Some of the same people behind Richmond’s Homearama invited us to a similar new event called the Massey Street of Dreams. Like Homearama, it showcases custom-built homes whose interiors are finished by designers and decorators working with each builder’s team. What sets this tour apart is that it was created by cancer survivor George Emerson, and all proceeds benefit the local VCU Massey Cancer Center. We had a great time touring these houses and are excited to share highlights from the four homes that make up Massey Street of Dreams.
The homes sit side-by-side in a new community with views across the street toward the James River. Each house was built and styled by a different team, so every one feels distinct. Tours like this are fun because you can mix and match favorites — the kitchen from one home, the bath from another, the patio from a third.
Let’s begin with the blue house. Its kitchen was probably our favorite of the group because it hit many of the trends we love: gray cabinets, an island painted in an accent color with a different countertop, an exposed range hood, and a clean, classic marble subway tile backsplash. Glass-fronted cabinets added openness and visual interest.
A butler’s pantry or dry bar connected the kitchen to the dining room, providing a smooth transition between the spaces. The darker gray cabinetry in that area tied into the ceiling coffers, creating a cohesive look. We’re big fans of coffered ceilings — they let a room handle a darker ceiling color without feeling too heavy, and they add architectural character.
The living room leaned toward a traditional style, warmed by a stone-and-raw-wood fireplace surround and softened with two patterned orange chairs that gave the space a cheerful, casual note. The en-suite bathroom in this home stole our hearts thanks to a giant freestanding tub — the kind that makes a bathroom feel like a private spa.
The children’s nautical-themed room was especially charming, with thoughtful details like a sail-shaped headboard hung from an oar and dock-cleat hooks. One bedroom was actually designed by a high school student interested in interior design; the youthful “Paris meets mustache” theme included personal photos and a playful photo-backdrop idea with props for friends.
The second home felt more old-world, yet it included a very modern convenience: a prep kitchen. Tucked behind a door beside the main kitchen, the prep area keeps small appliances like a toaster and coffee maker out of sight and always ready to use — a functional trend that can also function as an expanded pantry with a sink. This house also offered an open, covered porch with a planked ceiling and a double-sided, indoor-outdoor fireplace, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering space complete with an outdoor TV.
The third house had a high-contrast, elegant palette of white, gray, and strategic dark accents — an upscale look that felt polished without being ostentatious. A striking dark staircase provided a strong visual anchor. The dining room featured a lovely transom window over the doorway, a detail that adds charm and light. The kitchen was the most expansive of the tour, with abundant cabinetry and thoughtful hardware choices; dark hardware punched up the soft gray cabinets for contrast. A cozy breakfast nook used burlap curtains trimmed with black ribbon, a simple design trick that added texture and personality.
The fourth house was the most ornate and distinct of the four, with rustic, restored finishes and large arched mirrors that made a bold statement. The dining room featured a beaded chandelier and generous, upholstered chairs that promised comfort. The kitchen had an unusual layout: three similarly shaped workspaces arranged in parallel — a peninsula, an island, and a full wall of cabinets and appliances — offering multiple functional zones for cooking and socializing.
In the front sitting room of that house, a painted wall treatment convincingly mimicked grasscloth wallpaper, complete with carefully rendered seams that suggested traditional wallpaper roll edges. The home also showcased the trending idea of dual main bedrooms — one on the first floor and another on the second — providing flexible living options. A second-floor main suite featured a very large tufted headboard, while a girls’ bedroom introduced a burst of yellow inspired by a chandelier, with matching lampshades bringing cohesion to the space. The mudroom, though not fully styled, drew attention for its mix of materials, including patterned floor tile paired with powder-blue cabinetry.
These highlights are only a sampling of what we saw — there’s much more to appreciate in person. The houses were open to the public for a limited run, and the tour supports a worthy local cause. We enjoyed seeing current design trends interpreted in different ways and watching how thoughtful details and materials can shape the character of each home.
Psst — Want to see a finished showhouse that we designed? Check out our full showhouse tour for final photos of every room, the floor plan, budget details, a video walk-through, and curated furniture and accessories.