Spruce Up your Home & Wardrobe This Month in Barcelona

Yes, the sales have started. If you've got any money left from the Christmas and New Year Celebrations, then there are surely some great bargains to be had (no idea, I've got no money left from the celebrations!!). However, if you're looking for some real ideas for a makeover at the start of this new decade, then head no further than the Fira de Barcelona.


First up is home improvements with ExpoHogar. The Home exhibition takes place this month from the 22nd to 25th at the Fira de Barcelona at the foot of Montjüic. In it's 42nd edition, you can forget your flat-pack wardrobes and the like, and expect to see the cutting edge in everything new and cool for your home. Everything from cutlery to curtains, funky lamps and prints to wallpaper and nick-knacks for your home, this event is held twice a year and despite the "crisis" is expecting a good show. Those wishing to show off their wares come from far and wide, not just Barcelona itself, with the South of France and Valencia joining in on the party.

Stright after the ExpoHogar, from the 26th to 28th January (inclusive) it's the fashion world's turn to take the stage. Despite the hotel sector lamenting the disappearance of Bread and Butter, which was replaced by Brandery and 080 Fashion, 080 is doing its best to keep the spirits high.

The unique thing about 080 is that it showcases local talent, and promotes the unknowns, or rather not-so-well-knowns and their new styles. It receives the full backing of the local council, who are coming to a close of a campaign to promote fashion in the city which started in 2007. The idea is to become a rival to other European cities which are renowned for fashion - not just Milan, for example. I think it's great to see the conferences and fairs putting on a brave face, and doing their best to pull the rest of us out of the crisis (even if I think the majority of the fashion industry is a joke that I don't quite get!! haha! but you know what I mean).

Are you coming to Barcelona this month for either trade fair? Let me know your thoughts for the prospects this year in the comments below. And if you're stuck for accommodation still, then check out these apartments for rent in Barcelona as a great alternative. They have many properties with easy access to the Fira making it a lot easier than travelling to and from a hotel.