Blog & Social

You know Kevin O’Connor, the Emmy-award winning host of the PBS series This Old House and Ask This Old House and the author of The Best Homes from This Old House. But did you know that Kevin has an MBA degree and began his career in banking… and was “discovered” when he and his wife appeared on an episode of Ask This Old House? 

What else should we know about Kevin? We sat down with him to learn more about him - personally and professionally - before he takes the stage March 2 and 3 at the Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show.

What’s your favorite room in your home?

My office. It’s the hardest working room for sure but also very comfortable. We added some library lights, grass cloth wallpaper, a new leather chair and a few other things that kick up the form and function. Given the amount of time we spend in the room, it was worth it.

Do you have any tips for designing a home office?

These days, it’s often the most important room in the home so treat it that way. Make it functional and comfortable. A few things we added to ours that really helped were tons of electrical outlets for all the charging that’s needed. We even added an in-floor outlet under the big work table so computers can be plugged in while working without cords strung all over the place. A cabinet with glass doors for the printer helps with the noise so you can print a big document without disturbing an important phone call.

What’s your next home project?

Bistro lights for the patio. We have some up temporarily - we’re testing out to see if we like them and where they should go, but now it’s time to make them permanent. The patio is my on-going project with little improvements made every year since we spend so much time out there. Right now, I’m building a custom planter for the corner of the patio that will also hold the corner post for the light pole to dress it up and make it feel nice and permanent.

Speaking of home, do you have any pets?

Our yellow lab Trapper is the best ever. He’s nine years old and we like to joke that he “speaks human.” He knows exactly what we’re saying. And he’s a lover – can’t get enough attention or

Do you have one tip for making a big impact in landscaping or curb appeal?

It’s all about the edges. I don’t care what you have in the beds as long as they are edged with crisp, clean lines. And keep the walkways and driveway edged as well. A crisp edge line looks great and says that you’re on top of your yard.

What is an outdated home trend you hope doesn’t come back?

Shag carpets and any kind of carpet in the bathroom. Yup, it was a thing (thanks Mom and Dad) and I hope to never see it again.

Find out more about Kevin when he shares ideas and stories in his presentation “Modern and Accessible: Behind the Scenes of This Old House” - Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 on the Main Stage at the Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.