Take A Tour Inside HGTV Star Mike Holmes' Beautiful Home
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If your goal is to create an intentional home based on quality, look to Mike Holmes. We're giving you a peek into the interior and exterior spaces of the renowned contractor and star of HGTV's "Holmes on Homes." From his stunning outdoor area to his thoughtful utility spaces, it's easy to be inspired by his chic and cozy vision. Not only does his home look beautiful, but he also handpicked several top-of-the-line materials and finishes.
Holmes takes design a step further, ensuring longevity in addition to aesthetic value. Whether you are starting from scratch or you simply want to give your home a few significant upgrades, his renovation is an excellent resource. You can easily find something that speaks to you, be it a flooring idea, countertop concept, or key layout. If you want to curate a home that will last for countless years to come, this property is right up your alley.
A contemporary bathroom with manmade porcelain
In his own bathroom renovation, Mike Holmes prioritized durable materials. One of the most striking finishes he showcased was the man-made porcelain shower. The veining mimics the look of natural marble with the enhanced resilience of porcelain. He explained how he chose the slab in this YouTube video: "I've been doing all new stuff for everyone else, and I finally did my own bathroom. And I want to talk about the experience I had at the showroom for Ciot. This product here was shown to me, and it's a man-made porcelain, and I was looking at it, going, 'Wow, okay. So, it's man-made, but how strong is it?' I put a key to it! I'm not damaging it."
A slab of porcelain is not cheap, but the resilience is exceptional. Even Holmes admitted that it "costs a lot to have it fabricated," and that it took three days to install the panels in the shower. However, there are more accessible porcelain alternatives if you're on a tighter budget. Porcelain tiles are made of the same materials, but can be much cheaper and easier to install. If you're looking for tiles to install on your shower floor, opt for a matte or non-glossy finish to avoid a slipping hazard. The beauty of porcelain is that it is available in countless designs and finishes, so you can get the look of almost any natural stone.
A kitchen with quality fixtures and statement finishes
For his kitchen remodel, Mike Holmes focused on intentional minimalism and showcasing quality. He opted against upper cabinets and instead brought his quartz countertops up to the ceiling, stretching from wall to wall. He also wanted the traditional oven hood to act as the primary statement piece. Holmes explained his intentions on Instagram, saying, "We did the quartz all the way from the countertop with the waterfall ends and then bring that up into the backsplash that's both left and right from the fridge cabinets all the way over to my bar cabinets."
Homes has explained that trendy marble countertops aren't as durable as they seem, and that they can scratch easily. Instead, the expert often leans on quartz, a manmade material that comes in a wide range of finishes. It is more durable than natural stone, but offers a similarly dynamic appearance if you source it from the right manufacturer. The other core component of Holmes' kitchen is the stunning oven hood. Determine whether you want a rustic wood hood, something striking like copper, or a dynamic tiled option to make a similar statement in your space.
A dedicated bar space with high-quality plumbing
Holmes showed off his sleek bar space that's connected to the beautiful kitchen. The design for the sophisticated nook includes open shelving, quartz countertops, and an undermount sink. The space features a color palette that blends forest green, matte black, and deep wood tones. The ambient lighting gives it an elevated look that sets the tone for hosting or enjoying a relaxing evening cocktail.
A well-designed home bar can boost your property value and give your kitchen a communal, welcoming feel. You want to create a space that feels cohesive with your kitchen but stands out as a separate space. Holmes added some moody, sophisticated touches to his bar to create a visual mood. Adding a few deeper colors around your bar space is an easy way to lean into the refined vibe. If you don't drink alcohol, consider creating a home coffee bar. The home coffee bar has become a popular trend in recent years and it's easy to see why. You can even buy a pre-made coffee bar like this 4ever2buy Farmhouse Coffee Bar Cabinet.
