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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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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Ultimate Upcycle Challenge 2: ChairLIFT

The Calgary Home + Design Show is back at the BMO Centre, starting tomorrow. From then until Sunday, you'll find limitless inspiration for redesign and renovation - even culinary creations. With so many fantastic features it's hard to pick a favourite, but the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge 2: ChairLIFT is definitely up there!

So what is it? We've gathered a group of ten local media personalities, designers, and tastemakers to upcycle a pre-loved chair, rescued from ReStore Calgary, with only Rust-Oleum products and a $50 design budget (plus a little elbow grease), for silent auction. With 100% of the proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, you can bid on your favourites for the chance to walk away with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and rest easy knowing you helped support a worthy cause.

The best part? We're giving you, our loyal blog readers, an advance sneak-peek at the finished products! Eye up the goods now, nab your favourites, then get down to the show to place your bid. Don't forget to check in on its status - we have a feeling these beauties won't go without a fight.

Here's a glimpse of a few of the fine chairs you'll find:

Wanda Weston of WW Design Studio created this loveable love seat.

Ricky Zayshley of Avenue Calgary went for gold with this gorgeous chair.

Patti Pon of Calgary Arts Development was inspired to craft this pretty in pink creation.

Swing by the ChairLIFT exhibit tomorrow through Sunday to see the rest of the designs from:

• Amy Jo Espetveidt of Calgary is Awesome 
• Heather Draper of The Heather Company
• Jaelyn Molyneux of Avenue Calgary
• LeAnne Bunnell of Elle Design
• Lindsay Saunders of Cinder & Sage
• Nyla Free of Nyla Free Designs

Don't miss out - buy your tickets to the Calgary Home + Design Show online now and save $3 courtesy of HomeStars. We can't wait to see you there!

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First-Time Homeowner Guide

The Calgary Home + Design Show is just one week away! Happening September 18-21 at the BMO Centre, the show is the place to be for first time homebuyers looking to snag their dream dwelling. Anyone who has made the leap into homeownership knows it can be a tricky road to navigate, so we've enlisted trusted Realtor, KaraLee Foat, to give you the inside scoop on the do's and don'ts of purchasing a new pad.

KaraLee is a Broker and Branch Owner with Century 21 Summit Realty, and has more than nine years of experience finding Calgarians the perfect home. KaraLee's fast facts are a must-read for any new or potential homeowner!

What are 5 little known facts that every first-time buyer should know?

1. Though it might not be your dream home, a starter house is where countless beautiful memories are made. Cherish it!
2. It won't be your final or forever home, so don't feel discouraged if it doesn't check all the boxes.
3. It will teach you valuable lessons about what homeownership really means. It's not as easy as you might think.
4. Do your research and enlist a great team to help you not only find the perfect home, but maintain it.
5. Your first home can become a source of future income as a rental property. Make note of things like location, structural integrity, and valuable design details when searching for the right fit.

What are 5 tips every new homeowner should know to avoid pitfalls, save money, and get the most out of their property?

1. Hire a team of professionals (Realtor, Home Inspector, Mortgage Broker, Lawyer) to help you discern where best to spend your money before you purchase or renovate a new home.
2. Don't overspend and become "House-Poor". Make a realistic budget before you buy and stick to it!
3. Put a small amount of savings away each month for future upgrades, regular maintenance, or those surprise repairs that can severely impact your bank account if you're not prepared.
4. Don't put off repairs - they often rise in cost if not dealt with straight away. Better yet, do a bi-annual inspection of your property to identify areas needing attention.
5. Have a file system to save and locate all the important documents, like purchase and repair records, tax and insurance forms, and more - you need them to sell the home, and purchasing additional copies can be expensive.

Any other words of wisdom?

