New Year, New You, New Home

With the holidays wrapped up, breaking the bank for a home renovation may not be an option. WE want to help you create your dream home and feel good doing it. Here are three easy and practical DIY projects you can tackle this weekend, with a little help from some of the interactive features you'll find at the Edmonton Renovation Show, which takes place at the end of January.

Start Off With Some Sawdust

If you're a little home-reno or DIY obsessed, (like we all are), chances are you picked up some new tools for gifts over the holidays. Don't start off 2016 by letting them collect dust in the garage, break out those gifts and start creating! New woodwork items are a simple and inexpensive way to "spruce" up any room in the home. From simpler stools to elaborate headboards, the possibilities are near endless. Received a tool you aren't sure how to handle? Well let us help you learn how to maximize its usage! Check out the Try a Tool feature at the Edmonton Renovation Show. You'll get the support and education you need in an unintimidating environment, so you can break out the band saw or dust off that drill.

Add Volume to Your Room

Whether you're looking to host a dinner party your guests will never forget, or update your personal relaxing space - you'll need the right audio tools to get the job done. Making slight adjustments to the audio equipment in your home can lead to professional sounding acoustics. Need a maestro to help you crank it to the max? Then don't miss the Sound Off On Your Listening Room session with SONiC 102.9's resident acoustic expert, Layne Mitchell, during the show!

Open the Door to Possibilities

First impressions are everything! Don't make the mistake of focusing on specific rooms in your home and neglecting the most welcoming aspect to your place. With the magic of upcycling you can take common items around you home, add a little creative genius and elbow grease, and create new pieces of art to give your home the most unique entrance on the block. Repurpose flower pots or old lanterns to line your walkway. Or tackle the main piece of art and become the Leonardo Da Vinci of doors.

Be sure to check out the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge: Unhinged, presented by Rust Oleum. Ten local celebs and designers are going head-to-head to design and upcycle an old door into a fabulous work of art. You'll have a chance to bid on your favorite one to take home with you, with all proceeds going to support Habitat for Humanity/ReStore Edmonton.

Three simple ideas to get you headed in the right direction when updating your home this year! IF you are looking for countless more ideas or tips to pull off your dream renovation, get your tickets now to the Edmonton Renovation Show. The show runs from January 29-31 at the Edmonton Expo Centre, and boasts over 250 exhibitors, presenters, and features. Buy tickets online courtesy of RenovationFind to save $3.

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE
JANUARY 29-31, 2016.

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Edmonton Renovation Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Sherwood Flooring

We're excited to have Sherwood Flooring joining us at the 2016 Edmonton Renovation Show. Their team of experience professionals are experts in what they do and know how to effectively apply their skills, workmanship, and custom service excellence to assist you with your needs. Their knowledgeable staff is dependable, reliable, and they excel at offering personal service.

Sherwood Flooring's mission is to provide quality products and services at competitive rates. They are industry professionals and are committed to getting it right the first time - guaranteed. Learn more when you visit the Sherwood Flooring team in Booth 1207 at the Edmonton Renovation Show. But first, check out our interview with them below.

Please describe your products.

"We are an installation based flooring company with any product you could imagine. Sherwood Flooring has years of experience, professional installers with Journeyman training, sales staff that have over 50 years combined knowledge, and an owner who puts his heart and soul into each job. No job is too small. That's right. Even if you have the smallest of area, you will receive the same experience as the person walking in ready to build their dream home. We are happy to install any product (yes, even if you bought it somewhere else!). We are here to help, so remember - advice is free!"

What are your best home and garden tips for the season?

"Trends are always changing! The staff at Sherwood Flooring have the guidance from 3 different interior designers, keeping our customers up to date with the going trend. We are here to pump out facts - so with that being said we are able to give you the knowledge you need to stay updated while combining your own personal taste. Tip: are you looking for laminate? Maybe we can teach you about vinyl planking & tiles! They are an excellent product that is waterproof!! Tip2: has your carpet seen better days? Try getting a professional cleaning before you begin the renovation - many times that's all your carpet needs!"

