COVER STORY | By M.G. Angulo –
Courtesy of Texas Custom Patios.
KonMari Consultant Ashley Barber spends her days as the founder of Simply Maven showing people how to organize their homes in ways that enhances their lives. “Everyone should have a home, or at least a space, they love,” said Barber, Houston’s first KonMari consultant. “Environments impact our mindsets, energy levels and behaviors. Taking the time to create an environment that uplifts you, inspires you, recharges and energizes you is a worthwhile endeavor.”
And this, she said, is why the 10th Annual Sugar Land Home & Outdoor Living Show is an important community event. “When you have a space that enhances you, then you are able to put your best foot forward into the world. I like to think that if we all have the chance to take care of ourselves in this way, then we are better able to contribute to the community around us.”
Homeowners searching for ideas or in need of guidance with improving their property need only to set aside some time for one weekend in late January to have their creativity activated and minds blown. The 10th Annual Sugar Land Home & Outdoor Living Show is returning to the Stafford Centre January 25th and January 26th, bringing with it a plethora of home and outdoor improvement exhibitors who are ready to answer questions, offer advice and lead workshops.
“People coming to the show are looking for ideas for the home they’re living in,” said Tony Wood, president of Texwood Shows, Inc., and producer of the Sugar Land Home & Outdoor Living Show. “And what this show offers is a chance for people to speak to a real human being about their thoughts, ideas or concerns.”
Sure, folks can easily browse the Internet in search for landscapers, home décor specialists and project contractors, Wood added, but what’s missing is the face-to-face factor. “You actually get to talk to vendors at this show — men and women who are experts and have experienced a range of scenarios. When people attend, they usually have specific questions, and they leave with answers. It’s tough to do that online.”
Ashley Barber.
Considering her experience running her organizational coaching company, Barber will be one of the several speakers participating in the Sugar Land Home & Outdoor Living Show. She will speak on “Organizing Your Life” on Saturday, January 25th, and her appearance will include a presentation, one-on-one time and a question and answer session from 10 am to 4 pm.
“It’s part of Simply Maven’s mission to help people create homes they love to be in, or homes that ‘spark joy,’ so being part of an event that is helping that happen for people is something we are delighted to participate in,” Barber said.
Stimulating Speakers and Wonderful Workshops
Those looking to hear from experts in their field will appreciate the Sugar Land Home & Outdoor Living Show’s speaker lineup, as well as its engaging workshops.
Wood suggests those attending the show come prepared with photos, their timeline and budgets in mind, as well as measurements or dimensions of their project area. “The more information you come with, the better advice you will receive,” he explained.
Aside from Barber, the show will feature appearances from the following professionals covering a range of topics:
Tasha Nielsen | Flood Frame US Director: Nielsen will explain how Flood Frame, a flood drain system, allows homeowners to protect their property against flooding by minimizing potential seepage due to long-standing water.
AR Workshop Pearland | Classic DIY Home Décor Pieces: AR Workshop of Pearland will host workshops on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees will learn how to become a DIY master and create the latest on-trend designs on gorgeous customizable décor accessories. Wood, canvas, metal, yarn – something for everyone. No skill necessary! The DIY workshops, along with the Floral Workshops, will be hosted 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm on Saturday and hourly 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday.
Ashley Wallace | Owner of The Tallest Tulip: Wallace will conduct floral workshops at the show on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees will be able to create a unique floral arrangement to take home.
Diane Cowen | Houston Chronicle Writer: An architecture and design writer for The Houston Chronicle, Cowen will offer a question and answer session and a design consultation. Attendees can bring their ideas and meet one-on-one with Cowen to get advice for a home remodeling or decorating project from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Randy Lemmon | KTRH GardenLine Host: As the host of GardenLine radio, Lemmon, who is an expert in lawns and gardens, provides his listeners with gardening advice. Attendees will have a chance to meet Lemmon from 9 am to 10 am, followed by a question and answer session at 10:30 am and a book signing from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
Tom Tynan | HomeShow Radio Host: Tynan will broadcast his home improvement show, offering tips on avoiding common flood recovery mistakes. He will broadcast live from 9 am to noon, followed by a question and answer session until 2 pm on Saturday. On Sunday he will broadcast live from 10 to 11 am, followed by another question and answer session until 2 pm.
