Until Next Time at the Vancouver Home + Design Show

That’s a wrap on the 2015 Vancouver Home + Design Show! With the big move back to the Vancouver Convention Center West, headliners including W Network’s Jillian Harris & Todd Talbot, Cheryl Torrenueva from W Network’s Game of Homes, and HGTV design star Samantha Pynn, plus a slew of local favourites and over 325 exhibitors, there was expert insight, innovation and inspiration for stylish living at every turn.

Couldn’t make the show? Take a tour of our favourite moments below, complete with covetable design, fierce competition and the best advice in the biz.

Everyone’s favourite design and real estate duo Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot from W Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver cracked plenty of jokes while dispensing expert insight on where to splurge and where to save when creating your dream home.

The Ultimate Upcycle Challenge: Take a Seat proved design with a conscience never goes out of style, raising a grand total of $750 in support of Habitat for Humanity Society of Greater Vancouver ReStores.

The Samsung Junior Chef Challenge paired top Vancouver chefs Craig Scherer from Trattoria Burnaby and Geoff Rogers from Blacktail Restaurant + Lounge with home chefs Maddie Lemieux and Matthew Tong. Craig and Matthew took home gold, with Matthew winning $5,000 worth of home kitchen appliances.

Design darling and star judge Cheryl Torrenueva from W Network’s Game of Homes Vancouver made her much anticipated return to the Vancouver Home + Design Show Main Stage where she walked guests through the pros and cons of DIY projects VS. delegating to professionals.

Mark your calendars for the 2016 BC Home + Garden Show, coming up from February 17th to 21st at BC Place Stadium! Visit bchomeandgardenshow.com for more details.

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HGTV’s Jillian Harris reshapes spaces with YOU in mind

Fall in love with your home again!

Some may recognize Jillian Harris as the leading lady on season five of The Bachelorette on ABC, but she’s been making huge strides in the design world long before her first television appearance. Following The Bachelorette, Jillian was offered a place on the design team of Extreme Makeover Home Edition, which she describes as a “dream come true.” Currently, Jillian is the co-host and head designer on HGTV’s Love it or List it Too, where she transforms everyday homes into a family’s dream home.

Getting to know Jillian

Q: When did your interest in home design begin?

A: When I was young, my mom, who has the ultimate eye for design, took me antiquing all the time. My obsession with vintage details and interiors grew from assisting my mom in her own antique store. As I got older, I worked under very influential people in the design world who taught me the value of great design.

Q: Can you describe your design style?

A: I love making a space feel “YOU.” Your room should not be a space that only embodies a design theory or new trend. A room’s design should be about the person who lives in it, his or her experiences, and passions in life.

Q: What are the top 4 design trends of 2014?

A:  Mixing metals

      Brass

      Antique furniture

      Whites, creams, and gold!

Q: What is one piece of advice you would like the Home Show audience to walk away with after your seminar?

A: Forget about the rules and popular trends—your home is YOUR home. The things you love and the things you connect to should fill your space, not someone else’s style on the front cover of a magazine.

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Don’t miss Jillian Harris on the Design Stage on Friday, January 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, January 11 at 2 p.m. She will discuss the best ways to tie a beautiful space together naturally and cost effectively.

FOR 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO THE SHOW CLICK HERE! 

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That's a wrap! Check out our Vancouver Home + Design Show Recap

All good things must come to an end – including the Vancouver Home + Design Show. The popular lifestyle exhibit, held at BC Place this past weekend, attracted more than 32,000 people to stop, shop and enjoy the show!

The 325+ exhibitors, exciting features and, of course, design celebrities, had people flocking from all over just to get a glimpse of the action. With the arrival of Jonathan and Drew Scott, stars of W Network’s Property Brothers, fans mobbed the Main Stage to hear their expert insight and gut-busting banter. Scotiabank hosted a special autograph signing at their booth for a chance to meet the boys, snap a photo and possibly even steal a kiss.

Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot, co-hosts of Love It orList It Vancouver, were another major draw to the HGTV Main Stage. The duo dazzled their fans with design tips and tricks while entertaining them with jokes and jabs – just like on their show!

The Samsung Passion for Fresh Cooking Challenge heated up the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage with a Food Network-style throwdown and a chance to win $7,000 worth of Samsung home appliances. Three seasoned chefs from local Italian restaurants paired with home cooks to battle it out for culinary supremacy under the watchful eye of Chef Massimo Capra, star of Restaurant Makeover, and host Colleen Christie. Chef Massimo went gaga for gluten-free cannelloni by Nathan Lowey from Campaganolo Roma and amateur culinarian Daniel, crowning them the winners of the spicy competition. Congratulations Nathan and Daniel!

