Showing posts with label BRITISH COLUMBIA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BRITISH COLUMBIA. Show all posts

Oct 19, 2015

Selling a home in a saturated market can be a daunting prospect, especially if the space’s style is stuck in the dark ages. Samantha Pynn, designer and host of HGTV’s Open House Overhaul and headliner at the 2015 Vancouver Home + Design Show (happening October 22-25 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West), has seen it all, from pea green bathrooms to dated upholstery and beyond.


Catch her inside tips on readying your house for a quick and satisfying sale on the Vancouver Home + Design Show Main Stage on Saturday, October 24 at 3PM. In the meantime, here’s a preview of her best advice on how to move that house.


Make space. Before you start to add the pretty stuff, edit and pack away all the clutter. Rooms that are jammed with extra furniture read as small.

Fresh paint. Paint away dark or personal colour combos like red and green, or  mustard yellow and purple. A fresh coat of soft white or pale grey will make your space feel cleaner and brighter and allow potential buyers to envision their own furniture in your house.

Repair and replace. Cabinet doors hanging off their hinges, rusty faucets, and cracked toilet seats bring down the value of your home. It's amazing what how much a fresh stain finish on the cabinets and new hardware or fixtures can make a room feel brand new.

See Samantha Pynn and more top home and design experts at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, October 22-25 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you visit us on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show! We can't wait to see you there.


Oct 15, 2015

We're excited to have The Red Canvas Art Gallery joining us at this year's Vancouver Home + Design Show. The small gallery, originally The Fort Langley Studio, brings original art to the homes and offices of Vancouverites at very reasonable prices.


At The Red Canvas Art Gallery you get the real deal. 100% original Canadian art. They offer oil and acrylic paintings, mixed media, sculptures, and more! Original pieces have more value and retain that value over time, so invest in some art at the Vancouver Home + Design Show! The Red Canvas Art Gallery will have pieces in Art E and Art F.

But before you see them at the show, get to know the team behind The Red Canvas Art Gallery a little better in our brief interview below!

Please describe your product.

"Original art and photography."

What are your best tips for homeowners?

"Use neutral-toned LED lights to highlight your artwork. Spend a little more on your bulbs to really show off your collection."

Will you have any show specials?

"Photography by Jim Brompton, abstract art by Donna Clark, chigiri-e paper art by Marc Baur, oil paintings by Graham McKenzie."


What's your biggest art-related pet peeve?

"Brass frames."

What's the strangest client request you've ever received?

"Can you paint me nude?"

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

"Meeting the guests."

The Vancouver Home + Design Show takes over the Vancouver Convention Center West, October 22-25, 2015. With hundreds of home improvement professionals, interior designers, decor experts, DIY gurus, and more, it's a must-attend event for homeowners!


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


Oct 7, 2015

We're excited to have Saniflo Canada joining us at this year's Vancouver Home + Design Show. For over 50 years the goal of this innovative company has been to allow anyone to easily install bathroom fixtures, laundry rooms, and kitchens anywhere, without any major work. As the French inventor of the famous macerating systems, today Saniflo Canada is among the top companies worldwide in bathroom fixtures.
If you've been dreaming of adding an extra bathroom in your home, make sure to visit Saniflo Canada in Booth 607. Discover the revolutionary products they offer to help you build that additional bathroom - even in the tightest and most oddly shaped rooms!

But before you see them at the show, get to know Saniflo Canada a bit better and get a sneak peek at what they'll be bringing to the Vancouver Convention Centre West in our brief interview below.

Please describe your product.

"Pump up toilet system allowing anyone to install a bathroom anywhere without breaking the floor."

What are your best tips for homeowners?

"Add that extra bathroom you've been dreaming about."

Will you have any show specials?

"Mail in rebate just for stopping by the Booth 607."

The Vancouver Home + Design Show takes over the Vancouver Convention Centre West October 22-25, 2015. With hundreds of the top home and design experts ready to help you with your next home improvement project this is a must-attend event for homeowners.


Don't have tickets yet? Visit us on Facebook to get 2 for the price of 1. Save money and skip the box office lines when you buy today!



Looking for fresh decor to take your space to the next level? Try incorporating a bold statement piece into the room you’re revamping. Unique items can really enhance your design. Focal points can add an unexpected cohesiveness to a space, and they make for great conversation starters!


You don’t have to travel the world in order to find statement pieces for your home. Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, the Queen of DIY and one of our favourite home improvement experts, explains that most retailers now offer more unique pieces to suit the growing eclectic appreciation trend.

