We should probably share photos of blue ceilings more often on Instagram — at least that’s what the response to a recent photo from the Homearama showhouse suggested. The bold Benjamin Moore “Skydive” we used on the office ceiling exceeded our expectations, and we were thrilled to include one of our own lighting designs that we released last year. While progress since our last update has been substantial, many rooms still feel sparse until the furniture and accessories are in place.
Despite the emptiness, there’s a lot to celebrate: hardwood floors have been sanded, stained, and sealed (they’re currently covered for protection), most painting is finished, lights and cabinets are installed, and even finishing details like doorknobs are being checked off the list. We loved the look of a backplate in our own house, so we echoed that here and upgraded to white porcelain knobs. Below you can see a close-up of the hardware and a wider view of the doors.
The glass pocket doors leading to the dining room are now installed and are waiting on paint, along with the front door. We especially love the transom window above them — those tall ceilings really add presence.
Some fixtures look high or slightly crooked at the moment because all junction boxes and rough-in points were installed ahead of time to determine lighting placement. The electrician has now set everything in place, which makes the rooms feel more real, but most fixtures will be adjusted once the furniture is installed. For example, the dining room chandelier is currently lifted to avoid people walking into it; it will hang lower after the table is set.
Several of the showhouse fixtures were generously provided by Shades of Light. The foyer features the Loft Shade Chandelier and the dining room showcases an Industrial Modern Island Chandelier. On the walls above the wainscoting, we used Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal for a dramatic, grown-up contrast. Although each room is only about 5–10% complete — furniture, art, window treatments, and accessories are still to come — painted walls and fixed lighting make it much easier to visualize the finished spaces.
The living room and kitchen share an open plan and will remain mostly white to allow furnishings and artwork to introduce color. We did add a Hale Navy accent column around the fireplace, which ties into the kitchen island color across the room. The navy provides a strong focal point against the white mantel and marble surround, and the herringbone brick back of the gas fireplace adds a slightly aged, textured feel. For the showhouse we’ll hang art above the mantel rather than a television — possibly an oil painting of Burger The Wonder Dog.
Kitchen cabinets are installed, though many doors and drawers are not yet fitted and counters, appliances, and backsplash still need to be added. Over the large island we hung two bold Accordion Chandeliers — a stylistic risk intended to keep the show interesting. These were among the first fixtures we selected months ago, so it’s exciting to finally see them in place above an island finished in Hale Navy to echo the fireplace.
Upstairs, progress mirrors the main level: many pendants and hall lights are installed and the glass pocket doors for the playroom/reading room/library are in place. The stairs still lack a railing, so we’ve been extra cautious when moving through that area. It’s temporarily risky, but it will be safe once the railing is installed.
The jack-and-jill bathroom shared by the kids’ rooms is coming together. The vanity has been painted Courtyard Green to match a side table we liked, and most fixtures are installed. Counters were being prepared for installation, and the floor features white lantern tiles set with gray grout to make them more forgiving for kids over time.
One small nook we’re calling “The Atrium” sits between a closet and a bathroom. It’s painted in Stonington Gray and will receive a large leaning mirror under a Driftwood Pendant we purchased for the space. The pendant is delicate and perfect for a small nook, though it wouldn’t provide enough light for a whole room.
Builder John and his crew are working quickly to wrap up construction over the next few weeks so we can start moving furniture in ahead of our early-April deadline. The house must be photo-ready for press the first week of April, and we’ll spend mid-April completing the final styling. We’re excited — and a bit nervous — to move from construction to styling, hoping it all comes together smoothly without any unexpected timing issues.
More Paint Colors We Love
If you’re planning your own home update, our showhouse choices highlight reliable paint picks for trim, walls, and accents. Favorites featured here include Benjamin Moore shades like Skydive for ceilings, Hale Navy for dramatic accents, Kendall Charcoal for moody walls, and Courtyard Green for cabinetry. These tones work well when paired with white rooms that allow furnishings, artwork, and lighting to add personality.
- The 12 Best White Paint Colors
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White
Want to see the finished showhouse and a room-by-room tour with final photos, floor plans, and shopping details? Look for the full showhouse tour on our site for the complete gallery and resources.