Goodbye For Now From The Vancouver Home + Design Show

After four incredible days at last weekend's Vancouver Home + Design Show, we had to say goodbye. We know it's hard, but all good things must come to an end - and what a whirlwind weekend it was!

Missed the show? We've curated our favourite moments to make you feel as though you were there for every important moment.

Our favourite Scots, Colin & Justin, brightened up the Metrie Main Stage with their signature humour and styling tips for bringing Canadian cottage style into any home.

The one and only Bryan Baeumler took to the Metrie Main Stage to share his renovation know-how with his adoring Vancouver fans.

Things heated up on the Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage with the Samsung Cooking Challenge: Tag Team Kitchen, hosted by Chef Corbin Tomaszeski. Elaine Vuong and her professional partner, Geoff Rogers of Blacktail Florist, beat out the competition and Elaine walked away with $5,000 worth of Samsung Appliances. What a win!

Urban Barn's Next Top Designer: Reloaded stole the show when three local undiscovered designers and decorators went head-to-head in the ultimate micro-management exercise. Each contestant designed a 150 square-foot space with $5,000 worth of Urban Barn furniture and accessories for display (and public vote). The winner, up-and-coming decorator Dexter Dolores, went home with $1,000 to Urban Barn, a feature in Westcoast Homes & Design magazine, and a 10x10 booth at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, 2015. Congrats, Dexter!

The Ultimate Upcycle Challenge 3: ChairLIFT raised over $600 for Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and their affiliated ReStores. The chair with the top bid? That went to the friendly decorator herself, Christine Friend, for her fun and sporty Canucks chair.

We're also proud to announce the winners of the Best Booth Awards, including:

• Best in Show: Save More Plumbing & Lighting
• Best Use of Large Space: Floform Countertops for Life
• Best Medium Space: Future Living Development Ltd.
• Best Small Space: By Nature Design
• Rookie Award: ifresco
• Going the Extra Mile: Nitor Lighting

Congrats to everyone! We're sending loads of gratitude to all of the guests, exhibitors, and presenters that made the Vancouver Home + Design Show 2014 so memorable. Don't miss out on your next chance to exhibit or visit, find details for the BC Home + Garden Show here. Mark your calendars for February 18-22, 2015 at BC Place Stadium.

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URBAN BARN’S NEXT TOP DESIGNER: RELOADED FINALIST - JOANNA KADO

Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer: Reloaded is fast approaching. This fall at the Vancouver Home + Design Show from October 16-19, three up-and-coming interior designers and decorators will take on the ultimate micro-management exercise: creating a 150 sq. ft. space with $5,000 worth of Urban Barn furniture and home accents for display. Urban Barn Creative Director, Sebastien Fauteux, has two top-secret design requirements up his sleeve, and you’ll have to follow along to find out what they are.

Visit the show this October and vote for your favourite design and you could WIN a $5,000 gift card to Urban Barn. We know, we spoil you!

We know you’ve been waiting patiently to meet the last finalist, so without further ado, say hello to Joanna Kado! Joanna is a recent graduate and interior designer who puts her passion for stylistic solutions and natural knack for design to good use, creating “green” dream homes. 

Meet Joanna:

An Interior Design Diploma graduate from BCIT, Joanna is now a freelance interior designer. With her passion for enhancing spaces and creating design solutions that are as stylish as they are eco-friendly, we’re certain her finished project will get people talking.

Signature design style:

Mid-century, eclectic and colourful.

Favourite way to spruce up a home for under $100:

Change up your accessories. Throw pillows, blankets, vases and wall art can change a space drastically on a budget.

Worst current design trend:

Edison bulbs. They’re so overdone, inefficient and not eco-friendly.

Top three Vancouver spots to shop for home decor:

Your neighborhood antique store, Urban Barn and CB2.

Dream design-forward city to live in/visit:

There are so many! If I had to choose just one, it would be Barcelona, Spain.

Design motto to live by:

A person’s individuality and lifestyle should be expressed within their environment by designing to first functionalize, then personalize.

We can’t wait to see what Joanna comes up with! Follow her design progress on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to buy your tickets to see her creation in person!

