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.
Kim @ Yellow Brick Home says
What FUN! Man, you guys are going to have a BLAST.
Kiki says
That’s so exciting–and what a fun opportunity and experience, too! I cannot wait to see the finished product and hear more about it as time goes on. Congrats you two! :)
Janelle @ Two Cups of Happy says
SO fun! I imagine it will be like decorating a house with no limits. I hope to see some bold choices from you :) Not to, you know, add to the pressure or anything. You will do fabulously! Yes, even you, John.
Nupur says
You’re so SO generous to donate your fee. And of course your designs are going to be fresh and fabulous as always. Congrats on the opportunity!
Libby says
that is so awesome! i’m sure you guys will do great. and much kudos to you for donating your fee to Habitat for Humanity!
Libby says
many kudos? … either way, way to go!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Libby!
xo
s
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
What a fantastic project to be part of. I love Habitat for Humanity, and have the ultimate respect for this organization ever since a former co-worker worked with them to get into a home. My whole family pitched in to help her out.
What fun!
Stephanie says
I’m really proud of you!
Allen says
Can we please distinguish John The Builder from John The Husband? This post almost made my brain explode. I had to read it twice to figure out what John suddenly have a team of carpenters and masons. ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! I’ll have to say JTB and JTH when I’m writing. John wrote this post though, so anytime he mentions John he means the builder :)
xo
s
Cali says
I think it’s extra super awesome that you a) can and b) decided to do this pro bono!!
Brandi says
How exciting! This is amazing! Such a wonderful opportunity. You guys will rock it!
Taylor says
Six “other” seasoned designers? Hmm. Not sure I’d call two self-described DIY dorks seasoned designers. Splitting spray-painted duck hairs, I guess.
xo
T
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! They all just have experience working on show homes and they all know upholsterers and brush elbows with other certified designers. Meanwhile we’re the ol’ trial & error DIY kids hanging out in the background sweating!
xo,
s
Anonymous says
I think it’s the use of the word “other” that Taylor is questioning. Hopefully the other designers are seasoned interior designers, but I wouldn’t count YHL as a seasoned interior designer and by using the word “other” it conveys that you believe you are a “seasoned interior designer” along with them, not DIY dorks as you always claim to be.
YoungHouseLove says
You’re right! The word “other” was confusing so I removed it. We meant the other 6 people are seasoned designers, not that we are. In our second to last sentence we refer to everyone else as “real designers” so we’re the first to point out that we’re not!
xo,
s
Jennie says
You guys are so polite, even when responding to mean-spirited comments. It is rare these days … kudos to both of you. There is a reason you are enjoying success!
Jeanna says
I don’t know how anyone can try and pick you guys apart! I say the words seasoned and designer are both up to interpretation. I call myself “seasoned” when I haven’t showered that particular day. And as for designers- that you most certainly ARE! I’d pay good money to have you make some choices in my home, and the fact that you’re doing this for charity- big huge heart bursting plus in my book. You call yourselves whatever you want! Don’t back down because one person feels the need to read way too far into something.
*John and Sherry’s cheerleading section*
Woot woot!!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks guys! We’re just glad to clear this up for anyone who thought we were calling ourselves seasoned designers! We certainly don’t think we’re befitting of that title!
xo,
s
Anonymous says
Not to beat a dead horse, but where I am coming from is that interior designer is a legal, professional title that requires a certain education and a professional license. Basically, YHL can’t call themselves that legally. That’s where I took issue. Not trying to be mean spirited, but it’s not fair/legal to licensed interior designers for decorators and DIY bloggers to refer to themselves as interior designers.
Yes, “seasoned” is open to interpretation, “designer” is open to interpretation, interior designer is a legal term for a profession.
YoungHouseLove says
I understand where you’re coming from, and I hope that you can see that there are points in this post where we openly recognize that we’re not “real designers” so we’re not trying to take anything away from anyone with a degree or call ourselves anything that we’re not. We didn’t post “we’re interior designers” – it was just an oddly worded sentence about “the other seasoned interior designers” (all the others are seasoned interior designers and we’re not). Again: we’re NOT interior designers. We’re John & Sherry from the blog :)
xo
s
Anonymous says
Thanks Sherry. I appreciate your response.
