Designing Dreams: Our Habitat For Humanity Show House Journey Unfolds

Embarking on a journey that merges passion with purpose, we’re thrilled to share the initial phases of our most ambitious project yet: designing and building a remarkable show house to benefit Habitat For Humanity. This endeavor, spanning over ten months, represents more than just a construction project; it’s a collaborative effort to craft a truly special home while contributing to a noble cause. Although the ground isn’t broken yet, the foundational work of planning, designing, and envisioning has been incredibly intensive and enlightening. For us, having never navigated the complexities of building a house from the ground up, this preliminary stage has offered invaluable insights into the meticulous preparation required long before the first wall even goes up. Our ambitious goal is to have the structure under-roof by Christmas, and while it feels like a monumental task, every step forward fills us with anticipation.

Crafting the Vision: From Concept to Final Floor Plan

Over the past few months, our calendars have been filled with intensive planning meetings, accompanied by exciting site visits to explore various finishes and materials. These sessions are crucial for translating abstract ideas into tangible design elements. A significant milestone in this preparatory phase has been the finalization of the floor plan. After an iterative process involving approximately five rounds of meticulous revisions and thoughtful tweaks, we’ve proudly arrived at what we believe is the optimal design: the definitive final floor plan!

Reaching this stage was a testament to collaboration, involving numerous stakeholders whose diverse perspectives shaped the ultimate outcome. The initial architectural blueprints were skillfully drafted by the builder, John Waters, and his esteemed architect, T.M. Vavra. However, their vision also had to seamlessly integrate with the stringent requirements set forth by the neighborhood’s review board. This board plays a pivotal role in maintaining the aesthetic harmony of the larger community, dictating aspects such as minimum square footage and even possessing the authority to veto specific features, both exterior and interior, if they don’t align with their design guidelines. Further input came from the Homearama show team, ensuring that our house would offer a distinctive array of features, setting it apart from other homes in the exhibition. Much of the foundational design was established before we even laid eyes on the plans, yet we were fortunate to join the process early enough to contribute our own suggestions, helping to infuse some of our creative ideas into the evolving blueprint. It has been a truly enriching experience to work alongside the builder and architect, combining our collective expertise to refine the floor plan. Here’s an inside look at some of the key adjustments we made:

Main Level Transformations: Enhancing Flow and Functionality

1. A More Welcoming Foyer with a Repositioned Coat Closet. Our primary aim for the entryway was to create an immediate sense of openness and a clear sightline into the expansive family room. The original plan placed the coat closet rather awkwardly under the stairs, which significantly obstructed the view and felt somewhat cramped. By strategically borrowing space from the adjacent study, we were able to relocate the coat closet. This new placement ensures that the closet door, when closed, sits flush with the hallway wall, maintaining a seamless visual flow and a much grander first impression. While this wasn’t an immediately obvious solution, and we even considered eliminating it entirely at one point, it beautifully illustrates the collaborative spirit and necessary compromises inherent in the home-building process.
2. Introducing Elegant Pocket Doors to the Dining Room. To elevate the dining room’s ambiance and imbue it with a distinctive character, we decided to upgrade the doorway. The new design incorporates beautiful glass-paned pocket doors, crowned with a transom window above. This feature not only allows natural light to flow between spaces, enhancing the bright and airy feel, but also provides a refined architectural detail that makes the dining room feel truly special and inviting. (Envision something similar to this inspiring example).
3. Redesigning Porch Access: Farewell to French Doors in the Dining Room. While we appreciate the charm of French doors, their original placement, opening directly into the dining room from the porch, presented practical challenges. Such an arrangement would significantly restrict furniture placement, requiring smaller pieces to avoid cramping the space. Considering that access to the porch was already conveniently available from the nearby foyer, we concluded that a single entry point was sufficient. This adjustment liberates valuable wall space in the dining room, allowing for greater design flexibility, improved traffic flow, and the option for a larger, more impactful dining table, creating a much more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Kitchen and Butler’s Pantry Enhancements: The Heart of the Home