Buying your first home is exciting, but it's also full of emotions and anticipations. Educate yourself on the entire process and set your expectations accordingly. A starter home is the stepping stone towards your dream dwelling, so always weigh your wants against your needs to ensure the best possible equity increase when you move into your next house. Most people own 3-4 places before they purchase their "dream home". Don't feel rushed to find yours right away!

Whether you're a first-time homeowner or on the hunt for your forever home, there's something in store for everyone at the Calgary Home + Design Show. Don't forget to buy your tickets online early to save $3 courtesy of HomeStars.

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Teri's Top Trends For Fall

The Calgary Home + Design Show is taking over the BMO Centre from September 18-21, 2014! Visiting the show is the best way to find the latest trends and decor secrets for your home, but we just couldn't wait another couple of weeks. Enter show manager Teri Salazar - we caught up with her for a sneak peek at her top trend predictions for fall. Here's what she had to say!

Is this what they meant by 50 shades of grey?

1. Bright in Brass
When overdone, bright brass elements can go from trendy to tacky. Don't let that scare you off. This fall, you'll see plenty of this bold metal finish popping up in homes - think pendant lamps, sinks, and even tiling.

2. Floral Fabrications
Move over spring, fall wants its turn with floral prints! Floral fabrics are reemerging in the interior realm, bringing back this beloved retro style. What was once saved for springtime is now seen as a year-round staple in the design world.

3. Shades of Grey
Black and white has been a staple in interior design for decades, and now we're seeing them evolve. To take the edge off the intense contrast of black and white, designers are mixing in shades of grey. The result? Softer, more modern interiors.

4. Trendy Turquoise
Who can resist this rich tone? What was once saved for bathrooms and kids' bedrooms has now emerged as the hot hue to watch. You'll spot turquoise on home accents, throw pillows and charming chairs all season long. Try mixing and matching with rich gold hues for an ultra-chic palette.

5. Fresh Fabrics
Goodbye cotton, and hello velvet. People are parting with simple fabrics like cotton and linen, and moving towards richer alternatives like velvet, corduroy and suede. Texture is king for fall!

Do these top trends have you excited for the Calgary Home + Design Show? Grab more inspiration at the BMO Centre from September 18-21. Remember, you save when you buy your tickets online!

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CHEF KNOWS BEST AT THE CALGARY HOME + DESIGN SHOW

This fall at the Calgary Home + Design Show, we’re proving that chef really does know best. From September 18-21, 2014 at BMO Centre, catch your favourite foodies as they dish out delicious dining ideas on the Trail Appliances Cooking Stage. From sweet to savoury (and always insanely scrumptious), these chefs have something in store for everyone.

Before you meet them on stage, say hello to our talented line up.

Chef Corbin Tomaszeski

Celebrity Chef

Chef Corbin earned his claim to fame in the Food Network’s Crash My Kitchen and has since made a flock of faithful fans. This fall, catch him doing double-duty hosting and judging the Samsung Cooking Challenge: Tag Team Kitchen. He’ll select the winners (along with a panel of esteemed local culinarians) and the top home cook will walk away with $5,000 worth of Samsung Chef Collection appliances for their own kitchen.

When: Saturday, September 20 at 1PM (Samsung Cooking Challenge: Tag Team Kitchen) and Sunday, September 21 at 12PM (cooking demonstration)

Chef Tomo Mitsuno

Executive Chef, Goro + Gun

Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, Chef Tomo Mitsuno attributes his love of cooking to his grandfather, who always encouraged him to try new food. Before seeing him on stage, you can meet this busy chef at one of his many restaurants in Calgary, including: Blowfish Sushi, Wild Orchid, Ubu Lounge and his latest venture, Goro + Gun. 

When: Saturday, September 20 at 5PM and Sunday, September 21 at 1PM 

Ashley Rogers

Lead Gelatiere, Fiasco Gelato

If it’s something sweet you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. A Vancouver expat, Ashley Rogers traded her love of flaky pastries for frozen desserts as Fiasco Gelato’s Lead Gelatiere. We can’t wait to see what she has in store – we know it will be delicious.

