Ideal Home Show Chicago

Imagine the Chicago Auto Show but for homes. So basically, at Navy Pier there were over 100 vendors and experts to answer all your questions. From designers of Ethan Allan to Window vendors like Pella, landscape designers, and everything in-between.

 

I immediately arrived to the main stage for an innovative Q/A with Chip Wade of a few popular HGTV shows from The Elbow Room, Curb Appeal, and my first HGTV show I ever saw, Designed to Sell.

Chip has a new show that just aired last Sunday and is fantastic, Wise Buys. Chip and his wife are the duo team of Wade Works Creative, helping couples not only buy a home but renovate them.

Anyhoo, at the Ideal Home Show, he literally answered all my questions, and then gave us a glimpse into the world designers are heading into. Interior builders, designers, and the like, are no longer doing pen to paper drawings of a space, but have gone virtual-From design boards to floor plans. Well, Chip showed us how innovative 3D home designs are taking over and they are just amazing. Hopefully, one day we all will have access to this great tool!

 

 

After Chip, I met with Duane Draughton, he is the 3-D designer for HGTV celebrity Ahmed Hassan, and as I got to witness, a killer outdoor living designer! I was very fortunate that he also answered ALL, I mean ALL, of my outdoor living questions. LOVED IT! He had a FULL replica on display at the show with his team from cityscape landscape to Magic Irrigation and what seems to be the best all around contractor Adam at Lux Home Inc. The guys do amazing work and were so nice to speak with. The work is simply gorgeous and I wanted it all. From light walls, to gardens, living and more.

 

 

 

Well, then I got to walk around the show and tackle some vendors I wanted to visit. I just loved tandy leather. They are based out of Elgin and have an amazing collection of leather goods, but, my fav was all the sheep and cowhide rugs! GORGEOUS. Wanted to walk out with all of them.

 

 

 

Okay, so other vendors that might not be as exciting to others, BUT totally for me,  were two Gutter companies. I know I know sounds boring, but when you or a client have gutter questions…
Also, windows and screen doors, I tackled these vendors as well.

Now, you always need a little energy boost at these home shows and Joana from Twisted Cookie hit the spot. She literally had the most amazing dipped chocolate brownies with a peanut butter center. YUM!!!!!!

 

So what are my Top 5 Takeaways from the Ideal Home Show Chicago

1. Always remember that clients hired me and to remind them that “Quality design supersedes universal style,” so we have a functional and of course beautiful space. Chip Wade

2. Splash Pads are the new Fire Places of outdoor living spaces.  Duanne Draughton

3.  That screen doors are now retractable! Amazing, want one.

4. There are 5 different ways to re-design your corner kitchen cabinets

5.  A hidden scoop of peanut butter in the middle of a brownie is delicious.