1. A Streamlined and Functional Kitchen Island. The initial design for the kitchen island featured a raised, curved bar top supported by columns extending to the ceiling. After careful deliberation, we collectively agreed that a large, open, and rectangular island would be far more practical and visually appealing. This simpler design maximizes usable counter space and creates an unobstructed view across the kitchen. The architect skillfully devised a solution to eliminate the obtrusive columns, a change that significantly contributes to the open concept we aimed for, particularly enhancing the view towards what we envisioned as the kitchen’s focal point.
2. The Kitchen’s Stunning Centerpiece: An Exposed Hood. Our aspiration for this kitchen was to achieve that classic, aspirational look, with a beautiful exposed range hood serving as the undeniable centerpiece. This required a thoughtful rearrangement of appliances. By centering the range directly across from the newly designed island, we created a powerful visual axis. Now, when viewing the kitchen from the living room, guests will be greeted by the elegant range hood and a stylish backsplash, rather than an uninspired sequence of a refrigerator on one side and an oven on the other. The refrigerator, for instance, will be discreetly tucked away within a built-in cubby further down the wall, allowing the cooking area to truly shine.
3. An Expanded and Versatile Butler’s Pantry. The strategic shuffle of kitchen appliances inadvertently yielded a wonderful bonus: more generous space between the kitchen and dining room. We capitalized on this by designing a larger, more functional dry bar area within what became an extended butler’s pantry. Furthermore, by reconfiguring this wall, we gained an additional pantry or storage closet neatly tucked away beneath the stairs, providing valuable extra storage solutions for the home.

Family Room and Breakfast Nook: Comfort and Custom Details

1. Maximizing Light with a Wall of Fixed Windows in the Family Room. Initially, we considered transforming the entire wall between the family room and the porch into a series of French doors. However, Builder John wisely pointed out that such an arrangement would significantly compromise the functionality of the family room, necessitating considerable clearance for all those swinging doors, which would limit furniture placement. Our revised approach was to install large, fixed windows alongside the existing single French door. This solution achieves the desired aesthetic of a luminous “wall of glass” without the practical drawbacks of multiple swinging doors, preserving the room’s spaciousness and design flexibility.
2. A Custom Built-In Breakfast Nook with a Feature Window. This particular modification is one of the most subtly impactful, though it might appear as merely a foot reduction in the floor plan. In reality, this adjustment paves the way for a spectacular built-in breakfast table, framed by a stunning feature window behind it. We envision a cozy and inviting space, much like this inspiring concept, but with a grand, architecturally interesting window similar to this beautiful example. This custom nook promises to be a cherished spot for morning meals and casual gatherings. More details on this unique table are just ahead!
3. Stylish Frosted Glass Pantry Doors. To add a touch of modern elegance and functionality, we opted to replace a single, standard pantry door with two sleek, frosted glass doors. This design choice, inspired by beautiful examples like this one, not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows for a soft diffusion of light, creating a sophisticated and welcoming transition into the pantry space.

Sourcing Unique Materials and Craftsmanship for a Custom Home

Remember our earlier mention of site visits to source distinctive materials? These excursions led us to an incredible local gem: Dreaming Creek Timber & Frame, introduced to us by Builder John and Justin from Homearama. Located conveniently close to us, this remarkable facility specializes in crafting extraordinary timber structures and custom wood pieces from a diverse array of wood types. We were instantly captivated by their artistry. They are now tasked with custom-making a stunning raw-edge table for our breakfast nook. This organic, natural wood piece, similar to the in-progress work we admired during our visit (pictured below), will provide a striking, earthy contrast to the otherwise crisp, clean, and predominantly white aesthetic we envision for the breakfast nook, creating a truly dynamic and inviting space.