Will you have any show specials?

"Our show special is back! Anyone who gives us their name will be eligible for 10% any product they choose! As always, our quotes are free. And on top of it all... if you have your product purchased by February 28th, we will also throw in free delivery!!!"

What are your home or garden pet peeves?

"We love our customers, but we hate when they are fed incorrect information! Remember: not everything you find on the internet is true, especially when you are looking up "how-to's" on flooring from outside of Canada - or especially outside of Alberta. We have specific requirements. For all your questions we have the professional answer. Don't forget... Advice is FREE!"

What is your favourite part about the Edmonton Renovation Show?

"We love the positive attitude all the exhibitors display! The home show is an excellent way to meet new people, and to share knowledge for those who are seeking professional advice. The home show not only teaches us what the client is out there looking for, but what we can do to improve our customer service! The feedback is incredible! Such a positive environment and a great way to let the world know we are out there ready to service all of your flooring needs!"

The Edmonton Renovation Show takes over the Edmonton Expo Centre January 29-31, 2016. With hundreds of home improvement experts ready to help you with your next home project, it's a must-attend event for Edmonton homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Save big when you buy online! Click here to get $3 off tickets!

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE
JANUARY 29-31, 2016.

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Thank You Edmonton!

What a show! After 12 months of planning, the inaugural Edmonton Fall Home Show came to fruition and was a huge success!

From the talented local and national designers that were showcased on the main stage, to the incredible lineup of fabulous chefs on our cooking stage and the extensive list of exhibitors showcased on the show floor, attendees were thrilled with our very first Edmonton Fall Home Show.

Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock from Parker Barrow took to the main stage, presented by Edmonton Journal and furnished by Urban Barn, with inspiration for your home from around the world. Through sharing personal stories and images of their travels and design finds, Janette and Jef enlightened the audience with their real world experiences.

The Ultimate Upcycle Challenge brought in Rust-Oleum Canada spokeswoman and Cityline regular, Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault to the show. For the past few months, local media, bloggers, designers and artists have been working hard to help raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Each selecting a well loved chair from Restore, participants took some expert advice from Leigh-Ann and gave their chairs an up cycled make-over.

A huge thank you to each participant for their efforts and to our auction bidders! We were able to raise more than $1800 for Habitat for Humanity. We look forward to the next challenge in January!

With an incredible lineup of local chefs, guests were treated decadent delights from some of Edmonton’s newest and finest restaurants on our cooking stage presented by SONiC 102.9. To add a little spice (or cheese flavour) to the stage this year, guests had the chance to enjoy SONiC’s Doritos Challenge and our Twitter Pork Chopped! Challenge with local, amateur chefs. Talk about inspiring your tastebuds!

Enjoy the holiday season everyone, we will see you again very soon! The Edmonton Renovation Show runs January 29 - 31, 2016 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Mark your calendars, we’ll meet you on the show floor!

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A Minute with the Edmonton Fall Home Show Manager, Terri Higgins

The all-new Edmonton Fall Home Show is fast approaching! The excitement is building, homeowners are itching to get out on the show floor, and our top design authorities are preparing to share everything they know about design and decor on the Main Stage! 

Edmonton already has the Home & Garden Show and the Renovation Show, so what separates the brand new Fall Home Show from these two fabulous events? We sat down with Marketplace Events’ Terri Higgins, Show Manager for all three shows, who gave us the inside scoop! 

Why a third show in Edmonton?

"Our exhibitors have been asking us to produce a Fall Home Show in the market for years! The Edmonton Fall Home Show is an opportunity for our clients to promote their business and sell face-to-face to over 20,000 consumers. We also have a unique audience – 96% of our consumers only attend one of our shows in the market annually.

