An Exclusive Tour of the HGTV Dream Home 2016: Coastal Charm in Merritt Island, Florida

Two weeks ago, I had the extraordinary privilege of stepping inside a true architectural marvel: the HGTV Dream Home 2016. Nestled on the picturesque Merritt Island, Florida, this property isn’t just a house; it’s a meticulously crafted experience designed to inspire and enchant. As someone who recently moved into a new home and is constantly seeking fresh decorating ideas, this tour was a treasure trove of inspiration, offering countless insights into sophisticated coastal living and innovative design.

A notable highlight of this year’s Dream Home, and one I was particularly excited about, is the exclusive use of Glidden paint throughout the entire residence. Having personally experienced the exceptional quality and affordability of Glidden’s High Endurance line, I knew the results would be nothing short of spectacular. This partnership underscores Glidden’s commitment to providing premium finishes that stand the test of time, perfectly complementing the home’s luxurious yet livable aesthetic.

Despite a rainy Florida day, my excitement was undimmed. I was eager to explore every corner of this iconic property and gather as many design inspirations as possible. What I discovered exceeded all expectations, providing a wealth of creative concepts for my own decorating endeavors.

A Milestone Renovation: Celebrating 20 Years of Dream Homes

The 2016 HGTV Dream Home marks a significant milestone: the event’s 20th anniversary. To commemorate this special occasion, HGTV took a unique approach. Instead of building a new structure, they chose an existing waterfront property on Merritt Island, near the historic Cape Canaveral, and completely reimagined it. This comprehensive redesign and update transformed a charming Florida residence into a modern masterpiece, blending contemporary comforts with timeless coastal elegance. The home’s prime location along the banks of the Indian River Lagoon, offering direct Intercoastal Waterway access, ensures breathtaking views and an unparalleled connection to nature.

The luminous three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath house was expertly decorated by acclaimed designer Brian Patrick Flynn. He masterfully embraced a casual Floridian coastal style, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and incredibly inviting. Upon entering the front door, guests are immediately greeted by an expansive open-concept space featuring a dramatic soaring ceiling, setting a tone of grandeur and openness.

Wall and ceiling paint color: Quiet Rain

Glidden’s Palette: Transforming Spaces with Color

During our tour, Brian Patrick Flynn shared an exciting detail: he utilized Glidden High Endurance paint, purchased conveniently at Walmart, in every single room of the house. A consistent and thoughtful design choice evident throughout the home is the application of the same paint color on both the walls and the ceiling in each space. This technique creates a seamless, enveloping effect, making rooms feel larger and more cohesive. For all the crisp, clean white elements, the shade used was Glidden’s classic Swan White, which provides a perfect contrast and brightens every corner.

Complementing the exquisite paintwork, all furnishings and lighting fixtures throughout the house were sourced from the renowned designer furniture brand, Ethan Allen. Their timeless pieces perfectly align with the casual coastal theme, adding layers of comfort and style.

The Heart of the Home: The Kitchen

The kitchen in the HGTV Dream Home 2016 is a masterclass in elegant contrasts, built around a striking black and white color scheme. From the sleek black and white tile backsplash to the pristine white wall cabinets and grounded black base cabinets, every element works in harmony. The sophisticated faucet, a Delta fixture in a luxurious Champagne Bronze finish, adds a touch of warmth and refinement to the space, truly elevating the overall design.

Wall and ceiling paint color: Kentucky Blue

Entertainment Hub: The Media Room

The media room is a delightful explosion of color and texture, offering a playful yet chic retreat. It’s a testament to Brian Patrick Flynn’s ability to infuse personality into every space. A particularly captivating detail is that all the art displayed throughout the house, including pieces in the media room, was custom-made specifically for this home, ensuring a unique and perfectly curated collection that tells its own story.

Functional Elegance: The Mudroom

Wall and ceiling paint color: Opal Silk Green

Beyond its charming aesthetics, the mudroom provides practical access to the three-car garage, making it an essential transition space. The thoughtful design extends to decorative elements, such as the unique lamps crafted from stacked shells, reinforcing the home’s coastal theme with subtle, natural touches.

Serene Sanctuaries: Guest Bedroom Suites

Bedroom Suite #2: A Warm Welcome

Wall and ceiling paint color: Terra Cotta

Bedroom Suite #2, visible from the main living area, embraces a warm and inviting palette with its captivating Terra Cotta walls and ceiling. This bold yet earthy hue creates a cozy atmosphere, perfectly balanced by the crisp Glidden Swan White trim that truly makes the wall color pop. Even the spacious walk-in closet within this suite is painted in the same rich Terra Cotta, maintaining a consistent flow and luxurious feel throughout.

