ST. CHARLES -- As homeowners in the Chicago area prepare hearth and home for the changing temperatures that accompany autumn, landscaping tips and advice for heat retention were on hand at The Old House New House Home Show, held Friday through Sunday at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.

More than 200 exhibitors took part in the event, with attractions including Kevin O'Connor, the host of This Old House television series, and HGTV's designer and home improvement guru, Brice Cooper.

Eager to respond to homeowners' interest in cost savings, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly home improvement, many exhibitors noted that despite a timid economy, consumers aren't cutting corners with their homes -- instead they're making smarter choices to reach their goals.

Rebecca Starovich, designer for Cypress Group Inc. of Winfield, said landscape trends throughout the suburbs are reflecting homeowners' desires to increase their property value by transforming their homes into their scenic havens.

"Moving water features -- such as fountains, ponds or pondless waterfalls -- are one of the preferences we are seeing," she said. "People are taking another look at their vacation money and allocating it to give their own homes more ambiance, and more appeal, for daily living."

In the window industry, Ken Schneider, design consultant with ArborVIEW in Glen Ellyn, said homeowners also are making decisions to reduce costs as well as improve energy efficiency through innovative windows. "Forty-percent of a home's heat escapes through windows ...," he said.

Similarly, Schneider said fiberglass attic insulation can prevent up to 60 percent of the home's heat from escaping through the attic.