The Old House New House Home Show Returns to Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, IL

DESTINATION RENOVATION

The Old House New House Home Show Returns with Fresh Ideas for Home Improvements

St. Charles, Ill. --  Explore 300 deluxe displays with the latest in kitchens, baths, basements, additions, building, remodeling, repair, landscaping and interior design at The Old House New House Home Show.  This inspiring event returns September 28 – 29 to Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main Street in St. Charles.  Show hours are Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Since 1984, this event has been an outstanding resource for homeowners to investigate options with award-winning contractors, share ideas with talented designers, research creative solutions with select remodelers, discover new products and make well-informed decisions on home improvement projects.  Adult admission is $7; seniors (over 62) admission is $4.  Children (under 18) attend free.  Parking is free.  A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley and its ReStore, based in Elgin.

New This Year:  She’s resourceful, refreshing and a renovation force; “Rehab Addict,” Nicole Curtis of HGTV and the DIY Network will be featured on Sunday, September 29 from Noon to 2 pm, sharing her innovative ideas and creative energy with homeowners.  This heroine of home restoration isn’t afraid to demolish a bathroom, repair a chain saw or drive the bob cat.  When it comes to projects, Curtis combines her talents as an interior designer, real estate professional, passionate preservationist, salvage picker, mom, home stager and transformation wizard for outstanding results.

Lou Manfredini, “Mr. Fix It”:  His tips are trustworthy and his guidance is golden; Mr. Fix It, Lou Manfredini will appear on Saturday, September 28 from Noon to 2 pm, sharing his expertise with audiences.  Known as “Mr. Fix It” on WGN Radio, the host of House Smarts TV and a frequent contributor on The Today Show, Lou has a helpful, humorous and hands-on approach to home maintenance.  From prioritizing projects to cutting-edge innovations, Lou’s enjoyable enthusiasm and practical views are valuable tools for all homeowners.

Decorating Trends:  Explore the latest color trends and decorating styles with Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services for Hunter Douglas, each day at 1 pm.  Learn strategies for successful interior design and create your own signature style with this dynamic presenter.

Designing Your Dream Kitchen:  Each day at 2 pm, join Laura Gleamza of Laura Gwyn Interiors for this inspiring, informative workshop.  Learn design basics, explore new trends in surfaces and styles and enjoy engaging “before and after” photos.  Laura is a licensed interior designer and exceptional guide for homeowners embarking on a kitchen makeover.

Other attractions include the healthy home flu shot clinic by the Visiting Nurse Association from 10 am to 1 pm each day and the grand prize drawing for a $1,000 home show gift certificate (no purchase necessary, see web site for contest rules and past prize winners.)

For event details, an up-to-date exhibitor list, directions or a printable $1 off admission coupon, please visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160.

About Kennedy Productions, Inc.

Since 1977, the Kennedy family has been producing, managing and hosting quality events, including The Old House New House Home Show held twice yearly at Pheasant Run Resort.  This women-owned business researches and selects top-notch companies with cutting-edge products and superior services to provide a reliable resource for homeowners.  For more information please visit www.kennedyproductions.com.

Old House New House Home Show - Exhibitor Spotlight

Sustainable Landscapes Done Right – By Brian O’Malley

Sustainability, Earth friendly, living green, carbon footprint, these are the latest buzz words that all of us hear on a regular basis.  What do these phrases mean as it pertains to our landscapes?  Most of us would like to do what we can to live in harmony with our surroundings.  But how do we do it best?  Here are a few ideas on how your landscape can become more sustainable, improving your quality of life and lessening your footprint on the environment.  You may be surprised at how easy it is, and how much time and money you may save as a result.

Sustainable landscaping can be simply defined by the amount of water, energy and chemicals we use.  The less we use these three items, the more sustainable our living space becomes.

HOW DO WE LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF WATER WE USE?

•   Xeriscaping is the practice of gardening with little or no supplemental watering. Planting native species and succulents are simple ways to achieve this.

•   Choosing the right plant for the right location. All of our landscapes have wet or dry areas.  Choose plants accordingly and they will thrive without our help.

•   Mulch, mulch, mulch!  Mulch has many benefits including locking moisture into the ground.

