Improving your space at home or that lakeside retreat: Topics for the home and cottage shows

   One-Tank Trip for Sept. 26/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Learn how to improve your space – whether it’s a downtown condo or a place by the lake – at two of the season’s biggest consumer shows.

   A little inspiration is offered at the Toronto Fall Home Show at the Better Living Centre, (195 Princes Blvd.) Exhibition Place, from October 1 to 4 and the Fall Cottage Life Show at the International Centre in Mississauga, Oct. 23 to 25.

Learn all about downtown condominium living at the Toronto Fall Home Show. (Light Monkey Photography)

   “Become inspired and informed with helpful advice, thousands of ideas and the hottest new products,” said Tina Holmes, show manager.

    “Whether they are big or small, a house or a condo, each space is unique,” she added.

   One of those at-home spaces often in need of attention is the garage.

   Your Ultimate Garage is presented by Gladiator GarageWorks that offers customizable storage and organization solutions to make the most of your space.

   TV host Carson Arthur will show layouts with the choice of an automotive, sports or gardening garage.

The “ultimate” Gladiator garage will be shown at the Toronto Fall Home Show.

   New to the show is a dedicated “Green Living” section that showcases sustainable, eco-friendly products and services, while there are tips and solutions for “small-space” condo living.

   Embracing your space is a theme at the show’s 27th year and attracts about 32,000 people.

   There are expert tips from industry pros and celebrities including HGTV’s Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, innovative products for the home and deals from some 300 retailers.

   Visitors can see examples of small spaces and simple living with tips and solutions along with discovering green life at the Energy Efficiency Centre.

HGTV’s Bryan and Sarah Baeumler will give their expert advice at the home show.

   For those renovation dreams, interior designers and decorators will offer free 15-minute consultations and advice.

   The show, presented by the Building Industry and Land Development Association, is open on Oct. 1, 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

   Admission costs $15 ($12 online); $13 ($10), seniors and students, ages 13 to 17; no charge for children to age 12. Details: fallhomeshow.com

   Are we there yet?

   Here’s the chance to find out what all the buzz is about cottage life.

   The fall edition of the Cottage Life Show, featuring more than 200 exhibitors, runs from Oct. 23 to 25 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Rd.) in Mississauga.

   “Whether you visit your cottage year round or only get there during the warmer months, now is the time to start planning next year’s big projects for your retreat,” said publicist Peggy Sheffield.

Life by the lake or in the woods will be explored at the Fall Cottage Life Show.

   “You can start researching your new deck, ordering a new dock, planning a renovations, finalizing the budget or doing a teardown and starting from scratch,” she added.

   It’s great for wannabe cottagers looking to buy a piece of paradise as the stars of Cottage Life TV including Rob Serediuk, host of What’s For Sale? will give their advice.

   The fall show (one is also held in the spring) is “dedicated to cottage and country home renovations, construction, building products, design and architectural services.”

   There’s also the “fun stuff” such as boats, docks, water toys, arts and decor, food and drink, furnishings for indoors and out, and finding holiday or special gifts.

   On the main stage are free seminars with topics including real estate, legal issues, do-it-yourself projects and renovation advice.

Haliburton Forest sled dogs will be visiting the Fall Cottage Life Show.

   Handyman Wayne Lennox will be building a practical little outbuilding that could be used for a shed or sleeping cabin while Canada Builds will show a two-bedroom, two-bathroom furnished cottage.

   The Great Outdoors features the Haliburton Forest sled dogs while Wild Ontario will have fine-feathered friends including a barn owl, falcon and other birds of prey.

   Educators from Scales Nature Park will have turtles and snakes on display.

   New to the show is the Makeful Market, called an expo of cottage handcrafters and artisans while the Dock Party is where you can sample craft beers, wines, cider and spirits.

Reflections of fall at the cottage

   Show hours are Oct 23, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

   Admission is $15; $8, ages 13 to 17; free to age 12; $22, weekend pass. Seniors pay $10 on Oct. 23 as do adults from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Details: shows.cottagelife.com

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

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