The National Home Show, Canada's longest-running home exhibition, is set to receive a dynamic and colourful redesign, marking a significant shift in its presentation and atmosphere. This transformation is spearheaded by multi-disciplinary designer and artist Tiffany Pratt, who has been appointed as the event's inaugural creative director. Pratt, renowned as the 'Queen of Colour,' will bring her signature bold and vibrant approach to every aspect of the show, aiming to enhance the visitor experience with a more immersive and artistic flair.
A New Vision for a Historic Event
Pratt's creative direction draws inspiration from the National Home Show's rich history, spanning over seven decades. She has reworked archival photographs by overlaying them with bold colours and graffiti-inspired art strokes, creating a modern edge that bridges past and present. Additionally, the show's new logo, featuring the iconic Princes' Gates at Exhibition Place in Toronto, plays a central role in her design strategy. Pratt emphasizes the importance of honoring the event's historical roots, as it has been held at this location since its inception.
Innovative Design Elements and Themes
Inspired by the striped columns of the Princes' Gates, Pratt has incorporated a 'stripes on stripes' theme throughout the show's design elements. A playful colour palette, including tulip red, turquoise blue, and Chartreuse yellow, has been introduced, with Pratt forecasting these hues as upcoming trends in home design. The show will also feature design vignettes housed within custom-built shipping crates along the Main Aisle, showcasing intimate spaces curated by local shops and designers selected by Pratt. These vignettes highlight styles such as Moroccan, vintage, and mid-century modern, encouraging attendees to explore unique design perspectives.
Enhanced Features and Programming
The Enbridge Main Stage will host a lineup of familiar faces in home and design, including David Rocco, Colin & Justin, Lynda Reeves, Tommy Smythe, Sarah Richardson, Sebastian Clovis, and Frankie Flowers. Pratt herself will present a session on Colour Confidence on March 8. New additions to the show include the Colour Lab, presented by Sherwin Williams, where visitors can receive expert advice on paint and stain colour selection. Pratt will conduct colour consultations and create custom fan decks on March 7, starting at 1 p.m., with attendees encouraged to bring photos of their projects for personalized guidance.
The National Home Show, presented by REMAX, is scheduled to return from March 6 to 15 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto. This redesign aims to transform the event from a traditional marketplace for home essentials like windows and roofing into a more experiential and engaging destination, reflecting Pratt's vision of blending functionality with artistic expression. For more details on features and ticket purchases, visit the official website.
