Your Ticket to the Philly Home + Garden Show

It’s finally here! The first-ever Philly Home + Garden Show opens its doors this Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, and we couldn't be more excited! There is so much to do and see at the show, so we’ve put together an outline of 10 must-see features, events and exhibits to help you make the most of your visit to the show.

1. Celebrity Guests: Jonathan and Drew Scott - better known as Property Brothers - and Chip Wade, host of the new HGTV show Elbow Room, will be appearing live at the show. Show attendees will have the opportunity to learn from these experts during their presentations on the main stage, live Q&A sessions and a meet & greet.

2. Smart Home: Powered by XFINITY®, Built by Rudloff Custom Builders. Rudloff Custom Builders designed a full-scale model home inside of the exhibit hall that will feature the latest styles and design trends along with cutting-edge devices and environmentally friendly materials. Attendees are invited to walk through this one-of-a-kind house, powered by XFINITY®, to gather inspiration from the beautiful decor, designed by Deanna Lorenti of Deanna’s Interiors, and learn about how they can be more “green” while reducing their utility bills, and improving efficiency and functionality throughout the home.

3. Feature Gardens: As attendees enter the show, they will be greeted by six dream gardens that will provide inspiration and ideas for creating a dream backyard. Featured landscapers include Village Nursery & Gardens , Devine Escapes, Crystal Clear Signature Pools, Turpin Landscaping, WJA Landscaping and AJR Environmental. Guests who tour the feature gardens can learn more about the products and services used and discuss tips and recommendations for improving their outdoor living space.

4. Main Stage: The main stage will host a series of presentations from celebrity guests and home & garden experts. Presentation topics range from Preparing Your Home for a Snopocalypse and Strategies for Living a Clutter Free Life to Help and Hope for People who Hoard and “Greening” your home. View the full schedule here.

5. Crafted: An open market where guests can shop for hand-made, finely-crafted items, antiques and original art to add instant character and charm to their home.

6. Make-It, Take-It: An interactive DIY demo session where guests can test their DIY skills. With some guidance from an expert, homeowners will create a DIY project they can take home to display. Check out the schedule to find out when sessions are being hosted and what crafts you’ll be making! Click here for more about the Make-it, Take-it exhibit.

7. Mailbox Makeover: The center aisle of the show floor will be lined with mailboxes, creatively designed by local artists, designers and some of Philly’s VIPs, to provide inspiration to show-goers looking for a fun, colorful way to add character to their home’s curb appeal.

8. Front Door Challenge: Attendees have the chance to put their creativity to the test with this fun, interactive challenge. A plainly decorated front door will be on display, surrounded by lots of accessories. Participants have two minutes to create their best display, snap a pic and post it to Instagram. A panel of show designers will then choose a winner.

9. Alex’s Room: The host of Fox29’s Good Day Philadelphia, Alex Holley, is working with Ballard Designs and Denise Sabia of The Painted Home to create a lounge at the Philly Home + Garden Show. Using Denise’s design expertise and Alex’s personal style, they will select furniture and décor pieces from Ballard Designs’ new location in the King of Prussia Mall to create Alex’s dream room. Show-goers can use the lounge to sit and relax during their busy day at the show while gathering inspirations from the room’s beautiful design.

10. Exhibitors: The show will feature more than 150 exhibitors sharing products, services and expertise to help you with all of your home projects from plumbing, electric, painting and closets to patios, basements, cabinetry and roofing – just to name a few! Check out the full list of vendors here to learn about how they can help you and where they’re located on the show floor.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to this amazing event. We can't wait to see you there!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER AT OAKS
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency (& Save on Bills!)

Improving the energy efficiency of your home can often seem like a costly undertaking, so Global Home Improvements, a local leader and innovator in home renovations and improvements, shared five options homeowners can consider when looking to bring the cost of energy bills down. 

It’s important to view these upgrades as long-term investments. Over time, the amount of money you will save on utility bills will offset the costs of the upgrades suggested below.  

1. Replacement Windows: One of the easiest ways to cut down on energy costs is to replace old drafty windows. Many older homes have aluminum or wood windows, so it’s important to look into swapping them out for widows made of insulated vinyl or fiberglass. If you can’t afford to do a full replacement, focus on the rooms you spend the most time. For a quick, and relatively inexpensive fix, consider weather stripping. This easy solution can make a big difference.