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet says
Wow! What an incredible opportunity. There really is nothing quite like decorating an entire space on someone else’s dime ;-)
Lenora J says
You guys will do a superb job at this. A new endeavor is good for your brain – it stretches you in new directions. Your creativity is fun to follow. I love how fresh you can make an old house become! Photo of the “joy jumps” on the empty lot is fantastic. Happy planning.
Amanda says
This is one of the coolest things you two have ever done – and donating your fee to Habitat is a wonderful gesture. Congratulations!
Brittney Everett says
That is super exciting and totally cool!
You should totally implement the “plug inside the bathroom drawer” for hair dryer’s/straighteners etc. http://pinterest.com/pin/48484133458295235/
I love the idea of “garbage and laundry chutes that go straight to the basement” or the “electric dustpan under counter by the floor” to sweep debris into. (http://listings.everythingzoomer.com/ads/sweepin-in-floor-sweep-pan/)
and this cool cutting board over the garbage feature: http://pinterest.com/pin/48484133458766216/
And this is brilliant under the kitchen sink: http://pinterest.com/pin/48484133458526015/
This is a must have for new kitchens: http://pinterest.com/pin/48484133458295235/
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the ideas!
xo
s
Trela says
I predict some penny tile in your future!
sarah says
love this! got chills reading it. cannot wait for you to do it. i actually dream of doing home design somewhere way down the road. and yes, looking at floor plans and making changes makes me all giddy too! i am doing that with our new house plans right now!!
dlichten says
Wicked cool. I am so excited to see what you all come up with when you get to start from scratch on someone elses dime. Sure the space planning will be spot on.
jeannette says
homes for others, homes for the homeless, really gives this whole enterprise legs. cause it’s the young and the house and the love.
so proud of you for making this a priority.
the next big thing, which i’ve mentioned before, is affordable housing for the elderly. don’t mean to be a bore.
this senior co-housing community nearish to you is really in the vanguard, love to see you all take this in and spearhead the movement.
http://www.elderspirit.net/
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Jeannette! We’d love to team up for that cause as well!
xo
s
Laura & the Shell says
Wow, that sounds like a dream project! I can’t even imagine having the freedom and budget to just completely design a new house top to bottom! I’m sure it’ll be a lot of work, but so so so much fun!!!
heyruthie says
I am very excited about this opportunity and the charitable element!!!
Sarah says
How does the buying process work? Does the home come fully furnished at the selling price?
YoungHouseLove says
The furniture is sold to anyone who walks through and likes it unless the homeowner wants to buy it furnished and calls dibs first.
xo
s
Anonymous says
I really hope you all credit the hard working architect that designed the exterior of the home along with the floor plan that you have been “scribbling on”. And the one who presumably did all the construction drawings to get the house permitted and built to code. And who stamped the drawings as a licensed architect and whose professional liability is on the line.
Also, it’s illegal in many states (it should be illegal in all!) to refer to yourself as an interior designer without a formal education and license – “holding our own against six other seasoned interior designers” and “decorated by a different interior designer”. You can call yourself an interior decorator, but not an interior designer. http://www.iida.org/content.cfm/state-licensing-guide
Legality aside, it’s frustrating for us hardworking interior designers and architects who have spent many, many years on our education and professional exams/licenses (with the experience to back it up) to hear decorators and DIY bloggers refer to themselves as interior designers. http://www.ncidq.org/AboutUs/AboutNCIDQ/WhyHireanNCIDQCertificateHolder.aspx
On a side note, I have to definitely give you credit for donating your design fee to a worthy cause.
YoungHouseLove says
We linked to and mentioned the builder and his team multiple times in this post, as well as including a shout out to how much we love them for their amazing talent. We also mentioned right in this post that we feel insecure since we’re not real designers and everyone else is (see the second to last sentence), so we’re hardly calling ourselves interior designers! We removed the word “other” in that first sentence you quoted since you’re right- it’s confusing. We meant the other designers were seasoned, not that we are. The second quote you mentioned about interior designers was describing last year’s event (which didn’t include us and had interior designers doing each house).
xo,
s
betty says
it really is a shame that when people feel that they are disguised by ‘anonymous’ they can be as rude as they want. nowhere in this post did i get the sense that you all were considering yourselves interior designers. just grateful people who were nervous and eager to help.
