Remodeling on the Rise at Seattle Home Show 2

Remodeling is one of the hot trends in today’s housing market, as consumers opt to stay in place and improve their current homes rather than upgrade to a new residence. At Seattle Home Show 2, there are a host of contractors that can help with your remodeling needs. Here is just a sampling:

As one of the leading kitchen and bath remodelers in the region, Kitchen Plus is displaying examples of its remodeling and cabinet refacing services that have helped bring the company to the forefront of its market. Kitchen Plus offers complete remodeling services and new cabinet construction, as well as cabinet refacing. Kitchen Plus guarantees that its projects will be finished on time and on budget, or the company will pay the homeowner $200 every day the project runs past its deadline.

Gaspar’s is a design/build remodeling firm that has been serving the Northwest market for 35 years. Gaspar’s provides all aspects of the process, from design and permitting to construction. Because Gaspar’s uses the design/build approach, projects are realistically budgeted and managed throughout the process. Each project has a dedicated project manager who communicates with the homeowners and contractors.

Potter Construction is showcasing examples of its award-winning remodeling and construction services. Located in West Seattle, Potter Construction has been serving the needs of the Northwest market since 1979. Potter Construction offers complete design and building services, from initial design to permits and cleanup. Potter Construction offers a two year warranty on its projects, and includes a 180 day return visit after completion of a project for any touch ups.

Norsk Remodeling is a family owned design/build and remodeling firm that has been serving the needs of the Northwest for three generations. This award winning Eastside firm is displaying examples of its design and remodeling work for the Northwest home. Norsk remodeling services include home remodeling and additions, kitchen remodels and bath remodels.

Seattle Home Show 2 concludes Sunday, October 25. For more information, please visit the website at www.seattlehomeshow.com.

Rain gardens, production gardening among the hot new trends at Seattle Home Show 2

With the challenges of today’s economic times, Northwesterners are turning both to the home as well to the garden as a source of comfort and retreat. At Seattle Home Show 2, some of the region’s top landscape professionals are showcasing examples of the leading trends for the garden.

In Harmony is a sustainable landscaper that is showcasing examples of rain and production gardening – two of the hottest landscaping trends in the Northwest. More than just a way to reclaim rainwater, rain gardens are actually a method for managing water runoff, while production gardening is just that – growing edibles in the landscape. In Harmony has created a complete display garden that highlights both of these trends, including raised vegetable beds and water features that are both decorative and functional.

NW Bloom, an ecological landscape company, is displaying examples of its environmentally sound landscapes designed especially for the Northwest market. At Seattle Home Show 2, NW Bloom has created a display rain garden utilizing native plants. Several water features are incorporated in the display, including a rain water reclamation system and small pool with reflecting glass balls.


London Landscaping is a complete landscape design/build firm that is showcasing examples of its complete landscape renovation solutions. London-born owner Ben Middlemas comes from a multi-generation family of landscapers, designers and builders. In addition to being a qualified landscape professional, Middlemas also has a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, allowing him to combine his design capabilities with his extensive experience in construction techniques and project management.

Malone’s Landscape Design/Build is a full service landscape company offering residential design, installation and maintenance services. This Northwest landscaper has been serving the region for 17 years, and is showcasing examples of his award winning work. Among Malone’s specialties are water features and outdoor living spaces, including covered patios, outdoor kitchens and outdoor fireplaces.

Hot new products at Seattle Home Show 2

Since its inception, the Seattle Home Show/Seattle Home Show 2 has been a leader in bringing the latest products for the home to the Northwest market, and this year’s show continues the tradition. Here are just some of the hot new products being showcased at this year’s show:

Ecohaus, a supplier of green and eco friendly building products, is showcasing several new products for the Northwest market, including the Caroma. This unique water saving toilet features a sink built into the top of the tank. According to the company, the Caroma is designed as a means of space saving and is particularly suited for small spaces.

Slate Originals is featuring its line of unique exquisitely sculpted furniture for green living. Created by sculptor and artist Fred Null, whose work has appeared throughout the world, Slate Originals offers a variety of furnishings to complement any décor, including accent tables, bars, benches and fountains.

Designer’s Marble is featuring a new solid surface countertop that uses the art of photography to create the look of solid stone. Called Photofuzion, the process enables the company to embed the image of granite, marble or travertine into cultured marble for the look of natural stone but the performance of of cultured stone. Designer’s Marble has the exclusive license to manufacture the counters, called TruStone, in the Washington State.