When: Friday, September 19 at 3PM

Sharon McCormick

Owner, Poppy Innovations

Goodbye bran! Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. The desire to create healthy and tasty dishes led Sharon McCormick to open Poppy Innovations, offering “gate to plate” programs and workshops that teach about growing, harvesting and cooking. Share in Sharon’s enthusiasm for fresh cooking and learn a thing or two about cooking with ingredients that are as delicious as they are wholesome.

When: Friday, September 19 at 1PM and 4PM

Carolyne McIntyre Jackson & Jodi Willoughby

Owners, Crave Cupcakes

Have a sweet tooth? Then you can’t miss this sister act. Carolyn McIntyre Jackson and Jodi Willoughby teamed up to create Crave Cupcakes in 2004 to bring their love of good old-fashioned fresh baking to Calgary. With a decade of sweet treats under their belts, we promise you’ll leave inspired to create your own oh-so-good solutions.

When: Friday, September 19 at 2PM

Catch these culinary innovators and more this September at the Calgary Home + Design Show.
Remember, it pays to buy your tickets online! 

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Life Hack Starts Today!

Do you have a clever solution for banishing disorderly drawers and difficult DIYs? Share your favourite life hacks with us and you might see them showcased at the Calgary Home + Design Show or the Vancouver Home + Design Show – plus, our favourite entries will score a pair of tickets to the show of their choice.

Here’s what you have to do!

From August 6 – 14, share a photo of your favourite life hack with us on Twitter or Instagram (or both!) with these details:

Vancouver:

Use #VHDSLifeHack and tag @VanHomeShows on Twitter or Instagram

Calgary:

Use #CHDSLifeHack and tag @HomeShowsAB on Twitter or Instagram

There’s no limit on entries, so feel free to share as many helpful hacks as you like. It’s that simple! So, what are you waiting for? Get out and start snapping those photos, and maybe even snap up a few tickets while you’re at it. 

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Summer Sneak Peek at the Calgary Home + Design Show

With the sun blazing down and backyard barbeques filling up your social calendar, it’s easy to forget that fall is only a couple of months away. Though we love the ice cream, lazy Sundays at the lake and dining al fresco that summer brings, we can’t wait for fall to arrive – and with it, the Calgary Home + Design Show. What’s in store this year, you’re wondering? Short answer: lots. 

Here’s a sneak peek at our top five things to see at the Calgary Home + Design Show, happening September 18-21 at the BMO Centre.

1. Trail Appliances Cooking Stage

Stop by to meet Calgary’s best-known chefs and foodies at the Trail Appliances Cooking Stage. You’ll catch Tomo Mitsumo, owner and chef of Goro + Gun, and other top chefs from Poppy Innovations, Crave Cookies & Cupcakes, Fiasco Gelato and Downtownfood. Plus, don’t miss the Samsung Cooking Challenge: Tag Team Kitchen, featuring three home cooks partnered with three top chefs in a battle for culinary supremacy, hosted by Chef Corbin Tomaszeski. We have no doubt you’ll find inspiration for your own culinary creations!

2. ChairLIFT

If you’re going to sit, you may as well do so in style. Local media personalities, designers and tastemakers will each upcycle a pre-loved chair with Rust-Oleum products and a $50 budget (plus a little elbow grease) for silent auction, with 100% of proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta and its affiliated ReStore Calgary. Bid on your favourites for a chance to walk away with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and the pride of knowing you helped support a worthy cause.

3. Life Hack 

If disorderly junk drawers and difficult DIYs are bringing you down, this is the place for you! Learn how to live a clutter-free life with inspiration from the students of the Bow Valley Interior Decorating program and get the down low on clever tricks, tactics and shortcuts to keep your life organized on the cheap. Like to get social? Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for the chance to share your life hack – it might be featured at the show!