Steph Nelson says
What an awesome giveaway that is going to be! ~Wink~
How exciting is that! Chance of a lifetime opportunity!
Personally, I think it is great that you are donating your $ to Habitat but think you should partake in some free stuff once in awhile!
:) Have a great day!
Stefani says
Oh my gosh! How FUN!! I cannot WAIT to see all the details as they come along! Floor plan… construction… furnishings… wow :-) This will be so exciting!
How did you guys jump up so far in the air?! You both look like you’re at least 5 feet off the ground! :-) I guess excitement and adrenaline can do amazing things :-) or maybe that’s an optical illusion…
YoungHouseLove says
John got a lot more air than I did! We had to take like 4 photos to capture one where we were both up at the same time, so it was pretty funny.
xo
s
Emily @ LaForce Be With You says
How exciting! We’ve done new construction twice now… the second one we just recently moved into. It definitely has its own set of challenges that are different from buying old and updating. It is really fun to see a plan built from the ground up. Just an FYI – during foundation/framing the space/rooms always look so much smaller that they really are. I remember thinking “wow, this garage is waaay too small” but then of course it wasn’t.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
YoungHouseLove says
So good to know! I’ll pull a Zoolander and say “is this a school for ants?!”
xo
s
Eri says
Congrats on the opportunity! I’m so happy and excited for you guys. Taking on challenges posed by existing houses is fun, but building ones from scratch is awesome, just awesome! Perhaps this experience may make you want to build your own in the future, who knows :)
Kala M. says
What an awesome opportunity. I think it would be fantastic to decorate with someone else’s money. Too bad it wasn’t for your own home. But this will be fantastic way to raise money for such a worthy cause. I can’t wait to see the progress.
MonicaW says
After buying our second house, we noticed some handy things which would be nice in both houses.
Wider doors and hallways to make moving a dream, health problems less challenging and so on.
Outlets under eaves or front exterior on a separate breaker for holiday decor and an interior “tree” dedicated breaker as well.
Easy, but disguised access to the shower heads from the back side for easy changing of fixtures. No tile bashing needed!
Plumbing clean outs! Our first house had them everywhere.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip Monica! Thanks!
xo
s
Jennifer says
Ahhhhhh!!!!! This is absolutely mind-blowing exciting! Congrats! I have to say, I love this blog so much because you are both so funny, fun and accessible, but then you do real grown up designer things like BUILD AND DESIGN A HOUSE!!!! Thank you so much for letting us into this project.
Karen Q. says
YAYAYAY! What an amazing opportunity- congratulations! You will do amazing- can’t wait to see this project progress into fabulousness! :)
Karen L. says
Great opportunity to stretch your wings a bit! I will make sure I come up from Williamsburg for the Homearama next year. So looking forward to it! Yay, Petersiks!
Amanda J. says
What an incredible opportunity! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!! I know you will knock this one out of the park!
Jill Greenberg says
This will be so fun for the blog – to get to dream a little. We’re all so understandably sensible all the time, but it’ll be nice to indulge with you here in having somebody else do and pay for it and skew much fancier and not feel bad about it. :)
I hope your first order of business was to request high ceilings and lots of windows! Also, something a lot of people don’t think about — wide hallways/walkways. Even if the room itself isn’t large, but the space allotted for people to move through (the walkway) is spacious, the room will feel open and airy and plenty large. But if the house is very decent size, if all the hallways and walkways are small, you will always feel that house is cramped because you literally will be whenever you are moving through it.
Part of what made your first house feel so much airier was widening those doorways. It’s the same principle.
