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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Get Smart At The Edmonton Home + Garden Show With The Wavefront Automation Smart Home

We are all about inspiration and innovation when it comes to home design, which is why were are so thrilled about our Wavefront Automation Smart Home feature at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show.

If you are in the early stages of your dream home design, get inspired to dive in with confidence and some great ideas. This 1,000 sq. ft. custom-built home is chalk-full of inspired decor, innovative gadgets, custom built-ins, and the latest in lighting design.

Rosalyn Lazaruk, Owner of Wicket Blue Interiors, used her expertise to give the Wavefront Automation Smart Home life and colour. She says her job was to give the space a functional layout.

"It's a small space, which can be a challenge for space planning. We wanted to get the most out of the space while still keeping it open and airy."

With a limited amount of room to work with, Rosalyn played up the Smart Home interiors by including visually interesting pieces, making sure that the smaller layout was interesting and enticing.

As for her inspiration for the home's interior, the Smart Home will be showcasing the latest in efficient home design with innovation gadgets from Wavefront Automation. We can't wait to see what they come up with!

You can tour the innovative Wavefront Automation Smart Home at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre - and be sure to check out Rosalyn's design presentation on the main stage!

You can also find the masterminds behind all things Smart Home related, from unique flooring to custom cabinetry, on the show floor at their company booths. These experts include:

Smart Home Sponsors

• Edmonton Journal
• RCL Landscapes - Booth #2045 & #2049
• Wavefront Automation
• Wicket Blue Interiors

Smart Home Suppliers

• Access Plumbing & Heating
• Acclaimed Heating & Cooling - Booth #1427
• Avenue Appliance - Booth #580
• Coldwell Banker - Booth #1643
• Delton Cabinets
• F2 Furnishings
• FLOFORM - Booth #1762
• ForeverLawn - Booth #2032
• Garage Co. Builders - Booth #1421
• Greenland Garden Centre
• HERR Windows & Doors - Booth #2224
• Liquid Granite Coatings - Booth #120
• Patio Solutions - Booth #2229 & #2539
• Shed Solutions
• Solaris - Booth #2233
• The Tile Shoppe
• Trademark Flooring - Booth #1151
• World of Spas - Booth #867

With home and garden celebrities, local professionals, and hundreds of experts all ready to help you with your next home improvement project, the Edmonton Home + Garden Show is the event of the season. Don't wait to buy tickets - right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook.

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Carson Arthur's Outdoor Landscaping Basics

Outdoor landscaping projects can seem pretty daunting; after all, your yard essentially gives visitors the first impression of what kinds of design elements to expect when they walk through your front door. Thankfully there are outdoor design and lifestyle experts like HGTV's Carson Arthur, host of Critical Listing and Green Force, who are here to help guide your next project in the right direction.

Where To Start

Like every renovation project, Carson says that sticking to a budget is the absolute key to a successful landscaping project.

"Always start with useable space," he says. "Budget for that deck or the patio because this is where you will spend the majority of your time in the backyard. Having a beautiful lawn to look at is one thing, but having somewhere for the family to sit is by far the priority...and the biggest investment."

Carson really stresses the value of useable space, explaining that it is important to plan your renovation around a timeline because it can impact your budget depending on your future plans.

"Really consider how long you want to be in the home. Items like a new deck have a shorter lifespan than a patio. Maybe opting for a more expensive patio is a wiser decision than paying to replace a worn out deck."

Tips & Tricks

Often there are yard spaces that just aren't as big as we would like them to be. To maximize a smaller space, Carson has two words: go vertical!

"Adding a great pergola over a small backyard gives instant impact. Pergolas help re-enforce the concept of outdoor room by defining the space and creating overhead privacy."

Think before you act and have a plan. Carson attributes homeowners' most common mistakes to rushing a renovation without thinking of key elements. He says that there is danger in buying a bunch of garden accessories without actually having a long-term vision.

"Before anyone starts any backyard gardening, I always advise on having a real design done so that you never have to move, dig up, or cut down any of your new investments."

To avoid these potential disasters, consider bringing in an expert. Carson says that hiring a respectable designer can actually save you a lot of money by providing guidance and project knowledge.

"Too many outdoor DIY projects go horribly wrong, costing the homeowner time and money. I'm all for saving on the budget, but when installing outdoors, there is a whole new set of variables that most home builders have never worked with before."

For more helpful outdoor design hacks, check out Carson's presentation on the Main Stage at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. 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!

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Paul Lafrance's Do's & Dont's Of Deck Design

Spring is so close we can almost smell the fresh-cut grass, the backyard barbecues, and the fabulous flowers! And with the snow slowly melting away, it's time to start thinking about that deck renovation you've been stewing over all winter long.

