Some of the people behind Richmond’s Homearama invited us to a new show called the Massey Street of Dreams. Like Homearama, it showcases custom-built homes decorated by designers working with each builder. This event was created by cancer survivor George Emerson and benefits the VCU Massey Cancer Center, so it has an important charitable purpose. We enjoyed touring these homes and sharing highlights from the four distinct houses that make up the Massey Street of Dreams.
The homes sit side-by-side in a new neighborhood with water views of the James River nearby. Each house was built and styled by different teams, so each felt unique. Tours like this are fun because you can fall in love with different elements from each home — a favorite kitchen here, a bathroom there, and an outdoor space you’d love to copy.
We’ll start with the blue house. Its kitchen was likely our favorite, combining many current trends we like: gray cabinets, an island in an accent color with a contrasting countertop material, an exposed hood, and glass-front cabinets. The marble subway tile backsplash felt classic and tasteful.
The connecting butler’s pantry and dry bar provided a smooth transition between kitchen and dining room. The darker gray cabinetry there echoed the color of the coffered ceiling in the adjacent room, creating a cohesive palette.
We’re fans of coffered ceilings — they allow a richer ceiling color without making the space feel too heavy, and here they add architectural interest while keeping the room bright.
The living room had a classic feel with comfortable, traditional lines. Patterned orange chairs added a cheerful, casual touch, and the stone-and-raw-wood fireplace made the space feel cozy and layered.
The en-suite bathroom stood out for its large freestanding tub — the kind that makes a real statement. It’s the type of fixture that shows how a built-in piece can feel luxurious and comfortable.
The nautical-themed kids’ room was charming, with details like a sail headboard hung from an oar and a dock-cleat hook rail. Sherry especially loved the egg chair tucked into the corner.
One of the teenage bedrooms was actually designed by a high school student aspiring to study interior design. The room mixed a Paris-inspired aesthetic with playful photo-op props, making the space personal and fun.
The second home had an old-world feel but included modern conveniences. One notable feature was a prep kitchen next to the main kitchen — a practical space for appliances like a toaster or coffee maker so countertops stay uncluttered. It’s basically a pantry with additional workspace and a sink.
An open covered porch with a planked ceiling continued the home’s welcoming vibe, and a double-sided indoor-outdoor fireplace connected the indoor living area and the exterior seating — a wonderful feature for entertaining. The porch also included an outdoor TV for relaxed outdoor living.
The third house had a refined, high-contrast palette reminiscent of celebrity-style interiors: lots of white and gray with strategic dark accents. A dramatic dark staircase provided visual impact, and transom windows above the dining room doorway added classic architectural detail.
The kitchen felt grand with abundant cabinetry and thoughtful hardware choices. Dark pulls and knobs gave the soft gray cabinets some edge, and small details like a lit wine fridge added personality.
The breakfast nook introduced texture through simple burlap curtains, which the designer finished with a black ribbon — an affordable way to add charm and depth to a casual dining spot.
The final house was the most ornate, with rustic, Restoration-Hardware-inspired pieces and large arched mirrors that anchor the space. The dining room featured a beaded chandelier and deep, comfortable chairs that make the room feel both formal and cozy.
Its kitchen had an unusual but effective layout: three parallel work areas — a peninsula, an island, and a full wall of cabinets and appliances — creating efficient, separated zones for prep, cooking, and storage.
The front sitting room featured a painted treatment that mimicked grasscloth wallpaper, complete with painted seams to resemble where wallpaper panels would meet — a clever and cost-effective decorative technique.
This home also embraced the trend of dual main bedrooms, with one on the first floor and another upstairs. The upstairs bedroom had a large tufted headboard that made a dramatic focal point.
A girls’ bedroom brought in cheerful yellow accents tied to the chandelier, such as coordinating lampshades, creating a playful yet cohesive space within the home’s overall aesthetic.
The mudroom wasn’t fully styled at the time we visited, but we were struck by the tile pattern and the combination with powder-blue cabinetry — a fresh, appealing mix of materials that suggested the space would come together beautifully.
These photos are just a sampling of what we loved. The homes were open to the public during the event, and the tour supports a meaningful cause. If you enjoy design-driven homes full of thoughtful details, the Massey Street of Dreams was well worth a visit.