This or That: Living Rooms

Planning on sprucing up your space for fall? One of the areas of the home that can see the most change on a seasonal basis is the living room. Throws and pillows are easy to replace, and are a great way to incorporate the latest trends into a room without making a major investment or commitment. The potential for fluidity within your living room means you can try new things out, get a little festive depending on the upcoming holidays, and continue to adapt your space as your family changes.

If you’re feeling inspired to make a change, we’ve got to ask: which of the two living rooms below would you try and emulate? Do you prefer Option A’s warm grays and welcoming art? Or are you more interested in the fun patterns and bright space that Option B presents? Where would you rather gather your family for game nights or host a book club?

OPTION A

Image via My Full House

OPTION B 

Image via Inspired By Charm

Our Choice: Option B

Although we can appreciate the coziness of Option A, our heart lies with Option B. Yes, it’s a little showy and the patterns are a lot for the eye to take in, but we find that charming. Option A is neutral and soothing and perfect for a small space, but our dream living room is a bit funkier.

Don’t agree? We want to hear from you! Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook and let us know what you think. 

Did you know that connecting with us on Facebook has perks beyond sharing your thoughts on home decor? It's the place to get celebrity style tips, home show updates, and ticket deals! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show nearest you when you visit our Facebook ticket deals. 

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This or That: Dining Room Dilemma

It has seen home cooked meals, take-in, extra chairs, heated arguments, roaring laughter, spills, and so much more. It may not be the place where you eat every meal, but it hosts a lot of them. Sometimes it’s reclaimed for homework, science projects, sorting your tax receipts, and several other tasks that require a large surface area. But whatever its purpose, it’s always there when you need it, and it’s a great spot to spend time as a family. That’s right, we’re talking about your dining room.

Typically one of the larger spaces in the home, the dining room can host a wide range of decor. Traditional, modern, and everything in between – all are welcome. So we’ve got ask: what does your dream dining room look like? Which aesthetic is your favorite for this space? Do you prefer Option A’s rustic modern blend? Or would you rather Option B’s more traditional motif?

Option A

Image via Dig & Mig 

Option B

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

Our Choice: 

As much as we enjoy the stately look of Option B, Option A feels more inviting. It’s bright and open with less imposing furniture and lighting. The exposed brick is a fun touch and we’re big fans of the more contemporary chairs. Option B certainly has an undeniable elegance, but it also appears a bit stiff.  Option A seems less imposing and has the potential to be a more versatile space. Don’t agree? Share your opinion with @HomeShows on Twitter – we’d love to know what you think!

Here’s something we can all agree on: saving money is great! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to this fall’s Marketplace Events Home shows. Visit our Facebook page to learn more, and don’t forget to Like Us while you’re there!

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This or That: Picture Perfect Pools

Summer has officially started and that means lounging season is upon us. There are few things as enjoyable as being out in the sun during July and August. Whether you’re reading a good book or hanging out with friends, relaxing by the pool is one of everyone’s favorite summer activities.

So we’ve got to ask: where would you prefer to catch some rays? Check out our selection of picture perfect pools below and tell us which one is your favorite. Do you prefer Option A’s natural beauty? Or would you rather spend your summer in Option B’s modern-meets-bohemian style? 

OPTION A

Image via Peach Time

OPTION B

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

Our Choice:

Honestly, we were really torn here. Both pools are exceptional spots to spend your summers, so it was very hard for us to choose a winner. But we had to choose, and so we did. Option A ultimately won our vote because it’s all natural. Plants filter and clean the water, which means no more chlorine (you’re welcome, hair) and that the pool fits more cohesively with the landscape. Although Option B is stunning, with two great seating areas and beautiful vegetation, it can’t trump a natural pool. Don’t agree? Share your opinion with @HomeShows on Twitter  - we’d love to know what you think!

Here’s something we can all agree on: saving money is great!  Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to the latest Marketplace Events Home Shows. Visit our Facebook page to learn more, and don’t forget to Like Us while you’re there!

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This or That: Kitchen Design

For many households, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a high traffic area that sees a lot of enjoyment from every member of the family. We may spend a lot of time in our bedrooms, TV rooms, and bathrooms, but the kitchen is very central. It’s where we gather to cook, eat, and chat about our days. And when it comes to a space that sees as much action as the kitchen tends to, design and decor are important. So we’ve got to ask: which of the kitchens below do you prefer? 

Where would you rather help with homework and sip your morning coffee? Option A’s colorful cookery? Or Option B’s modern creation? Which kitchen would you rather have in your home?

OPTION A

Image via Country Living

OPTION B

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

Our Choice: Option B

As much as we enjoy Option A’s whimsical color scheme and quirky retro touches, Option B is our favorite. The space is bright, open, and airy. Some may argue that an all white kitchen is dull, but it’s also classic. A bold color can sometimes come with an expiration date – what seems unique and fun can start to feel tired after you’ve seen it day after day, year after year. White tends to have a more long term appeal. Colorful accent pieces, like a yellow vase, can add the color you need and are much easier to replace.

