The whimsical, innovative and just plain fascinating were again on center stage at the 2025 Inspired Home Show (formerly the International Home + Housewares Show), which took place recently at McCormick Place. By the way, this was the 125th edition of the show although it wasn’t the 125th anniversary, as there were more than one show during some years.
Every year, home and housewares professionals from more than 120 countries meet in Chicago to discover new housewares products and industry trends, meet face-to-face with executives from top retail and manufacturer brands, and gain the insights, leads and exposure to jump-start a successful year. (Because of the business-to-business nature of the event, it’s not open to the public.) And speaking of trends, International Housewares Association Director of Editorial, Content & Education/HomePage News Editor-in-Chief Peter Gianetti has certainly noticed more than a few.
Since the COVID pandemic, “there has certainly been more home entertaining,” Gianetti said. “There are more celebrations at home, as people exhibit their cooking skills,” among other things, he added. Gianetti also noted that people want “more access to quality items,” as more usage of everything from cookware to lights has resulted in an accelerated replacement cycle. In addition, there are sometimes stark differences between the wants and needs of urban and rural residents as well as those of different generations. For example, city dwellers typically desire items that make the most use of space while those in more rural areas might want more durable items. Lastly, Gianetti noted, “casual prevails”—although that doesn’t necessarily mean low-priced.
As for events at this year’s show, the huge exhibit took center stage although there were also talks (such as “The Best Stores of 2024… and What’s Coming Next in 2025” and “Pets at the Heart of the Home: Unpacking Consumer Trends and the Future of Retail”); get-togethers such as Networking After Dark and HYPE (an annual networking event hosted by the Young Professionals Advisory Council); and the Housewares Cares Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel.
However, as previously stated, the miles of aisles at the exhibit offered something intriguing at seemingly every turn. (And why didn’t I think of mini-charcuterie boards or a kit that converts any bottle into a lamp? And who would think there’d be an item called Miss Muffet’s Revenge Spider Killer?) Below are items that represented the tip of the iceberg in terms of what this writer saw and experienced:
—Longlat: This company may have been “moving the world since 1974,” per its website—but it has some travel items that are quite innovative. One is a suitcase that expands to show a column of drawers—which is perfect for those who are wary of using the ones in hotel rooms (like me).
—iSi: This company promotes The Creative Whip, which specializes in concocting delicious and healthful whipped toppings with dairy or non-dairy ingredients. But there’s also the iSi Nitro, which allows people to create Nitro Coffee, Nitro Tea and even Nitro Cocktails at home. (The Straight & Narrow cocktail with rosewater foam that I had was beyond excellent.)
—Printed Canvas: Not everything at the exhibit was cookware- or even necessarily houseware-related. The Chicago-based company Printed Canvas sells all types of cards—and many are hilarious. (One that was given to me read, “Hello tequila, adios pantalones.”) It also sells prints, stickers, magnets and other items.
—Jobar International, Inc.: Jobar wants to “make life easier and more comfortable,” according to its website. And working with brands such as Ideaworks, North American Wellness and Tidy House, there are items that you might have never thought you wanted or needed, including anti-vibration pads (for your washing machine), cable conversion kits, tiered sliding basket drawers, butterfly and dragonfly lights, anti-snore nose strips, collapsible air fryers—and even a cordless ear vacuum.
—Vacu Vin: Looking for drink-related accessories? Then Vacu Vin probably has what you’re looking for, as this company has swirling decanters, Champagne coolers, barware and wine sets that will impress you as well as your family and friends. (Remember what Gianetti said about home entertainment.)
—Solidteknics: This company introduced its Australian-made wrought iron cookware. The AUS-ION cookware, which is PFAS-free, is made from a single sheet of iron, meaning that products in the lineup don’t need joints, screws or similar connectors.
—Urban MF Bag: Designed to cut down on plastic bag usage, this very popular maxi shopping bag has mesh finishes in khaki and black, with a double inside pocket and two handles of different sizes.
—Talus: Take the “High Road” and find reasonably priced items that involve everything from travel security to vehicle organization. There are several RFID-related offerings to help prevent others from covertly ripping you off. But there are also hooks or trash bags you can hang from the front seat of your car; digital tire gauges; magnetic phone mounts; and even dog barriers to make sure Fido (or Sparkles) stays in the back of your vehicle.
—Dreamfarm: Specializing in kitchen tools and gadgets, Dreamfarm has items that are pretty intriguing, such as the Dopener (does-it-all opener), Lockorns (locked-corn holders), Scizza pizza scissors, Tapi (which converts your faucet into a drinking fountain) and Clongs (tongs that click and lock). Just don’t ask me who names these items.
—Cirkul: Aiming to make water your favorite beverage, Cirkul has entered the flavored-water market with a splash that includes the selling of a bottle with interchangeable cartridges filled with various flavors (from Gateway Tea to Peach Mango)—thereby “tricking” you into doing something healthful: increased hydration. There are many benefits to this product, from no calories to smaller environmental impact; however, I initially thought I’d need an engineering degree (or, at least, a YouTube video) to open the bottle.
—Haute Diggity Dog: Another Chicago business, Haute Diggity Dog specializes in plush toys in categories such as best-sellers, the Chewy Vuiton collection, Woof + Wellness, Chewlulemon and Starbarks. And here’s a bonus: Everything is 25% off through April.
—EKO Development Ltd.: Tariffs aside, this China-based company specializes in “smart houseware brands,” and aims to make garbage collection almost chic. Yes, there are various waste bins (available in colors such as bronze copper, burgundy and matte black steel, among many others) but there are also items such as an electric wine saver and a mini-lighted mirror.
—Coloful International Ltd.: This Hong Kong-based company—which was established in August 1995 as a Hong Kong subsidiary of Nissei Co., Ltd.—has everything from industrial wipes to ceramic tweezers.
—BIA Cordon Bleu: One of the best-known sellers of bakeware, dinnerware and kitchenware for home and restaurant use, Bia Cordon Bleu has been around since 1952. Showcasing different designs (from Serene to Colonnade) and even offering mini-tools, this company has something for everyone.
The 2026 Inspired Home Show will take place March 10-12 at the same venue.