NHS Highlights Part Two

Last Friday I visited the National Home Show (NHS) at the Direct Energy Centre and toured two dream homes, visited endless exhibits and attended a few celebrity presentations … and that was just my first blog post! (This blog series is sponsored by NHS.) Now, for the rest of my day at the show, plus photos from yesterday’s Tweetup. It all leaves me wanting to renovate and redecorate.

The eco-friendly Concept PolygHome Glass House was very unique. I can only imagine how great the view would be from the floor-to-ceiling windows once the home is outdoors. The interiors are designed by Debbie Travis, who chose leather flooring for the bedroom.

In the kitchen, sleek cabinetry contrasts with a painted brick wall. While there are a few stylish open shelves, there are still functional closed uppers.

A small bar area uses the same lacquered cabinetry and shelving from the kitchen for continuity. The ornate shelf brackets are one example of how Debbie mixes contemporary and cosy in the house.

The warm wood dining table complements the neutral textured fabric on the chairs. The chairs carry a similar shape to the kitchen island stools, too.

Here, unique plates are set against a branch-print wallpaper — a surprising touch next to the industrial stainless steel door. (Learn how to hang plates on a wall.)

Wrapping wallpaper around a corner in a room is a great alternative to covering all the walls in a space. This simple console table keeps the look clean and captain’s mirror adds style. (Learn how to make your own captain’s mirror.) This photo is a great example of how natural exposed beams and slanted walls can layer character into a home.

I’ve seen these garter stitch poufs all over the ‘net for some time now, but after seeing them in person, I’m inclined to knit my own. The white lacquer theme continues with the coffee table.

I loved this idea in the Glass House: In the cosy laundry room, a covered drawer acts as a folding table! Lift up the flap for storage, too.

I also checked out the 2011 Product Gallery, presented by Enbridge, and curated by Janette Ewen, co-host of Inside-the-Box with Ty Pennington, and Grown Design. The gallery emulates environments that would be used by Ty Pennington. Here we can see how fabrics by Ty Pennington Impressions are made. Ty creates his own wooden stamps, which he then uses to make an aesthetically appealing pattern. A high-resolution photo is then taken of the print and prepped to be printed onto fabric. The line of fabric is not yet available in Canada, but can be purchased online and in the U.S.

Here, a rec room with cork flooring continues the gallery area. The Grown Design ping-pong table houses a sound system, too. The two pillows are sewn in fabrics from Ty’s line.

This vintage Rawlings field and court dimensions chart belongs to one of the owners of Grown Design, and definitely adds to the rec room feel.

Now, onto more exhibitors! I like the detailing on this three-seater sofa from Urban Barn. And, look! It’s our March issue!

Here’s a stainless steel dining chair from Urban Barn, as well.

Over at the Persian Rug Gallery booth I spotted this kilim, perfect for a global-inspired room.

In the Casalife exhibit I saw this unique shelf unit and angled bookshelf. A nice way to display both books and accessories.

This solid walnut table, also from Casalife, has a special price just for the National Home Show. I’d love to see this next to that sofa spotted at Urban Barn.

There are plenty of exhibitors of interest to those renovating their kitchen or bathroom. Above is a model seen at the Bella Kitchens booth. You can also find a number of exhibits on tiles, countertop and cupboard options, flooring and appliances. 

I like the country charm of this solid wood rustic cabinet, made in Innisfil, Ont., by Munro’s Furnishings.

This piece, also by Munro’s, could work in a mudroom or a foyer to keep clutter in order. There’s a bench to put on shoes, drawers to store hats, mitts and scarves, and hooks to hang jackets, purses and keys.

Stores like Bombay & Co. and Benix & Co. also have huge shops set-up inside the show as well.

The Neighbourhood Marketplace is a good place to go for unique home, fashion and jewelry accessories, too. The exhibits within this area all come from different parts of Ontario. The quilts above are from L’Occhio Fino Fine Linens & Home Decor — great for cottages or cottage-inspired rooms. Many vendors, like L’Occhio, are only seen at trade shows like the National Home Show, as they do not have a retail or e-store, so check them out while they’re still in town!

For those thinking of summer already, there are lots of booths that feature outdoor furniture, including Andrew Richard Designs. This set looks as chic as indoor pieces!

As does this Sarah Richardson outdoor daybed, also carried by Andrew Richard Designs. Now I want the remaining cold winter weeks to speed away! Items by ARD are on major discount for those who attend the show.

Yesterday, my colleague Lisa Murphy went to the NHS Tweetup and got to meet designers and tweeters at the show. From left: Tina Holmes for @HomeShowsTO, designer Ramsin Khachi, designer Yanic Simard, She’s Crafty TV host Wendy Russell, designer Glen Peloso, another design fan and Moggit Girls Joy and Janet.

And here’s everyone posing for the camera! The three guys on the bottom left are designer Darrin Cohen, Ramsin and Glen. Tina, holding the show guide in the front row, has Janet of the Moggit Girls to her left, followed by blogger Lisa Ferguson of Decor Mentor and Sarah Gunn. Ramsin, Glen and many others will be speaking on the Urban Barn Main Stage, presented by HGTV, throughout the show. So, be sure to check the schedule to see who will be there when you are. If you’re seeking specific advice for your home, free design consultations are available by Interior Designers of Canada, along with reno advice by reps from Build It Yourself Learning Centers — both can be found in the “What’s Your Design Dilemma?” section of Hall A. In Hall B, Destination Renovation is another area where you can ask your reno questions, as presented by BILD.

The show closes this Sunday, February 27, so go soon for great discounts, ideas and more. Get $6 off the price of regular adult admission if you use the code “HOUSE” when purchasing online.

Photo credits:
1-26. Seema Persaud
27. Lisa Murphy
28. National Home Show