Our 5 Favourite Things at the Vancouver Home and Design Show

Celebrity guests (Colin and Justin! Todd Talbot!) hit the main stage at this weekend’s Vancouver Home and Design Show.

1. DIY Hacks from Our Fave Scots, Colin and Justin

Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29Cabin Pressure hosts Colin and Justin shared their cottage style secrets with us last week, but they’ll be sharing even more practical design tips at the VHDS. See them on the main stage to learn what home products you should invest in (don’t buy something just because it’s trendy!) and to get some DIY tips for taking your at-home projects to the next level.

2. In the Kitchen with Janette Ewen

Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30Janette Ewen will be trading her paint swatches for knives this weekend. The designer, who recently shared her thoughts on the up-and-coming black kitchen trend, will be cooking in the Samsung Kitchen—and sharing her expert design and entertaining tips during her “Navigating Design Trends and Innovation” presentation. Associate Editor Julia Dilworth’s inspiration came from a pink cat shirt—which became a leopard-print bureau.

3. Ultimate Upcycle Challenge

Thursday, October 27 to Sunday, October 30This year, the VHDS asked 15 participants—including Vancouver jewellery designer Melanie Auld, Upcycle That blogger Judy Rom and Western Living’s own Julia Dilworth—to select one item from their closets, be it a chic leather handbag or quirky graphic tee, for inspiration. Armed with a box of Rust-Oleum products, participants were then asked to makeover a pre-loved piece of furniture from ReStore Vancouver. See all the refurbished items and bid for your favourites at the show’s silent auction (all proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and Restore).

4. Todd Talbot’s Real Estate Secrets

Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30Love It or List It Vancouver star, real estate guru, and renovator Todd Talbot (take a peek at his master bathroom reno) will be sharing strategies for new home buyers and discussing how to navigate a tight market. He’ll also be debunking some reality TV myths as he chats about how the real estate market varies on- and off-screen.

5. Jamie Banfield’s Sustainable Design Talks

Friday, October 28 to Sunday, October 30Local favourite Jamie Banfield is no stranger to smart design—he’s built the VHDS BC Hydro House two years in a row (see last year’s rendition here). Aside from sharing his favourite appliances and energy-saving products, he’ll also be giving advice on designing an efficient home during his main stage presentation, “Creating a Smart Home on Any Budget.” Can’t wait? Check out Banfield’s family-friendly design tips.

Vancouver Home and Design Show

When Thursday, October 28 to Sunday, October 30Where Vancouver Convention Centre, West—1055 Canada PlaceFor details, or to see the show’s full schedule, visit vancouverhomeanddesignshow.com. Other guests appearing on the main stage include The Expandables hosts Mia Parres and Rob Evans and Hue La La‘s Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault.