Home + Remodeling Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Truly Frameless Shower Doors

We're excited to have Truly Frameless Shower Doors joining us at the 2016 Home + Remodeling Show. This locally operated business provides premiere truly frameless glass shower doors in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas.

Founded on a need to provide homes with frameless shower doors that would not take over the bathroom or shower, obstructing the view of aesthetically pleasing elements such as tile work, wood, glasswork, and customized fixtures, Truly Frameless Shower Doors has been serving homeowners for almost a decade.

Learn more about this revolutionary product when you visit the Truly Frameless Doors team in Booth 1305 at the Home + Remodeling Show. Can't wait that long? Enjoy our brief interview with them below!

Please describe your products.

"If you’re looking for frameless shower doors in Virginia, the experts at Truly Frameless are here to help. A frameless shower provides several advantages you should consider for your home. Eliminating the metal clips, aluminum channels, and silicon associated with other methods of installing the glass, our system gets rid of unwanted silicon mold and mildew commonly associated with their use, and provides for a stronger and more aesthetically pleasing frameless shower enclosure. A frameless or glass shower enclosure also will not obstruct your family and guests’ view of all the hard work you put into your bathroom, such as tile and woodwork, glasswork, and other decorative touches. Additionally, frameless shower doors and enclosures are easier to manipulate than their enclosed counterparts. This reduces or even eliminates slips, falls, and other shower-related mishaps. Amazingly, although our product looks more luxurious, the cost is similar to the other 'frameless' shower enclosures."

What are your best tips for homeowners this season?

"Please do not use ammonia based products on glass. Stayfree glass cleaner is most recommended."

What is the strangest client request you've ever received?

"We were requested to complete a shower enclosure that was completely round."

What's your favorite part about the Home + Remodeling Show?

"Reaching out to new people and explaining how our product is different than what anyone else is offering."

Is there anything else you think folks should know about your company?

"Truly Frameless is partnered with HB Services to handle all you remodeling needs."

The Home + Remodeling Show is on at the Dulles Expo Center January 22-24, 2016. Hundreds of home improvement experts will gather, ready to give guests advice, tips, and inspiration for their homes. Plus guests can see Bravo star Jeff Lewis!

Don't have tickets yet? Save big when you big them online. Right now you can SAVE $3 on tickets!

DULLES EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 22-24, 2016.

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Vancouver Home + Design Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Saniflo Canada

We're excited to have Saniflo Canada joining us at this year's Vancouver Home + Design Show. For over 50 years the goal of this innovative company has been to allow anyone to easily install bathroom fixtures, laundry rooms, and kitchens anywhere, without any major work. As the French inventor of the famous macerating systems, today Saniflo Canada is among the top companies worldwide in bathroom fixtures.

If you've been dreaming of adding an extra bathroom in your home, make sure to visit Saniflo Canada in Booth 607. Discover the revolutionary products they offer to help you build that additional bathroom - even in the tightest and most oddly shaped rooms!

But before you see them at the show, get to know Saniflo Canada a bit better and get a sneak peek at what they'll be bringing to the Vancouver Convention Centre West in our brief interview below.

Please describe your product.

"Pump up toilet system allowing anyone to install a bathroom anywhere without breaking the floor."

What are your best tips for homeowners?

"Add that extra bathroom you've been dreaming about."

Will you have any show specials?

"Mail in rebate just for stopping by the Booth 607."

The Vancouver Home + Design Show takes over the Vancouver Convention Centre West October 22-25, 2015. With hundreds of the top home and design experts ready to help you with your next home improvement project this is a must-attend event for homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Visit us on Facebook to get 2 for the price of 1. Save money and skip the box office lines when you buy today!

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Matt Muenster's Top 7 Bath Remodel Tips

The bathroom remains one of the top home remodels, and the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show is bringing in one of the nation's top bath experts to provide tips and advice for renovating and improving this space. Matt Muenster, host of DIY Network's Bath Crashers will be appearing live at the show this fall.

Can't wait to see Matt at the show? Here are Matt's Top 7 Bath Remodel Tips - just what you need to know as you start thinking about renovating your space.

1. The best place to start with any remodeling project is the budget. Not only will it have a big impact on the type of materials you select for your bathroom renovation, it will also help you set the boundaries of your design. Knowing what you can really afford to spend will make it a lot easier to decide what items you want to replace, and where you need to get creative!

2. Be brutally honest about your DIY skill level. Assess which projects to do yourself and which are better left to the pros. You could save yourself a ton of money in the long run if you don't have to call someone in to fix a project you've messed up. The best way to find a good contractor is to seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and others who've had remodeling work done.

Marketplace Events Tip: Don't know many people who've worked with a contractor or taken on a project like that? Referral based websites like Angie's List and HomeStars are a great place to find a company you can trust. 

3. Want to save some big bucks remodeling your bathroom? Consider refinishing existing items such as your bathtub, shower, sink, or tile. With refinishing you'll only pay a small fraction (as little as 10%) of the cost of replacement. Your bathroom won't be torn up for weeks, you'll avoid the big renovation mess, and you've put one less big ol' tub in a landfill.

4. Don't underestimate the importance of lighting in a bathroom. Sconce lighting at the vanity is the ideal way to get even lighting on your face, and installing it at eye level will help diminish unflattering shadows. Dim lighting is nice for a relaxing bath; bright lights are great for shaving or applying makeup. Adding more overall lighting can make a small bathroom seem larger.

5. Don't want your budget to skyrocket? Don't move your plumbing. On the surface, switching your sink and toilet around may look easy enough, but the problem lies underneath. Moving all that plumbing can be really expensive. Besides, if you spend less on moving fixtures, you'll have more to spend on that new sleek shower system or vanity you've been eyeing.

6. Some of the most effective updating in a bathroom can also be the easiest and the cheapest. Changing out all the hardware, such as drawer pulls, faucet handles, and showerheads, can have a big impact. Be sure to use the same finish, such as stainless steel, aged bronze, or brushed nickel, to keep the room looking cohesive.

7. Ventilation. Ventilation. Ventilation. Moisture is your bathroom's greatest enemy. Mold and mildew will make quick work of any renovation you've done, so be sure to install a vent fan of appropriate CFMs for the square footage of your bathroom. The rough guide is one CFM per square foot for bathrooms of one hundred square feet or smaller. New designs are quieter and more stylish than ever, and are a must have for any bathroom remodel.

Do these tips have you itching to start your bathroom remodel? Get more great advice and ideas from Matt Muenster at the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Prime Osborn Convention Center October 1-4, 2015. Matt will be appearing live on October 2nd, 3rd & 4th - don't miss him!

Haven't bought your tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show! We can't wait to see you there!

PRIME OSBORN CONVENTION CENTER
OCTOBER 1-4, 2015.

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Meet The Man Crashing Baths - DIY Network's Bath Crashers, That Is!

Matt Muenster is a licensed contractor, phenomenal designer, and host of DIY Network's Bath Crashers. Matt specializes in bathroom design and breaking out of the traditional mold. It's always something new with this DIY guru; by staying away from the "popular" trends, he creates truly inspired work! Matt's diverse background includes graduating with a degree in interior design from the University of Wisconsin and working in restaurants and business design, before finding his home in residential construction.

Matt describes his personal design style as contemporary, but timeless. As a master of bathroom redesign and host on the DIY Network, he has the unique opportunity to debut some of his own techniques, while working with the latest in products and amenities.

In anticipation of his time at the upcoming Denver Home Show, we asked Matt three questions you can get to know him a little better.

3 Questions for Matt Muenster:

Q: Describe your design style in five words or less.
Matt: "Thoughtful. Clean lines. Modern. Simplicity."

Q: What's your personal mantra?
Matt: "Take care of luxuries and the needs will take care of themselves. When you are thoughtful in design, you are creating a space that is beautiful as well as functional; it is all about family, and that always comes first."

Q: What is your design and gardening pet peeve?
Matt: "I'm not a fan of the glass bowl vessels that sit on top of counter tops; they are hard to clean and not functional."

Catch Matt on the Fresh Ideas Stage at the Denver Home Show on:

• Friday, March 20th at 6pm
• Saturday, March 21st at 1pm and 5pm
• Sunday, March 22nd at 12pm

The Denver Home Show takes over the National Western Complex Mar 20 - 22, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show and some awesome presentations from Matt Muenster.

MARCH 20 - 22, 2015.
NATIONAL WESTERN COMPLEX 

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Quick Q&A With Matt Muenster

Licensed contractor Matt Muenster gets an adrenaline rush every time he transforms a boring bathroom into a fantastic one on the DIY Network's Bath Crashers series. We hope you'll get an adrenaline rush seeing him at the Indianapolis Home Show. Matt will be appearing live on the Unilock Outdoor Living Stage January 23 - 25, 2015. But before you see him at the show, enjoy our interview with him below.

Marketplace Events (MPE): What got you interested in interior design?

• Matt Muenster (MM): "It was a course I took in college on architectural history - it got me passionate about design and helped me to focus. From there I enrolled in the interior design program and never looked back."