It offers Edmontonians another exciting option for researching and planning their home improvement and interior design projects. It gives them the opportunity to shop and save with over 200+ retailers and industry experts during the fall season." 

What makes this show different from the other two in Edmonton?

"The Fall Home Show will have more of a focus on interior design. We have a wide range of exhibitors from renovation to landscaping to design but our features are really design orientated. We have some new designers we haven’t worked with before presenting on our Main Stage, including Janette Ewen and Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, and our Ask a Designer feature is an exciting way for homeowners to chat face-to-face with design experts about their home improvement projects."

What are you most excited for in the fall show?

"Cory Christopher’s Workshops – it’s so amazing to have Cory at the Fall Home Show because instead of simply presenting, he is getting his hands dirty and teaching consumers the art of floral design. Our Upcycle Challenge: Chair Lift is another fun feature that incorporates DIY design with charitable work, with proceeds from the auction benefiting Habitat for Humanity."  

Tell us about MPE's support for local designers.

"We have been very fortunate to work with some of the best designers in Edmonton and have seen their careers launch as a result of their participation in our events. Our events give them the opportunity to showcase their products and services in front of thousands of attendees.

We want our attendees to be able to shop great design and be inspired at our events. 38% of visitors who attend our shows are specifically looking for advice, solutions and inspiration for decorating a room in their home. We have given local designers the chance to be involved in this show launch and showcasing their talents through presenting on our Main Stage and/or getting involved in a handful of exciting new features on the show floor." 

What makes MPE's shows different from the rest?

"Our goal is to create relevant inspiring features on the show floor to enhance the visitors experience at our shows. We champion new and creative ways to make each event relevant and memorable to our visitors, which gives us a unique edge."

We can't wait to see Terri's and the Marketplace Event team's vision come to life at the all new Edmonton Fall Home Show, happening October 23-25, 2015 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

If you haven't bought your tickets yet, we've got to ask: what are you waiting for? Buy 'em in advance to SAVE BIG and avoid box office lines! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. Pick up a pair and head to the show this weekend.

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Less is More at the Edmonton Fall Home Show

Has anyone ever told you that less is more? Perhaps this phrase is hard to hear when you are trying to make your tiny apartment look like a spacious luxury home that fits more than your cat and a stack of Nicholas Sparks books. But trust us, even your small space can have big style - you just have to know where to start.

Janette Ewen, interior stylist and lifestyle expert, says it’s important to look at small spaces as opportunities rather than challenges. After many years of contributing to publications like House and Home and Chatelaine and appearing regularly on Cityline and HGTV, Janette knows a thing or two about how to make rooms go from drab to fab whether they’re big or small.

Four Tips for Decorating Small Spaces

1.      Pick patterns wisely. Janette says wallpaper, textiles, rugs and accessories can fill small spaces with life and character that can’t be achieved in larger rooms. If you think the only way to make your space seem larger is to go with minimal furniture and decor, you are wrong.

2.      Use lighting to your advantage. Maximize the natural light coming through the windows with chic and simple coverings, and consider an ornamental drape of you’d like something more luxurious (just make sure you only use one drape and tie it to one side to let natural light in).

3.      Bare walls, be gone. Your first instinct might be to paint the walls white to create the illusion of more space, but painting them with black matte paint will create visual space.

4.      Be Fearless. If you are afraid to take design risks, you will never see the results you want. Janette says it is important to just dive in and go for it no matter how unsure you might be about the outcome; you will never know if you don’t try.

Janette is a top authority for all things interior design, and she is sharing her wealth of knowledge with homeowners at this year's brand new Edmonton Fall Home Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Edmonton Expo Centre October 23-25, 2015.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook! Treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

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Master your Kitchen at the Edmonton Fall Home Show

Spend hours and hours pinning chef-inspired recipes and chic dinner party ideas, but you never really know where to start when it comes to the actual cooking part? Dreaming is nice, but what if you could actually learn how to master your kitchen and put all of those clever ideas into action? 

