Spotlight on the Heart of the Valley Home Show: A Hub for Home & Garden Trends in Albany, Oregon

The Heart of the Valley Home Show returned to Albany this weekend, offering a much-anticipated gathering of home and garden experts, crafters, and curious residents from across the Willamette Valley. Held from October 4-6, 2024, at the Linn County Expo Center, the show brought together a range of local vendors, showcasing the latest trends in home improvement, sustainable living, and backyard design.

For Kelly Tynon, co-owner of Oregon Hearth & Home, organizing the event is about much more than just logistics—it’s about building a community. After her and Richard Simons took over the show about two years ago, they have been working hard to create strong relationships with their vendors as well as attract locals who want to connect with local experts.

Along with the Albany shows in spring and fall, Kelly and Richard recently expanded to host their first event at the Polk County Fairgrounds, further cementing their commitment to growing this local tradition.

A unique feature of the Heart of the Valley Home Show was the large play area set up in one corner, giving kids a place to enjoy themselves. It added a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to the event, making it easy for parents to explore the booths while keeping their children entertained. And for an extra dose of excitement, Caesar the No Drama Llama made a special appearance, delighting visitors and offering a bit of lighthearted fun to the weekend.

But the real heart of the show lies in the unique expertise of the local businesses that set up booths and share their knowledge. Here’s a closer look at some of the vendors we talked to who helped make the Heart of the Valley Home Show a success.

Patio Covers Built to Last

Chris Young of Willamette Valley Patio Covers has noticed a clear shift in what customers are looking for when it comes to patio design. “The trend is toward something that serves them well long-term and doesn’t require maintenance,” Chris shared. Homeowners are increasingly opting for low-maintenance materials like powder-coated aluminum and acrylic panels, which offer durability without sacrificing style. These materials are designed to withstand the elements, with no need for repainting, re-roofing, or worrying about rot.

According to Chris, many people in the Willamette Valley are thinking more practically about their outdoor spaces, choosing materials that will last a lifetime. “People want something that’s one and done—they don’t want to have to worry about maintenance down the road,” he explained. The combination of longevity and letting natural light through the panels has made these patio covers a favorite among homeowners looking for a functional yet beautiful upgrade to their outdoor spaces.

Face-to-Face Connections: The Value of Personal Interaction

Jeff Hickok from Dale’s Remodeling shared the benefit of connecting with local homeowners face to face at the Heart of the Valley Home Show. For exhibitors like Dale’s Remodeling, the event provides a unique chance to engage directly with community members, discuss their remodeling plans in person, and offer tailored advice.

Dale’s Remodeling, which has been serving the mid-Willamette Valley since 1978, offers a wide range of services, from kitchen and bathroom remodels to exterior renovations and additions. The team prides itself on delivering high-quality designs and construction, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life.

For attendees, this personal interaction allows them to explore a wide range of options for their home projects, all in one convenient location. Instead of relying on websites or brochures, homeowners can get expert advice tailored to their specific needs. Talking face to face with professionals like Jeff Hickok helps them better understand the scope of their remodeling ideas and get real-time feedback. Whether they’re planning a small renovation or a full-scale remodel, attendees can ask detailed questions, see samples, and learn about the latest design trends.

Renting Chickens: A Fun, Sustainable Trend

Yes, you read that right; Renting Chickens!

For those interested in urban farming but not quite ready to fully commit, David Miller of RentTheChicken offers a fun and educational solution. His company provides short-term rentals of chickens, giving people the chance to try their hand at raising hens before making a permanent investment. “It’s like try before you buy,” David said with a smile. The service has become increasingly popular for families wanting to enjoy fresh eggs and a sustainable lifestyle, without the long-term responsibility.

RentTheChicken provides everything you need—from the chickens to the coop—and supports renters throughout the process. “It’s a great way for people to find out if having chickens is right for them,” David explained. The popularity of this trend speaks to a larger movement toward sustainable and local food sources, a theme that resonates strongly with residents of the Willamette Valley.

Water Conservation and Landscaping Trends

Water conservation is a big topic for homeowners, and Justin Moore of J Moore Irrigation & Backflow has seen a significant rise in low-maintenance, sustainable landscaping options. “We’ve been doing a lot of lawn removal and installing natural landscape drip systems,” Justin said, noting that many homeowners are shifting toward designs that use less water and require less upkeep.

One of the most popular trends right now is the installation of false river beds, which mimic the look of a flowing river while using little to no water. “I’d say about 30% of our business now is installing these river beds,” Justin explained. With water bills on the rise, many residents are opting for landscaping that’s not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. J Moore Irrigation even offers a five-year, no-questions-asked guarantee, giving customers confidence in their investment.

The Durability and Flexibility of Solid Surface Countertops

At Oregon Curb Appeal, Paul Janoski has seen a growing demand for Corian countertops in both kitchens and bathrooms. “Corian is almost the same price as Formica, but it’s a much better product in terms of durability and cleanliness,” Paul said. The appeal of Corian lies in its ability to create a seamless surface with integrated sinks and backsplashes, eliminating the need for caulking or grout lines, which can degrade over time.

