By JULIA @ HOOKEDONHOUSES.NET
Today we’re taking a look at the fourth home on the Indianapolis Home-a-Rama house tour. This one was a little surprising. It had a kind of traditional Tudor look to it on the outside, but then it didn’t feel very Tudor-like when we stepped inside. It was built by Henderson Homes and decorated by Barbara Hage and Greg Garcia of John Kirk Furniture Galleries. The builder says he wanted the home to feature “classic Meridian Street elements and charm” (Meridian Street is famous in Indianapolis for its beautiful old homes–you can see my post with photos of them here). The designers say they wanted the decor “to portray a well-traveled family.”
It’s on the market for about $1.5 million, making it one of the least expensive homes on the tour. It has 5 bedrooms, 7 baths, and sits on a little over an acre. (The MLS listing has more information here.)
Take a look around and see what you think!
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- Dining room.
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- Dining room window nook.
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- Corner of the dining room.
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- Hall that leads from the dining room to the kitchen, painted black.
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- Looking from kitchen into the family room.
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- Two-story family room.
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- Upstairs landing.
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- Upstairs hallway.
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- Master bedroom.
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- Sitting room off the master bedroom.
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- Master bath.
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- Guest room.
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- Guest bath.
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- Another bedroom.
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- View of the family room from the upstairs landing.
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- Lower-level pool room.
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- Lower-level bar.
See what I mean? I bet you were surprised by some of the decorating, weren’t you? It wasn’t at all what I expected.
When we got there, no one was at the door to greet us, so we let ourselves in. Most of the lights were off, and it was very quiet (you can see in some of the photos it was a little dark). I think whoever volunteered to be at the home that afternoon must’ve been running late (or they were around someplace and we just didn’t run into them). If there hadn’t been a crowd of other people there, we would’ve thought we had wandered into a private home!
What do you think of this Tudor-inspired home? Based on the comments you’ve left for the first three homes on the tour, I have a feeling you’ll have plenty of opinions about this one, too!
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If You’re Hooked on Home-a-Rama:
- Taking a Drive Along Meridian in Indianapolis
- Sophia Harbor: Voted “Reader Favorite” from the Cincinnati Home-a-Rama
- Home-a-Rama House #1: Heartwood Homes
- Home-a-Rama House #2: Environmentally Friendly Tudor
- Home-a-Rama House #3: New England-Style Traditional
We will not have a Hooked on Fridays blog party tomorrow because of the Home-a-Rama series this week–and because I’ll be on my way to Nashville for the BlissDom blogging conference. Hooked on Fridays will return next week, however, and so will I!
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I’ve a question. I don’t get the large number of bathrooms I’ve seen in the houses.
The reposessed Utah mansion had 13, I think it was.
What’s the deal with all the bathrooms people are putting in houses these days?
It seems extrodinary and excessive. What do people need that many bathrooms for?
Please, I’m lost for any explination.
love the site, though, and it has no bathrooms at all what so ever.
Beautiful home. Horrible interior design. I just don’t know any other way to phrase that one. Thanks for sharing!!
Angela’s last blog post..Today
Loved the outside. Disappointing interior. Couldn’t stand the Asian style black lacquer furniture. Thank you for showing us the inside of these houses.
Cindy–
It does seem to be a trend. I’m working on a new post with a house that has 5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. I can’t imagine the need for 8 unless you have 6 kids or something! -Julia
Oh, my. I think this “well-traveled” family visited Gaudy-town and Hideous-ville. What in God’s name is going on with that green bathroom? I think that rope is there so people wouldn’t fall down laughing.
Oh wow, the interior “design” is dreadful!Did the designer get a bunch of left-overs from a contemporary house in the late ’80s to decorate with?
Love the house from the outside, but it looks like 1983 throw up all over the house! What’s the deal with the green seat cover in the bathroom?
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Wow. The outside is beautiful and the inside is horrific. The “designers” should be ashamed. lol. WTH was with the wall treatment in the dining room?
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I have to agree…the interior design was NOT my taste at all! I think this house could be beautiful if you got some decent furnishings in there and really simplified and “cleaned” things up. Just my personal opinion. Thanks for sharing these pics with us!
Reminds me of my master when we moved in. The previous owner had paid a fortune for the unique paint design. Honestly, it needed some quality taste control before it went on the market.
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I like the outside and the curvy green drawer thing with painted flowers (I don’t think that’s quite the technical term for it) and that’s about it for the decorating. The architectural bones seem OK to me.
Terry Kearns’s last blog post..Small home front yard landscaping
Gosh, this one was really disappointing! I am not feeling the wall treatments (paint? wallpaper?) AT ALL. There were only a few pics where I didn’t say, “Now why would someone put THAT in there?” The others–well, they did nothing for me one way or the other.
That being said, the exterior is very nice. I love the large front door, but it does not look welcoming at all (I think the decorator forgot about that space!).
Monday’s house still stands out as my fave!
bungalow_bliss’s last blog post..Porch Pillows, Part Two
In regards to this house and the previous comments I say that is one big fat DITTO from me. Lovely exterior…but the decor…what the hay~ho? Wouldn’t you love to cook in that kitchen…bad bar stools and all?
