Visiting the HGTV Dream Home

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to escape to Florida for 48 hours and visit the 2016 HGTV Dream Home. How you ask? Well, if you remember, last year I worked with the folks at GMC to shop the World’s Longest Yard Sale to decorate a Habitat for Humanity Home in Atlanta, Georgia as part of the Hidden Treasures Adventure.

Well, it just so happens that GMC is a sponsor of the dream home, and they are about to release their redesigned 2017 GMC Acadia. GMC invited the entire group of bloggers who participated in the Hidden Treasures Adventure (and some additional bloggers) to test drive the new Acadia to the HGTV Dream Home and then tour the property. Needless to say, I was pretty darn excited. This felt like one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. With my duffle bag packed, I headed off to Florida.

In Orlando the group of us hopped into a caravan of the new Acadias. (Details about these amazing vehicles can be found here. They pretty much drive themselves [not really, but close] so you’re going to want to check them out.) We made a one hour trek to Merritt Island to get all up in 2016 HGTV Dream Home. Let me show you some of my favorite places in the house.

Because I can, I’m going to jump from room to room in no particular order. Cool? Also, before we get into it, the designer for this home was Brian Patrick Flynn. He was actually on the property for our tour. He’s crazy talented (Check out his IG feed for more of his work.), very kind, personable, and easy on the eyes.

One of my favorite rooms in the house is the media room. With aqua walls and pops of pinks, it is hard not to smile in this space. The touches of gold help, too. I especially love the expansive gallery walls on the two opposing walls.

There are two guest bedrooms on the first floor of the home. The white bedroom is easily my favorite. Presumably inspired by the beach, this room has a beautiful combination of styles. Traditional furnishings, paired with both modern and rustic accessories give it the eclectic style that I’ve come to love.

Also, the massive DIY string art in the adjoining bathroom is incredible. So is the floor-to-ceiling blue penny tile.

While beautifully designed, the second guest bedroom is probably my least favorite room in the house. I just don’t love orange. However, there are some elements that I really appreciated, such as that cozy cable knit blanket.

Moving on to the living room. This space totally tickled me because of its eclectic appeal. While most of the furnishings are traditional and neutral, the whole space is enveloped in a graphic mural photograph of vintage surfers. A bold choice, but a great use of such a big wall.

The coffee table is also a step out of traditional as it’s made with rebar and topped with glass. It works quite well with the trio of light fixtures that hang above it.

The kitchen is set just behind the living room. Although I appreciate its design, I wasn’t wowed by this space. These days, I think kitchens should be the jewel of the home.

However, I do love the brass hardware as well as the use of the dresser in this space. It helps give things a warm and cozy feel.

The dining room is opposite the living room. Again, classic furniture choices in a neutral palette make this space feel light and welcoming.

I’m also a big fan of the non-traditional large graphic art work.

Just behind the dining room is a little entryway area near the garage. A narrow entry table, artwork, and baskets for storage make excellent use of the space.

The master bedroom is the only room on the second floor in addition to a huge closet and master bathroom.

It is another gorgeous space with fabulous design elements. The only thing I might change here is painting the ceiling a less saturated color. While I love the color, it’s just a bit much for me when it’s wrapped all the way around the room.

You’ll also notice it “colors” other things in the room like the bedding and furniture, so everything has a touch of turquoise.

However, it’s still a beautifully designed space. (Love you, Patrick!) I especially like how the television is incorporated into the gallery wall and almost disappears. The little seating area in this space is also a lovely addition.

The master bathroom is insane.

A modern tub sits in the middle of the room under a gold and crystal chandelier. Behind it is a huge walk-in shower with a shower head and shower jets. Double vanities, more penny tile, and lots of storage make this a luxurious, yet relaxing space that fits the rest of the home.

Last but certainly not least, is the backyard. Complete with multiple patios, a lanai, pool, grill, outdoor shower, and dock – this space has everything you need in a backyard. Seriously.

The house of my dreams will have exactly the same things.

I also wanted to mention how much I love the black windows with the white house. The look is gorgeous.

I could go on and on, but I think I’ll leave it there. Of course, HGTV has more beautiful pictures, so if you want to see more, click here.

A big thank you to GMC for making this possible. It was a dream (pun intended) come true! Be sure to check out their new 2017 Acadia and all its impressive features.

What are some of your favorite features of the HGTV Dream Home?

Travel and accommodations were provided by GMC. However, I was not compensated for this trip or post. The opinions, thoughts, and ideas are my own.