A lot of people worry about the space for all the furniture, and forget the negative space I just described. But it’s the space for the actual people!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we definitely want it to feel airy and open! Can’t wait to see how it shapes up! Lots of pictures are going to happen, that’s for sure. Haha!
xo
s
Gina says
That is so cool!! May have to visit in May to see your house! Awesome that you are donating to Habitat for Humanity.
bethblntn says
Oh my goodness! :O okay, so every year since I was 9 I have been going to VA beach Homearama with my mother and sister. I had no idea Richmond did one too! And now you guys are going to have a house there?! I HAVE to go! :D when is the opening date? do you guess know yet? is it in Oct. like the one in the VA beach area?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s going to be sometime in May. Apparently it takes a while to build houses from wooded lots! Can’t wait to see them all start going up!
xo
s
bethblntn says
that’s awesome, this means I can go to BOTH in one year and the May one (maybe depending on when in may) for my birthday! Can’t wait to see what you guys put together for it. They always do such a wonderful job. I’m hoping to see lots of colors this time though (last year the houses were all tans on the inside…a little bland for my taste)
justin says
The Richmond Homearama opens May 1 – May 18. It is open Thursdays-Sundays – 11am – 6pm. Mark your calendars!
Amy G says
OH MY GOODNESS! What a cool cool project.
I love how you guys are always trying to spread yourself with new adventures. It is really pretty inspiring :)
Have fun!!
Meredith says
so, you may have already thought of this, but i saw something so cool in a house once– the laundry room had a secret cabinet that opened to reveal a pass-through to the master closet so you could pull the dirty clothes basket through and also had access to the hanging rod so you could directly hang up clean shirts through there! it was genius!
YoungHouseLove says
So cool!
xo
s
christina @ homemade ocean says
This calls for bulleted points….
okay 1. HOW FREAKING EXCITING
2. how do you guys keep your sanity with all these projects
3. it is so neat to see things come full circle, I remember that awesome giant house crash fondly and now we get to watch you all be a part of it
4. HOW FREAKING EXCITING
5. I am so excited to see how to take a “standard new house” which is more common here is the midwest (those beautiful old ranches are hard to come by) and make it fabulous
6. I can’t wait to hear more about this
7. I have never seen a “jumping photo” turn out that cute
8. your daughter is aborable….clearly
ok, wrapping up…CONGRATS!
Jessie Hagemeer says
That’s outstanding!! Congratulations!!!!!!!
Emily @ Life on Food says
Oh my goodness this is so cool. A dream come true! I cannot wait to see the final product as well as all of the steps along the way.
Athena says
I know you guys are obviously both super nervous and super excited from the way you described your reactions, but I think you should also be super proud of yourselves! After doing two houses with serious renovations that involved reconstructing some of the floor plan, you’re not as “n00b” as you make yourself out to be with coping with constructing a house from mostly scratch. I know it’s a big project, but you made it through the book! You’re going to blow this out of the water!! =D
Lisa says
Oh wow! That’s such an exciting opportunity for you guys!
Looking forward to seeing how it turns out
Richelle says
I sense a whole new era coming your way… so exciting! Cannot wait to see what you guys do with such an amazing blank canvas!
Rebecca Lately says
ohemgee! That is so exciting!!! Congratulations!
Heather says
What an awesome opportunity! Can’t wait to see the finished product, I have no doubt it’s going to be awesome…..I just wish I lived in Richmond so I could buy the house you designed! ;)
Amy @ Croquet & Cocktails says
How exciting!!! We have a Homarama down here in Hampton Roads and it is the twice-a-year highlight of my year! I’m excited to see what you guys do! It might warrant a trip up to Richmond. (Especially since they are scaling back the one here to once a year. This girl needs her fix!) You guys must be so proiud/overwhelmed/excited/overwhelmed/thrilled. I’m stoked for you!!!!
sarah says
After this great project, you can move toward designing houses and entire neighborhoods . . . have you see Nicola’s Home in Maine? A shop, a design service, and now designing Maeve’s Way, a neighborhood! http://nicolashome.com/
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome! Will have to check it out.
xo,
s
Nicole says
Wow, congratulations! We are considering building in the next 3-5 years, so I cannot wait to see what you two come up with!
Amy says
I’m glad I’m not the only one that rubs tile on their face. The people at my Home Depot are used to it by now… between that and talking to the plants in the nursery.
YoungHouseLove says
Studies show that talking to your plants helps them grow. And petting tile helps it shine ;)
xo,
s