With so many design events hitting our city this week, the Interior Design Show was certainly the grand dame of them all. With over 300 exhibitors and its foot on the international platform, the Direct Energy Centre was buzzing with excitement as designers and retailers from all over the country participated.

I checked out the event this weekend, lost myself in the latest styles, trends and show-stopping presentations.

Inducing eye squinting, the Swarovski crystals were sparkling brightly at the Crystal Clear exhibit, where their twinkle greeted me as I walked through the main entrance. Another exhibit, called 5x5, featured five showrooms designed by five top design firms including 64th and Queen and Castor. The line-up to see these concealed rooms was as long as the one to buy a pricey Kobe beef hot dog at the exit nearby.

My attention finally settled on the Prototype and Studio North, two exhibits that featured a varied selection from emerging Canadian designers. Taking a cue from blogTO's review of last year's show, I've listed some local Toronto-based designers whose work I found to be particularly noteworthy.

Atelier Jacob (above, left):
With bright colours and perforated style, steel chairs and wall panels caught my eye for their sleek and contemporary look.

Luflic (above, centre):
Meaning "lovely" in Old English, Luflic uses craft and high tech processes for their creations. Their clear glass-topped dining table's legs were made of felt-sleeved steel rods. Paired with the copper-coloured lights from Derek McLeod, this table was also showcased at this year's Radiant Dark.

Rob Southcott (above, right):
What may appear to be a mishmash of different-sized boxes, is a series of units that can either be assembled together or separated. By using reclaimed wood such as barn doors, these units are useful for storing away small items that seem to get lost in larger boxes.

No Office Architecture (above, left):
Designed by Solmaz Eshraghi, these cube stools of various shapes and sizes are made from maple and walnut wooden pegs embedded in soft rubber. Colourful, useful and very comfortable.

Urbanproduct (above, centre):
You'd think they would be an art installation but they're actually tiles. Versatile in its design, these tiles of walnut and cement can be used either to soundproof a wall or serve as a interesting table design - provided you add a glass top to prevent your drinks from tumbling over.

Rebound Design Team (above, right): Borrowing from the S&M lifestyle, recycled rubber pieces are laced together to form a chair that is stackable and sinfully comfortable.