Beyond the Rhetoric

This is the usual kind of trade show that I’ve been attending these last few years. I can usually be found at CES for consumer electronics, Computex for new computer gadgetry, E3 for video games, and so on. However, one of my little known interests is in the area of interior decor and home renovation.

That’s why I made my way down to the Vancouver Convention Centre to check out the Vancouver Home + Interior Design Show. If you’ve ever caught a few of those home renovation, home staging, and other related shows on networks like HGTV, then you’ll have a good idea of what to expect from a show like this. Several hundred vendors set up their booths to show off what their companies have to offer.

My expectation going in was that the “home and interior design” show would focus on major renovations and other elements in a home. That was partly true, but I also found a number of other products that aren’t exactly permanent fixtures. There were booth selling steam mops and vegetable slicers, for instance, as well as those selling geothermal heating systems and triple-paned vinyl windows.

They say that one of the best investments you can make is to buy the worst house in the best neighborhood, fix it up, and flip it for profit. After attending a show like this, you may be better armed to handle such a task.

For instance, you could install a gorgeous outdoor seating area complete with a working fireplace.

I’m not as a big a fan, however, of this extra thick coral-like carpeting. It might work for a small area rug, but can you imagine using it to cover a larger space? Maybe you’re better off using some artificial grass instead. No mud, no mess!

I really liked the cast titanium frying pans, pots, woks and such from Woll. They were very heavy, but offer very even and consistent heating. It’s also naturally nonstick, but each piece (including the “free” lid) is about $200. That’s for each piece, so buying a whole set will put you back quite a bit of dough.

As it turns out, I chose the right day to attend. Diva at the Met was hosting a free raw bar next to the main stage, so I enjoyed some great hors d’oeuvres. The scale model of the new roof for BC Place Stadium was kind of neat too.

If you’re thinking of checking out the Home + Interior Design Show, tickets are $15 at the door or $12 online. (I went for free, thanks to VIP tickets given to me by ING Direct.) The show runs until Sunday.

Tags: interior design, trade show, vancouver

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