When I say I walked a lot over the past two days… I mean a lot. My phone step counter can absolutely confirm it.
But it was worth every single step.
I just spent two full days exploring The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, and getting to attend as a #TIHS26 Ambassador was such a cool experience. If you’ve never heard of it before, you’re not alone. Most people haven’t, because this show actually isn’t open to the public.
And that’s what makes it so interesting.
The Inspired Home Show is where brands, retailers, buyers, and media all come together to see what’s new in the world of home and housewares. It’s essentially a giant preview of what we’ll start seeing on store shelves in the year ahead.
Think kitchen tools, cookware, cleaning gadgets, organization systems, drink appliances, smart home products, and more. If it belongs somewhere in your home, chances are it was represented somewhere on the show floor.
And when I say the show floor is big… I mean huge.
The show features more than 1,000 exhibitors, 2,000 brands, and several hundred thousand products, all inside McCormick Place in Chicago. Walking through the aisles really does feel like stepping into the future of home products.
Over the past two days, I had the chance to explore the different expos, watch product demos, talk to founders and product designers, and see firsthand the ideas brands are bringing to market next.
One of my favorite parts of the experience was getting to talk directly with the people behind the products. When you ask someone why they created something, you hear stories about the everyday problems they were trying to solve in their own homes.
And sometimes those stories are just as fun as the products themselves.
Table of Contents
Meeting the Founder of Scrub Daddy
One of the most memorable moments for me was getting to meet Aaron Krause, the founder of Scrub Daddy.
If you’ve ever watched him on Shark Tank, you know exactly what I mean when I say his enthusiasm is real. The way he talks on TV is genuinely the way he talks in person.
He was showing a new toilet scrubber product he’s bringing to market soon, and you could tell how excited he was about solving what he described as a very real household problem. It was one of those moments where you realize how much passion goes into designing even the simplest items we use every day.
And yes, the energy was exactly what you’d expect.
Clever Products Everywhere
Walking the show floor, there were so many creative ideas that made me stop and look twice.
One product that caught my attention was a bird feeder with a hidden camera built inside. The idea is that it captures photos and videos of the birds that visit your feeder so you can see them up close.
If you love watching birds in your yard, this felt like such a fun way to take that experience to the next level.
Then there were the Viking nonstick pans that honestly made me do a double take. The demo included cutting directly in the pan with a knife, which sounds like something you should never do with nonstick cookware. But these were designed to handle it.
Watching that demonstration definitely turned a few heads.
Another innovation that surprised me was stainless steel food containers that can go in the microwave. That caught my attention immediately because stainless steel containers are usually great for durability and sustainability, but they traditionally can’t be microwaved.
Seeing brands find ways to solve that kind of everyday limitation was really interesting.
And those are just a few examples. There were so many clever ideas throughout the show.
The Trends I Noticed
One of the fun things about walking a show like this is spotting patterns. After seeing hundreds of booths and thousands of products, certain trends start to stand out.
One of the biggest things I noticed this year was color.
There was a lot of sage green and blue across many different categories. I saw it in cookware, knives, small appliances, storage containers, and even kitchen tools.
The softer sage greens especially felt like they’re becoming a new neutral in the kitchen.
Another design element I kept seeing was translucent materials. Some brands were using frosted or semi-transparent finishes on containers and kitchen tools, which gave them a really clean, modern feel.
It felt like a shift toward designs that are both minimal and functional, which is something a lot of people are looking for right now.
Top Products That Caught My Eye at The Inspired Home Show
After two days of walking the show floor and seeing hundreds (maybe thousands!) of products, a few really stood out to me. Some were clever solutions to everyday problems, and others were just plain fun to discover.
Here are a few things that caught my eye while exploring The Inspired Home Show.
1. The New Scrub Daddy Toilet Scrubber
One of the highlights of the show for me was meeting Aaron Krause, the founder of Scrub Daddy.
