Showing posts with label edmonton home and garden show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label edmonton home and garden show. Show all posts

Mar 16, 2015

We are all about inspiration and innovation when it comes to home design, which is why were are so thrilled about our Wavefront Automation Smart Home feature at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show.

If you are in the early stages of your dream home design, get inspired to dive in with confidence and some great ideas. This 1,000 sq. ft. custom-built home is chalk-full of inspired decor, innovative gadgets, custom built-ins, and the latest in lighting design.


Rosalyn Lazaruk, Owner of Wicket Blue Interiors, used her expertise to give the Wavefront Automation Smart Home life and colour. She says her job was to give the space a functional layout.

"It's a small space, which can be a challenge for space planning. We wanted to get the most out of the space while still keeping it open and airy."

With a limited amount of room to work with, Rosalyn played up the Smart Home interiors by including visually interesting pieces, making sure that the smaller layout was interesting and enticing.

As for her inspiration for the home's interior, the Smart Home will be showcasing the latest in efficient home design with innovation gadgets from Wavefront Automation. We can't wait to see what they come up with!

You can tour the innovative Wavefront Automation Smart Home at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre - and be sure to check out Rosalyn's design presentation on the main stage!

You can also find the masterminds behind all things Smart Home related, from unique flooring to custom cabinetry, on the show floor at their company booths. These experts include:

Smart Home Sponsors
Smart Home Suppliers
With home and garden celebrities, local professionals, and hundreds of experts all ready to help you with your next home improvement project, the Edmonton Home + Garden Show is the event of the season. Don't wait to buy tickets - right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook.

Mar 13, 2015

Outdoor landscaping projects can seem pretty daunting; after all, your yard essentially gives visitors the first impression of what kinds of design elements to expect when they walk through your front door. Thankfully there are outdoor design and lifestyle experts like HGTV's Carson Arthur, host of Critical Listing and Green Force, who are here to help guide your next project in the right direction.


Where To Start

Like every renovation project, Carson says that sticking to a budget is the absolute key to a successful landscaping project.

"Always start with useable space," he says. "Budget for that deck or the patio because this is where you will spend the majority of your time in the backyard. Having a beautiful lawn to look at is one thing, but having somewhere for the family to sit is by far the priority...and the biggest investment."

Carson really stresses the value of useable space, explaining that it is important to plan your renovation around a timeline because it can impact your budget depending on your future plans.

"Really consider how long you want to be in the home. Items like a new deck have a shorter lifespan than a patio. Maybe opting for a more expensive patio is a wiser decision than paying to replace a worn out deck."

Tips & Tricks

Often there are yard spaces that just aren't as big as we would like them to be. To maximize a smaller space, Carson has two words: go vertical!

"Adding a great pergola over a small backyard gives instant impact. Pergolas help re-enforce the concept of outdoor room by defining the space and creating overhead privacy."

Think before you act and have a plan. Carson attributes homeowners' most common mistakes to rushing a renovation without thinking of key elements. He says that there is danger in buying a bunch of garden accessories without actually having a long-term vision.

"Before anyone starts any backyard gardening, I always advise on having a real design done so that you never have to move, dig up, or cut down any of your new investments."


To avoid these potential disasters, consider bringing in an expert. Carson says that hiring a respectable designer can actually save you a lot of money by providing guidance and project knowledge.

"Too many outdoor DIY projects go horribly wrong, costing the homeowner time and money. I'm all for saving on the budget, but when installing outdoors, there is a whole new set of variables that most home builders have never worked with before."

For more helpful outdoor design hacks, check out Carson's presentation on the Main Stage at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!


Mar 10, 2015

Spring is so close we can almost smell the fresh-cut grass, the backyard barbecues, and the fabulous flowers! And with the snow slowly melting away, it's time to start thinking about that deck renovation you've been stewing over all winter long.

Getting started on a backyard redesign can seem a little daunting at first. That's why Paul Lafrance host of HGTV's Decked Out and Deck Wars, has shared a few Do's and Don'ts of deck design to help you prepare for your project.


Paul says that, when starting a backyard renovation, the first item on a homeowner's To Do list is to bring in a professional to help point your design in the right direction.

"Get a design done. Having a customized design from a reputable firm will not only ensure you have a space that represents you, but with a good design, you can gain more of a wow factor for less money."

Another definite Do is to watch your budget! Paul says that aside from hiring an expert, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your design without breaking the bank. You may even be able to re-vamp your existing deck!