Getting started on a backyard redesign can seem a little daunting at first. That's why Paul Lafrance host of HGTV's Decked Out and Deck Wars, has shared a few Do's and Don'ts of deck design to help you prepare for your project.

Paul says that, when starting a backyard renovation, the first item on a homeowner's To Do list is to bring in a professional to help point your design in the right direction.

"Get a design done. Having a customized design from a reputable firm will not only ensure you have a space that represents you, but with a good design, you can gain more of a wow factor for less money."

Another definite Do is to watch your budget! Paul says that aside from hiring an expert, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your design without breaking the bank. You may even be able to re-vamp your existing deck!

"Often the structure of the deck may still be intact, and by adding upgraded deck boards you can improve the overall look on a smaller budget. Think quality of square footage over quantity - it's better to have a smaller, more inviting and functional space than a huge, sprawling space that has no creativity or defined use."

Patio buffs rejoice! Once you've settled on a layout, Paul says to do your homework when it comes to outdoor furnishings. Say goodbye to cheap-looking chairs.

"The outdoor living space world has changed. No longer do we have to tolerate plastic furniture and rusty charcoal barbecues. There are revolutionary products on the market today that are not only cost-effective, but when incorporated into a design, can make your outdoor space just as inviting as the interior of your home."

To bring together a great deck design, Paul tells homeowners to pick a unique focal point that will compliment their personal themes. He says that each of his clients have specific tastes that he will bring out in their decks' focal points.

"Everyone's focal point will be different; be it a decorative screens, water feature, fire feature, gazebo, pergola, vibrant garden, etc. The most important this is for that focal point to be just as dynamic from inside the house as it is outside the house."

Something to consider, which Paul says is often where homeowners go wrong when them=y attempt a DIY deck renovation, is that the view of the backyard is important from every angle.

"The most common mistake is that [homeowners] do not take the view of their backyard from inside the house into account. It is so important to align focal points of your design with the most dominant views of the outdoor spaces to draw you outside."

Now that you know where to start and what to avoid, it's your turn to put Paul's tips and tricks to use and make the magic happen in your own backyard!

For more expert advice, visit Paul at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. He's taking the stage on Saturday, March 21 at 1pm and 6pm. 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!

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Edmonton Home + Garden Show Exhibitor Spotlight: City of Wetaskiwin

Thinking about moving, or know someone who is? The City of Wetaskiwin will have representatives at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22, at the Edmonton Expo Centre, to talk about their unique community.

Before you chat with these individuals at the show, get to know a little more about the city and what they'll be bringing to the show. Our interview below has a great sneak peek.

Name: Ron Holland

Booth Number: 2723

Describe your product:
"The City of Wetaskiwin is showcasing a community where the housing costs as 30% lower than in the major cities."

What are your best home or garden tips?
"When looking for a home, do your research into the diversity of recreational facilities which are available (including program costs) and also the level of classroom overcrowding, particularly at the elementary school level."

Will you have any show specials?
"The City of Wetaskiwin will have information on our major home buildings: Laebon Homes, Zetsen Master Builders, and Berron Builders."

What's your favorite part about the Edmonton Home + Garden Show?
"Our favorite part of the show is the opportunity to meet an interesting diversity of people."

Any additional information you think we should know?
"In addition to moderate housing costs, our community provides outstanding recreation facilities for our residents. In 2014 we opened the Manluk Regional Aquatic Centre, featuring the BoardRider surfing attraction, one of only three in western Canada."

Don't miss the City of Wetaskiwin booth at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Edmonton Expo Center March 19-22, 2015. With hundreds of experts and professionals ready to help you with your next home improvement project, you don't want to miss this show. Haven't bought your tickets yet? Get 'em early to enjoy big savings and avoid box office lines. Right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook.

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When You Should & Shouldn't DIY - Tips From Jamie Banfield

Every homeowner likes to think that they are the DIY master of the renovation world, but sometimes – whether they want to admit it or not – homeowners are not as good with power tools as they think they are. It is important to know when to step back and ask for help, which is why Edmonton Renovation Show presenter Jamie Banfield of Jamie Banfield Design has given us the do’s and don’ts of bringing in an expert. Hint: spending a little extra on a designer might actually save your budget!

For The DIY Master

If you have a full vision for your renovation, if you understand products and know where you need to go, Jamie suggests bringing in a designer because they can get you discounts that you would likely never snag as a consumer.

"Designers typically will take 7-10% of what typical renovation budgets should be, but those designers can fight for discounts, know when to buy thing/when there are sales going on, and know what areas to put cash into."

Jamie also says that good designers will have contacts for trades, whether it's a dry-waller or cabinet installer. Even if you're a self-proclaimed handyperson, hiring a designer could potentially nab you some great deals on products and installation.

For The Not-So-Renovation-Savvy

If you're a renovation newbie, Jamie highly recommends bringing in a designer because they'll know what steps to take and what steps not to take in terms of how to make the most of your new space.

"Professionals can help homeowners make better choices. Designers understand the details going together. They'll know that the countertops are going to be installed on Tuesday, and the plumber is coming on Wednesday. Whereas a lot of consumers won't have that plan of attack."

Designers think of the right planning and logistical aspects of a renovation project, which is definitely something that many consumers don't really consider. If you're just getting started in the renovation world, professional help is key to saving time and money.

Overall, Jamie says the most efficient way to save your renovation budget is to put the most attention on installation. Let's say you're redoing your kitchen and you've decided the best way to save money is to install the cabinets by yourself. This could actually lead to costly mistakes and sloppy handywork.

"If you cheap out on the install you could spend $20,000 on cabinets, save $2,000 by doing the installation yourself, and the whole thing will look terrible. Or you could buy a $5,000 kitchen and spend $1,500 on the installation, and just by having it installed correctly, it'll look like a million bucks."

Calling in experts can save you money, and Jamie has a million tricks up his sleeve to help you create an elegant space on a tight budget. Check out his presentations at the Edmonton Renovation Show, January 23 - 25, to find all the tips you'll need to get started on your project!

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015.
EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE 

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Get The Garage Of Your Dreams At The Edmonton Renovation Show

When you picture your dream garage, what comes to mind: heated floors, efficient storage, or the ultimate man cave? Whether your garage is in desperate need of an upgrade or you’ve earned bragging rights for having the best garage on the block, we want to give you a chance to win a $12,500 garage makeover presented by CISN Country and provided by Garage Co. and Liquid Granite Coatings! Click here to enter.

Find inspiration for your newly updated garage at the Edmonton Renovation Show, January 23 - 25 at the Edmonton Expo Center. Check out three awe-inspiring garage designs at the Extreme Garages feature to see the best in garage ideas, storage, tools, and accessories.

If you’re thinking of revamping your garage on your own, we’ve got tips to help you make the most of your space without breaking the bank. Post-Christmas renovations can be hard on the wallet, so consider organization as a key component! Just moving some things around and adding strategically placed shelves can make a big difference without costing a lot of money.

• Utilize wall space for storage using shelves, hooks, and racks to hang tools. Hang anything and everything to create as much floor space as possible.
• Don't forget about ceiling space! Creating a sliding storage system is easy and cheap - just grab a few plastic bins, build a simple sliding track, and you're good to go.
• Installing cabinets is another cheap way to create maximum storage space. You can buy pre-built ones and install them yourself, or even build your own!
• Sort what you have to organize by similarity. Labelling bins and keeping similar items in one place is super efficient and effective in keep your space clean!
• Here's a clever tip: use magnets! Attach a magnetic strip to a piece of wood and hang all of your smaller tools with ease.
• Downsize unnecessary items! Store leftover paint in mason jars that will take up less space than giant paint cans.

These are just a few organization tips to help you kick-start your garage renovation. Visit the Edmonton Renovation Show for even more tips and tricks from our renovation experts. The show takes over the Edmonton Expo Center January 23-25, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals. Bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015.
EDMONTON EXPO CENTER 

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Have A HART: Pamper Your Pooch For A Great Cause

We all want to design cozy, comfortable living spaces for ourselves, but what about our furry companions? It's time to treat your pup to the luxury doghouse they deserve. This year's Barkitecture media challenge pairs some of Edmonton's most familiar faces with professional contractors; they'll work together to design a doghouse fit for royalty.

The best part about this feature is that each dream doghouse will be auctioned off at the show, with proceeds benefitting the Humane Animal Rescue Team. HART is a non-profit organization that is devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating stray, abandoned, and unwanted dogs, and finding permanent, loving homes for them.

Established in 2003, HART provides programs that promote responsible pet ownership and prevent cruelty to animals. The organization also supports spay and neuter initiatives that reduce the number of unwanted litters.

By bidding on one of the fabulous doghouses that will be on display at the show, you will be giving HART volunteers the resources they need to provide foster care, socialization, and basic training that rescued dogs need to get them ready for adoption.