Green Model Homes Highlighted at Seattle Home Show 2

In keeping with its emphasis on green design and building, Seattle Home Show 2 is featuring two state-of-the-art green model homes at this year's exhibition.

"The Fortino" from ideabox is a revolutionary new home that is making its debut in Seattle.

This 1,250 square foot home features a sleek contemporary design that works well in both urban and rural settings. The fortino incorporates green features both inside and out, including sustainable bamboo flooring, solid surface renewable counters, flat-finish no VOC drywall, wood passage doorways with reed glass inserts, vessel sinks and dual-flush toilets. Outside, landscaper In Harmony has created a rain garden, a popular way to manage water runoff and eliminate pollutants before the water enters local streams, lakes and groundwater.

Contrasting in design but no less environmentally friendly is the display by Coast Cabins. Highlighting a full range of renewable energy products and self-sustainabilty reusable goods in a cabin setting, the Coast Cabins display features two of the company's eco-friendly cabins. These cabins are constructed using the company's patented tongue-and-groove green technology that allows the cabins to be erected using only a rubber mallet. Outside, landscaper NW Bloom brings the concepts of rainwater harvesting, self-sustainability and the use of reusable materials into a Northwest native garden theme. Finishing off the booth is a solar array on one of the cabins and a thermal hot water tube system on the other.

Seattle Home Show 2 Set to Open Thursday

Set up is being finalized as Seattle Home Show 2, the fall version of the nation’s oldest and largest consumer home show, prepares to open its doors tomorrow for its annual four day run.

“Green” is the theme of this year’s show, which features the latest in products and services for the home from some of the region’s leading building, design and landscape professionals. Just some of the hot trends at this year’s show include:



- Residential wind power systems
- Whole house energy audits
- Rain gardens for managing water runoff and eliminating pollutants before the water enters local streams, lakes and groundwater
- Remodeling (versus new home construction)
- “Blending,” a new design trend where two different architectural styles are combined in a single home
- Anything “green” (photo from 2008 show)


Seattle Home Show 2 runs October 22 through 25 at Qwest Field Event Center. Show hours are 10 AM to 6 PM on Thursday, 10 AM to 8:30 PM on Friday, and 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday. (Box office closes one hour prior to show closing.) Paid attendees can return a second day for free through “Too much to see, come back for free!”(Parking not included.) Valid I.D. is required. Admission prices are $9.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (60+) and $3.00 for juniors (ages 7 - 15), under 7 free. VISA and MasterCard accepted. Tickets can be purchased online at SeattleHomeShow.com, brought to you by BECU. E-Tickets include free parking for the show.

Seattle Home Show and The Seattle Times Join in Partnership

The Seattle Home Show announces a new partnership with The Seattle Times, adding its print and online marketing power to further enhance the show’s dominant industry position in the Pacific Northwest. The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties remains the Seattle Home Show’s other major partner continuing a long-time relationship.

“The Seattle Home Show is very excited to join with The Seattle Times,” says Michael Kalian, Managing Director of the Seattle Home Show. “This partnership will increase the show’s visibility as The Seattle Times – in print and online – reaches more than 1.7 million adults in Western Washington.” The Seattle Home Show was founded in 1939 and celebrated its 66th anniversary earlier this year.

“We are very pleased to partner with the Master Builders and the Seattle Home Show,” said Mei-Mei Chan, Vice President of Advertising for The Seattle Times. “The Seattle Home Show is a very successful, well-run operation, and we’re pleased to add to its success with the power of our print and online media network.”

The Master Builders Association and its member exhibitors will benefit from this new partnership and welcomes The Seattle Times as a co-presenting sponsor. “Our association and our members are excited for this new chapter of Seattle Home Show history to begin. We welcome The Seattle Times as co-presenting sponsor,” said Sam Anderson, Executive Officer.

“We have long served the advertising needs of many of the show exhibitors by helping them reach the highest quality prospects in the marketplace,” said Chan. “The partnership with the Seattle Home Show is a way to further support their success, as well as to help home owners find solutions to their home-improvement needs.”

For information about becoming an exhibitor at Seattle Home Show 2, call 425-467-0960.

The Seattle Times joining the Seattle Home Show as a promotional partner, and show attendees receiving a full-year subscription to Better Homes & Gardens magazine are just two of the exciting things happening at the Seattle Home Show. Watch for more exciting announcements.

About the Seattle Home Show:

The Seattle Home Show is the largest, and longest-running consumer home show in the United States. The show has served the home improvement needs of consumers throughout the Northwest since it’s founding in 1939, and continues today with two shows each year. The spring Seattle Home Show – taking place each February – highlights the latest housing trends with Idea Street™, a community of furnished and landscaped model homes. Each October, Seattle Home Show 2 also comes to the Qwest Field Event Center featuring Green Living and environmentally significant developments in the building industry.

About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties:

The Master Builders Association (www.MasterBuildersInfo.com) is celebrating its 100-year anniversary by honoring its members, recognizing the role housing has played in our region’s development, and performing 100 community service projects. Comprised of more than 4,200 member companies involved in the residential construction industry, it is the nation’s oldest local home building association affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders.

About The Seattle Times:

The Seattle Times is a 113-year-old, locally owned journalism and community service company. Founded in 1896 by Alden J. Blethen, The Seattle Times is a fourth and fifth generation family business. The family’s flagship newspaper, The Seattle Times, is the largest daily newspaper in Washington state and the largest Sunday newspaper in the Northwest. The flagship Web site, seattletimes .com, is the largest local news information Web site in the Northwest. Other Blethen-owned newspapers in Washington are the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, the Yakima Herald-Republic, The Issaquah Press and its affiliated community newspapers: the Newcastle News, the Sammamish Review and the SnoValley Star. More company information, including links to the newspaper Web sites, is available at:
http://www.seattletimescompany.com.

Seattle Home Show 2 – October 22-25, 2009, Qwest Field Event Center - Announces Added Benefit for Attendees

A full-year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine will be included in Seattle Home Show 2 paid admissions.

As the innovative leader in consumer home shows in the United States, Seattle Home Show 2 offers this exclusive benefit for each attendee at the 2009 show. “We are very excited about this added incentive for consumers to attend the show,” says Mike Kalian, Managing Director. “Our exhibitors can look forward to attracting more leads and increasing sales.”

Seattle Home Show 2 and Better Homes and Gardens – Innovators and Leaders. Better Homes and Gardens has been published since 1922 and is the vibrant, down-to-earth guide for persons who are passionate about their home and gardens and the lives they create there. Seattle Home Show 2 is the leading fall consumer home show in the United States offering a one-stop shopping experience for those buying, building, remodeling or redecorating. Show visitors will receive a full year subscription to this industry-leading magazine with their ticket purchase.

Features of the “green-themed” Seattle Home Show 2 include nearly 500 exhibits including full-size model homes, daily home improvement seminars, cooking demonstrations by local chefs and wine tasting.

For information about becoming an exhibitor at Seattle Home Show 2, call 425-467-0960, and watch for more exciting announcements to come regarding this year’s show.

It’s a World of Windows at Seattle Home Show 2009

From vinyl to wood and everything in between, there’s a window for just about everyone at the Seattle Home Show 2009. The nation’s oldest and largest consumer home show runs through Sunday February 22 at Qwest Field Event Center.

As energy costs rise, replacing windows with newer energy efficient offerings makes financial sense for many homeowners. Combined with the tax credit through the new economic stimulus plan, this makes for an additional financial bonus to satisfy almost any homeowner looking to save money.

Among the window companies at the Seattle Home Show 2009 is Lake Washington Windows and Doors, which is showcasing its line of energy efficient windows, doors and siding for single family homes and multi-family dwellings. Lake Washington caters both to homeowners seeking replacement windows as well as contractors. The company is showing vinyl, clad-wood, aluminum and fiberglass windows from leading manufacturers that not only use state of the art technology but are highly energy efficient.

For owners of vintage homes who love the look of the original windows, Cherry Creek is showcasing a unique solution. This Vashon Island based company offers replacement windows that look like the original ones, but which use leading edge technology to create windows that combine the beauty of vintage styles with energy efficiency. Cherry Creek can recreate the style of virtually any vintage home in the region.

Seattle Home Show 2009 Enters Final Weekend: Sales Strong as Consumers Continue to Spend on Their Homes

Attendance is Healthy at 65th Anniversary

Sales are strong at the Seattle Home Show 2009 as the nation’s oldest and largest consumer home show enters its final weekend. Consumers are spending on their homes, say Seattle Home Show exhibitors, who represent some of the leading building, design and landscape professionals in the region, as America’s largest home show celebrates its 65th anniversary.