Begin your search for an original accent piece by scouting out local home decor and furniture outlets. See if anything catches your eye and be open to bright colours you might otherwise avoid – you really want this item to POP!


If you can’t find anything you really love, (and you want to make sure you really love this piece; never settle when it comes to choosing decor), try hitting up thrift stores, flea markets, and even garage or yard sales. You’re more likely to discover an original item in these venues, although what you find may not always be in the best condition. Don’t let a little wear and tear scare you off - some paint and a bit of elbow grease can usually solve most problems!


For more design, decor, and DIY advice make sure to catch Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, October 22-25, 2015 at its new location, the Vancouver Convention Centre - West. Leigh-Ann will be gracing the Main Stage on Saturday, October 24th at 6pm and Sunday, October 25th at 12pm.




Oct 5, 2015

Staying ahead of the design trend curve is no easy task, with countless looks dipping in and out of the popularity pool and a seemingly overwhelming array of options. Luckily we have Vancouver Home + Design Show headliner Cheryl Torrenueva from W Network’s Game of Homes to set our style straight this season. Herewith, Cheryl’s top tips for staying on-trend in 2016.



Handmade Futuristic 

Celebrate one-of-a-kind prints and streamlined shapes combined with the latest in high tech finishes. These mix-and-match cushions in a variety of patterns from geometric to handcrafted embroidery are just the thing to put your space on the cutting edge of design.


Classic Luxury

Introduce classic patterns (think romantic pieces inspired by the renaissance and art deco periods) into contemporary design for an updated, modern mix. Assorted home accessories displayed in cubbyholes or along a mantelpiece add instant interest to your home.


Exotic & Ethnic

Focus on well-traveled elements like filigree metal lanterns, natural inspired hues and ethnic prints to add a dash of character and drama to a space, a la this fresh and fun patio setup.


Hungry for more? Catch Cheryl Torrenueva live on the Vancouver Home + Design Show Main Stage at the Vancouver Convention Centre West on Saturday, October 24 at 12-noon & 5PM, and Sunday, October 25 at 2PM. Don’t miss out, get 2-for-1 tickets when you connect with Home + Garden Events on Facebook. Buy tickets now to save big and avoid box office lines!


Sep 28, 2015

The Vancouver Home +Design Show has a love for all things local. Happening October 22-25 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, this year’s show will be chock full of the best the city has to offer in home, design and entertainment. With everything from experienced local vendors and coveted products, to expert presenters and ample home improvement inspiration, this is a show you won’t want to miss.


Check out this year’s top five features that are guaranteed to draw a crowd.

Main Stage

Prepare yourself for a crash course in creating the ultimate pad, straight from the experts on the Main Stage. Get the goods from must-see presenters including Vancouver’s very own top talent, such as W Network’s Jillian Harris & Todd Talbot, style and entertainment expert Susie Wall, and interior designers Jamie Banfield and Sarah Gallop. By the end of it all, you’re certain to have everything you need to live and entertain in equal style – design know-how included. Presented by The Vancouver Sun. Furnished by Urban Barn.

Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage

Aspiring home cooks, arrive with your recipe cards at the ready! Vancouver’s top chefs, butchers and sommeliers, including Juno Kim from Juno Kim Catering, independent wine consultant Kurtis Kolt, Zuzana Harsaghy from Black + Blue, Coast Restaurant’s James Olberg, Sheldon Maloff from Provence Marinaside and more will take to the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage to excite palates and educate foodies with in-depth demos featuring expert techniques, tried-and-true kitchen cheats and can’t-miss culinary trends. Presented by Vancouver Magazine. Appliances provided by Samsung.

Ultimate Upcycle Challenge: Take A Seat

Do-gooders, take note! We’ve tapped 14 of Vancouver’s top tastemakers, including CTV’s Norma Reid, Global BC’s Leigh Kjekstad, Shaw TV’s Peter Verge and Bianca Solterbeck, bloggers Carlie Chatten, Christie Lohr and Nicolle Hodges, and designer Jamie Banfield, to turn drab into fab for a cause. Armed with a black box of Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada products and a small design budget, each participant will upcycle a pre-loved piece from ReStore into a swoon-worthy seat that’s fit for a second chance at love. Bid on your favourite seat at our silent auction (100% of proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Society of Greater Vancouver) and rest easy knowing you’ve made a difference by going green and giving back. It’s design, with a conscience. Presented by Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Society of Greater Vancouver.

