Advertorial: National Home Show

February 25, 2009

Kick start your design inspiration at North America’s largest Home Show opening its doors earlier to help you get going on that “little” project even sooner this year. Beginning
Green Day February 20 and running for ten days at the Direct Energy Centre, the National Home Show, presented by RE/MAX, is your all-access pass to more than 700 home and garden specialists offering all the expert advice, solutions and inspiration for decorating, renovating and landscaping your home.

SHOW FEATURES AND DESTINATIONS

Dream Home: Whether you’re planning a large renovation or want to do a minimakeover, the Dream Home will inspire you with the hottest design trends. This year’s theme “Escape to Your Dream Home” will show you how to run away from the everyday by making every room in your home a luxurious haven - without breaking the bank. “Luxe for less” décor ideas will be featured throughout the Dream Home via affordable DIY projects in every room that add sparkle and a unique lavish element to your home. This year’s Dream Home is built by PROBUILT, designed by Structured Creations and Robert Sennett Design and styled by design diva Janette Ewen.

Dream Gardens: Forget February’s frost and cold in over 32,000 square feet of lush gardens at this year’s Dream Gardens. Developed by Arnis Budrevics of Alexander Budrevics & Associates, the Dream Gardens will focus on creating a place to retreat to, or experience from within the home. Each garden will demonstrate the potential of materials, paving, plants, water, lighting, art and ornamental features that can be adapted to any garden. Eight landscapers will showcase a different theme including: fantasy, small spaces, beauty, eco design, Zen, designed, outdoor kitchens and outdoor living.

tySTYLE: Ty Pennington, the popular host of TV’s hit series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is the spokesperson for the National Home Show. Although Ty will not be at the show this year, you can get up close and personal via a new feature called “tySTYLE” which invites you to take a departure from the ordinary and explore Ty’s world of favourite things. Interact with an array of Ty-inspired products including electronics, automated accessories and ultra stylish innovations for the living room and home office. “tySTYLE” will also feature his “Ty Spies” product picks, accessories and bedding from his signature collection and items inspired by his design style.

The "Little" Project Stage presented by HGTV: Visit the Stage to meet and greet the best and brightest style, entertaining and design experts. This is the place to be if you have a design question or are looking for a fresh perspective on home décor, entertaining or gardening.

Confirmed Celebrity Guests^*:

Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, Interior Designers, Colin & Justin’s Home Heist, authors Colin & Justin’s Home Heist Style Guide
Jonathan Fong, Interior Designer, author of Walls that Wow, Flowers that Wow and Parties that Wow
Rib Hillis, Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition
Janette Ewen. Interior Stylist and CityLine contributor
Cheryl Torrenueva, Designer, Colin & Justin’s Home Heist and Restaurant Makeover
Emmanuel Belliveau, Host, World’s Greenest Homes
Carson Arthur, Host, Green Force
Barbara Nyke, Interior Decorator, owner of eco-design firm Nikka Designs
Vicky Sanderson, Toronto Star columnist
Mary Dobson, Interior Decorator

*Visit www.nationalhomeshow.com for regular updates on celebrities presenting at the National Home Show as well as for a list of presentation times.

Exhibitors:

Visit over 700 home and garden exhibitors offering all the expert advice, solutions and inspiration for decorating, renovating and landscaping your home this spring.
Destination Renovation by BILD: Talk one-on-one with professional renovation contractors at Destination Renovation, presented by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD). The result of a merger between the Greater Home Builders' Association and Urban Development Institute/Ontario, BILD is the voice of the residential land development, home building and professional renovation industry in the Greater Toronto Area - and a valuable source of information for homeowners. Bring your plans, drawings and photos and tap into this complimentary resource.
What's Your Design Dilemma – Live! by RENO & decor magazine and the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO). Since many people share the same design dilemmas, this year designers will be answering questions live in the booth. Visit homespublishinggroup.com for times and to sign up to ask your design questions.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND THEME DAYS

In addition to an all-star roster of guest speakers and experts, the National Home Show will be hosting a series of themed evenings and special events.

Housewarming Party – February 20
The National Home Show is hosting its first-ever Housewarming Party the evening of February 20, presented by CityLine. Set against a 1930’s Hollywood Film Noir motif, the evening will feature fabulous food, wine and entertainment. The party will be hosted by CityLine’s Tracy Moore and special guests Colin McAllister & Justin Ryan. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.nationalhomeshow.com for $30 and at the door for $40. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go to the Children’s Miracle Network.

Toronto Wine and Spirits Festival – ongoing
New this year, the Toronto Wine and Spirits Garden, situated in the centre of the gardens, will house a backlit bar where you can enjoy wine and spirits tastings and weekend presentations from top wine and grilling experts, including the Toronto Star’s Gord Stimmel and Napoleon grilling expert Ted Reeder.

Mommy’s Day - February 24
Come down for Mommy’s Day, presented by Rogers on February 24. Enjoy the show on a stroller-friendly day, including the Completely Kid’s area and participate in presentations designed for moms. The first 250 moms receive free goodie bags.

Green Day - February 25
Looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and to live with less impact on the environment? Green Day, presented by 680 News and Toyota is here to help. Learn about the world’s greenest homes, eco-lux design, decreasing toxicity and environmentally-friendly backyards from the experts on our main stage and have fun doing it. Visit the Dream Home, presented by CityLine for the newest in eco-design building and kitchen ideas. Shop at over 50 exhibitors - just look for the eco-product sign on their booth.

New Home Buyers and Sellers Day – February 27
There’s a first time for everything and sometimes you need a little advice along the way. Buying or selling a home is one of the most stressful things you can do in life – so why not get some help from the experts. Presented by Virgin Radio, New Home Buyers and Sellers Day is packed with presentations to assist homeowners with doing DIY projects that make a difference, staging a home for sale and decorating to make your home a haven – whether you’re staying or selling.

SHOW DATES AND HOURS

Friday, February 20 – Sunday, March 1, 2009
Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

Admission (at the door)
Adults: $15.00
Seniors (65+) $11.00
Children ages 13-17 years: $11.00
Children 12 and under: FREE
2 Day Pass $25.00
$3.00 off all tickets when purchased online at www.nationalhomeshow.com

SHOW VENUE AND LOCATION