"Often the structure of the deck may still be intact, and by adding upgraded deck boards you can improve the overall look on a smaller budget. Think quality of square footage over quantity - it's better to have a smaller, more inviting and functional space than a huge, sprawling space that has no creativity or defined use."

Patio buffs rejoice! Once you've settled on a layout, Paul says to do your homework when it comes to outdoor furnishings. Say goodbye to cheap-looking chairs.

"The outdoor living space world has changed. No longer do we have to tolerate plastic furniture and rusty charcoal barbecues. There are revolutionary products on the market today that are not only cost-effective, but when incorporated into a design, can make your outdoor space just as inviting as the interior of your home."

To bring together a great deck design, Paul tells homeowners to pick a unique focal point that will compliment their personal themes. He says that each of his clients have specific tastes that he will bring out in their decks' focal points.

"Everyone's focal point will be different; be it a decorative screens, water feature, fire feature, gazebo, pergola, vibrant garden, etc. The most important this is for that focal point to be just as dynamic from inside the house as it is outside the house."

Something to consider, which Paul says is often where homeowners go wrong when them=y attempt a DIY deck renovation, is that the view of the backyard is important from every angle.

"The most common mistake is that [homeowners] do not take the view of their backyard from inside the house into account. It is so important to align focal points of your design with the most dominant views of the outdoor spaces to draw you outside."

Now that you know where to start and what to avoid, it's your turn to put Paul's tips and tricks to use and make the magic happen in your own backyard!

For more expert advice, visit Paul at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. He's taking the stage on Saturday, March 21 at 1pm and 6pm. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!


Mar 9, 2015

Thinking about moving, or know someone who is? The City of Wetaskiwin will have representatives at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 19-22, at the Edmonton Expo Centre, to talk about their unique community.


Before you chat with these individuals at the show, get to know a little more about the city and what they'll be bringing to the show. Our interview below has a great sneak peek.

Name: Ron Holland

Booth Number: 2723

Describe your product:
"The City of Wetaskiwin is showcasing a community where the housing costs as 30% lower than in the major cities."

What are your best home or garden tips?
"When looking for a home, do your research into the diversity of recreational facilities which are available (including program costs) and also the level of classroom overcrowding, particularly at the elementary school level."

Will you have any show specials?
"The City of Wetaskiwin will have information on our major home buildings: Laebon Homes, Zetsen Master Builders, and Berron Builders."

What's your favorite part about the Edmonton Home + Garden Show?
"Our favorite part of the show is the opportunity to meet an interesting diversity of people."

Any additional information you think we should know?
"In addition to moderate housing costs, our community provides outstanding recreation facilities for our residents. In 2014 we opened the Manluk Regional Aquatic Centre, featuring the BoardRider surfing attraction, one of only three in western Canada."


Don't miss the City of Wetaskiwin booth at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Edmonton Expo Center March 19-22, 2015. With hundreds of experts and professionals ready to help you with your next home improvement project, you don't want to miss this show. Haven't bought your tickets yet? Get 'em early to enjoy big savings and avoid box office lines. Right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook.


Apr 28, 2014

With Mother's Day fast approaching, we've decided to highlight five spaces fit for mom to relax in after a hard days work.  While all five may not be doable in every home, every mom should have at least one dedicated spot.  Whether it's in the kitchen, dining room, or on the patio, find your mom-perfect destination and cherish it! 

5 Mom-Perfect Spaces 

1. A breakfast counter.  Perfect for any busy mom! 


2. An eclectic workspace complete with family photos and personal touches. 


3.  A cozy sectional for the whole family. 


4. A pretty place to entertain guests. 


5.  A garden nook with a comfy hammock or chaise. 


What kind of space do you and your mom relax in? 

Apr 2, 2014


The 2014Edmonton Home + Garden Show took the Edmonton Expo by storm, hosting thousands of visitors seeking real advice, real inspiration and real experts on all things home improvement. 

The State Farm® Main Stage presented by HGTV was brimming with world-class talent dispensing the best tips in the biz. Fan favourites including HGTV star Sarah Richardson talked decor and life in the home improvement limelight, while local personality Rosalyn Lazaruk and Vancouver’s Jennifer Scott walked guests through the dos and don’ts of design. 



The Better Gnomes & Gardens exhibit was a resounding (and adorable) success. Edmonton's most notable personalities joined forces in the name of charity, each turning a plain white garden gnome into a whimsical treasure. The bearded fellows were put up for auction at the show, raising more than $2,000 to benefit Inner City Children's Program, an organization that provides quality recreational and educational programming to children and youth in the McCauley/Boyle Street community. “Mr. Malin Bonaventure”, J’lyn Nye’s impressive military gnome, took home the top bid of $500. 

