Come see celebrity guest expert MATT BLASHAW on the Fresh Ideas Stage at the Southern AZ Fall Home Show!

Friday, Oct. 16 at 1 pm and Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1 pm

Followed by a meet-and-greet with audience members

Matt Blashaw has been a home improvement television host for nearly 20 years, and has been in the home industry for almost as long. He started building homes as a kid with his dad, which eventually grew into a business with him remodeling homes. In 2007 he began a career as a licensed realtor and then, fell into 450 episodes of television. Some of his shows include Deconstruction, Project Extreme, Professional Grade, Vacation House For Free and Yard Crashers. He was able to transfer everything he had learned about building homes right into his home improvement television career.

Even though real estate is now his full-time job, he still keeps up on all the latest building techniques and trends in design to stay ahead of the competition. He sets out every day to learn something new, and lives by the phrase “ancora imparo,” which in Italian means “I am still learning.” (In fact, at the age of 87, Michelangelo wrote this inscription on a sketch. One of the greatest minds this world has ever known saw that there was still so much to be learned in the world.)
Matt strives every day to provide his clients with the best customer service experience possible. There is nothing in the world he loves doing more than guiding people through the complex but rewarding world of real estate.

In anticipation of his two appearances at the Southern AZ Fall Home Show where he’ll present “Live, Love, Landscape - Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space for You and Your Family,” we asked Matt to share some insights: 

What is most rewarding about transforming an homeowner's outdoor space?

The most rewarding part of transforming an outdoor space is hearing from homeowners that they’re constantly using it. I aim to create spaces that are not only beautiful but fully functional year round—whether that means providing heat when it’s chilly or fans when it’s hot. Ultimately, I want the space to be so practical and enjoyable that they truly live in it—making sure their investment is  something they get to appreciate every day.

What is the biggest mistake that many homeowners make in renovating their outdoor space?

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make in outdoor renovations is focusing purely on aesthetics, rather than function. For instance, placing a barbecue island too far from the house, or positioning shade structures that don’t actually provide shade during the hottest part of the day. It’s essential to think beyond just beautiful materials or finishes—functionality is key. When beauty and practicality merge, that’s when you get a truly perfect outdoor space.

What project should homeowners always have a contractor do rather than do themselves?

Homeowners should always rely on a contractor for hardscape projects—whether it’s pavers, concrete, or stonework. While small repairs might be manageable, installing pavers is an incredibly labor-intensive process. You need around six inches of properly compacted gravel, followed by a layer of aggregate, and then each paver must be precisely laid, with polymeric sand in between and mortared borders for stability. It’s heavy, meticulous work, but when done right, it will last for years. Once that’s in place, you can tackle the fun stuff—plants, pots, sprucing up beds, or hanging décor. But leave the heavy lifting to us contractors!

What’s the latest trend in outdoor spaces that you think will last?

A trend I see lasting is the rise of custom-built aluminum pergolas. These aren’t just the off-the-shelf versions you’d find at big-box stores; we’re talking pergolas with adjustable louvers that can shift between full shade or partial sunlight. They’re stunning to look at and incredibly functional—providing  protection from rain, or opening up to suit the weather. While they’re more of an investment than standard options, they’re built to last for years, with virtually no maintenance—no staining, no splintering. It’s a lasting investment that will keep your family happy in the yard for many years to come.

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