Yup, Sherry and I have started work on another new house. But before you gasp – we’re not moving into this one… and it isn’t technically ours. Heck, it’s not even built yet.
In fact, the lot currently looks like this:
Some of you may remember this Mega House Crashing that we did last year where we toured 8 custom show homes – each constructed by a different builder and decorated by a different interior designer – as part of an event called Richmond Homearama. Well, their 2014 event is now in the works and they’ve asked us to design one of the homes! Cue the girlish shrieking (not from me, I promise my shrieking is quite masculine).
We’re both crazy excited about the opportunity. Okay, and a bit overwhelmed too. This is a whole new challenge for us in many ways. Planning an entire house design at once (from scratch on a wooded lot). Working with a new construction (which we’ve never done before). Designing for someone else (each of the homes are sold after the event). Budgeting with someone else’s money (cue the maniacal laughs). Not to mention holding our own against six seasoned interior designers who turned out hotness like this last year.
But how could we pass up the chance to dive in? Especially since it’s for a great cause. While we often take on side gigs like this to help pay the bills, this one is a purely creative endeavor for us. Homearama compensates their designers for their year of planning and work, but we’ve opted to donate our entire fee to Richmond’s Habitat for Humanity, a cause that Homearama will also be supporting in other ways throughout the event.
This project also goes along with the goal that we mentioned here – to take on projects beyond our own walls as a means of stretching ourselves in new ways. So we (literally) jumped at the chance. This is us playing it cool while touring the lot where our house will go up (it should be under-roof by Christmas).
And (surprise!) we’ve already been working on floor plans for the last few weeks (even though the event isn’t until May of next year). Of the seven custom builders in the show, we’ve paired up with Biringer Builders. When we first met, they shared their plan with us and we’ve been scribbling on it ever since. That has been one of the coolest parts so far. Since the house is still just on paper, we’ve been able to make a few exciting changes to the floor plan. And John, the builder, has been an awesome collaborator in accommodating our design ideas (“what about a french door there?” “how about building in a bookcase/window seat here?”) as well as suggesting ways to make them even better (“what if we put a transom window above that french door?”). And boy is it easier to move walls before they’re built.
John’s team will be executing all of the actual building, so this isn’t a DIY job for us – with the exception of any furniture or art projects that we want to make for the finished spaces. We’re in charge of helping with the layout/floor plan, picking all of the finishes that go in (flooring, counters, appliances, sinks, cabinetry, etc), and then furnishing and accessorizing the entire house. And with John’s expert carpenters, masons, and electricians at our disposal, we’re able to dream a bit bigger here – which is fitting since we’re trying to raise as much money for Habitat as we can – so we plan to work our buns off to make this house something special.
Between now and next May when Homearama officially opens, we’ll be keeping you guys posted on the details as the house comes together – from sharing the final floor plans and selecting all of the finishes, to the decorating decisions that go into each room. It should be lots of fun, especially since we get to execute ideas that we don’t necessarily have spots for in our own house. This means you, walk-in pantry.
So that’s what we’ve been juggling pretty much since we moved. Cat = out of bag. Just cross your fingers that we don’t choke, ok? Many of the real designers have been doing this for years, so we’re a little jittery about our first time at the rodeo. Kind of makes us want to pull a Clara and hide under the table for a little while…
…only to be enticed out by gleaming tile samples that Sherry can rub her face on.
Update: Wanna see the finished showhouse? Click here for Our Full Showhouse Tour, which includes final pictures of every room, the floor plan, budget info, a video walk-through, and shoppable showhouse furniture & accessories.
Tirsa says
That’s wonderful, you guys! I’m sure you do really well and give the other designers a run for their money. Can”t wait to see the finished product.
cheri s in iowa says
Crazy cool! I wonder if they’re prepared for the staggering amount of actual foot traffic the two of you will generate? I predict it far exceeds their expectations!
Elaine - Visual Meringue says
WOW! What an honour that you were chosen (with good reason) and equally amazing that you are doing all of this for charity. You guys are such wonderful people! Enjoy every step of this new process and I’ll be following along every day as per usual! Congrats to you both :)
Pat S says
Way to go!! Talk about stretching yourselves, but I am sure you will do a wonderful job.
Rachel says
I was the marketing director for a builder a few years back. They opted to have ME design the house, as they recognized my knack for it after I helped stage homes for some showings. I was scared out if my mind!!! I did my best to make the house bold, comfortable and memorable. I was so intimidated going up against the seasoned designers, but the home ended up winning the Cleveland Citirama People’s Choice Award! I’m a photographer now, but being congratulated by the City of Cleveland architect was a bright spot in my eclectic career. I love your work – you’ve got this!!!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cool Rachel! Congrats!
xo
s
Mickey says
Great news. You will do exceptionally well. If I lived in the area I would try to buy the house when it is finished. Good luck the other designers should be worried.
