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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Until Next Time At The BC Home + Garden Show

What a week! From February 18-22, 2015 the BC Home + Garden Show ruled the roost at BC Place Stadium. From expert tips courtesy of Main Stage presenters Bryan Baeumler, Todd Talbot, Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock, to live demos from culinary masters on the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage and garden guidance at the Vancouver Sun Gardener's School, plus a slew of exciting exhibits, there was endless inspiration all show long.

Scroll on for a quick look at our favourite moments from the show!

Bryan Baeumler, star of HGTV's Leave It To Bryan, took the stage by storm to share his insider know-how with the crowd.

Fans flocked to the Main Stage to meet Todd Talbot, co-host of W Network's Love It Or List It Vancouver and learn the ins and outs of real estate (both on and off TV).

Home Tweet Home had show-goers flocking to bid on birdy abodes, knowing 100% of the proceeds raised went to families in need. In total, we raised $1,925 for Ronald McDonald House British Columbia.

People lined up at the Linwood Cardinal Cabin presented by BC Hydro Power Smart to get expert advice on how to live an energy efficient life, as well as to gain some style inspiration.

Vancouver's culinary elite, like Edible Canada's Tyler Dallner, took over the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage to share valuable tricks of the trade with hungry foodies.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a fantastic week. We hope to see you all at the 2015 Vancouver Home + Design Show, happening October 22-25 at the Vancouver Convention Center. 

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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 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! 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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Opening Night in Calgary: We’re celebrating 30 years of design!

Tomorrow is the opening night of the Calgary Home + Design Show! In a 30^th anniversary celebration of this ultimate showcase of all things design, home improvement and entertaining, we’re kicking things off with an extra special opening night soiree. You’re invited to join in the revelry tomorrow, September 19 from 4-9PM at the BMO Centre.

Purchase your ticket online today to enjoy an evening full of perks, refreshments and entertaining, while brushing shoulders with the who’s-who from Calgary’s creative set at the biggest design party of the season. Sip cocktails in the Western Living Lounge presented by Kool 101.5, munch on snacks from YYC Food Trucks and jam to live music all evening long.

For three decades, the Calgary Home + Design Show presented by Scotiabank has been a staple in consumers’ calendars since 1983, attracting more than 30,000 visitors every fall. Every year the show features high-interest exhibits, high-profile industry personalities and the latest in home and lifestyle trends.

This year, Calgary Home + Design Show attendees can expect to see big names like W Network’s Jonathan and Drew Scott, stars of Property Brothers, Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot, hosts of Love It or Love It Vancouver, and Calgary’s very own Alykan Velji, on the Trail Appliances Main Stage presented by HGTV.

You’re also going to want to catch the culinary talent appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show on the Trail Appliances Cooking Stage presented by Trial Appliances and the Calgary Herald. Fan favourites and fresh faces like Chef Corbin Tomaszeski, Dan Clapson and Dave Bohati will join forces to share their personal recipe collections, tales of culinary mastery and tips for achieving professional results in any home kitchen.

The show also plays host to more than 350 exhibitors and many exciting features you won’t want to miss! Purchase your tickets online today and save $3 off regular adult admission.

See you tomorrow night at the show!

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

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Kitchen 101: Where to spend & where to save

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether joining together for family meals or stocking up on late night study break snacks, the kitchen acts as both watering hole and meeting place.

From French country to minimalist modern, retro inspired to rustic chic, kitchen designs can be anything but cookie cutter, but no matter the décor, marriage of style and function is a must. Pretty up the practical factor with these tips from our culinary and design experts appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show and the Vancouver Home + Design Show, starting with the insider’s scoop on everything from splurge-worthy appliances to economical ingredients straight from our team of talented guest chefs.

For Vincci Tsui, registered dietitian and Start From Scratch instructor, not every kitchen utensil needs to break the bank to make your next home-cooked meal a slam-dunk. She bought one of her favourite prep bowls at the dollar store and she’s not ashamed to admit it. She even made this thrifty little guy famous, putting it center stage in live cooking demos and TV segments. Vincci also admits that she has always wanted to own a KitchenAid stand mixer, but don’t tell Mr. Bargain Bowl.

See Vincci at the Calgary Home + Design Show on the Trail Appliances Cooking Stage on Sunday Sept. 22 at 12PM.

Brian Misko, aka BBQ Brian and supreme pitmaster, cannot cook without his favourite tool, a meat thermometer. Outfit your kitchen with one of these hot little numbers and you will cook meat to perfection like the grill-master himself. When you BBQ as much as Brian does, you learn a few money saving tricks. Brian spends less at the register by purchasing large pieces of meat, called primal cuts, and butchering them into smaller portions. Primal cuts to try include pork loin, beef ribs and venison shoulder.

Brian will be giving away BBQ tips at the Calgary Home + Design Show on the Trail Appliances Cooking Stage at 12PM on Saturday Sept. 21.

Our design stars, presenting on the Main Stage, are less worried about ingredients, and more concerned with interiors.

Todd Talbot, realtor and co-host of W Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver, thinks the lion’s share of a home renovation budget should be focused on the kitchen. A kitchen overhaul adds dollar value to your property and improves the functionality of a home. If a renovation isn’t in the cards, try switching out the main light fixture, instantly updating the room and creating a focal point.

Learn more kitchen renovation tips when Todd appears on the Trail Appliances Main Stage at the Calgary Home + Design Show with his co-host of Love It or List It Vancouver, Jillian Harris, on Friday, Sept. 20 at 7PM and Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3PM and 7PM. Catch them in Vancouver on the HGTV Main Stage at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7PM and Saturday, Oct. 19 at 3PM and 7PM.

If you are thinking about sprucing up your home for resale or dream of hosting the neighbourhood’s hottest parties, you might want to consider the advice of Drew Scott, co-host of W Network’s Property Brothers. When most people think about staging their home, their focus lies turns to the den and bedrooms, often at the neglect the kitchen. They might give the counters a quick wipe or toss the plates in the dishwasher, but Drew counsels homeowners to consider the placement kitchen of appliances, accessories, lighting and furniture, just like they would in other rooms of the home.

Borrow more of Drew’s pro staging tips when he appears on the Trail Appliances Main Stage at the Calgary Home + Design Show with his partner in design crime Jonathan Scott on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 1PM. See the boys at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on the HGTV Main Stage on Saturday Oct. 19 at 1PM.

Set up your kitchen with advice from our pros and your home will look magazine ready in a jiffy. Purchase your tickets online today for the Calgary Home + Design Show and Vancouver Home + Design Show to save $3 off regular adult admission.

     

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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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