Home and Garden Trends Seen at the 2018 Cleveland Home and Garden Show

I have never been to the Cleveland Great Big Home and Garden Show and was finally able to attend this year! I kind of wish I had been able to get there a little earlier than the last weekend so I could give all my readers a heads up on some must see exhibits and vendors, but it did not work out that way. However, what I can do is give you a round up of some of the common trends I saw throughout the show, as well as some of the highlights!

TRENDS AND HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2018:

1). Pergolas, Pergolas, Pergolas (And Hanging Lights)

Hanging lights on front porch of model home

Pergolas and hanging lights on the model home

Pergola-like structure with hanging lights

So the pergola and hanging light trend is not going away, as these structures (or pergola-like structures) were seen all throughout the show, whether it was in the garden section, the model homes, or on exhibit. Each pergola was almost always accompanied by these types of hanging lights. It seems as if you are considering a pergola, you may want to go for it. It can give you a beautiful setting outside and is more cost effective than building an entire deck (as long as you have space to work with). If you don't have a pergola, you can still create the same ambience with this type of lighting in your outdoor space. You can easily find these lights anywhere online. I was so lucky to buy a home that had a pergola--I just stained it and hung up lights!

I also liked some of the unique lattice (see the herringbone pattern photo) that you can purchase to modernize or create a unique look while giving shade to your pergola.

If you are interested in a pergola, you can build it yourself (if you are handy or have a handyman around) or may want to go with a contractor. Here are some lights you can purchase for your patio, pergola, deck, porch, or outdoor area:

2). High Tech Home Features

TV/Computer Screen in your Bathroom Mirror

Control everything through these touch screen panels

High Quality Stereo (Indoor and Outdoor)

The better overall technology gets, the better HOME technology gets. The more I do with technology, the more of a tech geek I become. One of the model homes was primarily highlighting some of the tech-savvy additions you can now add to homes. These include mirrors that have TVs and computer screens, space saving and wifi controlled coffee maker built into your wall, 4k TVs, high quality stereo, and a panel that controls everything in your house!

In my biggest dreams, I would add all this technology into my home. For now, here are some fun ways (yet semi-cost efficient) to add technology into your home:

3) LED Lights

When my dad started getting into these LED strip lights and backlights to light up spaces around the house, I just thought it was another easy to use light in home decor. However, pretty soon after having this conversation, I started seeing images on Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube on using these lights. I actually was (and still am planning on) going to do a blog post about my LED strip light project! My thoughts on the recent trend were validated at the Home and Garden Show.

If you want LED strip lights or back lights:

4) Continued beautiful kitchens with custom cabinets and beautiful tiled showers and bathrooms

Beautiful custom kitchen and bathrooms with tailored cabinets, high quality countertops, and beautiful tiled showers like you see on HGTV continue to be in vogue. See photos above.

5). Natural Stone Elements (inside and Out) and Water Features

Natural stone elements and water features are always a staple in any high-quality landscaping, and 2018 appears to be no different. Some trends seen include stone patios over cement patios, as well as use of stone for hedging and large boulders in place for a decorative and artistic, natural element.

Overall, that sums up the five bigger trends I saw across the home and garden show! Many of these continue to be similar trends seen over the past few years, as well as different versions of the same trend.

Although I was not looking to do any major projects that require use of some of these larger materials, it was great to get some inspiration and motivation for my painting projects and outdoor makeovers.

If you have never been and you love home design and gardening, I highly recommend attending the Cleveland Home and Garden show, or any home and garden show. There are so many vendors where you can get prices and ideas for bigger projects, as well as purchase smaller decorative items or art. I even entered a bunch of contests to win home makeovers (from $10k all the way down to $250). There are many educational shows, and even Clint Harp from Fixer Upper was there giving informative lectures! Lastly, it was great to step into a world of spring and away from the cold, damp winter evening and get excited for what's to come!

Are any of you looking at doing any of these types of projects this year?