While natural materials like granite and quartz remain popular, Corian’s practical benefits—especially its long-term durability and easy maintenance—make it a favorite among homeowners and residential communities looking for affordable and lasting solutions. Paul shared an example of a recent client who chose Corian over Formica for their housing units, appreciating the clean, modern look and low upkeep.

Portable Buildings for Every Need

Ken Anderson of Premier Portable Buildings has seen a surge in demand for portable structures, which are quickly becoming a popular solution for homeowners needing extra space. Whether it’s an art studio, a study room for kids, or even a livable space, these buildings offer versatility and affordability. “Rent-to-own is really the trend right now. It’s affordable, and people love that they can have a whole building delivered for a low down payment,” Ken said.

These well-built structures, which feature metal roofs and durable siding, are customizable and perfect for a wide range of uses. “We’ve seen customers turn them into everything from home offices to extra bedrooms,” Ken added. Premier Portable Buildings has clients all over the Willamette Valley and beyond, proving that portable buildings are an efficient and creative solution for growing families and small business owners alike.

However, Ken was quick to point out that anyone considering using a portable building as a living space should check with their local city or county regarding permit requirements. Many areas require specific permits or zoning approvals before a portable building can legally be used as a living space. Being informed about these regulations upfront ensures homeowners can avoid issues later.

Trendy Farmhouse Style Bathrooms or Timeless Designs

While not one of the designers with Re-Bath, Lora Botofan shared a few of the trends that the bathroom remodeling company is seeing. Farmhouse-style baths, with neutral colors and clean lines, continue to be a favorite, offering both warmth and a timeless appeal. Other trends that she pointed out are muted gold fixtures and deco-style mirrors, which are popular among homeowners looking for a bit of vintage flair.

However, she was quick to reassure me that the company still remodels a lot of bathrooms with timeless designs, as many clients remain cautious about following trends too closely, favoring classic, traditional designs to ensure their bathrooms won’t feel dated too quickly.

The Re-Bath team has worked on projects that range from modern to traditional, ensuring every client’s vision is brought to life, whether they want something trendy or timeless.

Avoiding Scams and Choosing Local Professionals

When I spoke with Samuel King of Clark Exteriors, we discussed a growing challenge faced by legitimate service providers: the rise of online scams, particularly in the “duct cleaning” industry. These scams often appear in local Facebook groups, where fraudulent companies advertise offers that seem too good to be true, making it difficult for customers to distinguish between real businesses and fake ones.

Scammers typically offer deep discounts but lack key indicators of credibility, such as company names or verifiable customer reviews. Clark Exteriors takes a more transparent approach by using advanced technology to assess dryer vents and ducts before any work begins. This ensures that clients are shown proof of need, giving them confidence that the service is genuinely necessary.

Samuel also emphasized the importance of choosing local companies with a solid reputation, proven references, and satisfied customers. In contrast to fly-by-night or outright scam operations, local businesses work hard to maintain their standing in the community, ensuring they provide quality service that you can trust.

Bringing Outdoor Spaces to Life

One of the sponsors of the Heart of the Valley Home Show this year was Terrace Hardscaping, led by Claudio Caze. Their impressive display at the show’s entrance—complete with a rock bubbler water feature—set the tone for visitors, offering a glimpse of how hardscaping can transform an outdoor space into a peaceful retreat.

Claudio shared some of the exciting 3D design projects Terrace Hardscaping has been working on, including a new park in Waldport. The use of 3D design allows clients to visualize their outdoor spaces before the first stone is laid, giving them confidence in the final result. Terrace Hardscaping’s portfolio spans everything from private home projects to larger public spaces, like the park in Waldport, which showcases their expertise in creating both functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.

As one of the sponsors of the show, Terrace Hardscaping’s participation underscored their commitment to the local community and their dedication to helping residents enhance their outdoor living areas. Whether it’s through elegant water features or intricate stonework, Claudio and his team are helping homeowners throughout the Willamette Valley bring their dream outdoor spaces to life.

Creating Community Connections

For show co-owners Kelly Tynon and Richard Simons, the Heart of the Valley Home Show is more than just an event—it’s about fostering connections between local businesses and the community. Vendors appreciate the opportunity to showcase their products and services while Albany residents benefit from the chance to engage directly with experts who can offer personalized advice.

From high-quality patio covers to sustainable landscaping and modern countertops, the show highlighted some of the most exciting trends in home improvement and backyard living. As Kelly and Richard look toward the future, they plan to continue building on the success of the show, bringing more opportunities for learning, inspiration, and community engagement.

Whether you’re looking to renovate your home, create a low-maintenance landscape, or simply learn more about local businesses, the Heart of the Valley Home Show offers something for everyone. With strong vendor relationships and a commitment to supporting the local economy, this event is a must-see for residents across the Willamette Valley.

The show is at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany and will be open Sunday from 10am-3pm.