Many exhibitors are reporting this year’s show to be one of their best ever in terms of both leads and sales. Two of the model homes at this year’s show have sold already: Palm Harbor Homes (see earlier blog) and Timberland Homes, which has two display homes here. Both exhibitors report additional strong interest by attendees. Contractors such as SBC Construction and Shirey Contracting report strong interest by consumers, especially for remodeling services.

“We’re getting great feedback from our exhibitors on sales ,” said Mike Kalian, executive director of the Seattle Home Show. “While attendance is not among our top years, it is healthy and the people who are coming to the show are here to buy.”

In a time when other consumer shows in the region are closing, the Seattle Home Show remains strong as it celebrates its 65th anniversary. This family owned and operated business, which now spans four generations, has been presenting all the latest in home design, landscaping, remodeling and more for four generations, with plans to keep it in the family for many more.

Area Contractors Showcasing Award-Winning Ideas for the Northwest Home at the Seattle Home Show 2009

Remodeling on the Rise as Northwesterners Opt to Improve Homes Rather Than Move

With today’s economy, Northwesterners are placing more emphasis on staying in place and improving their current homes rather than moving. For home and condo owners seeking top-notch ideas for remodeling their homes, there are a host of award-winning contractors showcasing examples of their work at the Seattle Home Show 2009. Here’s just a sample:

SBC Construction. At the SBC Construction booth you will see virtually floor to ceiling walls of photos of this company’s award-winning Timberframe custom homes and addition remodels. SBC combines the beauty of centuries-old Timberframe construction with modern technology to create state of the art homes and addition remodels that are both beautiful and highly energy efficient. Owner Rick Stockman routinely incorporates structured insulated panels, also known as “SIPs”, radiant floor heating, geothermal heating systems and other leading edge technologies into his designs. Headquartered in Bellevue, Stockman has recently opened an office in Portland, Oregon as well to serve his growing clientele.
Shirey Contracting. Builders of the Zero Energy Idea House at Bass Cove, Shirey Contracting is showcasing examples of its award winning residential remodeling and custom home projects. Headed by Donna Shirey, former president of the Master Builder’s Association of King & Snohomish Counties and only the second woman to hold the position, Shirey Contracting is a design/build firm that provides innovative solutions, with a commitment to environmental responsibility. Whenever possible, Shiriey uses energy efficient and sustainable materials, and is a leader in Built Green and SIPs technology. A full remodel more than what you want? No problem - Shirey also offers a handyman division to help you with those smaller projects.

Chermak Construction. Chermak Construction is another example of a contracting company that continues to thrive during this economy. This 29 year old company can share with you some of the ideas that helped it become a multiple winner of Remodeling Excellence Awards in both 2007 and 2008. Chermak offers design services, residential remodel, handyman/small projects, electrical design and deck services.

City Builders. Another repeat winner of the Remodeling Excellence Awards, this 21 year old full service residential remodeling firm is showcasing some of its award-winning projects and designs. At the City Builders booth you’ll see photos of projects along with artistically mounted samples of tiles and other materials used in the individual projects. City Builders does everything from full residential remodels to kitchens, baths and custom homes.

See The Latest Trends in Kitchens, Enter to Win a $20,000 Kitchen Reface at Kitchen Plus

Stand-Out Kitchen Remodels That are Both On Time and On Budget

Consumers can see the latest trends in kitchen design while at the same time entering to win a $20,000 kitchen reface at the Kitchen Plus booth at the Seattle Home Show 2009. This leading kitchen remodeler is showcasing examples of “On Time, On Budget” kitchen remodeling design and installation services as the nation’s oldest and largest home show celebrates its 65th anniversary.

Kitchen Plus offers complete start to finish remodeling services, including design, engineering, manufacturing and installation. As an added bonus, Kitchen Plus guarantees homeowners that their projects will be on time, or the company will pay them $200 per day.

As an example of one of the many “show only” specials available at the show, the Seattle Home Show and Kitchen Plus are offering show visitors a chance to enter a drawing to win a $20,000 kitchen reface by Kitchen Plus. The prize includes up to 30 raised oak panel doors, 140 square feet of Wilsonart flooring, up to 25 feet of crown molding and up to 25 feet of granite countertops. Entry forms are available at the Kitchen Plus booth.

Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Seattle Home Show 2009 runs now through February 22 at Qwest Field Event Center.

It’s “Color, Color Everywhere” at Crossroads Appliance

Leading Appliance Retailer Showcasing Latest Design Trend for the Home

Color is “in” for appliances, and nowhere is this trend better seen than at Crossroads Appliance during the Seattle Home Show 2009. This leading Puget Sound retailer, which has a reputation for stellar service as well as for introducing all the newest trends and products in appliances to the Northwest market, is showcasing the latest in appliances: color.