2. Attic Insulation: Because heat rises, over 40% of all heat loss is lost through the attic, so it’s important to make sure your attic is well insulated. Over the last 50 years, the building code standards have changed in regard to how much insulation should be used in an attic. Not only that, homes built before 1970 have outdated insulation that is much less efficient than insulation made today. Insulation will give you the highest return on investment (ROI) on your heating bills, because it is the most effective material for keeping heat in, and can be less expensive than other alternatives.

3. Insulated Siding: When looking to insulate, consider replacing your home’s siding - especially if it’s an older home. They now make foam insulated siding intended to improve energy efficiency. It will also give your home a more updated look enhancing the curb appeal. Insulated siding is a great option to look at because it is easier and much more cost efficient than insulating between your walls. You would have to rip into the wall and go into the rafters, which can become a major, burdensome project.

4. Metal Roofing: During the summer months, when trying to keep the heat out, a metal roof can be extremely effective. When the sun hits your home, it’s not just the heat, but also the radiation that makes your house hot, so the metal roof reflects the heat and radiation to keep your home cool. A metal roof can be especially effective in ranch homes or homes with a finished attic or cathedral ceilings.

5. Solar panels: Solar panels can be a great way to improve your carbon footprint and create a long-term investment for significant energy savings. However, before you even considering solar, you should look into the first four options, because it doesn't make sense to put solar on an inefficient house. With solar panels, you’re not offsetting 100% of your electricity – you’re offsetting about 50%, so it’s important to first get your energy bill as low as possible. Make your home air tight and as efficient as possible, then solar can really make an impact. 

With these energy-saving options, you not only save and money and reduce waste, but your home is more comfortable to live in, and there is less stress on your heating and air conditioning units helping them to last longer.

Global Home Improvements will be at the Philly Home + Garden Show, January 15-17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, in booth# 201 discussing these energy saving tips and more! Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook and bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there! 

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Philly Home + Garden Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Quality Home Remodeling of PA

We're excited to have Quality Home Remodeling of PA joining us at the all new Philly Home + Garden Show. This local company is family owned and operated. Their employees are highly trained and skilled with awards from CertainTeed and GAS as master shingles and master applicators. They focus on providing outstanding service and will do everything they can to meet your expectations with a variety of services to choose from.

Quality Home Remodeling of PA believes that when it comes to your home, you should be perfectly satisfied with the work done. You want services and products that are going to last a lifetime, and that is just what they provide.

Learn more about this outstanding company when you visit them in Booth 407 at the Philly Home + Garden Show. We caught up with their team to chat about what they'll be bringing to the show. Get a sneak peek when you read our brief interview below.

Please describe your services.

"Roofing: We provide a wide variety of roofing types and in a range of colors to perfectly match your home’s design or your specific vision. Our experts can also repair problems such as cracked shingles and damaged wood that may be causing leaks. If it's time for a new roof, Quality Home Remodeling of PA is at your service. We'll take a look at your home, explain your different roofing options, and choose the best roof based on your budget.

Siding: Whether you're looking for a new siding installation or just need your existing siding repaired, our specialists are at your service. We can provide you with a wide selection of colors, siding materials, and styles. Our experts can also repair cracks in siding as well. We install a variety of siding types to make your home not only look better but protect it with the very best materials in the industry.

Windows: Our experts are trained to install windows in a professional manner with respect for your personal property. We make sure to use drop cloths and wear shoe coverings to protect each part of your home and clean up when the job has finished. We offer Anderson products, such as windows and doors that will complement and enhance every imaginable home style. Whether your home offers a bit of the dramatic or is a simple design, we have a window that will perfectly match it.

Gutters: We install downspouts based on the specific needs of your home. We offer seamless rain gutters that are custom designed specifically for you, and our gutters come with a lifetime guarantee on materials. Our expert installers will fasten gutters to your home using heavy-duty screws to ensure that they stay in place. We offer a wide range of colors from which you can choose, to perfectly match your home’s siding and existing design."

What are your best tips for homeowners this season?

