In communities across America, enthusiastic crowds tour spectacular show homes and visit enlightening home and garden shows. These events cater to the public's appetite for interior design trends and innovative home improvement products.

Show homes are an ideal opportunity to see the visions and ideas of talented interior designers, architects, builders, and local craftsmen. Many historic homes and estates around the country host annual home tour dates where new interior designs are featured. Often times these homes are decorated with new furnishings and window treatments which are still in keeping with the history of the structure.

There are also numerous home tour dates which are conducted in newly constructed houses, spec homes, dream homes, or model homes. These types of show homes are usually sponsored by a builder or community group with proceeds going towards a local charity. New show houses are sometimes part of a larger parade of homes or tour of homes event. These multiple home tour dates may include existing homes that have been spruced up for the event along with a flagship new show home. Luxury show homes usually feature the latest trends in kitchen design, bathrooms, furnishings, wall finishes, flooring, fixtures, pool design, and window treatments.

For even more ideas for your next home improvement project, make a visit to a local home and garden show. Most of these design extravaganzas feature hundreds of local vendors and companies who specialize in services for the entire home. Not only will you learn about the latest domestic products, you will also get plenty of free ideas for home décor, outdoor living, building, and remodeling.

Home and garden shows are also the perfect chance to meet a variety of local contractors and companies who will be offering show specials and discounts. The exhibitors usually setup elaborate booths with impressive product displays and demonstrations to wow the crowd. Many of the vendors will also have items for immediate purchase like accessories and garden items.

In addition, home decorating shows typically feature guest celebrities and experts who host seminars or dispense free home improvement tips. Most home and garden shows offer how-to workshops on a wide variety of topics such as decorating, gardening, and cooking. There are also plenty of contests, door prizes, and giveaways sponsored by the show exhibitors as well as by the event hosting company.

Home and garden shows not only cover the interior spaces of home improvement, they provide plentiful ideas for outdoor design as well. Displays for the latest in pools and spas will definitely have you craving your own little piece of paradise. Gardening trends, landscape techniques, and handy tools are also readily found at most home shows. Additionally, great ideas for patio living can be seen in displays of elegant gazebos and pergolas.

Here is a sampling of upcoming home decorating shows to inspire your expedition:

Las Vegas 2007 Home Shows & Beyond

Home Improvement & Backyard Living Expo
September 14-16, 2007
South Point Events Center
9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89189

Las Vegas Fall Home Improvement & Decorating Show
October 26-28, 2007
Cashman Field Center
850 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Las Vegas Home Improvement & Decorating Show
April 25-27, 2008
Cashman Field Center
850 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Phoenix 2007 Home Shows & Beyond

Arizona Home & Building Expo
August 24-26 2007
Phoenix Convention Center
100 North Third Street
Phoenix, AZ, 85004

Austin 2007 Home Shows & Beyond

Austin Home & Garden Show
August 10-12, 2007 and January 11-13, 2008
Austin Convention Center
500 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701

Texas Home & Garden Show
September 7-9, 2007 and February 29 - March 2, 2008
Austin Convention Center
500 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701

Austin Green Living & Home Products Expo
April 18-20, 2008
Austin Convention Center
500 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701