You know how excited we get to snoop around houses and share the goods with you guys (we’ve even crashed open houses and stores), so just picture our excitement to crash EIGHT houses on one block for your viewing pleasure.
It definitely wasn’t our most traditional house crashing adventure – it was actually a home show here in Richmond called Richmond Homearama, where home builders team up with local designers to construct and decorate eight houses in a variety of styles. Most of the homes are already sold by now, but you can still stroll around for ideas and inspiration. So we thought we’d show you a few of our favorite nooks and crannies.
It was pretty cool how from one house to the next you could go from a casual elegant dining room…
… to a polished transitional one. And since all of the rooms were done by local design pros, they seemed to be more layered and intricate than the average staged-for-sale new construction. A lot of the designers tried to do something different and take interesting risks (like two large light fixtures over a table or a backsplash made from river rocks) so it was fun to see them stretch the usual “keep it basic and neutral” house-selling rule.
As much eye candy as there was to take in, some rooms definitely stood out to us as favorites. One being this could’ve-been-overlooked mudroom in the “European Elegance” home.
My penchant for old boxes and crates was satisfied, while Sherry appreciated the open space under the built-in bench where shoes could be casually kicked off while still remaining wrangled (let’s face it, kids don’t always put them in baskets, but the least they can do is kick them into that zone under the bench).
But our favorite details by far were these coat hooks made from brightly-colored valve handles. The designers picked them up at a local hardware store (Pleasants, for all you Richmonders) and spray painted them in a few happy colors (there are also ready-to-order collections on Etsy if you’re looking to recreate the look).
This house also featured one of our favorite bedrooms. And come to think of it, this was also where we found the first dining room pictured above (who would’ve thought we’d be so into European Elegance?). See that cute dog on the bench at the foot of the bed? He’s not real. But he could have fooled us when we walked in (and we later admitted we were sad that he wasn’t).
We liked this gutsy and graphic choice for the headboard. Maybe cranes (herons?) aren’t something we’re brave enough to do in our own home, but it was certainly fun and very memorable.
We also liked that they woke up the room with a big blast of color on one wall, thanks to this kick butt piece of art (from Crossroads here in Richmond, for anyone interested). It’s like, just when you thought the room might be too gray-washed… BAM! How you like them florals?
Speaking of gray + color, this guest bedroom from the “Swift Creek Cottage” also had a cozy stay-a-while vibe. We thought the shutters on the inside was a fun touch to play off the whitewashed wood wall. The whole room felt like a comfortable sun porch or something.
Here’s a closer shot of that wall, which they made from reclaimed pieces of lumber. And isn’t that yellow inset on the headboard a nice detail? Most of the furniture in all eight houses came from The Greenfront Furniture Market (although some of it was altered by the designers) so hopefully that helps if you’re looking for something.
One room I’m bummed I didn’t get better pictures of is what I call the “Angel Kitchen.” Why? Because when they flipped on the lights it was like a chorus of “Hallelujahs!” It was like we had died and gone to white, glass-fronted, brilliantly-lit cabinet heaven. Feel free to play this music while staring at this picture for the full effect.
This home, named the “Modern Craftsman” was probably the closest to our current style. Actually, speaking of which – see that upholstered chair in the background of this striped side table shot? We actually used that fabric in one of our book projects!
This house is also a good place to point out one trend that we noticed across all of the houses: lots of molding and trim that went the extra mile on both the walls and ceilings. For example, here’s the staircase right beside the table shown above. This was a huge double height entryway, so the trim-work cozied things up and made it feel less like an ampitheatre when you walked in.
This house also carried the feature moldings into the bedroom with this pretty tone-on-tone coffered ceiling. Oh to have high ceilings like this…
Coffered ceilings seemed to be all over the place actually. Some were more subdued (like the one above) while others were more bold, like this living room from the “European Elegance” house that used a darker color to cozy things up.
This sitting room in the “Swift Creek Cottage” used the white paneled wall to offset a bold blue accent wall, showing that just because a wall has some trim detail doesn’t mean it needs to be the only focus.
Back on the bolder end of things, the designer of the “Vintage Rediscovered” home had this outside-the-box solution for the monstrous ceiling in the main bedroom – she had the builder add faux beams (surprise, they’re actually just painted drywall).
Though in this house it was the en-suite bathroom that caught our eye the most. The mixture of textures and tiles just made the whole space feel really comfortable and lived in. Sherry was thisclose to drawing herself a bath (and rubbing her face on that grasscloth wallpaper).
Another trend we noticed across the homes was how the builders didn’t miss opportunities to steal extra storage space by adding nooks and recessed shelves in the walls. Like this stylish kids’ bathroom in the “Swift Creek Cottage” with some built-in storage on either side of the sinks.
