Need a little inspiration? The home show days away
Get inspired at Ottawa Home and Remodelling Show
ALANNA SMITH
Hammer out the details of your dream home with leading experts at the upcoming Ottawa Home and Remodelling Show — no hard hat required.
Whether you’re planning a huge home makeover, making small adjustments to your basement or looking for do-it-yourself tips and tricks, show manager Robert Johnstone said the show is a “onestop shop” in taking the hassle out of planning your next project.
You can leave it to the professionals or learn for yourself with diverse workshops and events during the four-day home fair. Here’s what to expect:
THE OTTAWA GARAGE MAKEOVERS MAIN STAGE
The main stage will feature presentations from speakers with expertise in renovations and doit-yourself projects. The feature speaker is HGTV celebrity contractor Bryan Baeumler, a Gemini Award-winning host who is best known for his animated personality on hit shows like Disaster DIY, Leave it to Bryan and House of Bryan.
Baeumler will not only talk shop on stage but attendees will also get a peek at his new show, Bryan Inc., where he and his wife take on a new relationship as boss and employee.
Other speakers include do-ityourself expert Chris Palmer, veteran renovator and AmstedDesign Build owner Steve Barkhouse and upcycling specialist Katrina Barclay, who owns refinished furniture boutique Malenka Originals, among others.
REFRESHED FURNITURE WORKSHOP SPACE
The act of upcycling is taking old furniture and making it both beautiful and usable, says Barclay, who is sharing two popular techniques to bring life back to discarded and dated items. During this workshop, people will learn how to use Annie Sloan chalk paint and soft wax to change drab furniture into statement pieces.
“No matter how bad it looks to start, anything can be brought back to life,” Barclay says.
There will be 12 one-hour-long workshops, three per day, for the duration of the home show. Limited spaces are available.
REFRESHED FURNITURE POP-UP SHOP
For those less likely to refinish their antique furniture or on the hunt for a statement piece to complete their home, the pop-up will be selling a collection of unique upcycled and hand-painted items by local artists. Twelve local vendors, such as AKB Creations, Zsooszh It Upcycling and White Buffalo Vintage, have teamed up with Malenka Originals and Barclay to bring an eclectic selection to the show.
BAEUMLER BOULEVARD
Take a stroll down Baeumler Boulevard, a stretch of booths, to browse contractors, trades and home service providers with the Baeumler stamp of approval. Each company setting up shop in this section has proven their commitment to honest and quality service, with a verified history of excellent work, insurance and workers’ compensation.
FLOWER NITE WORKSHOPS
One of the most popular events of the show is the FlowerNite workshop, says Johnstone, who compares the concept to the popular Paint Nite events that have taken place across Ottawa. Attendees are given instructions on how to create beautiful floral bouquets, which they take home following the class.
There are four workshops per day. Limited spaces are available.
PERTH BREWERY LOUNGE
Whether you’ve spent the day choosing a renovator to transform your basement into a kid-friendly play zone or dabbled in flower bouquets and upcycling furniture, the Perth Brewery lounge, hosted by the craft beer makers just down Highway 7, offers a space to relax and recharge. It serves a collection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, such as craft beers.
Attendees can also bid on a selection of photographs taken by the LoveOttawa Project team. LoveOttawa is a social initiative that celebrates Ottawa and its people, landmarks and scenery. All proceeds from the auction will benefit Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa.
“Whether you’re a student who just got their first apartment and want to look at different ways to decorate, bought your first home or condo and want to do a small renovation or you’re building a retirement home for yourself outside the city, the show has elements for everyone,” Johnstone says.
The Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show takes place at the EY Centre from Jan. 18 to 21. More information is available at ottawahomeandremodellingshow.com