"Quality Home Remodelings' best tip for this season is to get a roof tune up to make sure your roof is ready for the winter. Weather it is snow or ice, this can be very damaging to your roof and may cause the roof to fail. Avoid costly repairs by getting a roof tune up this season."

Will you have any show specials this year?

"Our show specials are as follows:

• Roofing: $750.00 off any full roof, siding or window replacement. 
• Roofing: $159.00 for any minor roof repair. 
• Siding: $189.00 for any minor vinyl siding repair. 
• Gutters: $129.00 for a full gutter cleaning."

Although the Philly Home + Garden Show is new this year, what's your favorite part about the Philly Home Show?

"Our favorite part of the home show is to meet wonderful people who are looking to start projects. Getting ideas and seeing how we can help them achieve their dreams of a beautiful home."

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

"Proudly serving customers throughout Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester Counties, and parts of Delaware County We are fully insured and licensed – PA license number 114562 Affiliated with Angie’s list and proudly using only certified Certain Teed products."

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center January 15-17, 2016. This all new event is a must-attend for Philadelphia homeowners. See hundreds of local experts ready to help with your latest home improvement project.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy 'em online to save big! Click here to  SAVE $2!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Philadelphia Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: LeafFilter Gutter Protection

We're thrilled to have LeafFilter Gutter Protection joining us at the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show. This national company will be appearing at the show to help homeowners keep their gutters free of debris without having to get on a ladder and clean them. That's right, it is possible to stop doing this cumbersome chore. Check out our brief interview with the LeafFilter Gutter Protect Team below to learn how. 

Company: LeafFilter Gutter Protection

Booth Number: 722

Describe your product:

"LeafFilter is the #1 rated Gutter Protection in America. By keeping gutters clog free, LeafFilter gutter covers prevent the headache of having to deal with roof, structural, and foundation issues. Our gutter guard features a micromesh screen, with holes that are 50 microns - not even sand can get through a LeafFilter protected gutter - only water, guaranteed! We serve 29 states from 25 locations, and have installed more than 20 million feet of gutter protection across the nation!"

What are your best tips for homeowners?

"Fully inspect your gutters to ensure that there is no clogging, or that gutters are not pulling away from the side of your home. This can cause water-run off and is a major sign of damage. LeafFilter offers free gutter inspections during your free LeafFilter estimate, and we'll even clean and realign your gutters and downspouts when we install!"

Will you have any specials during the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show?

"We focus on one product and service - solely gutter protection. By focusing solely on one product, we are able to become experts in our field."

What is your favorite part of the Philadelphia Home Show?

"Our favorite part of the home show is showing homeowners how LeafFilter works with our display! We also love hearing past customers tell us how much they love that they never have to clean their gutters again. It is a true testament to the effectiveness of LeafFilter!"

Make sure to catch LeafFilter at the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center February 12-14 and 19-21, 2016. Mark your calendars now and get ready to see this exciting exhibitor at the show. 

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Philadelphia Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Closets by Design

This Father's Day, help Dad get a little more organized. Closets by Design can help de-clutter a number of spaces including garages, home offices, and (of course) closets. Having a more orderly environment can help your Dad in many aspects of his life.

We sat down with the Closets by Design team to talk about their services and how homeowners can save time and reduce stress simply by being more organized. Check out our interview below.

What are your featured products this season?
"Closets by Design is offering our five piece doors that give you the look and feel of real wood at a fraction of the cost. We are also offering our Brio line that gives your home a more contemporary look. We offer this line in four distinctive textured finishes: autumn leaves, dark chocolate, spring blossom, and white chocolate. Both offerings can be used in old and new homes, in closets, home offices, garages, dressing rooms, and more."

What can we look forward to from you at the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show?
"You can expect a contemporary booth with an exciting look and feel, complete with a sample island that shows how we can make your home look its best."

What home design and decor trends are you anticipating for the rest of 2015?
"The new trend is the textured look to our furniture, which we showcase in our Brio line."

What inspires your products?
"We believe that becoming more organized can help save you time, become more efficient, and reduce daily stress. We are always inspired by creating custom home organization for clients based on their personal needs and helping to make a positive difference in their daily lives."

What is your favorite part of the Philadelphia Home Show?
"Meeting new people and showcasing our top of the line products!"

