Things are moving at warp speed at the Homearama Showhouse, and we have plenty of updates to share since our last post, especially now that more fixtures, cabinets, and countertops are installed. Let’s begin on the front porch, where the centerpiece of the rustic, vaulted ceiling is finally in place. It’s a statement lighting piece we sourced through a trade program, so it was a splurge, but it makes a dramatic first impression as you step toward the entry.

When we visited yesterday the crew was just starting to pull up the protective floor coverings, and the hardwoods still had a layer of construction dust while a final sealant coat was being applied. Dust and all, you can already see how that wall of windows and doors at the back of the living room brings the covered porch into the home, creating a light-filled transition from indoors to out.

Although the kitchen is still a work in progress — you can spot the vent hood getting installed in some photos — we couldn’t resist sharing a wider view of the navy island with brass accordion fixtures. The island is painted Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore, the same color used on the fireplace column across the room. In the builder’s previous house a smaller island prompted repeated feedback to “go bigger,” so this time the island is generous in scale. We can’t wait to style it with four stools to complete the look.

It’s fun to see elements that we once only saw in showrooms take their place in the finished space. For example, the glass-front cabinets flanking the range hood add display space without committing to open shelving. They’re a subtle way to showcase nice dishes, bowls, and glassware while keeping the kitchen feeling polished.

To the left of the kitchen is the breakfast nook, which ended up becoming cozier than planned thanks to Carpenter John (not to be confused with Builder John). The space originally began wider, but adjustments were made to improve sightlines in the kitchen and how the back of the house reads from outside. There’s still a large table to be built and shelves to be filled, but with the silver dome light now in place, the nook is coming together nicely.

Adjacent to the breakfast nook is the pantry — scratch that, the walk-in pantry — that has both of us a little green with envy. It’s generous enough to inspire imaginative visions of filling it with treats. A prism flushmount light adds character overhead; its geometric facets feel playful and, if you squint, delightfully bee-like.

We opted for patterned carpet in the boys’ room rather than plain wall-to-wall carpet, since most of the house features hardwoods. The Revere pattern by Stanton, chosen locally, felt playful without being over the top. When we visited, carpet installation was still in progress, but the pattern already added personality to the room.

The en-suite bathroom is a bit chaotic during installation, but it’s shaping up into a luxe, light-filled space reminiscent of a boutique hotel bath. We leaned into tone-on-tone whites and grays with a few unexpected color accents that will appear with art and accessories. A big freestanding tub anchors the room and is a real showpiece; it’s the kind of fixture that makes you imagine a long soak under soft lighting.

To avoid an entirely neutral palette, we introduced a plane of spa-like color on the shower’s back wall. The glass tiles there pick up green-blue tones that feel calm and sophisticated. Those tiles — a narrow, elongated size — are paired with classic white subway tiles on the sides, and the shower floor uses a mosaic of small glass and marble squares that ties the whole room together.

Rather than choosing all-white marble for the vanity counters, we selected a stone with soft seaglass-colored veining that complements the shower tiles. Polished chrome fixtures keep the finishes crisp and reflective. A glass chandelier brings a touch of elegance overhead, while sink faucets, shower trim, and a tub filler were generously provided by fixture partners.

Across from the bathroom is a closet that’s another enviable feature. We gave the carpenter a few suggestions and mostly let his design instincts run free, resulting in a highly functional layout with dedicated his-and-hers zones and abundant storage. Details like an angled shoe rack add thoughtful touches that elevate daily routines.

We also peeked into the jack-and-jill bathroom that serves the kids’ rooms. The shower is a standout: two different colored glass subway tiles were installed in broad horizontal stripes to create a fun, modern pattern. During our visit we weren’t able to capture panned shots because a headboard and a spare toilet were temporarily stored in the space, but the tile work alone makes the room feel lively and tailored for kids.

For a playful finish, we installed a Moxie showerhead in the kids’ bathroom that includes a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. The magnetic speaker snaps into place and stays secure while the shower runs, bringing a little retro-gadget joy to daily routines — and prompting a few nostalgic smiles from those of us who remember shower radios with spotty reception.

We’re scheduled to begin moving furniture in next week, so the next update should show the house feeling much more like home. The goal is to have the entire showhouse furnished and decorated by early April, which has us excited and, admittedly, a little nervous. Stay tuned for more progress pictures and final room reveals as we cross the finish line.

Psst – Want a complete tour and final photos? See our full showhouse gallery for room-by-room pictures, the floor plan, budget details, a video walk-through, and a list of showhouse furnishings and accessories.