To each their own

The 2017 Calgary Fall Home Show offers tips, tricks and inspiration for every type of homeowner

"The show for every home." That's how Marketplace Events show manager Teri Salazar describes the Calgary Fall Home Show, which runs from Sept. 21 to 24 at the BMO Centre.

"It doesn't matter if you have a condo, a new build, a fixer-upper or a McMansion, if you want to do a simple update or a complete renovation overhaul, we have something in the show for everyone," she said.

There'll be some 350 exhibitors at this year's show, which Salazar says has been refocused to highlight those aspects exhibitors and attendees have been looking for, including more sources for inspiration.

"This show will be better than ever," she said.

Among the show's highlights is a 1000-square-foot feature exhibit designed by Wicket Blue Interiors that demonstrates how to make a small space comfortable, luxurious and stylish.

Another feature, also courtesy of Wicket Blue Interiors, has been dubbed Wall Street. "Everyone wants to have a feature wall in their house, but they don't know where to start," said Salazar.

That's where Wall Street comes in. It will showcase eight feature walls, each with differing details – from texture and wainscoting to bright colour and photos – that will provide feature-wall inspiration for show goers.

One of the new exhibits at this year's show is the result of a partnership with Dinner by Design. "Four extraordinary, three-dimensional dining installations, from the lavish and romantic to the outrageous and whimsical, [that] will inspire design enthusiasts, foodies and dinner party hosts alike," will be on site, a feature that Salazar promises to be "awe inspiring."

As a nod to Canada's 150 birthday, the "Canadiana Wine Lounge" at this year's show will only serve products sourced from Canadian companies and businesses.

"It doesn't matter if you have a condo, a new build, a fixer-upper or a McMansion, if you want to do a simple update or a complete renovation overhaul, we have something in the show for everyone." - Teri Salazar, Marketplace Events

On the practical side of the spectrum, Servus Credit Union will be on site offering one-on-one consults for those show goers that are saving for a home purchase and mortgage. Meanwhile, show attendees who want to add a little art to their lives can drop by the "Market" to purchase one-of-a-kind sculptures, paintings, photos and prints.

This year's main-stage guests include HGTV's Bryan Baeumler and HGTV Canada's Tiffany Pratt, as well as Toronto-based DIY and design expert Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault.

Perrault – whose presentation this year is titled "High Style, Low Budget: Design Without Spending a Dime" – has shared her expertise at the show for at least the past four years.

"I love being able to share my latest projects, and Calgary audiences are always so enthusiastic," she said.

She describes her presentation as a how-to when it comes to "luxe for less" and "how to implement current design trends in a DIY fashion."

When re-designing a home on a budget, Perrault suggests shopping your own home first. "The price can't get any better than that," she said. In fact, Perrault practiced what she preaches during her personal challenge to re-decorate her spare bedroom for zero dollars. She de-cluttered, and sold many items from her home for a profit of $1,200. She then used that money to finance her spare-room redecoration. In the end, she came in $28 under budget, a result achieved through "shopping smart" via the likes of Kijiji and upcycling her own belongings.

Among her other tips, Perrault says don't be afraid to use a coat of paint, even on something that is natural wood, and remember that an item's true value lies in how much you love it.

One of the current trends Perrault will be referencing at the show is the return to '80s colours in interior design, including burgundy, dusty rose and forest green.

As in years past, the Calgary Fall Home Show features many workshops – accompanied by complimentary wine tastings and local food samples – covering everything from terrarium planting, painting wooden paddles and creating your own abstract canvas, to blending essential oils for the home and crafting one-of-a-kind décor items. Salazar recommends that those who want to participate in a workshop sign up in advance online.

While the fall season is not prime exterior home-renovation time, Salazar says there'll still be several landscapers, as well as companies involved with exterior renovations – from roofing to shutter and awning installation – at this year's show.

At the end of the day, providing inspiration for homeowners remains the mission at the heart of the show. "We want people to look at something, be inspired, and glean tips and advice on how to recreate that in their own space," said Salazar.