The Hockey Fan Cave stole the show with its sleek design and classic hockey paraphernalia. Consumers flocked to the large screen TVs and comfy seating to relax with ice cold beverages. Furniture was provided by The Brick, pool tables by Playmore Tables & Games and design by Edmonton’s Michelle Law. This favourite themed lounge gained the attention of local media partners including CTV and TSN 1260.

Mar 17, 2014

After receiving over 40 fabulous entries on Instagram, our friends at Southgate Centre have selected four talented finalists in their Home Décor Showdown! Using home accessories from Crate & Barrel, each competitor was tasked with designing a unique space based on a specific theme.  These budding designers have worked day-in and day-out to showcase their fantastic work.

The Finalists and Their Themes

Christina Dennis (Garden of Delight)


A busy mother of three, Christina is a DIY design expert who is always looking to get crafty when it comes to her home. Her blog, thediymommy.com, highlights some of her most-loved projects. For her vignette, Christina designed a relaxing sunroom using different green hues and adding a splash of chalkboard paint for a DIY feel.

Jodi Heidinger (Room to Bloom)


With only a few years of design experience under her belt, Jodi has developed a true passion for interior decorating. In fact, she recently started her own business, Evolve Interiors. Jodi’s vignette is a vibrant living room with a floral fabric chair as its focal point. With a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and splashes of colour to compliment the room’s neutral tones, Jodi’s space would be great for entertaining guests or settling down with a new book.

Nancy Korpany (Global Village)


Nancy is a world-traveller with a passion for incorporating nature into design. She has invested six years into her design career and uses her adventures around the globe to find inspiration for almost every project she takes on. Nancy’s vignette is a colourful, Aztec-inspired office nook that truly captures wild essence of nature. Her mix of patterns and colours create a vibrant, worldly atmosphere.

Maureen Wright (Wild Orchid)


Maureen is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to design. With over 20 years of experience, she has mastered every aspect of interior decorating. Nancy now co-owns a successful design studio, MoJo Design Inc., which is located in the Glenora neighbourhood. Tasked with designing a space around Radiant Orchid, the Pantone colour of the year, Maureen has brought life to an ordinary office space. Painting the walls with such a loud colour makes a statement without taking attention away from the room’s fabulous accessories.

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You can catch these beautiful vignettes in Centre Court at Southgate Centre from March 8 – 18. Afterwards, come check them out at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show from March 20 – 23 and see which talented designer takes home the grand prize of $2000 in gift cards, feature articles in Creeklife and Avenue Magazine, and an opportunity to design one of Creekwood’s showrooms.


MARCH 20 - 23
EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE


Ahh, the sweet smell of spring! The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and you know what that means… it’s time to wake those green thumbs from their hibernation! We've rounded up some of Edmonton’s most prominent personalities to take part in a fun design challenge at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show for a good cause!

Each participant will have the chance to dip his or her toes in the design world and turn an ordinary garden gnome into a unique DIY masterpiece. From paint to paper decorations, the creative possibilities are endless.


The final pieces of art will be on display and open for bidding at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show from March 20th – 23rd. 100% of the winning bids will be donated to Edmonton’s Inner City Children’s Program. Come by the show, check out these one-of-a-kind garden gnomes and be sure to bid on your favourites!

(Not that it really matters, but Calgary raised over $2000 for their charity. Come on Edmonton, let’s see what we can do!)

Participants:
  • Chris and Jack from the CISN FM Morning Show
  • Johnny Sullivan from the FRESH FM Morning Show
  • Kari Skelton from the UP 99.3 Morning Show
  • Bacon Guy @zoomjer
  • Sean Burke Morning Show Host 93.1 FM The One - Leduc
  • Kristi Sainchuk, Southgate Stylist
  • Wanye Gretz from Oilers Nation
  • Jamie Jones, wife of Edmonton Oiler Ryan Jones
  • Julie Petry, wife of Edmonton Oiler Jeff Petry
  • J'Lyn Nye from 630 CHED
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Don't miss your chance to bid on your favorite gnomes LIVE at the show! 


MARCH 20 - 23

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE



We are so excited to have style expert and A Good Chick to Know’s Jennifer Scott present us with the hottest design trends of 2014 at Edmonton Home + Garden Show (March 20-23)!

A fabulous designer herself, Jennifer knows exactly how to make the most out of bringing a designer to your next home improvement project!