HART's mission is to transform lonely, scared or sick dogs into happy and healthy companions. We want our fabulous Barkitecture feature to raise awareness for this amazing cause, because all dogs deserve a loving home, and a luxury doghouse is just a great bonus!

Don't miss the Barkitecture media challenge at the Edmonton Renovation Show, January 23-25 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Don't have tickets for the show yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

JANUARY 23-25, 2015
EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE

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Diana Lee's Tips: 5 Ways To Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster!

Is one of your New Year's resolutions to be more financially independent in 2015? Leading Mortgage Specialist, Diana Lee, has some great tricks to help you get your mortgage on track and make the most of your financial situation.

1. Accelerate Your Payments
Change the payment frequency to weekly or bi-weekly accelerated. Rather than monthly (12 payments per year), you can change it to bi-weekly accelerated making 26 payments per year. One full month's payment will be applied directly to the principal portion. By changing this frequency (monthly to bi-weekly), you could bring your 25 year amortized mortgage down to 22 years.

2. Make Lump Sum Payments
Take advantage of the payment privileges offered by your lender. Every lender offers different privileges so be sure to ask. It doesn't have to be the full 15% or 20% allowed each year, but something as small as $2,000 lump sum payment each year would be applied right to the principal and save you interest.
For example: Take a $200,000 mortgage amortized for 25 years at 2.99%. With a lump sum of just $2,000 per year you would save approximately $19,359.

3. Increase Your Payment
It doesn't have to be increased to the maximum allowed, but take an increase of $100 per month. Based on a $200,000 mortgage amortized for 25 years at 2.99% you could save $12,291.

4. Find Pre-Payment Money
How about your tax refund or bonuses from work? If your income increases, consider increasing your mortgage payment. Pretend your income didn't increase and maintain your usual lifestyle.

5. Stay Informed
The Mortgage Minds are experts providing the advice, education, and resources that homeowners need. Let them help you build a plan to take advantage of your lender's pre-payment privileges! Take advantage of their low rates today and make your money work for you.

Get more great advice from Diana Lee at the Edmonton Renovation Show, January 23 - 25, 2015 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Diana's seminar, Reno & Roll, presented by The Mortgage Minds and Invis, will show you how to use the power of your mortgage to help make the home of your dreams a reality! Don't miss out - get your tickets today. Right now you can get two tickets for the price of one when you check us out on Facebook. Learn more about this exclusive promotion here.

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Southgate Centre's Home Decor Showdown: The Final Four

After receiving over 40 fabulous entries on Instagram, our friends at Southgate Centre have selected four talented finalists in their Home Décor Showdown! Using home accessories from Crate & Barrel, each competitor was tasked with designing a unique space based on a specific theme.  These budding designers have worked day-in and day-out to showcase their fantastic work.

The Finalists and Their Themes

Christina Dennis (Garden of Delight)

A busy mother of three, Christina is a DIY design expert who is always looking to get crafty when it comes to her home. Her blog, thediymommy.com, highlights some of her most-loved projects. For her vignette, Christina designed a relaxing sunroom using different green hues and adding a splash of chalkboard paint for a DIY feel.

Jodi Heidinger (Room to Bloom)

With only a few years of design experience under her belt, Jodi has developed a true passion for interior decorating. In fact, she recently started her own business, Evolve Interiors. Jodi’s vignette is a vibrant living room with a floral fabric chair as its focal point. With a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and splashes of colour to compliment the room’s neutral tones, Jodi’s space would be great for entertaining guests or settling down with a new book.

Nancy Korpany (Global Village)

Nancy is a world-traveller with a passion for incorporating nature into design. She has invested six years into her design career and uses her adventures around the globe to find inspiration for almost every project she takes on. Nancy’s vignette is a colourful, Aztec-inspired office nook that truly captures wild essence of nature. Her mix of patterns and colours create a vibrant, worldly atmosphere.

Maureen Wright (Wild Orchid)

Maureen is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to design. With over 20 years of experience, she has mastered every aspect of interior decorating. Nancy now co-owns a successful design studio, MoJo Design Inc., which is located in the Glenora neighbourhood. Tasked with designing a space around Radiant Orchid, the Pantone colour of the year, Maureen has brought life to an ordinary office space. Painting the walls with such a loud colour makes a statement without taking attention away from the room’s fabulous accessories.

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You can catch these beautiful vignettes in Centre Court at Southgate Centre from March 8 – 18. Afterwards, come check them out at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show from March 20 – 23 and see which talented designer takes home the grand prize of $2000 in gift cards, feature articles in Creeklife and Avenue Magazine, and an opportunity to design one of Creekwood’s showrooms.


MARCH 20 - 23
EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE

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