•   Mow your lawn at the highest setting on the mower every time.  You’ll have fewer weeds and need less fertilizer as a secondary benefit.

•   Drip irrigation or soaker hoses.  Savings of both water and money can be huge with a properly designed drip irrigation system for plant beds and vegetable gardens. 

•   If you have a sprinkler system for turf areas, run individual zones for a slightly longer duration but cut back on frequency.  This will use less water and encourage a stronger more drought resistant root system.

HOW DO WE USE LESS ENERGY?

•   Plant shade trees appropriately to help cool your home in summer.

•   Plant evergreens as a windbreak to help warm your home in winter.

•   Consider using an electric lawnmower, or better yet, use a reel type mower.  You will get a better cut, use no energy, and get some terrific exercise!

•   Increase the size of planting beds and gardens.  Turf generally requires more energy to maintain than a properly designed plant bed.

•   Practice proper siting of plants.  You will have to trim less often, if at all, and enjoy your plant’s full potential.

HOW DO WE USE FEWER CHEMICALS?

•   Many of the practices above will lead to less chemical usage.  Healthy turf and plants require less fertilizer, insecticide and herbicide use. 
     Native species are more resilient to insects and diseases.

•   Use natural solutions and fertilizers when necessary.  There are many products available today to combat disease and pest problems.

•   Grow your own vegetables and fruits.  We tend to use fewer or no chemicals when we grow our own food.

These are just a few of the ways we can all make our landscapes more sustainable.  If we can adopt some of these practices, the results will be fantastic!

Brian O’Malley is a Certified Landscape Designer and the General Manager of Prestige Nursery Garden Center, Inc. in West Chicago.  For more information visit Booth #3 outdoors or www.prestige-nursery.com.

The Old House New House Home Show Returns - September 28-29, 2014 at Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, IL. www.kennedyproductions.com

A Minute with Nicole Curtis

Drill Bits, Drive and Determination; a Glimpse at the Life of a Rehab Addict

She’s a fearless force of home restoration and renovation transformation.  Nicole Curtis, television personality on HGTV and the DIY Network, prides herself on rescuing older homes, preserving original details and restoring them to their former glory.  She shares a behind the scenes glimpse at her life as the “Rehab Addict” with Old House New House Home Show Manager, Laura McNamara.

What was your first project?  

I tackled a 1928 bungalow in Detroit… it took me 6 years to complete what would now take me 3 weeks to do.  Fifteen years of experience plus a bit more of a budget make a huge difference.  

How did you become the Rehab Addict?  Was it a slow roll out or more of a full on, jump in with two feet?  

There is no becoming the Rehab Addict.  The show was developed by me and I’m a producer.  This is my life --and I will still be  doing this long after the cameras go away. 

What do you look for in a Nicole Curtis pro-ject?  How can you tell if a house has good bones?  How have you learned to spot that potential for transformation that you are so great at creating?

I’ve worked hard to educate myself on not only the real estate market, but every part of the building process.  I do not rely on anyone else’s expertise --because guess what, there is not a house inspector in the land that will guarantee their report.  So, if I’m going to lean on anyone’s opinion, it’s going to be mine.  Any house can be saved -- for the right amount of money.

How do you prioritize projects on one of your homes?  Where do you start?  What comes first?  How do you decide?

Demolition is always all at once and first.  Ugly things first... pretty is always last and if there is budget left.

What advice can you share with homeowners thinking of DIY/fixer upper/weekend warrior projects? 

If it will kill you, hire someone.  Electrical service panel?  Hire it out.  Changing a light fixture?  Go at it!

How do you describe the Nicole Curtis style?

Classic and timeless.

You are so transparent on your program... a huge appeal for homeowners.  What happens when you run into something unexpected or challenging on a project?  What are your feelings when mistakes are made?

Mistakes will happen.  If you can’t handle stress -- this is not for you.  I’m not dying.  It’s all fixable.

Who inspires you?  Can you point to any influences that lead you into this very interesting and inspiring career?

Inspirational people come from all walks.  Never make the mistake that it takes only one kind. 

As a working Mom, how do you manage to keep all of the plates spinning?  

