Showing posts with label ASK THE EXPERT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ASK THE EXPERT. Show all posts

Mar 26, 2015

Whether you're bringing a room into this decade, or simply spicing things up, home renovations are exciting, but can be daunting if you don't start with a clear plan and focus.

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind before starting your next home reno:

Find out if you need a permit. Depending on the project, you may need a building permit before beginning work. When dealt with ahead of time, this is rarely an issue. However, it can drain time and funds mid-project if overlooked. Based on the municipality, projects requiring a permit can include: structural alterations (for example, taking down walls to open up a space, adding windows where there were none before, etc.), outdoor decks, garages, sheds, and upgrades to the plumbing system, among others. Always check before you start your project!


Focus on one room/area at a time. Trying to accomplish too much at once can overwhelm you and become discouraging. Consider starting with one of the smaller, more straightforward projects first. This will give you a sense of accomplishment upon completion and help you gain momentum for your next projects.

Do your research before hiring a contractor. If you're looking to tackle a big job, hiring a contractor may be a wise decision. To pick the best team for the job, be sure to interview a few contractors before making your decision. After the interviews, don't forget to check their references. Asking questions like: Did they arrive to the job site on time everyday? Were they professional? did they arrive to all scheduled meetings? How did they handle problems? This will give you a good sense of the type of individuals with whom you'll be working.


Consider sourcing your own materials. Sourcing your own materials can cut down immensely on the overall cost of a reno project. Rupurpose materials you already have, or consider reclaimed pieces.

The Ottawa General Contractors will be at the Ottawa Home & Garden Show, ready to answer all of your questions about your next home project. For a one-on-one consultation with the team, be sure to stop by the Ask the Expert Zone on Saturday, March 28th from 1-4pm. Consultations are first-come, first-served, so don't be late! Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and get ready to start on your next home improvement project!


Mar 23, 2015

The most interesting and dynamic living room design and decor makes a statement and creates a discussion among friends and visitors. Consider incorporating some of the trends below to spark the discussion you want without having to do a full remodel.

Layered textures. Combining materials like metal, leather, wood, silk, and glass creates unexpected interest in a room.

Image via Pop Sugar

Play with patterns. Bold, large-scale patterns are on trend for 2015. Consider these for something like your window furnishings or throw pillows. By trying on these bold patterns through accents, it's easy to replace them in the next season if your love for them begins to dwindle over time.

Image via Pop Sugar

Mod is back. The mod influences of the 1960s are back. Embrace the trend by incorporating pops of colours, geometric patterns, chrome, and glass.

Image via Classy Clutter

Try going neon. Neon is a huge trend for 2015. To dip your toes in, without jumping head first, try hints of neon on a background of pastel. This can be a fun way to inject some more colour and excitement into your decor for spring and summer.

Image via Her Campus

For staples, think classic. For those staple pieces that will stay in your home for a long time, go for a more classic design. While it's fun to be creative, too much decorative creativity can result in constant updating to keep up with the trends. Consider spicing things up with smaller, creative accents that you can switch up as new trends develop.

For one-on-one design tips, Lee-Ann LaCroix will be at the Ottawa Home & Garden Show's Ask the Expert Zone on Saturday, March 28th from 4-7pm. It's first-come, first-served, so make sure you're first in line - and don't forget your colour swatches! The show takes over the EY Centre March 26-29, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show!





Mar 5, 2015

The Ottawa Home & Garden Show will be back March 26-29, 2015 for another exciting display of the latest trends, tips, and tools for all your home and garden needs! The Home & Garden Show has an unmatched reputation in Ottawa as the largest event of its kind in the region, bringing in close to 30,000 attendees each year - and this year's show is going to be better than ever!

There's a lot going on this year, but we managed to nail down the five reasons you need to be at this year's Ottawa Home & Garden Show. Check 'em out below and start planning for the show!

1. "Ask The Expert" Zone is a new feature at this year's show, and gives you the chance to chat one-on-one with leading experts in landscaping, horticulture, design, decor, renovations, and home services. Make sure to check the schedule beforehand so you don't miss your expert of choice! First-come, first-served.


2. Better Gnomes and Gardens Fundraiser gives you the chance to have a statement garden gnome this spring decorated by a celebrity of the city's elite. All proceeds from the silent auction will be going to the Ottawa Senators Foundation and the Community Gardening Network of Ottawa.


3. Landscape Ontario Dream Garden will be dispersed throughout the show space, with a spotlight on the tulip, as this year is the 70th anniversary of the Gift of the Tulip to Canada from the Netherlands, the gift that eventually led to the creation of the Tulip Festival.


