News-Journal presents annual Spring Home Show in Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH — Ideas and tips for your next home improvement project await this weekend at The Daytona Beach News-Journal’s 32nd Annual Spring Home Show, opening Friday at the Ocean Center.
In the era of social distancing, home renovations and upgrades have become more popular than ever, said Matt Blashaw, host of HGTV’s “Professional Grade: as well as the DIY Network’s “Yard Crashers,” “Money Hunters,” “Deconstruction” and “Project Xtreme.”
A licensed contractor and versatile handyman, Blashaw will be at the free 3-day event sharing his secrets for making the best use of outdoor space in sessions at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. As the coronavirus pandemic has unfolded, more people than ever are adding functional creature comforts to their homes, he said.
“This pandemic has lit a match under the home improvement industry,” Blashaw said. “Contractors are busier than ever; material costs are going way up. People are improving the spaces they have. While there have been many horrible things about the pandemic, it is making people concentrate on their home and making it beautiful.”
More:In trying times, the home-improvement ladder goes up | MARK LANE
Blashaw’s focus this weekend will be on making the most of backyards, patios and other outdoor areas, he said.
“In Florida, outdoor living is so key because you do it 365 days a year, basically,” he said. “I’ll be showing you tips and secrets on how to create an inviting environment.”
The presentations will feature before-and-after images of projects that Blashaw has done, with an emphasis on making the most out of any space.
“People are always thinking about what makes something beautiful, the finishes, what kind of countertops,” he said. “Let’s figure out not only how to make it appealing to the eye, but make it functional for your family, a better place to be all around.”
As vaccines continue to roll out nationwide and there are signs that life will be returning to normal, Blashaw predicts a surge of interest in house parties and other social gatherings.
“We’ve all seen the importance of family and being together,” he said. “I believe we will be coming together again in big groups, so we’ll be looking at ways to invite them into your backyard.”
The home show also will feature expert advice from South Florida interior designer Ryan Locke, who will offer ideas on easy “spring refreshers” for home interiors at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“I’ll be looking at ways to change the wallpaper or the lighting in your house, or adding an accent wall or a custom built-in,” Locke said. “It’ll be about easy things people can take home with them and apply to their own spaces.”
Based in Miami, Locke has built his career over the past decade designing high-end luxury residential projects South Florida, New York City, Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, Honduras and Mexico. He also has noticed a boom in business due to the pandemic.
“We’ve never been busier, actually,” he said.
The home show will feature vendors skilled at home renovation and remodeling, solar energy, pest services, gutters, screening, windows, doors, roofing, flooring and landscaping, as well as an array of retail items for inside and outside the home.
Other activities include a live butterfly exhibit, daily bingo games and magic shows, and live music on Saturday and Sunday.
The free event will be presented in the convention center’s front exhibit space, directly off the building’s main entrance on North Atlantic Avenue. Masks and social distancing will be required to ensure the safety of all attendees and exhibitors.
Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Parking is $10 in the convention center’s parking garage and west lot. Visit news-journalonline.com/homeshow for details.
WHAT: 32nd Annual Spring Home Show, presented by The Daytona Beach News-Journal
WHEN: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach
COST: Free admission; $10 parking in Ocean Center garage or west lot.
ONLINE: news-journalonline.com/homeshow
