Stepping into the world of home design and transformation is always an adventure, and our latest endeavor, the Homearama showhouse project, has been a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and sheer hard work. While the initial thought of “moving it, move it” often conjures images of chaotic boxes and endless lifting, our recent furniture unloading day was less about the hassle and more about the exhilarating realization: we’re finally bringing this dream home to life! This project isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a testament to dedication, culminating in a beautiful home that ultimately benefits Habitat for Humanity. For those curious about the profound impact of this showhouse and its charitable mission, delve deeper into our journey here and here for a comprehensive overview.
The transition from a construction site to a beautifully staged home is a magical process, and this week marked a significant milestone. With the core construction largely complete, the anticipation was palpable as a large truck from Green Front Furniture arrived. As a prominent local establishment known for lending exquisite pieces to numerous Homearama participants, Green Front delivered an array of essential, larger items: stately beds, functional desks, and inviting sofas. It was an “all hands on deck” day, requiring collective effort to transport these substantial pieces into their designated spaces. Capturing the moment, here I am alongside Charlie, our diligent listing agent, meticulously maneuvering the king-sized mattress into what will soon be the serene main bedroom.
Our design philosophy for the showhouse embraces a blend of statement pieces and carefully curated details. While Green Front provided many of the foundational furnishings, the week saw a steady trickle of additional items arriving from various sources. Sherry and I dedicated several hours each day to exploring local thrift stores and secondhand shops, discovering unique treasures that add character and soul. We also frequented smaller local boutiques and larger retail chains, meticulously selecting those indispensable “makes-a-house-a-home” elements. These finds are crucial for styling, transforming blank walls into captivating focal points, filling empty shelves with intriguing narratives, and ensuring every nook and cranny feels purposefully designed and inviting.
The exterior of the house has also undergone a stunning transformation, promising remarkable curb appeal. The raw wood beams, a key architectural feature, have been expertly stained and sealed. This process deepened their hue, lending them a richer, more profound color that perfectly aligns with our vision. While the front still awaits its complete landscaping (we eagerly anticipate the sod rolling out this weekend), the front door has received its final coat of paint, marking a significant step in defining the home’s welcoming facade.
The choice of front door color was a collaborative decision, with valuable input from the entire Homearama team. Ultimately, the overwhelming write-in vote from our online community for white proved to be the winning option. We embraced this suggestion wholeheartedly, realizing that painting the door the same crisp white as the adjacent sidelights visually unifies the entrance, giving it a more substantial and grand appearance. The true heroes of this exterior design are undoubtedly the deep, rich siding color and the charmingly rustic wood porch. By allowing the front door to play a supporting role, we ensured it harmonizes beautifully without competing for attention. This strategic choice also allows for future additions like lush landscaping, decorative potted plants, and comfortable porch furniture, all of which will enhance the home’s inviting outdoor ambiance. We’re particularly excited about the hanging porch swing that will soon be installed, promising a serene spot for relaxation and enjoyment.
Moving inside, the heart of the home, the kitchen, has undergone a dramatic improvement, now exuding both functionality and sophisticated style. All the state-of-the-art appliances are officially in place, the elegant backsplash has been meticulously tiled, and we’ve even assembled our island stools. These incredibly comfortable saddle stools, generously donated by West Elm, add a touch of modern comfort to the space. For those curious about the specific color palettes, the expansive island is painted in the classic and deep Hale Navy, providing a striking focal point. The adjacent gray cabinetry is a carefully selected stock color from the cabinet maker, chosen for its timeless appeal and versatility. Completing the island’s refined look are the exquisite gold pendants, sourced from Shades of Light, which cast a warm, inviting glow.
Observing the scene, one can already glimpse a sliver of our styling efforts in the built-in shelves of the eat-in nook, situated to the left of the kitchen image. It’s safe to assume Sherry is actively engaged in perfecting those details as you read this, ensuring every accessory contributes to the home’s inviting narrative. We believe in showcasing every thoughtful design element, and until now, that charming corner of cabinetry on the right side of the kitchen hadn’t been fully highlighted. Now, its presence completes the panoramic view of this impressive culinary space. The kitchen boasts a wonderfully open and expansive layout, further accentuated by the colossal 11-foot-long island—a true testament to the grand scale of this showhouse. Sherry is particularly eager to begin adorning those pristine counters and filling the elegant glass-fronted cabinets, transforming them into a warm and lived-in display. Even simply seeing the West Elm stools pulled up to the island has made the space feel dramatically more “like a real kitchen” to us, signaling the imminent completion of this central hub.
Our vision for the kitchen backsplash was one of understated elegance, aiming primarily to introduce a subtle sheen and enhance light reflection within the room. We deliberately chose a white blend waterfall glass tile from Mosaic, a respected local company. This decision reflects a broader design principle within this space: not every element needs to be the star. With striking features such as the glamorous gold light fixtures, the commanding navy blue island, and the distinctive X-fronted glass cabinets, the backsplash was intended to be a sophisticated, solid supporting player. It complements rather than competes, allowing the more prominent design elements to truly shine and captivate the eye.