The Edmonton Fall Home Show’s incredible Cooking Stage sponsored by SONiC 102.9 is sure to provide you with the right ammunition to kick your kitchen projects into high gear. With some of Alberta’s finest culinary experts teaching the audience how to master their meals in our stylish, design-inspired kitchen, you will leave the show floor with delicious recipes, a list of local products to stock your kitchen, and a full belly thanks to mouthwatering samples from the pros themselves. 

On top of all that, audience members will also get the chance to win culinary prizes and a one-chance opportunity to speak one-on-one with our featured Cooking Stage presenters. You will be able to pick their brains for tried and true culinary advice, tips, and tricks to rule your kitchen.

Our featured cooking talent includes:

●     Erin Howe and Chris Short, instructors at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in the department of continuing education, who will each be presenting their top level culinary knowledge

●     Mercer Tavern’s Robbie Oram, the master of bringing experience and adventure into his inspired dishes

●     Phil Wilson, Edmonton’s own “Baconhound” who travels around the city in search of our most mouthwatering meals to share his reviews with friends, family, and foodies

●     Ben Chalmers, the magic behind Edmonton’s hugely popular Corso 32

●     Nelvin Reyes, a grill mastermind at the luxurious Pampa Steakhouse who has a passion for producing culinary perfection with every dish

●     Lindsay Porter, El Cortez’s executive chef brings a taste of modern Latin food with a tequila twist

●     Executive Chef Corey Rakowski from 12 Acres showcases his team’s first hand knowledge of growing food and rearing livestock.

●     Levi Biddlecome, our red seal certified Asian Fusion aficionado who has used his impressive record of chef experience to open Attila The HUNgry, Edmonton’s first Asian Fusion food truck

●     Alexei Boldifreff, NAIT alumni and owner of S’WICH Food Truck, who has experience working in some of the city’s finest restaurants and a passion for producing simple dishes with big, bold flavours

Enjoy a weekend chock-full of culinary excellence brought to you by SONiC 102.9, along with everything you need to make your home design and style vision come to life. The Edmonton Fall Home Show is happening October 23-25, 2015 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy 'em in advance to save time and money. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets via Facebook. Save BIG on tickets and skip the box office line? It doesn't get much better than that!

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Upcycling: Making Your Space Uniquely You

Anyone can revamp their space with a little bit of elbow grease, but it takes a special design mind to bring real life to the room. If you think you are lacking in the creativity department, you’re likely selling yourself short. Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, the DIY queen herself, says using your personal touch to upcycle a pre-loved piece of furniture is just what you need to take your reno to the next level.

Picture this: you’ve got your budget in place, you’ve found the perfect piece of furniture to restore, so what’s next? How can one frugal find change the entire look and feel of a room? Leigh-Ann says it’s all about originality.

“Who hasn't dreamed of having a flamingo pink antique armoire with a gold leaf interior and vintage crystal knobs?" Leigh-Ann asks. "Okay, maybe that's just me, but I don't know of a store where I could buy precisely that item. However, when I find the perfect affordable second-hand armoire, I plan to roll-up my sleeves and create the ultimate upcycle piece to showcase my style.” 

The beauty of upcycling is that you are able to use your own personal style to create a statement piece that is a one-of-a-kind conversation starter. Not to mention it can create the illusion that the whole room got a fabulous makeover. 

 “Not only does upcycling provide a creative outlet to fully showcase your personal style, but it also ensure that unique piece will be unlike anything your neighbors could buy from a generic furniture store,” explains Leigh-Ann.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out Leigh-Ann’s favourite frugal furniture finds for inspiration: solid wood accent chairs. 

"They are so easy to find and often incredibly affordable," Leigh-Ann beam. "And I particularly love them because they are quick to makeover in any colour or finish imaginable, and also can be tucked into any corner or even used as a side table or plant stand."