Everything from washers and dryers to microwaves are now coming in a rainbow hue of colors, from mustard yellow and pumpkin orange to fire engine red and can be seen at Crossroads’ booth at this year’s show.

Among the new products that highlight this new trend being introduced by Crossroads at this year’s show is the new Miele upright vacuum cleaner. The new Miele comes in a variety of colors, including red, white and yellow.

Although color is a hot design trend, stainless steel continues to be a popular trend for the kitchen. As consumers watch their budgets in today’s economy, many are looking for mid-range options to give the look and feel of high end pro-style appliances, such as the GE Café, pictured here at the Crossroads Appliance booth.
In addition to sales, Crossroads offers full service and repair on appliances. Crossroads has factory trained certified technicians on staff for complete in-house service.

Now celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Seattle Home Show runs now through Sunday February 22.

Siena Faux & Mural Designs Showcasing Creative Ways to Transform The Home Through Old World Artistry

Art has long been an important feature at the Seattle Home Show, and the 65th anniversary of the show is no exception. Among the artists at the Seattle Home Show 2009 is Siena Faux & Mural Designs, which specializes in creating hand-painted finishes such as faux painting as well as murals.

The artists at Siena Faux use leading edge technology and products to create the look and feel of Old World finishes. Services include a wide range of finishes, such as marbling, embossed and embedded textured designs, metal leaf gilding, crackle design and wood graining.

Among the unusual services Siena Faux offers is a unique finish for counters and other surfaces that has the look and feel of real stone. Not only can this provide a cost-effective alternative to installing granite countertops, but it helps the environment as well by minimizing waste that might go to landfill. Siena Faux is the first company in Washington State to offer this finish.

Through the power of artistry, Siena Faux has transformed the look of homes and businesses throughout the U.S. as well as Italy.

Now celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Seattle Home Show - America’s largest and oldest home show - runs now through Sunday February 22.

Sales Brisk, Attendance Strong at Seattle Home Show 2009

Consumers are spending on their homes at the 65th anniversary of America’s Largest and Oldest Home Show

On the opening weekend of the Seattle Home Show 2009, attendance is strong and exhibitors report brisk sales as the nation’s oldest and largest consumer home products showcase celebrates its 65th anniversary. Economy notwithstanding, consumers are indeed spending money on their homes, say the Seattle Home Show exhibitors, who represent the leading building, design and landscaping professionals in the region.

Among the exhibitors reporting strong sales is Palm Harbor Homes, which is displaying a model home “The Paradise” at the show. Palm Harbor says that it sold a home on the first day of the show, with strong interest by additional attendees. London Landscaping concurs, and says that it garnered more sales leads on the first day of the Seattle Home Show 2009 than on any other opening day at previous shows. Contractors at the Seattle Home Show cite brisk traffic, with good qualified leads particularly for remodeling as more consumers opt to improve their current homes rather than move.

“Attendance at this year’s show is strong, especially in light of what is happening in the economy,” says Mike Kalian, executive director of the Seattle Home Show. “While it is not our top year, ticket sales remain healthy.”

The Seattle Home Show runs now through February 22. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.seattlehomeshow.com

THE SEATTLE HOME SHOW OPENS TODAY AT QWEST FIELD EVENT CENTER

Marking its 65th anniversary, the Seattle Home Show, the nation’s oldest and largest consumer home products showcase, opens its doors today at Qwest Field Event Center for its annual nine day run. America’s largest home show runs now through February 22.

This Northwest tradition will feature the latest products, services and ideas for the home, with more than 400,000 square feet devoted to everything from roofing to art. A key highlight of the Seattle Home Show will be a host of model homes showcasing the latest design trends in the Northwest. These include smaller scale designs with less flamboyance than homes in recent years, but with no fewer amenities.

As Americans grapple with an ever tightening economy, local builders and contractors at the Seattle Home Show report solid sales. Northwesterners are opting for remodeling over new home building, as many opt to stay in place rather than move, they report. Financing is available, but follow more traditional lending practices than many loans of recent years. This year, the Seattle Home Show will include an exhibit on financing by the Master Builder’s Association of King and Snohomish County. Representatives from member banks including Bank of America, Banner Bank, Countrywide, Golf Savings Bank, Choice Lending and Quadrant Homes will be on hand to discuss financing options in today’s economy.

