Room for Improvement: Dean does IDS

February 18, 2009

Denise Holtby

YOURHOME.CA

My daughter Emily and I have been regulars at the Interior Design Show for a number of years now. Emily's an artsy-craftsy person, so she's the perfect companion for a show like IDS.

But Emily is off soaking up sun in the Bahamas between cruise ship shifts. So when it came time to head out for this year's show, I was pleasantly surprised that my husband Dean seemed willing to attend, even if it was just to be "supportive."

But when I gently told him that his usual Saturday-at-the-country-hardware-store garb was not going to cut it in downtown T.O., that’s when the tension started.

Dean is a Timbits-and-table-saws kind of guy. He sees absolutely no reason to wear anything but what he’s most comfortable in: T-shirts, Levis, running shoes and what I call his "team jacket."

I'm sure you know the jacket I'm talking about – the baseball-style bomber with the leather sleeves and the melton body. Every guy over 40 who lives in the 905 has one in his coat closet. It's how Dean recognizes his compatriots.

But I was determined that, this time, we would make an effort to blend in among the design-savvy crowd. In other words, I wanted him to wear some of the clothes that I buy for him, the ones hanging in the closet with the tags still attached.

Inevitably, my wardrobe edict led to a standoff, with Dean refusing to leave the house unless he was absolutely comfortable. I played the "Okay, fine" card and pretended that I was prepared to leave without him. But first I had to check my email.

Half an hour later, we were in our CUV and Dean was dressed in black pants, a handsome grey wool sweater and (sigh) running shoes. Two out of three isn't bad, right?

But it wasn't long after we arrived at the show that it was evident that Dean was enjoying himself. Although he flew past many of the booths that caught my eye, he was absolutely enthralled by the high-tech appliances and electronics and the high-end fixtures and furnishings.

As we traversed every aisle, my comeuppance came. You see, I didn't want to admit it to Dean, but my feet were killing me in my heeled boots. My leather coat became heavier and heavier to carry as time passed.

Maddeningly, Dean was having a great time asking questions and trying out the merchandise. Meanwhile, my feet burned and small streams of perspiration ran down my face.

As we drove home, inspired by all he'd seen, Dean was eager to talk about future plans. Two days later, guess what Dean sent home via email? A coupon for two discount tickets to the National Home Show this weekend. He's already making plans to go.

If you're there, watch for us. We'll be the pair in unfashionable running shoes, light T-shirts and faded jeans. This time, we're both going for comfort, fashion be damned!

Get alerts whenever a new article by Denise is posted on Yourhome.ca by becoming a follower on Twitter. You can also read Denise’s blog at www.deniseholtby.com.

(Editor’s note: Get your own home office inspiration from Colin and Justin and Debbie Travis, along with some tips on office essentials and easy office crafts.)

Catch up on Room for Improvement's office overhaul:
- Looking for inspiration
- Time for an office overhaul
- Of reader polls, antiques and home offices
- What's next for Room for Improvement?