In 2016, Alykhan Velji Designs celebrated 10 years of award-winning design, décor and lifestyle experience. Known for creating timeless spaces that combine modern and classic trends, the company's designs are personalized for both residential and commercial clients.

Making the most of a small living space

Visitors to this year's Calgary Fall Home Show might have come across a feature area called Small Space Living.

Designed by Rosalyn Lazaruk, owner of Wicket Blue Interiors, the 1,000-square-foot display showcased ways to optimize a smaller living space.

Lazaruk says people downsizing into a smaller house or condominium don't have to give up style and livability just because they have less square footage.

Alykhan Velji talks top design trends for 2018

Whether planning a design overhaul or revitalizing a favourite space, award-winning designer Alykhan Velji has his finger on the pulse of what's up-and-coming in the design world. With that in mind, here are three of his predictions for Calgary's top design trends in 2018.

Tips for hot tub buying and ownership

Having a hot tub at your home is a great way to relax with family and friends, while also providing some real therapeutic benefits.

"It's always been a health and wellness thing," said Drew Christy, a client care specialist at Rocky Mountain Pools & Spas in Calgary.

Christy says the social aspect of owning a hot tub is often the first thing that appeals to people, but later they find themselves mostly using the spa for relaxation.

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.

Staging your home for a successful sale

While many people are likely reluctant to spend extra money on their home right before they sell, the act of staging a house for sale is important when it comes to drawing in potential buyers. Staging can make a home look far more desirable and appealing, which can often be the difference between no offers and a done deal.

Here are some of the best staging tips to ensure your home puts its best face forward for potential buyers:

Patricia and Michael Insole went from renters to buyers and never looked back

For Patricia and Michael Insole, timing was everything when it came to purchasing their penthouse condo in Calgary's inner-city Beltline neighbourhood.

They weren't really looking to buy a home, but when the building where they were renting became a condominium conversion, they jumped at the chance to purchase. They gathered a down payment, borrowing from family and friends, and purchased their 1,700-square-foot condo on the 15th floor.

HGTV Canada's Tiffany Pratt brings energy and design expertise to the Calgary Fall Home Show

Designer, author, maker and HGTV Canada star Tiffany Pratt hits the main stage at the Calgary Fall Home Show this weekend, where she'll wow audiences with her down-to-earth design savvy, while imparting tips for creating charismatic and colourful design style.

"I'm really going to be talking about transformation," said Pratt. "Everyone is looking for change – they want to be inspired with colours or experience an update or have something new."

Pratt will be walking show attendees through the process of creating beautiful spaces using simple DIY design projects and pops of colour. She will also be sharing the story of the year-long journey of design transformation she experienced while renovating her home in Toronto's waterfront Beaches community.

Opulence, extravagance, and splendour are words typically used to describe homes of the rich and famous. Those words also apply to Calgary with its fair share of what are considered luxury dwellings.

While many people have grand aspirations when it comes to the aesthetic of their home, not everyone has the money to pay for a beautifully designed luxury home or a series of expensive renovations. Thankfully, there are a number of quick and easy ways to achieve a luxurious look in any room without the luxury price tag.