Visit the Capital Home Show This Weekend at Dulles Expo Center

By Mary Ann Barton

Headlining the 2013 CAPITAL HOME SHOW Friday through Sunday at Chantilly's Dulles Expo Center will be DIY Network’s Bath Crashers and Bathtastic Matt Muenster as well as HGTV’s Design Star Meg Caswell.

More than 400 companies will be on hand to showcase the latest products and services in home remodeling. Special features like “Ask the Appraiser,” Handy Girl Workshops as well as seminars on the Fresh Ideas Home Stage will enable attendees to have one-on-one sessions with local experts. 

A busy schedule of informational sessions will be conducted throughout the three-day event. The show runs from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased online at www.capitalhomeshow.com

Friday, Sept. 20: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 22: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tickets (single tickets valid for one day of show):

$10 Box Office adult admission
$7 Adult online admission

$6 Group tickets (20 or more)

$3 Children 6-12 years-old admission
FREE Children 5 years and under

Don't miss these featured home show stars this weekend!

• Matt Muenster: Licensed contractor Matt Muenster sees every house project, whether he’s ripping apart dated bathrooms using the latest construction technology or completely gutting his own kitchen, as a chance to use his clever ideas to achieve great design while integrating earth-friendly elements. Matt earned his degree in interior design from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He initially got his feet wet designing restaurants and casinos and even worked on the Angolan Project in Africa. Eventually, his fervor for design shifted to the residential sector.  His professional experience includes high-end interior design, and he gets an adrenaline rush every time he transforms a boring bathroom into a fantastic one.  He will on stage on Friday and Saturday.

• Meg Caswell: Meg says she began her career in design the moment she decided not to attend law school. After she earned a degree in criminology, she soon enrolled at The Art Institute of Chicago where she earned a B.F.A. in interior architecture. The interpersonal skills she learned during her criminology studies help her develop profiles of her clients and uncover their true design preferences. As the owner of a design firm and a home decor store in Chicago, Meg characterizes herself as a determined, direct and high-energy competitor. She describes her design style as a preppy mix of modern and traditional, but she also counts the vibrant pastel colors of "Palm Beach chic" among her favorite looks. She will be on the stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

• Ask the Appraiser: Consumers are encouraged to bring in their silver, glass, jewelry, coins, stamps, clocks, books, ceramics, pottery, comic books, toys, flatware, musical instruments, medical antiques, science antiques and walking sticks for a free appraisal! Todd Peenstra, president of Peenstra Antiques Appraisals, will be at the show, all three days, to speak to consumers about their items. Todd can help you determine what your items are worth and how you can sell them. Todd has more than 20 years of experience buying, selling and appraising antiques for one of the world’s leading art and antique galleries. Todd can provide professional appraisals for valuation, estate planning and insurance purposes.  Appraisals can be conducted using photographs as well.

• Fresh Ideas Home Stage: New ideas and inspiration! Enjoy presentations pertaining to remodeling, renovation, home decor and fall outdoor projects.