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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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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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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Until Next Time At The Calgary Home + Garden Show

The 34th annual Calgary Home + Garden Show took the city by storm this past weekend, and what a show it was! with over 650 exhibitors and features, incredible Home + Garden Stage presenters including HGTV's Carson Arthur and design duo Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock, inspiration and expert advice was nothing short of abundant.

For those of you that weren't able to make it, we've rounded up our favourite moments from the show! Be sure to make your calendars for the Calgary Home + Design Show, coming to the BMO Centre at Stampede Park from September 17-20, 2015.

Carson Arthur from HGTV Canada's Critical Listing took to the Home + Garden Stage to share his know-how on adding value to outdoor spaces.

The crowd loved design duo and co-owners of Parker barrow, Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock, as much as their advice on quick fixes and updates for the home.

With DIY projects on everyone's to-do list (Pinterest, anyone?), many a show-goer got crafty with Blue Grass Nursery, building terrariums and mini gardens at Contain Yourself.

Home Tweet Home was the talk of the town, helping worthy families by auctioning off artfully-designed birdhouses by 20 of Calgary's media personalities and designers. In total, $2,535 was raised for Ronald McDonald House® Southern Alberta.

The revolve home was undoubtedly the biggest showstopper - literally. Shoppers stopped in their tracks to check out the mod eclectic beach design, created by the experts at revolve furnishings.

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us for a great show! Until next time, happy gardening! 

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Look Who's Taking The Stage At The BC Home + Garden Show

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.

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Can't-Miss Features At The BC Home + Garden Show

February has arrived, which means the BC Home + Garden Show is just around the corner! Happening at BC Place Stadium from February 18 - 22, 2015, the BC Home + Garden Show is the place to find expert advice, envy-inducing gardens, and designer insight. Not sure what to expect this year? Scroll through our list of top five features and celebrity appearances for a glimpse inside the show.

Main Stage
In need of expert advice? Head straight to the Main Stage presented by The Vancouver Sun for an all-star lineup of Canada's most talented designers, Realtors, and home improvement specialists. Celebrity presenters include HGTV's Bryan Baeumler, W Network's Todd Talbot, and design duo Janette Ewan & Jef Hancock, as well as local favourites Jamie Banfield, Karin Bohne, and Christine Friend, will deliver doses of expert advice, insight, and innovative solutions to soothe all of your home design distress. Star struck? You will be! Find the Main Stage schedule here.

Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage
Foodies, this one's for you! Stake out a spot at the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage to get the goods from local culinary masters including chefs, fishmongers, and the finest sommeliers. Have a notepad ready and drink in their expert insight via a unique seminar model designed to connect you with top tips, insider insights, and skilled demonstrations. Find the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage schedule here, and get ready to learn a thing or two (or ten!).

Ask A Designer
Are you desperate for design guidance? Get your home style sorted in 10 minutes or less with a complimentary consultation from local professionals, including Friendly Decorator's Christine Friend, while gleaning inspiration from expertly styles home decor vignettes. Come prepared with paint swatches, floor samples, and an open mind to get the best advice for your time investment. Best house on the block, here you come!

One Million Acts
Animal lovers rejoice! Stop by the BC SPCA booth and start the year on a compassionate note by signing up to carry out a good deed during the One Million Acts of Kindness Movement, and enter to win an animal lover's gift basket valued at $300. Talk about great karma! On the hunt for a furry friend? Meet adoptable animals right on the show floor, then catch top pet parent tips from lifestyle expert Kristina Matisic of Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bags on Saturday, February 21 from 1-4pm.

MANSCAPES
Let's hear it for the boys! Get your manly needs met in style thanks to local designer Dexter Dolores and landscaping experts from Gemstone Masonry & Landscape Supply. Find inspiration for your car park with a trip to the trendsetting Urban Garage, and then get the goods for your outdoor space at The Ultimate Backyard by Gemstone, all while sipping on suds courtesy of Just Here For The Beer.

Herewith, our trio of top guy-friendly features:

1. The Urban Garage: Tasked with reimagining the ultimate garage area for today's style-savvy urbanite, local designer Dexter Dolores, created an on-trend space with all the environmentally friendly essentials and a serious dose of organizational prowess. Consider yourselves hooked.
2. The Ultimate Backyard by Gemstone: Kick back and relax in a stylish patio setup designed by Gemstone Masonry & Landscape Supply, featuring luxury deck furniture and the hottest fire features of 2015. Men, the best way to wind down from shopping the home show is to get loose in the lap of luxury.
3. Just Here For The Beer Tasting Bar: Cheers! Join the crew from Just Here For The Beer to sample suds from a top selection of the newest and best local microbreweries while enjoying the show.

Want to catch all of these fine features and oh-so-much more? Buy your tickets early to receive the best deals and avoid box office lines. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. What are you waiting for? Buy your tickets now and save!

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Inside The Calgary Home + Garden Show Preview Party

What a beautiful night to remember! On January 28th, Calgary's top media, designers, and bloggers took over The Farmer's House to celebrate the 34th annual Calgary Home + Garden Show preview party. With insider access to the show's upcoming features, farm-to-table nibbles, and interactive gardening DIYs, guests enjoyed an evening of wining and dining with snippets of what to expect when the show comes to town.

