HomeFest 2007

The Jackson Area HomeBuilders Association sponsored a show of homes in a few Jackson subdivisions last weekend. I went with a few friends to get ideas and just see what's new. The new design that was in every single house was the bull nose corners. (At least I think that's what they called them.) It's a rounded corner instead of a 90 degree turn. I just can't decide if I like it. How do you change paint colors between rooms when you have a curve? I think I'll stick with the traditional edge.

I am constantly surprised by what people will pay for in Jackson (insert other large town name here)....For a 1/4 acre lot with a cheaply made home, people are paying $400k. These buyers are seeing a large house in a new subdivision and signing on the dotted line before they ever look at the detail. Maybe I went into these houses looking for problem areas, but you would think simple things like uneven seams in crown molding and bad paint jobs would be fixed before hundreds of people take a tour. I also had an insiders guide on spotting "problems". April, a local designer that works with the contractors and home builders, joined us to see the trends. I loved seeing the looks from the builders when she was throwing out all their terminology. It was so much fun to see a woman in a man's world.

I was afraid I would fall in love with expensive elements that I couldn't have in my soon to be house, but I think it only made me appreciate what I'm building. Now if February would only hurry up and get here!

Below are a few pics of some design elements that I liked.

I think I need some of these on our bar.

I love, love, love this tile. Now, I wonder how much it will cost??

How about a separate little doggy shower for Lucy? I don't think Justin is going for this.

This is one design I just don't "get". I want a house not a castle.