The plates drop every day -- I’m just good at gluing them back together.  My life is a mess 99% percent of the day, just like everyone else’s.  I just choose to not dwell on it and move forward.

Nicole Curtis is appearing at The Old House New House Home Show at Pheasant Run
Resort in St. Charles on Sunday, 9/29 from noon – 2 pm.  For more information, visit www.kennedyproductions.com.  Season 4 of Rehab Addict can be seen on HGTV and the DIY Network.  See www.nicolecurtisdesign.com for additional information.

The Soundtrack of My Surroundings

We all have them... broken down, damaged, defeated parts of our homes. The cabinet door just misses the magnet for tight closure. The window needs the children’s pencil case tilted on its side to hold it open. And, as pictured, the dysfunctional dishwasher requires my husband’s dumbbell placed strategically on the countertop to get the switch to fire.

Yes, these examples are all from my home. And I love my home, I do. It’s just that sometimes, being a homeowner can be hard... which leads me to the soundtrack of my surroundings. Crosby, Stills and Nash sum it up best in their “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” singing, “I am yours. You are mine. You are what you are. You make it hard.”

Not everyone is talented with savvy skills for remodeling, repair and decorating. Not everyone has the time, or the patience or a set of channel locks to tackle the projects that come up. In my case, cue Neil Young’s “Helpless” song. Sometimes, certain projects are just beyond reach or seem insurmountable.

The Old House New House Home Show is designed to help homeowners de-mystify projects. With 300 experts participating, plus informative workshops and celebrity guests to share their knowledge, tasks can be broken down into more manageable parts.
Homeowners can also get a feel for what is involved in undertaking a renovation. What order do the projects need to fall in? What should the budget be? Are permits involved?

With the collective expertise, passion and excitement under one roof, this event serves up the information to point homeowners in the right direction as well as the inspiration to dig in and get started. Enjoy exploring the show and here’s to home improvement harmony. May your theme song become “Our house is a very very very fine house,” another classic from Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Article submitted by Kennedy Productions Event Manager, Laura McNamara... who is fixing up her west suburban older home one project at a time.

www.kennedyproductions.com

September 28-29, Pheasant Run Home Show in St. Charles, IL Returns

St. Charles Old House New House Home Show Returns to Pheasant Run Resort This Weekend.

A Welcome from Our Event Founder

I’m a handy gal… I always have been; I truly enjoy working around my home.  Over the years I have tackled many do-it-yourself projects in my 1920’s English Tudor, such as refinishing furniture, wallpapering, landscaping my yard and restoring woodwork trim.  I have a few toolboxes with excellent gear, from pliers to small and large crowbars.  My favorite is a fishing tackle box filled with helpful implements and fasteners.  I’m also the proud owner of a new toolbox, a red Craftsman on wheels with drawers.

There are many projects I’m comfortable diving into, however, some are just beyond reach.  My favorite thing about The Old House New House Home Show is that it picks right up where my skills end.  With so many talented contractors, savvy designers, cutting-edge manufacturers, repair specialists and skilled craftsmen participating, I always know who to call when that next big project comes up.

People often ask me about the name of the show, Old House New House.  My husband and I felt that it celebrated the spirit of transformation that comes with remodeling, renovation and home improvement.  This idea took hold in 1983 when we completed a three-story addition on the back of our home.  We were able to retain the charm and mystique of an older home, and at the same time embrace the modern conveniences and comforts available with new spaces. 

Whether building a new home, enhancing an older home, modernizing existing rooms, making-over tired spaces or maintaining your current surroundings, I hope you catch the spark of creativity you are looking for to tackle projects with ease.  Happy home improvements!

Joanne Kennedy is the Founder and President of Kennedy Productions, Inc.  Since 1984, she has been happily hosting, managing and producing The Old House New House Home Show with her daughters and her outstanding staff.

Big Visions for Small Projects

– By David M. Dolby

The last decade has presented one distinctive and significant architectural trend: the transition from new construction to home improvement.  After the early decade’s high volume of new home construction lowered, homeowners instead began evaluating their existing homes to find alternative solutions. For the past few years, my architectural firm has concentrated on designing remodels and additions to already-existing homes.  After searching for lots to build on or bargain homes to purchase, homeowners have decided that improving current homes is the best solution to satisfy their needs. 

