Homearama House Tour Day 1

Hello!

In my typical, last-minute-under-the-wire style, my girlfriend and I made it to this year's Homearama on the last day - arriving at about 4 PM on Sunday.   We were really excited that we made it, since it's been, um, four years since we've had one around here with the housing market being on the skids and all.

This year's tour was in a lovely area with a lot of historic charm, and typically very little new construction.  These homes were definitely geared toward the empty nester, with limited yard space and much of the living area on the main level.  There were only five homes on the tour, but, there was still some inspiration to be found, so I'm highlighting some of my favorite features of each one.

Let's get started, shall we?

House #1 - The Oakleaf

The Oakleaf was the first home on our tour and was impressive from the start.

The front doors had me at hello.

The dining room was to the right, with a beautiful ceiling and great stenciled details.

I didn't get a shot of the view of the family room straight ahead as you walk through the door - I think it's because I was transfixed on the beautiful kitchen!

But before we toured the kitchen, we had to go left, to the master bedroom.  Really pretty, and I love the zebra bench.

Ok, back on our way to the beautiful kitchen.  Gorgeous granite island, with comfy and inviting counter height stools to cozy up and chat with the cook.  My girlfriend and I both liked the counter height island vs. the step up kind that you see more often in a kitchen.  It really had a nice function and flow to it.  You can also see the little eating nook with doors that lead to the outside.

 A view from the other side of the island - a pretty mix of cabinetry.

And a great flow to the family room too - great built-ins and the tv was even cool - hardly any frame surrounded the outside of it - very sleek.

Pretty range hood, and I couldn't help but notice the detail on the crown moulding - I had a similar detail on my kitchen cabinets (but I didn't like it).  I don't mind it so much in this kitchen.  I do love the furniture detail on the sides of the cooktop.

One more view from the kitchen as we move on toward some more bedrooms.

You pass the dining room as you move toward the bedrooms.

Bedroom #1 - really cute.  Fun dresser too.

Jack & Jill bath connecting it to the next bedroom.  Love the floors in here.

 Clever ideas in this bedroom.  Notice the big gear wheel on the wall with the license plates.

More license plates on this wall, flanking the window.  Great impact, and super easy to do - they were just screwed to a board and hung on the wall!

And then a license plate mirror too, with cool pipe detail as an added touch.

Then we moved on to the basement.  This one was made for entertaining, starting with a welcoming sitting area with a big sectional and cozy leather chairs.  I'm digging the coffee table as well.  Plenty big to hold snacks and drinks for guests.

There was also a great bar area, complete with another sleek tv, and cool flooring.  Although I'm just noticing the ceiling in this area for the first time! 

It's a good thing I got a closer shot!  Very interesting and unexpected...

And what basement would be complete without a media area?  I have to say, I felt a bit redeemed when I saw the paint color down here.  Looks very much like what I have in my own media room!

Great swivel chairs in this space, and I love this coffee table.  It's just what I need in my media room - looks rustic enough to where the boys could beat it to pieces and it would still look gorgeous.

There were two more bedrooms down here, but I only took a picture of one of them.  Quite restful and welcoming, yes?

That wraps up House #1.  What did you think?  Thumbs up?  Thumbs down?