Don’t agree? Connect with @HomeShows on Twitter and tell us what you think. We’d love to hear from you! Plus, check us out on Pinterest to see more kitchens that we love, and to get decor ideas for the rest of your home.

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This Or That: Oh Christmas Tree

It may be a recent addition to your home or it may have been a fixture for a few weeks, but whatever the case, it’s likely that you’ve got your Christmas tree up by now. This festive decor is one of the best parts of the season, and not just because you’ll find presents under it come December 25th. The smell, the lights, the ornaments, it’s such a magical symbol of the holidays - from the massive one outside Rockefeller Center to the one inside your living room.

Of the choices below, which Christmas tree is more like the one you’ve got at home? Is yours color-coordinated with evenly spaced ornaments like Option A? Or is it more reminiscent of Option B with its mismatched, clearly homemade decorations? Which tree do you prefer?

Option A

Image via Shanty 2 Chic

Option B

Image via Arborhouse Lane

Our Choice:

We can absolutely appreciate Option A’s splendour. This beautiful burlap creation feels very rustic chic and romantic. However, we have to choose Option B. Option A is lovely, but Option B is a lot more like the tree we have at home. Some of the most cherished ornaments on our tree are the imperfect ones, the ones that aren’t part of any theme, the ones that are actually kind of ugly because they were made by a five-year-old. Tell us about your tree below or share a picture with us on

Twitter – it could be featured on our Pinterest holiday board! 

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This or That: Thanksgiving Centerpieces

With November in full swing there’s one thing on the minds of Americans: turkey. There are just a few short weeks until Thanksgiving – are you ready? You might have your menu planned, your shopping list written, and your guests RSVP’d, but we doubt your table’s set. Finding the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner can be a tricky task. There are a lot of requirements to fill: size, style, and more.

Of the choices below, which would you seat friends and family around? Does one feel more festive than the other? Do you prefer Option A’s colorful theme? Or are you more partial to Option B’s simplicity? Which one makes you want to say all the things you’re thankful for?

Option A

Image via SAS Interiors

Option B

Image via Karin Lidbeck-Brent

Our Choice:

Although both centerpieces are beautiful, (you really can’t make a wrong choice in our opinion), we prefer Option A. One of the best things about fall is the colors. While there’s much to be said about subtlety, it’s hard to deny the rich reds, oranges, and greens featured in Option A.

Which would you rather have? What will your Thanksgiving table look like? Are you big on place settings or is the food really the main event? Let us know below!

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This Or That: Bathroom Bliss

Although most people are of the opinion that only teenage girls spend a lot of time in the bathroom, when you think about it, we all do. It’s one of the first rooms we visit when we wake up, and the last we see before we go to bed. It’s where we give ourselves pep talks, sing our hearts out, and unwind when the world has been especially cruel. We do our bathing, shaving, makeup, hair, and more in there. So it makes sense that it’s one of the spaces that homeowners most commonly renovate. People want to feel comfortable in their bathrooms. But what appeals to one person might not necessarily work for another.

Of the choices below, which do you think is the more luxurious bathroom? Do you like Option A’s spa-inspired scarsity? Or do you prefer Option B’s more practical aesthetic? 

Option A

Image via Van Wanrooij

Option B

Image via The Style Files

Our Choice:

This “this or that” ultimately boils down to the age old battle between function and fashion. Both bathrooms are very nice, but Option A is truly a work of art. We love everything in this gorgeous bathroom, but we can’t help noticing what’s missing: storage. There’s a lovely soaker tub and a serene standing shower, but there’s no place to put your stuff. Option B may be smaller and less impressive, but it’s far more practical. For us, when it comes to the bathroom we definitely choose function – we’ll always make it as fashionable as possible, but there’s got to be space for all our stuff or it’s not the right bathroom design for us.

Our choice was based on need – we’ve got to have lots of storage in our bathroom. Aside from the essentials, what do you absolutely have to have in your bathroom? What would your dream bathroom be like? Let us know below! 

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This Or That: Smashing Pumpkins

October is here and you know what that means: the countdown to Halloween is on! It's time to get your carving knife out, hang your cobwebs, and do the Monster Mash. Halloween is a favorite holiday of many. There's candy, parties, and costumes - what's not to love?

Although it's enjoyed by most, Halloween does tend to mean different things to different people. Some appreciate the frivolity of dressing up, while others focus on the holiday's spooky origins. Which do you prefer? Would you rather have an adorable pumpkin like Option A's caterpillar-inspired creation? Or does Option B's scary sentiment speak volumes to you? Which jack-o-lantern would you want to greet your visitors?

Option A

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

Option B

Image via This Old House

Our Choice:

We can easily appreciate the hard work that went into Option B. It has many layers, is well painted, and definitely achieves the frightening effect it was going for. That being said, it's just a bit too scary for us. Although Halloween is a holiday that people of all ages enjoy, many of the knocks your door receives on the 31st will be from youngsters. Terrifying trick-or-treaters isn't in our repertoire, so we're choosing Option A. It's sweet, original, and fun for the whole family.