  

To see all of the upcycle projects click here!

The Ultimate Upcycle Challenge: Unhinged, brought back after its much-hyped 2012 debut, was a big success. The challenge raised a total of $560 for Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and Vancouver ReStore. Seven locals put their DIY skills to the test to reuse, recycle and repurpose a single old door for $50. From a rustic vanity by Rebekah Gusway to a vampy portrait of Marilyn Monroe by Celina Dalrymple, the upcycled doors were instant crowd favourites. Visitors were invited to bid on their favourite piece in a silent auction.

Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer also drummed up a ton of buzz. Three finalists, Lianna Armstrong, Penelope Sloan and Laura Borrelli, were pushed beyond their comfort zone and tasked with designing living rooms based on a colour palette and a design style chosen in a draw. Exhibited on the show floor, the finished rooms were put to a public vote with one lucky voter winning a $5,000 shopping spree at Urban Barn. Freelance designer Penelope Sloan emerged victorious, winning herself a display at Urban Barn’s flagship South Granville store, a booth at next year’s show and well-deserved bragging rights. Congratulations Penelope!

::GIVEAWAY:: 

Click here to enter to win a $100.00 gift card from our friends at Urban Barn!

Other notable features included CasaBubble, the Western Living Lounge and the BC Hydro Power Smart Home.

A big thanks to everyone who came! 

We look forward to seeing you at the BC Home +Garden Show from February 19-23, 2014. 
Mark your calendars!

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Décor 101: Perk up your pad for under $100

Dreaming of a home makeover? Unless you've just completed a daunting kitchen remodel or recently overhauled your living room, you’re likely thinking of ways to spruce up your space. Unfortunately, a revamp can put a hefty dent in your wallet and steal countless hours of free time. Luckily, undertaking something drastic to update your place isn’t always necessary.

Most of us design enthusiasts have watched enough HGTV Canada to know that the cheapest, quickest way to recreate a room is by using paint. For tips that aren't as obvious, we asked the design experts appearing at the Calgary and Vancouver Home + Design Shows how to perk up your pad on a shoestring budget.

Interior designer Aly Velji recommends picking up new throw cushions for your bed or sofa. Updating a worn out couch with a few patterned, brightly coloured or textured pillows is an easy way to bring a little drama or excitement to a space.

See Aly Velji live at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Friday Sept. 20 at 6PM, Saturday Sept. 21 at 2PM and Sunday Sept. 22 at 12PM, and at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday Oct. 18 at 4PM and Sunday Oct. 20 at 12PM.

Megan Baker, one-half of the design duo at A Good Chick To Know, suggests starting a collection that is unique to your personal taste. You don’t have to limit yourself to standard collectibles like rocks or stamps. Pieces that are easy to find and readily available, like vintage books, liquor decanters or baking tins from the 1950s, all have the makings of an eye-catching collection.

Once you have your goodies, split up the items and use them in unconventional ways throughout your home or group the entire set together. Collecting interesting pieces will make an impact on a small budget, plus you get the added thrill of bargain hunting!

See A Good Chick to Know live at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Saturday Oct. 19 at 6PM and Sunday Oct. 20 at 1PM. 

If your carpets make you cringe, Clare Gardner, a sales and design consultant with Cardel Homes, suggests giving them a once over with rug shampoo. Freshly cleaned carpets can look so new that you can trick your friends into thinking you splurged on new floors! A DIY carpet clean is the cheapest way to make your floors appear brand new, but if you’re strapped for time, hiring a professional shouldn't gouge your budget either.

See Clare Gardner and Marie-Claire Williams from Cardel Homes live at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Saturday Sept. 21 at 4PM and Sunday Sept. 22 at 1PM.

Last but certainly not least, Todd Talbot, real estate investor, renovator and co-host of Love It or List It Vancouver, believes playing with lighting is a great way to change up a space. Installing a new kitchen or living room light fixture instantly revamps the look of a room. Looking for a new focal point? Choose an eye-catching chandelier or pendant light. 

See Todd Talbot and his co-host Jillian Harris at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Friday Sept. 20 at 7PM and Saturday Sept. 21 at 3PM & 7PM, and at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday Oct. 18 at 7PM and Saturday Oct. 19 at 3PM & 7PM

Next time you’re bored of your space, consider these options suggested by our experts and avoid breaking the bank on a new look!

Leave a comment to tell us which of these affordable ways you’ll use to perk up your pad.

For more home improvement tips from the experts, visit the Calgary Home + Design Show or the Vancouver Home + Design Show this fall! Buy your tickets online today for Vancouver and Calgary to save $3 on regular adult admission.

