Thursday, September 13, 2018

35th ANNUAL OLD HOUSE NEW HOUSE® HOME SHOW RETURNS TO PHEASANT RUN

A Celebration of Renovation, Remodeling and Design for Homeowners

Tips, trends and top-notch experts will be featured at The Old House New House® Home Show, the largest, longest-running and most innovative home show in the metro Chicago market. This event returns to Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main Street in St. Charles, Illinois February 8th, 9th and 10th, 2019 for its 35th year. Since 1984, The Old House New House® Home Show has been bringing together an outstanding roster of 300 select participants featuring award-winning contractors, talented designers, national brands, creative craftsmen, trade specialists, prominent retailers and industry innovators. The Mega Center and Ballroom will be brimming and bustling with engaging displays, live-demonstrations, product samples and cutting-edge services for home living, landscaping, design and décor. An audience of 10,000 homeowners is expected to visit throughout the weekend. The latest in kitchens, baths, basements, additions, new construction, carpentry, architecture, renewable energy, home automation, savvy storage, painting, tile, roofing, waterproofing, insulation, fireplaces, custom closets, window treatments, heating and air, windows, doors, flooring and more will be presented by professionals. Show hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Adult admission is $7. Senior admission (over 62) is $4. Children under 18 attend free. Parking is free. Daily design workshops are offered and included with admission. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits partner philanthropy, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley and their ReStores in Elgin and Chicago.  Visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160 for more details.



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. This women-owned, family business researches and selects outstanding companies with unique products and superior services for this distinctive event. Providing a reliable resource in a positive, collaborative and enjoyable environment is our priority.  For more information please visit www.kennedyproductions.com.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

FINAL DAY - Visit The Old House New House Home Show

It's the Final Day of The Old House New House Home Show.


Join us today from 10 am - 5 pm and discover 300 exciting exhibits featuring the latest in: kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, landscaping, storage solutions, sustainable design, home theaters, granite and marble, architecture, interior design, custom woodworking, window treatments, space planning, painting, decorating, cooking demonstrations, tools, custom cabinetry, ponds and water features, hardscape, decks, spas, sunrooms, gazebos, gadgets, home furnishings, insulation, security systems, heating and air conditioning, tankless water heaters, geo-thermal HVAC, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, windows, doors, floors and more.


Meet expert craftsmen, creative contractors, award-winning experts and knowledgeable professionals. Learn practical tips from the free workshops offered throughout the weekend. See fabulous displays with the latest in home living trends. Price out options and find new ideas to maintain your property. Gather information and inspiration to make your house into a dream home.

Explore the latest in remodeling, renovation, building and repair at The Old House New House® Home Show. We research and recruit hundreds of quality companies to participate and display top-notch products and cutting-edge services. Gather fresh ideas, expert advice and creative solutions to tackle home improvement projects with ease.

Chicagoland’s Premier Home Show Returns to St. Charles with the Latest in Home Improvements - February 9 - 10 - 11, 2018.


Friday, February 9, 2018

Kennedy Kitchen Chili

Visit The Old House New House Home Show this weekend, February 9-10-11, 2018.
Go to www.kennedyproductions.com for your $1 off admission coupon.

Warm up this evening with our family's famous Kennedy Kitchen Chili.




Ingredients:


• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 large onion diced
• 1-2 cloves fresh garlic minced
• 2-3 stalks of celery chopped with leaves too
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh parsley
• 1-2 bay leaves
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
• 4 cups fresh diced or 1 large can of diced tomatoes
• 1-2 cups of beef broth or plain water
• 2 cans of dark red kidney beans or chili beans 
• 1 jalapeño pepper (optional)


Garnish suggestions...

• Chopped red onion
• Chopped chives
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Cilantro or fresh parsley
• Diced jalapeños
• Elbow macaroni
• Corn


Directions:

Heat oil over high heat and brown the meat, breaking up any large pieces. Add onion and garlic, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper & stir for about a minute or two to allow the herbs to infuse in the oils for a balanced flavor. Add celery, beans, tomatoes, beef stock & bay leaves. If you like chili with kick, add a chopped jalapeño. If you prefer a more subtle heat you can throw the whole pepper in. Bring chili to a boil & stir. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 3-4 hours on stove top or transfer chili to a slow cooker on low heat. Stir frequently to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.