Or you could try upcycling an antique china cabinet or sideboard. Leigh-Ann "loves when their cold charm meets a fresh coat of chalk paint in a vibrant, unexpected hue!"

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to upcycling old furniture. If you'd like to learn more about how to master the art of DIY, check out Leigh-Ann's presentations sponsored by Rust-Oleum at the all new Edmonton Fall Home Show, happening October 23-25, 2015 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. 

Deal Alert: Get 2-for-1 tickets to the show when you connect with us on Facebook! Buy 'em early to save big and avoid box office lines.

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That's a Wrap on the Calgary Home + Design Show!

With the end of the Calgary Home + Design Show upon us, it is now time to welcome fall with open arms after four amazing days at the BMO Centre. From interior design to culinary creations and celebrity sightings, it all came together under one roof – complete with the hundreds of local retailers, designers and experts who made it all possible!

Missed out? Don’t fret. We’ve rounded up our favourite features and the most memorable moments.

Our favourite contractor, Bryan Baeumler, lit up the Trail Appliances Main Stage with his wife Sarah, and had fans fawning over his renovation (and marriage) know-how.

The Parker Barrow design duo returned to Calgary just in time for fall, sharing their insider tips and tricks to incorporate worldly touches into your home.

Things got cookin’ on the Trail Appliances Cooking Stage with the Samsung Junior Chef Challenge, hosted by chef Pierre Lamielle. Congrats to Calgary’s own Ryley Pochapsky, who walked away with $5,000 worth of Samsung appliances for his family’s kitchen - not to mention a hip pair of Samsung headphones for himself.

Guests couldn’t resist the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge: Take A Seat - all 10 entries were scooped up and given a second chance at life! Designs by local media personalities, designers and tastemakers raised $1,295 for Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, thanks to their creative takes on pre-loved items of choice. Congrats to Melissa Wagner of Interiors to Inspire for scoring the top bid of $250.

And, don’t forget to mark your calendars! Catch even more fantastic features and celebrity guests at the Calgary Home + Garden Show, happening February 25 – February 28 at the BMO Centre & Corral. Stay tuned to our website for more details, coming soon.

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Calgary Home + Design Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Zoe's Designz

We're happy to have Zoe's Designz joining us at this year's Calgary Home + Design Show. This Alberta company helps homeowners create the cabinets of their dreams without breaking the bank, or adding to their environmental footprint.

Zoe's Designz wood and veneer doors and panels are made with care, precision, and the latest technology. As such, these pieces achieve the look and feel of real wood, without the environmental or financial impact.

Before you see their custom creations in Booth 1306 at the show, get to know Zoe's Designz a little better through our brief interview below.

Describe your product.

"100% Wood Veneer Doors & Panels with a Minimum 2 Year Warranty. Zoe's Designz offers you the warmth and texture of real wood and the possibilities of premium exotic design doors and panels, without sacrificing environmental sustainability or responsibility. By using the latest engineering and manufacturing methods to create exotic designer styles, Zoe's Designz will make your dream cabinets an affordable reality. Your home will have the most unique and beautiful doors and you'll have money left to celebrate!"

What is your best renovation tip?

"Making the dream of a beautiful kitchen come true doesn't have to break the budget. Making the right choice here can be the difference between an average kitchen and an outstanding one."

Will you have any show specials?

"All doors or panels ordered at the show will include an additional 3 year Extended Warranty."

The Calgary Home + Design Show takes over the BMO Centre September 17-20, 2015. With hundreds of design, decor, and home improvement experts ready to help you with your next home project, it's the home and garden event of the season.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!

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Sponsor Spotlight: FLOFORM

We're thrilled to once again have the pleasure of working with FLOFORM. This innovative company is sponsoring the Calgary Home + Design Show, the Vancouver Home + Design Show, and the Edmonton Fall Home Show. Everything they do is designed to deliver homeowners the countertops they deserve, on time and on budget, for a kitchen that exceeds expectations.

