Last week I had the delightful opportunity to tour the 2016 HGTV Dream Home in Florida in person—many thanks to Glidden for the invitation. I’ve followed previous Dream Homes for years, so getting to walk through one of these designs and see the details up close was a special treat. I brought my daughter Courtney along and we had a wonderful time exploring every room.
Although the trip and the house were fabulous, I was happiest to return home. Since moving here three months ago I’ve already flown across the country three times, which is a lot for someone who usually prefers staying put. Being back settled in my own space felt especially good.
Now that I’m home again, I’ll be sharing updates on my own bedroom and living room as we finish painting and rearranging. The progress has been encouraging—simple changes are making both rooms look even better than I expected.
For today, here’s a quick tour of the HGTV Dream Home. I’ll share more tips and inspiration from this house later, but this overview highlights the design elements that stood out to me.
This house was a renovation of an existing home rather than a brand-new build, and that lived-in quality made it feel approachable and comfortable rather than pretentious. I loved the long tree-lined driveway at the front and the expansive view out the back.
The front yard was nearly enclosed by a picket fence, which helped transform the patio into an inviting, usable outdoor room.
The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas felt airy, bright, and comfortable. I admired the furnishings and lighting by Ethan Allen and noticed how the chosen paint—Quiet Rain by Glidden—created a calm, neutral backdrop similar to tones I’ve used in my own home.
The three pendant lights over the dining table were a striking focal point and complemented the room’s clean lines.
The designer behind the home was Brian Patrick Flynn, and it was great to meet him and hear about how the project came together. Glidden’s sponsorship meant color played a prominent role in the design; I discovered the white used throughout the home—Swan White—is the same white I plan to use in my own entryway and living spaces.
Paint Color: Kentucky Blue
The media room off the kitchen felt cozy and full of character—an ideal small nest for relaxing, especially with its double doors opening to the adjoining spaces.
A charming little hallway between the dining room and garage led to a convenient powder room.
The bedrooms featured an eclectic mix of furnishings that gave each space a collected, comfortable feel. The main-floor bedroom opened directly to the backyard and pool, creating a relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere.
Original artwork appeared throughout the home; I especially liked the Marlin string art, which added playful personality to the spaces.
The bathrooms included thoughtful details like penny tile and Delta faucets, which brought texture and classic style to the rooms.
I enjoyed the view from the entry toward one of the main-floor bedrooms and noticed the distinctive metal stair railings, which gave a modern edge to the architecture.
Paint Color: New Terra Cotta
Each of the three bedrooms had its own character but were all inviting and well-appointed.
The master suite featured bright Thai Teal walls that felt lively and island-appropriate, while simplified black-and-white décor balanced the bold color beautifully.
My favorite feature of this room was the double doors opening to a deck that looked over the pool and river—a perfect spot for morning coffee. The railing detail was another lovely exterior touch.
Between the freestanding tub and the chandelier, that bathroom made a dramatic and elegant statement.
The dog house was adorable—lined with Trex decking and topped with a metal roof—sure to be a hit with any pet.
With the pool and river beyond, the outdoor shower was a practical and charming addition for rinsing off before heading inside.
I appreciated exterior details like shutters, balcony accents, and roofing choices that added to the home’s overall charm.
This house will soon belong to a lucky winner—if you’ve entered the sweepstakes, good luck. I’m a little envious of whoever gets to enjoy this home, whether as a permanent residence or a vacation retreat. If you win, consider this my RSVP.
I’ll share more from this house over time. Visiting left me inspired and even more excited to love and refine my own home.
The HGTV Dream Home trip was sponsored by Glidden; the photos and impressions shared here are my own.