Feel free to get creative. You can add green or red peppers or a variety of different beans. I often add a cup or two of finely shredded carrots or a small handful of finely (super-stealth, tiny) chopped kale because it is an easy way to sneak a few more veggies in my kids’ bellies.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Chicagoland’s Premier Home Show Returns to St. Charles with the Latest in Home Improvements


Explore the latest in remodeling, renovation, building and repair at The Old House New House® Home Show. We research and recruit hundreds of quality companies to participate and display top-notch products and cutting-edge services. Gather fresh ideas, expert advice and creative solutions to tackle home improvement projects with ease.

$1 Off Adult Admission to The Old House New House Home Show

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 9 - 10 - 11

Chicagoland’s Premier Home Show Returns to St. Charles with the Latest in Home Improvements


Save $1 Off Admission when you visit the Old House New House Home Show happening Friday through Sunday, February 9-10-11, 2018 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL.

Our venue will be filled with more than 300 businesses that will share decorating trends, featured workshops & attractions, landscaping trends, kitchen design tips, bathroom design workshops and more.

Don't forget Click Here for $1 Off Adult Admission

An admission fee of $7 for adults and $4 for seniors (kids are free) gets you unlimited access to workshops and demos for ambitious do-it-yourselfers. For those who want to hire someone else for the job, there will be plenty of businesses from which to choose.

Explore the latest in remodeling, renovation, building and repair at The Old House New House® Home Show. We research and recruit hundreds of quality companies to participate and display top-notch products and cutting-edge services. Gather fresh ideas, expert advice and creative solutions to tackle home improvement projects with ease.

Lisle-based Kennedy Productions is host the popular event, which began in 1977 in Crystal Lake with 14 companies. It has been held at annually at Pheasant Run since 1984.

------



Discover 300 exciting exhibits featuring the latest in: kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, landscaping, storage solutions, sustainable design, home theaters, granite and marble, architecture, interior design, custom woodworking, window treatments, space planning, painting, decorating, cooking demonstrations, tools, custom cabinetry, ponds and water features, hardscape, decks, spas, sunrooms, gazebos, gadgets, home furnishings, insulation, security systems, heating and air conditioning, tankless water heaters, geo-thermal HVAC, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, windows, doors, floors and more.

Meet expert craftsmen, creative contractors, award-winning experts and knowledgeable professionals. Learn practical tips from the free workshops offered throughout the weekend. See fabulous displays with the latest in home living trends. Price out options and find new ideas to maintain your property. Gather information and inspiration to make your house into a dream home.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners:

2018 Home Show Sponsors

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Home Sweet Home


Laura Kennedy McNamara Shares a Glimpse at the Home That Began This Business


The often-running dryer usually welcomed me home with scented steam as I traipsed up the long sloping driveway, past the lamp post at 588 Turner. This was my childhood home in the western suburbs where our family lived for 43 years.


This home, and its restoration, helped my parents to create this event, The Old House New House Home Show. Being on a budget, my parents were resourceful, semi-handy and brave enough to try projects they would see on This Old House TV programs or in The Old House Journal. My Mom had (and still has!) her own olive green tool box. My Dad had a 6 foot aluminum ladder and an old black and white TV that followed him around the house from project to project. As they learned about repair, remodeling, renovation and maintenance, they wanted to share their knowledge and experiences with other 1970’s rehabbers.


So, 588 Turner became more than just our family home, it was also the office as my parents were beginning to build a burgeoning business. My Mom would have meetings with advertising reps and media contacts in the large dining room, with papers spread out across the antique table and ideas streaming like sunshine through the tall, lovely windows. Working from home, Mom could multi-task, starting loads of laundry and serving many stews, soups and chili made with love in her slow cooker.

Every now and again, our family life would spill into the business. This usually happened around the busy kitchen, with the many line phone ringing on the wall. Mom would shush us as she spoke with clients such as Mike Campbell of Classic Gutter, John Gallagher of EDI or Gene Grant of Grant andPower… gentlemen we are lucky enough to still call clients of Kennedy Productions.



In December, new owners moved in to this stately Tudor. Before the closing, I said goodbye to my favorite spaces in and around the home: the front stair case with the textured, elegant plaster walls where super balls flew and Silly Putty bounced really well, the climbing tree on the front parkway, the bedroom window seat that held my boom box in the 80’s and often doubled as a desk, and the space behind the garage along the iron fence, where I used to hide for Ghost in the Graveyard and Kick the Can.


