HGTV Dream Home 2008

Bay Breeze

If relaxation is your priority, comfortable loungers in a dark brown wicker pattern topped with comfortable cushions in off-white are the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the Florida bay atmosphere.

Extended Patio

The patio extends the full width of the house. Keep cool with a pair of ceiling fans hanging from the beadboard ceiling.

Beautifully Landscaped

The rest of the property is beautifully landscaped with a variety of palms and tropical plants.

Dining Alfresco

Step off the porch onto a large brick patio where a dark brown wicker and aluminum dinette set can seat up to eight.

Outdoor Shower

On one side of the house, an outdoor shower is ready to help you rinse off after a fun day at the beach.

Doggy Dream Home

A colorful HGTV Doggy Dream Home sports a matching blue-and-yellow paint scheme to become a "Canine Cabana."

Designed for Outdoor Entertaining

The expansive patio offers ample space to host an outdoor gathering. There's plenty of seating arranged in two conversation pits.

Dark Rattan-Like Furniture

Each sitting area features a dark rattan-look loveseat with a pair of matching chairs and a glass-topped coffee table. The chairs feature thick, comfortable white cushions and the tables are each topped with three silver candle-filled lanterns.

View of the Adjacent Marina

Looking past the white picket railing gives an amazing view and the feeling of warm ocean breezes blowing across the island from the Florida Bay to the Atlantic Ocean.

Light Blue Beadboard

The patio extends the full width of the house, with the beadboard ceiling painted a very light shade of blue.

Four Poster Bed With a Pop of Color

The pillows are covered with a coarse canvas-like white fabric, with dual black lines along the edges, echoing the pattern of the curtains. Shocking pink duvets at the head and foot of the bed are combined with a quilt featuring colorful sand dollar-sized circles on a black background. The effect is casual, elegant and a little playful.

"The color is my favorite part of the room," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "It's strong but appealing, and it's balanced by the blacks and whites."

Mix and Match Nightstands

The artwork mixes colors and shapes; frames are square, circular and oval. On the wall beside the head of the bed, four matching flat-black frames contain black-and-white prints of starfish and an octopus. The tables are decorated with a glass vase on each containing lilies. Woven storage boxes and photo frames complete the table set-ups.

Lounge Away

Circular frames in antique white display sketches of sea coral done in green and yellow. White trim runs along the doorways and baseboards. White translucent curtains in a textured lightweight fabric have black parallel lines along the borders and are topped with matching valences. A valance also tops the doorway leading into the closet and bathroom. "It unifies the openings and adds balance in the room," says Linda.

A Vintage Highboy Dresser

A vintage highboy dresser with seven drawers features curved legs, dark pewter hardware and a seashell design carved into the bottom center drawer.

Walk-In Closet With Organizer

A doorway leads to the walk-in closet outfitted with a custom organizer featuring shelves, bins and hanging areas for long and short items.

Clean, White Space

The double-length vanity is topped with a thick white countertop and under-mounted porcelain sinks. An oval mirror centered above the vanity in a seashell frame hangs from a neon green ribbon. Two simple starfish prints, black-and-white in flat-black frames with thin white lines around the edges, are placed vertically above the toilet.

"It's simple, utilitarian, with those fabulous windows over the sink," says Linda. "I love how it's so clean and crisp."

Double Windows

An oval mirror centered above the vanity in a seashell frame hangs from a neon green ribbon. The windows make the white tone of the room clean and crisp.

Glass-Enclosed Shower

The large walk-in glass-enclosed shower is all white tile. "It's simple, utilitarian, with those fabulous windows," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "I love how it's so clean and crisp." The windows in the add to the natural light in the room.

Exquisite Outdoor View

Three sets of French doors look directly out over the clear waters of the Florida Bay. Interior designer Linda Woodrum says she chose items to take full advantage of the view. "There are large views of water, so we used tropical foliage, dark floors, white walls, lots of wicker and cane, shells, matchstick blinds and flowing white linen drapes."

