There was a decidedly urban flair to the homes on display at this year’s HOMEARAMA®. Footprints were smaller but homes were much taller—four levels of living in each. Most had a modern vibe but there were definitely traditional touches sprinkled throughout.
Top floor balconies, statement lighting and self-care retreats were just a few of the show standouts. If you missed the tour—or just want a refresh—here are some highlights of building trends and design ideas that were on display.
Hide and sleek
It was difficult to find a refrigerator in any of this year’s homes. That’s because they were artfully hidden behind cabinet panels. Not only that, but there were also “decoy” cabinets that mimicked the configuration of the fridge to throw you off the scent. However, the ranges and their accompanying range hoods took center stage occupying their place with pride.
Take the stairs
While each of the homes was equipped with a garage-to-top floor elevator, the stairs were definitely worth taking in and up. “Floating” stairs were seemingly suspended, contemporary stairs featured chrome and glass banisters, others had favored a traditional flair. These four-story spectacles were works of art in and of themselves.
The light stuff
Call it eye candy, or jewelry for the room, the latest lighting fixtures are definitely designed to grab your attention. Many of the selections at this year’s show were clusters of lights suspended at various levels to spread the love over a kitchen island or through a multi-story staircase. One home used coved lighting to highlight the architectural detail on the ceiling.
Outdoor adventures
Open air options for relaxing or entertaining have been rapidly growing in popularity for several years. Some homes had smaller balconies for quiet gatherings, others had large fourth-floor open-air spaces for a crowd. In some, folding glass walls opened an indoor room up to let the fun flow to a covered outdoor space. Motorized screens kept bugs away with a touch of the remote control.
Ceilings that talk
Savvy designers know to look up high and treat the ceiling as the “fifth wall.” That attention to the top was certainly on display at this year’s show. Some were painted dark to match the color-drenching mood of the room, others sported wood or faux wood beams in a handsome trayed pattern.
Raising the bar
Whether the drink of choice is coffee, wine or bourbon, bar areas distinctly separate from the kitchens were prevalent at the show. Sinks, refrigeration and floating shelves for displaying liquors and glassware were standards, along with nearby islands or peninsulas with seating areas for happy-or-after-hours happenings.
Doing the wave
One fun element was a welcome surprise this year. A fluted finish was discovered on a tub, range hood and fireplace surround adding texture and sleekness simultaneously.
Bed heads
Primary bedrooms were setting the stage for sleeping in style. However, headboards didn’t take the task on alone, they were backed up by wall treatments that added a whole new layer of sophistication. More than just a painted accent wall, these backgrounds—possibly done with a mural wallcovering, fabric or stone—pay tribute to the importance of a good night’s sleep.
Specialty spaces
Knowing it’s important to carve out spaces for “me” or “us” time, builders included features dedicated to hobbies—like an indoor golf simulator opening to a rooftop putting green–or to health and wellness needs—like the two-person sauna with an accompanying cold plunge tub on a lower level.
RESOURCES
1 Dimora by Classic Living Homes
2 The Phoenix by Ashford Homes
3 The Eleanor by Somerset Custom Homes
4 The Falcon by Chris Gorman Homes
5 The Brownstone by Heritage Building Group & Associates
6 The William by WP Land Company
7 The Obsidian by Justin Doyle Homes
C&W Custom Woodworking was featured in The Brownstone
Custom Distributors, Inc. (appliances) was featured in Dimora; The Phoenix; The Falcon
Gallery Veronique (artwork) was featured in Dimora; The Eleanor
Hanson Audio Video (golf simulator and architectural lighting) was featured in The Obsidian
Pella Windows and Doors were featured in Dimora; The Phoenix; The Eleanor; The Brownstone; The Obsidian
The Screen Shoppe was featured in The Brownstone
Slats Blind & Shutter Experts (window treatments) was featured in Dimora; The Falcon, The Brownstone
SYNLawn (putting green) was featured in The Obsidian
Western Custom Cabinetry was featured in Dimora; The Phoenix
Article originally appeared in November 2025