The accompanying bathroom features multi-toned turquoise blue penny tile, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch that perfectly complements the coastal aesthetic.

Bedroom Suite #3: My Personal Favorite

Wall and ceiling paint color: Bastille Blue

Bedroom Suite #3 immediately captured my heart and emerged as my favorite. Painted in a soothing Bastille Blue, this room boasts a private door that opens to breathtaking views of the water and the backyard pool. The casual mix of furnishings creates an effortlessly chic and comfortable environment, making it an ideal sanctuary for relaxation.

Each bedroom in the HGTV Dream Home 2016 is a true suite, featuring its own dedicated full bathroom, providing ultimate comfort and privacy for guests. This attention to detail elevates the guest experience to a luxurious level.

In one of these bathrooms, a custom-made string art piece depicting a marlin adorns the wall. This bespoke artwork is a perfect nod to the home’s waterfront location, adding a personalized and thematic touch that is both charming and elegant.

Practical Spaces: Laundry Room & Pool Bathroom

Laundry Room wall and ceiling paint color: Island Shores

Pool Bathroom wall and ceiling paint color: Island Shores

Even the utility spaces like the laundry room and the convenient pool bathroom are infused with the home’s tranquil coastal aesthetic, painted in the serene Glidden Island Shores. This consistent color scheme ensures a harmonious flow throughout the entire residence, proving that even practical areas can be beautifully designed.

Wall and ceiling paint color: Thai Teal

The Ultimate Retreat: The Master Suite

The second floor of the HGTV Dream Home 2016 is dedicated entirely to the opulent master suite, a true haven of luxury and comfort. This expansive private sanctuary features a generous bedroom painted in the captivating Glidden Thai Teal, offering a sense of calm and sophistication.

Within the master suite, you’ll find a dedicated seating area, perfect for quiet reflection or enjoying a morning coffee with a view.

A large walk-in closet provides abundant storage, meticulously designed to complement the luxurious feel of the suite.

The master bathroom is a spa-like retreat, boasting elegant fixtures and finishes, creating a tranquil space for rejuvenation.

The centerpiece of the master bathroom is a generously sized glass-enclosed shower, promising a luxurious experience.

Stepping onto the private porch directly off the master bedroom, one is immediately greeted with an absolutely breathtaking vista, making it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the surroundings.

Exterior Elegance and Outdoor Living

The exterior of the HGTV Dream Home 2016 presents a classic white facade subtly accented with a touch of light blue. This delicate use of Glidden’s Blue Light on the trim and railings provides a refined contrast against the white walls, drawing attention to the home’s beautiful architectural details without overpowering the coastal aesthetic. It’s a testament to how even a hint of color can dramatically enhance a home’s curb appeal, integrating it seamlessly with the natural Florida surroundings.

Even the luckiest winner’s furry companion will have a dream house of his own, as a charming custom dog house stands ready, reflecting the main home’s architectural style and attention to detail.

The intelligent use of blue accents subtly emphasizes the exterior’s intricate architectural details, creating a harmonious and inviting facade that complements its waterfront setting.

The backyard and pool area of this stunning home are an entertainer’s paradise, offering ample space for hosting gatherings or simply unwinding while soaking in the panoramic water views. Every element, from the comfortable patio furniture to the inviting pool, is designed for ultimate enjoyment and relaxation in the Florida sunshine.

One of my absolute favorite features of the exterior is the charming outdoor shower. There’s something incredibly appealing about the idea of showering under the open sky, bathed in sunlight or moonlight. This unique amenity has become a personal inspiration for me, fueling my desire to build a similar outdoor shower at my own new home, embracing the connection to nature and simple luxuries.

This tour of the HGTV Dream Home 2016 was an unforgettable journey through thoughtful design, vibrant colors, and unparalleled comfort. It brilliantly showcased how Glidden paint can transform any space, from walls to ceilings, creating a cohesive and inspiring environment. From the casual coastal elegance to the state-of-the-art amenities, this home offers a wealth of ideas for anyone looking to infuse their living spaces with style and personality. I am truly grateful for this experience and the endless inspiration it provided.

This post is sponsored by Glidden. Thank you so much for supporting the sponsors that make In My Own Style possible. All content and opinions are my own.