This home hosted many gatherings, sleepovers, showers, a pre-sunrise brunch to celebrate the Royal wedding, birthday parties, play dates, Christmas parties with plaid pants a-plenty, tea parties, holiday meals and even some mug-waving piano parties with my parents’ musically talented friend from the UK. The most important quality of 588 Turner was that everyone always felt a warm sense of welcome within those walls. Whether it was the UPS man delivering office supplies, neighbors coming in the side door off the driveway, clients, contractors, childhood friends, employees, advertising reps or my Dad’s golf buddies… everyone felt a strong sense of belonging in this special space.


As we open the doors on our 34th annual Old House New House Home Show, we hope that you feel this same warm welcome as you browse through booths from this gathering of our skilled clients and talented participants. Thank you for attending this event and here’s to creating the memorable, magical home of your dreams.


Laura Kennedy McNamara lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her family, where she is working on her own fixer-upper one room at a time. www.kennedyproductions.com

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

2018 Old House New House Home Show Returns

Old House New House Home Show Returns, February 9 - 10 - 11, 2018

Join us this weekend, only at Pheasant Run Resort.



Celebrating the Spirit of Home Transformation Since 1984

Update, renovate and revitalize home surroundings with 300 award-winning contractors, talented designers, select remodelers, leading brands and creative craftsmen. Explore the latest in building, remodeling, kitchens, baths, basements, additions, landscaping, architecture, interior designs, exteriors, flooring and more. Enjoy daily workshops and attractions for ideas, information and inspiration to tackle projects with ease. A portion of event proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity/ReStore of Northern Fox Valley.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hCnKpOsbXkw?rel=0" width="100%" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

What’s New In Kitchen Design

Talking Trends with Pamela Coslet, CEO of Vineyard Chic Kitchens

There is no other room in the house as revered as the kitchen. We use it for the obvious, such as cooking, but also for entertaining, studying, gathering and even working. Here are some of the top trends in the forefront of kitchen design today:


Tendency Towards Technology


According to Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine, Nov. – Dec. 2017 issue, technology in the kitchen is in some cases as important as the design itself. Appliances, light fixtures, security programs and thermostats are Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled and can easily connect to phones or virtual assistants. Manufacturers are making homes smarter by adding conveniences such as mobile video home monitoring and home “app” controls. These systems have the ability to observe the occupants’ movements and even report falls or lack of actions, which can save lives. Self-diagnostics for appliances and refrigerators that can take their own inventory help both with the elderly and for those that simply need more time in their lives.


Savvy Storage


Our clients tell us that second to a creative, beautiful design, adding storage and making it easier to use is the biggest motivator they have in deciding to redesign. Storage should be accessible and provide multi-functional spaces for guests and families. Solutions today can be included in pantries or beverage centers to create more space. Full-access cabinetry, sometimes known as frameless, gives users a greater range of access to the interior of a cabinet. Cabinets that slide out eliminate straining to reach an item. Lift systems for upper cabinets, either manual or automatic, make it much easier to access items, especially for cabinets above refrigerators or ovens. Drawers and organization systems, such as pull-out spice shelves in base cabinets are also important additions. Great ideas that we used in our own kitchen remodel include building upper cabinets deeper to 15” rather than the standard 12” depth, giving us more space to store dishes and glasses. We also replaced most of the base cabinets with drawers. Building a step stool right into a cabinet is another great idea for those height challenged individuals for accessing hard to reach upper shelves.


Gray, Black and White


These colors can work to varying degrees, whether in cabinets, countertops, appliances or subtle hues coming through in various accents such as kitchen accessories. While black and white have always been popular finishes, 2017 was key for gray products and this trend will continue in 2018. Color mixing in cabinets, such as gray on the lowers and white on the uppers, will continue as well.


Industrial Design


This style has grown in popularity in recent years. It became especially popular in Scandinavia and with city dwellers in the U.S. in the past few years and is set to continue in 2018. Characterized by details such as exposed brick and pipes, rustic metals and minimalist furniture, the trend is inspired by factory spaces. This look combines the beauty of raw materials such as wood, stone and concrete, echoing our desire to rein things in, back to what really matters: form, function and aesthetics. The 2011 Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS) featured this look, but it had not yet appealed to the clients we were serving in the Western Suburbs. Now, we see it and use it in our designs all the time. In fact, in our new Geneva showroom, we used the “bones” of an older space that had exposed brick, distressed iron and pipes, adding modern influences such as flat panel
cabinetry in colors of white, deep navy, gray and earthy hues as well as chrome, silver and gold plumbing fixtures.


Light It Up


Lighting is a critical part of kitchen design. Ceiling canned lighting can be redistributed and bulbs can be replaced with more efficient and cost-saving LED. Under, over and in-cabinet LED lighting that can dim and brighten at the touch of a remote not only creates beauty and ambiance, but can also provide ample lighting for various tasks and family activities.


