When it comes to my love for the Design Exchange, I really have two passions fanning the flame. The first is obvious: as a designer, I’m passionate about the pursuit of design excellence and am grateful there is an organization dedicated to preserving and supporting our design heritage as Canadians. Despite what some may think, our design identity is very unique, and I’m grateful to Shauna Levy and the Design Exchange team for their commitment to standing up as a voice for the Canadian design community.

The second passion fanning the flame is perhaps less obvious but of equal importance to me: motherhood. As a mom of two boys, I believe it’s my duty to shape them into well-cultured young men who understand the value of beauty and its importance in shaping society. Knowing that the Design Exchange is committed to educating young minds and empowering them to become design thinkers is so meaningful to me, especially because it reminds me I’m not alone in my mission to raise children who have fully embraced their creative voice.

So when, for the second year running, I was asked to share my favourite picks from the upcoming Design Exchange Design Auction, it was a resounding and immediate heck yes from me! I mean, an opportunity to savour great design while sharing about an incredible organization supporting the Canadian design community? Sign me up.

Without further ado, here are my top picks for the incredible items that will be up for auction at this year’s Design Exchange Design Auction.

ONE: Warren Platner Chair, donated by Hollace Cluny | TWO: Scribble Table by ii by iv Design, donated by ii by iv Design | THREE: Round French Oven in Pink by Le Creuset, donated by Le Creuset Canada | FOUR: Lassen Line Candleholder, donated by Hopson Grace | FIVE: Giant Dora Maar Vase by Jonathan Adler, donated by Jonathan Adler | SIX: Elk Chair designed by Gus*, donated by Style Garage

I’m very sad to say that my job as a mom will prevent me from attending this year’s auction as I’ll be busy celebrating the end of the school year with my oldest at what will no doubt be the coolest party for 13 year olds ever. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t be there, rubbing shoulders with the who’s-who of the Canadian design scene! Trust me when I say that all the big names are there. It’s a fashion show and a design auction all wrapped up in one, and it is definitely not to be missed! The GREAT news is, I’m giving away a pair of tickets, and entering is easy peasy:

1. Make sure you’re following both me and the Design Exchange on Instagram.
2. Check out the full list of auction items here and post your favourite on Instagram including the tags #thecuratedhouseXdesignexchange and #dxda in your post.
3. Come back and comment on this post to let me know you’ve entered!

I’ll announce the winner in next week’s post and will make you pinky-swear to tag me in your Instagram posts of this swishy event. Can’t wait to see which auction items are your fav’s!