Some of the same organizers behind Richmond’s long-running Homearama partnered with us on the Habitat For Humanity Showhouse and recently invited us to a new event called the Massey Street of Dreams. Like Homearama, this tour showcases custom-built homes styled by professional designers and decorators working alongside each builder. What sets Massey Street of Dreams apart is its origin: it was created by cancer survivor George Emerson and all proceeds benefit the local VCU Massey Cancer Center, giving the event a meaningful charitable mission.
The four homes in the tour sit side-by-side in a new neighborhood and are positioned just across from views of the James River, which is hard not to be jealous of. Each house was built and styled by a different team, so every one has its own personality. Tours like this are fun because you can pick and choose the features you love—maybe the kitchen in one house, the bathroom in another, or the outdoor living space from a third.
The first home we visited was the blue house, and its kitchen quickly became a favorite. It combined several current trends—gray cabinetry, an island painted in an accent color with a contrasting countertop, an exposed range hood, and marble subway tile for a classic backsplash. Glass-front cabinets added an elegant, airy touch.
A butler’s pantry/dry bar connected the kitchen and dining room, using a darker gray finish that tied in with the coffered ceiling above—coffered ceilings are a favorite because they let designers use a darker color without making the room feel heavy.
The living room leaned traditional but felt lively thanks to two patterned orange chairs and a fireplace combining stone and raw wood, which made the space feel cozy. The primary bathroom stood out with a large freestanding tub—an element we loved and have also considered for our own projects.
The children’s rooms were full of character. A nautical-themed kid’s room featured an egg chair and playful details like a sail-shaped headboard hung from an oar and a dock-cleat hook rail. The teenage girl’s room was especially fun—designed by an actual high school student exploring interior design, it blended Parisian influences with whimsical props for friends to use in photos.
The second home leaned toward old-world styling but introduced a distinctly modern amenity: a prep kitchen. This secondary cooking space keeps small appliances like toasters and coffee makers out of the main kitchen work area, offering both convenience and a cleaner look. In practice, a prep kitchen functions as an extra pantry and utility sink—handy, if not strictly essential for everyone.
That same house also featured an inviting covered porch with a planked ceiling and a double-sided indoor-outdoor fireplace that serves both the interior and the porch—plus an outdoor TV for entertaining. These elements emphasized the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.
The third home had a sophisticated, high-contrast palette—lots of white and gray with strategic dark accents reminiscent of celebrity-style interiors, but in a more subdued way. Strong design choices included a dramatic dark staircase and a dining room with a transom window above the doorway. The kitchen felt particularly grand with abundant cabinetry, soft gray finishes, and dark hardware for contrast. A cozy breakfast nook used simple burlap curtains trimmed with black ribbon for texture and personality.
The fourth house was the most ornate and rustic of the group, full of heavy, Restoration-Hardware-style pieces and large architectural mirrors that make a big visual statement. The dining area showcased a beaded chandelier and oversized, comfortable chairs—ideal for long meals even if one might be tempted to nap and drip gravy down the upholstery.
Its kitchen had an unusual layout: three parallel but staggered work zones—a peninsula, an island, and a full cabinet and appliance wall—creating multiple workstations that function well for large households or frequent entertaining. The front sitting room featured a painted wall treatment that convincingly mimicked grasscloth wallpaper, even including painted seams where wallpaper rolls would meet.
This home also embraced a newer trend: dual main bedrooms—one on the main floor and another upstairs. The upstairs suite boasted a dramatically large tufted headboard, while a girls’ bedroom echoed the home’s style with pops of yellow inspired by a chandelier. The mudroom, still in progress, combined eye-catching floor tile with powder-blue cabinetry, hinting at a fresh, layered material palette.
There’s much more to experience in person, but these highlights capture the variety and creativity on display. The tour raises funds for a worthy cause while offering plenty of design inspiration—kitchen trends, innovative floor plans, indoor-outdoor living features, and thoughtful details you can adapt to your own home.
Psst – Want to see a finished showhouse we designed? Search for “Our Full Showhouse Tour” to view final room photos, the floor plan, budget information, a video walk-through, and sources for the showhouse furniture and accessories.