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.
Amanda L says
Congrats! I would LOVE to tackle something like that. So much fun. Too bad I don’t live in Richmond. I would totally put a bid in. :)
Gwen, The Makerista says
How amazing! Congrats, you two! What a fun experience this will be. It will definitely be different to see something go from the ground up, with the chance to pick everything instead of deciding whether to keep, update, or change something all together! Looking forward to hearing and seeing more.
Erin says
Congratulations! What a great (and fun!) opportunity! Exciting!
Ginger says
Wow!!! What an honor and how awesome of you two to donate your fee to Richmond’s Habitat for Humanity! Can’t wait to see it!
Kodi says
You’ll be incredible! Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Kara says
Congratulations! That is such an amazing opportunity and a really wonderful charity to support. Can’t wait to follow along with all your design plans.
Courtney says
Wow! Not only do you guys make fun, exciting design choices you give so much of yourselves to others. Likel the men and women serving in the military, as police or firemen, you two are selfless givers. That’s what. Real hero is made of.
Much love from Ct!!
Courtney
Coop says
It really is ok to get something tangible for all your hard work…..maybe next time donate half instead of all. I don’t think anyone would have an issue with a little something for the college fund. You don’t want to have us worry do you?
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Coop! I promise we thought it all through first and decided that this would be an awesome opportunity for us to donate our fee. Don’t you worry about Clara’s college fund, we’re squirreling away :)
xo
s
Lu says
Wow! Congratulations! That is so exciting! I can’t wait to see what you guys do with this! Will you be making this a sustainable house, or going a more traditional route? (No judgement, just curious about your design process and how you will build a house from scratch).
YoungHouseLove says
We’re definitely planning to incorporate green features wherever possible! Will keep you posted on that!
xo
s
Megan says
You guys are going to nail this!! (construction pun entirely intended)
Honestly, when I look at decorator homes they look too perfect and/or extreme in style to me. They don’t look like somewhere real people live or would want to live. You guys are going to design a home with such soul and heart, and one rooted in practicality. I may just have to make a trip down to Richmond next May to see it.
#memberofteamyhl
Fiona @ Jackadaw says
Wow wow wow … wow! I’m so excited to follow along on this journey. I always say that I should have several homes to explore all my DIY and decorating ideas in as I’ll never make them all work in one space. Another wonderful opportunity that I’m sure you couldn’t possibly have imagined when first you started your blog but one that all your hard work since has made well deserved.
Kerrin says
This is so exciting! I love peeking in to see what you are up to in your home (and the transformation is already SO amazing!) It is like I’ll get double the fun now that I have the chance to peek in on TWO of your homes! So excited for you. You must be EXHAUSTED! Sending strength and great vibes for seamless work! Have FUN!!
Mccamy says
Sorry if this has already been asked and I missed the comment, but where can I find that gorgeous white china cabinet? I saw the links for the table and chairs but not the cabinet. Thanks so much. I love it!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping Justin drops in with a source for that!
xo
s
justin says
The white china cabinet was from a great furniture store in Farmville VA – Greenfront Furniture. I’m not sure that they still have an exact match but feel free to reach out to them. Ask for Holly Hogan.
Dani says
Wow, how insanely exciting! We’re about to build a house ourselves, we’re just at the lock-in-the-floorplan-and-hold-on-for-the-ride stage now so I can’t wait to watch your progress!
Also, this is a bit random, but…Houses in America look so pretty! I’m sure theres different ones but houses like the ones you guys buy, the street shot in this post, and the elevation diagram here look SO amazing and nothing like what we build in Australia!
Veronique says
I just saw Michael’s comment early in the comments (and haven’t read beyond page 1 of them, but it doesn’t look like your question was answered re “Christmas switch.” I was just rereading your post (you know, for late night excitement and fun) and I’ll bet he’s referring to your statement “This is us playing it cool while touring the lot where our house will go up (it should be under-roof by Christmas)” and proposing that you guys might just happen to switch houses at xmas. haha ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! Got it Veronique! I thought it was some movie reference I was missing. I think we should “fully experience” the model by moving in for a weekend before it sells. Haha!
xo
s
Jo says
How awesome can you guys possibly be? I love this project, can’t wait to see what you come up with and love love love that you are donating to habitat! I love you guys! I love this bog!