This year's Main Stage celebrity presenters include HGTV's Carson Arthur, design duo Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock, local interior designer Heather Draper and floral guru Joanna Tzavaras.

Guests swarmed the Blue Grass Nursery DIY table to try their hand at creating full-sized terrariums - plants, rocks, moss, and all. Participants left the event with their expertly crafted plants in hand. Design one of your own with the experts at Blue Grassy Nursery, who will demonstrate how to build your own indoor gardens or terrariums from start to finish. Register for a workshop taking place in the Corral on our website.

Interiors to Inspire left the crowd wanting more with their adorable distressed garden statues - perfect additions to sparse Calgarian gardens. Our team took their hand at creating new garden friends to add a touch of colour to their home.

Guests sipped and snacked on mouth-watering drinks and high-tea inspired canapes, courtesy of The Farmer's House, Steam Whistle Brewery, and Whitehaven Wines.

To bring colour to our soiree, Main Stage presenter Joanna Tzavaras of Lil' Pink Daisy Florals, created beautiful floral arrangements and a one-of-a-kind vintage floral frame.

Special thanks to everyone who made it out to celebrate with us - you made the night unforgettable. We can't wait to see you at the Calgary Home + Garden Show, taking place February 26 - March 1 at the BMO Centre & Corral. Remember to buy your tickets early to get the best deal - right now you can get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

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Inside The BC Home + Garden Show Preview Party

What a night! On January 21, Vancouver's creative set took over VanDusen Botanical Garden to celebrate the 42nd annual BC Home + Garden Show preview party. With insider access to the show's upcoming features, exciting announcements, and interactive gardening DIYs, it truly was a night to remember. Couldn't make it? Don't fret! We're sharing our favourite moments from the memorable evening here.

The crowd's interest was piqued by the announcement of Main Stage celebrity presenters, including HGTV's Bryan Baeumler, W Network's Todd Talbot, and design duo Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock. The top tier Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage lineup also had its time to shine, with Chef Ned Bell (YEW) and Chef Trevor Bird (Fable) earning rousing applause.

Guests flocked to By Nature Design's DIY table to try their hand at creating living art. Crafty participants left as certified green thumbs. See them for yourself on Thursday, February 19 at 6pm on the Main Stage.

The Flower Factory wowed the crowd with a detailed DIY of botanical boutonnieres. Everyone left looking sharp.

Guests sipped and snacked on mouth-watering drinks and canapes courtesy of Calabash Bistro, Fentimans, Church & State Wines, and Steamworks Brewery.

To cap off the night, our team squeezed together for a floral-enhanced photo.

A special thanks to everyone who made it out to celebrate with us, you made the night truly memorable. We can't wait to see you at the BC Home + Garden Show, happening February 18 - 22 at BC Place Stadium. Remember to buy your tickets early to get the best deals - right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook Ticket Deal.

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That's a Wrap! The 2014 BC Home + Garden Show enjoyed a successful week at BC Place Stadium

The 2014 BC Home + Garden Show hit BC Place Stadium this past week, showcasing real advice, real inspiration and real experts that drew huge crowds hungry for home improvement guidance.

   

The HGTV Main Stage abounded with top talent and insiders advice from both celebs and local experts. Much to the delight of fans, Bryan Baeumler made a triumphant return, this time (for the first time!) with his lovely and talented wife, Sarah Baeumler. Mike Holmes Jr. & Sherry Holmes also made their Vancouver home show debut, charming new viewers and dedicated followers of HGTV'S Holmes Makes It Right alike with tales of their famous father and life on-set. Jef Hancock, bad-boy artist of Parker Barrow, made his much-anticipated home show debut alongside design darling and business partner, Janette Ewen. Local talent including A Good Chick To Know’s Jennifer Scott and Friendly Decorator’s Christine Friend repped Vancouver’s design industry in fine form.

The first-ever Chopping Block challenge, presented by Urban Fare and 102.7 The Peak, was a huge success on Saturday, February 22. With four talented home chefs going head to head under the expert eyes of host Ned Bell, executive chef for the Four Seasons Vancouver, and judges Vikram Vij, co-owner and head chef for Vij’s and Rangoli, Ryan McDonald, executive chef for Urban Fare, and Clinton Herman, host at 102.7 The Peak, the challenge proved a culinary battle royale for the history books.

While all competitors sweated it out in true chef-like fashion, one by one they faced elimination until only one foodie was left standing: Debbie Calicetto from Abbotsford, a dedicated cook for a homeless youth shelter.

Another first at the 2014 BC Home + Garden Show was the Better Gnomes & Gardens exhibit. 16 of Vancouver’s movers and shakers transformed plain white garden gnomes into whimsical treasures auctioned off to benefit Sole Food Street Farms, a grassroots non-profit created to empower, employ and nourish underprivileged individuals in Vancouver. Funds raised totaled more than $1,500, with Christine Friend’s “East Side Elton” taking the top bid of $160 (pictured below).