For more than 50 years, FLOFORM's skilled craftspeople have been helping homeowners select, create, and install countertops with just the right balance of storage, style, and comfort. The FLOFORM team will work with you, starting with your vision and budget, and guide you through every step of the renovation process - so you and your family will love your kitchen for years to come.

Before folks can discover and explore FLOFORM's offerings and lounge at the shows, we connected with the FLOFORM team to talk trends, featured products, and more. Check out our brief interview below!

What are your featured products this season?

"Cambria has launched two new quartz designs from their Marble collection, Ella and Brittanicca. These two new designs are innovative and absolutely breathtaking. There will be more to come from Cambria in fall 2015 and spring 2016."

Ella 

Brittanicca

What can we look forward to from you at the Calgary Home + Design Show, the Vancouver Home + Design Show, and the Edmonton Fall Home Show?

"We will be highlighting the latest in innovation from Cambria. They've launched two new designs from their Marble Collection that have legendary style. Those who visit our booth will be among the first to see these in a full slab!"

What home design and decor trends are you anticipating for 2015?

"Although we are not design trend experts, here are some trends we have our eye on:

• Countertops - Whites are all the rage, especially on the west coast. Specialty edge profiles are also becoming quite popular.
• Fixtures - We are seeing a lot of warm metallics. Though silver, chrome, and stainless steel are still quite popular within kitchen fixtures, we are seeing a lot more warm metallics. Gold, copper, and bronze are great to use as accents to really make your kitchen pop.
• Sinks - Undermount sinks make your countertops standout and give your kitchen a clean and modern look. Undermount sinks make for easy cleaning as there are no edges on your countertop. Apron front sinks have an exposed panel in the front, which makes a great, eye-catching piece in your kitchen."

What is your favorite part of the Calgary Home + Design Show, the Vancouver Home + Design Show, and the Edmonton Fall Home Show?

"As an exhibitor, it is always nice to be face-to-face with a large volume of customers who are interested in your product. We have products that are engaging and we are always so excited to show them off! These shows always have the best features throughout the venue, such as the feature home, cooking stage, main stage, and of course the FLOFORM Lounge!"

What advice would you give homeowners who are starting a home improvement project?

"This goes without saying, but definitely do your research and talk to several different vendors at the show. Make sure you trust who you are working with and that they've clearly outline the scope of work for you."

There's a lot to think about when designing a custom kitchen. But with a little planning and help from FLOFORM, your renovation can be simpler and a lot more fun. Learn how FLOFORM takes the guesswork out of creating a custom kitchen by visiting them at the Marketplace Events Home Show nearest you. This skilled team will be in Calgary at the Calgary Home + Design Show, September 17-20, in Vancouver at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, October 22-25, and in Edmonton at the Edmonton Fall Home Show, October 23-25.

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Take a (Front Row) Seat with the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge

Reduce, reuse, upcycle! This year’s Calgary Home + Design Show welcomes back the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge: Take A Seat. This creative project promotes sustainable design while raising awareness and much-needed funds for Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta and its affiliated ReStores. Ten local tastemakers were tasked with sourcing and upcycling one furniture item from ReStore Calgary into a seat, with each piece to be exhibited and auctioned at the upcoming show, September 17-20, 2015 at the BMO Centre. 

Marie-Claire Williams turned a weather chair into a bright, cheerful bench.

Take a Seat participants include:

• Jamie Mauracher, Host/Reporter, CTV Calgary
• Jenny Howe, Host, The Homestretch, CBC Calgary
• Marie-Claire Williams, Owner, Marie-Claire Williams Design
• Joanne Dafoe, Owner, Dafoe Design
• Brooklyn Berry, Designer, Brooklyn Berry Designs
• Melissa Wagner, Designer, Interiors to Inspire
• Shonna Wells, Artist, Shonna Wells Art
• Samantha Nickerson, Blogger, Peek Thru Our Window
• Misha White, Owner, Amborella Floral Studio
• Wanda Weston, Interior Designer at WW Design Studio

Left: Joanne Dafoe transformed this unconventional bench into a rustic beauty full of character.
Right: Brooklyn Berry added whimsical texture and comfort to this basic chair frame.

