The Inspired Home Show and Sunday Morning Coffee

Last week I had the opportunity to attend The Inspired Home Show in Chicago once again, and I have to say, it was just as exciting and inspiring as I remembered.

This show continues to be one of the most important events in the home and housewares industry, bringing together an incredible mix of brands, designers, and innovators all in one place.

A woman stands in front of a large "The Inspired Home Show" sign, next to a giant egg sculpture with a black base, inside a spacious convention center.

Season 6 Volume 11

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

A collage with a house exterior, a kitchen, a door with a wreath, text "Sunday Morning Coffee," and a Christmas ornament labeled "The Santa Family.

About Me

My Visit to The Inspired Home Show in Chicago

Trade show floor with various branded booths, including Hutzler and Green Sprouts, and a few attendees walking or standing in the open carpeted area.

The show isn’t open to the general public, so I was honored to be back this year as an Ambassador.

Portrait of Leslie Saeta, #TIHS26 Ambassador, with show details: The Inspired Home Show, March 10-12 in Chicago.

Walking into the show feels a bit like stepping into the future of home design. Everywhere you turn, there are new ideas, fresh products, and creative solutions for how we live, cook, organize, and entertain. It is an overwhelming experience in the very best way.

A Few Days Filled with Inspiration

A display booth showcasing colorful Commercial Chef mini fridges and lunchboxes, with a red monitor above and informational materials on the shelf. — The Commercial Chef Ice Boxes

One of the things I love most about attending The Inspired Home Show is the energy. There is a sense of excitement that you can feel everywhere. Brands are eager to share what they have been working on, and attendees are just as excited to discover what is new.

This year, I noticed so many beautiful colors and finishes. Soft pastels, warm neutrals, and layered textures were everywhere. There is definitely a continued focus on creating products that are not only functional but also beautiful enough to be part of your home decor.

Three ribbed glass bowls in pink, green, and blue, stacked on top of each other, each with a white lid, displayed indoors on a white surface.

On this blog, I may use affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

Three ribbed glass bowls in yellow, green, and blue, stacked by size with matching pastel lids; each bowl has a different color and lid. — Pyrex Colors Tinted (3-Pack, Full Set)

Six rectangular glass food storage containers with colored lids—two red, two green, and two blue—stacked in two groups on a white background. — Pyrex Simply Store (5-Pack) Large Glass Food Storage Containers Set

Three clear ribbed glass bowls stacked, each with a differently colored lid: green on top, blue in the middle, and red on the bottom. — Pyrex Sculpted (3-Pack) Glass Mixing Bowls Set

I also loved seeing how thoughtful so many of the designs were. From kitchen tools to storage solutions, everything felt more intentional. There is a strong movement toward making everyday items both useful and visually appealing.

Behind the Brands

A retail display for "The Custom Chef" showcases various knives on wall shelves, with a central counter offering personalized engraving services for knives. — The Custom Chef personalizes knives with laser engravings.

Another highlight of the show was spending time with the people behind the products. Meeting brand founders, designers, and teams adds a whole new level of appreciation for what we use in our homes every day.

Hearing the stories behind the products, how they were developed, and what inspired them is always fascinating. It is easy to forget how much creativity and problem solving goes into something as simple as a kitchen tool or storage container.

A wooden cart displays various fresh vegetables and herbs in baskets and crates, with labeled signs, at an indoor market or trade show booth.

Shelves display stainless steel cookware, strainers, and roasting pans, some labeled Hestan, with product descriptions and wooden boxes.

The team at Hestan is one of my favorites. They really are a fabulous brand with a fabulous team.

These conversations are always one of my favorite parts of the experience.

A First Look at What’s Coming Next

A chef wearing a black hat and apron stands behind a kitchen counter with cookware, utensils, and food, at a Viking appliances booth in a convention center. — Viking has some really exciting new products. And you might remember, I have a new Viking stove.

One of the biggest reasons this show is so important is that it offers an early look at what we will be seeing in stores soon. While I cannot share everything just yet, I can tell you that there are some very exciting things coming.

Display of Riedel Vinum wine glasses and boxed sets on shelves, with signage above reading "40 years Vinum since 1986. — Riedel has always been our favorite wine glassware. I loved talking with them about their amazing glassware.