4. Bonneville Homes is pleased to debut its EXALT dream home at this year's show. With its exquisite craftsmanship, sleek lines, modern architecture, and inviting open concept design, EXALT epitomizes the convenience and style of modern urban living.


5. Permacon is Canada's leader in concrete products when it comes to landscaping and masonry. The team will be at the show presenting their latest products and creations, and answering any questions you may have about your next landscape design project.


The Ottawa Home & Garden Show takes over the EY Centre March 26-29, 2015. With national celebrities, local experts, and hundreds of exhibitors ready to help you with your next home improvement project, it's the home and garden event of the season. Don't have tickets yet? Buy them ahead of time to avoid box office lines and get the best deals - right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook.


Feb 12, 2015

When one of Birmingham's favorite consumer shows returns to the BJCC February 12-15, it will fill the facility with ideas, tips, and the hottest products for your home and garden. Other than celebrity guests the Fabulous Beekman Boys and John and Whitney Spinks (from HGTV's Flipping The Block), what are the top five must-see features at the Birmingham Home + Garden Show?

1. Dream Gardens - More than 2,400 square feet of gardens will be built right inside the BJCC and located on the upper level of the convention center, where they'll be enhanced by the natural light that beams through the East Hall. Local landscaping experts from Southern Botanical, Trimm Landscapes, Backyard Paradise, and Williams Landscape Services are creating gorgeous designs just in time for guests to come up with their spring garden gameplan.

2. *NEW* The Master Gardener Is In - An all-new feature is Ask The Master Gardener, a garden feature where guests can interface one-on-one with a trained gardener right on site. Guests should come armed with all their gardening and landscaping questions and challenges on topics ranging from soil, container gardening, edible gardening, trees, flowers, shrubs, and more. Even better - snap some pictures to share with the experts to help them better pinpoint issues and problem solve.

3. Snack Time - Back by popular demand, West Market will be at the show providing food samples to all show visitors. This fun feature is located on the upper level of the show, adjacent to the Dream Gardens.

4. Craft Beer Tasting - Guests can start the weekend off right with a Craft Beer Tasting, presented by Birmingham Magazine and AlaBev. Check out a variety of beers from local small and independent brewers on Friday, February 13 from 5-7pm.

5. Show Only Specials - More than 300 companies are represented at the Birmingham Home + Garden Show, and many of them offer exclusive, show only deals. Guests planning on home improvement decor and landscape projects can shop, compare, and save on offers available only to show guests. 

This is just a taste of what you'll find at the Birmingham Home + Garden Show! You'll have to see it all at the show! Remember, buy your tickets early to get the best deals and avoid box office lines. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 12 - 15, 2015.
BIRMINGHAM-JEFFERSON CONVENTION COMPLEX


How can you get the most out of your experience at the 2015 Des Moines Home + Garden Show? We'll tell you!
  1. Bring in your photos, samples, or even your plans to share with the experts. Instead of trying to explain your project or challenge, bring it in! That's the benefit of having the chance to speak face-to-face with hundreds of experts. 
  2. Check out the list of exhibitors before you attend. We encourage you to check out all of the exhibitors, but make a list of exhibitors that will be most helpful for your specific home or garden questions. 
  3. Visit the exhibitors' websites. Check out the exhibitors and their products/services before you attend so you can get some background information before visiting their booth and feel comfortable asking the right questions.
  4. Create a list of questions that you'd like to ask the experts. Once you get to the show, you might forget some of your questions. Start making a list of questions that come to mind before you get to the Iowa Events Center.
  5. Make a list of your upcoming projects or things you'd like to do. Whether you're starting on a project in a month or a year, this is your chance to meet with a variety of experts all in one convenient location!
Whether you are just starting your home or garden project or looking for ideas, we want to make sure you get the most out of the show! The Des Moines Home + Garden Show takes over the Iowa Events Center February 12 - 15, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 12 - 15, 2015.
IOWA EVENTS CENTER 


Feb 7, 2013



 

Looking to create the perfect green space or just stuck in a gardening rut? Get all the guidance you need from gardening extraordinaire Steve Whysall at the upcoming BC Home + Garden Show, happening February 20-24 at BC Place.

The respected Vancouver Sun columnist, blogger for In the Garden and best-selling author will be on hand to share his wisdom on all things growing and green at the always-popular Vancouver Sun Gardeners School.




From learning the basics of seed planting to perfecting your own distinct gardening style, Steve will tell all through these presentations: