• by Tony Silber , March 3, 2022

A tried-and-true staple of design and home-related magazines is what's often known as the Show House or Idea House. It’s a platform for a media brand to gather architects, designers, landscapers and other suppliers together to create something special—redo a house—and invite enthusiasts to come visit. Now Dotdash Meredith’s Southern Living is announcing that its 2022 Idea House is in the works and will be located in the River Dunes community of coastal North Carolina.

The home will be open for public tours from July to December and will be featured in the October issue of Southern Living, available on newsstands Sept. r 23.

According to the magazine, the 2022 concept takes its inspiration from the laid-back charm of the Carolina coast, and is designed to work for modern families who need comfort and style, as well as the flexibility of distinct spaces for Zoom calls or family gatherings.

The house will be approximately 4,125 square feet, with extensive wraparound porches and outdoor living spaces made for entertaining. It’s being created by a team of experts, including the architect William Court of Court Atkins Group, the builder Jordan Maroules of SLD Custom Homes, and the interior designer Charlotte Lucas of Charlotte Lucas Interior Design.

There are currently 12 sponsors whose products will be included in the home: Clopay Garage Doors, Command Brand, James Hardie, Marvin, Monogram Luxury Appliances, Regina Andrew, Southern Living Collection Exclusively at Dillard's, Southern Living Plant Collection, Summer Classics Home, Sunbrella, The Sherwin-Williams Company, and Westlake Royal Building Products.

Tickets will be available to take in-person tours this summer, with appropriate guidelines and safety protocols in place. A portion of the proceeds of home tour tickets will go to local charities. In November, the Idea House will be decorated for the holidays, with in-person and virtual activations to be scheduled in celebration of the season.

 “As the name suggests, there are ideas in the architecture, the interiors, the products, and the details, but it all adds up to a beautiful home that’s designed to inspire,” said Southern Living Editor in Chief Sid Evans.

Following the completion of the house, a Southern Living House Plan for the 2022 Idea House will be available for purchase at SouthernLivingHousePlans.com.