It's not about how much money you spend, it's about how you spend it.
Good design impacts positively on the value of homes.
These are the messages interior designers and all-round lifestyle gurus Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, co-hosts of such television shows as Game of Homes and Cabin Pressure, are hoping to deliver to those taking in the 35th annual Sudbury Home Show from March 3-4 at Sudbury Community Arena.
It's there that people will find design inspiration for their kitchen, bedroom and living room, as well as top tips for decorating on a budget, said Justin.
The television personalities will be there, too, discussing ways to add value to your home via good, confident design and decorating.
“The Canadian market is strong anyway, but infusing your space with top-end style will help accelerate value even further,” said Justin.
There will be a chance for guests to ask design-related questions and the duo will give everyone an insight into their business, both on and off screen.
“Our before and afters sessions are the stuff of legend, so expect a high-impact stroll through multiple glossy images — and a few laughs along the way,” said Colin.
Home shows are important for anyone looking to sell their home or looking for good design and renovation ideas, Justin said.
Instead of having to go from plaza to plaza and from shop to shop, you have everything under one roof, he said. You can go from one retailer to another all within minutes of each other, and not have to venture out into any undesirable weather.
“You're getting everything you need without the hassle of having to jump in your vehicle and find a new parking spot all day,” he said.
Justin said he and Colin really enjoy spending time in Sudbury.
“We know the city really well, and we have lots of friends there,” Justin said. “Sudbury is a city that's beginning to polish itself now. There's a lot of growth happening, and real estate market values have definitely gone up, and there's definitely money to be made.”
Colin and Justin just finished the third season of Cabin Pressure.
“We're particularly proud of Cabin Pressure on Cottage Life TV,” said Colin. “We've been renovating run down cabins and cottages in Muskoka, Haliburton and, who knows, maybe Sudbury will be our next destination.
“The fun thing about Cabin Pressure is that it's all real: no TV 'magic'. We buy the most run-down cabins and transform them into palaces of relaxed glamour and we get our own hands dirty. And we do it all on a strict budget. Cottage real estate is the new holy grail, as people are pushed out of the city market, the lake can reveal many exciting money-making opportunities.”
Justin said he and Colin have worked pretty much nonstop for the 10 years they've lived in Canada. When they aren't visiting home shows, Colin and Justin are working on new show ideas for both Britain and Canada. Their product line, C+J Home, is available in stores like Homesense, Winners and Marshalls (linens, crockery, art work, sofas, lighting and more).
“We're currently diversifying into food, too,” said Colin. “And also a collection of pet beds and animal toys. We're heading off back to work in Abu Dhabi soon, and you can catch us on Cityline a couple of times per month.”