A sunroom with traditional touches and statement flooring
Mike Holmes' sunroom includes several striking design details. The space has built-in shelving with arches, an oversized fireplace, and herringbone-style floors. Holmes raved about the unique flooring materials on YouTube: "We did a herringbone porcelain floor. It's supposed to look like wood. It's right over concrete. I love this! Right now, we don't have any area carpets down, a little echo-y in here, but we're going to do it. We did a nice black-and-white diamond pattern style in the breeze way."
As we know from his bathroom design, porcelain is a material that Holmes clearly favors. Real wood is beautiful, but it must be taken care of if you want to ensure longevity. Hardwood can warp, swell, and scratch easily. Porcelain, on the other hand, is ideal for high-traffic areas and homeowners with busy lifestyles. It is also water resistant, making the material suitable for areas exposed to moisture. Plus, you can make it even more luxurious by installing under-floor heating. Plus, herringbone isn't the only pattern available. Explore parquet patterns, chevron, and stacked options — depending on your interior style.
A garage that prioritizes durability and energy efficiency
For Mike Holmes, his garage was undoubtedly one of the most crucial spaces to design. He worked with his son, Mike Jr., to overhaul it with materials that maximize energy efficiency and longevity. He used solar panels, solar-powered skylights, a DECRA metal roof, and LED lighting. Holmes detailed his plan in "Mike's Ultimate Garage": "I've had a vision for many years to build my ultimate garage, and the problem is that I've been so busy. It's really been put off year after year, and the time to build that garage is now. Wait until you see this. This is state-of-the-art, it's off the grid, I'm using technology we've never seen before."
If one of your goals is to lower your utility bills, don't neglect your garage. The energy efficiency of your home is greatly affected by the garage itself. In addition to Holmes' high-quality upgrades, there are several simple ways to make a major dent in your energy usage. The first culprit is an uninsulated garage. Fortunately, there are several DIY methods to insulate a garage from freezing temps. The Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit is an easy option. You could also consider swapping out the access door that leads into your house and making sure it has a tight seal. Last but not least, check for any cracks or holes throughout your garage that could be allowing outside air to make its way in.
A man cave with endless entertaining possibilities
Above the garage, Holmes and his son designed a man cave complete with a bar, a TV, a drum set, and other playful amenities. Wooden paneling adds a retro touch, and the vaulted ceilings keep the space feeling bright. Holmes placed his favorite red lounge chair with a perfect view of the television. Holmes gave the following advice to Forte Entertainment for those looking to follow his lead: "In order to have the ultimate man cave, you gotta think of everything, not just cars, motorcycles, workshop. But it's the passion of what you're looking for." This approach is evident in the personalized, mid-century decor that permeates the space, including vintage metal signs and retro bar stools.
Focusing on your personal wants and needs is one of Mike Holmes' best tips for a seamless home renovation. What might seem impractical to one homeowner might be essential for your lifestyle. After all, your home should be a space where you look forward to spending time. Holmes' attention to detail with themed wall decor, retro furniture, and personal touches is clear throughout his man cave. If you don't have space for an entire room dedicated to your pastimes, try upgrading a single corner or nook in your home. Make sure that your living space includes areas to explore your hobbies, be it crafting, workshopping, or reading.
A serene outdoor space with a private oasis
Mike Holmes' expansive outdoor area is one of the most curated spaces on his property. His entire estate spans ten acres, and the backyard includes several patios, a pool, and meticulous landscaping. He detailed his vision for the space in this Forte Entertainment clip: "I wanted an area that would actually complement my family and bring everyone in to want to sit by the fireplace, to have a barbecue, bring the grandkids in. Having serenity, to me, is really simple. Create different zones." An outdoor dining area is at the heart of the space, creating a communal feel.
Even if your backyard isn't several acres large, you can still apply Holmes' tips to your outdoor space. Designating different zones for a variety of purposes can help you make the most of your backyard. For example, consider creating a designated seating area that is separate from the fire pit. Raised bed gardens are another way to add visual interest and functionality. If you still have additional corners to fill, consider creating lounge-specific zones with a hammock or porch swing like the Kozyard Outdoor Patio Swing Chair. As a finishing touch, don't forget these key decorating tips to help maximize your outdoor living space.