Beyond the custom breakfast table, Dreaming Creek Timber & Frame will also contribute other significant focal points to the house. Among these are the magnificent open A-frame rafters that will grace the front porch, a feature already visible in the facade rendering at the very top of this article. During our visit, we also stumbled upon an extraordinary stack of reclaimed wooden boards, salvaged from none other than Coney Island’s historic boardwalk. Though the colors weren’t quite right for our specific project, the allure of that old wood, imbued with so much history and casually resting in the serene Virginia countryside, was palpable. Sherry, in particular, felt a strong connection to that little piece of NYC history.

With a comprehensive understanding of the main level, let’s ascend to the upper floor and explore the innovative design changes that will enhance functionality and comfort in the private quarters of the home.

Upstairs Innovations: Practicality Meets Personal Style

1. Clever Towel Storage in the Kids’ Jack-and-Jill Bathroom. Recognizing that the jack-and-jill bathroom connecting the kids’ bedrooms didn’t require a traditional, bulky linen closet, and frankly lacked the space for one, we devised a smart solution. We created room for a narrow, vertical cubby. This ingenious design provides a dedicated spot for casually rolled towels, adding a touch of practical charm without sacrificing precious space or obstructing the flow of the room. It’s a testament to finding functional elegance in every corner.
2. A Fun and Functional Trough Sink for Kids. In keeping with the playful yet practical spirit for a children’s bathroom, we opted for an oversized trough sink instead of the conventional two smaller sinks. This unique choice offers ample space for kids to splash and play, making bath time more enjoyable. Crucially, it will still feature two faucets, ensuring that two children can comfortably use the sink simultaneously without contention. It’s an extra-wide design engineered for maximum fun and utility—we can already imagine Clara spending hours delighting in this thoughtful feature!
3. A Light-Filled Homework Nook. The original plans designated a simple bench seat for this area. However, our vision prioritized maximizing the room’s long-term functionality. We decided that a built-in desk would serve a far more practical purpose, providing a dedicated and well-lit spot for homework, creative projects, or quiet reading. This change ensures the space is utilized to its fullest potential, growing with the children’s needs.
4. Defining the Playroom as a Serene “Kids Reading Room.” We reimagined this space not just as a typical playroom, but as a dedicated “Kids Reading Room.” Our aim is to cultivate a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for curling up with a good book—or perhaps, on occasion, enjoying a video game! To achieve this balance of openness and quiet seclusion, we opted to enclose the room with a wall, but softened its impact with elegant pocket doors. This design allows for privacy when desired, yet can be opened to integrate with the rest of the upstairs living area, providing flexibility. We’re envisioning a calming, inspiring retreat, somewhat like this appealing example.

Master Suite Sanctuary: Luxury and Thoughtful Design

1. A Freestanding Tub as a Master Bathroom Centerpiece. In the master bathroom, we felt the tub deserved a more prominent and luxurious presence. By changing its angled placement, we were able to center it elegantly under the back window, transforming it into a stunning freestanding feature rather than a built-in corner unit. This adjustment also ingeniously allowed for the entire front of the shower to be crafted from glass, creating an expansive, spa-like feel, instead of being enclosed by walls with a small access door. It maximizes light and creates a truly open, lavish bathing experience.
2. Vanities Transformed into Furniture-Style Pieces. We aimed for the twin vanities in the master bathroom to exude a grander, more stately aesthetic. Rather than appearing as standard angled cabinets with granite countertops, we envisioned them as substantial, furniture-like pieces carefully placed within the room. To achieve this, we squared off their dimensions, moving away from the angled design. Our plan is to source unique dressers or vintage console tables that can be repurposed and converted into custom vanities, adding a bespoke and sophisticated touch to the master suite.
3. A Private Master Bedroom Balcony. A delightful discovery emerged when the builder identified previously unused roof space adjacent to the main bedroom, situated directly above the breakfast nook. This presented an incredible opportunity, and we all enthusiastically agreed that adding a private balcony there would be an exceptional enhancement. While an earlier plan included a balcony off a child’s bedroom at the front of the house, repositioning it off the master bedroom made far more sense, offering a secluded outdoor retreat for the homeowners.

