Last week I had the chance to tour the 2016 HGTV Dream Home in Florida in person. It was a special invitation from Glidden, and I brought my daughter Courtney so we could enjoy the visit together. After following and writing about previous Dream Homes for years, getting inside one of these houses and seeing the details up close was a real treat.
Although the trip was amazing, returning home felt just as wonderful. I’ve flown across the country three times in the few months since moving, so it’s great to be settled again. Now that I’m home, I’ll be sharing more updates about how the bedroom and living room projects are progressing. We’ve almost finished painting the bedroom and rearranged the living room; small changes are making both rooms look even better than I imagined.
For today, here’s a tour of the HGTV Dream Home with highlights and design notes to inspire your own decorating decisions.
This Dream Home was a renovation of an existing property rather than a new build. It felt welcoming and livable, not pretentious. The long, tree-lined driveway and the view from the back of the house were breathtaking. A picket fence around the front created a cozy outdoor patio that felt like an extra room.
The open plan living, dining and kitchen area felt bright and airy. Furnishings and lighting were by Ethan Allen, and the wall color—Quiet Rain from Glidden—created a soft, neutral backdrop similar to Polished Grey, which I’ve used before. The overall palette and furniture choices made the space feel calm and cohesive.
The dining area featured striking pendant lights that became a focal point above the table. Brian Patrick Flynn designed the home, and it was a pleasure to meet him and hear his approach. Glidden was a sponsor, so color choices were central to the scheme; the white used throughout (Swan White) is the same white I plan to use in my own entryway and living spaces.
Paint Color: Kentucky Blue
The cozy media room adjacent to the kitchen felt like a snug retreat. I appreciated the double doors that made the space feel special and intimate.
Between the dining room and the garage a small hallway led to a powder room, a smart and practical layout detail.
The bedrooms combined an eclectic mix of furnishings that created a comfortable, collected-over-time feeling. One main-floor bedroom opened directly to the backyard and pool, giving it a vacation-like charm.
Original artwork was used throughout the home; the marlin string art was a playful, coastal touch that suited the setting.
The bathrooms featured penny tile accents and Delta faucets. I especially loved the penny tile for its texture and classic look.
The entry views into the main-floor rooms were thoughtfully composed, and the metal stair railings added an unexpected, modern edge.
Paint Color: New Terra Cotta
Each bedroom offered its own personality while remaining inviting and comfortable. The master suite on the second floor used Thai Teal on the walls to create a bright, island-inspired statement. To balance the bold color, the decor was kept largely black and white, which simplified and grounded the space.
My favorite feature was the double doors that opened to a deck overlooking the pool and river—perfect for morning coffee. The railings there were another lovely exterior detail that complemented the home’s charm.
The bathtub and chandelier were show-stopping elements that elevated the master bath into a luxurious retreat.
The custom dog house was adorable, lined with Trex decking and topped with a metal roof—details that show the thought put into every corner of the property.
An outdoor shower by the pool was a practical, lovely addition for rinsing off before coming inside. The backyard and river views made the outdoor spaces feel like an extension of the home.
I appreciated the exterior details—shutters, rooflines, and balconies—that gave the house character and curb appeal.
This Dream Home will soon belong to a sweepstakes winner; if you’ve entered, good luck. Whether lived in year-round or used as a vacation home, it’s a lovely, thoughtfully designed property. If you win, feel free to invite me to visit.
I’ll be sharing more takeaways from this home later. The visit left me inspired and eager to make my own home even more loved.
The HGTV Dream Home trip was sponsored by Glidden; the photos and impressions here are my own.