Seattle Home Show 2009 takes place now through February 22 at Qwest Field Event Center. Show hours are Saturday 10 AM to 8:30 PM; Sundays 10 AM to 6 PM; Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7:30 PM; and Friday 10 AM to 8:30 PM.

Local Company To Introduce Illuminative Tiles At The Seattle Home Show 2009

With so much of the public eye focused on the economy, particularly the home market, at the Seattle Home Show we're seeing much that is affirmative, even in these times. While the economy is not what it was a year or two ago, our local builders and contractors - who are among the leading professionals in the region - are reporting solid sales.

In this framework, we're seeing a variety of innovations among our exhibitors, and in upcoming posts plan to focus (among other things) on companies that are not only enduring, but moving forward in today's economy. Among these exhibitors is Tilit LLC, which is introducing to the Northwest its "illuminative" tiles at the Seattle Home Show 2009. These traditional stone-based tiles feature built-in LED lighting, which can be used for design accents, night or accent lighting and more.

Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Seattle Home Show is the nation's oldest and largest consumer home products showcase. The show kicks off on Saturday, February 14, for its annual nine day run at Qwest Field Event Center.

The New American Home Featured at the Seattle Home Show 2009

As Americans grapple with the realities of our changing economy, the Northwest home is changing. Nowhere will the "New" American home be in stronger evidence this month than at the Seattle Home Show 2009, the nation's oldest and largest consumer home show.

"Small" is in - at least in home building and remodeling. There's less opulence and flamboyance than in the McMansions of the past, but no fewer amenities. There's plenty of remodeling going on in the Puget Sound, but with a difference. Cost and frugality are key factors.


Highlighting these trends at the Seattle Home Show 2009 will be a variety of model and display homes in a variety of styles and construction methods. All homes are built, landscaped and decorated in just five days time.

Among the homes being built this week at the Seattle Home Show are:

- A 500 plus square foot vacation home replete with floor to ceiling windows for views

- A beachfront cottage with separate guest and master suites

- A "Built Green" contemporary home that works equally well in urban or remote settings

- A community of mini cabins that can serve as extra bedrooms or studios in an urban setting, or as a retreat in remote locations

Now celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Seattle Home Show runs February 14 through 22 at Qwest Field Event Center.






(Photo credits:

Photo One: Palm Harbor Homes
Photo Two: Timberland Homes
Photo Three: Timberland Homes
Photo Four: Aurora Quality Buildings)

News Flash

Free shuttle buses from Seattle-area Park 'n Ride lots will not be available to the Seattle Home Show as they have been in the past. However, "Four or More Park Free" is available daily at Qwest Field Parking Garage, Qwest Field North lot and Safeco Field Parking Garage for vehicles with four or more occupants. E-ticket holders may park for $3 at the Safeco Field Parking Garage with shuttle service to Qwest. Additionally, there will be FREE PARKING at Qwest Field Parking Garage and North lot on Tuesday, February 17.

The Seattle Home Show: Celebrating 65 Years of Bringing the Latest Products and Services for the Home to the Pacific Northwest

“FirstBiggestBest” – the name of this blog says it all. And no more so than this year as the Seattle Home Show, America’s oldest and largest home show, opens its doors for its 65th anniversary this Saturday at Qwest Field Event Center. Set up started today at Qwest Field Event Center for this annual nine-day extravaganza, which features more than 400,000 square feet devoted to the latest products, trends and services for the home.

Model homes and display gardens are among the exhibits that are installed in just five days time. This year we’re seeing smaller scale homes. We’ll keep you posted on the progress of their construction this week as the show prepares to open.

We’re planning to showcase on this blog some of the highlights of the newest products, ideas and services for the home that are at this year’s show. Worried about the real estate market? Talk to some of our exhibitors and you may be surprised to hear how healthy many of them feel the market is here in Puget Sound. While it is not the red-hot market of the past few years, many of the builders and contractors here are reporting solid sales. As the economy tightens, there’s definitely an emphasis on cost, with more remodeling or do-it-yourself projects taking place, rather than new home building.

As the Seattle Home Show celebrates this milestone year, we’re faced with one of the most challenging economies in decades. Through its 65 years, the Seattle Home Show has seen recessions, wars, the desktop computer revolution, the rise and fall of the dot.com era and more – and has remained an enduring icon of what people here hold dear: the home. No matter what it is, be it a single-family house, condo, townhome or apartment – home is where the heart is as the Seattle Home Show celebrates 65 years of “Home Sweet Home Show.”