Four clear wine glasses partially filled with white wine, arranged in a row against a plain white background. — Riedel GRAPE White Wine Rose Champagne Wine Glass

Two clear, empty wine glasses; the left glass is filled halfway with white wine, while the right glass is empty. Both glasses are shown against a plain white background. — Riedel Heart to Heart Riesling Wine Glasses

Four wine glasses, two filled with red wine and two with white wine, are arranged side by side on a plain white background. — Riedel Veloce Tasting Set

There is a continued emphasis on smart design, beautiful color palettes, and products that make life easier without sacrificing style. I also noticed more innovation around organization and multi-functional items, which I know so many of us appreciate.

It is always fun to see these trends before they become widely available.

Why This Show Matters

A group of people pose for a photo in an ornate, chandelier-lit room with red walls and gold accents. Many hold drinks and are dressed in semi-formal attire.

The Inspired Home Show is more than just a place to see new products. It is where connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and the future of home living begins to take shape.

I was one of thirteen Ambassadors for the show, and this group was amazing. I made new friends and spent a lot of time with old friends. We all had an incredible time.

A group of fourteen women pose together indoors in front of a green wall with a pink event frame and badges around their necks.

With thousands of professionals from around the world in attendance, it is truly a global gathering of people who are passionate about how we live in our homes.

For someone like me, who spends so much time creating content around home, decor, entertaining, and everyday living, being part of this environment is incredibly meaningful.

Leaving Inspired

Five women stand together indoors, smiling at the camera in a modern, warmly lit lounge with dark floors and stylish decor, reflecting an inspired home atmosphere. — Laiza, me, Jennifer, Samantha and Sarah

As I headed home from Chicago, I found myself thinking about how much I love being part of this industry. There is always something new to learn, new ideas to explore, and new ways to bring creativity into our homes.

Attending The Inspired Home Show is a reminder of how much innovation is happening behind the scenes and how many talented people are working to make our homes more beautiful and functional.

I came home feeling inspired, energized, and full of ideas. And while I shared some of the new products I loved, I am so excited about what is ahead.

I have a feeling this is going to be a very fun year.

My Latest Project

A sewing machine is embroidering a pink design with a letter "E" and a bow onto a piece of white fabric.

A Day at Moore’s Sewing Center

On Monday I spent the entire day at Moore’s Sewing Center taking a class on my new-to-me Brother Dream Machine, and I have to say it was one of the most inspiring days I have had in a long time.

One of the things I love most about purchasing my machine from Moore’s is that they offer free classes, and this one was incredibly helpful. We covered so much, from basic setup to more advanced features, and I walked away feeling so much more confident using my machine.

Close-up of an embroidery machine stitching a beige geometric design onto a piece of fabric, surrounded by warning labels on the machine parts. — I embroidered 12 of these to give as a gift. I love how they came out.

There is something so energizing about learning in a hands-on environment, especially with a machine as capable as the Dream Machine.

Seeing everything demonstrated and then trying it myself made such a difference. I learned tips and tricks I never would have figured out on my own, which made me realize just how much this machine can do.

Assorted baby clothes in pink and white patterns are laid out around a boxed muslin baby blanket with a teddy bear design.

Of course, the best part is what comes next. I am so excited to start creating.

I have already gathered the cutest pink baby items for my two granddaughters, including sleepers, sweatshirts, and the most adorable little jackets. I cannot wait to start embroidering them and adding personal details that will make them even more special.

A light pink baby jacket with small red cherry prints and silver buttons, displayed with matching clothing items.

And I am not forgetting my grandson. I am planning to make Spiderman patches for him, which I know he will love. The idea of creating something so personal and meaningful for my family makes this even more fun.

I left the class feeling inspired, excited, and ready to start making. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a whole new creative adventure.

A folded pink and floral muslin baby blanket is displayed next to its packaging box labeled "Max and So Muslin Baby Blanket. — 100% Cotton Muslin Baby Blanket

Light pink knitted sweater with a round neckline and long sleeves, displayed flat on a white background. — Baby Girl Boy Knit Sweater

A pink knitted sweater with a round neckline, long sleeves, and ribbed cuffs and hem. — Girl Boy Knit Sweater

What Worked This Week

A woman with blonde hair wearing a dark sweater stands in front of a glass-paneled door, smiling at the camera.

