When it comes to property, everyone knows it's all about location, location, location. That's why when Daryl Hardy of Hardy Builders, LLC selected his space for the 2022 Homearama Tour, he chose the one at 11409 River Beauty Loop.
"I specifically picked a corner lot," he told The Courier Journal, explaining that the space allowed him to create a striking, unique exterior that would set it apart from other homes in The Hamlet, the Oldham County section of Norton Commons.
"As you approach (the house) coming from what will be the (main) entrance," Hardy explained, "(you’ll see) the design and architecture, with the gables and the courtyard and the sunroom with all the glass. (It’s) quite attractive and really eye-catching."
Hardy says creating a stunning exterior was just one of his goals with this house.
"I (also) wanted to go back a little bit — historically — and have a very large dining (room) in the front with a living area, and have the kitchen separated," he said, explaining that nowadays, it’s common to walk through a front door directly into an open-concept kitchen and living room space.
The Grand Haven opens instead to a room dubbed the lounge, which features ample shelving, a small bar area, and lots of seating. To the right, the lounge connects to a bright sunroom that overlooks the home's exterior fireplace and courtyard. To the left, the dining room boasts a long table with seating for eight.
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"We still had to make it open, because everybody loves open (concept)," Hardy added, "so when we got to the kitchen, (we included) a good-sized hearth room and informal dining area, and all the glass (that leads) out to the porch."
One feature Hardy points out that likely won't be immediately obvious to tourgoers is the porch made of ash wood.
"That is not Ipe or a composite," he explained. "It’s real ash wood that has been molecularly changed through heat and steam."
The lounge, Hardy explains, was designed as an adult relaxation room of sorts. A small bar is set within the built-in walnut shelving, and there’s a table set for board or card games. In the center of the room, a plush sofa and side chairs with martini tables offer a comfortable setting for drinks and conversation.
"I think (the room) turned out really cool; very masculine," said Bailey Pitts of Bailey At Home, who handled all the interior design in the house. "(It has) the cigar/ bourbon vibe I was going for."
Another statement room — which both Hardy and Pitts are especially fond of — is the butler's pantry. "I knew that I wanted to do a really fun butler's pantry," Pitts said, explaining that such a small space allows for bold design choices.
"The green (high-gloss, lacquer paint) and the (bird) wallpaper," she added, "turned out awesome. And all those details I did — like the gallery railings on the floating shelves (and the) cremone bolts — made it turn out really cool."
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Pitts describes the home's overall interior design as having a modern take on traditional style.
"I like to mix warmer colors with brighter colors and bring in some more modern elements but still keep traditional (ones, too)," she said.
The hues used throughout the abode, she explains, were inspired by the wallpaper in the powder room.
"A lot of times, it starts with one thing that you find, and then the house kinds of builds around it," she explained. "I fell in love with (that wallpaper), so that (determined) my color scheme for the whole house."
The wallpaper features burnt coral, navy, green, and cream hues — and these colors are sprinkled throughout the home. Coral window treatments in the dining room, Pitts says, elevated the space; while green and cream seating in the hearth room gives the area cozy, comfortable vibes.
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"(A lot of) heart and soul goes into (this), as every designer knows," she added. "It’s a … long process, (and) it's cool to see (it) all come together."
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at aloha@lennieomalza.com or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@gannett.com.
WHAT: Homearama is an annual Louisville event that showcases custom-built new homes at a single site. The homes are fully furnished, decorated, and landscaped, and feature the latest in building trends, technology, and interior design. Homearama has been produced by the Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville since 1968.
WHEN: Now through Sept. 25. Weekdays, 5-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 1-6 p.m. Ticket gate closes 30 minutes prior to closing time.
WHERE: Norton Commons | The Hamlet | Oldham County
TICKETS: Tickets are $15 per person. Children 12 and younger are free with an adult. Tickets are available online.
Home: This is a 5-bed, 5-and-a-half bath, 4,743-square-foot home that was built in 2022. It is located in The Hamlet, an exclusive Oldham County section of Norton Commons.
Distinctive elements: Unique architectural exterior elevation design; unique architectural interior floor plan; front sunroom off the lounge; side courtyard off the side porch; large closet and bath in the main suite; apartment garage with elevator shaft; butler pantry with hidden working pantry; exterior fireplace in the courtyard with extensive landscaping.
Applause! Applause! Hardy Builders LLC; interior designer Bailey Pitts of Bailey At Home; Century Entertainment & Furnishings; Louisville Tile; Closet Factory of Kentucky; United Citizens Bank; Carpet Selections; Home Inspired; Brecher’s Lighting; Charlie Payton; M&H Custom Cabinets; Luis Astorga Painting; Winsupply of Louisville; Metro Windows.