Since Halloween is fast approaching, we've got to ask: are you a fan of the cute or the scary? Will your night feature Charlie Brown or Michael Meyers? Will you suffer a candy coma or have some nightmares? Let us know below!

And if the scariest thing about your home is its decor and design, make sure to head to the Marketplace Events home show nearest you. Our celebrity experts and home improvement professionals are here to help you fall back in love with your home, sweet home. Check out the shows coming up in your area - US Shows & Canadian Shows.

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This Or That: A-DOOR-able Front Doors

A recent trends that's been gaining popularity is having a loud front door - and no, we're not talking about your doorbell volume. Painting your door a non-traditional color is becoming more and more commonplace. Rich tones like eggplant and ox blood were easy to adopt, but now homeowners are attempting more vibrant colors like chartreuse and magenta.

Check out the painted doors below and let us know which one you'd prefer. Would you dare to try Option A's sunny hue? Or would you feel more comfortable with Option B's purple perfection? Which choice makes you yell shut the front door (so I can look at it)?

Option A

Image via Bob Villa

Option B

Image via Bight Bold Beautiful

Our Choice:

Although we really like both doors, we prefer Option A. The yellow complements the white trim and antique lantern, and isn't too flashy. The plants surrounding the door are also a very playful accent. This seems like a lovely door to kiss goodnight in front of or to lock up every morning on your way to work.

You probably have a few colorful front doors in your neighborhood, so we have to ask: what color is your door? Have you thought about painting it recently? Is there a color that you absolutely would not paint your door? Let us know below. And of course, for  more home design tips and inspiration make sure to head to the Marketplace Events home show nearest you - US Shows and Canadian Shows.

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This Or That: Retro Bedrooms

Many home design styles are influenced by popular fashion trends, which means the current prevalence of and appreciation for counter culture is having an impact on our interiors. Translation: hipster homes. Artfully-waxed facial hair, thick-rimmed glasses, and plaid shirts are popularizing eclectic decor. Where many opt to wear clothing reminiscent of the past, similar motifs are expressed in the way homes are being decorated – we’re adopting older styles and making them cool again.

Check out the two vintage bedrooms below and let us know which you prefer: Option A’s casual cottage chic? Or option B’s bold flavor? Where would you love to read Bukowski and listen to music we probably don’t know about?

Option A

Image via Lonny

Option B

Image via Lonny

Our Choice:

While each room has its own merits, we prefer Option B. We find Option A’s antique lighting, bedside table, and portrait make it a bit more dated than we enjoy. It evokes the 1920s where Option B has more of a 1960s feel. The fun colors and bright patterns are balanced by the hardwood floor and white accent pieces. All in all we think it’s a nice mix of modern and classic with some playful touches (we love the faux skin rug). 

Funky wallpaper is gaining in popularity, so we have to ask: what do you think of this trend? Are you excited to put a fun pattern on your walls, or do you think this is one revived decor style that should have stayed buried? Let us know below!  

And of course, for more bedroom advice and inspiration make sure to check out the Marketplace Events home show nearest you. Check out the home shows coming up in your area - US shows & Canadian shows. 

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This or That: Pillow Fight!

Today we’re asking you to choose between the bedding below. Do you think Option A is luxurious or excessive? Is Option B simple or boring? The designs below both seem to beg the question: is there really such a thing as too many pillows?

Option A

Image via Lonny

Option B

Image via Lonny

You be the judge. Where would you like to curl up after a long day? How many pillows do you need to get comfortable? 

Our Choice:

Although we would personally have somewhere between two and ten pillows on our bed, when choosing between extremes we prefer Option A. Minimalism can be an intriguing and even compelling design element, but for bedding it can sometimes be harsh. Having several pillows on your bed creates a soft and inviting focal point. It also allows you to play with patterns and textures without committing to wallpaper or an intense paint color. You can add depth without consequence – switching out pillows is one thing; removing wallpaper is an entirely different project.

Actually sleeping with ten pillows might cause you some serious neck pain, so we have to ask: how many pillows are on your bed when you turn in for the night? Do you and your partner always agree about what stays on the bed? Let us know below. And remember, for more bedroom decor advice make sure to check out the Marketplace Events home show nearest you.

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This or That: Teenage Dream

Today we’re asking you to choose between the two teenage girl bedrooms pictured below. 

Option A

Featured on Lonny

 Option B

Featured on Lonny

Which would you prefer to stay up all night talking about boys in? Whose door would you love to slam after a rough day at school? Option A’s farmhouse chic or Option B’s classic charm?

Our Choice

We like Option B the best. There’s some creative drama with the juxtaposition of the mixed patterns and clean lines with the rugs, beams, and bed. As well, the throwbacks to childhood fun littered around the room provide a comforting element which we think is sweet. Overall we think this is a lovely space our teenage selves would be happy in.

These gorgeous bedrooms were both professionally designed, but we have to ask: what happens in your home? Do you let your teen have free rein when it comes to their bedroom decor? Or are there certain things, (like black walls), that you’d veto? Let us know who rules the roost below. And remember, for design inspirations for your whole home head to any of our Marketplace Events shows.

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