Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home

Not long ago, I went on a mission… more of a home improvement quest really, a search and rescue operation in my basement.  With the doors wide open venting fresh air, my heavy-duty gloves pulled on and an armload full of old rags, I went in search of some hidden beauty I knew existed within the walls of my own home.

This project unfolded following a nice conversation with a previous owner of our residence.  She mentioned that the basement walls originally had hand-painted murals around the perimeter walls, but with time, they had been painted over.

How exciting!  I love a good mystery, but with my limited skills, I had no clue where to start.  My detective work began and what better place to explore than The Old House New House Home Show?  I shared my discovery with long-standing participant, Maury Garvey, The Painting Craftsman.  He inspired my reconnaissance mission by explaining that the latex paint on the surface could be chemically removed, leaving the oil-based murals intact.  

I checked in with my handyman, whom I also initially connected with at The Old House New House Home Show.  He explained the products to use, where to find them and how to dispose of the fume-filled rags upon completion.  The pace is tedious, tragically slow even, but little by little I am finding a hidden treasure.

Now I know that not everyone is as enthused and enthralled as I am about unearthing secret hunting and sport-themed murals in their basements.  I’m not even sure that I’m going to like these murals once they’re uncovered.  After all, someone did decide to paint over them.  My point is that The Old House New House Home Show provides fertile ground for sparking ideas on how to uncover the hidden potential in any home.

With 300 award-winning contractors, creative craftsmen, select remodelers and leading brands participating, and new trends, cutting-edge styles and savvy solutions swirling about, you are bound to have an abundance of ideas on how to transform your living space.  Share ideas with the experts on hand.  Investigate options and brainstorm solutions with the experienced experts participating.  Dig in to the indispensible knowledge on hand.  Discover illuminating ideas and unfurl your own treasure map on how to make your living space more comfortable, cozy, flowing and functional.

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

Palettes, Paint and Professionalism - A Minute with Maury Garvey, the Painting Craftsman

For over thirty years, Maury Garvey has been a vital participant in The Old House New House Home Show, sharing and showcasing his talents as a decorative artist.  An expert in the use of many design techniques and paint color applications, Maury has a whole-hearted zeal for his craft.  Event Manager, Laura McNamara, interviews this mindful, inspiring and exuberant exhibitor.

How did you get started in this line of work?

I grew up in Oak Park and in the 1970’s I employed myself as a painter throughout high school and college. As I developed my craft, I gave away a second or third color free, to get jobs painting the exteriors of our neighborhood’s Victorian homes. The demand for my multi-colored painting was great and I developed my talent in designing color combinations.  In my early years of creating Painted Ladies it was easy to walk through the neighborhood and know the homes I had painted.

What are your favorite tools to us in your craft?

There are two kinds of tools to use in every work project: physical tools and mental ones.  It is the good use of both that keeps productivity high enough for something artistic to be expressed.  The personal challenge in business is being able to make real what I envision in my mind at a reasonable cost.  I have always been thankful for the people that have saved some money beyond what is necessary for survival.  Centuries ago, it was mostly the kings and princes, the governors that had the savings to hire crafts-persons.  Today, many people have generated enough wealth and savings to be patrons of the arts.

Can you share some tips on color theory?

When using color as part of decoration, I want to use the complete color spectrum in any color scheme.  This is easy to do because every color can be created through some combination of red, yellow and blue.  Even a two color scheme can cover the full color spectrum: for example, a reddish color with a greenish one or a blue color would work well with orange. 

How do you define your signature style?

When I work with multiple colors, inside or outside, I want to layer the colors in a sequence, such as, from lighter to darker or from subtle to bold.  My rule is: “Accent nothing in particular and everything in general.”  In other words, I want the space, room or house to be taken as a whole where any accented features subtly fit.

What tips from the trade can you share with our homeowners?

Any interior room wall color can be enhanced by adding a few drops of its opposite color to ceiling white. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

My best work, as a painting contractor, is intended to provide more than a protective coating to a wall or other surface: I also want to create something pleasing to behold.  Most of my clients are also interested in something beyond just presentable surfaces.  They are interested in living in an attractive space - a place that feels like a home - which is an inviting and pleasant place to be in. 

How has your business changed over the years?

In the early 1980s, we did our first experimenting with lye based strippers to remove paint. It developed into a cost effective method that was not so environmentally friendly. Around 1990, I began utilizing other paint strippers that were less toxic.  They were much more expensive to use, but they eventually made real that near ideal surface on which to paint.  The paint coatings have improved significantly over the years.

Can you share any industry insights or professional pointers?

Sometimes a craftsperson’s art is expressed in design or style and sometimes it is expressed in the care of a job well done.  To increase the quality of our work and to decrease the cost of its long term maintenance, we have developed preparation techniques that allow the paint we apply to last as long as possible.  The most common problem causing paint failure is the thick, “alligatored” paint under the new coating.  Whether inside or outside, at some point, the old paint must be removed.  Quality paint, properly applied, should last beyond ten years; and I now have examples past fifteen years.  Not every surface will last that long but many will.  Once a house is painted well, it becomes a matter of maintaining it properly – touch up what needs doing and leave the rest.  

Do you have any advice for homeowners attending this event?

As you walk through the Old House New House show, you have the opportunity to meet some real crafts-persons who truly enjoy their work.  Many exhibitors have been here numerous years, like I have.  Ask us questions.  We have knowledge to share with you and we like to talk about what we do best.

Maury Garvey is an award-winning decorative artist and the owner of The Painting Craftsman. He specializes in painted ladies, historic homes, interior/exterior painting and color consultations.   For more information visit Booth #1000 in the Ballroom or www.thepaintingcraftsman.com.

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