 1966, some of the vintage patterns are being run again and various artists are now rounding out the fabric offering. Printed on a multitude of base cloths from poplin to European linen to outdoor fabric, creating endless possibilities for your projects! They have kaftans, pants, little sundresses, beach bags and clutches. Literally heaven! 

Sophie Anderson is clearly a woman after my own heart. First of all, how stunning is this bag?! I’m crazy about the colour, the scale, the handwork - all of it! But most of all, I love that Sophie Anderson sells only bags handmade by indigenous communities of artisan women.

My favourite discovery at the recent Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville was by far the ingenious creations of Museum Bees. These little wall hangers are created from cuts of antique frames and decorated with little pieces ....either bees, or antique coins, or acorns, or a multitude of possibilities. Each one is unique and fabulous!! Some of these may have gone home with me!!

When you travel, keep your eyes open for those small shops and unique products. You never know what incredible finds you may discover!

Until next time,

-Cynthia

Given how cold and snowy this winter has been, I’m excited about the trend toward big bold floral patterns on walls and fabrics! It’s the perfect design for spring - and beyond! I’ve always loved a pattern of flowers, but there’s something about an overscaled look that just takes my breath away.

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

I fell in love with the Thibaut wallpaper above, with its classic navy-and-white palette. A powder room is the perfect place to experiment with a more dramatic look like this one!

Rollout Wallpaper

I literally stopped in my tracks when I saw this huge realistic wall of flowers at a home furnishings show here in Toronto! How stunning is this wallpaper from Rollout? It is absolutely gorgeous when you see it in person!!

Victoria Larson

Victoria Larson took more of a painterly approach for her floral pattern on a grasscloth. It’s got a lovely dreamy quality to it!

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

I’m so in love with these big blooms that I’m offering the look on pillows on my online shop! This combination of navy, light blue, and lavender is a great colour mix! Click here to get this pillow for your own home.

What do you think about this floral trend? Does it have you dreaming of warmer weather? Me too!!!

Until next time,

-Cynthia