What advice would you give homeowners?
"To consider the possibility of an extra 15 minutes added back into your morning routine? By having an organized closet, pantry, laundry room, garage, or home office can help save you at least that and possibly much more!"

What is your creative process like?
"We schedule free, in-home design consultations for a design to come to your home and create a custom design based on your individual needs and style preferences. They take an inventory of your personal belongings and create a design that will help you store your belongings in a more efficient and organized way."

Need more Father's Day gift ideas? Check out our list of DIY Father's Day presents. Show Dad how much you care with something homemade!

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Philadelphia Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Advanced Electrical Services Group

This Father's Day get Dad a powerful gift. A standby generator may not be as traditional a Father's Day gift as a tie or coffee cup, but it's the thought that counts, and the folks at Advanced Electrical Services Group have shared many thoughts with us as to why this is such a fantastic present. Every year extreme storms ravage the country, causing great damage to homes, some of which can be avoided by simply owning a standby generator. Check out our interview with the Advanced Electrical Services Group team to learn more about how they can help protect your home.

What are your featured products this season?
"Advanced Electrical Services Group specializes in the sales, installation, warranty, maintenance, and service of standby generators. This is a great time to get one for your home and be protected through the upcoming hurricane season, winter, and any other power outages that may come your way."

What can we look forward to from you at the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show?
"Every year we bring the full range of generator options, from small inverters to portable gas units, to permanently installed standby generators. This gives you the opportunity to see the equipment firsthand which, in combination with out expert advice, can help you choose the right backup power solution for your home."

What inspires your products?
"Standby generators are all about providing security for your home. Whether it's the security of your home's heating and cooling, the food in your refrigerator, or insuring your sump pump keeps the basement dry, a standby generator makes sure you're always protected."

What is your favorite part of the Philadelphia Home Show?
"Our favorite part of the show is the opportunity to discuss our products firsthand with customers. Rather than simply showing pictures of the various generator options, the show provides us with the space to review the actual units and accessories in person to demonstrate how a standby generator will operate in your home."

What advice would you give homeowners?
"Our biggest piece of advice is not to wait until a large storm hits to implement a standby power solution. Purchasing a standby generator ahead of a major outage not only provides you with emergency power but also saves you from the long waits for shipments and installation that often follow a major outage."

What is your creative process like?
"While a generator installation is not a particularly creative process, ad Advanced we pride ourselves on providing the cleanest and most professional installations. We work with you to place the generator in an area of your home that fulfills all rules and regulations, but is also aesthetically pleasing and convenient to operate."

Need more Father's Day gift ideas? Check out our list of DIY Father's Day presents. Show Dad how much you care with something homemade!

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Ten Years Of Tommi Mischell At The Philadelphia Home Show

The 2015 Philadelphia Home Show will mark the 10th year that Tommi Mischell will bring her unique style and inspiration to the show floor. Tommi typically pulls her inspiration from various places...and any little thing can lead to a major change in the design of a room, but this year Tommi's inspiration is one very close to her heart.

This year, she will be presenting her own brand: "Tomaggio", in dedication to her father, who recently passed away. Tommi is especially excited to be presenting her Design Room at the Philadelphia Home Show because of how special it is to her.

With this year's Design Room feature focusing on dining rooms, Tommi is eager to bring her unique style to the table. She believes in going against the grain when it comes to designing dining rooms and to always be ahead of the curve. Instead of a rectangular table, she prefers a circle or square shaped table and instead of conventional chairs she will use a bench instead. She also prefers to use one large piece of art that packs a punch with bold colors, which you will notice when you visit Tommi's room at the show.

Although she enjoys designing dining rooms, Tommi's heart lies in the kitchen. It is her favorite room to design in the house because it is the nest of the house where the entire family can have their comfort zone. She believes the kitchen should be held in high regards for families because it is normally the first place where you see each other that day and share a "priceless cup of coffee or tea".

When working with clients her main goal is to help bring their taste to a professional level by using their likes and dislikes to make their vision a reality. Tommi has her clients complete an inspiration file which they fill with things that they want in their room to draw inspiration from. After collecting all of her client's likes, Tommi starts the creative process of making a unique space that will suit the room, while bringing her client's vision to life.

