First-time Wheeling home show declared a success

Suburban homeowners had a chance to talk with contractors, gardeners, builders and even a television star Sunday about the latest in residential products and trends, during the North Shore Home and Garden Expo Sunday at the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling.

Hundreds of home improvement exhibits and displays featured thousands of inspiring ideas to remodel, repair and beautify homes.

“We've got probably 100 vendors and 120 booths in two halls that include a marketplace that has really nice shopping experiences,” said Sandy Hardescy, president of Showcase Productions. “This is a first-time event and has been really well attended. It has been phenomenal for everybody.”

Kelly Edwards, host of HGTV's “Design on a Dime” and Style Network's “Tacky House,” answered questions on design trends for decorating a home.

“It's the first year here and I think the turnout has been pretty good,” said Juliet LeMarre, owner of Vintage L'Abeille in Lake Bluff. ”There have been a lot of people that have been excited about it. A lot of people that were looking yesterday came backing back today to buy things that they were taking a look at.”

The two-day event also featured demonstrations on “Planting Your Vegetable Garden' by the University of Illinois Extension of Master Gardeners and “Designing Your Dream Kitchen” by premier sponsor Normandy Remodeling.