I’ve put together some of my favorite parts of home-a-rama. There was so much great stuff to see! We actually went twice. Overall, I loved all of the houses. I feel like the backyard, basements, and bonus rooms are where the builders really show off, so I picked winners in these categories and a few others. Check it out!
Best basement (tie):
Christopher Scott Homes. I loved this sophisticated basement! It felt like you had your own bar/restaurant in the basement. I’d love to escape and entertain in this space!G & G Custom Homes. A brewery in my basement? I’ll take it!
Best Outdoor Area (tie):
G & G Custom Homes. I dream of a covered outdoor space. This was by far the largest covered outdoor space, so it immediately made it into my winner circle.
Christopher Scott Homes. You could probably entertain 50 people very comfortably in this backyard. There are two covered areas, a fire pit, a dinner table, and a cocktail table near the grill. I was a sucker for the sunken area off the basement. This house was a surprise favorite of mine. It is not my normal decor style, but I really loved this house AND loved how they kept a consistent design style throughout!
Best Floor Plan:
Old Town Design Group. This was the only house with more than one designated living space on the main floor. That (and the way it was layed out) made this hands-down the best floor plan in my opinion! The floor plan, unique details (see later in the post), and transitional decor make this my favorite house overall. In the top right picture, you can get the best idea of how the first floor is layed out. The main living area is behind/to the right of me (I’m standing next to the leather chair that you see in the bottom right pic) and the other living area is through the opening by the dining table.
Best original detail:
Old Town Design Group. I thought the indoor windows were really creative. I think its a nice idea for the second story. It allows for the upstairs to be quiet, but still somewhat open to the main floor. However, if I were going to do this, I think I would want them to open? I think it would be nice to open it to talk to someone downstairs.
Best bonus room (three way tie):
McKenzie CollectionG & G Custom HomesMcKenzie Collection. This is in the same house as the white bunk room above. This was staged as an art studio. It is SUCH a cool room! What would you use it for??
Best Mudroom:
G & G Custom Homes. The laundry basket area was in a laundry room that was attached to the mudroom (basically behind it). I liked that the laundry was right there but also separate. These were two spacious rooms that would really be high on function! (I have to give Parker props. I think our mudroom could compete with any of the mudrooms we saw!)
For me, floor plan is the most important! It’s difficult and expensive to address floor plan issues, so if I were going to pick one of these houses to be my own, I would definitely choose the Old Town house. I also loved the curb appeal on this house (despite an unfortunate garage lighting choice imo).
My pick as the overall winner. Old Town Design Group
I would LOVE to hear your thoughts if you attended. What house would you choose? why? What were some of your favorite features this year? Any disappointments? Comment below!
I thought the Bedrock Builders house (first on the left) was the most practical for a family with little ones. If pratically wasn’t a thought, I loved the G & G house!
That one just didn’t stick out hat much to me, but it was also the last one we saw and we were in a hurry. What did you like about that one? I do remember that there was a lady in there at the same time as us that was raving about it and said that it was by far her favorite, so you aren’t the only one!
Thanks!! Home-a-rama is in a different neighborhood each year. This year was Chatham Hills in Westfield. Last year was Saxony in Noblesville, and the year before was Brookside in Westfield. Several builders build a house and you get to tour each one. This year there were 11 houses by 9 builders. Usually there are more like 6 houses.
That’s my dream house! Oh no THATS my dream house! ????
Yes, you said that 🙂
I thought the Bedrock Builders house (first on the left) was the most practical for a family with little ones. If pratically wasn’t a thought, I loved the G & G house!
That one just didn’t stick out hat much to me, but it was also the last one we saw and we were in a hurry. What did you like about that one? I do remember that there was a lady in there at the same time as us that was raving about it and said that it was by far her favorite, so you aren’t the only one!
I was just going to say, your mud room is at least that good! Also, curious how homearama works…just go all over the city looking at model homes?
Thanks!! Home-a-rama is in a different neighborhood each year. This year was Chatham Hills in Westfield. Last year was Saxony in Noblesville, and the year before was Brookside in Westfield. Several builders build a house and you get to tour each one. This year there were 11 houses by 9 builders. Usually there are more like 6 houses.