While many other minor adjustments were made throughout the process, these highlight the most significant and visually impactful changes at this stage. It’s remarkable how much thought goes into the interior spaces, yet we haven’t even delved into the exterior design transformations. Though the original exterior version is not available, here’s the inspiring direction we’ve taken:

Elevating Curb Appeal: The Thoughtful Exterior Design

1. Reconsidering the Front Balcony: Safety and Aesthetics. As mentioned in the master bedroom section, the initial plan for the front facade featured a balcony complete with a pergola over this particular front window. Incidentally, the builder’s enthusiasm for this pergola was one of the early indicators that John Waters was the right partner for our project. However, the neighborhood’s review board ultimately vetoed the pergola. This decision prompted us to reconsider the entire concept of a balcony off a child’s bedroom, primarily due to safety concerns and the potential for mischievous adventures! Consequently, this area was thoughtfully redesigned to incorporate a regular window, beneath which our new built-in desk will be perfectly positioned, making this swap a welcome and functional improvement.
2. Achieving the French Door Aesthetic with “Fake Frenchies.” To capture the elegant look of French doors without the practical constraints of swinging clearance, we devised an innovative solution. We plan to install grand, floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the front door. This design achieves the visual impact and abundant natural light associated with French doors, ensuring both adjacent rooms are bathed in sunlight. At the same time, it maintains easy access to the porch via the main entryway, crucially avoiding any impingement on furniture placement or room flow that swinging doors would necessitate.
3. An Open Frame Architectural Feature Above the Front Door. We proposed an distinctive open frame design directly above the front door, a concept that Builder John enthusiastically embraced. He even suggested engaging the skilled artisans from Dreaming Creek Timber to craft truly spectacular accent beams for this feature, ensuring a high level of custom detail. We envision a large, captivating glass pendant light hanging within this framed detail, casting a beautiful glow and creating a welcoming focal point above the main entrance.
4. Bold Exterior Color Choice: Embracing Navy! Early in our discussions, we expressed a strong inclination towards a striking navy blue exterior, complemented by crisp white trim and sophisticated gray-toned stonework around the foundation. Builder John’s response was immediate and affirming: “Dude, I just sold a house that was tan, and the realtor said if it was navy she thought it would have sold faster. Say no more, I’m sold on navy!” This shared enthusiasm solidified our vision for a distinguished and contemporary exterior.

The exact shade of navy, along with the precise stone and brickwork for the exterior, are decisions we’re meticulously working through. We have a meeting scheduled this week to explore various options and finalize these crucial details. Adding another layer of personality, we’re also considering a glossy red or a vibrant bright yellow for the front door. This splash of color could bring to life the exterior combination that Sherry hinted at in an HGTV magazine interview a few months prior, making the home truly pop!

We sincerely apologize for the lack of “real” construction photos at this point in the journey. All this detailed discussion about the house’s design and planned features truly heightens our excitement to witness it physically materialize! Have any of you had the incredible experience of building a house, or been closely involved in the process through a relative, friend, or a professional project? It’s profoundly awe-inspiring to consider the sheer volume of details to contemplate, yet equally exhilarating to think that mere scribbles on paper will one day transform into tangible rooms you can walk through and inhabit. It’s a powerful testament to the magic of design and construction.

P.S. While we occasionally undertake side projects like this to supplement our income, this particular endeavor is a purely creative and philanthropic undertaking for us. Homearama generously compensates its designers for their year-long commitment to planning and work. However, we have chosen to donate our entire fee to Richmond’s Habitat for Humanity, a cause that Homearama itself will also be supporting in various capacities throughout the event. This project is truly a labor of love for a cause we deeply believe in.

Update: Eager to see the breathtaking finished showhouse? Click here for Our Full Showhouse Tour. This comprehensive guide includes final pictures of every exquisitely designed room, the complete floor plan, detailed budget information, an immersive video walk-through, and a curated selection of shoppable showhouse furniture and accessories. Don’t miss out on seeing the dream come to life!