Bryan has been a show regular, making it a point to include Calgary in his slate despite his busy schedule that’s just getting busier. The home renovation star has just landed a stint as a judge on Canada’s Handyman Challenge and has a new show Leave It To Bryan to add to his increasingly full plate.

“My schedule is crazy but I always try to make time to come to Calgary, it’s one of my favourite cities,” he tells Condo Living. This time he promises to revolutionize the way we look at home renovation when he takes to the main stage at the BMO Centre on Sunday, February 26.

“I’ll be talking about setting the right priorities when you’re renovating your home,” he says. “ Most of the time, we’re so caught up on focusing on how to make the home beautiful without giving enough attention to what makes the home work.”

For example, he says people will not think twice in investing $20,000 on renovating a kitchen or putting in a new home theatre, but not think about updating the roof shingles to prevent any leaks. “We want to re-educate people and make them realize that you can have a beautiful home as much as a structurally sound one by allocating your budget properly.” 

Bryan’s down-to-earth personality translates well in his TV shows and his presentations, which always promise a lively and informative session as he manages to inspire and entertain both troubled homeowners and casual viewers alike. Bryan was nominated for a Gemini Award for hosting Disaster DIY’s first season, and won a Gemini Award for hosting season two! 

In the Mix
Bryan is of course just one of the high-octane guest list for this year’s Home + Garden Show being held from February 23 to 26 at the BMO Centre in Stampede Park.

There is also the ever-popular Design Duo of Alykhan Velji and Rosalyn Lazaruk, who will — among other design concerns — discuss ways to transform mere garden sheds into a hip, functional utilitarian oasis.

“Instead of piling things into your shed and slamming the door closed hoping for the best, why not actually think about what has to go in there and create the shed of your dreams!” Aly says. 

The duo gets some help for their stylish tips and ideas from The Calgary Shed Company and IKEA. They have created three fab sheds that will please everyone from the gardener to the handyman. “Spend less time looking for your tools and more time actually using them!” Aly adds. 

The two will also have an Ask A Decorator segment where audience members stuck with a room in need of a design overhaul can get tips on at least where to begin. “Bring in your plans, fabrics, paint colours and get design advice from us,” Aly says.

The Dynamic Duo of Design will guide you in the right direction and while you are there, peruse the over-scaled mood boards that they have created to inspire you with your next décor project.

Food Network’s Chef Corbin Tomaszeski will also be on-hand to dazzle with his latest kitchen creations and inspirations, while Bow Valley interior design instructor Janet Mah will also giving out design tips to audiences.

The Karoleena concept
Back this year is Karoleena Homes with their latest innovation in modular living, with their “pre-fabulous” architecturally designed pre-fab homes.

Karoleena’s Kelly Doody says these new models are the next step to building the perfect modular dream home.

The Kitsilano (to be displayed at the Vancouver show) and The Kensington (in Calgary and Edmonton) will form two of six exciting new modern prefab homes that Karoleena plans to unveil this year as part of the company’s growing line of forward-hinking Homes, Cabins and Offices.

Both are architecturally designed, engineered and built from the ground up in Karoleena’s state-of-the-art, climate — controlled facility — completely free from exposure to the harsh Canadian elements and as energy-efficient and eco-friendly as ever.

LG and Urban Barn at the show
Leading electronics and appliances manufacturer, LG, is coming in this year as the presenting sponsor for the Calgary Home + Garden Show, and they will have a 600-square-foot booth that will display the latest leading edge gadgets for the home. LG is also the appliance sponsor at the show, while Urban Barn will be the furniture sponsor.

More to see
Marketplace Events’ Teri Salazar says there is a lot to look forward to in this year’s show, from the main stage to the 650-plus exhibitors ready to help consumers with their home renovation and projects. 

“Plus, don’t miss the Opening Night Party! Mingle with celebrity experts, shop exclusive deals and get a sneak peek at this spring’s must-have products,” Salazar says.

Calgary Home & Garden Show

February 23-26, 2012

BMO Centre and Corral Stampede Park

TICKET PRICES:

Adults: $14

Seniors (60+): $11

Children (12 and under): FREE

Group Rate: $10 each

(purchase 8 tickets or more)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.calgaryhomeshow.com