Homearama 2017: Taking It Up a Notch

It’s that wonderful time of year when my favorite event takes place—Homearama! Very few people get as excited about this event as I do. Even though it takes place in the middle of Summer and the weather is unbearably hot I absolutely love seeing the latest and greatest in Louisville’s new construction.

Photo of the great room and kitchen of House #5 The Castle by Infinity Homes. Homearama 2017
Homearama 2017 is a great event for anyone who loves architecture, or interior design, or just happens to be in the market for a new home. | Photo by Tre Pryor

This year’s event did not disappoint.

Last year’s Homearama, which took place in Norton Commons, had the advantage in number of homes, 24 to just 9, but this year’s homes were larger and were really showing off. But “Hey!” that’s why we go!

Homearama in Poplar Woods

Poplar Woods is a conservation neighborhood located directly off Highway 42 in Goshen, Kentucky. From their website:

This spectacular 203-acre development is only the third conservation development in the history of Oldham County. Part of the original Belknap property, Land O’ Goshen Farm, this property had been in the Belknap family since 1917. The wooded, gently rolling property, features 93 estate size lots and over 108 acres of permanent open space. Every single lot backs up to wooded open areas, creeks or a lake.

As of the time of this writing, there are just 15 lots available for purchase. All lots are at least half an acre with a handful just over a full acre. Prices and availability for these can be found on their website.

There are also five homes currently listed for sale on the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors MLS. If I can answer any questions or even show you a property, just contact me.

Homearama 2017 Highlights

House #6, Bridgehampton, by Artisan Signature Homes, is truly an impressive home with loads of great features. | Photo by Tre Pryor

As you might guess, the most expensive home was also the most impressive. There’s so much to love about House #6, Bridgehampton, by Artisan Signature Homes. If the name “Artisan” rings a bell, their Homearama entry last year also was an all-out, luxury extravaganza.

This year’s home even topped it!

I’ll just let the photos speak for themselves.

Photo of three windows above the door in House #6.
Here you see a unique architectural feature with precise trim work. | Photo by Tre Pryor
Photo of a tiled fireplace in House #6
The tile itself, along with the craftsmanship in which it was installed, is a beautiful thing. | Photo by Tre Pryor
Photo of the pass through on House #6.,
Check out this gorgeous pass-through. It reminds me of an old English mansion. | Photo by Tre Pryor
Photo of the front of House #6.
Did you notice the Pegasus steeple on top? Wow. | Photo by Tre Pryor

Another property that impressed me was House #5, The Castle. No coincidence it was also very grand and expensive. Homearama gives Louisville home builders the opportunity to “go all out.”

Photo House #5 The Castle by Infinity Homes.
House #5 The Castle by Infinity Homes. | Photo by Tre Pryor

Both of these homes are expansive with great charm and appeal without being ostentatious. This one’s French Country style is quite evident.

House #9 by P. L. Lyons Architectural Builders
House #9 by P. L. Lyons Architectural Builders. | Photo by Tre Pryor

Another highlight of this year’s event is House #9, Wine Country, by P. L. Lyons Architectural Builders. I really like the use of space that makes this 5,000 square foot home still feel quite comfortable.

The split-level Ranch floor plan is in high demand with today’s buyers. What’s surprising is that 7 of the 9 Homearama homes were already sold by the start of the event. Clearly, high-end buyers are still quite active in the Louisville market.

Photo of House #8, The Summerly, by Orthober Custom Homes.
House #8, The Summerly, by Orthober Custom Homes. | Photo by Tre Pryor

Poplar Woods has encouraged a similar French Country style for many of the homes built in the neighborhood. Some pull off the task with greater success than others. Here is a home that does so quite nicely.

Louisville Real Estate Trends in This Year’s Homearama

Part of my job each year is to identify the trends in new construction. Here’s what I found in 2017.

Hardwood Floors

Almost every home had engineered hardwood flooring with a wider-than-average plank and distressed style.

Wallpaper

Photo of wallpaper that looks like brick.
Wallpaper like this works great in a boy’s room. From a distance, it also looks real. | Photo by Tre Pryor

In years past, Homearama was the “excuse” for interior designers to go crazy and try all those things they’ve wanted to do… really push the envelope. This year I really didn’t see any extreme design, unless you count the wallpaper. Most of the Homearama homes used wallpaper and some were quite bold.

Large Showers

We had several enormous showers in this year’s event. The whole water polo team could fit in one of these master bathroom showers.

Shiplap Style

Photo of shiplap on the ceiling.
There’s no place shiplap can’t go.

Just like last year, shiplap made an encore performance. On walls, above the fireplace, and even on ceilings, shiplap looks to be a mainstay in design for the next few years.

Two-Story Great Rooms

Only one home went this route. Others opted for high (and higher) coffered ceilings with lots of trim work.

Closet Space

Photo of bubble glass in a closet cabinet.
Closets don’t have to be boring. Class ’em up!

Some master closets were the size of a bedroom. Even smaller bedrooms received a walk-in closet. Lots of linen, coat closets, and walk-in pantries, as well.

First Floor Masters

Photo of a grand master bedroom.
Masters appear to be on 1st floor only.

It’s more than a trend at this point, given the aging population. Not a single home had the Master Bedroom on the second floor.

Photo of custom built-ins.
Custom built-ins that match the wainscoting height.

Homearama 2017 Event Details

Dates: July 15 – 30, 2017
Hours: Weekdays: 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Saturdays: 10 am – 9:30 pm, Sundays: 1 pm – 6 pm

Tickets

  • Regular Admission: $10/person
  • Two-Day Pass: $15/person
  • Cash/Check Only
  • Children 12 and under are free with an adult

Location

Notes

  • Concessions are available
  • Parking is free

If you need more information, visit the official site of Homearama 2017.