Fresh paint

Published 10:53 pm Monday, July 21, 2014

The scenery at The Waterfront at Parkside, where the Tidewater Builders Association's fall Homearama will be held this year. (Michael Pennello photo)

The scenery at The Waterfront at Parkside, where the Tidewater Builders Association’s fall Homearama will be held this year. (Michael Pennello photo)

Suffolk already is getting geared up for the Tidewater Builders Association’s Homearama event, returning to Suffolk this fall at The Waterfront at Parkside near Bennett’s Creek Park.

“Homearama is an annual showcase of custom homes built by some of the most talented and prolific custom home builders in Hampton Roasts,” said Sharon Freeman of Brickell Public Relations, which is marketing the event this year.

“Each home features the latest trends in home construction, from energy efficiency to home automation, from multi-generational floor plans to in-home office suites.”

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The price of the homes in the show is expected to start in the mid-$400,000s.

The homes are expertly decorated by teams of interior designers, and whether you’re looking for a new home or new ideas for your existing home, there’s something for everyone at Homearama, Freeman said.

“If this is your first visit to Homearama, plan to stay for at least four hours,” Freeman said. “You will want to pace yourself as you move through each house.”

Photos are welcome, as are questions about paint colors (the No. 1 question during Homearama, Freeman said), furniture, accessories, window treatments, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, closet organization and more.

The outdoor living spaces are never neglected at Homearama. Visitors will find all kinds of ideas for fire pits, verandas, water features and outdoor kitchens.

The home showcase last visited Suffolk in 2011 at The Riverfront at Harbour View.

The show format will be slightly different this year to better accommodate Homearama visitors and their interests. Rather than being open for two or three weeks straight, Homearama will be open for three consecutive four-day weekends, each with a different theme.

On Oct. 17-20, visitors will enjoy a “Suffolk Harvest” theme, with hayrides and the Peanut City Cloggers performing.

On Oct. 24-27, the theme is “Beer, Bratwurst and Boats.” Celebrate Oktoberfest with a craft beer tasting event from 2 to 5 p.m. each day, get a German bratwurst with all the trimmings and view boats on display. The Colonial Seaport Foundation will appear in period dress to talk about the trading route from Bennett’s Creek to Jamestown, and kids can attend “Scallywag School.”

From Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, the theme is “Salute to the Military.” Active-duty military members, reservists or retired service members will get one free ticket for each one they purchase. Veterans’ organizations will be on site to talk about their missions, and high school marching bands will play patriotic songs.

On each day of the tour, the littlest Homearama visitors will enjoy “Tiny-Rama,” a Homearama in miniature featuring playhouses and a train ride.

For more information about Homearama, visit www.tbaonline.org.