The most memorable vendors at the 2016 National Home Show

This year, hundreds of vendors set up shop at the CNE from March 11th to 20th for The National Home Show, North America’s largest home and garden event. The show was dense with savvy vendors selling everything from basement underpinning to the Egg Master.  

Time flew as we travelled from booth to booth and the show’s appeal quickly became evident: vendors are not just selling products or services. Instead, they are selling attainable possibilities to transform your current house into your dream home.

No matter where you are on the home spectrum, The National Home Show had something for everyone, whether you are mid-renovation, buying new or simply sprucing up your current space.

These were some of the most memorable vendors from our time at the Home Show:

1) Penguin Basements

If you want to take your basement from frightful to fabulous, look no further. Penguin Basements’ impressive portfolio proves that they can transform your basement into your new favourite wing of the house. Their inclusive service includes a free consultation and design.

2) All Women Contractors

All Women Contractor’s lively display was one to remember, complete with a candy machine. Aside from the theatrics, AWC’s booth was especially memorable because it is always refreshing to see an all-female team in an industry that is still so vastly dominated by men.

3) SpringFree Trampolines

All kids enjoy jumping on trampolines; however, parents are often reluctant to allow this because of the risks. Unsupervised trampoline use (or even supervised) can result in accidents ranging from cuts and scrapes to broken necks. It was for this reason that SpringFree Trampolines were created.

Dr. Keith Alexander redesigned the trampoline to make it safer because, as it says in their slogan, kids aren’t engineered to be safe. In addition to removing the springs, Dr. Alexander relocated the frame, created a shock-absorbent mat and enclosed the trampoline in a FlexiNet to cushion jumps and prevent falls. Their display at the Home Show was impossible to pass. By featuring a small model that kids could test themselves, they sold safety to parents and fun to children.

4) Southwest Greens

The most memorable aspect of Southwest Greens’ display was the apparel. Workers were clad in bright green vests made entirely of their faux turf. Outfits aside, Southwest is a great place to find a lush lawn that requires minimal upkeep. One of the most tedious parts of summer is cutting the grass. By switching to an artificial tarp, you can eliminate this chore and enjoy a perfect lawn year-round.

5) The Gute Shepherd Hut

The Gute Shepherd Hut is a distinct space with boundless potential. The huts are handcrafted using long-lasting materials and are perched atop cast iron wheels for easy mobility. Whether it is used as a cabin at the cottage, morphed into a home studio or used as an office, the space is small but it presents huge opportunities.  

6) FutureDreamHome

Each year, the FutureDreamHome is the star of the National Home Show. This year, it was expertly designed and decorated by ProBuilt. The builders purposely left certain parts of the home unfinished to give a more in-depth view into the building process. There were also construction tips posted around the house to help visitors recreate aspects of the home that they liked.

The FutureDreamHome exuded elegance, featuring a spacious laundry room, a massive first-floor master suite and a comfy den above the garage. The lavishly decorated dining room led into the big, open concept kitchen, which then flowed seamlessly into the huge living room. To complement the masterful architecture, designers chose modern, stylish and eco-friendly furnishings and appliances.