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URBAN BARN’S NEXT TOP DESIGNER: RELOADED FINALIST - DEXTER DOLORES

The countdown is on until Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer: Reloaded takes centre stage at the Vancouver Home + Design Show. From October 16-19, three up-and-coming interior designers and decorators will go head-to-head in the ultimate micro-management exercise: creating a 150 sq. ft. space with $5,000 worth of Urban Barn furniture and home accents for display, plus two top-secret design requirements assigned by Urban Barn Creative Director, Sebastien Fauteux. 

Better yet, you get to vote on your favourite look – and one lucky voter will win a $5,000 gift card to Urban Barn. Could it be you?

To tide you over until October, allow us to introduce you to the second of our three finalists, Dexter Dolores! A Vancouver-based interior designer, Dexter is more than up for Urban Barn’s challenge and can’t wait to share his small-space savvy at the Vancouver Home + Design Show.

Meet Dexter:

Design comes naturally to Dexter. He studied at The Art Institute of Vancouver where he was awarded Top Graduating Portfolio of the Interior Design Program. His affinity for bespoke modern and classic interiors have shaped his career in the luxury residential industry.

Signature design style:

Contemporary edge with classical sophistication.

Favourite way to spruce up a home for under $100:

De-clutter, rearrange large furniture and incorporate a few cost-effective decorative elements. 

Worst current design trend:

It’s not the worst, but mid-century modern needs to stop, for now. Those iconic pieces will always be iconic, but complete mid-century modern interiors look like a caricature of the era.

Top three Vancouver spots to shop for home decor:

Once a Tree Furniture, Urban Barn and Mint Interiors.

Dream design-forward city to live in/visit:

Definitely New York. It’s a bit cliché, but NYC is a must on every designer’s list!

Design motto to live by:

I believe that an interior should reveal its elegance and story through the textures within.

Follow Dexter’s design journey on Twitter and Instagram at @dexdolores to check out his progress. And buy your tickets to the Vancouver Home + Design Show early to make sure you see his finished product!

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URBAN BARN’S NEXT TOP DESIGNER: RELOADED FINALIST - KIM CASSELMAN

Back by popular demand, Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer: Reloaded is set to heat up BC Place Stadium this fall during the Vancouver Home + Design Show, happening October 16-19, 2014. Three up-and-coming interior designers and decorators have been chosen as finalists in the ultimate micro-management exercise: creating a 150 sq. ft. space with $5,000 worth of Urban Barn furniture and home accents for display (and public vote!) during the Vancouver Home + Design Show. These spaces will be styled using furniture and accessories from Urban Barn, including two top-secret design requirements assigned by Urban Barn Creative Director, Sebastien Fauteux. Don’t miss your chance to check out the completed looks and cast your vote at the show.

The finalist with the winning design will be awarded a 10 x 10 booth at the 2015 Vancouver Home + Design Show, a $1,000 Urban Barn shopping spree, and a feature in Westcoast Homes & Design magazine.

What’s in it for you? One lucky voter (yes, that could be you!) will win $5,000 to spend at Urban Barn. Now that’s a covetable prize.

Let’s meet the first of our three finalists, Kim Casselman! Kim is a passionate designer who’s got her eye on the prize. She’s obsessed with creating beautiful designs and loves helping others bring their dream homes to life. We can’t wait to see what she comes up with, can you?

Meet Kim:
To say I love design is an understatement. I literally live and breathe it. Finally, with enough encouragement from friends and family, I started my own company, Haute Chic Design. Now I'm putting my passion to work helping others bring their visions to life and creating beautiful, functional spaces that they're truly excited to come home to.

Signature design style:
A mix of modern and vintage with pops of colour.

Favourite way to spruce up a home for under $100:
Paint and accessories!

Worst current design trend:
All white everything.

Top three Vancouver spots to shop for home décor:
The Cross Décor & Design, Urban Barn and all of Main Street!

Dream design-forward city to live in/visit:
Helsinki, Finland. They're using design in social buildings to create a higher quality of living for the residents who live there and the people who visit.

Design motto to live by:
"Your space should rise up to meet you", I saw it on Oprah once and it really stuck with me.