Although Tommi has made a name for herself as a visual designer, she is also very popular in her home country of Croatia for her 2001 self-titled album featuring the hit single "Echoes Of Love". Tommi's husband, Nick Kacic, is a successful sculptor and their daughter Ella Mische, is an actress and singer/songwriter.

Come to the Philadelphia Home Show, January 23 - 25, 2015 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and celebrate ten years of Tommi's unique and fabulous style. Don't have show tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals. Bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER

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The Fabulous Beekman Boys At The Philadelphia Home Show

The story about how a New York Times best selling author and the former Vice President of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Ominmedia would end up running a goat farm in upstate New York together might be an unlikely one, but it's the story of the Beekman Boys. In 20017, author Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his now husband, Dr. Brent Ridge bought a farm in Sharon Springs, NY, as a weekend getaway from the hectic city lifestyle. What they didn't know was that farm, Beekman 1802, would change their lives forever.

To many, Josh and Brent are known as The Fabulous Beekman Boys, which is also the name of their show on the Cooking Channel (airing Thursdays at 10pm). The Boys offer seasonal recipes, gardening tips, and inspired home decor advice on their website, Beekman1802.com. As a result of their recent success, the Beekman Boys not only took part in the 21st season of CBS' Amazing Race, but were the grand prize winners.

We recently got the chance to talk to Brent and Josh about their upcoming trip to the Philadelphia Home Show and the unique experience they'll be bringing with them.

Marketplace Events (MPE): What will you be talking about at the Philadelphia Home Show?

• Beekman Boys (BB): "For those in the audience who have no idea who we are, we always start out telling the unlikely story of how two guys wound up on a goat farm in upstate NY, and we always leave lots of time for questions and photos for all the fans who know us from our Cooking Channel show, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, and our time on CBS' Amazing Race."

MPE: Your brand includes cooking, decor, gardening, crafts, cheese...Which projects are you most passionate about?

• BB: "Beekman 1802 Farm really is our life and we are passionate about every single season of the year on the farm. Each experience helps generate a thousand new ideas. Right now we are most excited about the fact that our Mortgage Lifter sauces, made using real heirloom tomatoes, will be available in every Target store in America this spring. For these sauces we give back 25% of the profits to give other small farms a 'Lift'."

MPE: Where do you gather most of your inspiration for your new projects?

• BB: "Everything we design, whether it's a book, food product, piece of furniture, or bedroom linen draws inspiration directly from our life on the farm. William Beekman built the farm in the year 1802, and he was our village's original mercantilist, so we always think about what items he would have had in his original store and then put a little modern twist on them."

MPE: Are there any new recipes or tips you'd like to share?

• BB: "It's been a brutally cold winter so far, so why don't we share one of our favorite soups from our latest cookbook: the smoky corn chowder. People can get the recipe here."

MPE: What is your favorite piece of furniture in your home?

• BB: "This is a tough question as we are very particular about the things that we bring into the house. We are anti-hoarders and labor over every single decision about what comes in. We would probably have to say the 600lb black walnut table that we built for our dining room from a local tree that had been blown over in a storm." Learn the story of this table here.

Catch the Fabulous Beekman Boys sharing their unique story and expertise on anything horticultural on the Main Stage at the Philadelphia Home Show at 4pm on Friday, January 23 and at noon and 4:30pm on Saturday, January 24. The Philadelphia Home Show takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center January 23 - 25, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER 

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It's Happy Hour At The Philadelphia Home Show

We're thrilled to announce Happy Hour at the Philadelphia Home Show! That's right, this year's show has a Beer Garden. Furnished by LoveSac, it will feature the very best in local breweries and beer tasting.

Recent winner of Philly Beer Scene's Best Dark Beer for Love Stout and Great American Festival's Silver Medalist for their Brawler, Philadelphia's own Yards Brewing is sponsoring opening weekend at the Philadelphia Home Show. Owner and Founder, Tom Kehoe, will be on hand on Monday, January 19 from 2-4pm to answer any questions folks may have about their famed beers. In true Philadelphia style, Yards proudly crafts beers of authenticity, integrity, and character, rooted in the great tradition of British ale brewing. Yards Brewing is located at 901 N. Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia. Their tasting room is open seven days a week and they offer free brewery tours on weekends.

On Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, Victory Brewing will join us at the show. It was founded in 1996 in Downington, PA by Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet. What was once a Pepperidge Farm factory because home to a 144-seat restaurant, 70-foot-long bar, and a full-scale brewery. In its first year, the Victory Brewing Company brewed 1,725 barrels of beer. The original line-up of Victory beers was Hop Devil Ale, Victory Festbier, and Brandywine Valley Lager - now they brew over 25 different varieties. In 2013, they brewed 102,973 barrels of beer. Now that's a lot of beer! The Victory Brewing Company is located on 420 Acorn Lane, Downington PA, and is about to open its newest location in Kennet Square, PA.

The Philadelphia Home Show takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center January 17-19 and 23-25, 2015. The Beer Garden will be open both weekends, with Happy Hour taking place from 5-7pm every day. All those over 21 years of age are welcome to stop by and sample some delicious local brews. Don't have tickets to the show yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

JANUARY 17-19 AND 23-25, 2015
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER 

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Serving Up Style With Denise Sabia At The Philadelphia Home Show

Denise Sabia, Philly 'burbs-based interior designer extraordinaire and creator of The Painted Home, is back at the Philadelphia Home Show again this year. Known for her exceptional eye, Denise takes everyday items found in flea markets, thrift shops, or simply along the roadside and turns them into unique pieces that freshen and warm your home...without breaking your budget.

This year, Denise will be one of five local designers participating in the Design Room feature. The theme for this year's Design Room is Serving Up Style. The spaces will showcase quite a variety of unique and creative dining rooms.

Because Denise lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her three kids, a dog, rabbits, and the 'oldest living hermit crab known to man', her room this year is aptly titled: Rustic Outdoor Charm. It will feature some natural elements as well as some industrial textures and more importantly, be super fun and casual, which fits her lifestyle perfectly.

We recently caught up with Denise, who shared some of the inspiration behind her designs. Enjoy our interview below!

Marketplace Events (MPE): Where do you start when decorating?

• Denise Sabia (Denise): "Anything can spark an idea. I once created an entire kitchen around a potholder I found at HomeGoods and fell in LOVE with the pattern and colors. When I see a room for the first time - I can usually see what it is going to look like when I am done with it right away. I'm like a fortune teller of rooms. I envision it finished within minutes of seeing it."

MPE: Where do you gather most of your inspiration for new projects?

• Denise: "Everywhere and anywhere. I am a fan of the quote 'necessity is the mother of invention.' That (and being poor) you don't have as many options so you have to make it work. For projects I see what is needed, then I figure out how to make an items work for a specific purpose. I love a challenge, so I am always taking the hard way. Rather than go to a furniture store to shop for a specific item, I'll hit the thrift store or flea market. That way, I have to change things around to make them work...but they always turn out so much better than if I took the easy way out."

MPE: What is your favorite room to decorate and why?

• Denise: "My own, 'cause I can do whatever I want! And I'm rather bossy and like to get my way."

MPE: Give us a little sneak peak at this year's Design Room - anything exciting you'd like to share about it?

• Denise: "My room this year is Rustic Outdoor Charm. I love the mix of old and new. There's some natural elements as well as some industrial textures. It's a room I'd like to pack up and put in my own backyard...and when no one is looking I might."

To see Denise's dining room masterpiece visit the Design Room feature at the Philadelphia Home Show. While at the show, also look out for Denise's Favorite Finds in corners throughout the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The local designer and creator of The Painted Home has gathered her favorite finds from the Philadelphia Home Show and other local Philly stores to create themed vignettes. Watch for them - if you see one, snap a photo and share with #DenisesFavs for a chance to win one of her favorite finds. They include a $600 wall-mounted fireplace and loads of awesome items for your home!

The Philadelphia Home Show takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center January 17 - 19 and 23 - 25, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

JANUARY 17 - 19, 23 - 25, 2015.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER

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Philadelphia Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Life Art By Stacey Granger

We're excited to have Life Art by Stacey Granger joining us again at the Philadelphia Home Show, January 17-19 and 23-25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Before you see this unique exhibitor at the show, enjoy our interview with them below...

Name: Stacey Granger

Booth Number: 415

Describe your products:
"Fine Art Photography from Philadelphia and around the world, as well as custom photo gifts."

