A CONTINUED SLUMP IN HOUSING MARKET; “GO GREEN†MOVEMENT
COLORING HOME INTERIOR AND HOME IMPROVEMENT TRENDS
JACKSONVILLE (August 2007) — The Jacksonville Home and Patio Show returns to downtown’s Prime Osborn Convention Center October 4-7, 2007, and as always the consumer event provides a showcase of trends impacting the home improvement and design industry. The highly anticipated annual show will fill every inch of the facility with home improvement ideas, interactive seminars and the hottest new products.
Some of the trends that will influence what’s seen in the aisles and discussed on the celebrity stages include:
Tight Housing Market. New figures from the National Association of Realtors underscored that the nation’s housing slump continues to be the worst downturn in more than a decade. In Florida, sales are down a staggering 41 percent. How does this effect home improvement trends?
“What we see is that homeowners who can’t sell their homes are staying put, and making renovations and re-dos in preparation for perhaps staying in their homes versus selling,†said Hillary Carpenter Lyons, Show Manager. “At the same time, motivated sellers are investing in upgrades and staging to try and sell more quickly. As a result, we have seen an influx of kitchen and bath design products and contractors, do-it-yourself home improvement and ways that homeowners can enhance and enrich their current homes.â€
Global Green Movement. One of last year’s trends that has carried over and is even hotter is the ‘go green’ movement. By 2010, half of new homes built are expected to be classified as “green†as more builders try to appeal to consumers worried about global warming, the environment and rising energy costs.
According to a survey commissioned by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), six out of 10 U.S. homeowners say they would consider integrating sustainable design practices into a future home improvement project, provided those enhancements were cost-competitive. Eco-lifestyle expert Danny Seo, who pens the monthly column Fresh Thinking in Country Home magazine, the biggest misconception about green living is that it’s costly and difficult. “If you’re re-doing a kitchen, focus on what counts: the fridge, stove, cabinets and countertops. A fridge makes
sense to be green; it’s on 24/7 and is an energy hog. Choosing an Energy Star rated fridge is easy to find, will save you money and comes in a whole variety of styles and manufacturers. It is easier than ever before to be green’†he said.
For more “green†lingo and green living tips, visit www.jacksonvillehomeshows.com and click on “Tips and Trendsâ€.
What’s Old is New. In keeping with the go green/recycling theme, another trend guests can see at the show is that what’s old is new again. Tim Luke of HGTV’s Cash in the Attic will be on hand to share how to spot treasures. Luke, who has an extensive background in antiques and collectibles, is the featured appraiser on HGTV’s Cash in the Attic, and has participated as an appraiser on public television’s Antiques Roadshow.
According to Luke, thanks in part to the popularity of movies like Hairspray and Dreamgirls, the ’60s has infiltrated pop culture — and collectibles. “Things from that time period – furniture, pottery, lamps, and accessories are the hottest things in the market,” said Luke. He added that ceramics and pottery are hot for the home, especially those from the ‘60s era.
Window Treatments. Joining Luke on the expert stage is Mary “Bed and Bath Lady†Grover, who says that windows are becoming the souls of a home. “People do stress out about their windows because it’s such a large part of the home, and can be so expensive,†said Grover. “The key is to create a formula so you know how much you need. Builders are featuring very large windows in home now, and they can be intimidating.â€
Mary is going to show Jacksonville Home and Patio Show audiences how to create inexpensive and fabulous window treatments using do-it-yourself, low cost everyday items as mechanics. “I bring in toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls and soda pop cans – it’s really fun to watch people’s faces when they see how it’s done.â€
The Jacksonville Home and Patio Show is also the place to find the newest products, coolest gadgets and best home improvement deals. More than 400 vendors will give guests a chance to see, touch and feel hot home products– and go home with ideas and tips that can be put to immediate use. The show also features a canned food drive for the Clara White Mission, the return of the Kid’s Koo Koo Carnival and educational seminars.
Show hours are Thursday and Friday, Noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 pm.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Admission at the door is $9 for adults and $5 for children 6-12 years old. On Thursday only, senior (62 and older) admission is $5. For updates and more information, call (904) 730-3356 or visit www.jacksonvillehomeshows.com.