Image Credit: Urban Barn
Every week, I look forward to getting cozy on my couch and watching the latest episode of Love It or List It Vancouver, the local home renovation show that ends in a couple deciding whether they want to keep their revamped home, or try to sell it (the drama of it all!). My boyfriend often joins me and has miraculously started to pick up some décor tips (he used to base all his decisions exclusively on utility).
I was really excited to find out that one of the co-hosts of LIOLIV, Todd Talbot, will be speaking at the upcoming Vancouver Home + Design Show (October 27-30, 2016). My boyfriend and I went last year to the Show and were impressed by its sheer size and breadth. There was so much there! This year, I’m going in with a plan of the following top five things I want to see and do:
1. Listen to celebrity and expert speakers on the Urban Barn Main Stage
Todd Talbot; Photo Credit: HGTV
The line-up for the three days of the Vancouver Home + Design Show is packed with enlightening talks on a variety of home-related topics. Todd Talbot, who offers property advice on LIOLIV, will be speaking on the 30th about the three keys to real estate success: form, function, and finances. Other celebrities include Rob Evans and Mia Parres from The Expandables, an HGTV show that renovates homes in order to maximize their usage, without adding extra square footage. They’ll be speaking on the 28th about falling in love with your home again on any budget. And expect a mix of humour and insight from Colin and Justin who star in Cottage Life’s Cabin Pressure, a show about them experiencing the trials and tribulations of renovating a cottage. They’re scheduled for the 28th as well and will be talking about how changes to your home that don’t cost too much, can result in significant impact.
2. Participate in a fun workshop
Photo Credit: Tara Lee
Different local artisan companies will be offering workshops at the Show. On the 27th, Fox + Flourish will teach a two-hour class on brush lettering ($130, includes ticket to the Show and a Brush Lettering Kit), and on the 30th, Lucy Poskitt Textiles will host two weaving classes ($120, includes ticket to the Show, supplies, a hand loom, tools, yarn pack, and info booklet). I’m particularly looking forward to the three workshops offered on the 28th by Celsia Floral: one on wall hangings, another on dried botanical arrangements, and the third on wreaths ($125, includes admission to the show, a finished creation, and a selection of supplies for future use).
Dried botanical arrangement from Celsia workshop; Photo Credit: Tara Lee
3. Get one-on-one expert advice on your burning home and design questions
Sourced from Vancouver Home + Design Show
While I think I’m not bad at decorating and making home decisions, sometimes I wish I had an expert to give me a little guidance. For example, I’m wanting to revamp the colour scheme of my place (beige is getting oh so boring), but have no idea what would work best in the space. The “Ask a Designer” studio offers free ten minute one-on-one consultations with real estate and interior design experts on everything from selling to renovating your home. No appointment is needed.
4. Find out how to minimize your electrical bill
Image from previous year’s show; Sourced from the Vancouver Home + Design Show
I fully realize that my home is far from energy efficient. Although I want to make changes, I need inspirational motivation. Enter the “BC Hydro Smart Home,” designed by Jamie Banfield Design, which will give you ideas about how you can ramp up the energy efficiency of your place. Banfield has used smart products from Best Buy and done so in a way that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics.
5. Learn from cooking pros on the Samsung Cooking Stage
Previous year’s cooking stage; Sourced from the Vancouver Home + Design Show
I’m food obsessed, so I’ll be making a beeline to this stage, especially with a star-studded line-up this year. This is a great opportunity to see some of the hottest local culinary and entertaining talent, whipping up delicious creations on stage. On the 28th, pastry chef Adam Chandler from renowned BETA5 will teach you how to make their amazing cream puffs, guiding you through the art of choux pastry, flavour combos, and finishing techniques. On the 30th, chef Deniz Tarakcioglu from one of my favourite breakfast/brunch spots in the city, Medina Café, will get you hungry with Mediterranean-inspired brunch cooking. I can’t wait!
Paella at Medina Cafe; Photo Credit: Tara Lee
For more info and to purchase tickets in advance, visit the Show’s website.