Andrea says
WOW! That sounds like a lot of fun. But scary too! I love going to model homes and showcase homes. It’s such a great place to get ideas.
gemma@thesweetestdigs says
This is so exciting!! What a fabulous opportunity, and worthy cause.
We are in the midst of the drawing stage for our big second story addition/reno (hopefully to happen next spring) — it is so much fun!! So much dreaming. Looking forward to watching this progress and maybe get some tips from you guys as you go.
Erin Morgan says
This is great!!! I will consider moving from Canada just to live in a YoungHouseLove designed house. Hubby may put up a fight.
Lakitia A. says
That is TOTALLY WICKED!!! (Sorry, just watched The Incredibles this past weekend). I would love to design a house for scratch. I always dream of a house full of pocket doors on the main level. So you can separate/combine the spaces when needed. Good luck. I know you’ll do great!
Julie @ Living on the Ledge says
WOW – how exciting! You guys are amazing for donating to Habitat for Humanity!
Claire Belmont says
Free services when you have your own home to settle in? Outstanding role models.
Minnie says
HOW EXCITING!!!
Miss Charming says
Huge Congrats! That is my dream opportunity. (Along with being featured in a national magazine and having a professional workout session with Richard Simmons.)
Brooke says
Excuse my French, but that shizz is badazz!
Kellee says
This post makes me want to squeeeeeee like mad! Everything about it is so amazing – getting to see you guys design a house from scratch, watching you flex your creative muscles, seeing the final product, and most of all your total awesomesauce-ness (it’s totally a word) for donating your fee to Habitat. Hooray for you both! And for your readers, who get to come along for the ride!
More squeeee!!! And exclamation marks!!!!
Leslie R. says
I am thrilled to hear you are putting your unique touch on a model home. Here in Austin all of the model homes look identical – you know that earthy Tuscan look. I know you will breathe new life into some of these stale designs and send a little vision our way.
House Crazy Sarah says
Holy cow! How do you guys have time to sleep! This is very exciting! Can’t wait to see the end result – I’m sure it will be thrilling!
Laura says
I’m so excited to see what you guys do with the house. I actually thought to myself that you guys are cruising through your new home already. It will be fun to see what you come up with as designers, not diy homeowners! Congrats. It looks beautiful on the outside.
A says
Congratulations!!! What a fun (and scary) project, I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job! Can’t wait to hear more about it!
Diana says
How awesome! I am impressed with your jumping picture. And am just realizing how funny John is…
Colleen says
My husband and I designed and built our home from the ground up over the last year or so. It was/is an absolute blast! You guys are going to love this project and I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns out to be your big break (: Good luck and have FUN.
Amanda Comeau says
omg….how exciting! You guys are going to do an awesome job because you put a lot of thought into everything you do, so whoever ends up buying this house is a very lucky person. Is that a house crashing picture (the one with Clara under the table)? I love that table and feel like I’ve seen it before on Joss & Main….just wondering if you happen to have any details on it? Thanks!!!
YoungHouseLove says
That shot was taken during a meeting with the builder (that’s another model of his). We’re in love with it – we’ll have to house crash it for you! And the table is from Haynes! I guess they have a more affordable line that looks like Restoration Hardware!
xo
s
Brynn says
Very cool! Between this and your actual new house I imagine there will be blog content for years! I have to say that I’m very impressed that you’re donating your proceeds to Habitat. Good on you, Petersiks. Can’t wait to see what you do with the house!
Annegirrl says
I am unreasonably excited to follow along while someone else designs and builds a house for someone else. What a wonderful opportunity and I get to watch it all happen through your eyes. Love!
Danielle Ferretti in Miami says
WOWWOWWOWWOW ! You guys just never.cease.to.amaze.me
And this just goes to keep on confirming my beliefs that you two are real life SuperHeroes ! I am convinced !! More and more each day… do you have a phone booth where you change in your backyard ?!
Not to mention that even more awesome-ness that you are donating your fees. Congrats guys, this is really something to be proud of !
BTW – I was impressed with John’s jump height, yes. But did you guys SEE Sherry’s air time ?!? THAT really impressed me ! I honestly thought they were jumping OFF of something… LOL WAY TO GO P’s !
xox
d
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Erin says
Whoa! You guys! Just when I didn’t think you could get a lot cooler. That’s such an exciting opportunity! Can’t wait to see how this all unfolds. The fee donation thing just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, too. You’re good people. xo
Meghan says
OMG!!! That is awesome! Da bomb dot com!
It seriously sounds like a dream come true – have fun! And I can’t wait to see the results!
Christina says
HOLY CRAP! I can’t construct a complete sentence. Holy Crap! So exciting. I can’t wait to watch from the sidelines.
Maddie says
SO COOL! Congrats on such an incredible opportunity you guys! Also so incredible that you’re doing it all for Habitat for Humanity. You’ll do great!
Can’t wait to follow along with this one!! So much excitement from you YHLers!
Dina says
Congratulations!
What an awesome step for you two and your blog, and supporting such a great cause, too! I’m excited to read about this along side the updates to your own home. And, just like your book signings, I predict Homearama will be backlogged with your fans. I know I’ll be there!