4. Food Truck Alley & Eatery presented by CJAY92

You asked, we delivered. YYC Food Trucks presented by CJAY92 are back by popular demand, with delicious offerings from Calgary’s favourite driving diners. Fiasco Gelato, Subs n’ Bubbles, Bento Burrito, Waffles & Chix and more, will be on site to satiate your appetite. You’ll find this mouthwatering fare just outside the south entrance to the BMO Centre.

5. Ask a Designer

Up your style quotient, free of charge! Bring in those colour swatches, fabric samples and floor plans - now is your time to ask a designer. Alberta’s top interior designers, like Wanda Weston of WW Designs, Paige Johnston of Lux Design, Suzy Leslie of Alterior Design Inc and Nyla Free of Nyla Free Design, will be on-site to offer up no fuss, no muss design know-how in 10 minutes or less – just the right amount of time to make magic happen in your home.

Are you as excited as we are for these fine features? We have so much more in store for you this fall, be sure to buy your tickets to the Calgary Home + Design Show online early for the best deals!

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STAMPEDE PARTY ROUND UP

Last Wednesday, July 9, we hosted our annual Stampede BBQ, sponsored by FBC, to kick off the Calgary Home + Design Show, happening September 18-21 at the BMO Centre. Big announcements were made, delicious food was devoured and many a Cowboy Caesar was sipped!

The Marketplace Events team works hard, so they deserve to play hard too!

More than 150 guests were the first to find out about this year’s new features and what celebrities to expect this fall. Topping the line-up? Contracting king, Bryan Baeumler, appearing on the Trail Appliances Main Stage furnished by IKEA.

The one and only, Bryan Baeumler!

Not only did we have a gorgeous (and hot!) day, we also had the highest attendance in the history of our Stampede BBQ. Guests came decked out in cool cowboy and wicked western attire and enjoyed a day of Stampede shenanigans. Gaucho Brazilian BBQ kept guests well fed with mouthwatering meat, while Crave Cupcakes took care of cowpokes with a sweet tooth. Guests were happy to wash down the delicious grub with brews from Village Brewery, while enjoying gorgeous flower arrangements prepared by Lil’ Pink Daisy.

Guests ate well with food from Gaucho Brazilian BBQ and Crave Cupcakes!

Who can resist a Caesar in the morning? One of the biggest hits of the day was the Cowboy Caesar Garnish Bar, which had people lining up to get their hands on Canada’s favourite cocktail - perfect to loosen up for a chance in front of the camera and behind the Western-themed “Wanted” posters.

A steep reward for two Stampede BBQ guests!

Media in attendance included Ricky Zayshley of Avenue Magazine, Danaye of 98.5 Virgin Radio, Merry Kuchle of Merry with Children, Ryan Massel of I’m Mr. Fabulous, Tiffany Burns of Blue Besos, Carlos Cuevas of Kool 101.5 and Pepper Rodriguez of Source Media Group, among others. It was fabulous to catch up with everyone!

Who can resist an Oreo eating contest?!

We had an amazing time at the Stampede BBQ and can’t wait to see everyone again September 18-21, 2014 at the Calgary Home + Design Show. Remember, the early bird gets the worm – buy your tickets online now for the best deal! 

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The Calgary Home + Garden Show blew the roof off the BMO Centre & Corral

All good things must come to an end!

The 2014 Calgary Home + Garden Show took the BMO Centre & Corral by storm this past weekend, hosting thousands of visitors seeking real advice, real inspiration and real experts on all things home improvement. 

The Stage Farm® Main Stage was brimming with world-class talent dispensing the best tips in the biz. Fan favourites including HGTV stars Bryan Baeumler and Tommy  Smythe talked construction, decor and life in the home improvement limelight, while  local personalities Alykhan Velji and Heather Draper walked guests through the dos  and don’ts of design. 