Tropical Furnishings

The large entertaining area is defined with a coarse wool rug that mimics sisal. "It adds to the relaxed feel," says Linda.

The furnishings are mainly coral rose in color, including the sofa and matching armchairs. A dozen large throw pillows include deep reds, creams, patterns with small red coral designs and solid beige. "They keep the room monochromatic, but add texture and interest," says Linda. "When you have a great view, you need to control your color palette."

Unique Coffee Table

A unique bamboo coffee table is actually made from an old pigeon cage. A glass top was added, along with large caster wheels so it's also easy to move around. "The table adds great texture, and it's also a conversation piece," says Linda.

TV Area

A mahogany hutch with a rattan front serves as a place to store all the electronics for the flat-screen television and whole-home entertainment system, while also reinforcing the tropical motif. Seven large glass vessels of varying sizes on top of the hutch are perfect for holding fresh-cut local flora.

Mahogany Hutch

The hutch is flanked by two large iron topiary forms in the corners. "They add height and interesting shapes, and it's a bit unexpected to find topiaries inside," says Linda. "Plus, we needed something dark in the corners."

Coral Rose-Colored Furnishings

The furnishings are mainly coral rose in color, including the sofa and matching armchairs.

Additional Seating

More seating is provided by dark wooden arm chairs with mesh inserts and textured off-white cushions. The sofa is flanked by tri-level dark wooden end tables filled with lamps made of basket weave, wicker serving trays filled with shells and a small glass bowl filled with sand dollars.

Local Art

Linda says a large mixed-media painting by local artist Stacie Krupa, Tarpon Stained Glass Hank Brown Hook Up Honey, hanging on the wall opposite the French doors, is her favorite part of the room.

Decorative Elements

Decorative pieces in the room give the space some style.

Open Space

The mirror makes the laundry room seem larger and more open.

Clean and Crisp

The white door leading out of the laundry room gives the space a clean, crisp look.

Natural Elements

Natural elements, like this tissue box and storage boxes, add to the clean, crisp look.

All About the View

As in every room facing the water, the dining area is all about the view. An eight-person dining table is centered on French doors looking out on the second floor patio and the Florida Bay beyond. High-backed chairs are upholstered in an elegant, yet casual, red coral fabric matching the sofa and chairs in the adjoining great room.

Ceramic and Pewter Accents

"It's simple and clean, with comfortable chairs," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "We needed to balance the coral on this side of the room." The table is topped with two large white ceramic serving bowls and a huge pewter basket in an open mesh design that looks like coral. "We used lots of faux coral and coral-inspired design motifs," says Linda. "We were just having fun with our beach location."

Outdoor Light Fixture

An oversized copper light fixture hangs above the table. "It's big, bold and beautiful and really brings the outside in," says Linda. "You do not expect to see what one assumes to be an outdoor fixture hanging over a dining room table."

Bamboo Shelves

A formal hutch would look out of place in such a relaxed setting, so instead Linda went with a simple bamboo rack with five shelves. The shelves are stocked with coastal-themed serving items, and it all looks perfect. "Bamboo adds a tropical note, and using open shelves contributes to the easy, casual lifestyle," says Linda. "Everything is at your fingertips."

Spacious Walk-In Closet

A spacious, functional and most of all beautiful master closet is a must for any HGTV Dream Home, and the Islamorada home doesn't disappoint. The closet is beautifully decorated, with lots of small touches including glass vases, candles and a large glass jar. It's also very functional with three floor-to-ceiling custom organizers.

Espresso-Colored Cabinetry

"You can’t have a master suite without a special master closet," says designer Monica Pedersen. "The espresso-colored cabinetry makes this space feel like a room that can stand on its own."

Spa Tools

The closet is stocked with all sorts of grooming necessities.

Dressing Bench

"For fun, I color-coordinated the hairbrushes and swimwear with the colors of the suite," Monica says. "It’s a great space that is finished off with a bench for comfortable dressing."

Fish Artwork

For the master bathroom, designer Monica Pedersen came up with a beautiful, luxurious design. She threw in some surprises, including whimsical artwork in the shower and a fish called Edward.

