Last chance to discover design ideas at annual Home Show

Sunday is the last chance for homeowners to gain inspiration and solutions for their spring and home garden projects at this year’s Greater Kansas City Home Show at Bartle Hall, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA).

Attendees will find nearly 250 exhibitors including landscapers, builders, remodelers, interior designers and contractors offering a bevy of cutting edge decorating, design and building trends and construction materials.

Visitors won’t want to miss the Landscaping Square, home to the KCHBA Build Zone feature “The Scout Shack,” a beautiful 700-square-foot cabin featuring the latest design and construction materials. Built on site by homebuilder and former HBA President Chris Ragland, owner of Homes by Chris, patrons can walk through to touch and feel surfaces in an actual room.

“The purpose of the cabin,” said Ragland, “is to display design and construction trends and the latest finishes to inspire those remodeling or building a home. There are a lot of great new finishes and products out there.”

Guests will notice that barn wood has been used in several places as accents, including the kitchen, fireplace and walls in the bedroom and bath.

“Barn wood has made a huge comeback with people desiring to be more green and recycling when possible,” noted Ragland.

Other design trends displayed include a farmhouse sink, solid-surface counter tops with an under-counter beverage refrigerator, a freestanding tub and an old schoolhouse vanity and pebble floor in the bath.

The Scout Shack will be donated after the Home Show to the Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America Council, for use at their Osceola, Mo., Scout Reservation.

Another highlight is featured headliners on the Spaces Stage Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., they will share their design tips for creating feel-good spaces. Natural and unassuming, the Gaineses have a relaxed charm and appealing chemistry that shines through as they help clients purchase a home and renovate it to function for today’s lifestyle.

In addition to being builders and remodeling their own home, owning a real estate sales company and developing a gated community of villas in Waco, Texas, Joanna also has a retail online and storefront company, Magnolia Market.

For Do-It-Yourselfers desiring to freshen their home on a budget, Joanna suggests starting small with cosmetic changes or re-arranging a room to better fit the family’s needs.

“Don’t be afraid to break the rules,” she said. “For example, an unused formal living or dining room could become a playroom for the kiddos. I try to make the home work for the homeowners’ needs (and) encourage others to try something new and not be afraid to go with your gut.”

Shoppers will delight in the KC Pop-up Cash and Carry Market offering Zum products; spices, salts and sweets; and custom reclaimed wood pieces. Stop by the Photo Bus to capture a photo memory taken in an awesome vintage VW bus. Pet lovers will have the opportunity to find a new four-legged friend from Furry Kids’ Refuge or MoKan Greyhound Adoption.

The Pub in the Park beer garden returns this year for show visitors to relax and enjoy a Boulevard beer with a view of all the beautiful lawn and garden displays, or watch a little basketball on TV.

Support Kansas City’s Beautiful Fountains: Each year on the second Tuesday in April, the city celebrates Greater Kansas City Fountain Day, when all 48 publicly-operated fountains spring back to life.

Kansas Citians are proud to call their home The City of Fountains. The City of Fountains Foundation recognizes the important role the fountains play as sources of beauty and celebration. The Foundation works in partnership with Kansas City Parks to operate and maintain all 48 fountains, many of which date back to the late 1800s and are in various stages of repair or restoration.

The Home Builders Association is proud to be a part of this effort by offering two-for-one admission today with a donation of $5 at the door to the City of Fountains Foundation. For more information about the City of Fountains Foundation and how to support its efforts, visit its website at kcfountains.com.

This story was originally published March 21, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Last chance to discover design ideas at annual Home Show."