Rebuilding Homes with a Heart

The Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show is partnering with Rebuilding Together OKC to help homeowners who need an extra hand with maintenance and repairs. The organization works with low-income homeowners in the metro area to make free, critical house repairs and updates such as patching leaky roofs, fixing broken stairs and installing grab bars.

“While inspiring homeowners to revamp their own homes and gardens, we also want to encourage people to learn how they can help others in our community by supporting local charities,” said RaeAnn Saunders, Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show manager. “Rebuilding Together OKC does valuable work in neighborhoods all over central Oklahoma, and we want visitors to learn how they can help.”

Visitors to the show will get a chance to learn more about Rebuilding Together OKC as well as see their impact through interactive displays and fun projects for children, including painting birdhouses for a small donation. Representatives will be on hand to answer any questions and provide more information about the organization.

Rebuilding Together OKC will also be one of several presenters on the Lifestyle Stage throughout the weekend. Experts in home safety and renovation will discuss “Fire Prevention,” “Dry, Safe & Warm” and “Aging in Place”.

“Years of deferred home maintenance can lead to major problems that impact homeowner health as well as community well-being,” said Mike Edmison, executive director of Rebuilding Together OKC. “We want visitors to the Home and Garden Show to learn how simple home repairs can make a big difference in the lives of their families, friends and neighbors.”

Since 1992, approximately 50,000 volunteers have helped Rebuilding Together OKC update and refurbish more than 3,000 homes, 30 non-profit facilities and eight public school buildings – a value of more than $20 million to the community.

Enter the promo code RTOKC to save $3 when purchasing Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show tickets online. Visitors will also have the opportunity to donate to the organization. Learn more about Rebuilding Together OKC by visiting their booth in the Modern Living building. 

STATE FAIRGROUNDS OF OKLAHOMA
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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5 Things to Know about Two Chicks and a Hammer

As HGTV’s newest stars, mother-daughter duo Karen Rominger and Mina Starsiak has learned a thing or two about home renovation. Here are five things you can learn from the spunky pair about creating a pretty home.

Q: What’s your least favorite chore when it comes to home maintenance or housekeeping?

Karen: Cleaning the gutters. It’s time-consuming and dirty.

Mina: Sweeping! I have a pitbull and a shepard mix that seem to shed non-stop.

Q: Landscapes can look great in spring and summer but dead in winter. What are your best tips to help homeowners with curb appeal year-round?

Karen: Keep the front of your house clean and tidy. Sweep the walk, keep the mulch in the beds, remove dead plant material and mow the grass.

Mina: Decorate for the seasons, even if it’s small. When flowerbeds are bare, you can still add color. A stack of pumpkins on the porch is festive while containers brimming with colorful flowers and plants can easily be moved indoors in a freeze. And put a wreath on your front door, but think beyond Christmas. Consider the other holidays and seasons like Easter and spring, or hang one just because it’s pretty.

Q: What’s one simple thing homeowners can do to improve their landscape or garden?

Karen: Mow high, at least 3".  

Mina: Put fresh mulch down…it makes everything look new again.

Q: Not all homeowners are DIYers. What should they look for when it comes to working with a contractor or interior designer?

Karen: Interview multiple contractors. Pick someone whose price is not at the top or bottom of the price range for services in your area.

Mina: Pick someone based on referrals. And don’t always go for the cheapest. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

Q: It’s holiday season. What’s your go-to hostess gift?

Karen: Wine and a candle are always festive and helpful.

Mina: Definitely a bottle of wine. It helps the hostess with the menu and puts everyone in the holiday spirit.

Karen and Mina will take over the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show Lifestyle Stage on Friday, January 15th at 4pm and 7pm and Saturday, January 16th at 3pm and 7pm. Join them for home improvement tips and advice as well as project ideas.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We'd love to see you there! 

STATE FAIRGROUNDS OF OKLAHOMA
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Giveaways Galore at the 2016 Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show

Attendees at the 2016 Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show will have the chance to enter special contests to win cool prizes. From dropping your name in a jar to taking a selfie with coveted home and garden decor, entering - and winning - couldn’t be easier.

Cooking in the Great Outdoors – Country Leisure is building an outdoor kitchen on the Lifestyle Stage that will be raffled after the show. Sign up at their booth 734 in the Centennial building or at the Lifestyle Stage. The kitchen is valued at $10,000.

A Super Feast – Head Country Foods is taking their smoker to one lucky winner’s Super Bowl party to prepare catering onsite. Up to 40 guests will be treated to ribs, smoked chicken, pork tenderloin and sides. This yummy, fun-filled party is valued at $1,200.

Screened In – Phantom Screens is giving away three standard sized patio screens valued at $10,000. The winner’s home must already have a covered patio, be planning a remodel or under new construction. Sign up at the show office in the Cox Pavilion or online.

Make your own wish list – Find something in a vendor’s booth that you want for your home or backyard. Then post a picture on social media using #OKCHomeShow. You may win a gift certificate from a participating vendor to help your home and garden wishes come true!

The show is open Friday 12 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $12 at the door, or attendees can receive a discount by purchasing tickets online or at Buy for Less stores. Children under 12 are free.