Autumn Beach says
Oh, wow wow WOW! Congratulations! What an AMAZING opportunity! I have NO doubt your design style will bring a breath of fresh air to this tour. It’s going to be SO fun to follow along. And in the end, all of your hard work and talent are going to SHINE. I know it. And I cannot WAIT!
Josh says
That is so awesome!!! I cant wait to see all your plans and the reveal! I’m sure it will be gorgeous just like your own house! Best of luck!
Autumn Beach says
Oh, wow wow WOW! Congratulations! What an AMAZING opportunity! I have NO doubt your design style will bring a breath of fresh air to this tour. It’s going to be SO fun to follow. And in the end, all of your hard work and talent are going to SHINE. I know it. And I cannot WAIT!
Jess says
A bit off topic, and I don’t know if this is old news or not, but your book is in Anthro pics!! http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-room/27210285.jsp
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh! Isn’t that crazy?!
xo
s
Fd says
Congratulations! What a fun and challenging opportunity! You will do great I am sure. Can’t wait to read all about it.
Anne says
Wow, what a fantastic opportunity! Congrats! It’s such a great opportunity, and I love that you’re donating your fee. Really, I can’t wait to see the finished house!
Lucy says
This is sooooo exciting- no, awesome wowsome! I am so happy for you guys! :) Can’t wait to see you guys do your magic! Am already looking forward to the blog updates, as if I needed any more of an incentive to read your blog ;). Whatever you guys come up with I’m sure it will knock everyone’s socks off. Just wish I could personally tour the finished project! But alas, am living on the wrong side of the Atlantic. Oh and Clara is such a cutie-pie. Actually, you are all very cute. :)
Colleen says
Congratulations on such a wonderful opportunity! My husband and I are in the building process as well here in VA; and it’s a LOT of fun for us (stressful, at times, yes). Will be interested to see how your home comes along – both of ’em I guess :)
L says
Y’all may not believe it, but you **ARE** pros! Truly, you have pulled off some amazing gorgeousness and it is so exciting to watch your talents expand into new territory. Also, I wish you would bottle and sell your phenomenal ability to juggle/prioritize/git-er-dun!
Wish I lived in Richmond.
Kristin says
How exciting! I wish you did this last year so I could get some inspiration from you. I’m building right now and the decisions are so hard to make all at once! I suppose it would be much easier with a larger budget (ie – someone else’s money!). Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Alina Bartan says
What a great opportunity for you guys! I’m sure everything will be just perfect! If you are in need of pillows or so, my mother will be more than happy to make them for you! (https://www.etsy.com/shop/AliCards)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Alina! That’s so sweet!
xo
s
Kasey says
Wow!! That is amazing and so cool! I’ve never heard of that type of thing. Such a cool opportunity for you guys, looking forward to these posts!
Amber says
Wow! This is so exciting! I can’t wait to watch the progress. I bet you never imagined all that was in store for you when you started this blog! You guys make a great team!
Katie says
Can I just say that y’all are so cool?! This is such a neat opportunity :)
Elizabeth Speicher says
Please tell me that you are not moving the main floor powder room from the area across from the walk in pantry to the front of the house. It looks like you are placing it in the study where there is a double window that is not only wide but long. If that is the case please reconsider. That window will need to have treatments that are always closed. (Do you want guests approaching your front door to be greeted by the sight of a toilet?) Do you foresee the future owner want ing to use the front porch as a sitting area? Imagine conversations interrupted by the sound of a flushing toilet! The architect placed the bathroom at the back of the house for a reason. Are all the rooms that require water massed close to one another and above and below one another? This is economical. Also you will be losing the window in the study. Adding one to the end wall will be another expense. Please reconsider.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no, we’re not moving that there! Sorry if our scribbles are hard to interpret but those have to do with moving a closet from one side of the hall to the other! We promise that the builder and architect know what they’re doing and we’re just yielding to their expertise :)
xo
s
Jessica says
What an amazing challenge to stretch you beyond your walls. And, it’s doubly awesome since you guys are donating your fee to Habitat. Can’t wait to see this project unfold.
