The Ideal Home Show, Manchester.

On Friday I was fortunate enough to be given tickets by Dulux Bedroom in a Box, to the ideal home show in Manchester. I asked my Mother-in-Law Sheila to accompany me and she like me is mad about interior design. It was a beautiful sunny day and as we arrived just in time for the grand opening a brass band was playing to greet the guests.

The show was split into areas, Outdoors, Food and Housewares,  Home improvements, and interiors and Technology.There was had a special guest to host each area. Last time I visited the ideal home show was around 15 years ago, so I was really looking forward it.

We watched Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen do a presentation on decorating style; it was very interesting and actually quite funny. He really knows how to engage a crowd and keep people interested; he had some great theories on colour combinations and making rooms look larger.

After watching Lawrence I visited the stall of my sponsor for the event, Dulux, Bedroom in a box. It really is a great concept. It is a complete kit to decorate a child's bedroom; it has options for boys and girls. I really love the jungle room. However after chatting with the Guys on the stand they showed me the new avengers room that is to be released next week. When I came home and showed this to Joe he has decided this is exactly how he wants his room decorating. 

I took some photos of the rooms set up at the show, they looked great, and so simple. It completely takes the headache out of choosing paints to match papers. I love the fact you only have to wallpaper one wall, and it gives such a great effect.

Sheila and I then decided to stop for a spot of lunch at Gregg Wallace's pop up restaurant. It looked fantastic, the Menu option was simple, to be honest I could have chosen any of the dishes on offer.

Lunch was delicious, really tasty and great value at £16.00 for 2 courses. The service was a bit slow, but it was mad busy the staff were running about like headless chickens. I was glad to have a sit down and chill out from the crowds, so it really wasn't an issue.

After lunch we spent some time looking around the room sets, they were sponsored by different home stores and had some fantastic decorating tips and idea. I love looking at other peoples inspiration. 

I loved the cool colours in this room, these are exactly the sort of colours I would go for, the room is so elegant and classic, yet has a modern twist.

This bedroom is beautiful, bringing the outside in, I love all the bunting and the vintage feel of it.

I love the retro feel of this room, I don't think it is a colour that would fit into my home but it looks great.

Sheila and I had our photo's taken in the back of this camper van wearing silly hats a wigs, she looked at me like I was mad when I suggested it, but we had so much fun, It was such a laugh.
It was a really great day although I came home needing(yes needing) a new glass box conservatory, and an Aga fridge freezer, I did not even know they did them.

 Thank-you so much Dulux for the tickets to the show, it really was an inspirational day, I have brought lots on ideas home with me. In fact I think Chris is wishing you gave my tickets to someone else. He now has an Avengers bedroom to decorate, and pay for my lovely new glass room.