Do you have a dream house?
Have you ever pictured a dream house — the place you would buy in an instant if cost and logistics weren’t factors? I certainly have, though I suspect I imagine several different dream homes depending on the day.
Deciding on just one would be difficult.
The charming home pictured here was HGTV’s Dream Home for 2013, and it’s easy to see why. It has a welcoming exterior and a thoughtful use of materials and outdoor living spaces.
While I enjoy dreaming about houses, I also appreciate the home I have. Imagining other spaces doesn’t mean I’m discontent — it simply sparks ideas and inspiration I can bring into my own life.
Dream homes offer practical takeaways. Even if the full property and finishes are out of reach, there are elements worth noting and adapting.
Of course I notice the price tags and the hefty property taxes such homes imply. For a moment I might feel a twinge of envy for the setting or scale. But after that initial reaction I focus on what I can learn and recreate on a budget.
I look for ideas I can apply: color palettes, interesting textures, pattern mixes, furniture pairings, window treatments, rugs and lighting. I study paint and flooring choices, hardware details, and even what sits on the nightstands. Exteriors and garden layouts inspire new ways to shape outdoor rooms. These observations push me to try something different in my own home.
That challenge — translating high-end design into affordable, achievable projects — is part of the fun.
I picked some of my favorite rooms from the HGTV Dream Home to illustrate the ideas I mentioned. The photos showcase a variety of spaces — from serene bedrooms to well-composed outdoor areas — each offering different design lessons you can adapt.
Happy dreaming!
And PS — all of my kitchen blinds are finally installed. High fives to my husband for his DIY effort this week. You’ll see the blinds and the kitchen reveal very soon.