Edward, Monica's inspiration for the design, is placed between two matching vanities facing each other across a woven light-brown sisal-like area rug.

"When I found the fish print, I knew immediately that he would swim along the wall between the two vanities. The colors of the print were perfect and its sense of movement filled the walls beautifully," Monica says.

Glass Shower

And there's much more to the master bathroom besides inspirational tarpon prints, such as the shower and tub area. The brilliant white space is huge, with double-glass doors and a glass panel that creates a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass nearly 9-feet wide. The oversized soaking tub sits opposite a wall of shower fixtures including jets, a handheld shower and a sprinkler showerhead.

Local Art

Monica accented the white tiles with colorful art. "The clean white subway tile became the perfect backdrop for featuring some fun local artwork," she says. "The pottery piece is a copy of a banana leaf and can also be used as a serving piece." Other art includes canvases from local artists that Monica says she attached to the tiles with suction cups. The art "really brings a punch of color and whimsy to the shower area," she says.

Dark Wood Cabinetry

The wooden vanities are a shade darker than the hardwood floors and feature pewter drawer pulls and door knobs. White porcelain sinks are set in sand-colored countertops that are decorated with peach candles, seashells and starfish.

Toilet Room

The toilet is literally in a water closet, enclosed in a small room across from the shower behind a wooden door with frosted glass panes. A tropical painting hanging outside the closet adds another splash of color.

Touch of Aqua

Dark hardwood floors lead into the first-floor entertaining area, a square room painted eggshell white, with the same shade on the walls and ceilings. "The room is almost totally colorless, except for a pop of aqua," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. Her goal was to create a multi-functional room, easily adapted for a variety of uses. A set of six large wicker chairs are fitted with fat, comfortable paisley cushions. Six individual chairs lend more flexibility to the room than a sofa-loveseat combo. "The chairs are easy to move. You can set it up as a social area, or line the seating up in rows to create a media room. You can also just remove all the furnishings, turn up the music and dance."

Glass Top Coffee Table

The flexibility extends to the coffee table, which is actually made up of four small square glass-topped white tables. The bottoms are slats, providing a seaside theme. Accessories include two large glass candle jars with white candles nestled into bottoms filled with speckled shells. The jars are set in a large brown wicker basket, which could also be used as a serving tray for movie nights or sports events. A large bowl with a hint of green is filled with conch shells. Three large pale blue glass vases sit above a dark wicker basket filled with white artificial corals.

High Definition Flat Screen

The 50-inch high-definition flat screen TV is mounted solidly to the wall behind with an adjustable bracket. The shelf is a set of three brown shelves, running across the wall and breaking up the white space. "It integrates the flat screen into the whole wall, so it's not so stark," says Linda. The TV is flanked by two large seashell prints, with distressed light-brown frames. Three smaller prints are centered below, with wide white matting and silvery frames.

Rear Seating Area

The rear seating area has two chairs flanked by dark brown tri-level end tables. Each end table is topped with a sleek, modern chrome lamp. The lamps are adjustable and can aim light in just about any direction. A dark brown sideboard sits at the back of the room. Three small pale blue globe vases are filled with fresh local plant clippings.

Hutch for Storage and Entertaining

A large hutch is filled with turquoise serving pieces including bowls, plates, platters and napkins, along with clear beverage and wine glasses. A wicker basket holds a stack of turquoise and white napkins. "The hutch is perfect for storing dishes for outdoor dining, and the sideboard can be used for serving," says Linda.

Easy Access to the Beach

The word "bay" is spelled out in large silver letters just to the left of two French doors, with views of the sandy beach and the clear bluish-green water of the Florida Bay. Two baskets, one green and one wicker, contain colorful pastel towels in vivid pink and cool blue, perfect for grabbing on your way out the door for a swim in the warm waters.