It seemed like every kitchen island had an open shelf or built-in bookcase on at least one end. And the kitchen from this same “Swift Creek Cottage” also had a little shelf in the half-wall next to the benched breakfast area.
Now if only ceramic animals had been more of a trend in all of the spaces. Although we did find these guys chillin’ on the dining table…
And while we’re still in the “Swift Creek Cottage”, let’s finish out some of the other cool details that we spotted there that certainly go beyond average builder finishes. Like this hammered copper apron sink (the first one we’ve ever seen in person):
They also traded out standard double-doors for these cool rolling barn doors in an upstairs media room. Still gotta figure out a place to use these guys in our house somewhere…
We even found the entrance of the “Swift Creek Cottage” inspiring. Check out the fun green door:
Speaking of entrances and outdoorsy stuff – we noticed more than one home that featured rain chains (which are basically downspout alternatives since rain hugs the chain and is led down to the ground). Looks like those are becoming more and more of a thing, even in new constructions. Sherry always wanted one for our first house, so we might have to make it happen in our current one.
This home below was called “Simply Flexible” and featured another space that’s apparently really “in” right now which is known as the command center. See that area to the left with the pencil art? It was a small area that housed some built-in cabinets, a built-in desk and functions somewhere between a drop-zone and a mini office. Perhaps it’s the 2012 version of having a small desk for a laptop right in your kitchen?
Of course, beyond these broader building trends there were still little decorating/crafty projects that we noticed. This Check Your Pockets sign in the laundry room of the “European Elegance” home (with jars to stash change, pens, candy, and money before they go into the washer) is a cute functional idea. Plus it’s inspiration to make sign art from scrap wood with any message stenciled on the front.
The equestrian-themed kids room in the “Historic Richmond” home had this cool idea of showcasing prize ribbons by clipping them on a couple of old shutters. We thought it was a fun idea even if you’d rather hit up eBay instead of the stables for your ribbons.
And speaking of themed kids’ rooms, I couldn’t resist showing you guys this Angry Birds room. Yes, it’s definitely bold, but I’ve gotta give them points for creativity. I loved how the bed, shelves, and even the nightstand were constructed to look like the game. Let’s just hope things don’t fall over or get blown up as easily as they do on my iPhone.
Obviously we’ve only scratched the surface of all eight houses at Homearama, so it’s totally worth a visit if you’re a local (it runs Wednesdays – Sundays through May 6th). As a heads up, it’s $10 for adults but free for kids 12 and under. Oh, and we’d love to know what home jumps out as your favorite, or if there’s a particular room or idea that you’d love to make yours. Or what general trends you’re noticing in new constructions when it comes to their layouts/design.
Psst- Still feel like snooping? Check out over 35 other houses we’ve crashed right here.
Nite Nite Mommy says
I have to first wipe the drool from my chin. Okay. I loooved this post! Richmond Homearama– I am so going to dream about this event to happen near my area. Urghh!! Such beautiful designs.
Marcie says
What subdivision did you tour? I love some of the ideas!
We’re amidst the craziness of having a newborn and transitioning a lot of our spaces, but we may “apply” for a house crashing next year when the dust settles. We’re in the westend. Oh how fun that would be!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s called Summer Lake in Chesterfield County (out past Brandermill). And as for a possible house crashing- yes yes yes! Send us pics whenever you’re ready!
xo,
s
Alison says
So fun!!!!! I love all the inspiration from those homes, I will definitely have to check back on this post when we get our house for extra decorating ideas.
sara says
We have tons of ribbons that my husband’s grandparents won at our local fair. We are planning on framing a couple of them that are especially neat looking or sentimental. I love that we inherited his grandparent’s house and get to showcase something that was so special to them!
Justin says
We love all of the comments and questions about the show. As I get answers I’ll post them…
The Southern Traditions front door color is Benjamin Moore Blooming Grove 413.
I also thought I would add more information on these great rain chains and how they have evolved. Traditional gutters and downspouts are used to take the water away from the home’s foundation. Rain Chains are a water collection system that diverts the water down to the rain barrel below to store the water which can be used for lawn and garden irrigation.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Justin! We just didn’t see a rain barrel under that one- but maybe we just didn’t realize that was a capturing device on the bottom- so smart! As for the front door color- thanks so much for sharing!
xo,
s
jenny says
Great houses/inspiration! I’m surprised you guys didn’t flip for the number 7 pillow on the sofa of the Simply Flexible house!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes we loved that he made the picture!
xo,
s
kristine says
the kids’ bathroom in the “Swift Creek Cottage” looks like the one from the Muppets!