While my attempt to capture a perfect shot of the countertops didn’t quite achieve photographic brilliance, I can assure you the chosen material is nothing short of spectacular. We selected a leathered marble known as White Moura. Unlike traditional polished marble, this material boasts a unique, slightly pebbled texture coupled with a sophisticated matte finish. The tactile experience is genuinely reminiscent of leather, hence its evocative name, though its inherent hardness and density are, of course, far greater. What truly sets this choice apart are its practical advantages: the specialized sealing process combined with its inherent texture significantly enhances its durability, making it remarkably easy to clean and maintain—a crucial consideration for a high-traffic area like a kitchen in a busy family home.
Now, let’s talk about the refrigerator—a true showpiece and a source of considerable envy! While my ultimate dream fridge might be the one I fleetingly glimpsed on Yolanda Foster’s show (Sherry insisted I see it, and it left an impression!), this current marvel in our showhouse is certainly fit for a king. We meticulously selected all the kitchen appliances from Cline, a reputable local contractor supplier. Our initial plan involved a solid Whirlpool line, but our builder, embracing the “go big or go home” philosophy for Homearama, elevated our selection significantly. We were thrilled to upgrade to a premium Sub-Zero and Wolf package, known for their exceptional performance, stunning design, and professional-grade quality, ensuring this kitchen stands out as a gourmet’s dream.
Beyond the main kitchen lies a sophisticated transition space: the butler’s pantry, accessible through the doorway visible in the image above. This elegant area seamlessly extends the kitchen’s aesthetic, featuring the same high-quality cabinetry and luxurious countertops. We opted for traditional wine and servingware storage in the lower cabinets, essential for any discerning host. However, in a deliberate departure from conventional design, we chose to forgo typical upper cabinetry. Instead, we introduced a striking element with cool industrial teardrop sconces from Shades of Light, which flank a vibrant wall painted with chalkboard paint. This design choice was intentional for such a compact transition space; it allows the upper walls to “breathe,” creating a more open and airy feel while offering a dynamic surface for creative expression. We have exciting plans in store for that chalkboard area, which will soon add another layer of functionality and charm.
Ascending to the second floor, one of our most anticipated design features has finally come to fruition: the hanging of the exquisite wallpaper in the laundry room. This delightful pattern, known as Pebble Leaf by MissPrint, was generously donated by Wallpaper Direct. There was a brief moment of hesitation regarding such a bold choice for a utility space, but then we remembered the spirit of Homearama: “Showhouse! Take risks! Stop waffling!” and enthusiastically proceeded. We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome; it transforms what could be a mundane room into a surprisingly chic and inspiring space, proving that even functional areas deserve a touch of personality and style.
Every detail in the laundry room has been meticulously chosen for both aesthetics and durability. The countertops feature elegant soapstone, sourced locally from Eternal Stoneworks, providing a rich, dark contrast. The faucet, a sleek Leland model, was a thoughtful donation from Delta. The cabinetry, in a sophisticated dark wood stain, was custom-made by Affinity here in Richmond, offering ample storage. For the flooring, we selected a beautiful, light, and modern tile called Travertino White Field Sunrock, acquired from Mosaic in Richmond, which brightens the space. The lighting fixtures are from our exclusive Shades of Light collection; specifically, we chose these Farmhouse Pendants in a playful “Extra Lime” finish, hanging two in a row to create a visually engaging and fun element. We are still eagerly awaiting the arrival of the washer and dryer, which we ordered in a sophisticated deep gunmetal color. Once installed, these appliances will complete that wall, perfectly balancing the room’s design and enhancing its functionality.
Our guest bathroom, though still awaiting a few crucial finishing touches like the final tile work and the installation of a vanity mirror, is shaping up to be a charming retreat. We envisioned a distinct vintage vibe for this space, which we are bringing to life through a beautiful tile wainscot that will encircle the entire room. We can hardly wait to unveil this unique feature once it’s complete. In the interim, we’re excited to offer a sneak peek at the flooring, generously donated by The Tile Shop. It’s the delightful hexagonal version of the classic penny tile—a subtle nod to the design we lovingly incorporated into our previous kitchen, ensuring continuity and a touch of familiar charm.
Continuing with our vintage-inspired theme, we had immense fun selecting fixtures that evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Among these, the sophisticated bridge faucet, a generous donation from Brizo, stands out. Its classic design perfectly complements the aesthetic we’re cultivating, adding a touch of old-world charm while ensuring modern functionality. Even seemingly small details, such as the carefully chosen hardware on the cabinetry, make a substantial difference in the overall feel of the room. These beautiful pieces, donated by Liberty, contribute significantly to the bathroom’s near-complete appearance, adding a polished and refined finish that truly elevates the space.