Outfitted for Sport

Even the garage at HGTV Dream Home 2008 is tropical. The contrast of this yellow and white space gives the room a light, airy feel. Just off the garage through a wide doorway is the fishing closet. And since this is Islamorada, sport fishing capital of the world, the room is outfitted with everything the serious angler needs to go after a bonefish or tarpon out in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys.

Storage and Workspace

Hardwood floors are matched with white custom storage and work areas. The fittings include four large storage shelves topped with adjustable clip-on lights. Below, there are five smaller shelves and a pegboard for holding tackle and gear. Five drawers along one side of the work area feature silver fish drawer pulls. The work area includes a clamp and adjustable magnifying glass to aid in the intricate work of preparing fishing tackle.

Gear for the Family

A large wicker storage basket is useful for storing other items. Five racks hold enough rods to equip guest anglers, and the new owner will be ready to hit the water for some serious fishing as soon as he or she moves in, as the room is already stocked with several spinning rods, fly rods and even a few children's rods.

Map the Trips

The walls are decorated with black-and-white prints of anglers proudly holding impressive catches. A large map of the Florida Keys in a black frame aids in planning fishing expeditions.

U-Shaped Countertop

For the kitchen, interior designer Linda Woodrum created a sleek modern space accented with rustic art. It's a well-defined space, yet very open to the living and dining areas of the second-floor great room. A U-shaped, sand-colored countertop runs from the pantry door along the back wall, then turns below three square windows and back to form a peninsula dividing the kitchen from the dining area.

Glass-Tile Backsplash

The kitchen is further set off by a glass-tile backsplash that runs from the east wall down the length of the kitchen, then crosses over the pantry door to unify the space. The tiles appear to be brown, but are actually clear. The wall was painted a light cocoa brown, and clear tiles were laid on top. The effect is striking, and Linda says it's one of her favorite things about the design. The walk-in pantry has five very large and deep shelves, and a stainless-steel refrigerator with bottom-mounted freezer.

Glass-Paned Wooden Cabinets

The upper cabinets feature wooden doors with silver hardware and glass panes, which are open instead of closed. The large, stainless-steel farmhouse sink is topped with an elegant pewter-finished faucet with a curved base. Cream cabinets below are accented with elegant, yet simple, silver drawer pulls and door hardware.

Professional Gas Range

The business end of the kitchen is a professional-grade gas range with stainless-steel finish. The stove is topped with a matching stainless-steel range hood, and a pot filler faucet extends out from the back wall, making it easy to put some water on to boil and cook up some fresh shrimp or lobster. Other appliances include a large microwave mounted below the counter and a stainless-steel dishwasher.

Distressed Decorative Pieces

Three large circular decorative pieces, more than two feet in diameter, add color and texture. The green, burnt orange and turquoise elements are held in place by slender iron stands. "Those were the tops of old wine barrels we painted and distressed to add character," says Linda. "You shouldn't be afraid to bring art, especially sculpture, into the kitchen. After all, you spend a lot of time there."

Countertop Accessories

Decorative elements on the counter include a wicker basket, rattan circular serving tray, three pedestal serving trays with glass lids and a very unique candleholder fashioned from driftwood. "I love that piece," Linda says. "It adds a lot of drama, but is also lots of fun."

Vibrant Entryway

A vivid red coral color covers the walls and ceiling. "It intensifies the color and creates more of a total color experience," says interior designer Linda Woodrum.

Decorative Shelves

A tall rattan-and-leather five-level curio shelf is just inside the door. The shelves are filled with tropical items: a plain white box topped with a conch shell, pieces of artificial coral and a basket filled with starfish. Three silvery coral statues top off the display.

Bring the Beach Inside

"We used lots of white faux coral pieces and shells in the coral room to really make it pop," says Linda.

Coral Accents

Across the foyer, a matching sideboard flanked by two chairs is decorated with shell rings, a basket of sand dollars and a bowl of starfish, anemone and an artificial lily. The doorways are bordered by simple wide white boards.

Colorful Aquatic Life

A vibrant mixed-media painting, "Hogfish Local Talent," by local artist Stacie Krupa, adds one more shot of color to the space. Past the door leading into the garage is a closet containing a custom wine storage system from California Closets. Directly across from the wine closet is a door into a storage area beneath the stairs.