Rocio says
Check this tutorial for a rain chain!!
http://www.borganic.net/projects.php?subj=1&season=1&episode=12&1&project_id=122
YoungHouseLove says
So cool, love it!
xo,
s
Kiki says
I’m loving that pop of green with the grey siding! And those sliding barn doors are so fun, too! I love that local home builders and designers could work together–what a great idea!
Alli says
Love this post! Anybody know where the bench at the of the bed with the fake dog is from?
Justin says
Green Front Furniture in Farmville VA but it is for sale
Izzie's...consigning with grace says
Alli, we got the bench/chaise lounge from Green Front Furniture in Farmville, VA. It is for sale and is sooo comfortable and resonably priced!
T-La says
Oh my gosh! They are all so incredible! Wish I lived even remotely close so I could visit them! On a side note, you guys have iPhones?! Do you have Instagram?
YoungHouseLove says
We do, just haven’t really gotten in the habit of using Instagram. It’s downloaded but I’m not sure either of us have made accounts yet!
-John
Alyssa says
It’s official-I am in love with all of the cottage one. That is like the coziest bedroom ever.
Rachael says
I am definitely NOT a fan of themed rooms, particularly for kids as they grow out of them so quickly. That said, Oh MY GOODNESS!! My youngest son would LOVE that Angry Birds room!! :D
Beth says
I have just found your blog a few days ago and I am addicted! Luckily you have several years for me to read through. :) thanks for the inspiration and entertainment!
Stephanie says
GREAT post. I was drooling over each and every photo. Couldn’t resist…pinned a bunch of them on my Pinterest boards!!
Jillian {Her Split Ends} says
Soooooo many details from these homes that i LOVE!! the copper sink…swoon…the barn doors…the built ins…the color palettes…i just love! Great tour kids!!
Thanks!!
~ Jillian
http://www.hersplitends.com
mp says
Did they feature any on-site info about the designers? I visited the website and only gleaned that each home was decorated by “regional teams,” but no info on the personnel on those teams.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, there’s a sign at each home with the builder and designer information as well as hand-outs with more info too. Is there a home you were particularly interested in learning more about? We can try to dig it up for you.
-John
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
So much good stuff – thank you for the pictures and the inspiration! I actually waited until I was home to comment. Some of my favorites – the trim-work on the large staircase/foyer area. Those always look so cold and formal but this seems like the perfect way to dress it up but make it more casual at the same time. I love all birds (except angry birds, haha) so that upholstered headboard is a winner for me although I also wouldn’t be brave enough to do it myself. The coffered ceilings are amazing but alas our ceilings are much too short (everything’s under 8 feet – were people really that much shorter 60 years ago?) and our front/back outside walls upstairs are rounded where they meet the ceiling so there isn’t a defined space for crown molding. The green front door of the Swift Creek Cottage is also a favorite of mine for it’s bold color.
Jenny@EvolutionofStyle says
Oh I love Homearamas! This is this first time in four years that we’re finally having one due to the housing slump. I love the homes you’ve shared, and it’s so much fun getting creative ideas at these things. I totally need/want a command center! Brilliant!
Katie says
I’ve been following your blog for several months and checking it regularly. Today, as I began reading your House Crashing post I thought how familiar those homes looked. Then I realized my sister, who just relocated to Richmond bought one of those houses! I’m in FL and just freaked out squeeling! I was just there visiting a month ago but didn’t get to see the home decorated. Yeah for Richmond, VA and for now being the home to my A-M-A-Z-I-N-G sister! Thanks YHL
YoungHouseLove says
Your sister is a lucky lady! Do you know which one she purchased?
-John
Izzie's...consigning with grace says
Katie, I just received an email from your sister, Kim, and she told me about your seeing her house on YHL before she did. I agree that your sister is amazing, I have enjoyed getting to know her and her family.
For John’s info she purchased the European Elegance home! I am so happy for her and her wonderful family. diana
YoungHouseLove says
Wow… I’m a bit jealous of Kim now! :) Thanks for the info, Diana.
-John
Kelly Reber says
Thanks for sharing! I loved these so much I think I pinned half of them!
Erin J says
Love your house crashing posts! Just wanted to ask if you have changed up your website recently because now when I view your site from my iPhone, the page has FAV POSTS* plastered all over as a background image. The posts and pictures are still visible, but it makes it difficult read. Just wondering if this is happening to anyone else. It could be my phone setup. Thanks for your time.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s just a glitch that happens sometimes on mobile devices. Still haven’t gotten to the bottom of why it happens (it gets us sometimes too). It just seems to pick an image from our sidebar and decide it should be the background instead. Weird, I know. You can usually clear it up by clearing your cookies, cache or history on your phone since it seems to be something on the phone’s end, not ours. Hope that does it for you!