Anyone considering a remodeling or construction project should first consult an experienced and trustworthy architect.  Of course you should contact an architect for large projects, but don’t hesitate to contact an architect for the small projects.  Many architects excel with small projects and by way of smart design are able to save their clients money.  Whatever the scale of the project, often times the money saved in construction costs as a result of smart design exceeds the cost of the architect.

An architect can bring to life a bigger vision than a client thought possible.  In many cases, a simple rear addition can create an open family room and new kitchen layout, which provides the heart of the home with more livable space.  A second floor addition can give a house a master suite with all the luxurious amenities homeowners are currently seeking.  Sometimes, a home simply cries for an exterior face lift to make a tired front more attractive. These solutions can be small, simple and affordable but have a tremendous impact on the overall comfort and allure of a home.

David M. Dolby, is a Licensed Architect and President of ALA Architects & Planners, Inc.  Dolby has been in business for 22 years and currently has a total of 4 licensed architects and 5 designers on staff.  Visit Booth #610 or www.ALAArchitects.com for more information. 

Butterfly Gardening - Hosting the Regal Monarch – By Monica Buckley

There is nothing as graceful as a monarch butterfly sailing with strong wing strokes over the garden wall, and few moments as enjoyable as when that butterfly stays to visit, floating from flower to flower. Often, monarchs come in groups to frolic together in the sun, a spectacle that gardeners across America have come to cherish. 

Monarch adult and caterpillar on butterfly milkweed.

Photo by Alex James Bramwell.

Adult monarchs need plenty of nectar to fuel their legendary migration to and from the mountains of central Mexico, and butterfly-loving gardeners often plant nectar-heavy flowers to attract them. But equally essential to the monarch’s survival are the plants they lay their eggs on—the only plants their caterpillars are able to eat: the milkweeds. To really support the monarch, cultivate its food plants and learn to accept some leaf damage—the sign of happily growing baby monarchs. Their nibbles rarely harm these perennial plants.

There are many species of milkweed, and some are exceptionally beautiful. They grow to various heights and feature flowers in a range of colors including pink, purple, white, yellow and orange. There is a milkweed to complement every garden. All milkweeds fit in naturalized gardens with other native plants, but many can also work in the traditional border or cottage garden.

Each milkweed has its preferred ecological niche. The intensely fire-orange, short-statured butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), for example, doesn’t like wet feet and prefers sandy soil. Most of us know the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) from the empty lots and open fields of our childhoods. It is tall, spreads easily, and is quite happy in a range of conditions. Asclepias incarnata, AKA rose, red, or swamp milkweed, is a pretty, dark pink milkweed that doesn’t mind clay and periods of inundation. Unlike butterfly milkweed, this one doesn’t like dry soils. The stunning white Asclepias perennis can tolerate a bit of shade. The intensely colored purple milkweed, Asclepias purpurascens, has a habit much like common milkweed but does not spread. There are several other gorgeous milkweeds native to our area.

Learning which species are suited to your conditions can help you incorporate these important native plants into a garden that will host the entire lifecycle of the regal monarch. It takes a monarch less than a month to go from egg to adult, and in the northern summer our gardens can support as many as four generations before migration begins in the fall. 

It has become essential, if our children are to enjoy these beautiful creatures, that city and suburban areas host healthy stands of milkweed. Developed complexes with lawns have taken over much of its habitat; farmland is now planted with roundup-ready crops, preventing wildflowers such as milkweeds from growing between the rows.  Woodlands and prairies, with the full complement of native plants, are now extremely rare. 

More and more, it is up to gardeners to provide the native plants that many of our butterflies require. For the monarch, it’s the milkweed. Plant some in your garden, or consult a native plant nursery or landscaper to choose the right combinations for your conditions.

Monica Buckley works with Art Gara, founder and owner of Art and Linda’s Wildflowers, a native plant landscaping company serving the Chicago area. Art and Linda’s uses many species of milkweed in its native plant wildflower gardens, which are ideal for attracting many kinds of butterflies, birds, and other creatures. Visit www.artandlindaswildflowers.com or Ballroom Booth # 808 or for more information.