Chicago will always feel like home.
So being back last week for The Inspired Home Show as an Ambassador made the experience even more special. This show takes place at McCormick Place, and it’s unlike anything else in the home space. It’s the largest housewares show in the Western Hemisphere, with more than 1,000 exhibitors and thousands of products on display.
What makes it especially interesting is that it’s not open to the public but a group of were able to join this year as Ambassadors to share behind the scenes with you. The show brings together buyers, retailers, media, and brands from around the world to discover and decide what products will be heading into stores next year.
In other words ~ it’s a first look at what’s coming next in the home world.
Walking the show floor feels a little like stepping into the future of kitchens, entertaining, organization, and home design. Everywhere you turn there’s something new, clever, beautiful, or unexpectedly useful.
Here are a few of the things that stood out most to me.
Kitchen Finds Worth Talking About
Some of the most exciting discoveries were in the kitchen category. We saw hundreds of pots and pans and these are three that stood out to me.
The Viking Culinary PureGlide pan was truly impressive. It’s genuinely nonstick ~ no butter or oil needed ~ and you can even cut directly on the pan with a knife or pizza cutter without damaging it. Watching the demo felt a little like kitchen magic.
I also loved seeing the beautiful cookware from Hestan. These are the kind of pans that feel like true investment pieces.
They’re backed by Michelin chefs, incredibly durable, and come with a lifetime warranty so you never have to replace them.
And if you love cast iron like we do, the Lodge Cast Iron American Road Trip Series pans were such a fun idea. Each pan features a state-inspired design ~ they would make such a great gift.
Smart Products That Make Everyday Life Easier
One of my favorite parts of the show is discovering products that make everyday routines a little simpler.
The Nellie’s dishwasher and laundry detergent tablets were a standout. They’re plastic-free, made with cleaner ingredients, and incredibly easy to store. I’ve actually been using them this week and am already hooked.
Another clever find were tiny storage containers, QR code labels, and large storage containers in different colors for easier organizing.
My garage is filled with the black and yellow bins so I am personally very excited to start mixing up the colors. For the QR Code labels from Smart Labels, you simply scan the code with your phone and instantly know what’s inside. If you’ve ever tried organizing closets, seasonal decor, or kids’ toys, you know how helpful something like this is!
These freezer storage containers from YouCopia are such a clever find. You can freeze just about anything in them, then pop the frozen block out to neatly stack and save space in your freezer. Perfect for leftovers, soups etc.
And a fun surprise ~ side-opening salad containers that make it much easier to pack and eat salads and more on the go. These are dishwasher and microwave safe. We each got to bring home a sample and we’ve used it three times this week! Such a simple idea, but so smart.
A Few Designs That Make Life More Beautiful ~
The charming small appliances from Laura Ashley were darling. Think classic patterns and soft colors that make everyday kitchen tools feel prettier sitting on your counter.
And of course Martha Stewart never disappoints. Her newest dinnerware and hosting pieces are timeless and elegant. The kind of pieces that make entertaining feel a little more special.
It’s always a joy to see what Gibson Housewares and Sur La table have coming soon ~
This wreath bundt pan from Nordic Ware was so beautiful. I have it on my wish list! And to find a good lemon olive oil cake recipe 🙂
These beautiful dryer balls from Gleener have me rethinking laundry in the best way. The brand also took home a 2026 GIA award for the Gleener Swift Plus Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush, which I can’t wait to use on my sweaters, it removes pilling without damaging the fabric.
Sophistiplate is a favorite brand for high-quality disposable tableware. Perfect for stylish and easy hosting! How cute are these bunny plates for easter?
A Few Products That Everyone Was Talking About ~
Some products get people stopping in their tracks.
The new toilet cleaning concept from Scrub Daddy might finally replace traditional toilet brushes forever. It’s a totally different design and watching the founder demo it was one of the most entertaining moments of the show. This product is expected to be released in about 3 months so let’s keep an eye out!
Another highlight was the JURA coffee machine. coffee machine. Truly a dream for coffee lovers! It grinds fresh beans, stores milk in a refrigerated side compartment, and requires almost no maintenance. After sharing it in stories, so many of you messaged me saying how much you love this brand. It made one of the best flat whites I’ve ever had, and I’m very picky about coffee!
Another thoughtful concept were the customizable knives from The Custom Chef. Beautiful Japanese stainless steel knives that can be personalized. I had one made for Eric and he loves it, such a great gift idea!
The giant waffle maker with butter pillows at the Dash booth was a hit for photo ops. Their mini waffle maker is a favorite in our home! I am excited to start Evan Dash’s new book, A Dash of Good ~ a #1 Amazon bestseller about finding success in love, waffles, and building a business rooted in values.
And then there were the full-body massage chairs from Daiwa with foot massage that you never want to get out of. Definitely one of the more relaxing moments walking the show floor.
Final Thoughts
The Inspired Home Show is such an incredible place to see where the home industry is heading next ~ from innovative kitchen tools to thoughtful design and smarter organization.
It was an honor to attend as an Ambassador, with such an amazing group of creative women, and I’m so grateful to International Housewares Association and The Inspired Home Show for the opportunity. It was so much fun spending time with everyone, day to night! We all attended a networking event one evening, and a highlight was the 2026 GIA Awards gala at the Palmer House.
If you’d like to learn more about the show, you can visit: The Inspired Home Show.
A Few Chicago Moments Too
One of the best parts of this trip was simply being back in Chicago for a few days. The first night, I checked off a bucket list experience with dinner at Alinea. One of the most celebrated Michelin starred restaurants, and truly was incredible.
I’m still in awe of a single gelatin bite that tasted exactly like a Chicago hot dog, such an unexpected burst of flavor! Every detail, every course, was exquisite. Being upgraded to the coveted kitchen table and meeting Chef Grant Achatz was the icing on cake.
I snuck in a walk down Michigan Ave, through Millennium Park, visited The Bean like a tourist, grabbed a few boxes of Frango Mints, had my favorite deep dish from Lou Malnati’s and even stopped by my jeweler to get my engagement ring cleaned. I wish I had more time this trip for so much more but those little moments made the visit feel extra special.
Can’t wait to visit again! I’ll be sharing more of my favorite finds and updates on products from this week on Instagram stories (saved in a highlight bubble) ~ there were so many good ones!
Xx