Multi-Generational Living


More and more, families are moving in together and people are staying in their homes longer. Creating a design that fits everybody is essential. Design elements have to have simple, intuitive uses. Space design should involve low physical effort. In the kitchen, these principles are essential not only for prevention of injury, but also to make daily tasks easier. During a recent workshop at the National Innovation Center for Aging, participants in multi-generational homes were asked what their key requests were for the kitchen of the future. Answers included voice activation, a big screen for Skype/FaceTime, two workstations, flexible height surfaces and accessible storage.


Choice Materials


The number of people upgrading from laminate to quartz has risen steadily throughout 2017. This trend looks set to continue in the year ahead as the quality and value of materials becomes an important consideration. Previously, quartz was seen as a luxury kitchen surface, perhaps out of the price range of the average household, but the development of composite surfaces is opening up.


Clean and Clutter-Free


Having clutter-free worktops is an emerging interior design trend.  It can open up the space of a kitchen and allow the home cook to calmly prepare their food on a clear surface. Cabinetry options are developing to enable this layout, featuring various compartments, deep drawers and shelves for everything from seasonings and oils to paper towels and tea bags. Designers still prefer to hide small kitchen appliances, therefore food processors and coffee pots will find homes in tall appliance garages. Clear countertops can also create the illusion of a larger kitchen.


Healthy Living


The outcome of a kitchen renovation can vary, but according to houzz.com, a third of homeowners report that they are leading healthier lifestyles after completing a kitchen renovation. This is reflected in cooking more meals at home, ordering less takeout, and eating more fruits and vegetables. In fact, three quarters of homeowners cook five or more meals at home each week after a kitchen renovation.
Stand in your own kitchen, close your eyes and imagine what features and benefits are possible to make your lives brighter, more comfortable and happier. The opportunities have never been greater than today.
.
Visit Pamela and Bill Coslet and the talented Vineyard Chic team in Booth #111, or at their showroom located at 211 James St. Unit C in Geneva or on-line at www.vineyardchickitchens.com.


Thursday, January 25, 2018

SPARK IDEAS FOR SPRING REMODELING, RENOVATIONS, TRANSFORMATIONS

The Old House New House Home Show Returns for 34th Inspiring Season

January 22, 2018 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura McNamara
Office:  630/515-1160
Mobile: 630/269-1160
E-Mail: Laura@kennedyproductions.com

> Download the 2018 Press Release

Explore the latest trends in home improvement at The Old House New House Home Show, February 9th, 10th and 11th at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main Street in St. Charles. Since 1984, this event has been bringing together an outstanding roster of select participants featuring award-winning contractors, talented designers, creative craftsmen, trade specialists, national brands and industry innovators.  This year’s event will host 300 exhibitors and welcome an expected audience of 10,000 area homeowners for this weekend celebration.  The Mega Center and Ballroom both will be brimming and bustling with engaging displays, new products and specialty services for home living and design.  Discover fresh ideas for kitchens, baths, basements, tile with style, countertops, additions, new construction, architecture, fabulous flooring, landscaping, savvy storage, renewable energy, home automation, painting, window treatments, roofing, waterproofing, insulation, custom closets, fireplaces, heating and air, windows, doors and more.  Show hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.  Tickets are available at the door or in advance through Eventbrite. Adult admission is $7.  Senior admission (for 62+) is $4.  Children under 18 attend free.  Parking is free.  A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley and their ReStores in Elgin/Chicago.  Visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160 for more details.

Design workshops are included with admission. “Design Your Dream Kitchen” will be presented each day at 2 pm by Normandy Remodeling.  Each day at 1 pm, “Beautiful Bathrooms” will be hosted by Advance Design Studio.  Synergy Builders will present “Decorating Trends” on Sunday only at noon.  New this year: “Design in Landscaping: Color and Trends” will be offered by Grant and Power at noon on Friday and Saturday.  Lou Manfredini, Mr. Fix It, will be in the house for a live broadcast of his WGN Radio “Mr. Fix It” program, courtesy of Lindemann Chimney, on Saturday from 7 to 10 am.  Following the broadcast, Lou Manfredini will meet and greet fans in the Perma-Seal booth from 10:30 to 11:30.  For a complete schedule of workshops, exhibitor list preview and a printable admission coupon, visit www.kennedyproductions.com.

Photo provided courtesy of Synergy Builders, Inc.


About Kennedy Productions, Inc.

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