Find Kim on Twitter at @kimmybates and on Instagram at @kimcasselmanhcd to follow her progress. And don't forget to get your tickets to the Vancouver Home + Design Show to see her finished product!

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Feature Forecast: What's Happening at the Vancouver Home + Design Show!

It should come as no surprise that we can’t wait for fall - even with the gorgeous weather outside. Why, you ask? The Vancouver Home + Design Show, that’s why! We’re thrilled to announce exciting new features that are sure to capture your attention this October. To pump up the pre-show anticipation, we present you with the top 5 features at this year’s Vancouver Home + Design Show, happening October 16-19 at BC Place Stadium.

1. Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer: Reloaded

Back after a hugely successful inaugural year, three of Vancouver’s up-and-coming interior designers will go head-to-head in Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer: Reloaded. It’s the ultimate micro-management exercise: designing a 150 ft² space with $5,000 worth of Urban Barn furniture and accessories for display. Cast your vote at the Urban Barn booth and you could walk away with a $5,000 Urban Barn shopping spree! 

2. Ultimate Upcycling Challenge 3: ChairLIFT

Local media personalities, designers and tastemakers will each upcycle a pre-loved chair for silent auction, with 100% of proceeds benefitting Habitat for HumanityGreater Vancouver and its affiliated ReStores. Be sure to stop by and bid on your favourite stylish seat – but best keep close tabs on the action, or it could be lost to a higher bidder!

3. Vancouver Magazine Cooking Stage

Home cooks, take note. Catch well-known chefs, like Food Network’s Corbin Tomaszeski and local favourites, as they demonstrate top recipes and expert techniques live on stage! Plus, don’t miss the Samsung Cooking Challenge: Tag Team Kitchen, where three home cooks will partner with a top chef in a battle for culinary supremacy (not to mention $5,000 worth of Samsung home appliances for their kitchen).

4. BC Hydro Power Smart Home

Eco-lovers, rejoice! BC Hydro’s Power Smart Home is back by popular demand. Design darling Jennifer Scott from A Good Chick To Know will marry cool style and electricity conservation in this green-loving space. Learn how to stay chic and shrink your home’s carbon footprint at the same time – now that’s called sustainable style.

5. Floform Lounge presented by Western Living  

After a day of digging up design inspiration, you’ll need to recharge and study up on fall’s must-have home trends, courtesy of Western Living magazine. Enter the Floform Lounge, designed by Megan Baker from A Good Chick to Know. Located just steps away from the Metrie Main Stage, you can lay back and relax without missing any of the celebrity action – vino in hand, of course.

Join us this October for these exciting features (and much more!) at the Vancouver Home + Design Show. Remember to buy your tickets online now, for the best deals. 

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VANCOUVER HOME + DESIGN SHOW PREVIEW PARTY

VANCOUVER HOME + DESIGN SHOW PREVIEW PARTY: 

DISHING THE DEETS ON URBAN BARN’S NEXT TOP DESIGNER: 

RELOADED 

On Wednesday, June 18, Vancouver’s design enthusiasts flocked to Urban Barn on South Granville to get a first look at this fall’s Vancouver Home + Design Show. On top of being dazzled by the gorgeous home décor and delicious treats on display, guests got the goods on new exhibits, celebrity appearances and the hunt for Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer: Reloaded. 

Come on in!

Following the success of its debut last year, Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer is back and better than ever. Reloaded will seek out three of Vancouver’s up-and-coming interior designers to take part in the ultimate micro management exercise: designing a 150 ft2 space with $5,000 worth of Urban Barn furniture and accessories for display (and public vote!) at the Vancouver Home + Design Show. The designer receiving the most votes will walk away with a booth at next year’s show, $1,000 to spend at Urban Barn and a feature in Westcoast Homes + Design, while one lucky voter will receive a $5,000 Urban Barn shopping spree. 

Exhibits slated to garner the spotlight include the all-new Life Hack, complete with clever tricks, tactics and shortcuts to keep your life organized and clutter-free on the cheap, plus the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge 3: ChairLIFT, featuring old chairs given a new (and design-forward) lease on life by 10 local media personalities, designers and tastemakers. All proceeds raised from auctioning the seats at the Vancouver Home + Design Show will benefit Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and its affiliated ReStores. Not to be outdone, this year’s keynote speaker on the Metrie Main Stage received the loudest applause as it was announced that Bryan Baeumler, Canada's contracting King, will make a much-anticipated return to BC Place this fall.

Though he couldn’t make it to the Preview Party, guests can’t wait to see him again!

Sweetening the deal were sweet treats from Pinkberry, as well as charcuterie from OyamaSausage Co, an assortment of cheeses from Benton Brothers Fine Cheese paired with Gone Crackers, and sips from Church & State Wines, Fentimans and Shock Top Brewing – not to mention shopping with a discount-by-donation to Covenant House Vancouver. 

Delicious offerings from our wonderful sponsors.

 

The Urban Barn team paused to pose for a quick photo.

Mana Mansour of Style by Mana, Felice Bisby and Susan Minton-Green 
of BC Living chat over refreshments!

Can’t wait to see what else is in store? Be sure to visit our tickets page to line up your advance admission to the Vancouver Home + Design Show. The early bird gets the worm – the best deals are found online! 

Mark you calendar for the next

October 16 - 19, 2014

BC Place 

 

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The Reveal: Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer

As the Vancouver Home + Design Show approaches, the Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer finalists are eagerly nailing down the final details of their projects. Three top Vancouver interior designers are hard at work creating their ultimate living room using pieces from Urban Barn. Their completed designs will be featured on the show floor and put to a public vote from October 17-20 at BC Place. One lucky voter will walk away with a $5,000 shopping spree from Urban Barn!

But, there is a twist! Finalists Lianna Armstrong, Penelope Sloan and Laura Borrelli were pushed beyond their comfort zone and tasked with designing their rooms based on a colour palette and design style chosen in a draw. The ladies will be competing for a display at Urban Barn’s flagship South Granville store and a booth at next year’s show. Talk about a hot prize!

:: GIVEAWAY ::

Get geared up for the big event by clicking here to enter to win a $100 gift card from Urban Barn, along with a host of prizes from other exhibitors and sponsors.

Check out the YouTube video below to see how the participants reacted when they pulled their surprise design requirements!

Laura Borrelli, a freelance interior designer, drew a jewel tones colour palette and city chic design style. Her signature aesthetic is simple and sleek with a Scandinavian feel. Laura’s “Emerald Hearth” design features emerald, its namesake shade and Pantone’s colour of the year for 2013. Her space is warm, trendy and a charismatic homage to the city of Vancouver. Follow Laura on Twitter at @LauraBorrelli to track her progress.

By the luck of the draw, Lianna Armstrong, owner and principal designer at Evolve Designs, design her living room with a shades of grey colour palette and retro revival aesthetic. With a signature design style described as classic and timeless, Lianna named her living room “Retro Infusion” based on layered grey tones and classic mid-century inspired furniture. Fun, retro-inspired art and accessories create an energetic tone among the cool, calming neutrals. Stay up-to-date on Lianna’s progress on Twitter at @evolve_designs until you can see the final product for yourself at the show.

Penelope Sloan, creative consultant and freelance interior designer, created a rural retreat with a citrus colour direction. With a signature design style that includes rich pops of colour and easy elegance, Penelope isn’t afraid of a few juicy hues. Naming her living room design “Citrus Dreams,” Penelope will feature furniture in creamy neutrals accented with orange and yellow accessories. Find Penelope on Twitter @nelavision for a play-by-play of her progress.

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See how the living rooms come together at the Vancouver Home + Design Show. Purchase tickets online today to save $3 of regular adult admission and don’t forget to enter to win a $100 gift card from Urban Barn. 

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Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer Finalist #3: Penelope Sloan

Drum roll please! Put your hands together for the final designer slated to compete in the Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer challenge at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, Penelope Sloan!

Penelope is in the running for the top designer title against our two previously announced finalists, Laura Borrelli and Lianna Armstrong. These designing women have been chosen to create the ultimate living room using items from Urban Barn, to be featured at the show and put to a public vote from October 17-20, 2013 at BC Place.

Voters and competitors alike have an opportunity to win, as the victorious designer’s living room will be put on display at the Urban Barn’s flagship store on South Granville and one lucky voter will receive a $5,000 gift card to Urban Barn.

But, before the girls battle it out for the Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer honours...

Let’s take a moment to get to know Finalist #3: Penelope Sloan!

What is your signature style?

My design style is ever evolving, but my signature style usually has a sexy, laid back vibe with rich pops of colour and elegance. My style also incorporates my love for all things made by nature. To put my style into adjectives: contemporary, funky, clean, colourful, inviting, chic, bold, global and eclectic. All in one!

Splurge or save? List your favourite high-end and low-end products:

I love to invest my clients’ money in quality pieces, like a great sofa, luxury bedding, beautiful lighting and unique finishes. It’s worth investing in pieces that are going to enhance your lifestyle. There are lots of ways to balance the budget and I love to find inexpensive décor items at discount stores, as well as online. I also love to include one-of-a-kind pieces made by artisans from websites like Etsy [http://www.etsy.com] too!

See more of Penelope's design style on her winning Pinterest board.

What is your go-to paint colour for any home improvement project?

I don’t have a specific go-to paint colour. I always take the time to consider what colour would be best for the project. I am more of a custom-made kind of girl, so I tend to go for something that is unique and fitting for the project instead of relying on a certain colour. However, the no-brainers are black and white.

What trends and colours are you most looking forward to for Fall 2013?

In the fall I tend to veer towards warmer tones, darker décor and heavier textures. I love coral and tangerine because they can make a space cheerful, even when the sun starts setting at 5pm. I am also a huge fan of teal and deep, aqua greens because they are calming and remind me of tropical seas.

See more of Penelope's design style on her winning Pinterest board.

Where do you do most of your home improvement and design retail therapy?

I always start online. For inspiration I like to use Houzz and Pinterest. I browse online décor and furniture shops for hours. Sometimes I check out eBay and Craigslist to find unique items. I also love to pop into furniture and décor shops here in Vancouver, but where I shop depends on the clients’ taste and budget. I usually hit up Gastown, South Granville and the Armoury District close to Granville Island.

What is one major design pitfall that people often fall into and what is the best way to avoid it?

The biggest pitfall people fall into is not working with a professional. Hire someone who knows what to do and how to do it properly. In the long run it will save you time and money. You are also going to get the results you wanted without the headache.

To stay posted on Penelope’s progess, follow her on Twitter @nelavision. To see Penelope’s finished product in person, purchase tickets online for the Vancouver Home + Design show and save $3 on regular adult admission! 

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Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer Finalist: Lianna Armstrong

The Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer challenge just got more intense! Our second finalist, Lianna Armstrong is in the running to be Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer at the Vancouver Home + Design Show.

Three finalists will duel for the title of top designer by creating the ultimate living room using items from Urban Barn, which will be featured at the show and put to a public vote from October 17-20, 2013.

Voters will be entered to win a $5,000 gift card to Urban Barn and the contestant who earns the title of top designer will have their living room put on display at Urban Barn’s flagship store on South Granville.

Last week we introduced finalist #1 Laura Borrelli to the public. 

This week we welcome finalist #2, Lianna Armstrong, into the design ring to battle it out for the title of Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer!

What is your design inspiration?
I find inspiration from all aspects of beautiful West Coast living. My influences are evident in all my projects, large and small. Being from a family with a construction background, I am passionate about the design process from start to finish.

Image from Armstrong's winning pin board

What is your design style?
I would say “Classic”. I always seek to design a space that will withstand the test of time. When designing kitchens and bathrooms it can be tempting for clients to choose trendy materials or finishes. I find adding accessories the most sensible way to incorporate trends, otherwise your room will be out of date in a few month’s time.

Image from Armstrong's winning pin board

What is your favourite design trick – one that amazes your clients every time? 

LISTENING – hearing my clients’ needs, wants and wishes, and making them all come true within budget.

Name one tool that you can’t do your job without:

Definitely my measuring tape! I don’t leave home without it!

What’s your go-to paint colour for any home improvement project?

Cloud White. It’s soft, neutral and not at all jarring.

What trends and colours are you majorly into for Fall 2013?

I am in love with black cabinetry and gold accents. They just feel rich and luxurious.

Image via Armstrong's winning pin board

You have an hour to ready your home for an impromptu party for eight people. What are your top three tips to make your space look spotless and effortless?
Fresh flowers, home cooking and a casual setting. These will make space feel warm and inviting for guests.

What is one major design pitfall that people often fall into? What is the best way to avoid it?
Sticking too closely to a neutral palette. Don’t forget to add some colour to add interest and break up the beige. Toss cushions, accessories, art pieces and maybe even an occasional chair are great sources of unexpected colour. Or switch it up by painting your room in a bold colour and keeping the furniture neutral.

Image via Armstrong's winning pin board

Stay up to date on Lianna’s progress in the competition by following her on Twitter @evolve_designs. See the stylish living room that Lianna creates at the Vancouver Home + Design Show by purchasing tickets online today, and save $3 on regular adult admission! The name of the final designer competing in the Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer challenge will be released August 22, so check back soon!

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Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer Finalist: Laura Borrelli

The Vancouver Home + Design Show’s big ticket challenge, Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer, is heating up! Three finalists have been chosen to throw down in the name of good style by creating the ultimate living room using items from Urban Barn, to be featured on the show floor and put to a public vote from October 17-20, 2013.

One lucky voter will win a $5,000 gift card to Urban Barn, and the victorious contestant’s living room will be put on display at Urban Barn’s flagship store on South Granville.

Without further ado, please give a warm welcome to Finalist #1,

Laura Borrelli!

Why design?
Design has always been a part of who I am. Since graduating from the Interior Design program at Dawson College in Montreal, I have been moving forward with my career by focusing on a variety of design aspects.

Where does your interior design “voice” come from?
I gained a vast amount of knowledge working for the Aldo Group as an International Project Leader, opening stores in Norway, China, Saudi Arabia and Latvia. Now, nestled happily in Vancouver, I hope to push my love for design to new levels through experimenting with the West Coast aesthetic and, hopefully, adding something unique along the way.

Image from Laura's winning Urban Barn Pinterest board. 

What is your favourite design trick that amazes your clients every time?

Simply re­arranging furniture. Sometimes people are pleasantly surprised when their existing pieces are just placed in a different spot that they had never considered. Doing this simple exercise, before diving head first into destroying walls and buying new furniture, is a great way to cut down on costs and waste.

What trends and colours are you majorly into for Fall 2013?

It’s all about metallics this fall. They can be paired with anything. You’ll be seeing a lot of coppers, bronzes, golds and nickels in home accessories and even furniture. Colour wise, I’m really digging Midnight Violets. They are deep, sensual and perfect for the season.

Name one thing any homeowner can do to instantly perk up their pad for under $100:

It’s been said a thousand times, and it’s the truth: paint does wonders. But if you’re happy with your paint scheme, hanging shelves is another way to instantly perk up a space. Showcase some of those books you’ve invested in over the years. Printing photos and framing them is also something that is rarely done in this digital era. Go ahead, hang them up! They make great conversation pieces.

Image from Laura's winning Urban Barn Pinterest board. 

What is one major design pitfall that people often fall into? What is the best way to avoid it? 
Overusing neutrals. It’s easy to just paint everything the same colour and pick tiles to match, but what results is very middle-of-the-road. Yes, neutrals are essential, but picking even a single accent colour, no matter how dark or light, will push your space into another design realm.

Name your signature design style (describe if needed):
I like things simple, sensible and beautiful. I love Scandinavian design for this reason. Its simplicity is perfectly balanced with flare and versatility. Designing a space that accentuates the identity of its users and serves its purpose well is what I strive for. It is a fine balance and can take time, but it’s so worth it to create a space that makes people feel calm and comfortable.

Image from Laura's winning Urban Barn Pinterest board. 

Follow @LauraBorrelli on Twitter to stay up to date on her progress, and if you want to see her finished product, purchase tickets online and save $3 on regular adult admission! Check back with us on August 15 & 22 as we reveal the other two finalists for Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer.

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