HGTV Dream Homes Through The Years: A Look At How The Designs Have Evolved
HGTV hosts are known for making homeowners' dreams come true with revamps and upgrades to their current properties. However, the network's annual Dream Home Giveaway actually awards a new home to one lucky winner. Each year, millions of people enter the giveaway with one person snatching a mountain escape or a beachy paradise. The very first HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes prize was in a log cabin in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 1997. Since then, the contest has taken to locations all over the country with designers and architects putting unique stamps on each property.
Trends have influenced the dream properties over the years. Some veer classic with a modern twist, while others feature statement looks and innovative features. Whether it's on an Atlantic island or in the heart of New England, HGTV's designers have consistently combined their ideas with the authentic location vibes. And the result is a varying mix of stunning Dream Homes that have taken viewers (and hopeful winners) on a design journey through the years.
2011: Ski-inspired space in the Vermont mountains
The 2011 dream home was a modern mountain home in Stowe, Vermont. It featured an impressive facade with rustic architectural details and a mix of earthy stone and locally sourced wood beams. The custom reclaimed wood front door accented the covered front porch, designed to enjoy the mountain views. Each detail of the exterior was thoughtfully curated to align with the Great Camp style and tradition. Even the metal door mat is a salvaged sewer crate found nearby and repurposed.
Inside, warm colors combine with modern fixtures for comfy character. Red and yellow, two colors popular at the turn of the decade, featured throughout. The master bedroom received a bit of drama thanks to crimson walls, while the laundry room was warmed up with a mustardy paint job. The bunk room combined the hues for a playful, cozy vibe. In the gathering room, Designer Linda Woodrum also used pops of them to liven up the neutral color scheme and wood elements. She explained to HGTV, "I don't think that's a color palette I would necessarily use in the South, where it's hot a lot of the time. But it works really well in a cooler climate."
2012: Western ranch with a modern twist in Utah
In 2012, HGTV unveiled an innovative ranch in the Utah plains. Stone pillars and fir trusses boosted the home's curb appeal while pops of blue and corrugated metal roofing mixed up the look. The landscape of pines and firs thoughtfully echoed the surrounding landscape that the winners could enjoy from the front porch or the Juliet balcony. To add more functional space, the garage was transformed into a multi-use space with a gym and sleek storage for gardening tools.
Woodrum used style- and pattern-mixing to bring life to the home's interior. The great room's natural stone walls were creatively juxtaposed with touches like blue Ikat pillows and variations of stripes. Crisp elements like glossy white accents and sleek cabinetry played off rustic elements like exposed beams. The bedrooms were decorated using mix-and-match patterns, adding character and uniqueness. For example, the main room's sitting area featured various textiles and upholstery designs, while the guest room had an intriguing mash-up of paisley, plaid, and stripes.
2013: North Carolina home with a colorful coastal twist
HGTV headed to Kiawah Island off the Carolina coast to build the Dream Home in 2013. The exterior was designed with cedar-inspired shingles in an earthy color scheme to complement the surrounding foliage. Fitting for the area, the architecture was rooted in iconic Low Country style, including lots of patio and porch space as well as plenty of doors and windows to enjoy the views. However, modern touches like the aluminum railings and black framed windows gave it interesting curb appeal.
On designing the great room, Woodrum explained to HGTV, "It's all a foundation to support what's outside." Greens and teals were having a moment in 2013, and Woodrum used them to complement the views and give spaces a playful twist on coastal style. She carried the vivid hues throughout the home, weaving in natural woods to ground the space and metallic touches for a bit of glamour.
2014: Modern mountain vibes in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is an iconic locale, so HGTV was tasked to build a home that lived up to it in 2014. The property was a mix of classic mountain style and contemporary elements that gave it a unique look and feel. With the area's harsh elements in mind, architect David Bourke thoughtfully created a cabin-inspired exterior with a mix of stone, stucco, and wood. Sleek black windows were heavily featured for a modern vibe and ample views.
Inside, Woodrum combined sleek industrial materials with more rustic decor. Natural wood and black metal were combined throughout, from the stairs to the beams that highlight the vaulted ceilings. Many people tend to rely on toned-down furnishings in neutral tones to fill modern spaces. However, in this home, Woodrum went with playful pieces in sunny yellows and bright oranges to lighten the vibe. And, unexpected touches like a mix of bright red patterns and a vivid orange four-poster bed added fun pops to bedrooms.
2015: A Martha's Vineyard property with a charming Cape Cod feel
When HGTV built a property in Martha's Vineyard, they had to go with an iconic Cape Cod style house. Quaint shaker shingles added texture, deep green shutters provided contrast, and flower-filled window boxes screamed East Coast charm. Woodrum explained to HGTV, "This house feels like it belongs here. It's really part of the vernacular of Martha's Vineyard, and you're not able to discern whether it was built a hundred years ago or today."