If you’ve ever seen him on Shark Tank, you know exactly the kind of enthusiasm he brings to talking about products. And yes, that energy is completely real in person.
He was introducing a brand-new toilet scrubber designed to solve a common problem with traditional toilet brushes. The concept focuses on making cleaning easier and more hygienic, and you could tell how passionate he was about bringing the solution to market.
It’s always fun seeing the people behind products we already know and use, and hearing the story behind what they’re creating next.
2. A Bird Feeder with a Hidden Camera
Another product that made me stop and look twice was a bird feeder with a built-in hidden camera.
The idea is that it captures photos and video of the birds that visit your feeder so you can see them up close. If you enjoy bird watching or just love seeing wildlife in your yard, it’s such a clever way to get a closer look at what’s happening outside your window.
I could absolutely see families enjoying this one.
3. Viking Nonstick Pans You Can Cut In
This demo definitely turned heads.
One of the cookware brands showcasing their products was Viking, and they demonstrated a nonstick pan that can actually handle cutting directly in the pan with a knife.
Now, normally that’s the number one thing you’re told never to do with nonstick cookware. But this pan was designed to be more durable and scratch resistant, which makes it especially appealing for everyday cooking when you don’t want to worry about damaging your cookware.
Watching the demo was one of those “wait… what?” moments on the show floor.
4. Microwave-Safe Stainless Steel Containers
This was one of those products that immediately caught my attention because it solves a really common frustration.
Stainless steel containers are fantastic for durability and reducing plastic use, but they typically can’t go in the microwave.
At the show, I saw stainless steel food containers designed to be microwave safe, which opens up a whole new level of convenience for meal prep and leftovers. If you’re someone who tries to avoid plastic storage containers, this felt like a really exciting development.
6. Kitchen Colors Are Changing
Beyond individual products, one of the biggest trends I noticed was the shift in kitchen colors.
There was a lot of sage green and soft blue across cookware, knives, utensils, and appliances. These tones felt calm, fresh, and modern without being overly bold.
I also saw several brands experimenting with translucent materials, which gave kitchen tools and containers a sleek, minimalist look.
It’ll be interesting to see how these colors show up in stores over the next year.
7. Nugget Ice Makers Are Definitely Having a Moment
If you’ve followed my drink videos for a while, you already know how much people love nugget ice.
I get questions about it constantly in my drink and coffee content, so I was especially excited to see several brands showcasing nugget ice machines.
One that caught my attention was from Brio, which is bringing nugget ice into their countertop appliance lineup. They also have countertop systems that combine water dispensing with sparkling water, which is such a fun idea if you love making drinks at home.
I could immediately picture how something like that would work for families who enjoy making fun drinks, iced coffees, or sparkling water without needing a full soda machine setup.
Another brand that impressed me in the ice category was Kenmore. Their ice machines were seriously impressive, and it’s clear that high-quality home ice makers are becoming a much bigger category.
Considering how many people are creating café-style drinks at home now, it makes sense that ice is becoming a bigger focus in the appliance world.
8. Fully Automatic Espresso Machines (Yes, Please)
Speaking of drinks… I may have spent a little extra time looking at espresso machines.
There were quite a few fully automatic espresso machines on display that honestly made me stop and stare for a minute. These are the kind of machines where you press a button and it handles grinding the beans, brewing the espresso, and even frothing the milk.
If you love coffee but don’t want to become a full-time barista every morning, these machines are incredibly appealing.
Let’s just say a few of them went straight onto my “someday” wish list.
9. A Toaster That Can Crisp Snacks (Without an Air Fryer)
One of the clever kitchen gadgets I discovered was a new appliance from Aroma called the Snack Pro Toaster.
At first glance it looks like a regular toaster, but inside it has a removable basket insert that allows you to heat and crisp snacks — even from frozen.
Think fries, nuggets, or other quick snacks.
Instead of pulling out an air fryer for small batches, you can pop them into the toaster basket and crisp them right there. It’s one of those ideas that feels so simple you almost wonder why someone didn’t invent it sooner.
