Top 7 Reasons to Visit the BC Home + Garden Show 2015

Domestic bliss by design

A new year has arrived and with it comes BC Home + Garden Show’s fresh lineup of inspiring presentations, home accents, garden ideas and designs. Running February 18 to 22 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, here is a list of top can’t-miss features at BCHGS 2015.

Baeumler is Back

If you haven’t had the chance to take in a Bryan Baeumler (pictured top left) presentation in person, let this be the year! The host of HGTV shows Disaster DIY and House of Bryan regularly likes to wing it with candid chats about episodes gone awry and encourages a lot of audience participation. If you’ve had a burning reno question or need help convincing your spouse to stop doing DIY, Baeumler will be talking tips and answering questions on the Main Stage February 21 and 22.

Also hitting the stage (clockwise from top right): Todd Talbot with an inside look into the world of Vancouver real estate and design duo Janette Ewen and Jef Hancock sharing quick fixes and updates for the home.

Macho ManScapes

Avid fans of the man cave will likely be drawn to the home show’s special feature ManScapes. This masculine oasis includes an urban garage designed by Vancouver-based Dexter Dolores (complete with a try-before-you-buy tool section), and an ultimate backyard furnished by Gemstone. This luxury outdoor scene is outfitted with the latest in deck furniture and fire features, and has its own Just Here for the Beer Tasting Bar for visitors who get thirsty while they shop.

Power Smart Retreat

Walking through the BC Hydro Power Smart home is always a highlight for interior design lovers and this year the sustainably-designed dwelling is a vacation cabin (also known as a ‘cottage’ in Eastern Canada). Award-winning Vancouver designer Jamie Banfield tackles the home show’s Linwood Cardinal Cabin, showcasing the latest in Power Smart advancements, and shares his eco-chic expertise on the Main Stage with daily presentations February 20 to 22.

Paws and a Cause

Perhaps Bryan Baeumler’s stiffest competition, the BC SPCA booth, will have ready-to-adopt furry friends on-hand offering complimentary cuddles while promoting a great cause, the Million Acts of Kindness Movement. Sign up to pay it forward with one good deed and you could win a prize pack valued at $300. Pet lovers will also enjoy the latest in pet parent tips from Kristina Matisic of Anna & Kristina’s Grocery Bags Saturday February 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ask a Designer

A much-loved repeat guest at the show is the Ask a Designer booth, where homeowners have a free 10-minute session to question a professional about colourways, millwork, furniture and more.

Pro-tip: To get the most out of a short appointment, focus on one specific problem instead of something that will require a full consultation; e.g. “What kind of light fixture should go in my modern powder room?” instead of “I need to redesign my whole house, what do you suggest?”

Either way, the appointments are a great opportunity to solve design dilemmas and make first contact with a designer for future home projects.  The booth’s decorator, Friendly Decorator Christine Friend, is one of many local experts offering advice.

Birdhouses for Children’s Charity

This year the show’s charity challenge sees top local celebs like CTV Vancouver’s Norma Reid and Coleen Christie (pictured) craft one-of-a-kind birdhouses to be auctioned off at the home show with 100 per cent of the proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House British Columbia.

Retail M(art)ket

Not only is the fashion and art market Portobello West returning with its lineup of local emerging artisans and craftspeople, but M(art)ket comes with all the answers to wall decoration thanks to its selected pieces from local painters, photographers and artists. From masterful artwork to ear bling, it’s going to be shopping central at the BC Home + Garden Show.