Tips on how to tackle the renovation show

When it comes to the Winnipeg Renovation Show, it’s all about the tips — tips on budgeting, tips on design, tips on new products and technology, tips on who to hire.

What a show-goer also needs is a few tips on how to get the most from the show, which takes place Friday, Jan. 12, to Sunday, Jan. 14, at the RBC Convention Centre.

Here’s the 4-1-1 from two of the show’s insiders, Jenn Tait (show manager) and HGTV Canada star Bryan Baeumler (headliner and host of Bryan Inc.).

Tait has been managing the home show with Market Place Events for eight years.

"Audiences can expect to see over 200 home-improvement companies all under one roof for three days only," Tait says. "We also have some features that are new to the show this year."

One of them is the curiously named M(art)ket. It’s an opportunity to purchase some locally produced art.

"We have eight local vendors who are showcasing a collection of canvasses, prints and photographs, all to be seen down the centre aisle of the show, which will greet people as they walk in to the show," Tait says. "We are very excited about it because, while we have lots of products offered, art is something that people want to have to jazz up their homes. And since there is a lot of great local talent in Winnipeg, we wanted to tap into that."

Featured Winnipeg talent includes: Justine Barry Art, Wendy Kroeker Art, Colleen Watchorn Art, Art with Arlene, Dennis Fast Photography, A. Dawn Gallery, Hans Arnold Photography and Marilyn McNish.

"We love it too, because it makes the show look so beautiful," Tait says.

Another don’t-miss feature is Double Take by Kelsey Kosman from Dollhouse Design (Friday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Design Studio).

"This is great for those who don’t know when to splurge or when to pinch their pennies when doing home design," Tait says.

"People can walk through this feature for a lesson in economics and explore similar looks brought to life with two different budgets."

Tait says the show has everything audiences need to make their home goals happen.

"We want to make sure people bring their demo plans, their blueprints and colour swatches because they can take advantage of getting free 15-minute consultations with experts," she says.

"We also want people to check out the web page (winnipegrenovationshow.com) for the Lifestyle Stage lineup and where you can buy your tickets online and save $3 courtesy of All-Canadian Renovations."

"And of course you don’t want to miss HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler from Bryan Inc., who will be appearing on the Lifestyle Stage on Friday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. and again on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1:30 p.m.," Tait says.

Baeumler says he is looking forward to the Winnipeg Renovation Show, even though he is already bracing for the cold.

"I’ve got three weeks in the Bahamas right before I come to Winnipeg," Baeumler says, adding a little chill won’t slow him down.

"I’ll be sharing background on the series, about sticking to a budget when renovating and how to make it through and stay sane," Baeumler says.

"And I like to take a lot of questions from people and go in the direction the crowd wants to go."

He likes being a show-goer as well.

"I love to go through the industry and trade shows just to see what new products and technology are coming out and what other companies are doing," he says.

"I like getting feedback on the contractors’ side — what they’re doing and what works for them — and from the homeowners as well — who they’ve worked with, what they are currently working on and what issues are arising in the industry."

His advice for Winnipeggers?

"Arm yourselves with any questions you have, come check out the vendors and get some great ideas!" he says.

Here are the rest of the highlights you can expect to see at the Winnipeg Renovation Show:

• The Lifestyle Stage, (presented by Kitchen Craft Cabinetry and the Winnipeg Free Press, appliances provided by Midland Appliance World) features Baeumler and local pros presenting their tips and tricks. See some of Winnipeg’s top chefs, including chef Tony De Luca of De Luca’s, cook up their favourite dishes.
• Ask a Renovator, presented by the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, Home Décor and Renovations Magazine, will give you access to the city’s top home-improvement experts. Bring your blueprints and your swatches — you have 15 minutes!
• The Design Studio, presented by Style Manitoba, designed by Adorn Interiors and sponsored by Cloverdale Paint, gives you 15 minutes with decorators and designers who will offer tried-and-true design advice.
• Dream Playhouse designed by IDESIGN — interiors by Kristin, with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. This amazing playhouse will inspire some backyard fun.
• The Lounge designed by Premier Companies is a place to chill and sip while taking in a cutting-edge, creative presentation on the Lifestyle Stage.

 

Twitter: @WendyKinginWpg

 

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