Lisa Giesler | Author, Life Coach, Certified Professional Organizer: Giesler will speak on “Nine Steps for Surviving your Home Renovation.” Her appearance will include a presentation, one-on-one time and a question and answer session from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm on Sunday.
Michael Garfield | The High-Tech Texan: A technology and web expert, Garfield speaks regularly about technology products and services. He will discuss and present the newest smarthome products on Saturday on the Home Ideas Presentation Stage.
Exemplary Exhibitors
The Sugar Land Home & Outdoor Living Show will also feature more than 200 exhibitors prepared to help homeowners with any number of questions, ideas or scenarios. “People often come looking for what’s new in terms of home improvement,” Wood said. “The products are evolving and changing, and at this show, we can demonstrate the products that might interest consumers.”
Courtesy of Trimlight Houston.
Trimlight Houston, for example, is a patented lighting system for homes and businesses. This company uses advanced RGB lighting technology that allows for impressive permanent outdoor lighting options that hide all wires and electrical components and is programmable with a remote control or a smartphone.
“The options available range from lighting your home for holiday celebrations to showing your support of the Houston Astros,” Wood said.
Trimlight isn’t the only anticipated featured exhibitor this year, Wood noted. From outdoor designs to color scheme ideas, this year’s show has notable names in the industry to help customers including:
Outdoor Perfection: Providing full landscaping design and services for both residential and commercial clients, not only can Outdoor Perfection develop the ideal landscape design, they offer routine and custom outdoor services from pool landscaping, garden designs and privacy trees to patios, landscape lighting and paving.
Courtesy of Texas Custom Patios.
Texas Custom Patios: Known for its flawless designs, Texas Custom Patios has the ability to seamlessly blend a custom patio to a home’s landscape and exterior.
American Furniture Warehouse: American Furniture Warehouse will showcase their living room, bedroom, dining room, office and outdoor living space furniture.
Moon Valley Nurseries: Whether customers need to fill an entire landscape with trees and plants or just need a few trees, Moon Valley Nurseries can create the desired landscape design.
Houston Mosquito Control: Providing customers the chance to enjoy the full comfort of a yard year-round with a consistent insect control system, Houston Mosquito Control is known as a popular choice for animal breeders and homeowners alike.
Courtesy of ShelfGenie.
ShelfGenie: A company that designs, builds and installs the Glide-Out Shelving System, ShelfGenie improves cabinet storage with a shelving system of custom-built shelves that glide in and out with the touch of a finger.
Sherwin-Williams | Certified Color Consultants:
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams.
Sherwin-Williams Certified Color Snap Color Consultants will announce what colors are coming in 2020 and use the new Color Snap Color Selection System to answer questions.
A Unique Experience
The Sugar Land Home & Outdoor Living Show, which announced its charity partner as the Fort Bend History Association, is an experience that goes beyond speakers and exhibits. The weekend will include food and drinks, provided by Clancy’s Public House of Richmond, and a special appearance from the Sugar Land Skeeters mascot “Swatson,” who will meet with fans, take photos and sign autographs from 1 pm to 2:30 pm on Saturday.
“Over these two days, there will be lots of speakers, lots of workshops and a chance to see how home products are evolving and which ones are of interest to them,” Wood said. “From flooring, landscaping and decks, to blinds, drapes and paint – people can learn about a range of improvement ideas, in one place.
“What people will love is how time efficient this show is. There will be many home improvement vendors in one area, so within a few of hours, you can get great ideas, talk with experts and receive advice or guidance for the projects you have in mind.”