As much as we adore the classic and old-school charm of the guest bathroom, our absolute favorite bathroom in the entire house is undoubtedly the kids’ bathroom. We offered a sneak preview of the vibrant green vanity and the crisp white lantern tile a few weeks back, but now, the space has truly come alive with the installation of the striking wall-to-wall mirror. This expansive mirror, alongside the chic wall-mounted faucets and the playful yet industrial light fixture (generously donated by Shades of Light), elevates the room’s design to a new level of sophistication and fun, perfectly blending functionality with a youthful aesthetic.
The pristine white solid surface countertop features an innovative double trough sink, cleverly recessed into its surface—a fantastic find with the expert assistance of the team at Ferguson. While the half-recessed design might make its depth challenging to perceive in photographs (it doesn’t merely sit atop the counter but thoughtfully drops beneath it), this sink boasts an impressive depth of over 5 inches, a generous width of 14 inches, and spans nearly 48 inches in length. I can’t help but imagine how absolutely thrilled our daughter Clara would be with this setup; it would undoubtedly be the grandest swimming pool imaginable for her beloved Barbies! Adding to the bathroom’s contemporary charm, we also incorporated a pair of sleek wall-mount faucets, generously donated by Delta, which emerge directly from the mirror, creating a clean, seamless, and visually striking effect.
Forgive my indulgence, but I couldn’t resist sharing another shot of this fantastic vanity. The lighting on this particular day was about as perfect as I could ever hope to capture in the space, truly highlighting the thoughtful design and vibrant green hue. It perfectly demonstrates how a blend of functionality and playful design can create a truly memorable and inspiring children’s bathroom.
Another ingenious feature within this cleverly designed bathroom is the attached toilet and shower area, thoughtfully sectioned off by a discreet door. This allows for optimal functionality, enabling one child to comfortably shower or use the toilet privately while another can wash up or prepare at the vanity without interruption. Drawing inspiration from the smart cubbies we admired in this inspiring bathroom, we requested the builder to ingeniously incorporate a set of custom wall shelves behind the shower. These shelves are perfectly sized to hold neatly rolled towels, essential shampoos, and other small bathroom accessories, ensuring everything has its place and maintaining a clutter-free environment. For more details on the striking striped glass tiles we chose for the shower, you can read more here, diving deeper into our selection process for this unique element.
Other smaller, yet equally impactful, nooks and spaces are also rapidly taking shape, adding layers of luxury and functionality throughout the house. A prime example is the Main Bedroom “Atrium,” an elegant transitional space nestled between the main bathroom and the spacious closet. We’ve introduced a sophisticated brass floor mirror from West Elm here, a stylish and practical addition that will undoubtedly be appreciated by the future owners for both dressing and perhaps, yes, even snapping a quick selfie (I jest, mostly!). Of course, many of you have already caught a glimpse of the exquisite branch chandelier that graces this space here. The sheer luxury of having 10-foot ceilings on the first floor and generous 9-foot ceilings on the second floor truly amplifies the sense of grandeur and openness. Update: The serene walls in this space are painted in Stonington Gray by Ben Moore, providing a calming backdrop to these elegant features.
Beyond the walls of our own showhouse, it’s easy to forget that six other incredible homes are simultaneously rising around us for the Homearama event, each brought to life by a distinct and talented design team. The other day, despite the ticking clock towards preschool pick-up, we managed to take a super quick field trip to admire some of the other exteriors. The diversity of design and the sheer scale of creativity are truly inspiring. How utterly amazing is this particular backyard? Pools are not a common sight in Richmond, making this sparkling addition a delightful and luxurious treat to behold. We certainly wouldn’t blame any of you if you found yourselves lingering in this incredible outdoor oasis for most of the show, soaking in the atmosphere and dreaming of backyard escapes.
The next couple of weeks are poised to be intensely focused on the showhouse, as we race towards the finish line. We sincerely ask for your understanding if our regular schedule experiences any delays or disruptions. Our commitment to our incredible team and, more importantly, to Habitat for Humanity, is unwavering, driving us to hustle tirelessly to get this magnificent home completed—quite literally, before our other “baby” arrives! Our primary deadline requires as much as possible to be finished by April 4th, which is just a week from today. This critical date allows the Homearama organizers to conduct their official photography, followed shortly by the judging process. Rest assured, we will continue meticulously tweaking details and tying up any loose ends for another week or two beyond that. Essentially, we are living and breathing this project these days. It’s a good thing, then, that those comfortable mattresses have finally made their way in, offering a much-needed respite after long days of dedication and design.
Psst – Eager to discover even more insights and stunning visuals from our showhouse journey? Click here for Our Full Showhouse Tour, an extensive gallery featuring final photographs of every room, detailed floor plans, crucial budget information, an immersive video walk-through, and a curated selection of shoppable furniture and accessories to inspire your own home design aspirations.