We love poking around homes and sharing the highlights with you—whether it’s crashing an open house or sneaking into a store—and this time we got to explore eight homes on one block. Richmond’s Homearama brought together local builders and designers to create and style eight distinct show homes. While many of the houses are already sold, the event is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration, so we wandered through and pulled together our favorite details and design trends.
The range of styles was one of the most fun parts: you could move from a casually elegant dining room to a polished transitional space in minutes. Because local designers were involved, rooms felt layered and thoughtfully edited—often more interesting and personal than typical new-construction staging. Designers took risks, too: oversized pendant pairs above tables, river-rock backsplashes, and other unexpected choices broke the “basic and neutral” mold that often dominates builder showcases.
Some rooms jumped out as clear favorites. In the “European Elegance” home a mudroom felt both stylish and practical: open cubbies under a built-in bench keep shoes contained without forcing kids to perfectly place them in baskets. Old crates and boxes added charm, and quirky touches—like brightly painted valve-handle coat hooks sourced at local hardware stores—made the space memorable.
The same house also featured a bedroom with a bold graphic headboard that made a strong, memorable statement. A large, colorful artwork woke the gray-washed palette up and gave the room an energetic focal point—proof that a punch of color can transform a neutral scheme.
Another favorite was the guest bedroom in the “Swift Creek Cottage,” which felt like a cozy sun porch thanks to inside shutters paired with a whitewashed reclaimed-wood accent wall and a pop of yellow in the headboard inset. Much of the furniture across the homes came from a local source and, in some cases, was modified by designers—helpful to know if you’re trying to track down similar pieces.
We were also wowed by what we nicknamed the “Angel Kitchen”: brilliant lighting, glass-fronted cabinets, and lots of white that made the space feel luminous and pristine. The “Modern Craftsman” home felt closest to our own style and even included fabric we’d used in one of our projects—always fun to see familiar textiles in a new setting.
Across multiple houses a clear trend emerged: elevated trim and molding. From intricate staircase trim to coffered ceilings in bedrooms and living rooms, the added architectural details warmed large spaces and made grand rooms feel more intimate. Some coffered ceilings were subtle and tone-on-tone, while others used darker paint to create a cozy, enveloping effect.
Builders also squeezed in clever storage everywhere—recessed shelves, nooks beside sinks, bookcase ends on islands—so useful built-ins were a consistent detail. In kids’ bathrooms we saw practical recessed cubbies flanking sinks, and many kitchen islands featured open shelving or built-in bookcases at an end. These small moves add function without sacrificing style.
We spotted standout finishes, too: a hammered copper apron sink, rolling barn doors replacing standard double doors, and even cheerful colored entry doors that make a strong first impression. Rain chains showed up on more than one house as a stylish downspout alternative—something that’s clearly gaining traction in contemporary builds.
Smaller decorating ideas were everywhere, too: a laundry-room “Check Your Pockets” station with jars for loose change and small items, prize ribbons clipped to vintage shutters in an equestrian-themed kids’ room, and a full-on Angry Birds bedroom that re-created elements of the game in built-in shelving and furniture. These playful, project-ready ideas are perfect for DIYers looking for a creative twist.
We barely scratched the surface of all eight homes, but Homearama is definitely worth a visit if you’re local—ideal for collecting ideas and spotting trends in new construction. If you go, keep an eye out for bold art, detailed molding, creative storage solutions, and playful kid spaces. Which room or idea stands out to you, or what trends are you noticing in new builds these days?