Each participant chose their item(s) directly from ReStore Calgary, then completed the makeover using only a randomly assigned mystery box of Rust-Oleum Consumer Brand Canada products and a $50 design budget.

Interested in upcycling? Get first-hand inspiration both at the exhibit and at the Trail Appliances Main Stage, where Rust-Oleum spokesperson and DIY expert, Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault will appear on Saturday, September 19 at 3:30pm and Sunday, September 20 at 2pm.

The Calgary Home + Design Show takes over the BMO Centre September 17-20, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook. Click here to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

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Calgary Home + Design Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Silk Plant Warehouse

We're thrilled to have Silk Plant Warehouse joining us at this year's Calgary Home + Design Show. Make sure to visit them in Booth #580 during the show, which takes over the BMO Centre September 17-20, 2015.

Silk Plant Warehouse is a staple for Calgary design enthusiasts. With a plethora of indoor and outdoor decor items, this unique company has just what you need to spruce up your space - whatever the season. Check out our brief interview with the Silk Plant Warehouse team to get a sneak peek at what they'll be bringing to the show!

Describe your product.

"Silk Plant Warehouse offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor home decor options. We carry everything from plants to paintings. We also offer custom design service and deliveries as well."

What are your best design tips?

"Less is more! Contemporary designs, especially for outdoors, have been extremely popular. In terms of our artificial plant products, appearances can be deceiving. A little goes a long way."

Will you have any show specials?

"Feature Items this year will be our Christmas collection, that has been expanded. Our indoor decorative branches selection has also expanded, and will be coming soon. Our HUGE outdoor selection of cedars and boxwoods is very popular. Our show special would be a 10% discount off a certain product. While quantities last."

What are you design pet peeves?

"Clutter is nobody's friend. Stay away from clutter. Pick one accent colour and stick with it."

What's your favourite part of the Calgary Home + Design Show?

"Seeing all the upcoming trends and new items coming into the marketplace."

Is there anything else folks should know?

"Inspiration is easy to find at Silk Plant Warehouse. From the creative custom plant designs to the abundance of exceptional plant inventory, our store has everything you need to transform your indoor and outdoor spaces. Our unique collection of home decor accessories and modern artwork make Silk Plant Warehouse one of Calgary's hidden treasures for design enthusiasts."

It all comes together at the Calgary Home + Design Show. The home and garden event of the season is the authority on all things design, entertaining, and home improvement. Head down to the BMO Centre, Sept 17-20 to connect with celebrities, experts, and professionals who have tons of tips and advice to share with you.

Don't have tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets when you connect with us on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!

BMO CENTRE

SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2015.

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The Search is on for Samsung's Junior Chef Challenge Champion

Calling all up-and-coming teen chefs! We’re searching for Calgary and Vancouver’s most talented junior home cooks to go head-to-head in the Samsung Junior Chef Challenge at the upcoming Calgary Home + Design Show and Vancouver Home + Design Show

With Samsung’s premium home appliances, including the new Flex Duo Electric Range with Dual Door, at the ready, talented home cooks ages 12-17 are encouraged to enter the competition in hopes of coupling up a local celebrity chef. Contestants will have the possibility of being paired with Michael Dekker from SAIT, CRAFT Beer Market’s Eric Mah, Craig Scherer from Trattoria Burnaby and Blacktail Restaurant + Lounge’s Geoff Rogers.

Each competitor will be tasked with creating an entrée and dessert with three mandatory secret ingredients over the course of one hour. Based on judges’ scores, the winning competitor will be crowned the Samsung Junior Chef Champion, flush with a Samsung Home Appliance prize package valued at over $5,000.

