Not feeling the inauguration coverage and political debates happening this week? Take a break and indulge your creative side at the Philly Home Show. There will be tons of eye candy, plus plenty to do and see that’ll inspire you to make your home more cozy, colorful, modern, sustainable, organized or simply up to date—whatever style speaks to you!
(I’ve not been to the Philly Home Show this year but I bet there are succulents. Succulents, I hear, are in.)
The Philly Home Show is in its second and final weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City! I love expos— there’s always an almost overwhelming amount of ideas and inspiration to be had, as well as experts and small business owners to learn from and cool stuff to buy. Now that we’re solidly in the middle of winter, it’s the perfect time to refine the inside of our houses and make our homes truly places of respite, where we are rejuvenated and love to spend our time, AND to plan ahead for spring when we can cultivate our outdoor spaces and get to work on those renovations and projects that do better with open windows.
10 To Dos for the 2017 Philly Home Show
1. Save on tickets
Adult tickets are $13 at the door; kids ages 6-12 are $3 and kids 5 & under are admitted free. Buy your Philly Home Show tickets online and save $3, or opt for 2 for 1 tickets via their Facebook page. Take note: they’re so sure you’ll enjoy the show, they’ll refund your admission if you don’t.
2. Save on parking
FREE parking is available at the IKEA on Columbus Blvd; during show hours you can hop aboard the Philly PHLASH for a free shuttle ride to the show! OR, reserve a parking spot in a garage close to the convention center with Parking Panda; you’ll save 10% off your reservation with a discount code. OR, save $5.00 parking at the Convention Center Parking Facility with a discount coupon. More info + the discount code/printable coupon on the website.
3. Check out the exhibitors
There’s going to be more than 300 of them! Pick the brains of 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. You can find the full list of exhibitors here.
4. See Vern Yip
Vern Yip of TLC’s Trading Spaces and NBC’s Home Intervention will be live onstage sharing behind the scenes experiences Friday at 6 pm and Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm.
5. Fifth Annual Habitat For Humanity Upcycle Challenge
The Philly Home Show has partnered with Habitat for Humanity ReStore to promote sustainable decorating techniques while raising awareness around the critical work and local impact of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia and its affiliated Restores. The challenge: turn a simple wood pallet into a statement piece to wow any visitor to your home. Cast your vote for your favorite and get some inspiration for your next upcycle project.
6. Make It, Take It
These DIY workshops, led by local craft and DIY bloggers, are first come, first serve and free. Repurpose tile into art; learn to transfer images onto reclaimed wood or the art of woodburning; make your own terrarium, bath salts, wood sign, and more. (Support your local bloggers!! Full schedule here.)
7. Live a More Sustainable Life @ Home with IKEA
IKEA presents high-tech and no-tech ways of life with two sustainable designs at this display—design inspiration here for early adopters and Luddites alike.
8. Presentations from home experts
I always love attending these. Topics range from “Design RX: Design Tips for Living with Alzheimers” to “Get Organized: Finding Lost Space in Your Home” to “Adding Photo Memories Into Your Stylish Décor” (presented by my friend Darla DeMorrow of HeartWork Organizing). Check out the schedule.
9. Designer challenge: Designing for the Senses
Philly Home Show designers Tommi Mischell and Denise Sabia styled and outfitted two uniquely designed rooms that are made to providing a full sensory experience, serving as inspiration for expo-goers to update their home designs with all five senses in mind.
10. The crafts-woman-ship of 6abc
Theresa Clement, blogger and designer behind My Fix-It-Up-Life, holds workshops to teach women how to work with power tools in a comfortable space for learning. She teamed up with 6abc’s FYI Philly team to use power tools to create a statement piece work of art that’ll take a room from bland to grand. Check it out!
The Philly Home Show runs Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 9pm, and Sunday 10am to 6pm. It is held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 12th & Arch, in Exhibition Hall F.
Get inspired! Have fun!