The polished yet welcoming aesthetic continued throughout the home. Impressive millwork and architectural details like coffered ceilings invoked superior craftsmanship. The color scheme was grounded in white to keep things classic, while elements in blues and greens added visual interest. And even though this home was designed in 2015, Woodrum's take on the style created timeless results, as the small coastal touches added color without feeling dated or overdone. She explained to HGTV, "It is very clean, crisp, light, and airy. We didn't get into that very heavy traditional look. It is a very modern interpretation."
2016: A contemporary island retreat off the coast of Florida
The 2016 HGTV Dream House was a renovated home on a small island off the coast of Florida. The property featured swaying palms, a master bedroom balcony, and a front courtyard to enjoy the balmy weather. The design crew stuck with a mostly white color scheme for the facade and continued the color to the picket fence that accented the landscaping. In the backyard, a lanai provided plenty of entertaining and hangout space.
The inside of the home exuded casual elegance. Paint colors like seafoam green and terracotta kept things cheerful in bedrooms and bathrooms, while the main living spaces remained light and airy with breezy neutrals. However, structured light fixtures in emerging finishes like matte black kept spaces refined and polished. It was an innovative take on transitional design that blended relaxed, traditional pieces with contemporary accents that would fit in a posh penthouse.
2017: A Georgia island home that blends glam and coastal vibes
The HGTV team headed to Georgia for 2017's dream property. Another island home, this ranch featured plenty of Southern charm. The classic exterior featured shaker siding in crisp white tones offset by black shutters, an aluminum roof, and a deep natural wood door. Black trim added contrast and helped accentuate the home's lines. Out back, plenty of entertaining space, a spacious pool, and views of the lake awaited the winner.
Inside, the home featured a refreshing blend of design styles. Coastal touches, like crisp white furniture and beachy blues, were juxtaposed with glam accents like crystal chandeliers. The kitchen presented a fresh take on the trending subway tile by opting for a high-gloss, deep green hue. Then, custom cabinet hardware echoed the color, creating a cohesive look.
2018: Bright and airy on the harbor in Washington
The 2018 Dream Home featured some impressive views and intriguing architecture. The property was located on a harbor, and its sleek and modern silhouette created an interesting contrast to the water. The dark, toned-down color scheme didn't distract from the harbor or the surrounding foliage. However, the home's two huge glass front doors allowed for views through the home to the lake for a memorable first impression.
Inside, the design complemented the impressive scenery taken in via the massive windows. The white and grey color scheme in the open living areas was accented by pastels like powdery blues and pinks in the bedrooms. The modern farmhouse style was gaining traction at the time, and the trend can be seen in the home's light fixtures and the black metal railings. Lots of greenery and natural wood throughout the home helped connect it to the outdoors.
2019: Modern Montana lodge-inspired lakehouse
The 2019 team created a cozy look, ideal for its Montana locale. The mossy exterior both made a statement and integrated well with the surrounding pines. Stacked stone paired with wood beams and garage doors to create a rustic feel, while rectangular planters and minimalist house numbers leaned more modern. The landscape crew artfully arranged rock formations around the property, making the home appear nestled into the mountainside.
Inside, designer Brian Patrick Flynn and HGTV star Alison Victoria implemented a modern lodge-like feel with creative contrasts. Trends were leaning away from airy white spaces and into moody colors, and the creative duo embraced this head-on. The primary suite was enveloped in a terra cotta hue, and the guest bedrooms saw everything from crimson to black on the walls. Plaid textiles were scattered throughout the home, adding to the charming mountain vibes. Then, modern touches like sleek light fixtures and abstract wall art added freshness.
2020: Hilton Head home with classic coastal style
Flynn designed the 2020 Dream Home with lots of spaces to gather and hang out, ironically in the year that most families ended up stuck at home. The exterior featured classic elements in a calming blue color scheme, a nod to its Hilton Head location. Of course, the sprawling porch was equipped with traditional white rockers to enjoy the afternoon. He also dreamed up another hangout spot, complete with a pool table, that allows homeowners to take advantage of the island air. "The idea is to go ahead and open the detached garage, and be able to just entertain in the front yard as much as you do in the backyard," Flynn explained to HGTV.
The coastal feel continued inside, where more vivid, monochromatic palettes took center stage, staying on trend. Flynn layered nearly every shade of blue possible, from intense navy to pale turquoise. Wood-plank ceilings coated in pastel blue provided an unexpected take on a classic finish, and natural elements in wicker, pale wood, and rattan added to the beachy feel. The art he chose was used in several innovative ways, from a wicker mirror gallery wall to displays of dimensional wood pieces.