Have a great Thursday,
Ramona
Ramona’s last blog post..Do You Ever Get A Bee On Your Bonnet?
This is what happens when you try to show all your travel souvenirs in one place at the same time. Its a collection of totally unrelated items trying to co-exists peacefully. there is nothing peaceful about this house. Things are at odds all around you. I’d need prozac to live there.
I suppose well-traveled is their excuse of all the fake flowers and plants? Blcch.
Linda’s last blog post..Sharin’ the love
I’ve loved all the other homes (your blog is a wonderful new discovery for me). This one is just awful- I am surprised that a decorating company would do that t a nice house. The worst things are those silver things on the mantle- what gives!? Thanks so much for sharing!
I am beginning to question Indianapolis’ taste.
This is what’s so fun about Home-a-Rama–you never know what to expect from house to house!
For those of you who have been complaining about the houses being too dark, I’m saving the lightest and brightest for last. Come back tomorrow to see a very happy and sunny house decorated in “Nantucket Style.” -Julia
Oh, Diana, no! I *promise* you, these are not representative of how we decorate!! I go on several home tours a year (lots of great neighborhoods in Indy, including Meridian-Kessler, mentioned as the inspiration for this home’s exterior)–and the homes are worlds apart from those shown this week. Please don’t judge us by a few horribly done houses!
bungalow_bliss’s last blog post..Porch Pillows, Part Two
I have to back up Bungalow Bliss on this one. There are some really amazing designers in Indy. I used to live there and worked for one, so I can personally attest to that! -Julia
Since when does “well traveled” = TACKY??? The exterior was sweet but the interior – these builders need to hire professionals. Looking forward to the last house tomorrow!
Very strange. I know people have all kinds of tastes, but it bothers me when the style of the home’s exterior DOES NOT MESH with the interior. Am I alone on this?
It’s nice on the outside. I like the curved front door. But, those wall treatments are atrocious. And what’s up with the toilet seat cover and bath mat? In a million dollar home? Perhaps the designers missed HGTV’s 25 design mistakes show.
Carla’s last blog post..A budget recap
Not a fan of this house, the only nice ordinary room was the guest room without the horid bath.
Thanks for the Look and See,
Suzy
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Ugh. This is definitely the worst house on the tour. That outside entryway is not welcoming at all. It’s cold and forboding. And what is up with the funky brick pattern on the chimney? It’s completely distracting.
Moving inside, the foyer is way too small, the stairs are the wrong color wood, and that runner on them is just garish. Which makes sense, because generally the decorating in this house is just…well, words escape me it is so bad. The TV at the top of what must be a 7 foot cabinet in the Master Bath? What the heck is that about? Is this house made for Yao Ming?
There are some bright spots within this debacle. The dark-paneled study is fantastic (I’m really stuck on those this week), and I like the cabinetry in the master bath and the flooring in the kitchen. I actually like the black painted wall, but I’d probably need to see it more in context with the surrounding spaces.
Good luck to the builder getting the $$ for this one.
Hmm, interesting. Not my style at all. My first thought was that it needs some curb appeal. There is no lighting! Thank goodness your tour wasn’t at night or you wouldn’t have been able to find the front door.
Also, that TV in the bathroom is pretty high up. How would one even watch it?
Thanks for sharing. These house tours make me feel better about my own house and it’s only 1700 sq. feet! LOL!
Yuck! Did they hire a color blind decorator? The inside is just horrible. I can’t even tell if I like the house or not because I’m so bowled over by the bad decor.
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Eww, not my style at all. Okay, the exterior is pretty. I love, love, love a rounded door, but this one just didn’t look welcoming. Inside, I didn’t love anything. I liked the guest bedroom, and that’s about it. (And I strongly disliked the guest bath.) Wow.
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Wow. It is way to dark and busy for me! The outside was pretty, but the front door seems so tiny! No windows around the door either…I like to see who is at my front door before they see me! =) Love your blog – not sure if I have ever commented, but LOVE it! =) Can wait to see more houses!!
The house isn’t deserving of comment but why if you have a 40k sqft lot is the house minimum set back from the street? Not a “Meridian” style point.
Okay one comment; a fuzzy green seat cover? Who is this decorator?
Mike, I did this this study and the study’s ceiling too. Not quite as dark as house 3’s.
Terry Kearns’s last blog post..Small home front yard landscaping
How would you like to dust those spindles up in the hallway and staircase ?
I shouldn’t be so practical !!!
Connie’s last blog post..This looks so neat !
As most, I think the exterior is cute and I love the front door. Also, the ceiling paneling in the study and wood in the master bath.
I really dislike the layout of the landing and upstairs hallway. It seems totally out of keeping with the design of the house itself. Of course, the horrific decorating! The only part I liked was the black/white family room. Why couldn’t they have kept that theme?
Yikes!!! That is one ugly house….Did the real estate lady have on a hat like Aretha Franklin wore to the inaguration?? No let me correct myself….the decorator had a hat like hers….what were they thinking in the dining room??
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First time commenter, but this house was so horrible it brought me out of lurkdom. I would be embarrassed to claim this home as my work. They took the principles of design and just threw them out the window! There is no unity, the proportions are wacky, and there is just so much going on it seems really schizophrenic. I’ve really enjoyed this week’s posts. Can’t wait til tomorrow’s. Thanks for feeding my home addiction.
It looks like the house has good bones. I would move in…then I would re-paint the entire home…
I like the guest room – that’s it. The rest is a huge thumbs down! I couldn’t get past the decor to see what the “real” house looked like!
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This tour is just getting curiouser and curiouser…
The ONLY thing I liked was the white sofa with the black and white pillows. But really, who would own a white sofa? The rest of the place just oozes poor taste? I hope tomorrow’s house is a beauty??!
Wow, I’m so glad I was not the only one who felt the interior design was atrocious. I was beginning to think that my sense of design was really off the mark. As far as the house…not terribly impressed. I’ve seen other homes I would rather spend that kind of cash on.
I agree with the majority…the outside was great the inside left alot to desire. Hopefully this is not the best for the designers…they lost on this one!
Jan Rochefort’s last blog post..Jewish Apple Cake
Ok…what’s going on here? I have a design degree, and it boggles my mind how the house and its interior are so dramatically different. There are great ways to incorporate an asian feel to an interior without it feeling like you just walked into that cheesy chinese joint down the street. I really think they just went way way overboard.
With that said, I loved the third photo, and thought that we were on our way to a nicely decorated home, then the dining room happened. Wow.
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I’m with Bungalow Bliss. I didn’t get that wallpaper/paint situation. This is the kind of decorating that makes you go hmmmm… Have a great weekend. Hope you meet lots of fun bloggers.
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I’m with everyone else on this one……Terrible!! That dining room wall treatment was scary. It almost felt as if there were several different people decorating this house with several different styles.
Who left the four year old alone with the paint brush?
Does the builder not know people will associate the decorating with him.
I agree, to much going on to see the bones of the house.
Jenney
What’s with that green bathroom?!?
So many beautiful, inspiring decorating ideas! Thanks for sharing!
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OMG!!! Did the Designers lose their minds on this one? This house made me feel like I was back in the 70’s-80’s…awful.
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wowzers! Did you start looking for hidden cameras while walking through that house? I’d be waiting for someone to jump out and tell me that it was all a joke and that I was on some hidden camera show!
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I’m glad I’m not the only one that doesn’t like this. Wowza..that red in the dining room..They can keep this.
Cathy’s last blog post..Lipstick
Ok, the wall paint in the dining room and office are horrendous. Looks like the rooms have been tagged by some gang bangers. The whole decor thru house does not style flow together. sory but just not great. mishelle
mishelle’s last blog post..SPREAD THE LOVE!!
all these houses you’ve posted are so so beautiful from the outside, it’s picture perfect! i find insides decor is quite a personal thing & would prob always go for a blanc canvas, even though it means i have to do a lot of work!
Luphia’s last blog post..Dressing for Valentine’s Day
The outside is gorgeous, but interior is horrid. I’m sure if it were decorated much more traditionally for this style of home, it would be stunning. Too bad!
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Not my cup of tea at all. I normally like most homes but there was nothing for me here:-(
Charlie’s last blog post..Kämp Hotel – Helsinki
oops, sorry about that…
however this house has many beautiful features. Tons of creativity went into this home, that is obvious. The deep red on the dining room walls is gorgeous and the cabinetry is also quite beautiful.
wow who graffitied the dinning room … shame …. looked so promising … delivered so confused … le
le’s last blog post..I can see clearly now ….
I hate to make an unfavorable comment, but with each picture all I could think of was ‘YUCK’. Our house is a Tudor and I try to keep that in mind when decorating.
‘D’’s last blog post..WHAT IS THIS TELLING ME ???????????
Pretty much every thought that went through my head was covered by other commenters, however I am still styimed that professional, paid “decorators”, in this day and age, could even FIND fuzzy bathroom toilet rugs and seat covers. I thought they were outlawed in 1993. They must be going for a “vintage” look.
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Hi Julia
I’m going throught the tour…. lalalalala…. and then this one! I’m sorry, but the whole house excluding the guest bedroom is butt stinkin’ ugly… yikes! The house is so cute from the outside too. What were they thinking?!
rue
rue’s last blog post..A project and an unpacking interuption
oh God i loved it. this must be one of the many mansions in the sky. i loved everything but that white couch in the downstairs living room. i would have had red or black. and the red and black on the walls. ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh heaven. the master bedroom was very cool. geezzzzz you must have been thinking of me too. in my home town and everything. thanks
ps i adore that green bathroom. way 70’s and cool.
oh was looking at this lovely house again. geez they got a tv in the master bathroom. see i vonly have the one bath in my house and lol i can watch tv from the bathroom or living room or even kitchen. lol…. i do like a tv in the bathroom………most of the time i dont even watch it. lol oh well you can tell i must work nights or something. take care. ida
This house definitely doesn’t wow me. I like the kitchen and the guest bedroom. I do quite like the second story walkways overlooking the lower level of the house.