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.
Stephanie says
I believe in you!
You are sowing good seed. The hearts you have and the principals that you’re standing on are the roots of the successes you have. Be overwhelmingly blessed, Petersiks!
Britt says
This equation is like: ((HGTV Dream Home + YHL)* Habitat donation + New construction) – budget limitations * adorable Clara pics = Me no longer being comfortable with how much I love two people I’ve never met…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love you back Britt!
xo,
s
Anne G. says
Soooo exciting! I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with. And, how cool is it that you are donating all your proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. You two are beyond amazing!
Jennie says
Forgive me if this was answered and I missed it … Are all the houses in the same area? This is an amazing project, and I think you guys will do a great job!
YoungHouseLove says
Yep, they’re all built around one cul-de-sac in a new development. You can see all of the empty lots in that second picture.
-John
Katie says
Can I just take a minute to tell you how incredibly impressed I am (continually) with your generosity? I am so blown away by all of the small acts of unselfishness that show up on your blog. You never draw much attention to them, but your integrity as bloggers and as people is really inspiring. I am sort of emotional right now just writing this, and I don’t even know you. You guys rock.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Katie, you’re so sweet.
xo,
s
Nikki says
Will you stage some of the projects for your second book in this place? Seems like a great opportunity – both on it’s own and to give direction to new book projects. You guys are awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
We thought about that but we like for any book photos to be new and not seen on the blog, so we don’t want to cover the showhouse for the blog and then repeat that in a book. So maybe we can do a few projects just for the book that we don’t show on the blog, but otherwise the entire show house is set to be shared on the blog and who knows what our second book will be about! I think we’re still recovering from the first one, haha!
xo
s
Andrea B says
Wow, how exciting! You guys will do a fantastic job!
Theresa says
What a fantastic project this will be!! Can’t wait to see the end result. I got to build and pick our finishes but our budget was pretty tight. SO. MUCH. FUN!!
I think spending other people’s money is a great way to decorate…would you agree?
And lastly, John, admit it, you squealed like a girl…
In any case, this house is going to have a bidding war!
Jenn says
So awesome! So jealous! Do you guys think you’ll design it if it was your own house, take more designs risks or play it a little safe so it appeals to a wide range of people?
YoungHouseLove says
I definitely think we’ll lean towards making classic choices with the larger not-easy-to-change things (flooring, tile, etc) but when it comes to awesome light fixtures and bold rugs mixed in with fun and casual furnishings, I think the house will end up being a nice mix of unexpected + classic, at least we hope so!
xo
s
Mollee says
That’s so awesome, you guys! I’ve never gone to Homearama before because I thought the houses would just be builder-beige and blah, but I know that won’t be the case this year! It’s really cool of you to donate all the proceeds to Habitat, too. Can’t wait to follow the process and see the finished home!
Jess W says
This is very cool! …now where did you get that rug in the last photo? Gorgeous!
YoungHouseLove says
Justin, if you’re still dropping in Jess would love to know where that rug’s from!
xo
s
justin says
All the rugs in the model are from this local oriental rug importer and he consigns at Izzie’s in Midlothian Virginia. They are gorgeous!
justin says
All of the rugs in Biringer’s model home are from a local oriental rug importer who consigns with Izzie’s in Midlothian Virginia. They are gorgeous!
Guylaine Côté says
It’s a dream for me to do this!!! I am happy for you! It will be fun to follow you in this adventure :)
Have fun!
Guylaine :)
Chase says
Congrats, you guys! I know you’ll come up with some amazing things. What I love most about your style is that it doesn’t feel “textbook” the way some interior designers can be. I know you guys will hold your own in this competition!!
Natalie F. says
You guys HAVE been doing this for years! You have tons of experience and good taste. You’re thoughtful, sensible, hard working, and you know how to make a home a home!
A lot of designers design for other people, but you’ve been designing for yourselves which means that you know what real homeowners want. Anyone would be lucky to move into this home!
Dy says
Wouldn’t it be AWESOME if you started a trend among the designers participating and Habitat got a TON of donations? You’re just good people :D My hubby and I <3 you.
Pinja says
Yay, can’t wait to see what you guys come up with! Sooo exciting!
