Last call for flowers
If you haven't experienced the sights and scents of spring at this year's "Galleria Garden Party," April 7 is your final chance. With flowers by Bachman's and design by Jack Barkla, the Galleria's public areas have been transformed into a fresh floral experience, abloom with color. You can see — and smell — the flowers during regular Galleria shopping hours. The Galleria is located at 69th St. and France Av. S. in Edina.
Get handy, get junk
Want to develop your DIY skills? Jamie and Morgan Molitor of construction2style will offer free how-to sessions during this week's Junk Bonanza, April 11-13 in Shakopee. They'll demonstrate power tools at 11 a.m. and tiling tips at 1 p.m. on April 11; wallpapering at 11 a.m. and power tools at 1 p.m. on April 12; and tiling tips at 1 p.m. April 13. With more than 150 vendors selling vintage, antique and repurposed goods, Junk Bonanza offers plenty of resources for distinctive home decor. Other highlights include painting demonstrations by Marian Parsons of Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint, how to make willow-nest spring tabletop decor by Foxglove owner/designer Christine Hoffman, and how to mix spring cocktails (with samples) by Nick Kosevich of Bittercube. Junk Bonanza hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12-13. Cost: $10. An early bird ticket (which allows access on April 11 at 8 a.m.) is $25 online, $30 at the door. Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Road S., Shakopee. More info: junkbonanza.com
Home design inspiration
Are you mulling a remodeling project — or building a new home? Here's a chance to learn about the latest design ideas and strategies from some of the Twin Cities' leading design professionals at "Your Ideal Home," an evening of architecture and design presented by AIA Minnesota and the Star Tribune. A panel of architects and homeowners who have recently collaborated will share the stories of their projects, then take your questions. If you would like an extended private conversation about your dream project, you can sign up for a one-on-one consultation with an AIA Minnesota design pro, 30 minutes for $30. You'll also get a first look at this year's 12 Home of the Month selected projects. The event kicks off with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. April 25, followed by the program at 6:30 p.m. American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Av. S., Minneapolis. Admission: $20 in advance, $25 at the door, includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres, plus cash bar. Register at aia-mn.org/event/homeofthemonth or in person at AIA Minnesota, 105 S. Fifth Av., Suite 485, Minneapolis.
California dreamin'
Palm Springs is many miles away, but you can experience its Modernism Week celebration vicariously on Room & Board's blog. The Twin Cities-based furniture retailer recently teamed up with Edina's Brad and Heather Fox to furnish their new Palm Springs getaway home, Desert Eichler, inspired by the famous mid-century California builder Joseph Eichler. The couple, owners of Fox Homes and hosts of HGTV's new show "Stay or Sell?" filled the house with other Minnesota-based brands and makers. You can check it out at roomandboard.com/blog/2019/03/modernism-week-desert-eichler-home-tour/.
Star-quality decor
Child star. Rom-com queen. TV producer. And now furniture designer? Hollywood flower child Drew Barrymore is the latest celebrity to moonlight in the home-goods marketplace. The actress recently launched Drew Barrymore's Flower Home, a collection of furniture and decorative accessories, such as artwork, lamps and dinnerware, inspired by her travels and "familiar places she keeps near to her heart." Think botanical prints and patterns, soft floral hues and curving feminine shapes. The 200-piece collection, developed in collaboration with Walmart, is available at walmart.com, hayneedle.com and jet.com.
KIM PALMER
Art and floral festival
Where can you learn how to plant a Japanese orchid kokedama, mix the perfect cocktail and watch a flower fashion show? At the Minneapolis Institute of Art's "Art in Bloom" floral and art extravaganza. The 36th annual spring fundraiser is a mix of free and ticketed events from April 11-14 at Mia, 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls.
Free events: More than 160 fresh floral interpretations of fine art on display throughout the galleries over the four days. "Flowers After Hours" floral fashion show hosted by Jason DeRusha, April 11. "TGI Flowers" featuring pop-up performances by Minnesota Dance Collaborative, April 12. Family Day with a "Dragons Love Tacos" children's book theme, featuring storytelling, crafts and more, April 14.