Visionary Husbands Face Off in Upcycling Showdown at Edmonton Home and Garden Show
Creative competition is set to ignite at the Edmonton Home and Garden Show as expert DIYers and Canadian influencers Stephen Quinn and Branden Barnes, known online as The Visionary Husbands, go head to head in an exciting upcycling design faceoff. This unique event, titled Seated Rivalry, promises to blend artistry with friendly rivalry, showcasing sustainable design practices to inspire home enthusiasts.
A Partnership Rooted in Creativity
"We've been partnering with the Edmonton Home and Garden Show since 2023, and we love the creative energy the community brings to this event," Quinn says. "This year feels distinctly different because we're putting our DIY skills to the ultimate test to see whose vision truly comes out on top." The renovation experts are no strangers to design challenges, having previously presented in both Calgary and Edmonton, where they introduced audiences to innovative strategies for short-term rental spaces.
Sustainable Design with a Competitive Twist
This year, they're sticking to their core philosophy while introducing a competitive element with their Seated Rivalry segment. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, each influencer will source a chair from a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and transform it into a signature piece. "I want audiences to realize that visionary design is about seeing potential where others might see merely a project," Quinn explains. "You can absolutely create a high-end look without requiring a high-end price tag."
Their primary goal is to inspire attendees to view thrifted furniture as a blank canvas rather than a finished product. "You don't need a professional budget to score a Stanley Cup-style interior," Barnes adds. "It's all about making a smart power play on a vintage piece and not being afraid to take your DIY into overtime to achieve that perfect finish."
Essential Tips for Successful Upcycling
Begin with Quality
Both experts emphasize the critical importance of selecting well-made pieces as a foundation for any upcycling project. "If the foundation is solid, such as real wood or quality metals, it becomes much easier to update with paint or upholstery," Quinn advises. "I always assess how a piece can fit into a specific aesthetic. It should feel fresh and intentional, not simply reused."
Barnes agrees wholeheartedly. "Focusing on quality helps avoid fleeting trends and keeps your space from feeling dated," he says. Their approach centers on enhancing, not hiding, a piece's original character, allowing its history to shine through in the redesign.
Shop Smart
One of the most common mistakes in upcycling, they note, is overlooking structural integrity. "You can fix scratches or refinish a surface, but you can't always save a broken frame," Quinn warns. "If an item needs a full rebuild, it can quickly exceed your budget and become more trouble than it's worth."
Barnes adds that failing to measure properly is another frequent issue that DIY enthusiasts encounter. "It leads to unnecessary stress when a piece doesn't even fit through your door," he cautions. "Always check your dimensions carefully so every find has a functional and fitting place in your home."
Through this competitive showcase, The Visionary Husbands aim to demonstrate that sustainable design can be both accessible and exhilarating, encouraging everyone to embrace creativity in their home projects.