MPE: Ok, why bathrooms? Is the bathroom typically a room that needs the most renovating?

• MM: "Bathrooms happened because the show happened. I was designing almost every type of space available until this opportunity came along. What this has done though is help me focus on one space and learn all there is to know. What I've learned is it's not only the hardest room to renovate in your home, but the payoff from a successful renovation, both financially and emotionally, is the greatest. It's an underutilized and underrated room in every home - and my job is to change all that."

MPE: What's the first thing you look at when updating someone's bathroom?

• MM: "Size - and anything we can do during the renovation to make it bigger. After that, every bathroom demo is exactly the same. The challenge is putting it back together. No one bathroom is more challenging than another; it's all about making it work for those who are using it."

MPE: What are a couple tips people can use to help renovate their bathroom on their own?

• MM: "Have a plan before you start. Know everything about the step you're working and the next two or three down the line before you even begin. Plan your work, and work your plan. Also, know your limitations. If you've never worked with plumbing before, a few YouTube videos or a book probably isn't going to teach you all you need know. Bite the bullet, and hire skilled labor where you can make big mistakes yourself. The overall outcome will be that much better."

MPE: Have you been to Indianapolis before? What advice do you hope to give Indiana residents at the show?

• MM: "I have. I was there for the Super Bowl a few years ago. I hope people come out to the show and my presentations with questions to ask. I definitely want to impart my knowledge on bathroom design, but I will have a lot more fun if I can interact with everyone and answer their questions. It keeps me on my toes and is infinitely more interesting to me!"

Join Matt at the Indianapolis Home Show on January 23 - 25 to learn how you can upgrade your most-used room with ideas, inspiration, and practical remodeling advice! Check out our stage schedule for appearance times. The Indianapolis Home Show takes over the Indiana State Fairgrounds January 23 - February 1, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals!

JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 1, 2015.
INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS 

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This Or That: Bathroom Bliss

Although most people are of the opinion that only teenage girls spend a lot of time in the bathroom, when you think about it, we all do. It’s one of the first rooms we visit when we wake up, and the last we see before we go to bed. It’s where we give ourselves pep talks, sing our hearts out, and unwind when the world has been especially cruel. We do our bathing, shaving, makeup, hair, and more in there. So it makes sense that it’s one of the spaces that homeowners most commonly renovate. People want to feel comfortable in their bathrooms. But what appeals to one person might not necessarily work for another.

Of the choices below, which do you think is the more luxurious bathroom? Do you like Option A’s spa-inspired scarsity? Or do you prefer Option B’s more practical aesthetic? 

Option A

Image via Van Wanrooij

Option B

Image via The Style Files

Our Choice:

This “this or that” ultimately boils down to the age old battle between function and fashion. Both bathrooms are very nice, but Option A is truly a work of art. We love everything in this gorgeous bathroom, but we can’t help noticing what’s missing: storage. There’s a lovely soaker tub and a serene standing shower, but there’s no place to put your stuff. Option B may be smaller and less impressive, but it’s far more practical. For us, when it comes to the bathroom we definitely choose function – we’ll always make it as fashionable as possible, but there’s got to be space for all our stuff or it’s not the right bathroom design for us.

Our choice was based on need – we’ve got to have lots of storage in our bathroom. Aside from the essentials, what do you absolutely have to have in your bathroom? What would your dream bathroom be like? Let us know below! 

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Matt Muenster's 7 Bathroom Renovation Tips

Are you tired of your dull, drab, dated bathroom? You're not alone. The bathroom is one of the most commonly renovated rooms in the home. If you're ready for a fresh, new, spa-like space, make sure to catch Matt Muenster at the Birmingham Home + Remodeling Show, September 26-28, 2014. As the host of the DIY Network's hit shows Bath Crashers and BATHtastic! Matt is an expert when it comes to transforming bathrooms. Join him at the show to get valuable tips and advice for your bathroom renovation.

Can't wait that long? Get some of Matt's expert information now. He sat down with us recently to share his top seven tips every homeowner should know before they start a bathroom remodel. Read on to plan your renovation, then head to the show and meet Matt and other home experts to help you create the bathroom of your dreams.

Matt Muenster's 7 Tips Before Starting a Bathroom Renovation

1. The best place to start with any remodeling project is your budget. Not only will it have a big impact on the type of materials you select for your renovation, it will also help you set the boundaries of your design. Knowing what you can really afford to spend will make it a lot easier to decide what items you want to replace and where you need to get creative!

2. Be brutally honest about your DIY skill level. Assess which projects to do yourself and which ones are better left to the pros. You could save yourself a ton of money in the long run if you don't have to call someone to fix a project you've messed up. The best way to find a good contractor: seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had remodeling work done.

