Some of the same organizers behind Richmond’s Homearama invited us to a new event called the Massey Street of Dreams. Like Homearama, it showcases custom-built homes finished by designers and decorators who collaborate closely with each builder. What sets this show apart is its charitable purpose: it was created by cancer survivor George Emerson and all proceeds benefit the local VCU Massey Cancer Center. We were excited to tour the four homes that make up the Massey Street of Dreams and share highlights from each.
The homes are built side-by-side in a new community with views of the James River nearby. Each house was created by a different builder and design team, so every home has its own distinct personality. Tours like this are great because you can pick and choose favorite details from different houses—one kitchen, another’s bathroom, a patio from a third—and imagine combining them in your own home.
We’ll start with the blue house. Its kitchen was probably our favorite of the group, hitting a bunch of trends we like: gray cabinets, an island painted in an accent color with a different countertop material, an exposed hood, and glass-front upper cabinets. The marble subway tile backsplash added a classic touch.
The butler’s pantry and dry bar that connected the kitchen to the dining room made a smooth transition between spaces. The darker gray cabinets in that area tied in nicely with the ceiling’s coffered detail, which allowed the room to use a deeper ceiling color without feeling heavy.
The living room leaned traditional with cozy materials: a stone-and-raw-wood fireplace paired with patterned orange chairs that added a casual, cheerful accent.
We also loved the primary en-suite, largely because of the large freestanding tub—a look we’ve considered for our own projects and it’s reassuring to see it work so well in real settings.
The nautical-themed kids’ room charmed us with playful details: an egg chair, a sail headboard hung from an oar, and a dock-cleat hook rail—little touches that make the space fun and memorable.
One of the teenage bedrooms was designed by a high school student interested in interior design. The room had a playful “Paris meets mustache” vibe with personal photos and a backdrop area where friends could use props for silly photos—an imaginative, hands-on design experience.
The second home leaned toward an old-world aesthetic with modern conveniences. One standout feature was a prep kitchen—a dedicated area for small appliances like toasters and coffee makers so countertops stay clear. It functions like an efficient pantry and even includes a sink.
That house also featured an open, covered porch with a planked ceiling and a double-sided indoor-outdoor fireplace—perfect for entertaining—and an outdoor TV to complete the space.
The third house had a high-contrast, upscale look—lots of white and gray with strategic dark accents that added drama without feeling over the top. A dark staircase provided strong visual interest, while transom windows over doorways added classic appeal.
The kitchen in that home felt grand with extensive cabinetry and thoughtful details like dark hardware on soft gray cabinets and a cozy breakfast nook dressed in textured burlap curtains—an easy DIY trick where fabric was finished with black ribbon.
The final house was the most ornate, leaning toward rustic, Restoration Hardware–inspired pieces. Large arched mirrors, a beaded chandelier in the dining room, and oversized cozy chairs at the table created a luxurious, collected feel.
The kitchen had an unusual layout with three parallel work areas—a peninsula, an island, and a wall of cabinets and appliances—creating an efficient, layered workspace. In the front sitting room a painted treatment convincingly mimicked grasscloth wallpaper, even recreating seams where wallpaper rolls would meet.
This house also showed the trend of dual main bedrooms—one on the first floor and a second on the upper level. The upstairs main featured a large tufted headboard, while a girls’ bedroom brought in yellow accents inspired by the chandelier. The mudroom, though not fully styled, already showed an appealing mix of materials: patterned floor tile paired with powder-blue cabinets.
There’s much more to see in person, but these highlights capture what caught our eye. The homes were open to the public Thursday through Sunday during the event dates and supported a meaningful cause. It was a lovely mix of practical design trends and creative, show-stopping moments.