Best home or garden tips?
"You can have a beautiful structure, but when you decorate that structure you make it into your own work of art!"

Will you have any show specials guests can look forward to?
"New cozy photo throw blankets and woven photo throw pillows."

Any home or garden pet peeves?
"I keep changing my favorite colors so I end up redoing room after room. Thank goodness for the amazing pallet of paint Lowes has!"

What's your favorite part of the Philadelphia Home Show?
"Meeting new people and seeing familiar faces from the past years!"

Don't miss Life Art by Stacey Granger in Booth #415 at the Philadelphia Home Show. The event takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center for two weekends only: January 17-19 and 23-25. Don't have tickets yet? Right now get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals. 

JANUARY 17-189 23-25, 2015.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER

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Making The Most Of The First :59

What is the First :59? Our Philadelphia Home Show partner, IKEA, believes that the first 59 minutes of the day is not a time we embrace but rather a series of chores and things that we endure. It’s a hurried and chaotic time for many families - especially as people get ready to send their kids back to school after the holidays and get back to their usual routines.

People have an idealized view of what a typical morning looks like (calm, birds chirping, stretching, coffee brewing, etc.). But from the moment your alarm rings to the second you rush out the door, the truth is that mornings – for the most part – are hectic, disorganized and stressful. In fact, 72% of Americans believe that a stressful morning affects the rest of their day.

Here are some tips, courtesy of IKEA, on how to take that first :59 and make it a positive start to the rest of your day!

• Share your morning routine with your partner. Depending on who is out of bed first, have one person start the morning routine...whether it be getting the kids out of bed, taking the dog out, or brewing your morning coffee. Create a partnership. One person starts the task, the other completes it.
• If you have troubles waking up in the morning, put a floor lamp on a timer. Have the floor lamp turn on before your alarm for a smoother transition from that deep sleep.
• Shower your kids the night before...While you're at it, shower yourself the night before. When you wake up, all you will need is a little refresher instead of having to go through the entire routine. 
• Practice a "no electronics" rule in the morning. No check emails, playing video games, or social media. It allows you to focus on the task at hand, and also makes for a less stressful morning.

To find out more ways to make that First :59 a positive experience, visit IKEA in Booth #109 at the Philadelphia Home Show, January 17-19 and 23-25, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The IKEA booth will focus on bedroom and bathroom solutions and inspirational products that are well-priced and high quality, along with ingenious storage solutions.

Plus, stop by the booth and you'll have a chance to win a $250 IKEA gift card. One gift card will be given away each weekend at the Philadelphia Home Show! Don't have tickets to the show yet? Get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook Ticket Deals and treat a friend to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

JANUARY 17-19, 23-25, 2015.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER

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Fall in Love with Edmund Terrence Barn Luxury at the Philly Home Show

Barn Style Interiors & Home Accessories

www.edmundterrence.com 

Introducing a one-of-a-kind, custom cut wall and ceiling kits and home accessories inspired by the love of the rustic warmth only wood can bring.  Edmund Terrence calls it "BarnStyle" and their clients request everything from flooring to doors to wine cellars and kitchens.  

What does your company do?

We primarily sell prefabricated barn home kits, which have been around for decades. Artisans have been creating beautiful and functional works of art for our homes for even longer. When you purchase one from us at Edmund Terrence, you will get a one-of-a-kind work of art crafted from solid wood that is substainably harvested, hand-selected and hand-aged by me. 

Do I have to be "handy" to install?

You don't have to have any special skills to completely transform your space with an Edmund Terrence installation.  A nail gun is the easiest way to install the planks.  You may need someone to help hold the wood against the wall depending on how long of a plank it is or when installing a beam.  You may also hire a 'handy' man or woman to assist, but we're confident you can do it!  It's beyond easy.  Just be sure to check your measurements.

http://www.edmundterrence.com

Edmund Terrence (Terry) himself, an artist, master craftsman, and entrepreneur who has been transforming the living spaces of those who appreciate his vision for over 20 years.  Meet Terry at the Philadelphia Home Show beginning this January 18^th at BOOTH #334.

TWO WEEKENDS ONLY! JAN. 18-20 & 24-26 2014

PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER

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