Marketplace Events Tip: Websites like Angie's List and HomeStars can help you find a good contractor as well. They operate like a big referral network, with companies and individuals receiving ratings based on user reviews.

3. Want to save on some big bucks remodeling your bathroom? Consider refinishing existing items such as your bathtub, shower, sink or tile. With refinishing, you'll only pay a small fraction (as little as 10%) of the cost of replacement. Your bathroom won't be torn up for weeks, you'll avoid the big renovation mess, and you've put one less big ol' tub in a landfill.

4. Don't underestimate the importance of lighting in a bathroom. Sconce lighting at the vanity is the ideal way to get even lighting on your face, and installing it at eye level will help finish unflattering shadows. Dim lighting is nice for a relaxing bath, bright lights are great for shaving or applying makeup. Adding more overall lighting can make a small bathroom seem larger.

5. Don't want your budget to skyrocket? Don't move your plumbing. On the surface, switching your sink and toilet around may look easy enough, but the problem lies underneath and all the costs involved in moving that plumbing. Besides, if you spend less money on moving fixtures, you'll have more to spend on that new sleek shower system or vanity you've been eyeing.

6. Some of the most effective updating in a bathroom can also be the easiest and the cheapest. Changing out all the hardware, such as drawer pulls, faucet handles, and showerheads, can have a big impact. Be sure to use the same finish, such as stainless steel, aged bronze, or brushed nickel, to keep the room looking cohesive.

7. Ventilation. Ventilation. Ventilation. Moisture is your bathroom's greatest enemy. Mold and mildew will make quick work of any renovation you've done so be sure to install a vent fan of appropriate CFMs for the square footage of your bathroom. The rough guide is one CFM per square foot for bathrooms of one hundred square feet or smaller. New designs are quieter and more stylish than ever, and are a must-have for any bathroom remodel.

There will be more advice, professionals, and materials for renovating your bathroom at the Birmingham Home + Remodeling Show. Make sure to grab your tickets online so you don't miss out - and save $2 when you buy right now! We can't wait to see you at the show.

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Bathing Beauty: See Matt Muenster at the Downtown Raleigh Home Show

Is your bathroom a wash? Matt Muenster has you covered. Join the host of the DIY Network’s hit shows Bath Crashers and BATHtastic! at the Downtown Raleigh Home Show, September 5-7, 2014. Don’t miss Matt’s stage presentations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get some valuable bathroom renovation tips and ideas. Not only is Matt’s design style environmentally-friendly, he has great advice for renovating on a budget. But first, let’s get to know the man behind the hammer. Check out our interview with Matt below!

Meet Matt Muenster

Name: Matt Muenster
Twitter: @MattJMuenster
Facebook: mattjmuenster

Marketplace Events (MPE): Describe your design style in five words or less.

• Matt Muenster (MM): “Thoughtful, clean lines, modern simplicity.”

MPE: What was your first job?

• MM: “Washing dishes at a supper club in Green Bay WI. And coaching little league for 8/9 year olds.” 

MPE: Most memorable career moment to date?

• MM: “In season 2 we a met a family with a son who was in a wheel chair – best reveal ever – it gave us a great sense of giving back and making a difference. Also, designing an accessible bathroom that was functional and beautiful.” 

MPE: What is your design or gardening pet peeve?

• MM: “I'm not a fan of the glass bowl vessels that sit on top of counter tops; they are hard to clean and not functional.” 

MPE: What was the last item you bought or crafted for your home?

• MM: “I bought 17 or 18 old doors – massive beautiful doors in St. Paul – the plan is to cut them up and panel-ize a wall in my house to create wall art.”  

MPE: What was your first ever DIY project?

• MM: “I grew up on a farm in Wisconsin, we were fixing things constantly.  I added a bathroom to my first house before my career started.”  

MPE: What is your favorite organizational tip?

• MM: “Plan for storage, recess storage. Bathrooms don’t usually have good storage areas, so plan for easy-to-create storage to put things away.” 

MPE: Any embarrassing on-the-job moments you’d like to share?

• MM: “The best show is when the camera is not filming – my favorite part of my job is getting to the set and seeing my friends – probably a cement dump that went awry.”

MPE: What’s your personal mantra?

• MM: “Take care of luxuries and the needs will take care of themselves.  When you are thoughtful in design, you are creating space that is beautiful as well as functional; it is all about family and that always comes first.”

Make sure to catch Matt at the Downtown Raleigh Home Show.
And remember to grab your tickets online now, for the best deals. 

We can’t wait to see you at the show!

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