Focus on simple and green at Seattle Home Show

The Seattle Home Show moves into Qwest Field Event Center on Saturday and is open daily through Feb. 28 with exhibits, vendors and seminars on the latest products and services for your living space.

Whether you're planning a major remodel, adding a vacation home or looking for tips to perk up your place, you might find inspiration among the hundreds of exhibits at the show that calls itself "America's Biggest Open House," the oldest and largest home show in the U.S.

In today's challenging economy, many of us are looking for ways to make the most of what we have, opting to remodel or redecorate rather than moving. Modern living spaces tend to be smaller than in years past, part of an overall trend to simplicity, economy and sustainable, "green" living trends featured at this year's Home Show.

"Idea Street" model homes are a show feature, this year including a 1,900-square-foot home with a beach theme and Northwest native garden; a 600-square-foot contemporary-style home with green design features and classic Northwest garden; and a 538-square-foot prefabricated cottage with Zen/Asian inspired landscape. Landscaping displays highlight low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly designs plus ideas for expanding your living space with decks, patios and other comfortable, practical outdoor living spaces.

Daily home-improvement seminars on a range of topics include building, financing, décor and green living. Designers and consultants can provide custom color designs to give your home a cost-effective "facelift" with the latest color trends, and "back-to-basics" kitchens provide ideas on saving money by cooking at home instead of eating out.

Free parking at Safeco Field Garage is included with an online Home Show ticket purchase.

The details

Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday through Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 26-27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 28; box office closes one hour before show closing.

Cost: $10/adults, $7/ages 60 and older, $3/ages 7-15, ages 6 and younger free. Register to come back for a second day free, ID required.

Location: Qwest Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle.

Getting there: Vehicles with four or more park free at designated lots; free parking at Safeco Field Garage with online ticket purchase. For Metro Transit information, call 206-553-3000 or see tripplanner.metrokc.gov/. Sound Transit Link light-rail information, 206-398-5000 or soundtransit.org.

More information: 206-284-8800 or www.SeattleHomeShow.com.

Madeline McKenzie: 206-464-8245 or mmckenzie@seattletimes.com