Get Inspired: The BC Home and Garden Show 2015

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Whether you live in a condo or large home, hundreds of experts will help make your space a home.
By Michelle Hopkins
New trends in interior design are often dictated by the times we live in. In 2015, that desire for more eco friendly space and a renewed interest in the past and hope for the future continues to fuel interior design trends. Whether building, buying, renovating or selling your home, make your way to the much anticipated BC Home + Garden Show 2015 at B.C. Place Stadium from February 18-22, 2015.
“The BC Home + Garden Show has everything you need for design, renovation, lifestyle and landscaping all under one roof,” says Tyson Kidd, manager of the BC Home + Garden Show. Every year, the show draws between 54,000 and 59,000 visitors. Many attend to gather inspiration and learn about the newest spring trends in home and garden decor, from renovation gurus such as: Todd Talbot of W Network’s Love It Or List It Vancouver speaking about navigating Vancouver’s real estate market, to design duo Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock, owners of Parker Barrow, who will discuss easy, stylish quick fixes for your home, to Bryan Baeumler from HGTV’s Leave It To Bryan – one of Canada’s favourite handymen.

Janette Ewen – Lifestyle Expert & Stylist/Co-founder of Parker Barrow
In addition, there will be hundreds of the industry’s finest Canadian renovation, decoration and landscaping specialists.
Whether you are revamping your kitchen, downsizing, switching up your home décor or creating an outdoor oasis, this year’s show will enthuse and arouse your inner designer.

In 2015 we will see a return to more glamorous decor and accent accessories, such as this retro telephone

Parker Barrow’s wallpaper collection incorporates the “preppy trend” with marine life motifs – paper designed by Jef Hancock and Janette Ewen

Hottest trends
According to Kidd, one of the hottest trends in outdoor design for 2015 is going to be edible gardens. Horticulturalist Brian Minter will hit the stage to discuss ways anyone can become more self-sufficient and involved in their personal food production.
“People of all generations are recognizing that foraging and raising edibles are real-world skills that can keep you fed and healthy amongst processed junk and potential food shortages,” he says, adding some are even going as far as keeping their own bees to help with pollination in light of dwindling bee populations.

Quirky retro accessories give a home a whimsical vibe — this vignette would be right at home in Liberace’s Palm Springs Villa

Mix modern finishes like a concrete wall with classic accessories like this birdcage, seen here in the Toronto loft of Janette Ewen

Antiques mix with modern fabrics and prints give a home a fresh feel – home designed by Janette Ewen
The bees and their hives are making their ways indoor too — honeycomb shapes are popping up everywhere in architecture and interior design, creating a look that is both modern and organic.
Kidd also believes we are moving towards what he calls “an era of lush comfort.” Vancouver has seen hints of it over the past few years with the introduction and explosion of “pseudosectionals” (couch/chaise lounge combos). He believes people are over the fad of “high design” sofas that prioritize severe style over comfort.

Back to basics
A design term, which has been coined in the last few years, is dubbed either shabby chic, rustic, handcrafted or vintage. Whatever you call it, it’s about creating a comfortable and elegant home using furniture or furnishings which have rich stories to tell or where new items are distressed to achieve the look of an antique.
“On the West coast people are more sustainable and would rather restore than see a piece go into the landfill,” says interior designer Jamie Banfield, who is designing the show’s Power Smart Cardinal Cabin. “For example, an old school filing cabinet can be brought back to life as a bedside table.”
Small Space Design

Using atypical cabinets as a “hutch” provides stylish storage options for everyday items.

Mixing metals is a very good way to make a space built over time and well thought out down to the last detail.
“Make your small contemporary space look grand by adding different textures, such as mixing metals like a copper lamp or a stool with unique wrought iron legs,” he goes on. “Light and punchy coloured walls (warm muddy purple is hot) will make the space feel open and airy. Invest in pieces that give you longevity and dual functionality.”
Interior designer Janette Ewen agrees with Banfield. “Take an old piece of furniture, grab a can of spray paint and play it off with colour and interesting objects,” adds Ewen, who along with Jef Hancock, owners Parker Barrow Creative Studio, will speak at the show about quick and easy design elements.
In our quest to return to simpler time and a reminder of the real meaning of life, heirloom pieces handed down from generation to generation or that fabulously distressed armoire is often the piece de resistance in a room. Reclaimed furniture is still as hot as ever this year. Running parallel to the “Vintage” look are furniture pieces created from reclaimed wood and metal. Materials salvaged from abandoned factories and buildings in countries dismantling their derelict industrial zones are a huge inspiration for some of the most rustic yet sophisticated edgy looks, dubbed the new “Industrial Modern” style expression.
“In addition, we are seeing rooms that combine contemporary furniture with reclaimed pieces layered with fabrics and colour; creating a sophisticated rustic and warm space,” says Jef Hancock.
A new wall decor can also make a huge impact on a room without making much of a dent on your wallet. Try adding a splash of colour to an otherwise neutral palette, or add a fun textured piece for a unique look.
“Gorgeous wallpaper inside a frame looks fabulous,” says Ewen. “Or line your book shelves with wallpaper and then stack your books horizontally and vertically.”
Another simple way to breathe new life into any room is with the use of tiles – whether its kitchen backsplash or a bathroom redo, tiles are relatively inexpensive and can make such a difference. And let’s face it — it’s only tile! It can be redone another day if you mess up.
Because designers are starting to think more about the world and the impact they leave behind, this shift is certainly playing out in what products they choose to use.
Sustainable Design

Paul Kristjan Coffee Table, featuring reclaimed wood, can also be used as a side table or bench for extra seating

Paul Kristjan Found Wood Bench celebrates the natural beauty of reclaimed materials

Paul Kristjan Harvest Table mixes salvaged metal and reclaimed wood, adding a rustic industrial look to any space
Bring your green thumb!
The show will feature gardens titled “The Classics.” Based on iconic examples of film, music and design, there will be plenty of ideas — everything from unique plants to landscape design — for those living in condos, townhomes or homes with large gardens. Those looking for expert advice can stop by the Vancouver Sun Gardener’s School to catch presentations on everything from helebores to carnivorous plants and everything in between.
In the end, it’s all about letting your personality shine through
All the designers agree on one thing: If a trend doesn’t reflect your own personal style or resonate with your lifestyle, don’t follow it. Your home and garden décor should be an extension of your individuality.
For more information about the 42nd annual BC Home + Garden Show, running February 18 to 22, visit www.bchomeandgardenshow.com or call 604-639-2288.
Source: JAN 23 – FEB 6, 2015 METRO VANCOUVER NEW CONDO GUIDE