Tropical Retreat

The HGTV Dream Home 2008's master bedroom is truly a tropical retreat, featuring a cool blue color scheme matched with antique white furnishings and a balcony with incredible views of the Florida Bay.

HGTV's Monica Pedersen really captured the casual atmosphere of the Florida Keys, while making sure to include a level of luxury expected in a master bedroom.

"The use of fabric softens the room and really draws attention to two of the room's greatest features: the soaring ceiling and spectacular view of the Florida Bay," says Monica.

Sleigh Bed

An antique white sleigh bed is flanked by flat-black sconces with cream shades. A bluish-green and cream checkered curtain hangs behind the headboard, and the bed is topped with large square throw pillows and a comforter, both covered with a textured canvas-like material.

"The iron sconces meet the need for his-and-hers lighting next to the bed, as well as adding a touch of iron that is repeated in the hardware on the dresser," says Monica. "I chose cream-colored linen for the bedding for two reasons. It suggests a restful night's sleep, and the subtle sheen reminded me of a pearl in a clam shell. The layering of pillows and damask fabric on the bed shout 'luxury' while ensuring that the bed remains the focal point."

Antique Dresser

The two matching antique white dressers are topped with plenty of coastal-themed items, including a white ceramic vase with wicker covering, starfish, bowls of seashells, flat-black lamps with cream shades, pearlescent vessels and books.

"When designing a space for a home that is so strongly influenced by its setting, you need to choose furniture and accessories that reflect the subject of its surroundings," Monica says. "The shell prints, real starfish attached with screw eyes and shell plates have the feeling of objects found after a long day at the beach."

Patio Space

The wall opposite the bed is made up of French doors flanked by full length windows. The doors open onto a balcony furnished with a dark brown patio chair with matching ottoman, both fitted with cream-colored cushions.

Sitting Area

Inside the doors is another seating area with a pair of matching cream armchairs with throw pillows in a blue-green checkered pattern. A jade-colored ceramic garden stool is both beautiful and practical. "They have been around forever, but as of late have been touted as the hottest design accessory around," Monica says of the piece. "They are available in a variety of colors and are perfect for sitting areas because they can be used as both an ottoman and as a side table."

A Calm Atmosphere

Overall, Monica says the bedroom is suitably casual for the beach, while delivering the level of luxury expected of a true master bedroom.

"My favorite thing about the master suite design is the feeling you get when you walk into it. The watery blue color palette, soft textures and unimposing whitewashed furnishings work together to create a calming space."

Vibrant, Bold Colors

If there's one thing that really stands out in this year's HGTV Dream Home, it's the use of bold, vibrant colors. The second-floor sitting room makes its statement with vibrant orange walls and ceiling, and broad white stripes around the day lounge.

"It just feels tropical. It's a great melon color that's rich and warm," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "This whole room is kind of a fantasy, just a bit more craziness."

Seashell Curtain

The day lounge is in a nook behind a floor-to-ceiling canvas curtain with tiny seashells along the edge. "It's all about building on the location of the home", says Linda. "And the white stripes around the day lounge add some definition and make it pop."

Hidden Trundle Bed

Hidden in the day lounge is a convenient trundle bed. Pull out the trundle bed and more color pops out in the form of turquoise bedding.

A Variety of Textures

The quilted white blanket and white knitted shawl add texture on top, along with a variety of throw pillows varying in size, color and textures. "There's lots of white-on-white texture, which is what this room is all about," says Linda. "The orange pillows are the cherry on top, and are my favorite part of the sitting area."

A Beige Canvas Fabric

A classic wooden armchair with an island-feeling beige canvas provides more seating. The beige fabric is repeated in the canvas Roman shades over the windows.

A Dark Contrast

A dark antique chandelier with leaf motif and glass bead ornaments hangs above the daybed. Flanking the window behind the daybed are 10 photo frames adorned with seashells from the seashore.

Distressed Side Table

A 4-1/2-foot-wide side table features distressed antique white finish and slatted shelves. It's evocative of an island feel and also practical. The table lamps have fluted bases with a thick spiral rope braid design. Flat-black photo frames add contrast, and a painting of stone crab claws adds more color into Linda's fantasy room with blues, turquoise, lime green and butter yellow.

Blue Contrasted With White

The walls and ceiling are in a matching blue, and blue carpeting covers the floor. French doors lead out onto the patio and offer a beautiful view of the water. The sea of blue is balanced out with large white baseboards around the perimeter of the room. Antique white distressed furnishings include a dresser, hutch, sideboard and twin beds. A white ceiling fan above breaks up the sea of blue on the ceiling.

Whimsical Sheets and Pillowcases

The bright white makes it work — it's calming," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "Just use one color, then add a contrasting one. Just make sure you love the color." The beds feature whimsical sheets and matching pillowcases in white with blue polka dots. "It could be an adult bedroom, but the polka dots bring in a 'child' element," says Linda. "One small change could totally alter the feeling."

Incorporate Colorful Accents

A single table between the beds serves as a nightstand. A trio of large white fish statues decorates the table, while above a large colorful painting, Snapper Pinky Cotton Candy, by local artist Stacie Krupa provides a brilliant burst of color. "The rainbow fish are childlike, but overall it's a sophisticated look," says Linda. "The painting looks great on the blue walls."

Wicker Chairs for the Sitting Area

Wicker chairs with ottomans sit in opposite corners of the room, fitted with cushions with white and blue stripes varying in color and width. Large reddish-coral throw pillows in each chair add a splash of color.

Antique White Dresser

The nearly 5-foot-long dresser features elegant pewter drawer pulls and is topped with an antique white rotating art caddy filled with a rainbow of colored markers, crayons, pencils and other art supplies. A large tapered wicker storage bin sits beside the dresser, and a second shoebox-sized wicker box topped with a hinged lid provides another place to store all the small things that a kid needs.

HGTV Dream Home 2008-1997

HGTV Dream Home 2008

Related To:

Shop This Look

Bay Breeze

Extended Patio

Beautifully Landscaped

Dining Alfresco

Outdoor Shower

Doggy Dream Home

Designed for Outdoor Entertaining

Dark Rattan-Like Furniture

View of the Adjacent Marina

Light Blue Beadboard

Four Poster Bed With a Pop of Color

Mix and Match Nightstands

Lounge Away

A Vintage Highboy Dresser

Walk-In Closet With Organizer

Clean, White Space

Double Windows

Glass-Enclosed Shower

Exquisite Outdoor View

Tropical Furnishings

Unique Coffee Table

TV Area

Mahogany Hutch

Coral Rose-Colored Furnishings

Additional Seating

Local Art

Decorative Elements

Open Space

Clean and Crisp

Natural Elements

All About the View

Ceramic and Pewter Accents

Outdoor Light Fixture

Bamboo Shelves

Spacious Walk-In Closet

Espresso-Colored Cabinetry

Spa Tools

Dressing Bench

Fish Artwork

Glass Shower

Local Art

Dark Wood Cabinetry

Toilet Room

Touch of Aqua

Glass Top Coffee Table

High Definition Flat Screen

Rear Seating Area

Hutch for Storage and Entertaining

Easy Access to the Beach

Outfitted for Sport

Storage and Workspace

Gear for the Family

Map the Trips

U-Shaped Countertop

Glass-Tile Backsplash

Glass-Paned Wooden Cabinets

Professional Gas Range

Distressed Decorative Pieces

Countertop Accessories

Vibrant Entryway

Decorative Shelves

Bring the Beach Inside

Coral Accents

Colorful Aquatic Life

Tropical Retreat

Sleigh Bed

Antique Dresser

Patio Space

Sitting Area

A Calm Atmosphere

Vibrant, Bold Colors

Seashell Curtain

Hidden Trundle Bed

A Variety of Textures

A Beige Canvas Fabric

A Dark Contrast