Home + Garden Trendsetter of the Year Finalist: Denise Sabia

The Home + Garden Trendsetter of the Year contest is heating up with several thousand votes already cast on Facebook. We can't wait to see what our three finalists, Serena Appiah, Denise Sabia, and Allison Griffith, present at the Denver Home Show next weekend. But first, it's important that you get to know our competitors.

You've already met our first Home + Garden Trendsetter of the Year finalist, Serena Appiah. Now it's time to meet the second: Denise Sabia.

Denise Sabia is a Philadelphia designer, DIYer, and the voice behind ThePaintedHome.com. She takes everyday items and flea market finds and transforms them into unique pieces that will freshen and warm your home - all without breaking the bank, of course. Her DIY workshops help others learn valuable crafting and decorating skills they can try in their home. Her flips and finds are sold in Philadelphia at Serendipity Shops of Chestnut Hill and Serendipity Shops of Doylestown. Will Denise rock the house in Denver? We can't wait to find out!

We sat down with Denise ahead of her presentation to help you get to know her a little better. Check out our fun Q&A below and get ready for Denise to teach you more than a thing or two you didn't know about crafting.

Q: What's your least favorite chore?
Denise: "Laundry."

Q: Would you rather water Game of Thrones or Orange is the New Black?
Denise: "Neither."

Q: What are your best tips to help homeowners with curb appeal year-round?
Denise: "Paint your front door...a color. A real COLOR! Painting your door is the simplest weekend project you’ll ever attempt. Plus, in the warmer weather it’ll add a little punch of color to your foyer when the door is open! Double the bonus!"

Q: What has been your most embarrassing fashion choice?
Denise: "My ex-husband."

Q: What's your go-to hostess gift?
Denise: "Any Real Housewives of..."

Q: What should homeowners look for when it comes to working with a contractor or interior designer?
Denise: "A good vibe...you know when you know. Many people can design a beautiful room...you want someone who “gets you” and who you can trust."

Q: What's one thing we wouldn't guess about you?
Denise: "...that I occasionally heat up yesterday's coffee. Completely gross, I know."

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Denise: "Dog."

Q: Would you rather be too hot or too cold?
Denise: "Too HOT!"

Q: What's one thing you think people should splurge on?
Denise: "Splurge on your sofa. It's like a second home...you spend a lot of time there and you won't be buying another one anytime soon."

Q: What's one simple thing homeowners can do to improve their landscape or garden?
Denise: "Hire a professional, or even just a neighborhood kid to keep it maintained and mowed. My 11 year old weeds for $5...a huge bang for your buck!"

Q: What's the best way for homeowners to incorporate the latest trends into their decor? How can you tell what has staying power and what doesn't?
Denise: "Use what you love. If you love a trend use it, if you hate it, don't use it just because someone famous has. Any item that has value to you has staying power. Use what you love, where you love it."

Think Denise should be named Home + Garden Trendsetter of the Year? Vote for her on Facebook. She'll be presenting on March 19th at the Denver Home Show where our audiences and celebrity judges, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, will help decide if she, or one of our two other finalists, will earn the title.