The first-ever Better Gnomes & Gardens exhibit was a resounding (and adorable) success. Calgary’s most notable personalities joined forces in the name of charity, each turning a plain white garden gnome into a whimsical treasure. The bearded fellows were put up for auction at the show, raising more than $2,000 to benefit Grow Calgary, Canada’s largest urban agricultural farm dedicated to providing fresh produce to all Calgarians by way of the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank. Vincent Van Gnome, SHAW TV host Erin Strate’s colourful creation, took home the top bid of $325. 

Nu Automations stole the show with the Nu Smart Home, a next-generation dwelling complete with automatic thermostat, window coverings and entertainment system. Calgarians taking respite from the low temperatures warmed while learning how to control all parts of their home with just the tap of a touch-screen – thermostat included. 

A huge thanks to everyone who braved the cold to attend the 2014 Calgary Home +  Garden Show! 

See you in the fall for the 2014 Calgary Home + Design Show, happening September 18-21, 2014 at the BMO Centre. 

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Retro Rewind in the Living Room

Recently featured at our Calgary Home + Design Show, this retro rewind "Newlywed" living room showcases function and style in a very creative way.  Designed by Cassie Reid, Emily Hoff, and Samantha McKay, this space incorporates the classic IKEA white sofa with an added fabric face lift.  

In addition to this easy makeover, the use of black and white in this space balances the stunning bold blue perfectly.  What ties it all together? For us it's the combination of the gold accents and the awesome area rug! 

What do you think about this space?  

Leave us a comment below, we'd love to know!

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The Calgary Home + Design Show... That's a wrap friends!

Sadly, the Calgary Home + Design Show has come to an end, but the popular lifestyle exhibit didn’t go out without a bang! More than 32,000 people were in attendance this weekend to shop the show, enjoy the entertainment and delicious and check out the exciting design features on display at the BMO Centre.

Visitors came in droves to fawn over design celebrities Jonathan and Drew Scott from W Network’s Property Brothers and Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot from W Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver. The suited up and plaid clad brothers, Jonathan and Drew Scott, dispensed expert advice in their witty way, while Jillian and Todd had the crowd in stitches with their quick quips and ready banter.

Fans young and old lined up to snap a photo and have their Calgary Home + Design Show souvenirs autographed by the two design duos.

The Ultimate Upcycle Challenge: Unhinged was a tremendous success, raising a total of $1,333 to benefit Habitatfor Humanity Southern Alberta and ReStore Calgary. Six locales let their creative flags fly to reuse, recycle and repurpose a single old door for under $100. Some favourite upcycled doors included Mike Lam’s contemporary coffee table and Kait Kucy and Mackenzie Clarke’s multi-purpose home organizer. Visitors were invited to bid on their favourite piece in a silent auction.

The Samsung Passion for Fresh Cooking Challenge spiced up the Trail Appliances Cooking Stage by pitting three teams against one another for the chance to win $7,000 worth of Samsung home appliances. Three local home chefs were paired with former Food Network Top Chef Canada contestants, Chris Shaften, Geoff Rogers or Xavier Lacaze to battle it out under the watchful eye of host and celebrity chef Corbin Tomaszeki, host of Food Network’s Dinner Party Wars. Just to keep things interesting, Samsung threw a mystery ingredient into the mix, requiring each team to incorporate potatoes into their dishes. With the help of mentor Chef Geoff Rogers, local foodie Ryan Rust was named the victor thanks to his daring approach and skillful technique.

 

YYC’s biggest food fight took place on the Trail Appliances Main Stage on Sunday when some of the city’s favourite restaurants went stove top-to-stove top for the Food Truck Throwdown. Audience members cheered, jeered and tasted the goods, ultimately handing the winning title to crowd favourite Fries & Chix.

Other fun features included IKEA’s White Room Design Competition, Casabubble and the Western Living Lounge.

  

Thanks everyone for coming, see you in the spring at our 

Calgary Home and Garden Show! 

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