2021: Rhode Island estate with a colorful take on classic New England aesthetic
In 2021, the HGTV Dream Home crew headed to Newport, Rhode Island. The coastal home's exterior had a mostly neutral color palette that combined natural cedar shake and black-framed windows. Out front, expansive blue-framed French doors welcomed sunlight and impressed guests. In the back, a walk-out basement revealed the ultimate outdoor entertaining destination with an outdoor kitchen, putting green, and pergola for lounging.
Inside, a similar blue palette to the previous year was combined with touches of red. This gave the space a quintessential Americana vibe, ideal for New England. Accent pieces like sailboats and ship-themed wall art paid homage to the nearby water while lots of plaid textiles kept things cozy. Of course, the home featured a generously-sized office with a view, perfect for working remotely.
2022: Cozy cabin infused with modern touches in Vermont
When Vermont was chosen for the location of the 2022 property, Flynn had the perfect plan. An uber modern and luxurious take on the iconic A-frame cabin. The metal roof matched the black wooden siding, giving it a first impression that was as posh as it was welcoming. Flynn explains to HGTV, "The architecture on this house is just next-level and also super classic." The backyard was designed for homeowners to enjoy seasonal weather with a heated pool, hot tub, and a cozy fire pit.
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The blend of styles continued inside, with lots of black metalwork and sleek tile choices. Earthy browns were on trend in '22, and Flynn used them to balance the harsher materials. Sleek-lined natural wood furniture, brown textiles, and supple camel leather pieces all created balance. And, pops of colors like crimson and burnt orange kept the interior from feeling too heavy.
2023: Colorado mountain retreat that blends rustic with high-end design
The 2023 Dream Home team headed to Colorado to create a sprawling mountain retreat. The exterior siding was coated in a serene green that was accented by darker green garage doors and black-framed windows. The yard's statement-making hardscaping featured strategically placed rocks that added to the mountain terrain. Out back, an impressive tiered patio was set up with multiple sitting areas to enjoy a meal from the outdoor kitchen, an evening fire, or sounds from the pond's waterfall.
As the pandemic ended, sophisticated and refined features were used to counteract the years spent in quarantine casualness. To embrace this, the open living space had impressive soaring ceilings and was lit by sleek black light fixtures. Sophisticated tile adorned the kitchen, bathrooms, and even the dog-washing station. Then, Flynn softened the home's overall feel with lots of cozy plaid textiles and a few pieces of playful, dinosaur-themed art.
2024: Coastal and airy island home on Florida's east coast
HGTV revealed another island home with the 2024 Dream House off the coast of Florida. Even though the house had beachy vibes, the exterior stuck mostly with materials like stone and a timeless color scheme of greys and whites. The front and garage doors, however, were painted a powdery blue. This color scheme continued out back, where several outdoor living zones were created surrounding the pool.
Inside, Flynn used a palette of colors inspired by the sand and sea. The kitchen featured a mostly monochromatic blue palette, similar to some of his previous designs. Other spaces featured hues like olive green and a peachy paint, Persimmon (part of HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Color Collection that year). The toned-down coastal theme continued in accents sprinkled throughout the home, like waterfowl wall art and rattan furniture.
2025: South Carolina property oozing with Southern charm
Flynn and his team went to the South Carolina Low Country to create the 2025 Dream Home. The charming exterior featured classic architecture with a colorful teal twist. While keeping entertaining space and the community's culture in mind, they added a golf simulator to the detached garage. In the backyard, the pool was flanked by an outdoor kitchen (complete with a pizza oven) and a cozy fireplace area. The pergola was equipped with a TV so the winners could enjoy both the weather and watching their favorite PGA Tour Event.
The Southern charm continued inside with wall colors like sunny yellow and ocean blues. Flynn avoided neutral tiles and went with more on-trend choices like geometric designs and colorful zellige to make statements in the kitchen and bathrooms. He also played with pattern, mixing everything from bold geometric textiles to subtly striped upholstery to add movement to each space.
2026: On-trend neutrals and luxury on the lake in North Carolina
The 2026 HGTV Dream Home was built on a lake near Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. This means it's convenient to big city amenities, yet perfect to retreat to and enjoy the lake. The exterior was designed to echo this balance, using a sleek, sophisticated take on lake life. Instead of the cliche pale blues, this lake house's siding was coated in an inky hue. On-trend black accents were also used to add a luxurious vibe, while stacked stone gives the facade a natural touch. Out back, a sprawling patio and two-story dock were created to enjoy Lake Wylie.
The interior design scheme used the same elegant lake-inspired style. Flynn leaned mostly on earthy neutrals from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Collection to create a warm yet airy backdrop. He also added touches like a maroon accent wall and a forest green pantry for sophisticated color and to keep things interesting. Neutral decor pieces like wooden ducks and lake-themed wall art pay homage to the location without feeling thematic or overdone.