Necole@seriouslysassymama says
How super cool would that be!
Julianne says
Wow….Congratulations, you two!! That is totally awesome. Can’t believe how much you both take on..makes me tired just thinking about it! ;0). Looking forward to checking it all out as you go. Again, CONGRATS, Superstars!!!!!
Laura M says
I don’t know if this is allowed, but it would be awesome if you did a “reader vote” for some of the features in the house: light fixture, bookcase color, etc. Give us a few options and let us help you decorate! It would be lots of fun and a good way to incorporate us into your plans!
Just a thought :)
Laura
YoungHouseLove says
That could be really fun! Maybe if we can’t decide on a light fixture or we’re between a few counter or flooring options we could do a poll!
xo
s
Angel says
yes yes yes yes yes this idea!
Abby Kinch says
That is most awesome. You all got this!
And can I just say that I think it is beyond awesome that you are donating the fee to Habitat? As if I couldn’t love y’all more….
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Abby! Love you back!
xo
s
Samantha Chapman says
What an incredible opportunity!! I.AM.SO.PUMPED!! I can’t wait to see what you two come up with :)
Congrats!
Samantha
Jill @ Mission Decorate says
WOW! This is amazing, exciting and making me a little jealous! It will be a lot of work but the end result will be all yours (that someone else is living in). Proud of you guys already. And not to mention donating to an awesome cause. Totes Magoats! (Please say you know what that refers to.)
YoungHouseLove says
I always thought it was Totes McGoats! Learn something new every day :)
xo
s
Gayla says
John and Sherry,
Last year I drug my whole company to Richmond (I work for a local home builder http://www.70westbuilders.com) on your recommendation of Home-A-Rama. We had a great time!
So… Next year when I drag everyone up… Can you please be there for me to say hello to? Or Maul you with a big hug since you know.. I’m awkward like that.
Thanks <3 so excited!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! We’d love to hang out during a few of the days of the event (it’s 12 days long so I don’t think we can be there every day, but maybe on the weekends for a few hours – until Clara gets too wiggly).
xo
s
CA Green Remodeling inc says
Wow..that’s really awesome.the house is looking fantastic. can’t wait to see more and more updated news.you guys are rocking.keep it up.
Katie D. says
I KNEW you were up to something else!! Sneaky… :D So excited!!
jen says
I am not sure how far into your project you are, but I cannot recommend the works of Sarah Susanka enough! “The Not-So-Big House” and “Creating the Not-So-Big House” were our constant companions when we designed our home ourselves.
This is an exciting project! Have fun!
YoungHouseLove says
Love her books! My sister in law used them a lot when building! The builders all have specs they have to follow regarding square footage, but we definitely love going over every inch of the plans with the builder to see what functional tweaks we can make together :)
xo
s
Kim says
Holy schnikes! This is so exciting! I can’t wait for you guys to share more details as the project progresses. It will be so cool to see you work on two houses at the same time. Congratulations!!
Kimberly says
What a cool opportunity! I eagerly await future updates!
mp says
Hey, I’m 51 and still sit under the table (metaphorically) out of fear. But you’ll do great. I look forward to the tour next year!
Jessica says
Congrats! I’m sure your house will be AWESOME!!! I’m so excited to see your process. We are building a house now and it is so exciting and overwhelming at the same time. :) So curious to see what you do so we can steal some ideas. ;)
Karen L. says
I looked up the info for Homearama next year and it’s in a neighborhood right across from my son’s family. So, I’m hoping to come see “your” house with my daughter-in-law, too. That would be so fun! It’s a nice neighborhood out there in Moseley. Happy for y’all (and for me being able to see it in person). :)
Amy @ a new old house says
Congratulations! That’s so exciting… though I’m a little nauseous for you (thinking about the whole house getting done by May- it seems so fast, when I think of all that goes into it! And working on your own house stuff on top of it!)
I’m eager to see it all come together- you guys are gonna do great!
ErinY says
WOW!!! What an exciting opportunity!! I can’t wait to see what you guys do with the house. It must also be cool to get to experience new construction, while still getting to stay in the kind of DIY house you really love. Congrats guys!
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
Congrats! What an incredible opportunity!
