2014 Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show to Feature Special Attractions

Jan. 30, 2014

An enhanced Outdoor Living Area, the Schlossmann’s Automotive Group Vehicle Display, an Interior Design Contest between local colleges, and the “Get Your Motor Runnin’” garage display are some of the attractions at the 52nd annual Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis, Thurs., Feb. 13, through Sun., Feb. 16.

The Show’s Outdoor Living Area will feature a Wisconsin Wilderness theme, with landscaping, hardscaping, and water features. Participating Milwaukee/NARI members in the Outdoor Living Area construction include Aquatica, a division of Dean Pipito Waterfeatures, Breezy Hill Nursery, Exteriors Unlimited Landscape Contractors, and Innovative Exteriors Landscape.

The design, inspired by the northern woods of Wisconsin, will incorporate a fishing cabin setting with streams and waterfalls that includes underwater lighting. A combination of native and exotic stone types, muted evergreens, soft ground covers, and ornamental grasses will be displayed amongst the water features.

Captn Bob and Arlo, hosts of Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio, will broadcast live from the Home Improvement Show on Saturday, February 15, plus appear in the “Get Your Motor Runnin’” garage display on February 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, February 16 from noon – 3:00 p.m. Sponsored by American Garage Builders with interior design provided by Closet Concepts, the Get Your Motor Runnin’” display area will feature new products for the garage, including organizers, tools, and flooring.

Attendees will have an opportunity to serve as judges of an Interior Design Contest sponsored by Nehmey Construction, which will pit students from Gateway Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Mount Mary University, and Waukesha County Technical College each designing and creating a 12' x 12' garage with a theme of “bring the outside in.” The participating schools, who will each receive $1,000 for the school’s interior design program, are creating the following designs:

Gateway Technical College: a dining room with an elegant ambiance using
elements inspired by the outdoors will feature warm, neutral tones with earthy prints and finishes to create a classic and informal space. Gourmet Mushroom painted walls with white birch branches arranged against the orange far wall will give a nod to nature. A unique selection for the room will be a dining table created from a reclaimed section of fence which has been painted and distressed. Each chair surrounding the table will be distinctive and unified by the same color pallet. The walls will be appointed with salvaged window shutters, exterior lanterns, and a mirrored window while birdcages will function as artistic light fixtures.

Milwaukee Area Technical College: The room will be a child's playroom with an urban concept of the outdoors, utilizing bold colors and kid friendly furniture selections, a different take on a traditional concept.

Mount Mary University: a rustic and feminine style home den will be created, including natural wood textures combined with light and airy colors. This design will also focus on the use of sustainable and reclaimed products.

Waukesha County Technical College: A front porch will feature rockers, a small table and chairs, a screen door, and siding.

The latest 2014 cars and trucks will also be shown inside the expo center in the Schlossmann Auto Group display, including the Honda CRV, Subaru Forrester, and Jeep Cherokee.

Providing attendees with a central location to learn about the various components of the country’s largest home improvement council, the Milwaukee/NARI Information Center will have members from different areas of the association, including Membership, Education/Certification, and the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation, the association’s charitable arm. At least one of the association’s Certified Professionals will be in the Information Center at all times to answer consumer inquiries relating to home improvement and remodeling.

A tablescape design competition will allow attendees to vote on romance themed tablescapes that will be located on the Show floor and enter a drawing to win gift certificates from area fine dining restaurants. Everdry Waterproofing, Jewell Design & Staging, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, and the Zilli Hospitality Group will present the tablescapes, and the display with the most votes will be announced at the close of the Show on Feb. 16.

The Coffee and Media Lounge will provide an area for Show attendees to relax as they walk the aisles, as well as enjoy a complimentary coffee and play complimentary Wii games.

The Kids Creative Zone, sponsored by Special Spaces Wisconsin, will be open 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 15 and Feb 16, featuring Valentine’s arts and crafts, interactive activities, face painting, and an opportunity to take a photo with Gerry the Carpenter Ant, Milwaukee/NARI’s mascot.
Ultimate Confections will be at the Show during its entire run selling an assortment of fine chocolates and other treats for Valentine’s Day weekend. On Feb. 14, the first 500 attendees will receive a special Valentine’s Day treat from Ultimate Confections. In addition, Milwaukee caricature artist Bill Begos will once again be at the Show, sketching caricatures for attendees on Fri., Feb. 14 for Valentine’s Day for a five dollar donation.

A mascot basketball game featuring Gerry, the Milwaukee/NARI Carpenter Ant mascot on Feb. 15 at 1:00 p.m. Other mascots scheduled to appear include Gill from the Lakeshore Chinooks, Heart from Ebenezer Child Care Centers, Rooty from the Sprecher Brewing Company, Wilbur from Famous Dave's, Cravin D Creampuff from the Wisconsin Bakers Association, Parky the VMP Bear from the Village at Manor Park, and Stubby from Marcus Theaters.

Cosponsored by the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the 2014 Show will provide Milwaukee/NARI, the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 52 years, with the opportunity to have its members demonstrate for consumers how they can “Put A Little Love in Your Home,” the theme for the Show.

Hours on Thurs., Feb. 13 are noon – 8:00 p.m., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 14, and Sat., Feb. 15; and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 16. Admission is $5 in advance, $8 at the door. Tickets for those 60 and older are $5.00, with a special price of $4.00 at the door on Thurs., Feb. 13, for Senior Day sponsored by Callen Construction, Inc. Children 16 and younger and all military personnel with a military photo ID card will be admitted free.

For more information, visit www.milwaukeenari.org or call 414-771-4071.

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