When it comes to hiring a designer, some clients might need help from the very beginning, but others might just need help achieving that extra wow factor in the decorating process.

“It really depends on the client and the project,” Jennifer writes. “Some people have every detail worked out to a tee during the reno phase and simply need consulting on ideas when it’s time to pull the whole look together.”

We all know hiring a designer isn't free, but did you know that bringing in a professional might actually save you money?

“Firstly, having a designer on your side can avoid potentially costly mistakes,” Jennifer writes. “Secondly, many shops will be more generous in their pricing with designers that they frequently work with, which could mean reduced pricing on some items for the client.”

A good designer/client relationship is key to a successful project. We all know that anyone can make a showroom look nice, but it takes a good designer to form connections and create spaces that fit each client’s individual tastes.

“Designing should be fun,” Jennifer writes. “Make sure those involved in your design process make you feel good!

Bringing her design expertise to Edmonton all the way from Vancouver, Jennifer is thrilled to get a glimpse of YEG’s design community!
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For more expert advice on having a successful relationship with your designer and to learn about the latest in design trends, you can see Jennifer Scott's presentations during the Edmonton Home + Garden Show, March 20 - 23 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.



MARCH 20 - 23

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE


The 2014 Edmonton Home + Garden Show is running from March 20 to the 23 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. This year, in addition to having over 750 exhibitors, we're thrilled to welcome the Sarah Richardson host, co-creator and co-producer of four celebrated HGTV series'.

Join Sarah on Sunday, March 16th at 1:00pm on the State Farm Main Stage presented by HGTV. She's an award-winning designer known for jaw-dropping transformations; we were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview her. Check it out below

10 Qs for Designer Sarah Richardson 

1. What three items do you always keep in your purse/pockets?
"Phone, lip gloss, credit card (I rarely have cash - just ask Tommy! he often has to loan to me)"

2. What is your favourite room in your home and why?
"Living room - it gets amazing east and west light and is an awesome place to hang out or entertain."

3. How were you discovered?
"Amoryn Engel, society reporter for the National Post and Hello! Magazine, was a segment producer for a lifestyle show on Life Network. She heard that I had a decorative art business painting floorcloths, and called to ask me if I could do a segment on the show, Real Life to teach people how to make them. At the time I was working behind the scenes on a TV show for CTV and understood the beginning/middle/end steps of illustrating a "how to" project. When I arrived for the show, they were running early, so they grabbed everything out of the car, threw it in the studio, and the cameras rolled shortly after. I literally never had a chance to get nervous, and it turned out that Barb Williams (now an executive at Shaw Media) was in the directors booth and took notice. It wasn't a rocket ride to stardom by any means, and the road to success was paved with a LOT of hard work, but by 1999 I'd been given the green light for my own show. I've hosted and co-created and co-produced 5 distinct series since then."

4. Most memorable career moment to date?
"Winning a Gemini for Best Host (for Sarah's House) was pretty memorable - it is wonderful to be honoured by your industry.

5. What famous figure(s) inspires your career?
"There are so many legendary designers to be inspired by. David Hicks, Mark Hampton, Elsie de Wolfe, Dorothy Draper all created innovative and exceptional interiors, and are still revered today. Designing interiors that stand the test of time is a huge accomplishment in the fast paced world we live in."

6. Any embarrassing on-the-job moments you’d like to share?
"I think I did a pretty good job of sharing a LOT of embarrassing moments in Design Inc and Sarah's House! I created those shows to show the human side of design and share that something always goes wrong. While 6 months pregnant with my second daughter I was concurrently shooting both Sarah's House and Sarah's Cottage, in different locations over 3 hours apart, and designing a home in England for clients. When the doors for the cottage arrived, the glass was wrong, and it was my fault because I had signed off without looking closely enough at the plans. It cost a few thousand dollars and I shared my mistake on international TV…a bit embarrassing, but honesty and accountability matter to me!"

7. Describe your design style in five words or less.
"Contemporary informed by classic perspective"

8. What are your personal mantras?
  • "The only answer is Yes!"
  • "Lead, follow, or get out of the way."
  • "You can get it if you really want (my theme song by Jimmy Cliff)"
9. What is the most challenging part of your job?
"Managing client expectations and budgets that are comprised of after-tax dollars. Reminding everyone that renovations and homes are brought to life through a huge investment of human time and effort, mistakes happen, things take longer than anticipated, and it's important to remember that everyone is genuinely trying their best."

