Relaxing bath: Models posing in a whirlpool tub by Modern Depot, which features a touch screen control panel and underwater lighting.

THOUSANDS of homeowners journeyed through a wonderland of great designs, fresh ideas and innovative concepts at Homedec 2011, which kicked off yesterday at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) in Relau.

Themed ?Discover Design?, the three-day exhibition provided visitors with vital home knowledge and design ideas, covering all the must-knows and steps to take in order to bring beautiful ideas to reality.

Touted as the most-anticipated event for local homeowners, the event features some 420 booths by 160 exhibitors. Half of those are from Kuala Lumpur, bringing with them the latest and most innovative products.

According to Vincent Lim, president of event organisers C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, surveys showed that for the majority of homeowners, the renovation and decorating process was one filled with hiccups and setbacks.

?Renovating a home is not an easy task, and expertise is required. Thus, we wanted to equip homeowners with the proper knowledge to ensure that the journey towards their dream home is an enjoyable one.

?Homedec tells owners what they should know,? Lim said, adding that with the vast array of products on offer, it represented a great opportunity for homeowners to get everything they needed under one roof.

He also stressed on the importance of appointing a qualified interior designer who was able to select the right products to match the homeowners? vision, saving precious time and money.

Some 35,000 visitors and sales exceeding RM20 million are expected throughout the exhibition, which covers all aspects of the home.

This edition of Homedec also features ?Living Design?, a special segment on living room furniture which gives visitors ideas on optimum living room layouts. An array of new designs, models, materials, technology and concepts are on display at the Extended Hall, Main Arena Level of PISA.

Visitors should also look out for red stickers which denote new products only on the market since January this year, such as the collapsible attic staircases showcased by Bronte Attic and futuristic fan designs by Alpha Home Appliances.

Also making its debut are the Redux Fabric and Honeycomb Blinds by Curtain Culture. Currently only available in seven countries worldwide, its contemporary design is ideal for urban living while its insulation properties keep the tropical heat out and reduce the need for air conditioning.

In the Homedec Contest, the main sponsors LNP Retails Sdn Bhd will be giving away a grand prize of RM5,000 cash and RM15,000 in Arredo Furniture cash vouchers to one lucky visitor.

Apart from that, there are nine other prizes up for grabs, totalling RM22,000. To be in the running, visitors only need to spend a minimum of RM100 in a single receipt.

Contest participants who spend a minimum of RM500 in a single receipt will also automatically be in the running for RM80,000 in cash rewards.

Consisting of a RM50,000 cash grand prize and three, RM10,000 cash special prizes, it is open to visitors of Homedec exhibitions in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru from April till July 2011.

For more interactive home knowledge, do head over to the Homedec seminars at Function Room B.

Topics for today include ?Choosing the Right Sofa for the Living Room? at noon and ?Top 10 Decor Mistakes in the Living Room? at 2pm.

Tomorrow, talks will be on ?How to Select a Feng Shui Compliant House? at noon and ?Feng Shui in Architecture Interior Design? at 2pm.

The exhibition is open to the public from 11am to 9pm daily. Entry is free. For details, visit www.homedec.com.my or call 016-2332773.

SOURCE: The Star