The autumn welcomes in a wonderful period of transition from the fireworks and freedom of summer. Students return back to school, sense and sensibility seems to be the order of the day, and part of the focus of daily life moves from out in the great wide open into the warmth and comfort of home. The fall season is a perfect time for a home makeover, and the neighbourhood boasts a community of home decor and interior design shops that are some of the finest in the city.

This weekend brings the 2018 Vancouver Interior Design Show to the halls of the Convention Centre West. IDS West calls together creatives, designers, architects, and influencers from across the west coast to showcase the latest in current trends, works, concepts, and products with each other, and with many thousands of show attendees.

Gastown exhibitors include Inform Interiors and Montauk Sofa. Each year, Inform hosts the opening night party and Montauk, as always provides the ridiculously comfy sofas.

With the neighbourhood only a casual ten minute walk from the show, visit Gastown this weekend to shop for a complete home makeover or for a few nice pieces to reflect the warm colours and soft textures of the new season.

Now on to trends. According to Housebeautiful.com, this season ushers in subdued and subtle rustic modernity, along with big, bold florals, and full washes in blacks, pinks and golds, along with tactile kitchens, bright shapes, vintage Scandinavian, and blue/gold combos.

For over three decades, Niels and Nancy Bendsten have showcased the world of modern living with the iconic Inform Interiors. Together, they launched Inform to educate the public on design by welcoming design leaders and influential creatives for roundtable discussions, while bringing in new decor, furniture and lighting designs that reflect quality and innovation to their showroom. Complete with an extensive book collection and impecaable window displays, Inform provides inspiration of the utmost regard.

Inform’s second showroom, B&B Italia/Boffi, displays award-winning designs from celebrated kitchen and bath manufacturers including fine Italian cabinetry, countertops, and hood fans from Boffi and Varenna, the latest Agape and KWC plumbing fixtures, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Gaggenau appliances, and Bisazza mosaic and glass tiles.

Montauk Sofa’s IDS West booth is always a show hit with enormous sectional sofas that almost need a seating time limit to allow everybody to get a turn. Over at their sofa showroom on Water Street, shoppers can view their collection of fashionable upholstered products, handmade in Montreal. Designs revive the old tradition of sofa making and are made for lounging in absolute comfort with memory foam and down filled feather cushions.

Ever think of your kitchen as furniture? Bulthaup hones in on this philosophy with sculptural storage designs. The German-founded company is praised on an international for its ingenious kitchen solutions. Bulthaup’s lines B1, B2, B3 offer chic cabinets that are luxurious yet refined and naturally compliment any space.

Every space needs a pop of colour and Parliament will introduce you to the season’s trending palettes. This décor boutique takes a fresh approach to interior design curating a collection of California-style furnishings, novelty accessories and owl-themed décor. Discover local works, like Sid Dickens’ handmade memory blocks, and organic Kermodi Living Art which specializes in modern minimalist indoor and outdoor potted plants that provide high design with low maintenance.

Step inside to admire unique treasures from around the world at Orling & Wu. Central Saint Martin’s graduates, Fredrick Orling and Julie Wu, handpick a fine collection of unique home decor and design-led gifts from Belgium, Japan and beyond. Think colourful table settings and whimsy adornments. Along with in-depth home styling advice, Orling & Wu houses a department of wallpaper, drapery and upholstery that can be applied to existing or new furniture creations.

If you’ve got a penchant for lavish decor, head to Versace Home. The designer home collection brings the signature medusa emblem, gold accents and lush detailing to the forefront at their first Canadian flagship.

For something more personalized, Pierre at espace d. can help. As an interior designer, Pierre knows a thing or two about home décor and has spent over a decade helping clients create their dream home. Pop in for design advice and peruse his curated collection of Scandinavian-inspired decor, eco-friendly home accessories and acrylic paintings by local artists.

Inspired by turn of the century general stores, Old Faithful is a step back in time. Exceptionally curated yet down to earth, the high ceiling shop is one of the best in the neighbourhood for home decor gifts for both others and yourself. Among such brands as Kinto, Baggu, Hay, Toyo-Sasaki, and Robert Herder, the shop carries its own line, OFS that includes oak plant stands, linen aprons and cool lamps made in Vancouver.

Litchfield is an extension of the ‘way he lives’ of the shops proprietor, Johnathan Litchfield. The man is passionate about design, modern style and self care products for the body. Explore this subdued, minimalistic space that houses high quality items including watches, stationery, Phaidon and Monacle publications, bags, scents, candles, parfums, skin & body care, and  clothing.

L’atelier Home specializes in exotic and luxurious home decor items from Morocco and the East. Owner, Linda, is exceptional at working closely with customers, helping translate clients design visions into beautiful home spaces.