Last week I had the wonderful chance to visit the 2016 HGTV Dream Home in Florida in person—thanks to an invitation from Glidden. I’ve followed these dream homes for years, sharing tips and inspiration from each one, so getting to step inside and experience the house firsthand was a special treat. I brought my daughter Courtney along, and we had an absolute blast exploring every room.
Even though the trip and the house were delightful, I have to admit I’m happiest to be back home. In the three months since I moved here I’ve flown across the country three times—unusual for someone who prefers staying in—but being home again feels comforting. Now that I’m settled, I’ll share more updates on my own bedroom and living room progress soon. We’re nearly done painting the bedroom and recently rearranged the living room; both rooms are shaping up nicely with just a few simple changes.
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 will give you a sense of the design and details I loved.
This house was a renovated existing home rather than a new build, and that made it feel especially approachable. The setting was stunning, but the spaces never felt pretentious—just warm and livable. I loved the long, tree-lined driveway and the beautiful view out the back.
The front yard was almost enclosed by a picket fence, which turned the patio into a welcoming outdoor room that felt usable and comfortable.
The open-concept living, dining and kitchen areas felt bright, comfortable and thoughtfully furnished (many pieces were provided by Ethan Allen). The lighting, also from Ethan Allen, complemented the rooms beautifully. The paint used in these spaces is called Quiet Rain by Glidden; it reminded me of Polished Grey, which I used in my previous home.
The pendant lights over the dining table were a striking detail and added personality to the space.
The home’s designer, Brian Patrick Flynn, was at the event, and it was interesting to hear about how the house came together. Glidden sponsored the paint, and color choices played a central role in the design. I discovered that the white used throughout (Swan White) is the same white I plan to use in my own entryway, and it will likely go in my living and dining rooms when we repaint.
Paint Color: Kentucky Blue
The media room off the kitchen was cheerful and full of character. I appreciate cozy, smaller rooms like this—they feel intimate and nest-like. The double doors into the space were a lovely touch.
A charming little hallway between the dining room and the garage led to a powder room, a small functional detail that added convenience.
The eclectic mix of furnishings gave the bedroom a collected, lived-in feel. Doors from the room opened directly to the backyard and pool, creating a vacation-like atmosphere right on the main floor.
Original artwork appeared throughout the home; the marlin string art was a playful highlight.
I loved the penny tile in the bathroom—such a classic detail. The faucets throughout the home were by Delta, which added polished finishes to the spaces.
I also enjoyed the sightline from the entry to one of the main-floor bedrooms; it made the home feel cohesive and inviting.
The stair railings were metal, giving them a modern, distinctive look that stood out against more traditional details.
Paint Color: New Terra Cotta
Each of the three bedrooms had its own distinct personality while remaining welcoming and comfortable.
The master suite upstairs featured bold Thai Teal walls by Glidden, which made a lively island-inspired statement. The simplified black-and-white décor balanced the bold color and kept the room feeling elegant.
My favorite part of the master was the double doors that opened to a deck overlooking the pool and river—perfect for morning coffee. The railing detail was another lovely exterior touch.
The tub and chandelier together created a dramatic, elegant moment in the bathroom.
The tiny dog house was adorable, lined with Trex decking and topped with a metal roof—definitely something a furry friend would enjoy.
With a pool and river access, the outdoor shower was a sensible and charming feature for rinsing off before coming back inside.
I appreciated the exterior details—shutters, rooflines, and balconies—that gave the house its charming character.
This home will soon belong to a lucky sweepstakes winner, so if you’ve entered, good luck! I’m a little envious of whoever wins because it truly would be a dream to live in or visit as a vacation home. If you happen to win, consider me tempted to come by for a visit.
I’ll share more from this house in the future. The tour left me inspired and excited to keep loving and improving my own home.
The HGTV Dream Home trip was sponsored by Glidden; the photos and opinions shared here are my own.