Blog & Social

See celebrity guest expert CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT on the Main Stage

Saturday, March 1 at 1 pm and Sunday, March 2 at 1 pm

Christopher Knight is known to much of the world as “Peter Brady,” the character he played in the immortal American TV show, The Brady Bunch. In recent years, the actor, host, spokesperson and entertainment figure has also appeared in such hit shows as That ‘70s Show, Blue Collar TV, Dragging The Classics and The Masked Singer, among many others.

In 2019, Knight and his “Brady” siblings took part in a unique TV experiment with HGTV’s A Very Brady Renovation, where they recreated the iconic Brady Bunch residence in real life. This “experiment” broke TV records, and still holds the distinction of being one of the most-watched cable TV programs of all time. Keeping the many fans of The Brady Bunch entertained, Christopher recently teamed up with his “Brady” brother Barry Williams (Greg Brady) for The Real Brady Bros podcast, a weekly episodic recap and retrospective dialog on the show’s classic episodes.

As an entrepreneur, Chris’ latest off-screen success is his line of Christopher Knight Home home furnishings, which has achieved great acclaim (a couple of pieces can be seen during the PA Home + Garden Show).

Prior to the show, we caught up with Chris to get his thoughts and tips on home design, home improvement and more:

When you design a room, what is the most important interior design advice you give?

Less is more. Be mindful of scale! Take measurements and give at least four feet of space around furniture that serve as traffic areas. I’ve learned that not all people are able to think in an imagined three-dimensional space. As a result, some have a hard time anticipating the fit and flow of a room. Finding the balance between too little and too much is sort of a “Goldilocks” zone, and important to consider thoroughly.

What’s your favorite paint color?

I’ll have to go with Taupe as my favorite paint color, currently. I love it because it can go warm or cool and has such modest, reliable, and practical qualities.

What do you think is the best home purchase for under $100?

The best home purchase for under $100 is a video doorbell like RING. It is a simple, cost-effective way to boost your sense of security – from knowing who’s entering and leaving your home, to seeing packages arrive, and in some cases, disappear from your porch, to avoiding unwanted solicitations - video doorbells are an easy way to improve your awareness of your surroundings. Wire up for more than just a door cam. Whole home surveillance technology today is affordable. Of course, it’ll cost more than $100, but is well worth the sense of security you can provide your family.

What are your tips for a big outdoor impact in landscaping or curb appeal?

Good exterior lighting can add a magical quality to a home. It infuses your home with drama and architectural depth. It can be cleverly used to emphasize your home’s architectural strengths, while drawing attention away from any shortcomings.

Are you a plant fanatic, or is your green thumb lacking?

Yes! I love plants. I love how they soften linear features of all construction. I do have a “green thumb” when time allows. A green thumb requires a consistent connection to your greenery. My current lifestyle challenges that connection. I’ve begun to incorporate quality artificial trees and plants for those spaces where a large live specimen is impractical. I’ve found that some artificial plants and trees are astonishingly lifelike and completely acceptable. I love the idea of maintenance-free!

What home gadget or tool should every homeowner own?

A compact, cordless, rechargeable screwdriver. Hands down, it’s the most useful under-$30 tool purchase for the home.

In your opinion, what’s the most underrated tool in your toolbox?

Tape measure. Simple, easy and essential. Needed more than you expect and ignored far too often.

What’s your next home project?

My wife Cara and I are on the front end of a remodel of our kitchen and primary bathroom. As part of the kitchen remodel, we are also looking to reimagine the flooring in our living and dining rooms and kitchen. Our dark floors, though beautiful, have proven to be impractical. At the same time, we’re also going to overhaul our landscaping and refresh the home’s curb appeal. We’re in the early stages with our imaginations still running wild. Specifics are still to be settled on. 

Tell us about your pet(s).

We have two majestic adult cats and an adorable puppy. Titus and Grayson are our cats. Stella is our puppy. Both cats were rescues - Titus was a feral kitten and Grayson a sheltered one-year-old. Grayson appears to be a Maine Coon and Titus, a Turkish Van. Stella was a new addition during COVID. She’s an irresistible three and half year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. When we brought Stella home, she was an eight-week-old, barely 4-pound puppy. Titus and Grayson are big 15-plus-pounds cats. We couldn’t be sure if the cats’ interest in tiny Stella was simple curiosity or the result of a hunting instinct. Stella was so small. Titus, the alpha, always hovered near her. Soon enough it became clear, he was lording over her - overseeing her as part of his pride. We now refer to him as Mufasa. We are one big multi-species family.