-John
Allison D. says
Thanks for posting this! We (myself,my husband and our 4 & 5yr old’s)are spending the week in Richmond next week and I’m trying to find things to fill in some of the days while my hubs is working. I’m sure this won’t be the kids favorite, but I can’t wait to visit these homes! I also have been planning some excursions based on your Richmond favorites post. Thanks again for the Richmond info.
YoungHouseLove says
Our pleasure. Have fun in our city next week. I think it’s supposed to be pretty good weather too!
-John
Sue J. says
any chance you know where the pencil art canvas came from? lurve it.
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry, we don’t. Anyone know?
xo,
s
Justin says
The pencil art canvas is from Art Classics Ltd. It looks even better in person!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Justin!
xo,
s
Sherri says
Enjoyed this post with the variety of inspiration in style and design. I’m wondering what the price range is for these gorgeous homes?
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a link to one of their sales pages: http://www.summerlake.info/HOMESforsale2.html It looks like most of them are around the $500k mark.
-John
Kim (Wethe) Rily says
You don’t by any chance know how they painted the beams that are only painted drywall do you? They look AWESOME!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kim,
I don’t know specifically how they did that and there were a lot of faux paint finishes in that house so my guess is they had a special painter come in to do them. If I were to take a stab at it myself I’d probably start with a light/medium brown base and then go over it with maybe a thinner wash (a little water added to the paint) of a darker brown and maybe even a black-brown too. Either that or maybe Google faux wood paint effect to see if you can come up with some better instructions from someone who’s actually done it.
-John
Amanda says
I also have that cow in yellow. Our last name is Creamer, he just might be the start of a clever creamer container collection!
YoungHouseLove says
I say go for it. :)
-John
Anna says
Love that painting/photo of what appears to be a mermaid in that delightful master bath. Where can acquiring minds get their hands on it?
YoungHouseLove says
A lot of the art was from a local gallery called Crossroads (http://www.crossroadsartcenter.com/) so you might be able to call them and try to get more details. Sorry we don’t know the specific source!
-John
Jacque E says
I was just wondering the same thing – that painting totally caught my eye! Thought I would browse through the comments to see if anyone else had found out already! :)
Kismet says
I LOVE that pencil art print and also the one of the girl in the bathroom.
~K!
Julia says
Okay this is my first comment ever and I’ve been reading you since 2009! You guys are amazing!! I really liked this post as it was so inspirational, yet totally doable.. hanging shutters next to a window is not the work of a genius but it looks great! I had to laugh at the “european elegance” style, as I am German, living in Germany and have never seen a place here in Europe decorated like that.. it would probably go under “american elegance” here ;)
Keep up the good work!
xo
Julia
Barb says
I love this post! So much inspiration. I must have the bedding from the gray yellow bedroom! Do you know where I can get it???
YoungHouseLove says
We don’t know where that bedding came from unfortunately, but perhaps one of the designers will pop by with that info. Or you can try asking on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Richmond-Homearama/
-John
Justin says
Hi Barb – Believe it or not that bedding is from Target. I believe it is still there available for sale.
Aimee says
I think this may be one of my favorite “Crashes” that y’all have ever done! Wish I could see more pics from the Simply Flexible home. Maybe if you have any more pics you could do a part 2?? Here’s to hoping :) Thanks for the drool-worthy goodness!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Aimee! We used all of our good pics for this post, but we promise to keep house crashing and sharing all the goods with you guys!
xo,
s
Gina says
What great pictures! I love those kind of home tours. They used to do them here in my town but no longer. In fact, we purchased a home that was on a tour like this when we moved from Richmond after my husband finished at MCV in ’93. Thanks for sharing! Wish I could see these homes in person!
Lara V says
OHMYGOSHHHHHHHHHH! I LOVED this post!!! What is better than crashing a whole bunch of professionally decorated homes???? Not much!!!!! SO many great ideas!!!! SO MANY!!!! I am loving the barn door look too and I *think* I may have the space to try one!! We are remodeling a finished attic space in our house and I think it will work!!! I’m actually just getting ready to use one of your discount codes to order a ceiling fixture from Shades of Light. I will send you pix of our LOFT when we are finished. It will be a huge transformation!
I’m always excited to see your posts!
Abby says
Gorgeous homes! It gives me great ideas on how to decorate in my first home (closing in June!). :) In the “Vintage Rediscovered” home, do you all have any clue where the painting in the bathroom is from? I’m in love.
