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The 2010s have been quite the decade when it comes to home decor and design. From hygge to minimalism to maximalism and everything in between - what styles should we keep and what should be leave behind? We chatted with Vancouver’s Jamie Banfield ahead of the 2020 Edmonton Renovation Show to get his take on how best to welcome the new decade into our homes. Read on for some of the best design tips Jamie has learned in the last 10 years (or so!).

Jamie’s three renovation tips homeowners need to know going into the next decade:

1. “Have a system, plan and process. This is so important to the success of any project from baking a cake, hosting a dinner party to renovating a kitchen. Even if the space is a DIY project, build a plan, put the time in to plan (typically double the project itself) and gather information to create a budget, schedule and process.”
2. “Scale! Scaling is such a fundamental aspect of design. Let’s say you’re selecting an area rug or a piece of art or a decorative light fixture; make sure the scale works well for the space. My tip? Typically going once size larger. Usually works out better!”
3. “Do not cheap out on labour. A master installer of cabinetry, countertop or just even baseboards and trim can make an inexpensive product look like a million dollars. Less than average craftsmanship can take something expensive and make the end result look cheap, and just an eye sore… If you are a DIY’er know your strengths and play of those.”  

Trends Jamie thinks should STAY in the past:

1. “Feature painted walls. The day of needing a feature wall in the dining room, or bedroom is gone. We are seeing a trend of painting the whole dining room a dramatic colour, or the ceiling to compliment. We are seeing bedroom headboard walls taking shape as feature walls with wallpapers, millwork and detailed mouldings to create a tactile feature not just a wall painted to contrast the overall space.”
2. “Shag carpet. Shag carpet, we have seen this trend come in a few times over the years and it has not lasted. If we are playing with carpet, we are seeing a plush cut pile version instead of the Shaggy long strands of carpet.”
3. Themed spaces: Spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms should have a feel of a curated space layered with objects that make the homeowners happy. Possibly travels, family hand me downs and just items that mean something. Instead of theming the whole room around puppies or golfers we are seeing little hits of those items curated and placed with other objects that mean something to the homeowner. When laying décor think of three things the colour blocking, negative to positive space and the overall texture of the items gathering together.

 Jamie’s tips on keeping your home lasting for years to come:

1. “Function, Function, Function! When purchasing a condo or renovating a home the function and space planning will keep a space fresh and lasting or dated. Put the extra time in to planning for the function of you and your lifestyle. Forget the emotion of “this is how I have always had it” or “falling in love with materials/styles.””
2. “Don’t be afraid of personality. Know where to add that punch of personality and colour. When we look at a project we look at “committal” and “noncommittal” personality. Items such as faucets, decorative lighting, paint, area rugs and art are non-committal and at times the best ways to layer in personality and items that might be trendy. Flooring, tiles, countertop, cabinetry and appliances are committal pieces, ones that can add up in cost and be a lot more labour intensive to change over time. Add trendy personality in non-committal ways as these can be switched out very easy.”
3. “Lighting. Lighting the space correctly is so important these days, with  advance in LED we are seeing spaces being over lit or the colour temperature not correctly installed in spaces. When renovating any space think about the lighting just like you would selection flooring of your countertop. Put the time in to understanding what you are installing and what the impact of the other finishes and items you have selected.

 We can’t wait to continue to help homeowners tackle all of their home improvement projects for the next 10 years and beyond. Head over to the Edmonton Expo Centre January 24-26 to meet with industry experts like Jamie Banfield, A&E’s Holly Baker of Vacation Rental Potential and master DIYer Christina Dennis as well as over 225 exhibitors ready to lend a hand for the projects you’ve been itching to start and finish. The Edmonton Renovation Show is a must-attend for any Edmonton homeowner. We can’t wait to see you there!