We should probably post more photos of blue ceilings on Instagram—at least that’s what the reaction to this image from the Homearama Showhouse suggested. Or maybe it was just Sherry’s enthusiastic dancing-girl emojis doing the work.
We’re thrilled with how things are shaping up at the showhouse. The office ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore’s Skydive turned out even better than we imagined, and we were able to install one of our own favorite light designs from last year. Despite the visible progress since our last update, the rooms still feel a bit empty without furniture and accessories, so sharing the rest of the space doesn’t feel quite as exciting yet.
That said, the major work is moving along: the hardwood floors have been sanded and stained (currently covered for protection), most painting is complete, and the majority of lights and cabinets are installed. Even small details like doorknobs are being checked off. We replicated a backplate look we love from our own house, and upgraded to white porcelain knobs for a fresh, classic touch. Below is a close-up, and you can see two knobs together in the wider door shot above.
The glass pocket doors leading to the dining room are in place and awaiting paint, along with the front door. We’re loving the transom window above—if only every room had 10-foot ceilings.
Please ignore the temporary heights and angles of light fixtures in these photos. We planned lighting locations early to accommodate fixtures, sconces, and recessed cans, so junction boxes had to be installed before finishes. The electrician has now placed everything, which makes it exciting to see the layout come together, but many fixtures will be adjusted once furniture is set (for example, the dining chandelier is currently raised for safety and will hang lower later).
The Loft Shade Chandelier hangs in the foyer and the Industrial Modern Island Chandelier is shown in the dining photo; both were generously provided by Shades of Light. We painted above the wainscoting in Kendall Charcoal (Benjamin Moore) and love the depth it gives. Each room is still only about 5–10% complete—furniture, art, window treatments, and accessories remain to be added—but having painted walls and installed lighting makes it much easier to visualize the finished spaces.
The living room and kitchen form an open plan and will remain mostly white, allowing us to introduce color through furnishings, artwork, and soft goods. We added a Hale Navy (Benjamin Moore) accent wall at the fireplace, and the kitchen island across the room will match that navy, which will help the space feel cohesive. You can also glimpse the dark Jacobean floor stain on the stair edge in this image.
We like the contrast of the white-painted mantel and marble surround against the dark navy fireplace column. The gas fireplace features a herringbone brick back that gives it a slightly aged, textured look. The builder wired the mantel for a TV, but for the show we’ll hang art—possibly an oil painting of Burger the Wonder Dog—so the space feels warm and finished.
Kitchen cabinets are installed, though many doors and drawers are yet to be attached and counters, appliances, and backsplash still need to be added. We couldn’t resist sharing a peek at one of the lighting pairs that will hang above the island. The bold Accordion Chandeliers—another Shades of Light donation—were the first fixtures we selected back in December, and it’s satisfying to finally see them in place. The island below will be painted Hale Navy as well, echoing the fireplace and tying the room together.
The upstairs level shows similar forward motion: many lights are up (including a trio of glass jug pendants in the hallway) and the glass pocket doors were installed on the playroom/reading room/library. The stairs are still missing a railing, so they’re a bit hazardous for now—we’re taking extra care when photographing and walking the space.
The Jack-and-Jill bathroom between the kids’ rooms is almost finished—everything is installed except for the faucet, sink, and mirror. Counters were being prepped for installation when we left to pick up Clara from preschool. The vanity was painted Courtyard Green to match a side table that inspired us, and the floor features white lantern tiles from the builder’s local supplier, Mosaic Tile, set with gray grout for durability with kids in mind.
One nook we’re calling “The Atrium” sits between a closet and the bathroom. That wall is painted Stonington Gray (Benjamin Moore), and we’ve ordered a large leaning mirror to go beneath a Driftwood Pendant we purchased for the space. We loved the pendant in person and debated using one at home, though it’s best suited to illuminate a small niche rather than an entire room.
The most exciting update is the pace of the builder and crew as they race to complete the house in the coming weeks so we can begin moving furniture ahead of the early-April photography deadline. The house needs to be photograph-ready for press the first week of April, and we also have our own mid-April timeline for final touches. We’re equal parts thrilled and nervous to move from construction into furnishing and accessorizing—careful not to rush anything (or anyone!).
MORE PAINT COLORS WE LOVE
For more go-to paint colors, visit the paint tours in the menu at the top of our blog. We’ve also published in-depth posts about some favorites, including:
- The 12 Best White Paint Colors
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White
Psst – Want to see the finished showhouse? Check out our full showhouse tour for final photos of every room, the floor plan, budget details, a video walkthrough, and the showhouse’s furniture and accessories.