The Inspired Home Show and Sunday Morning Coffee
Last week, I had the fantastic opportunity to attend The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, and I can honestly say—it was an unforgettable experience!
As one of eight social media influencers selected to attend, I toured the show as an ambassador, met incredible brand executives, and got a firsthand look at the future of home and housewares.
Season 4 Volume 10
Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun. Let’s get started!
About Me
The Inspired Home Show, formerly the International Home + Housewares Show, is the largest housewares show in the Western Hemisphere. This year marked its 125th show, bringing together over 1,600 exhibitors and some of the biggest brands in the industry.
I knew this would be a special event, but nothing could have prepared me for the inspiration, creativity, and connections I experienced in Chicago.
An Incredible Experience at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago
The Inspired Home Show, formerly the International Home + Housewares Show, is the largest housewares show in the Western Hemisphere. This year marked its 125th show, bringing together over 1,600 exhibitors and some of the biggest brands in the industry.
Retailers, manufacturers, and industry professionals from over 100 countries come together to showcase new products, connect, and shape the future of home innovation. I knew this would be a special event, but nothing could have prepared me for the inspiration, creativity, and connections I experienced in Chicago.
I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you 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.
Representing IHA and Building Friendships
One of the best parts of this experience was representing The International Housewares Association, a not-for-profit trade association that brings together the home and housewares industry and hosts The Inspired Home Show.
Alongside seven other incredible influencers, I had the chance to tour the show, meet brand executives, and form new friendships that I know will last beyond this event.
There’s something so powerful about being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are just as passionate about home and design as I am. We instantly bonded over our shared love for housewares, creativity, and content creation, and I felt so fortunate to be part of such a talented and inspiring group.
A Sneak Peek at the Future of Housewares
One of the most exciting aspects of The Inspired Home Show is getting a first look at what’s coming to store shelves in the year ahead. With over 2,000 unique brands and 300,000+ products on display, it felt like every significant housewares brand was in attendance, alongside incredible new companies bringing fresh innovation to the industry.
We saw stunning new colors, textures, and creative product designs that will make a splash in 2025. From kitchen gadgets and innovative appliances to home organization solutions and sustainable innovations, the level of ingenuity and craftsmanship was remarkable.
Many of the products were so new and exclusive that we weren’t allowed to photograph them yet, but trust me—there are some inspiring trends on the horizon!
Meeting Brand Executives & Industry Leaders
Another highlight of the show was meeting and connecting with many fantastic brand representatives, executives, and industry professionals. These were the people behind some of the biggest names in housewares, and it was incredible to hear their stories, learn about their products, and discuss where the industry is headed.
We spent almost an hour with Scrub Daddy’s CEO and Founder, Aaron Krause. They have so many amazing products, and his genuine enthusiasm was heartwarming.
From well-known heritage brands to new and emerging companies, the energy at the show was electric. Everyone was excited to showcase their latest innovations and discuss how design, functionality, and sustainability are shaping the future of home products.
It was inspiring to see how much thought and care goes into every product—from the smallest kitchen tool to large home appliances, each brand had a unique story.
Why The Inspired Home Show is So Important
This show isn’t just about products—it’s about connections, innovation, and the future of home living. Each year, it brings together approximately 30,000 home and housewares professionals, making it one of the most influential events in the industry.
- It’s a hub for discovery, where retailers and buyers find new products and brands to bring to market.
- It’s a trendsetter offering insights into design, color, and functionality trends that will shape the next year of home goods.
- It’s a global marketplace, with attendees from over 100 countries, making it a truly international event.
For someone like me—who has spent years creating content about home, kitchen, and lifestyle products—attending and participating in this show was a dream come true.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience
As I left Chicago, I couldn’t help but reflect on how lucky I was to be part of such an incredible event. The opportunity to meet fellow influencers, connect with industry leaders, and get a front-row seat to the future of housewares was genuinely unforgettable.
I walked away from The Inspired Home Show feeling inspired, excited, and ready to share everything I learned. While I can’t show you all the fantastic new products yet, I can promise that 2025 will be an exciting year for home and housewares!
I’m so grateful to Embello for this opportunity and to the fantastic brands and professionals who welcomed us into their world. I can’t wait to see where these new connections and experiences take me next!
My Latest Project
I am almost done!
I had hoped to finish Charlotte’s stocking by March, but I need one more week.
