A vacation wasn’t in the cards this year but a staycation sure is, and I know where I’m taking it: at the new Urban Barn opening in Barrhaven tomorrow. Last night I got an early look at the 6,200-square-foot store, made all the more spacious for its high ceilings, huge windows and creamy white walls and shelving (all part of a new concept design). The brilliant pops of colour in the Spring collection gave me hope that a new season really might be just around the corner.

This is my happy place.

Are you familiar with Urban Barn? It’s known for its reclaimed wood furniture, custom upholstery made in Canada, reasonably priced artwork (including pieces by Canadian artists) and fresh, witty accent pieces. The Barrhaven location will be Canada’s 49th store. To celebrate the opening, the Barrhaven store is offering:

• $20 vouchers (the same as gift cards, only printed on environmentally friendly paper instead of plastic) to the first 50 people in store, plus the chance to win a $1,000 gift card (woot!)
• 20% off all accents, including sale items
• 15% off all furniture (exluding custom) with this coupon from Urban Barn Barrhaven’s Brand Ambassador, Loukia Zigoumis (aka Mrs. Loulou)

The radio station Magic 100 will also be onsite offering the chance to win one of five $200 gift cards. Wowser!

What’s more: you can enter to win $100 in Urban Barn gifts cards right here! That’s right dear readers, I’ve got a giveaway for you too! (Don’t have an Urban Barn near you? Not to fret! If you win, you may choose an item/items of that value from the web site and Urban Barn will ship it to you free of charge. Isn’t that nice? So everyone can win!)

But first, let’s look a little more at the gorgeousness that is the new Barrhaven store.

Anyone else want to move in?

Yes I got a little snap-happy. I didn’t want to leave!

I think I might have to add this to my list of chairs. (Maybe we’ll buy them this Saturday! I mean, 15% off!)

And I could go on. There was just so much to see! And I didn’t even really show you the gorgeous dining tables, the new bedroom furniture or the rugs and drapery. I guess you’ll have to stop in and see for yourself. (Or browse around online!)

Now, how ’bout a little somethin’ somethin’ to get your shopping underway? For your chance to win $100 in Urban Barn gift cards, visit the Urban Barn site and tell me your favourite thing (or things!) from the new Spring collection. You must enter your contact information here and comment here on the blog in order to be eligible. The contest is open to Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) and closes Friday, March 20.

Good luck everybody! Spring is on the way!

Update March 21: Congratulations to the winner, Lisa Bolduc!