Sherry and I have started work on another new house. Before you worry—we’re not moving into it, and we don’t own it yet. In fact, the house hasn’t even been built.
Right now the lot looks like this:
Some of you might remember the Mega House Crashing we did last year, where we toured eight custom show homes—each built and decorated by different teams—as part of Richmond Homearama. Their 2014 event is now underway, and they asked us to design one of the homes. Cue the excited squeals (I promise my shriek is more on the masculine side).
We’re thrilled about the opportunity and admittedly a little overwhelmed. This project presents fresh challenges: designing an entire house from scratch on a wooded lot, working with new construction (something we haven’t done before), planning spaces for someone else since the homes are sold after the event, and managing a budget that isn’t ours. We’ll also be up against six seasoned interior designers who produced some amazing rooms last year.
We couldn’t pass up the chance to be part of it, especially because the project supports a great cause. Homearama compensates designers for their year of planning and work, but we’ve decided to donate our entire fee to Richmond Habitat for Humanity. Homearama will be supporting Habitat in other ways during the event as well.
This project also matches our goal to take on work beyond our own home to stretch our skills. We jumped at the chance. Here we are trying to look cool while touring the lot where the house will be built—it should be under roof by Christmas.
We’ve already been working on floor plans for weeks, even though the event isn’t until May next year. Of the seven custom builders participating, we’ve partnered with Biringer Builders. When we first met John from Biringer, he showed us their plan and we’ve been scribbling on it ever since. That collaboration has been one of the highlights so far. Because the house is still on paper, we’ve been able to suggest changes to the layout—adding a French door here, a built-in bookcase/window seat there—and John has been enthusiastic and helpful. He’s also offered smart tweaks to improve our ideas, like adding a transom above a French door. It’s much easier to move walls before they’re framed.
John’s crew will handle the actual construction, so this isn’t a DIY build for us—aside from any furniture or artwork we choose to create. Our responsibilities include helping refine the layout and floor plan, selecting all interior finishes (flooring, countertops, appliances, sinks, cabinetry, and more), and furnishing and styling the entire house. With Biringer’s skilled carpenters, masons, and electricians on board, we can dream bigger and aim to make the home exceptional. We want to raise as much as possible for Habitat, so we’ll be working hard to make this showhouse stand out.
Between now and next May, we’ll share the house’s progress—from final floor plans and finish selections to decorating choices for each room. It should be a lot of fun, especially since we get to try out ideas that don’t fit in our own house (hello, walk-in pantry). We’ll post regular updates as the build moves forward and the rooms come together.
So that’s what we’ve been juggling since we moved—our secret’s out. Cross your fingers we don’t choke. Many of the designers in the show have years of experience, so we’re nervous about our first time in this arena. At times it makes me want to hide like Clara under the table…
…though gleaming tile samples are usually enough to lure Sherry—and me—right back out.
Update: Want to see the finished showhouse? Check the full showhouse tour for final photos of every room, the floor plan, budget details, a video walk-through, and the showhouse furniture and accessories.