Design Alley at the Ridge Meadows Home Show might be the first stop for anyone who is looking for top-notch advice and products for interior design and renovations.

Ronnie Vanstone, who has about 25 years of experience in the industry, said Design Alley will be a free, full-service interior design and renovation centre.

"What's really cool about it is that it will have everything from paint, flooring, cabinets, and tile, to furniture, lighting, and fireplaces, plus experts in each of these areas," explained Vanstone.

Home show visitors are invited to bring along their samples, photos, floor plans, or design and renovation dilemmas and Vanstone and her team will help to resolve them.

"Normally it would cost a bit of money, but at the Home Show it is free all weekend," said Vanstone, who is an award-winning interior designer and renovator who did the interior design for the PNE prize home for seven years.

She was also host of her own talk radio shows Style by Design and Design Dilemmas and has had numerous guest appearances on shows like Urban Rush and Breakfast Television.

"We have a fantastic team of experts all weekend, and we will be giving away a number of great prizes."

Also, Vanstone and master kitchen designer Al Pattison, of Kitchen Korner, will do a number of seminars throughout the weekend.

Home show coordinator Cass Winder said that today's shoppers are educated.

"They want selection, they want information, and they want the best possible price. Home show shopping addresses all their requirements," Winder said.

"In most cases, you're talking to the owner or manager of a company - someone who knows her stuff and has hands-on experience with today's materials and building techniques," she added.

"Consumers have two choices when they start a project. They can either pick up the phone and find someone to handle everything from design through to completion, or, they opt to do it themselves," Winder explained.

"That is where the home show comes in. A lot of our exhibitors supply everything from concept plans through to completion, others specialize in working with the do-it yourself market, providing materials, individual components, and of course, advice."

This year's home show will feature about 375 exhibitors, most geared at the home and garden solutions. So, whether it's a homeowner looking for do-it-yourself tips or for someone to do the job, this show is expected to offer the solution.

"If you're itching to tackle that home renovation or design project, but not sure where to start, Ridge Meadows Home Show should be your first stop," Winder said.

Home Show Design Alley seminars

Friday, May 4

6 p.m. - Design Trends 2012 with Ronnie Vanstone

Saturday, May 5

Noon - Cook Up the Perfect Kitchen with Al Pattison

2 p.m. - Design Trends 2012 with Ronnie Vanstone

4 p.m. - Design Trends 2012 with Ronnie Vanstone

Sunday, May 6

Noon - Cook Up the Perfect Kitchen with Al Pattison

2 p.m. - Design Trends 2012 with Ronnie Vanstone