     

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Effortless Entertaining: Six easy tips for getting guest-ready

Place settings: check! Floral arrangements: done! Canapés: disappearing quickly!

Hosting your guests for a holiday dinner party or afternoon soirée can feel a little overwhelming, especially when given little time to prepare (we've all been treated to a surprise familial visit or two). Thankfully, the experts presenting at the Calgary and Vancouver Home + Design Shows know a thing or two about readying your home for stylish and welcoming get-together, impromptu or otherwise. Whether you have hours or minutes to stage your abode, we've compiled their six best tips for prepping your home for company.

Jennifer Scott, founder and one-half of interior design duo A Good Chick To Know, is a pro at handling spur-of-the-moment soirées.  

1. Music

There’s no better way than music to set the tone for a gathering. Find the right playlist for your intended evening, whether you’re having a few girlfriends over for wine and gossip, or hosting the whole clan for an afternoon BBQ.

2. Ambient lighting

Kill the overhead lights and put match to candle! Softer lighting creates a more relaxed, inviting environment.

3. Hide your daily items

Tuck away magazines and toss the laundry back into the bedroom! Tidying everyday clutter allows guests full access to your furniture, makes the space feel instantly cleaner and lets your design concept shine.

See A Good Chick to Know live at the VancouverHome + Design Show on Saturday Oct. 19 at 6PM and Sunday Oct. 20 at 1PM. 

Jillian Harris, celebrity designer and co-host of Love It or List It Vancouver, likes to add a dash of natural colour to make guests feel right at home.

4. Flowers

Pop out to the garden or pick up a cheery bouquet from the corner store to instantly brighten and freshen your space.

See Jillian Harris and her co-host Todd Talbot live at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Friday Sept. 20 at 7PM and Saturday Sept. 21 at 3PM & 7PM, and at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday Oct. 18 at 7PM and Saturday Oct. 19 at PM & 7PM

Christine Friend, the Friendly Decorator, recommends two ways to impress house guests.

5. Polish

If you have time, give your chrome fixtures and glass surfaces a quick polish,  removing any evidence of sticky fingers and making your home sparkle!

6. Set the table

Whether readying for a sit-down meal or grab-and-go grazing, setting the table accordingly makes guests feel taken care of. Plus, a welcoming spread diverts attention from other potentially messy areas.

See Christine Friend live at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday Oct. 18 at 3PM, Saturday Oct. 19 at 12PM and Sunday Oct. 20 at 3PM.

Make these entertaining tricks part of your party prepping routine and impress your guests with a home that is warm, inviting and ready for anything.

Which of these tips will you use the next time you entertain?

Get more home entertaining advice at the Calgary and Vancouver Home + Design Shows! Purchase your tickets online for Calgary and Vancouver today and save $3 on regular adult admission.

     

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FEATURE FRIDAY: Kick Back in the Western Living Lounge

After wandering around the Calgary and Vancouver Home + Design Shows for a few hours, your feet are going to need a break! Enter the Western Living Lounge designed by Nicole Sjostedt.

As a prop stylist with Lizbell Agency, Nicole is no stranger to large design projects. After working with some of the biggest names in the biz, including InStyle UK magazine, Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss, this fall we have her to ourselves as she makes her mark on the Western Living Lounge.

Expect mid-century modern style mixed with traditional and modern Scandinavian accents. The sturdy walnut coffee tables, welcoming wood bar and covet-worthy aqua tiles will beckon passers-by to nestle up and knock one back, all while flipping through the latest copy of Western Living.

 

Located adjacent to the Main Stage, it’s the perfect spot to sit comfortably while enjoying live presentations from our favourite home & design celebs, including the Property Brothers themselves, Jonathan and Drew Scott, plus Jillian Harris, Todd Talbot and many more!

To see how the lounge comes together, get your tickets for the CalgaryHome + Design Show and the VancouverHome + Design Show online today. Cheers!

   

For 2-for-1 tickets to either show order HERE and save today! 

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Ask the Experts: Design Pitfalls to Avoid

We've all been there: flipping through home décor magazines, admiring all of the gorgeous tableaus, but at a total loss as how to translate editorial spreads into real life. While there are a thousand and one design “dos,” from French Country to Scandinavian Minimalist, weave collected some surefire “don’ts” from our guest experts. Consider yourself warned!

Jillian Harris, celebrity designer and co-host of Love It orList It Vancouver: Never, ever design a room around a single theme! While it can be tempting to keep it simple and pair pieces that obviously go together, you’re missing out on half the fun of design, which is finding that unexpected harmony between different styles. Themed rooms are too match-matchy and lack that something special.

Appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Friday, September 20^th at 7:00PM and Saturday, September 21^st at 3:00PM and 7:00PM.

Appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday, October 18^th at 7:00PM, and Saturday, October 19^th at 3:00PM and 7:00PM.

Jennifer Scott and Megan Baker, designer duo at A Good Chick to Know: We completely agree! One thing that makes us cringe every time is when clients want to recreate something seen on a showroom floor; think gag-worthy matching furniture sets that stick to a boring neutral palette. Now don’t get us wrong, furniture sets can be a great way to get all the essentials without breaking the bank, but make sure you distribute the pieces among different rooms. And always remember to break up a neutral base with bright accessories that pop!

Appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday, October 18^th at 2:00PM, Saturday, October 19^th at 6:00PM and Sunday, October 20^th at 1:00PM.

Alykhan Velji, interior designer and television personality: I think we’re all on the same page here, ladies. I always tell my clients to keep their space fresh by choosing a different coffee table from the end tables, or switching up their accent chairs. Another schticky trend I can do without is wallpaper borders. Even an infant deserves more from their home décor!

Appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday, October 18th at 4:00PM and Sunday, October 20th at 12-NOON.

Jonathan and Drew Scott, designer, realtor and television hosts: You’re onto something there, Aly! While cool wallpaper can be a great way to liven up a room, patchy appliques like borders or wall decals are just a lazy way to avoid committing to a paint colour or awesome piece of art. It’s crucial to do your homework before undertaking a major design project. Too often people see something they like on Pinterest, but once they set it up in their own home, it doesn't end up being functional or appealing.

Appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Saturday, September 21^st at 1:00PM.
Appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Saturday, October 19^th at 1:00PM.

Ricky Zayshley, associate editor at Avenue magazine: You’re exactly right, Bros. It’s super important to avoid working against the bones of your home. Don’t turn a mid-century-modern home into an English cottage, no matter how much you liked Keira Knightley’s performance in Pride & Prejudice. When you rush the design process with a copycat approach, you’ll suck all the personality out of your home.

Appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Saturday, September 21^st at 12- NOON.

Want to hear more invaluable advice from our design pros? Buy online to save $3 on regularly priced tickets and catch their insider tips and expert insight on the Main Stage in Calgary from September 19-22, 2013, and in Vancouver from October 17-20, 2013!

   

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Calgary Home + Design Show Stampede BBQ: Daisy Dukes, Cowboy Boots, and Carnival Fun

On Wednesday, July 10, the Calgary Home + Design Show celebrated its 30^th anniversary with a Stampede BBQ preview. The cowboy carnival-inspired event drew crowds keen to hear the dish on this year’s all-star line-up and exciting new features slated to hit the show floor September 19-22 at the BMO Centre.

Guests had a blast playing carnival games like the bean bag toss while noshing on tasty nibbles from the chefs at Gaucho Brazilian Barbecue. The s’more station was a huge hit, with guests lining up to get a taste of everyone’s favourite fireside treat.

The news that earned the loudest cheers was the announcement that Jonathan and Drew Scott of W Network’s Property Brothers will make their Calgary home show debut on the Trail Appliances Main Stage presented by HGTV and Avenue Magazine. Returning to the Main Stage is design darling Jillian Harris, this year joined by real estate guru Todd Talbot, her co-host on W Network’s LoveIt or List It Vancouver.

The Property Brothers, Jonathan and Drew Scott will make their Calgary home show debut this fall

One of this year's most anticipated features is the ultra-modern CasBubble.  The latest design trend taking Europe by storm, CasaBubble offers all the beauty of the outdoors, without the bad weather or annoying mosquitoes that we're all too familiar with in Calgary.  

The latest trend in outdoor living, CasaBubble will be featured at this year's Calgary Home + Design Show

Attending media included Calgary’s favourite socialite and blogger, I’m Mr. Fabulous, the lovely Tiffany Burns of Blue Besos and mommy blogger extraordinaire Misty Hamel of Life Where We Are. 101.5 Kool FM’s Carlos Cuevas showed up in fine cowboy form, as did reps from Condo Living and New Home Living, and a camera from Global Calgary.

Put 'em up! Kool 101.5's Carlos Cuevas, Reformation PR's Amanda Haines and Mr. Fabulous himself get a little trigger-happy at the step-and-repeat 

Marketplace Events team members Jessica Bowlby, Ashley Dinh, Miche Picot and Kristy Cairns show off their carnival cowboy style

Our very own Casey Defelice and James Boettcher from Fiasco Gelato show their pearly whites by the bar

Country livin'! Our team set up these quaint arrangements

Head over to our tickets page and get your admission to the Calgary Home + Design Show today! Remember, you get the best deal when you buy online.

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