Remember we mentioned the show house we’ll be working on to benefit Habitat for Humanity over the next ten months? We’ve been eager to share an update, but construction hasn’t started yet. That doesn’t mean we’re behind—the goal is to be under roof by Christmas—but there’s a lot of preparation before you see a single shingle go up. As people who have never built a house before, watching the planning and permitting process has been fascinating.
Over the past few months we’ve had numerous planning meetings and site visits to review finishes and materials. One big milestone: the final floor plan. After about five rounds of tweaks and discussions with the builder and architect, we nailed down a layout that balances design intent, neighborhood guidelines, and practical living.
The plans began with the builder, John Waters, and architect T M Vavra, and then went through the neighborhood review board and the Homearama show team. The review board enforces size and facade rules so the house fits the community, while the Homearama team ensures the house offers unique features compared to other show homes. We joined the process early enough to influence several key details. Here are the main changes we helped implement.
- Moved the coat closet. To open the foyer and preserve the view into the family room, we relocated the coat closet into space borrowed from the study instead of tucking it under the stairs. That approach keeps the entry feeling less obstructed and more welcoming.
- Pocket doors for the dining room. We added glass-paned pocket doors topped with a transom to give the dining room a special, slightly formal feel without breaking sightlines.
- No more French doors into the dining room. While we love French doors, their planned swing into the dining room would have limited furniture choices and cramped the space. Instead, access to the porch via the foyer preserves flow and allows for a larger table.
- Simpler island. The original island had a raised curved bar and columns to the ceiling. We agreed a large rectangular island would be more functional and visually cleaner, and worked with the architect to eliminate the obstructing columns.
- A show-stopping hood. We rearranged appliances so the range and exposed hood sit centered and become the kitchen’s centerpiece. The fridge will be tucked into a built-in cubby, leaving the backsplash and hood as the focal point visible from the living room.
- Bigger butler’s pantry. The appliance shuffle also opened more wall space for an expanded dry bar and an extra pantry/closet under the stairs.
- More windows. Instead of turning the whole wall between the family room and porch into swinging French doors, we added large fixed windows beside a single French door. That creates the feeling of a glass wall without the clearance and furniture challenges of multiple swinging doors.
- Built-in breakfast nook. The plan shows only a slight change in footprint, but we’re designing a custom built-in breakfast table with a distinctive window behind it to make the nook cozy and purposeful.
- Pantry doors. We decided to use two frosted glass pantry doors for a more interesting, balanced look.
On a recent site visit, Builder John and Justin from Homearama took us to Dreaming Creek Timber & Frame, where they craft custom wood pieces. They’ll build a raw-edge table for the breakfast nook to contrast the clean white surroundings, and will also create A-frame porch rafters and accent beams for the facade—some reclaimed boards even came from Coney Island’s old boardwalk.
Upstairs, we made a few kid-friendly and practical updates.
- Towel storage. The jack-and-jill bath didn’t need a full linen closet, so we added a narrow vertical cubby for rolled towel storage.
- One big sink. For the kids’ bathroom we replaced two small sinks with one wide trough-style sink that has two faucets—practical and playful.
- Homework nook. Instead of a bench seat, a built-in desk will create a light-filled homework spot that gets more use.
- Defined kids’ room. We’re treating the playroom as a cozy Kids Reading Room. It will be closed off with pocket doors to keep it quiet but still feel open when desired.
- Centered freestanding tub. We moved the tub to center under the back window as a freestanding piece, which freed up space for a full glass-front shower rather than a partially walled one.
- Vanity styling. Twin vanities will be squared off to read more like furniture—think converted dressers—rather than angled cabinets.
- Private balcony. We found usable roof space adjacent to the main bedroom and added a private balcony there. It made more sense than a balcony off a kids’ room and adds a lovely outdoor retreat.
We made a few exterior adjustments as well. The front facade evolved to better suit neighborhood guidelines and our design goals.
- No front pergola balcony. The review board rejected a pergola over a front balcony, and we also worried about safety for a balcony off a child’s room. That opening became a regular window and will host the built-in desk inside.
- French door look without the swing. In place of the dining room French door, we’ll use tall floor-to-ceiling windows flanking the front entry to get the same bright, formal look without the clearance issues of swinging doors.
- Open frame entry. We suggested an open framed detail above the front door. John loved it and connected us with Dreaming Creek Timber to add striking accent beams. We imagine a large glass pendant glowing through that framed opening.
- Exterior color. We’ve leaned toward a navy exterior with crisp white trim and cool gray stone at the foundation. John agreed—it’s a striking, modern choice. We’re still picking the exact navy, stone, and brick, and are debating a bright front door color—red or yellow—for a cheerful contrast.
There aren’t more construction photos yet, but the planning stage has been thrilling. It’s amazing to think that lines on a piece of paper will soon become rooms you can walk into. Have you ever helped build a house or been involved in a similar project? It’s surprising how many small decisions add up to a cohesive home.
P.S. This project is a creative side gig for us. Homearama compensates its designers, but we’re donating our entire fee to Richmond’s Habitat for Humanity to support the charity the show is partnering with this year.