Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show Filled With Ideas

The 44th Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show will feature new home and outdoor designs, technology and upgrades. The show takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, at the Hyatt Regency Westlake (880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village). Vendors include over 170 local contractors, landscapers, interior designers, smart home technology experts, solar installers and other home improvement professionals.

“The show's variety of vendors means there are products and ideas for every taste and style,” says Rick Goodman, show organizer.

Coming back to the home show for a third year is Rustic Wood Accents (www.rusticwoodaccents.com). The family-run business, owned by Ed and Denise Benic, handcrafts one-of-a-kind, solid-wood mantels using barn beams from Michigan and Pennsylvania farms. The wood species vary based on the type of trees located on the farms. "Every piece of wood has a story," says Denise Benic. "We give customers pictures of the barn where the wood came from and the history behind the structure." The company also uses reclaimed wood from large home teardowns in the Los Angeles area to customize mantels to the client's size, rustic level and finish.

In addition, the company also creates shelving, corbels, countertops and wooden slab tables. Rustic Wood Accents has a showroom in Thousand Oaks that's open to the public, interior designers and contractors.

A new vendor to the show is Air Water Life featuring its latest product, the H2O Machine (www.H2OMachine.com), which creates clean, healthy drinking water from the moisture suspended in the air.

The H2O Machine makes 10 gallons of water per day (or more depending on temperature and humidity levels). "The equipment is placed outside and can be plumbed to a countertop hot/cold dispenser, the refrigerator and/or other dispensers," says Ross Budrakey, sales manager for H2O Machine. "When the relative humidity is 30 percent or higher, the machinery can produce water for about 15 cents a gallon."

A 3-gallon pressurized container stores the water. "In the event of a natural disaster, when municipal sources are compromised, and bottled water prices are sky high, you will continue to have a source of fresh, clean drinking water," says Budrakey. "The equipment can be powered by solar panels, so it is truly self-contained. You'll be prepared for an emergency and benefit every day from clean, economical, natural water."

Another show vendor, Studio 92 Photography (www.studio92photography.com), creates family portraits. Owner and photographer Robyn King says families usually display their portraits prominently in the living room or above a couch or fireplace. She suggests new photos be taken every three to five years after there are significant differences in the kids' ages. "I see the portraits as heirloom pieces that will be passed down through the generations," she says.

King goes through a simple process to make sure the family gets a great result. "We go over clothing to coordinate colors and styles that are flattering to everyone," she says. "We talk about location; maybe a favorite beach or park. We decide on the right time of day where natural lighting looks great, although I add extra lighting so faces are bright and skin tones are true." The result is a work of art that King says gives family members a strong sense of belonging, "It brings families together."

These and lots more home and decorating ideas will be at the show with professionals ready to answer questions. Home show hours are Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Gourmet food trucks will be serving food on Saturday, April 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sponsoring the Show this year is Futronix AV, the leading integrator in Audio/Video & Smart Home Technologies.

The entry fee at the door is $4 per person. For free tickets, visit www.westlakehomeshow.com. For more information, call 805-529-0760, go to www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyHomeShow or e-mail showkase9@gmail.com.