10. Stackable Cookware That Saves Serious Cabinet Space
Another product that stood out to me was the stackable ceramic-coated cookware from Dash.
If you’ve ever tried to organize a cabinet full of pots and pans, you already know how quickly they can take over your kitchen.
These pieces are designed to stack neatly together, which saves a surprising amount of storage space.
Even more interesting, the set also includes a portable burner, which means you can cook with it even when you’re traveling, camping, or staying somewhere without a full kitchen setup.
It felt like one of those products designed for real-life situations — not just pretty kitchen shelves.
What Makes The Inspired Home Show So Interesting
What makes this event so fascinating is that it’s essentially a preview of what’s coming next for our homes.
Retail buyers attend to discover new products, brands showcase their latest innovations, and media gets a look at trends before they hit store shelves.
Even though the show isn’t open to the public, the products and ideas introduced here eventually make their way into kitchens, laundry rooms, and homes everywhere.
Getting to walk the floor, talk to the people behind the products, and see these innovations up close was such a cool experience.
And after logging all those steps exploring the show, I can definitely say there’s a lot coming that will make everyday life at home a little easier — and maybe a little more fun too.
Innovation and New Ideas
The Inspired Home Show is known for highlighting innovation, and you can definitely feel that when walking through the exhibits.
There are areas dedicated to new inventors and emerging brands, which makes it exciting to see products that might not be widely known yet but have the potential to become household staples.
You see everything from clever storage solutions to kitchen gadgets designed to simplify meal prep.
Some products make you think, “That’s genius.”
Others make you smile and say, “Okay, I’ve never seen that before.”
Either way, it’s fascinating to see how companies are thinking about the future of our homes.
A Global Gathering
Another thing that stood out to me was how international the show is.
Brands and buyers attend from more than 115 countries, and there are global pavilions featuring products and innovations from around the world. It’s a reminder that ideas for improving home life are coming from everywhere.
Many of the products introduced here will eventually appear in stores across the U.S. and beyond.
One of the Most Surprising Conversations: Pantone and the Color of Home
One of the most interesting parts of my time at The Inspired Home Show wasn’t actually on the show floor — it was sitting in on a talk from Leatrice “Lea” Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.
If you’ve ever wondered how color trends are predicted or how Pantone selects its famous Color of the Year, she’s one of the experts behind those decisions.
Eiseman walked through how colors trend over time and how much emotion and psychology play into the colors we bring into our homes. Everything from cultural shifts to global stress levels can influence what colors people gravitate toward.
One thing she addressed during the talk was the reaction to Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, called Cloud Dancer.
It’s a very soft white — subtle, calming, and understated. And the choice has received some criticism from people who expected something bolder.
But hearing the reasoning behind it was fascinating.
Eiseman explained that the decision was intentional. The Pantone team has been observing a growing desire for homes to feel like a “soft landing place.” After years of fast-moving trends, constant digital noise, and busy lives, people are craving spaces that feel calm, comforting, and grounded.
A soft white like Cloud Dancer reflects that shift.
It’s not meant to be dramatic or attention-grabbing. Instead, it’s meant to create a feeling of quiet, peaceful simplicity in the home.
And interestingly, after hearing that explanation and then walking the show floor afterward, it actually made a lot of sense.
I kept noticing softer tones showing up everywhere — sage greens, muted blues, natural materials, and subtle finishes that all contributed to a calmer aesthetic.
It felt like the home industry is leaning into the idea that our homes should feel like a place to slow down, recharge, and reset.
And honestly, that feels like a trend I can get behind.
Home Trends I Noticed at The Inspired Home Show
One of the most interesting things about walking a show like this is that after a while you start to notice patterns. When you see thousands of products across hundreds of booths, certain themes begin popping up again and again.
Here are a few of the trends that stood out to me after two days exploring The Inspired Home Show.
