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.
Courtney says
OMG!!! So excited to see everything you do. I would love to get a chance to spend someone else’s money and design a Homearama house for our local one.
Allison Lawson says
Wow that is really exciting! Maybe I can convince my husband to take a vacation to see all these wonderful homes!!
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
Wow! How exciting! What a fun adventure for you both and also another neat thing for us readers to follow along on this journey!
Monica says
Awesome! What an amazing opportunity for you both!
Playing with other people’s money? How can someone turn that down! I bet it’s going to look fantastic. There are some design risks that I would be too chicken to go after in my own home but maybe would try if I had free reign with someone else’s cash! They say it’s easier to decorate other people’s houses rather than your own…
Caroline says
You guys are actually awesome – I had to stop reading this post to comment! :) I love that you guys are donating your fee to Habitat – y’all have some mad karma you’re building!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Caroline! The Richmond branch is amazing and we love watching them do their thing! So many deserving families have been given the home they never thought they’d have. Makes me cry every time.
xo
s
Sara Thom says
Wow! I don’t know how you guys do it all and then come home to your house and want to do more! Can’t wait to see how it will turn out!
Annette says
That is so amazing!!! I swear you guys have the most awesome life ever!
Makes me wonder what other secrets you guys are keeping work/design related…hmmmmm. First you bought a new house and now you get to build a new one! Congratulations!!
Suzy says
That’s awesome! I want to move JUST so I can decorate and design a new home, so this is the best of both worlds!
xoxo,
Suzy
Vintage Amore
Karly says
Very cool, can’t wait to read about the process! Congrats guys!
Rachel says
“Most of these designers have been doing it for years.” Hello! So have you guys!!! You’ll do great! What a neat opportunity and it’ll be so fun to follow along!
Sunnie says
I’m sooo excited to watch this unfold! Its like seeing the finished version of your new house without having to wait so long! You guys will do a great job! Are you worried that you’ll want to abandon your new house and move in?
YoungHouseLove says
We keep joking that we fall more in love with it each time, but we love our new neighborhood and our new house so much it’s nausea inducing, so I think we’ll be able to resist. Haha!
xo
s
Brandy says
Oh wow!! So exciting guys and a perfect project for the blog in addition to your new house! This next year of blogging will be awesome for us readers!
p.s. I’m totally planning a getaway weekend to Richmond so I can tour these homes in May! It. is. a. MUST!
Tammy O says
Another exciting opportunity for you guys — so happy for you! Can’t wait to see the style of the house and what you come up with!
jill says
This is a dream! It’s always so fun to spend other people’s money. You two will kill the place. Can’t wait for the fabulous results!
Lacey says
Oh, I’m so excited to read about this! My husband and I are closing on our construction loan next week to build our 2700 square foot home. I’m so nervous I’m going to forget something!! I picked out a custom built floor plan someone else designed (because I can’t do it myself) but cannot wait to see what you put in your design!!
Amelia R. says
What an amazing opportunity! And good for you guys, giving your fee to Habitat. They do great work for communities.
Megan says
Such an awesome opportunity! I kind of love the idea of designing a house all at once. We just began the planning to purchase my in-law’s home (2 years from now) and have already started planning most of the rooms. Sure, a lot will change before we move in, and even more will change by the time we get around to tackling everything. But, I think taking a “big picture” approach will help us keep the space cohesive and give us a good jumping off point down the road.
Good luck with the “new house,” I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!
Kim says
This is AWESOME! What an extraordinary opportunity to stretch those creative muscles! Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with :)
Amanda says
I know you will, but please let us know when we can come tour it!! Sounds like a fun date-day with my hubby – house tours & dinner!! It will be awesome in a totally nonstalkerish way to get to see your designs in person! This is so exciting!
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! It’s open for about two weeks so people can walk through all of the houses! I’m so excited to see the other 6 homes too! Should be a really fun event.
xo
s
justin says
Officially – the dates for the spring 2014 show are May 1 – May 18. We are open Thursdays – Sundays; 11 am – 6 pm. Mark your calendars!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo!
xo
s
Jillian {Her Split Ends} says
YEah!!!!!!!!!!!! how exciting!! I’m pumped to see what you put together {and if you need a designer friend to bounce ideas off of…I’m YOUR GIRL!}
Cheers
~ Jillian
Shannon T. says
Congratulations! This is wonderful and exciting news. I can’t wait to see updates.