Thanks to everyone who came out to the 2014 BC Home + Garden Show and helped make this exhibition of all things home improvement a huge success. See you in the fall for the 2014 Vancouver Home + Design Show, happening October 16-19, 2014 at BC Place Stadium!

 

OCTOBER 16-19, 2014

BC PLACE

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Seeing Double: Duos Dominate the Main Stage at the BC Home + Garden Show

Living proof that two is better than one, renovation and design duos will reign supreme at this year’s BC Home + Garden Show. Catch them all on the HGTV Main Stage, featuring expert twosomes like HGTV’s Bryan & Sarah Baeumler, Mike Holmes Jr. & Sherry Holmes and Parker Barrow co-owners Janette Ewen & Jef Hancock. In the end, it is our ties that bind us. For our lineup of expert dynamic duos, it also means contracts, deadlines, and a whole lot of dedication. Witness firsthand the barter and banter, stabs and jabs sure to ensue between our top twosomes as they take the stage with presentations that are both practically informative and highly entertaining.

We sat down with each of our favourite duos to discuss their current musings in home improvement and design– read below for a glimpse of what’s to come in each of their exciting presentations!

Bryan & Sarah Baeumler

 

With a booming television production company, custom home-building business and two charitable organizations, power couple Bryan & Sarah Baeumler are no strangers to the spotlight or the chaotic frenzy of the design world. Witness the candid couple in action during their All’s Fair in Love and Construction presentation on the HGTV Main Stage on Saturday, February 22 at 6PM and Sunday, February 23 at 12PM.

What trends do you anticipate we’ll see in the home for 2014? And what trends are on the way out?

Sarah: Let’s hope we can do away with heavy, pooling drapery and head back to the days of appreciating the view. Everything doesn’t have to be a mirror image or balanced equally in a room. Have fun with scale and break out of the mould!

Brian: I’m anticipating more open concept, more built-in cabinetry to replace old-school closets, and lots of LED lighting! Personally, I'm hoping the throw pillow gets thrown out - but don't tell Sarah I said that.

Radiant Orchid is slated to be the hue for 2014. Yay or nay?

Sarah: A definite ‘yay’ for me! A splash of pink anywhere in the home makes me happy.

Bryan: What?! Luckily paint is one of the easiest things to change!

Mike Holmes Jr. & Sherry Holmes

 

Siblings Mike Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes may have been born with home building in their blood, but the work they have done to become masters of the industry has been entirely their own. Join Mike and Sherry on the HGTV MainStage for three insightful presentations on Growing Up Holmes on Friday, February 21 at 7PM and Saturday, February 22 at 1PM and 4PM.

What is your signature design style? Are there any tools you’re currently jonesing for that would help you achieve your signature look with your next home project?

Mike: For the home and around the house I like the rustic look, with some detail and modern accents. I would love to have my own professional laser level. We have one on set but I really need to get one for myself. You can use it to find any level you need on the job site.

Sherry: My style is eclectic. I like my home to be colourful, bold and exciting! If we’re talking construction, I think I have all the tools I need – a whole truck full, to be exact! My favourites are my mitre saw and stiletto hammer.

Finish this sentence: If I didn’t work in the design industry, I would…

Mike: If I didn’t work in the design industry I would be a firefighter - no question.

Sherry: If I didn’t work in the design industry I would definitely be working with animals in some way, either as a marine biologist or a veterinarian. Failing that, I’d probably be a hippie traveling the world and doing odd jobs!

Janette Ewen & Jef Hancock

 

Co-owners and business partners of Parker Barrow, Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock know better than anyone the true definition of the word ‘team’, and they have a successfully renowned design consultation company to prove it. Janette and Jef will provide useful tips on how to Design Your Life from A-Z with three exciting presentations on the HGTV Main Stage on Thursday, February 20 at 7PM, Friday, February 21 at 5PM, and Saturday, February 22 at 5PM.

Cutting-edge customer alert! What design tips would you recommend to a client looking to get ahead of the design curve?

Janette: Think for yourself! Don’t follow trends - follow your passion and heart. What makes you tick? Think of what colours, textures, materials make you swoon and create your own style based on that. That way, you’ll always be ahead.

Jef: Forget the curve. Focus on your personal creative vision. Go wild. If something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing all the way. Don’t be fearful of breaking through ‘safe’ barriers. Trends are about what everybody else is doing. If you want to stand out, go your own way and your spaces will make you happy. Use color and composition as a guide, as you can’t throw out design sense, but open your mind to unorthodox possibilities.

We love shopping local! What are a few of your go-to spots for retail therapy for the home?

Janette: I LOVE The Cross! Urban Barn is also a great go-to for quirky accessories and mainstay must haves. I also find gems in goodwill, someone else’s trash, and my parent’s basement.

Jef: It’s a three-way tie between Urban Ore in Oakland, The City of Detroit, and my workshop – I can’t choose just one!

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With twice the advice, twice the fun and twice the expert knowledge, the presentations at this year’s BC Home + Garden Show are not to be missed! To view the entire HGTV Main Stage schedule, please click here. See you at the show!

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