What Worked This Week

This week was all about getting back on track after catching a terrible cold in Chicago, and what made the biggest difference was something very simple. I actually took care of myself.

After a few days of feeling pretty awful, I decided it was time to focus on what my body needed instead of pushing through it. That meant slowing down a bit, getting more rest, and thoughtfully easing back into my normal routine.

By the end of the week, I felt like myself again.

A golf course with trees and mountains in the background.

One of the highlights was playing in a golf tournament. It was a scramble, which made it even more fun and a lot less pressure. Being outside, moving around, and laughing with everyone felt like exactly what I needed.

I also made it back to working out with my trainer three times this week. It felt so good to move again and regain some energy. I always forget how much exercise helps me feel better both physically and mentally.

Our new weight room in the Carriage House.

But the biggest change this week has been sleep.

A smartphone screen shows a sleep tracking app: user Leslie has a sleep fitness score of 76, with 86% quality, 73% consistency, and 5h 53m time slept.

A smartphone screen displays a sleep fitness score of 80 with quality at 79%, consistency at 88%, and total time slept as 6h 46m. REM and deep sleep are both 1h 34m.

Dave and I added the 8 Sleep system to our bed, and we are both really focused on improving our sleep at night. I have been paying close attention to my sleep scores, and I can already see a difference. Better sleep has made everything feel easier, from recovering from illness to having more energy during the day.

A Quick and Easy Primary Bedroom Makeover

It is interesting how all of these things connect. Rest, movement, fresh air, and sleep all played a role in helping me recover.

This week reminded me that taking care of yourself is not complicated, but it does require intention. And when you do it, it really works.

Adjustable Dumbbell

Philosophy Gym Pack of 12 Exercise Flooring Mats

Resistance Band Set

A white BedJet climate control unit with ventilation holes is shown next to a black remote control displaying temperature and fan settings, perfect for creating an inspired home environment tailored to your comfort.

BedJet 3 Climate Comfort for Beds

A minimalist bedroom in an inspired home, featuring a wooden bed frame, gray "Element" mattress, two white pillows, and simple decor on wooden walls and nightstands.

Casper Sleep Element Full Mattress

A close-up view of a gray air mattress with a textured, quilted surface in a modern, inspired home bedroom; a small black side table with white flowers sits beside it.

SLEEP ZONE Cooling Queen Mattress Topper

A white portable air cooler from Inspired Home with a remote control, an attached hose, two cooling packs, and ice cubes in front. — AquaPad Breeze Water Cooling Mattress Pad

BedJet climate control system with main unit, remote control, smartphone app displaying controls, and connected bed sheet—perfect for creating your inspired home comfort experience. — BedJet 3 Climate Comfort for Beds

An inspired home essential, this mattress features a single zone temperature control system, digital display showing 67°F, and a connected control unit with remote. — Chilipad Cube Bed Cooling System

2 Decorative Linen Fringe Throw Pillow Covers

Simply Southern Cottage Lecompte Area Rug

Bedsure Quilt Bedding Set

Finish the embroidery projects for my grandchildren.
Complete three gifts – sets of embroidered/monogrammed napkins.
Clean out the raised garden beds and add soil and nutrients.

Double vanity bathroom with marble countertops, two round mirrors with gold frames, potted plants, and a window between two sloped walls.

This Attic Bathroom Addition is fabulous! Wow.

A living room with a blue sofa, green throw, red velvet chair, marble coffee table, potted plants, and large windows letting in natural light.

The 11 Decor Trends That Will Be Hitting Your Feeds (And Homes) In 2026

Handmade daffodil flowers made from white paper petals and yellow painted egg carton centers arranged on a white surface.

I love this Egg Carton Daffodil Garland. It’s adorable.

Fan decks of paint sample cards in various colors surround a white circle with text reading, "2026 Color of the Year, every pick in one easy spot.

I struggle with this and very happy to find this post, Every 2026 Color of the Year.

A cozy living room with a beige sofa, blue velvet sofa, coffee table with candles, and a dog lying on a blanket. Large windows with white curtains let in natural light.

Simple DIY Projects to Improve Your Home in an Hour or Less

And what a week it was!

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