Do you, or someone you know, have what it takes to win the Samsung Junior Chef Challenge? Head to the Calgary Home + Design Show & Vancouver Home + Design Show contest pages to enter. For more information, rules and regulations, please click here.  

Be sure to arrive early to catch all the action on the Trail Appliances Cooking Stage in Calgary on Saturday, September 19 at 11:30 a.m. and on the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage in Vancouver on Saturday, October 24 at 12:00 p.m. Visit our Facebook page to save on show tickets - right now you can get two for the price of one!

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Meet Western Canada's Next Home Stylist!

The search is over, and what a search it’s been! The public has spoken, and we are thrilled to announce Christina Dennis of The DIY Mommy as the winner of Western Canada’s Next Home Stylist.

The search for Western Canada’s Next Home Stylist alongside Urban Barn and emi>Western Living magazine began this past February, and each entrant was required to submit an audition video showcasing their creativity and personality along with their application. Christina, along with the other two finalists (Ryan Massel of Calgary, AB and Tijana Popovic of Vancouver, BC) participated in three challenges in order to win a grand prize package valued at $10,000. The public voted for their stylist of choice on Facebook from June to August, and Christina came out as the resounding favourite!

Christina is a devoted mother of three, and has been blogging from her home in Stony Plain, Alberta since 2009. Since then, she has taken the Canadian blogging and social media scene by storm: in 2014, she won the title of “Best in Family or Parenting” Yeggie at the Edmonton New Media Awards and in 2015, she was named one of the “24 Most Awesome Parents on Social Media” by Today’s Parent magazine. All about staying on ­trend and in fashion without breaking the bank, Christina founded The DIY Mommy as a platform to explore, perfect and share crafts for babies, moms and homes while offering a sneak peek at her (oh­-so­-stylish) personal life – not to mention her biggest DIY project ever – building her custom home with her husband in 2013.

Next stop? The shows! Christina will be appearing on stage at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Saturday, September 19th, the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday, October 23rd and the Edmonton Fall Home Show on Sunday, October 25th. Be sure to keep an eye out for Christina’s swoon­worthy vignettes at the shows! For more information, please visit www.nexthomestylist.com.

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Breaking News: Meet the Finalists for Western Canada’s Next Home Stylist!

This past winter, we launched our search for the next big name in design, entertaining and all things lifestyle, alongside Urban Barn and WesternLiving magazine. We combed all of British Columbia and Alberta to find the official spokesperson for this fall’s home and design shows in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver - and found you, did we ever! From Vancouver to Stony Plain, Calgary to Kamloops, Nanaimo to Medicine Hat, applicants came out in droves to stake their claim to the title of Western Canada’s Next Home Stylist, not to mention a prize package including a $1,000 Urban Barn shopping spree, media exposure across two provinces, and much more.

And now, we’re ready to announce our three finalists.

Tijana Popovic from Vancouver, British Columbia was a blogger at heart before she even knew what blogging was! A born frugalista, Tijana is the Do-It-Yourself maven behind the blog, Frugal Living Adventures.

Tijana Popovic

Ryan Massel from Calgary, Alberta is all about feeling FABULOUS. As the editor of I’m Mr Fabulous, Ryan shares stories of travel, fashion, home décor, and great eats - all in totally fabulous style, of course.

Ryan Massel

Christina Dennis from Stony Plain, Alberta started her blog, The DIY Mommy, when she was having a tough time finding free resources to make trendy baby clothing for her six-month-old daughter. Today, she features crafts for babies, moms and homes while offering a sneak peek at her personal life.

Christina Dennis

Who will capture the title of Western Canada’s Next Home Stylist? It’s up to you to help us decide. Starting today, our three finalists will compete in a series of three lifestyle-themed challenges - check out the first one here! Vote for your favourites on our FacebookPage starting Monday, June 15 and you could choose our winner and win an Urban Barn gift card.

And, don’t forget to catch our winner at the home and design shows in Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton this fall. See you there!

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