Spring is in the air, and we’re suddenly energized to take on some of those home-improvement and redecorating projects we’ve avoided all winter. There’s no better way to get ideas, product information and expert advice than by attending the 18th annual New Jersey Home Show and Interior Design Expo, Friday through Sunday at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison.

Gary Katz, show producer, says this is the largest show of its kind in the Northeast.
“There will be more than 550 exhibit booths representing more than 300 different companies in the 150,000-square-foot convention facility,” he said. “PSE&G is this year’s main sponsor, and what separates the New Jersey show from your average, run-of-the-mill home show is that it’s truly an all-encompassing exhibition.”

Major showcase categories include remodeling and home-improvement contractors, lumber and building supplies, kitchens and baths, tools and hardware, windows, doors, decks, patios, outdoor furniture, sheds, landscapers, heating and air conditioning, pools, spas and much more.

Somerville Aluminum is sponsoring more than 25 local manufacturing suppliers and also will conduct its own College of Deck Knowledge, with ongoing demonstrations showing do-it-yourselfers the various ins and outs of home-deck construction.

In addition to the contactors, manufacturers and suppliers, the expo is the only exposition in the metropolitan area with space dedicated to interior design. Retailers, wholesalers and design consultants will be on hand to offer their products and services direct to Central Jersey consumers.

“The Expo is proud to feature more than 100 exhibits from locally based interior-design professionals offering an extensive collection of merchandise and services including art, mirrors, imports, famous brand-name furnishings, wall and floor coverings, lighting, home accessories, interior-design services, kitchen and bath design, outdoor furnishings and more,” Katz said. “This affords New Jersey-area consumers the rare opportunity to avail themselves of the most current decorating and interior design trends, ideas and merchandise, right in their own back yard.”

Throughout the weekend, guest celebrities in the home-and-garden field will conduct seminars, demonstrations and answer questions. Guests include carpenter Andrew Dan-Jumbo from TLC’s “While You Were Out” TV show. Dan-Jumbo will appear noon and 2 p.m. Sunday,

Kevin O’Connor, host of Public Television’s “This Old House” series, will make three Saturday appearances at noon, 3 and 7 p.m. Famed gardening expert and author Ralph Snodsmith of “The Garden Hotline” will speak 4:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Katz also points out that the expo is a great place for consumers to comparison shop.

“For example, we’ll have seven or eight different spa lines on display,” he said. “This way, a customer can compare all of them in quality and price without having to travel to many different locations or showrooms.”

Some home accessories will be available for immediate cash-and-carry, while other vendors will write up orders on-site for future delivery. There also will be savings on a variety of the show’s floor models.

“This is truly a first-of-its kind Expo for anybody interested in upgrading the value, look and feel of their home. It’s a really rare and unique opportunity,” Katz said.

If you want to go

What: New Jersey Home Show and Design Expo
When: 3 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Sunday
Where: New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison
How much: $10 adults, children admitted free; free parking
Info: www.showoffice.com

source : www.c-n.com