Can’t wait to see what you guys cook up!
(Here are some more exclamation points, just for fun !!! !!!!!! !!!!!)
Cheryl says
Fabulous opportunity – have fun!
Autumn of Design Dump had some really good points several months ago about designing a house from scratch – she is an interior designer and her husband is a custom builder. They just moved in and are finishing things slowly but surely in their new home. Might help if you haven’t moved past that point yet. Although with your excellent skills you probably already know about her!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Cheryl!
xo
s
Jamie says
You guys are going to rock it! P.S, you humble me with your amazing capacity to be generous and non-materialistic. Cheers to you guys for being awesome.
Shannon [Our Home Notebook] says
What an amazing project! So looking forward to seeing you put this house together. You’ll do great!
Kristin F says
How unbelievably exciting! I would also jump at the chance to design a house from the ground up ON SOMEONE ELSE’S DIME!! I’ve always said I’m great at spending other people’s money.
Just promise you to put a YHL spin on the interior. I’ve walked through a lot of home models lately and they all seem to have the same things in common: dark floors throughout, granite counters, neutral walls. I understand you want a buyer to envision their belongings in a space but this is a show you’re contributing to! Work it!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, we’re going to happy this baby up! There will definitely be classic choices going on (we don’t want the house to be “so out!” in a decade) but we want to bring in awesome light fixtures, curtains, accessories, and furnishings (you know there will be some graphic and bright rugs going on!) so we can’t wait to see what we can hunt down.
xo
s
Elaine Lisle says
What fun! That is what I keep saying as we are working on building our new home and decorating each room.
It will be great to follow your blog as you are starting the new home!
Tyra says
Ahhh! This is awesome for y’all! Such a great opportunity, and how wonderful you are donating! Such good people. I’m so excited about your 3rd home but in years when you are all done and decide you don’t want to move, I would totally be down with watching y’all do this kind of stuff! This reader isn’t going anywhere!!
Now, can we talk about that countertop in the second to last pic. Yum. Meow. I want it now.
YoungHouseLove says
So pretty right?! I totally petted it for way too long. Get a hold of yourself Petersik.
xo
s
Rebecca says
CONGRATULATIONS! That is SOO amazing!! I’m shrieking inside (at work) for you!!
Kim says
Congratulations! That is an amazing honor. I would be intimidated by all the “professionals” as well but I bet your house will be the most functional while still looking awesome. That is why your blog does so well, you design for real life!
foobella says
So, basically, this is your opportunity to decorate the house of your dreams. I would love to do that, even if I couldn’t live in it in the end. ha.
Best of luck, guys.
Jodi says
wow!! this is so exciting!
Diana Buchanan says
Oh my! I held my breath when I first read the title, but this is SO. EXCITING!!! I’m giddy for you guys and this is what I do for a living! Crazy!
What kind of interior style do you think you’ll go with? Will you try to stay true to what you’ve done in your homes or will you go crazy with something new?
Either way, I’m so excited for you guys! Can’t wait to hear more!
YoungHouseLove says
I think just like our first two houses look “related” but not cloned, this house will look like a cousin of the others that we’ve done, but probably the fancy cousin! Haha! There will definitely be classic choices going on (we don’t want the house to be dated in a decade) but we want to bring in happy/bold/eye-catching light fixtures, curtains, accessories, and furnishings (you know there will be some graphic and bright rugs going on!) so we can’t wait to see where we end up.
xo
s
Wrenaria says
How fun! You guys get to do all the cool stuff. :p
Phuong says
How amazing!!! What a great opportunity. I am seriously going to come to Richmond just to see your house in person!! My husband will LOVE this idea… :)
Desiree C. says
Just when I thought YHL couldn’t get any better, not only do you start renovations on your new-to-you home, but you are “building” a whole new house!! I’m overwhelmed with the inspiration headed our way…wowza! Congrats, you guys, and many props to you on the coming donation to Habitat for Humanity. You truly are a selfless family. :)
Allyn says
Homearama!! Love those! I went to one several years ago in St. Louis but didn’t realize they had them in nearby Richmond! You can count on me to be there.
Nichole K says
Congratulations! What a fun challenge! And playing with someone else’s money PLUS helping a good cause…perfect combo ha! :)
Hannah says
AMAZING, and what an inspiration to us all to consider ways to take our gifts beyond our own walls to share with others!
carlyn says
So excited! I just commented the other day that we are moving into new construction and Im concerned about how to make it lived in and like our own.
Cant wait to see what you do!!
Sarah says
How cool! Knowing this is not only your passion but your profession, it’s great seeing you guys get more and more recognitions and opportunities like this, congratulations on your success!
I worked for Habitat for Humanity in Northern Virginia in High School and by far the best moment was refinishing a itsy bitsy room for a little girl, who was beyond excited to have her own space, no matter the size. HH is an awesome organization!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s such a sweet story Sarah!
xo
s