C.O. Home Show returns as industry rebounds

“The floor, I think, looks plastic, and they sound plastic,” a woman at the Central Oregon Spring Home and Garden Show said Friday about her home’s kitchen floor. which she hates.

“You can smell the feet. The shoes in the closet. The closet is so tiny that you can smell the foot odor in the closet, so it’s really bad,” said another woman who plans to remodel her master bedroom, bathroom and closet.

Ugly kitchens get Neil Kelly Design Consultant Nate Ewen excited.

As well as bathrooms and closets with those stinky shoes.

“To bring in the creativity and experiences I have, and put those to use, it’s all part of the fun,” Ewen said.

Remodeling and design firm Neil Kelly set up a couple booths at the Home and Garden Show, giving tips, holding workshops and answering a lot of questions — especially about two particular rooms.

“It’s always going to be the kitchen and baths — the two most expensive rooms in the houses,” Ewen said.

“A Fiberglass tub enclosure that’s kind of yellow, and cracking and looking awful,” said a woman who told NewsChannel 21 she needs to remodel her guest bathroom.

Ewen said this year, they’ve noticed in increase in business: “2013 has taken off with tremendous impact,” he said. “The first quarter of the year, there’s been a tremendous spike, here locally and nationally.”

Ewen said the latest trends are all about bringing nature indoors — natural woods, and lots of stone surfaces — cosmetic appeal is a popular remodel.

Asked about the updates most people are interested in, Ewen said, “Improving the surfaces — new counter tops, new appliances, maybe new flooring and maybe refinishing the face of the cabinets.”

Redoing a room can cost a pretty penny — anywhere from about $10,000 to $40,000 for a cosmetic fix, according to Ewen.

But there’s also simple ways to make a difference.

“Cabinetry (that) has no hardware on it — simply adding pulls and knobs make a very little statement, but it’s noticeable,” he said.

Thinking of selling your home? Ewen says don’t go overboard with the cosmetic design. Instead, invest in practical repairs.

“Roofing replacement, siding, windows — numbers are showing those a higher value, recoup value than a remodeling project,” Ewen said.

But for those who are rooted, it’s time to finally get rid of the ugly.

“It will be wonderful to have a different floor, maybe even a heated floor,” a woman said.

“I’m really excited, especially about the closet,” said another.

The Home and Garden show will continue Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year, admission is free to the event at the the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond.

Neil Kelly is holding workshops for remodeling bathrooms, kitchen and flooring at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.