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This is the calm serenity that greeted Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA) Chair & Director – National Capital Region, Deborah Casey Sunday morning. She managed to capture the scene just before the rain-soaked crowds blew in for the final day of the Ottawa Home and Garden Show.

Here’s the scene that greeted ME when I volunteered for “booth set up” duty the day before the show opened…

The contrast illustrates how a good plan can help a design come together quickly and effectively. Luckily, most of us don’t have to collaborate with four other people and put together a 7’ x 35’ room that will host a throng of visitors over a four day period!

I learned from fellow volunteer Heather Cameron of Edited Interiors that a five member committee, including herself and booth coordinator Kim Koa of Interior Elegance, came up with the design concept. The team worked with CDECA affiliate, Custom Home Interiors, to furnish the space. CHI is a state-of-the-art design showroom in Ottawa with product offerings for every room in the house.

Staffed by CDECA member decorators, the finished booth consisted of three themed rooms (outdoor, dining, bar) that provided a cozy backdrop for “Ask the Decorator” sessions–always a hit with show goers. Attendees took advantage of free professional guidance, especially helpful in tough economic times.

In addition, the Ottawa Home and Garden show offered the chance to win a $4,000 design solution. The lucky person would win a one-room design concept created by a team of accredited CDECA professionals, plus a $3,000 gift certificate for products from CHI. Not bad for an $11 ticket.

Among the intriguing finds elsewhere on the show floor, I was impressed by Mountain Granite‘s booth displaying the unusual counter top, above left, from Ciot, made from individually cut and bound semi-precious stones. Designer Palms was showing the enormous palm trees, above right, made of rust resistant metal, in stainless steel or copper. What a great way to add some tropical flavour to your Canadian backyard or office.