Rosie S says
Congrats…you will do a great job, and how wonderful that you are donating your fee, take lots of pics! (like you wouldn’t?!?? :) ) Can’t wait to see the progress!
CMcE says
Y’all are going to rock this design and put the ‘professionals’ to shame! Can’t wait to see the final results…Homearama is certain to sell more tickets than ever this year because of you two. And bless you hearts for donating your fee to Habitat to Humanity.
Jackie says
What a crazy exciting opportunity! You guys will do an amazing job. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
tjack432 says
I’m sure y’all will be fine. It is great to have the guts to step out of your comfort zone and tackle something big. I hear that is how the Novogratz started their decorating business (I heard a talk they gave in Cincinnati during your book visit. They were great).
How will your posting be on this? will it be something like a post a week, or more like a post ever now and then (every month or so)?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re not sure how often we’ll have updates (probably not that many until we’re under roof, but in the end as rooms come together we might have more of them peppered in there with photos of all the furnishings, accessories, before/afters, etc.
xo
s
Cathi S. says
I’m excited and very touched by what you are doing! Trust me, your design will be great and loved. I am almost retired with no more kids/pets and a downsized house. My life looks nothing like yours, but I love what you do and am an avid follower.
So be brave and strong and kind as you always are! We are all on your side!
Casey says
This.is.amazing. Seriously, sounds like a dream—a whole house from the ground up and someone else paying for it. SO FUN! You’re going to do great!
Julie says
Oh my goodness! I just did a little dance in my chair for you! That’s so exciting! Congratulations.
Nicole says
Wow, wow, what an amazing opportunity! Oh, I would love to do something like that – build and decorate with someone else’s money. Speaking of, do they give you a set budget? Or do they give you a range? Do they give you guidelines of “modern” or “shabby chic” or is it whatever your heart desires? Do you get to tell us what the budget is, or is that super classified info? Congrats, guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Each house has a budget but we’re not sure what it’ll be and how it’ll break down (some of it is the builder’s budget for tile and hardwood and appliances and some of it is our budget for furniture and accessories and other finishing touches).
xo,
s
Shelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says
What an awesome opportunity and honor – congratulations! You guys will rock it. Can’t wait to see how it progresses.
JoDi says
That’s amazing news! Can’t wait to see what you do with it! :-)
Emily says
Say what?! Such a cool opportunity!! I have several dream floorplans. . . .
Hope S says
How awesome!!! I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with…I’m sure it will be awesome!!!
Cynthia says
This looks super exciting! I haven’t read every single comment, but I have a thought about the “Christmas switch” comment. Many newer homes in our area are wired to have one switch that controls all of the outside sockets so that outdoor Christmas lights can be turned on or off with one flick of a switch. When we thought we might build it was on our list of wants. This could be another answer to the mystery…if it’s a movie reference I would be hopeless!
YoungHouseLove says
Ohhhhh! That makes sense too!
xo
s
Molly says
Congrats – how fun!
So excited for you and can’t wait to read about the project and see the finished product!
Ann Marie says
What an exciting opportunity!!! Congrats to both of you – it’s well deserved!
Erica says
This is sooooo awesome! And such a wonderful opportunity! I went to our Homearama last year, and I was underwhelmed by the decor chosen by the interior designers they hired. It was the same stuff over and over again, like a ton of burlap and the same floors in each house. So boring. I can’t wait to see what unique and fun things you guys pick out. I just wish I were closer so I could see it in person!
Maggie Budiono says
What a coincidence!!! We’re also in the middle of planning our 1st ever custom house, and I’m glad that i will be able to learn so much from both of you, guys.
thanks so much :)
Seaweed & Raine says
Congratulations! I think I’m going to love watching this all unfold. :)
Sheree