BC Hydro Dream Home

An energy efficient home can also be a stylish one! Local designer Jamie Banfield of Jamie Banfield Design will create the ultimate dream house combining contemporary design and energy conservation. Show goers will learn easy ways to lower your energy bills while creating an eye-pleasing living space. It’s official: energy efficiency can fit into any space. Presented by BC Hydro Power Smart. Designed by Jamie Banfield Design.

Ottoman Empire

Ottomans from top local retailers including Mint Interiors, 18Karat, Peridot and more will do double duty thanks to on-trend trays that take them from footrest to coffee table in one fell swoop – saving precious square footage in the process. Featuring styles ranging from mid-century modern to rustic-contemporary and everything in between, this homage to high design and functionality will appeal to homeowners and renters of all tastes. Presented by The Vancouver Sun.

Visit www.vancouverhomeshow.com to see more exciting features and presenters. We’ll see you at the show, happening October 22-25, 2015 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West! Don't have tickets yet? Connect with us on Facebook and get two for the price of one!


Sep 23, 2015

We're excited to have Novell Design Build joining us at this year's Vancouver Home + Design Show. This innovative home builder and designer believes in a client-focused approach. They promise to provide services of unparalleled quality, and to listen to their clients' requests, expectations, and wants for their homes.



Novell Design Build is constantly striving to improve the way their clients interact with their spaces, whether it's through contemporary features or discerning design. By bringing a fresh and fun perspective to the industry they've developed an integrated system of continuous improvement that changes the way they build and live.

To learn more about what Novell Design Build has to offer you and your family visit them in Booth 832. But before you see them at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, check out our brief interview with this skilled team below.

Please describe your product.

"We design and build homes."

What are your best tips for homeowners?

"Consider rainwater collection now to keep you immune from water restrictions next summer. Conserve our precious resources, and deliver an environmentally sound source of water to irrigate, wash the car, and flush your toilets! Solutions range from rain barrels to cisterns for your home! Check out our website to see a recent Burnaby home with a cistern."

What is your biggest home design pet peeve?

"Our pet peeve is when a home feels like it's working against you. A home should be thoughtfully designed, a natural extension of your family, and feel good."


What's the strangest client request you've ever received?

"We designed and built a carport that was engineered specifically to accommodate the weight of fruit trees growing into and through the structure. The roof overhangs were 3D modeled according to their yard's solar path. The idea being that together with its green roof and water collection system in the rear, the entire structure becomes a living unit, intended to enhance their backyard and maximize fruit yield."

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

"We love the buildup and excitement of things to come! It's great to see all the people we talk to on the phone every day, and of course make new connections. A glass of wine at the end of it with a job well done."

Is there anything else you think folks should know about your company?

"One of our key differentiators is that we find out what's important to you, what experiences you are looking to have in your new home, and design to suit your focused needs - starting with listening. Truly design build, we integrate our services, working proactively through to the end. We are licensed builders with HPO, Renomark Renovators, and proud GVHBA and BBB members."

The Vancouver Home + Design Show takes over the Vancouver Convention Centre West October 22-25, 2015. With hundreds of home and garden experts ready to help you with your next project this is one must-attend event.


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

Sep 9, 2015

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.


Sep 3, 2015

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!






Jun 4, 2015

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!



Mar 11, 2015

The BC Home + Garden Show took BC Place by storm on February 17-21, 2015. Thousands of guests were able to enjoy presentations from home and garden celebrities, see demonstrations by local professionals, and chat with hundreds of experts ready to help them with their next home project.

With so much happening during the event's four day run, we know it's possible that not everyone saw everything. If you weren't able to catch the Nightingale Electric team at the show, enjoy our electric interview with them below and learn how they help homeowners get what they want.

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

"LED lights!! LED is really the way to go and the price is coming down to make it a really affordable option."

How did you help folks at the BC Home + Garden Show?

"Our booth featured an 'Ask an Electrician' table, so any homeowners who've already started a project or just wanted advice from a Certified Electrician, could come connect with us."

The Nightingale Electric team won the "Going the Extra Mile" award and the "Smile of the Day" award at the BC Home + Garden Show

What inspires your products?

"Wants and needs! We strive to provide people with what they want, but not ever losing what is needed in terms of electricity."

What is your favourite part of the BC Home + Garden Show?

"Definitely getting the opportunity to speak with so many people."

What advice would you give homeowners?

"Electricity can be very dangerous. If you are at all unsure, please call a Licensed Electrician!"

