Local designers offer advice on how to create personal spaces

One could describe Calgary-based interior designer Amanda Hamilton as trend averse.

"Focusing on trends is a sure way to date your home," she said, pointing to dwellings from the 1980s that show their vintage via their yellow-oak interiors and brass details. "We don't follow trends. Trends are interesting for people who are into fast design."

Hamilton added current economic conditions can also further influence trends' relevance.

Rebranded Calgary Renovation Show to feature what's hot for 2017

New Year's resolutions are almost as inevitable as the New Year itself. And if those resolutions include home renovation projects, then the Calgary Renovation Show is here to help.

Previously known as the Calgary Homexpo, the rebranded show returns to Calgary for its 46th year Jan 13 to 15, 2017, but with a new name, new look and new presenter – Marketplace Events, the group behind the Calgary Home + Design Show and Calgary Home + Garden Show.

"The all-new Calgary Renovation Show focuses on reimagining your current space," courtesy of some 200 exhibitors related to the latest in home and renovation trends and products, as well as a variety of guest presenters, said show manager Teri Salazar.

Bring nature indoors for low-cost decorating this season

Michelena Bamford loves the scent of natural evergreens such as junipers, pines, blue spruce, white spruce and cedars in her home.

But the owner of Calgary-based Rocky Mountain Wreaths doesn't limit herself to greens. She also gathers local dogwood, birch and wolfwillow twigs to add to her work. Combined, she says it brings nature into her home and brightens up the dark days of December.

"Different plants that we appreciate at different times of year are really important to me," said Bamford.

Annual Calgary Home + Design Show comes to town at the perfect time

Alberta's home renovations sector is booming.

The Calgary Home + Design Show is back for its 34th year.

Seems like a match made in heaven.

Brought about by ongoing economic uncertainty, more Albertans are looking for ways to upgrade their space rather than their place. According to Statistics Canada, investment on residential renovation in the province has increased by 3.8 per cent over the first six months of 2015 to $3.1 billion.

Colourful wood can add character to any home

It goes by many names: denim pine, blue-stain pine and "beetlewood," to name a few.

No matter what you call it, this little-known wood could be the centrepiece of Calgary's next big interior design trend.

Denim pine comes from trees that have been infected by mountain pine beetles. The name stems from its distinctive blue streaks, which are caused by a fungus the beetles introduce while attacking the tree.

Celebrating the past key to enjoying the future

The definition of "home" can be summed up beautifully as, "being in one's element; at peace; a dwelling place."

Home is a small word for such an important place. For many of us, it's where we want to spend most of our downtime away from our daily grind, tasks and jobs – to begin and finish important creative ideas that we received within the daily grind. For me it's a place where I can be my authentic self, exploring the things I love to do without someone asking me why I'm doing them.

Attention to detail is the loveliest thing of all that makes a house a home. I constantly find myself curating rooms in my house. Homes for my special things continually change. Sometimes it's about grouping things that enjoy each other's company or mixing old with new.

Reinvigorate your space with a personal hue

There's nothing like a downturn in the economy to make you rethink your priorities.

Yet you don't have to give up on great style. Instead, you just have to find new ways of spending less on great things, as well as you determine what can and cannot live without – in other words, become a creative director of your own fabulous space.

Start with the backdrop. There isn't much that invigorates a room more than a fresh new coat of colour. I have my go-to colours, which are tried and true: timeless shades of whites and grays; greens and blues that evoke serenity, soulfulness and calm.

If you want a hint of glam or mood, be brave choose a saturated palette. Use a rebellious colour, introducing a passionate and romantic mix that will add sophistication and attitude to your room. Paint a master bathroom with deep turquoise blue high gloss so candlelight reflects off the walls, impersonating that of a moonlit ocean.

Setting the table for a perfect soirée

There is not a week more beautiful than the one before Christmas – despite the craziness of decorating the home, last-minute shopping, attending kid's concerts and, most importantly, planning holiday soirées.

The coming days will call for equal parts of cosy warmth, pops of posh, tasty appies and sparkling embellishments – whether to be hung on a tree or drank from a glass. All that sparkles matters at this time of year.

Try to keep it simple when planning your parties. You should enjoy preparing for it as much as being present at it.

Furniture should speak to your soul

Selecting your furniture is an exciting-but-challenging task in which scale, colour, style and function are all considered.

Yet don't just fill your space; fulfill your space.

Both should feed your soul; it should seduce you into wanting to stay in that room forever, engaging your emotions with serenity, comfort and sensibility. This will happen when you consider the perimeters of your space; appropriately scaled furniture, whether a casual or formal lifestyle, can make or break a lovely design.

Creating a memorable home for buyers

Allow me to introduce myself. I am a designer of buildings and space. But I'm also a designer of many other things.

I call myself an accomplished creator of architectural and interior designs. I have worked with custom homebuilders and unconventional new builds such as bale houses. In fact, I happen to live in a house made of straw.

I've also had a chance to work with restaurants, churches and commercial buildings, including a No. 1 tourist destination spa in Saskatchewan. I like to call my personal signature "casual elegance."

It has been almost two decades since I first started my design career. I have since had my designs published in magazines across the city. Now, I'm excited to have the opportunity to share my design ideas and creativity with CREB®Now readers.