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Kevin O’Connor will be the celebrity guest presenter at this year’s Southern Spring Home & Garden Show, which runs February 28 to March 1 and March 6 to 8 at The Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte. Kevin has been the host of
 hit PBS programs This Old House and Ask This Old House for 17 years.

A former bank executive, he came to his current post in the most unusual of ways. He and his wife, both longtime fans of the shows, purchased an old home and submitted an inquiry to appear on an episode of Ask This Old House. Their home was featured in
 a wallpaper removal project segment. After the episode, the producers of the shows approached O’Connor about becoming the third host in This Old House’s history.

Since then, he has been nominated for an Outstanding Service Show Host Emmy Award for his debut season on the show. He is an avid traveler, a TV show host on PBS and DIY Network, the author of “The Best Homes From This Old House” and serves
 on the editorial board of This Old House Magazine.

Can’t wait to see Kevin at the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show? We caught up with him to answer a few of our burning questions in advance!

Q: What is a common mistake homeowners make when they take on a home improvement project themselves?



Kevin: Without fail, they underestimate the time and money it will take and overestimate the amount of work they want to do themselves. I guess we’re all optimists when it comes to renovation when we should all be skeptics.




Q: Where do you go online to find inspiration?



Kevin: I read more than I watch online. I consume a lot of news despite how painful that is these days. I also like long-form articles and non-fiction writing that blows your mind with new ideas and stories of people changing the world.


Q: Would you rather upgrade your closet, bathroom or kitchen?



Kevin: The kitchen, without question. It’s the heart of the home where everyone gathers and where all our time is spent. A dollar spent there gets the biggest return in my opinion. Put your money where your life is.




Q: What are your best outdoor décor tips?



Kevin: Use a lot of natural materials like wood and stone, pump up the color and pay attention to lighting. Good lighting draws you outside, keeps you outside and lets you enjoy the outside from the inside. And make sure there’s fire.




For more inspiration, check out the This Old House website, or find O’Connor on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Make sure you catch one of O’Connor’s talks on the Main Stage at the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show on Friday, Feb. 28, or Saturday, Feb. 29!