Cheers – Shelley
Adrienne says
Congratulations! Having built 3 homes, I’ll tell you it’s a fun up and down process. Ok, so, I caught a glimpse of your floorplan in your post, and I can’t help but suggest that you switch the placement of your pantry with your powder room. That way you can have a window in your powder room (you can make it high up and smaller or do frosted glass), but I think natural light in a bathroom is wonderful.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh I love that idea! Thanks Adrienne!
xo
s
Allison says
Gather your ponies, here we go!
Come to Sherry and John’s 1st rodeo.
A show home for Homearama they did score!
And giving back to Habitat for Humanity
we couldn’t love them more!!!
Thrilled for you all! Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Allison! Love me some Tuesday afternoon poetry ;)
xo
s
Ginni says
Sooooo Cooool! You guys are truly living the dream!! Love that! I’m so glad I recently stumbled upon your blog! Very inspiring! Congrats!
GreenInOC says
Wow, what a huge and exciting project! I’m sure it might be overwhelming at times but I imagine, so-so-so fun too.
When I was a kid, an Aunt had a “hidden in plain sight” secret reading library that I would escape to for HOURS. I remember every detail and have always thought that if I ever built a house I would replicate that and this opportunity of yours reminded me again of that lovely library!
YoungHouseLove says
So sweet!
xo
s
Heather says
I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with! Also, I started reading your book last night and I just want to tell you that it is really inspiring me. :)
YoungHouseLove says
So glad Heather! Thanks so much!
xo
s
Koliti says
YAY! The DIY Superheroes are on the scene once again! And helping Habitat for Humanity! What a FUN chance to let all your talents shine, display your design skills, and delve into unchartered territory.
Love your open, abundantly giving HEARTS!
Alex says
What an awesome opportunity! SO excited to see this one unfold! Exciting times, Petersiks!! I am sending you the hugest of virtual high-fives! Oh, who am I kidding? Virtual congratulatory hugs!! Hooray, hooray, hooray!!
YoungHouseLove says
Woot! Hugs right back atcha!
xo
s
Nicole says
So exciting! I can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.
Jenny says
This is going to be so much fun to watch! We’re currently in the processing of designing our own home and I love it! I’ve purchased loads of old design magazines off of Ebay just for inspiration. Who knows, you might come to find you want to do new construction for your NEXT house! Will you have any input on the exterior color palette and landscaping?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, our builder is amazing and really wants to tap us for a lot of exterior choices as well, so we can’t wait! The front won’t be brick, so we get to choose siding colors. And there’s some fun hardscaping we’ll be brainstorming too! Can’t wait!
xo,
s
Kate says
That is so exciting! This is going to be fun watching you guys do your house AND the house for Housearama. I can’t wait to see what you do next! =D
Priscilla says
Donating your fee to Habitat … I just love you guys! I can hardly wait to see what you come up with.
Julia says
Congrats, guys! That’s so exciting — you’ll be great! This sounds like an awesome excuse to make the drive to Richmond from DC next year and check out Homearama. Can’t wait to see what you’ve done with the place!
Karla@{TheClassyWoman} says
What an awesome opportunity! Kudos to you guys for donating your portion to Habitat, you guys rock and I know whatever you design will turn out amazing!! Looking forward to the details once you start posting about them. :)
AmyB says
How cool! I’ve actually done this, and it’s lots of fun, not to mention a great creative outlet! You can make really bold choices when it isn’t your own money or home :) The two things I learned – have a good sized “crew” to help when the house is finally loaded with furniture,etc, and get WAY more accessories than you think you need! Those houses eat accessories! Good luck!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Amy! So good to know!
xo,
s
Beck says
Wow!! So excited for you guys! Looking forward to seeing the house unfold.
Laura says
What a compliment and an awesome opportunity for y’all! Can’t wait to follow all the developments…
Susan says
What an awesome opportunity and three cheers for your support for Habitat for Humanity!
I’m sure you’ll do a great job and I can’t wait hear and see all about it. And – on that note – may I make a request for a future post? I’m curious about the differences between designing a “blank slate” and working with existing conditions. It would be interesting to know what you think about that as you go or at the end of the project.
Have fun!
YoungHouseLove says
I can’t wait to find out the differences! I think that would make for a really fun post.
xo,
s