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry, we don’t know. Anyone recognize it?
xo
s
Hannah says
Thanks so much for all the great, inspiring photos! It was fun to “tour” with you. Loved the Simply Flexible sectional/open concept and of course the amazing green door and barn door (not sure if this is accurate, but I have heard that they are not effective at blocking noise, so you probably wouldn’t want it on a bedroom or bathroom). Thanks again! :)
Louise says
Gasp!! I Love Model Home Crashing!! My sisters and I used to sneak into model homes when we were kids, during the summer, so we could take advantage of the air conditioning!! haha!! And if there were snacks in the fridges, ummm yea, we’d eat those too!! We were soo bad!! haha Luv luv LUV the coffer ceilings and all the recessed shelves!! The crane room & the yellow/gray room are my faves!!
John@Our Home From Scratch says
I’d need to keep my jaw taped to my head. So much eye candy!
Ashley @ The North Carolina Cowgirl says
Really love the barn doors inside the house. I’ve seen a few pics of those from Pinterest and it’s definitely something I want to incorporate into my next home. Looks like the houses you saw were very interesting inspiring. Maybe I need to start house crashing lol.
LoriD says
LOVE the rain chains! I had never heard of them and now I’m wondering if I can incorporate them into a project I’m doing for work.
Amber says
I love the valve handles as a coat rack- totally stealing that idea! Also, I love those double barn doors- they’re everywhere in TX. I wish we had somewhere we could use them :(
Meredith @ La Buena Vida says
I swear, I’ve almost purchased that little yellow ceramic cow the last 10 times I’ve been at Target. I don’t know why I can’t pull the trigger–I don’t own ANY ceramic animals!
PS- I totally went pin-crazy on this post. That first photo of the dining room is amazing!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that you’re so close to moving in on that cow!
xo,
s
Bryahnn says
Could you post more pictures from Homearama after the show is done?
I understand if the designers don’t want you to post more pictures while the show is still running. However, I’d really like to see more. I live so far away, I’ll never make it to the Richmond event, even though I’d really like to go. Posting more of the pictures would really make my day. The homes were so beautiful and inspiring!
YoungHouseLove says
These are all of the photos that we took (aside from some blurry ones that didn’t turn out) but if you go to their site you can see more pics! Hope it helps!!
xo,
s
Courtney S. says
I didn’t read all the comments, so I am not sure if someone already pointed this out (and I can’t believe you guys didn’t mention this), but in the “Simply Flexible” picture of the family room/kitchen, there is a pillow on the couch with the number 7! Your favorite :)
LOVE those rooms/houses, especially all the open spaces and storage. A girl can dream, right? Thanks for sharing.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah! Haha. We were so happy that guy got into the picture!
xo,
s
Jen says
Do you know if they have sources for fabrics, etc shown in the rooms? A 10 min Google search didn’t turn up any more details. I love the valence fabric in the kids bathroom, but will probably have to settle for stalking out something similar :). Thanks for sharing!
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry, I don’t know about their sources, but if you’re local maybe try U-Fab which is a great fabric store with tons of stuff (wouldn’t have been surprised if they got it from there).
xo,
s
Justin says
Hi Jen – The valence fabric is actually available at Lowe’s as a panel. Isn’t that crazy? Cute and affordable…
Monique says
Love this post! So many great ideas!
bachsbythebeach says
wow! amazing houses and pictures!
Nancy Dearnley says
If you think these pictures are AMAZING, you should see the houses. I have seen all 8 and this pictures just barely scratch the surface of the talent and inspiration that you can find. A great place to see if you are building or remodeling or just want to add something new to your home. Come on out to Richmond’s Homearama, open Wed thru Sunday noon to 8 pm. Thanks for sharing these pics!
Valerie says
can I get the name of the fabric that is on the chair- and in your book (!) from you guys? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We got that here in Richmond from a shop called U-Fab. As for the name of it, our book manuscript is turned in (we trade the doc back and forth and don’t have access to it right now) but the next time it comes to us for proofing we’ll try to look up that info for ya!
xo,
s
Eagle Eye says
Oh yes! I was going to ask the same thing, it would be perfect for my living room!
Laura says
So many great ideas! I especially love the bright painting over the dresser and over the fireplace! Any chance you know the artist’s name?
YoungHouseLove says
We don’t know the artist’s name for those, but think they’re both from Crossroads Art Gallery here in Richmond, so maybe calling them will help you hunt that info down?
xo,
s
Izzie's says
Hi Laura,
The artist is Judith Kowler, and she has a booth at Crossroads. Her artwork is AMAZING! We have fallen in love with it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the info!
xo,
s