For your information, I bought the stockings and threads and learned how to create these decorative stitches at A Stich in Time, which is nearby in San Marino, CA.
Doesn’t it look amazing?
Graham’s stocking is ready to go, and I can’t wait to start. I promise to share it in a few weeks.
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My Biggest Challenge This Week
I am still dealing with repairs in both our South Pasadena and Ventura homes. Aargh!
Our new Viking oven arrived, but the dishwasher couldn’t be installed as we had copper pipes, and apparently, a plumber needs to add a valve or something
In Ventura, we have an InstHot leak, and one of our refrigerators stopped cooling. Seriously! The good news is that both are covered under warranty, and parts have been ordered. The bad news is that I need to drive you to Ventura for the day to hopefully get everything repaired.
- Buy plants for this spring’s kitchen garden.
- Plant the garden.
- Finish Charlotte’s stocking!
You are going to love this Peeps Cookie Recipe.
These Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps – Easy and Delicious are a must try!
This Bright Terrace Transformation from Desire to Inspire is wonderful.
And what a week it was!
- Pottery Barn Pillow Covers Knock Off
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To celebrate Oreo Cookie Month this year, I whipped up a decadent Oreo dessert that combines two of my favorite things—Oreos and ice cream. I made Oreo Ice Cream Truffle Desserts served in a fun and unexpected way. These no-bake Oreo… - My Obsession with Abstract Wall ArtAbstract wall art, with its enigmatic allure and boundless interpretations, has long captivated the hearts of many, including myself. As someone who has ventured deep into the realm of abstract painting, creating expansive canvases as large as 12′ x 12′ and…
- A Spring Refresh at our Airbnb Waco HomeThis is the time of year when I am on a mission to infuse our beloved Airbnb Waco home with fresh, vibrant spring decor. This year, armed with a sage green color palette and a vision of cozy elegance, I refreshed…
- How to Make Copper Foil Easter Eggs DIY
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Although this article is titled The Right Way to Clean Wooden Spoons, there is so much more to learn here!
This week, I am sharing a lot of great spring ideas.
- Mixing New and Vintage Decor in the Beach House
- Hand-Painted Plastic Easter Eggs DIY
- A Quick and Easy Primary Bedroom Makeover
- My Favorite Easter Brunch Recipe Ideas
- Seven Ideas for a Kitchen Island
- A New DIY: Clay Easter Eggs
- The End of an Era – S5/V9
- Spring is Coming – S5/V8
- East Coast Travel – S5/V7
- The Best Place to Dine on Valentine’s Day – S5/V6
- Is Needlepoint a Dying Art? – S5/V5
- Crafting and Sunday Morning Coffee – S4/V4
- My Love For January – S5/V3
- A Week to Remember and Forget – S5/V2
- A Good Year – S5/V1
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This Week’s Top Sellers
We shared many of our favorite home items this week, and here are the top sellers!
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I hope they come out with better lids on pyrex. They always crack right where the seams come together. I always had to buy new lids and they cost almost as much as the product itself. Always washed by hand. I just don’t buy them anymore. With that said the new colors are beautiful. Have a wonderful day.
Please do a post on how you selected your new Viking range.
Ugh-appliance repair. I feel your pain.
I have a 1915 Craftsman house-and I want to keep it original. So-no place in the kitchen for refrigerators. So-service porch solution is 3 kitchen aid drawer undercounted frig/and one freezer with ice maker (ouch $$)
All was a delight until 4 weeks ago the ice maker stopped working. I have an extended warranty, I called and a serviceman came right out-and we never heard from him again. Called the insurance-service man # 2 came out-did not know how to repair it. Call again, service man # 3-who we amost kicked out of the house due to some outrageous and rude comments( such as “I kill dogs”, hence call to insurance and now await serviceman(just send a woman-she would be able to fix it) #4. Help. Send help.
Sounds like you had a very fun and exciting time in Chicago. Can’t wait to see all the new things coming out and loved the colors!! Hoping the repairs go smoothly.
Wow what an experience for you Leslie. And only one of eight social media influencers selected to attend – that is pretty impressive but they only pick the best you know. So very happy for you. Honestly, what a ‘dangerous’ place to be when you love housewares etc. Looking forward to hearing all about your trip to Chicago and yet you still have time to cross stitch a Christmas Stocking among other things. Congratulations.