Nostalgia Is Definitely Back
One thing that immediately caught my attention was how many products were leaning into nostalgia.
If you’ve noticed the trend online of people saying they want to raise their kids more like it’s the 90s again, this show made it clear that feeling is showing up in products too.
I saw things like Chia Pets making appearances again, and even the classic “Clap On, Clap Off” light switch that many of us remember from years ago.
There was definitely a sense that brands are tapping into that comforting, familiar feeling from earlier decades.
It feels like a response to how fast and digital everything has become. There’s something appealing about bringing back simple, fun things that remind people of growing up.
Beverage Culture Is Getting Bigger
Another big trend I noticed was the explosion of home beverage appliances.
Coffee machines, espresso systems, nugget ice makers, sparkling water dispensers, and drink-making appliances were everywhere.
It makes sense when you think about it. So many people now enjoy making café-style drinks at home, whether that’s iced coffee, specialty sodas, sparkling water, or creative drink recipes.
With the popularity of drink content online (and yes, I see it every day in my own comments!), brands are clearly paying attention to how much people enjoy creating drinks at home.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a lot more drink-focused appliances showing up in kitchens over the next few years.
Space-Saving Design Is a Priority
Another theme that showed up repeatedly was space-saving design.
From stackable cookware sets to collapsible storage containers and compact appliances, brands are clearly thinking about how to make products that work better in smaller kitchens and homes.
One example that stood out to me was stackable cookware designed to fit neatly together instead of taking over an entire cabinet.
Products like this feel very aligned with how people are trying to simplify and organize their homes.
Multi-Function Appliances Are Everywhere
Along with space-saving designs, I also noticed a big push toward multi-purpose appliances.
Instead of single-use gadgets, many brands are creating tools that can handle multiple tasks.
For example, the Snack Pro toaster I saw from Aroma includes a removable basket insert that allows it to crisp snacks like fries or nuggets — something you would normally use an air fryer for.
This kind of versatility makes appliances more practical for everyday use and helps reduce the number of gadgets people feel like they need to own.
Softer, Calming Kitchen Colors
Color was another major trend I noticed across the show floor.
There was a lot of sage green and soft blue appearing across cookware, utensils, knives, and small appliances.
These colors feel calm and natural, and they seem to be replacing the stark whites and bright colors that used to dominate kitchens.
I also noticed more translucent materials and frosted finishes, which give kitchen tools and storage containers a clean, modern look.
Overall, the design direction felt more peaceful and understated.
Technology Is Becoming More Invisible
One final trend I noticed was how technology is being integrated into products in a way that feels almost invisible.
Things like bird feeders with hidden cameras, smart kitchen appliances, and connected home devices are becoming more common, but they’re designed to blend seamlessly into everyday life rather than feel overly complicated.
The focus seems to be less about flashy tech and more about quietly improving everyday routines.
Why Shows Like This Are So Interesting
One of the things I kept thinking about while walking the show floor was how many of these products start as simple ideas to solve everyday problems.
Someone wants better ice for drinks.
Someone wants cookware that saves space.
Someone wants an easier way to heat snacks.
And those ideas turn into the products we eventually see in stores.
The Inspired Home Show is where a lot of those ideas first get introduced to retailers, media, and buyers, which is why it feels a bit like getting a sneak peek at what’s coming next for our homes.
Final Thoughts After Two Days at The Inspired Home Show
After spending two full days exploring the show and talking with brands, what stood out to me most is how much innovation is happening in the home space.
Companies are constantly looking for ways to make everyday routines easier — whether that’s simplifying cooking, improving storage, upgrading appliances, or making our kitchens more enjoyable places to spend time.
From nugget ice machines to clever snack appliances and space-saving cookware, there were so many ideas that made me think, “That would actually be useful.”
And that’s really what makes this show so fascinating.
Because while consumers don’t attend the event directly, the products and trends introduced here eventually make their way into homes everywhere.
So walking the floor truly felt like getting a preview of what’s coming next.
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