10. What is your favorite organizational tip?
"Edit and purge, or as William Morris said so much more eloquently "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.""

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Special thanks to Sarah Richardson for answering our 10 questions! Don't miss her at the Edmonton Home + Garden Show on Saturday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m. on the State Farm Main Stage presented by HGTV.


MARCH 20 - 23

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE

Feb 3, 2014


Attention all up-and-coming interior designers! With preparations for the Edmonton Home + Garden Show well underway, Creekwood, Southgate Centre, Avenue Magazine, Crate & Barrel, and us, have teamed up to present you with an amazing opportunity to get your original work discovered! Enter the Home Décor Showdown for a chance to win some valuable experience, professional exposure and much more!

You could win the grand prize of $2000 in gift cards, feature articles in Creeklife and Avenue Magazine, a booth in our 2015 Edmonton show and an opportunity to design one of Creekwood’s showrooms. Not to mention, you’ll also get to chat one-on-one with design guru and host of HGTV’s Real Potential, Sarah Richardson!

How to enter:
  • Head to SouthgateCentre.com/homedecor to register your Instagram account
  • Pick a room to design and take before & after photos
  • Upload your photos to Instagram – don’t forget to tag @SouthgateCentre and include the hashtag #ArtofHome in the caption
If you don’t have Instagram, no problem! Email your before & after photos to info@southgatecentre.com.

The call for entries continues through the first two weeks of February, so be sure to enter by February 14th!  It’s time to get your creative juices flowing! We can’t wait to see your fabulous design skills in action!
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MARCH 20 - 23

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE


Apr 4, 2013



Recently at our Edmonton Home + Garden Show we hosted a fun Pallet Challenge! Edmontonians to used their creative talent, to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House!  One of our challengers was Jerry Aulenbach, who created these amazing Adirondack chairs and table.  As you can see in the video below, Jerry has some amazing talents when it comes to carpentry!

Check out his DIY video below...  

Feb 15, 2013

“...a good backyard retreat is all about emotional response.”

Spring is in the air, and if budget is a concern, and let’s face it for most Canadians it is, getting a proper design done before tackling any outdoor living area is essential, says the creator, owner, and CEO of Cutting Edge Construction and Design Paul Lafrance.


It doesn’t matter what your budget, “within reason even someone with the smallest backyard the size of a postage stamp would be surprised to see what you can do with a 10x10 deck. It’s not about quantity of square footage it’s about quality.”

Regardless of your finances, or the size of your al fresco retreat, creating a backyard oasis that shows your personality comes promptly after a well thought out design plan, at least that’s what the National Home Show celebrity and HGTV “Decked Out” and “Deck Wars” guru believes.

According to Lafrance, “a good backyard retreat is all about emotional response.”

So if the adage is true, what does his say about him?

“Exactly what I hope it would; it makes me want to spend all my time there,” he reveals.

“Even in wintertime I have it set up with a fireplace and heat. I’m able to enjoy my backyard all four seasons of the year. That’s the whole point; even if [your backyard] is in suburbia. I have all the features to make it not feel that way - water falls, mini pond with bridge, fire feature, retractable canopies and multi zones for usage, as well as a kick ass barbeque area.”

When designing any outdoor living space it is important that it feels comfortable to you, and that it is an extension of your house and your personality.

Can your personal style be brought to the outdoors?

Yes it can according to Lafrance, and this is how:

  1. Break it down: Think of your outdoor space like you would a room inside your home. Houses are broken apart even in an open concept dwelling. Rooms are always separated by something, whether it is a sofa dividing two rooms or a feature wall. Create individual zones outside the same you would indoors, and if you can, incorporate level changes to further define divisions.

  2. Lighten Up: Like any interior space, make sure your deck incorporates some element of lighting. Adding a little illumination to your outdoor space will not only make it more inviting to guests who want to keep the party going till the wee hours, but it will also compel you to think of your new exterior space as a great location to spend weeknights, as well as weekends.

  3. It’s all About the F’s - Furniture and Fabrics: “When I grew up it was plastic furniture and charcoal barbeques,” Lafrance recalls. Now planning your deck around the outdoor furniture you fall in love with makes perfect sense. There are so many great choices and fabric options available. People often design a house to flow with a piece of furniture they fall in love with, so why can’t you do that with a deck? At least here, you are not bound by walls.

Great tips Paul! 

Stay tuned to our blog for more from Paul Lafrance. He'll be appearing at four of our Canadian Home Shows. Click any of the logos below to learn more about what we've got in store this year.