STATE FAIRGROUNDS OF OKLAHOMA
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Home and Garden Design Trends for 2014

The Top Trends

Are you already pining for warm spring breezes so you can get your hands dirty in the garden? Are you anxious to get started on that home improvement list that you've been putting off all winter? Join the crowd at this year’s Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show January 17-19 and get a head start on the biggest trends in décor, design and landscaping. Soon you’ll be seeing more color than just the winter blues.

Color Coordinating

If you’re ready for an easy change in your home without the cost and commitment of a major renovation, look to Pantone. Known worldwide as the standard language for color communication, the company recently released their favorite color pick for 2014 - Radiant Orchid. Pantone touts the purple hue as “a vibrant color [that] is sure to liven up neutrals.” For everyone from first-time homebuyers and decorators to renovating pros, Radiant Orchid may just be the color that can reenergize even the most tired color palette.

“My clients are asking for a lot more color,” said Denise Smith, C.I.D., owner of at Decorating Den Interiorsin Norman and vendor at the 2014 Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show. “From large painted rooms to smaller accessories and accents pieces, color is becoming more popular.”

Smith thinks Radiant Orchid is a good choice for the year’s feature color. “While Pantone’s 2013 color Emerald Green was gorgeous, it just didn't take off and become something that people incorporated into their homes. I think this year’s color is bold without being overwhelming and will be pretty almost anywhere you use it.”

Garden Variety

Planting season may be a few months away, but you can get an early start by touring the feature gardens at the Show. TLC Garden Center will focus on helping visitors envision their Backyard Oasis by showcasing an outdoor kitchen, sitting areas, a firepit, hot tub and raised vegetable beds.

“The big ideas for this year are finding more ways to live outdoors, even if you just have a small yard,” TLC landscape designer Shaun Doering said. “Urban gardening is a growing trend, and we have some great ideas for growing flowers and plants as well as vegetables in a small space.”

Tony Mussatto, owner of Tony’s Tree Plantation, is also noticing that clients want to spend more of their time living and playing outdoors. Their Ultimate Backyard will feature a basketball court, putting green, outdoor kitchen, natural log structures, a fire pit and unique water features. But don’t get overwhelmed by all the options, Tony warns.

“Most clients know what they want. They just do not know where to start,” Tony said. “Any design is doable, and we have a plan to make our clients’ dreams come true while staying on budget.”

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While spring may still be several weeks away, visiting the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show is a good way to get a jump on updating your home and refreshing your gardens. Purchase your tickets now and help Jack Frost pack his bags a little early this year. 

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Home + Garden with a Heart - Habitat Helps Moore Tornado Victims

Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity Helps Moore Tornado Victims

In Moore, Oklahoma, a place devastated by a tornado that destroyed nearly 1,200 homes, killed 23 people and injured 377, Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity is providing help and hope. And as the 2014 Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show feature charity, show visitors can provide hope too.

Click here and save $2 on tickets with code: HABITAT

In spring of 2014, Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity plans to build at least 10 houses in Moore. Not only will the Habitat homes help bring life back into the city, they will also help many of the families who previously rented build equity through homeownership. And that fact makes Habitat for Humanity executive director Linda Banta very excited.

“The families in Moore have been through so much,” said Banta. “We are thrilled to not only help them rebuild their lives, but also help them achieve a piece of the American Dream.  About 80 percent of our families were previously renting, and now they get to help build their own homes. It’s a really exciting time for them – and us.”

Banta says research shows that children who grow up in homes owned by their parents are more likely to go on to college. The organization is looking forward to teaching future generations about the value of homeownership and providing them a safe, warm place to call home.

Volunteers from all over the United States will converge in Moore to help Habitat for Humanity and the homeowners with the effort.

“Volunteers call us nearly every day to help with our houses,” Banta said. “We have out-of-state university students joining us in the spring and a group from RV Care-A-Vanners who travel to solely to help Habitat for Humanity coming in March. We’ve noticed a big upsurge in our volunteer base since the storms, and we are inspired by how supportive the entire country has been.”

Banta is still looking for a tornado shelter company to help provide shelters at a discounted price.

“We definitely want to provide the shelters so our families are safe if another tornado does come through.  We’re currently looking for a shelter company to provide shelters so we can still keep the homes affordable for the homeowners.”

You can help Habitat for Humanity and the Moore homeowners too! Cleveland County Habitat will be selling tickets to the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show in their ReStore with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the organization. Tickets can also be purchased online using promo code HABITAT. Attend the Show January 17-19, and stop by the Habitat for Humanity booth number 1723 to purchase tickets for a chance to win a beautiful playhouse (pictured on the right). For a small donation, children can also paint and decorate a wooden birdhouse.

“We are excited to participate in the Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show to help raise much needed funds,” Banta added. “But this will also be a really good opportunity to raise awareness about Habitat for Humanity and remind everyone how rewarding helping others can be. We hope attendees will stop by our booth to learn more about how they can help - whether they are handy at swinging a hammer or not, there’s projects for everyone to do!”

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