Nightingale Electric believes in doing the right job, the first time. These Licensed Electricians are here to help homeowners make informed decisions when it comes to their electrical needs. Not only that - they were an absolute pleasure to work with on the BC Home + Garden Show.


Mar 2, 2015

What a week! From February 18-22, 2015 the BC Home + Garden Show ruled the roost at BC Place Stadium. From expert tips courtesy of Main Stage presenters Bryan Baeumler, Todd Talbot, Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock, to live demos from culinary masters on the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage and garden guidance at the Vancouver Sun Gardener's School, plus a slew of exciting exhibits, there was endless inspiration all show long.

Scroll on for a quick look at our favourite moments from the show!

Bryan Baeumler, star of HGTV's Leave It To Bryan, took the stage by storm to share his insider know-how with the crowd.

Fans flocked to the Main Stage to meet Todd Talbot, co-host of W Network's Love It Or List It Vancouver and learn the ins and outs of real estate (both on and off TV).

Home Tweet Home had show-goers flocking to bid on birdy abodes, knowing 100% of the proceeds raised went to families in need. In total, we raised $1,925 for Ronald McDonald House British Columbia.

People lined up at the Linwood Cardinal Cabin presented by BC Hydro Power Smart to get expert advice on how to live an energy efficient life, as well as to gain some style inspiration.

Vancouver's culinary elite, like Edible Canada's Tyler Dallner, took over the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage to share valuable tricks of the trade with hungry foodies.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a fantastic week. We hope to see you all at the 2015 Vancouver Home + Design Show, happening October 22-25 at the Vancouver Convention Center. 


Feb 12, 2015

The countdown is on! With only five days until the kick off of the BC Home + Garden Show, happening February 18-22 at BC Place Stadium, we couldn't help but announce a new favourite feature of ours: Home Tweet Home. This year's design challenge for a cause, Home Tweet home, will showcase 20 birdhouses inspired by drawings of dream homes as imagined by young beneficiaries of Ronald McDonald House British Columbia and brought to life by local tastemakers.

This multi-coloured birdy mansion designed by Bria Lear is sure to cause a bidding war.

With each aviary up for silent auction all show long, you could walk away with your favourite birdy abode and rest easy knowing 100% of the funds go directly to benefit Ronald McDonald House British Columbia.

Thinking of placing a bid? Find birdhouses designed by:
Don't miss out on what's sure to be a birdhouse bidding war. Buy your show tickets early to avoid box office lines and get the best deals - right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook.


Feb 11, 2015

Get ready to roll out the red carpet! The BC Home + Garden Show, happening February 18-22 at BC Place Stadium, is shaping up to be a star-studded event. Featuring Canada's most talented designers and home improvement specialists, the Main Stage presented by The Vancouver Sun, is certain to be your favourite spot at the show. Prepare to be star struck!

Without further ado, take a peek at this year's celebrity line up, and find the full Main Stage presented by The Vancouver Sun schedule here.

Bryan Baeumler


Canada's favorite handyman is on his way to Vancouver. Bryan Baeumler, contracting king of HGTV's Leave It To Bryan, is back on the Main Stage to offer his no-nonsense brand of home building know-how and teach you how to renovate your priority list. Bring a notepad, you won't want to miss a word this hunky handyman has to say. Dying to meet the man in person? Visit Bryan during the 30-minute autograph signings following each of his presentations.

Where: Main Stage presented by The Vancouver Sun
When: Saturday, February 21 at 2pm and Sunday, February 22 at 12pm

Todd Talbot


Todd Talbot, co-star of W Network's Love It Or List It Vancouver, can be caught on the Main Stage dishing the behind-the-scenes aspects of real estate, both on and off TV. Whether you're a first time buyer or a seasoned expert, there will be something new to learn when this respected Realtor takes the stage.

Where: Main Stage presented by The Vancouver Sun
When: Saturday, February 21 at 7pm and Sunday, February 22 at 1pm

Janette Ewen & Jef Hancock


Design duo and co-founders of creative studio Parker Barrow, Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock are set to get design-lovers' hearts aflutter on the Main Stage. Offering up five-minute quick fixes and overall updates for your home, these design dynamos will leave audiences pumped for home improvement projects big and small.

Where: Main Stage presented by The Vancouver Sun
When: Friday, February 20 at 3pm, Saturday, February 21 at 3pm and Sunday, February 22 at 3pm

Ready to meet these celebs plus local experts? Buy your tickets to the BC Home + Garden Show early to get the best deals and avoid box office lines. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook.