ASK THE EXPERT: Small accessories with big impact

That wood picture frame on the mantle, those floral teacups in the china cabinet, that knitted blanket on the sofa, these are just some of the unique items that make your house a home. Sentimental accessories add character and cast a cozy, inviting feel over a room. Not all of our home accessories have a history, but without them our houses would not be the same.

Home styling doesn't always come naturally, so we went to Nicole Sjostedt, an expert fashion and lifestyle stylist, for her go-to accessorizing tips. See Nicole’s work up close and personal at the upcoming Calgary and Vancouver Home + Design Show, where she’ll be showing off her signature style with the Western Living Lounge.

Choosing accessories and deciding where or how to place them can be tricky. To style your home like a pro, try playing with Nicole’s four cardinal rules of accessorizing:

1. Use Multiples

Hanging a trio of matching mirrors on the living room wall or placing five similar candleholders together can create a burst of visual interest. You don’t have to use items that look exactly the same, just ones that look related. The pieces can be similar in colour, shape or texture.

2. Mix & Match

Throw a couple of sparkly items with sleek industrial pieces and voilà! Pairing contrasting items is just as intriguing multiples. As with fashion, interior décor shouldn't be too matchy-matchy.

3. Strike a Balance

There are two basic types of balance to take into consideration when debating how to display your accessories. Symmetrical balance is the most traditional approach and is characterized by having similar objects repeated in the same places on either side of a vertical axis. When following the asymmetrical style, balance is achieved by considering the visual weight of the objects. To do this, place dissimilar objects strategically based on their visual weight.

4. Play with Texture

Soft blankets and throws immediately add warmth to a space, but cool textures can be just as interesting. Try a stone bath mat or hang metal wall décor with sharp angles to play off an over-stuffed occasional chair.

Now that you have got the basics down pat, it’s time to start decorating!

To learn more ways to style home accessories, ask the design experts at the Calgary and Vancouver Home + Design Show yourself! Purchase your tickets online today and save $3 on 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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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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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: 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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