Fall Home News & Trends

It’s an exciting season for home decor as two of the city’s biggest design shows come to Vancouver. Plus, Jillian Harris talks textures and more

It’s Showtime: IDSwest and the Vancouver Home + Design Show

Home design enthusiasts are spoiled for choice this fall as Vancouver gets not one, but two major industry events – thankfully starting three weeks apart. Celebrating a decade of design, IDSwest hits the Vancouver Convention Centre West from September 25 to 28, showcasing the latest home trends, ideas and products. Highlights include free design consultations, a marketplace and celebrity speakers like HGTV superstar Sarah Richardson (pictured above).

Over at BC Place from October 16 to 19,  the Vancouver Home + Design Show shows off everything design, entertaining and home improvement with expert presenters like Bryan Baeumler of HGTV’s Leave it to Bryan and local design duo A Good Chick to Know.

Heavy Metals

Talk to any interior designer and they’ll confirm that this year’s most ubiquitous trend continues to be warm metals. Shades of brass, gold and copper have permeated almost every type of accessory, especially in those all-white condo spaces. “Sometimes white can be austere, but once you add the warmer metal, especially the copper, it really warms it up,” says Vancouver interior designer Laura Melling.

Left to right: Gold scallop embossed pillow, $79.50, Chapters Indigo; Gold vase, $12.95 and copper vase, $11.95, CB2; Vince accent stool, $299, Pottery Barn

Natural Elements

According to Vancouver interior designer Gaile Guevara, no matter how modern or advanced manufactured finishes get, there will always be a more intimate relationship with natural materials. “Wood has a warmth and an honest quality that brings nostalgic layering to any interior,” says Guevara. Locally sourced timber, reclaimed wood and the here-to-stay trend “live edge” (where the natural edge is part of the design of the piece) are bringing British Columbians back to their roots this fall in everything from art to occasional tables. 

Bloom wall art, $3,200, MTH Woodworks, mthwoodworks.com; Maple occasional table, $2,800, Kate Duncan

Add Some Texture

According to Love It or List It Vancouver’s Jillian Harris, even in small spaces people are looking for more than the essentials. “I see lots of interesting textures and materials being used,” says Harris. “Designers are throwing out the rules of minimal detail and adding lots of accessories, textures and multi-dimensional material to the tiniest of places!” Add depth to your interiors with hair-on hides, chunky throws and geometric patterns that have matured into more dynamic textured versions.

Metallic diamond pouf, $249, West ElmCowhide rug, $1,795, Burritt Bros Carpets