Amy says
Congrats! What an exciting gig! I may need to plan a road trip to Richmond in May so I can see the finished project for myself!
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
Congratulations, Petersiks! What an awesome challenge and such a great way to give back!
Kristy Swain says
Congrats!! That’s awesome. I’m so thrilled for you guys. I know it will be awesome. I’m looking forward to seeing the process.
Sumati says
That is so fun! We just completed our house build. It is truly a blast to be able to pick out everything from the house plan to the light fixtures to the wall color and more. Then it is just awesome to see it slowly come together! I’m totally hooked on building vs buying now… If we ever move again, I’d want to build again, if possible.
Can’t wait to see everything unfold in your house and this “other” house! I love your style!
Marissa says
This is amazing! I’m very excited for you guys and to see what a beauty this house will be!
Reenie says
WOW-WEEEE!!! How kewel for you guys ~ ~ congrats!! :)
Kate. says
What a fantastic opportunity! Congratulations! When my hubs and I got married, we asked people to donate to charity rather than buying us gifts and Habitat for Humanity was one of our suggested charities. Love that you’re throwing them some love too!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet! We have loved watching them do amazing work here in Richmond. We’re such fans.
xo
s
Penni McNamara says
I can’t believe you are donating to Richmond Habitat for Humanity. You are such an amazing family! What an inspiration! Best of luck…can’t wait to see the finished results!
Tasha says
Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Jess says
Why am I so excited about this? I live nowhere near VA! Doesn’t matter, though … I totally am. That is too, too fun & awesome, guys! Congrats & I know it will be so fantastic! You guys have nothing to worry about … you are certainly seasoned designers yourselves :)
Christie says
I am literally grinning from ear to ear. Growing up, my parents always took us to Homearama in Hampton Roads. So I know all about this beautiful showcase of homes. You must be ecstatic! I definitely plan to come and see the YHL house! Congratulations!!! :-)
P.S. Be sure to use your book as a coffee table book selection. ;-)
Patti says
Way to go guys! Good things come to good people!
Rebecca says
This is so awesome! I could definitely see us making the trip out since we have family in Richmond and have never been out there. (Plus touring home is one of our favorite pastimes.)
We are currently in the very early stages of totally re-designing our late 1920s house we just bought. I’ve been meaning to start a blog so I can share more details.
Laura says
I can’t wait to see what you do! I would be so tempted to put in something crazy/awesome, like a bowling alley!
Erin@Managing the Manor says
Congratulations! I sure would love to move into a house that is styled by you both!
Susie Smih says
I can’t believe you have 89 comments in less than an hour after posting.
I am excited to see what you do with the house you decorate. I went to the open house at Hallsley on Sunday and the Beringer house was one of the favorites.
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that house amazing?! We’re so in love with John’s work!
xo
s
Kate says
Ah-Mazing!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
WOW! What an amazing opportunity AND for a good cause! Congrats to you both!
janice says
You’ll be fabulous!! HOW EXCITING!! congrats!! YAY! YIPPEE! :)
Rachel says
carte blanche creative input + spending other people’s money = dream gig!
YAY YOUNGSTERS!
Julia @ Chris Loves Julia says
Amazing, amazing, amazing.
Jen says
You both have such a wonderful style, you’ll do great!
Kelly McK says
Guys this is so awesome, congrats!!
Jane Helfrich says
Once again, Richmond Metro Habitat appreciates the support of Sherry and John in helping others own their own home through Habitat’s zero interest mortgage, homeownership education, and post purchase support. This is a proven model to move families/individuals out of poverty…forever!
We say HOORAY for the Petersiks!
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! We’re such big fans of the work you guys do.
xo,
s
Kristen says
This sounds awesome – Congrats!
Elisa says
How exciting! You will do great! Enjoy every minute of the project…especially the getting-to-spend-someone-else’s-money part. :)
Karen F says
whoa! exciting! I honestly don’t know how you do it all! Can’t wait to follow along for the ride on this project.
paintergal says
I envy the people who get to buy the house you two design! Kudos to you for donating your earnings to Habitat. What a blessing all around!
Sarah @ An Inviting Home says
This is SO exciting! I grew up going to the Homearamas in the Tidewater area. They were always the highlight of my teen years. I can’t wait to see what you guys do!
~Sarah