Get Started
Our Home Addition Diaries
A behind-the-scenes look at the professionals doing their own reno.

Update 15: One step before the reveal

New home construction interior with floor protection, tools, and large windows providing natural light.
Spacious living room featuring two beige sofas, large windows with greenery outside, and artwork on the walls, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Bright kitchen with white cabinetry, a window providing natural light, and a clean, minimalist style.
Bright and spacious living room featuring three large windows that allow ample natural light, white walls, and light wood flooring, creating a clean and airy atmosphere perfect for relaxation and ente.

We’re calling this our final update before the big reveal. We’re still waiting for the floors (yes, still). Otherwise, all the furniture (except one final piece) has arrived and is currently sitting on moving blankets over concrete. Not exactly the vision, but we’re using the spaces anyway. And they feel amazing!

Even in this in-between state, the layout works, the light is right, and we’re starting to experience what this home was always meant to be.

Ready just in time

The upstairs bedroom came together just in time for guests. Their long-planned visit turned into one of those deadlines that forces things to happen. The bed is made, a few pieces of art are up, and the room feels welcoming.

A few moving pieces

There are, of course, still a few things in progress:

  1. Wallpaper is going into the guest bathroom this week
  2. The office should follow shortly after
  3. And for now… Dana is still working from the hallway since the internet hasn’t been wired to her new desk yet

What comes next

Once the floors finally arrive and are installed, we’ll move into the true final stretch: finishing details, styling the spaces, and pulling everything together.

Then, the photo shoot! And the party!

Elegant bathroom featuring a double sink vanity with a large mirror and stylish pendant lights.
Bright white window with four panes and decorative trim, set against a light-colored wall. The window offers a view of a ceiling fan and light fixture inside the room.
Bright dining room featuring large windows, a round table with six chairs, and a stylish chandelier, creating a welcoming space for family meals and gatherings.
A man working on a kitchen countertop renovation, measuring and preparing the surface with tools, in a modern, well-lit kitchen with white cabinets and decorative wall art.
Follow Us for the Latest Updates

@JohnMerrillHomes

The trends we`re loving for 2026 are all about creating homes that feel warm, welcoming, and beautifully personal.

Our FREE 2026 Interior Design Trends Lookbook is packed with inspiration to help you refresh your space or start dreaming about something bigger.

Created by Dana Merrill, Principal Designer at John Merrill Homes, it`s your guide to the design details shaping luxury homes in 2026.

Click the link in our bio for your free download.

4 0
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 17885051400664189
The trends we're loving for 2026 are all about creating homes that feel warm, welcoming, and beautifully personal. Our FREE 2026 Interior Design Trends Lookbook is packed with inspiration to help you refresh your space or start dreaming about something bigger. Created by Dana Merrill, Principal Designer at John Merrill Homes, it's your guide to the design details shaping luxury homes in 2026. Click the link in our bio for your free download.
4 0

Thinking about building, renovating, or buying a home in 2026?

Here`s what we`re seeing behind the scenes:

✔️ Buyers are more cautious
✔️ Construction costs aren`t dropping
✔️ Renovations are booming
✔️ Move-in-ready homes are in high demand
✔️ Quality matters more than ever

Instead of the frenzy of recent years, homeowners are asking smarter questions about value, timing, and long-term investment.

If you’re considering a custom build, major renovation, or preparing to sell in today’s market, the best thing you can do is work with professionals who understand the realities of construction costs, timelines, and buyer expectations in 2026.

That`s what we`re here for, so don`t hesitate to get in touch.

5 0
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 17978307251994854
Thinking about building, renovating, or buying a home in 2026? Here's what we're seeing behind the scenes: ✔️ Buyers are more cautious ✔️ Construction costs aren't dropping ✔️ Renovations are booming ✔️ Move-in-ready homes are in high demand ✔️ Quality matters more than ever Instead of the frenzy of recent years, homeowners are asking smarter questions about value, timing, and long-term investment. If you’re considering a custom build, major renovation, or preparing to sell in today’s market, the best thing you can do is work with professionals who understand the realities of construction costs, timelines, and buyer expectations in 2026. That's what we're here for, so don't hesitate to get in touch.
5 0

What if your dream home could work for three generations?

✔️ Grandparents close by
✔️ Built-in support for ageing parents
✔️ More quality family time
✔️ Greater financial flexibility
✔️ Spaces that grow and evolve with your family

From private guest suites to flexible bonus rooms and outdoor living spaces, smart design helps every generation feel at home.

Thinking about building or renovating for your family`s future?

Get in touch to chat about your multigenerational home plans.

2 0
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18604148044024689
What if your dream home could work for three generations? ✔️ Grandparents close by ✔️ Built-in support for ageing parents ✔️ More quality family time ✔️ Greater financial flexibility ✔️ Spaces that grow and evolve with your family From private guest suites to flexible bonus rooms and outdoor living spaces, smart design helps every generation feel at home. Thinking about building or renovating for your family's future? Get in touch to chat about your multigenerational home plans.
2 0

The future living room of this private lakefront horse ranch in St Augustine is already making a statement.

This incredible space will feature three exposed timber trusses, with stained wood paneling wrapping the walls and ceilings to create warmth, texture, and timeless character.

We’re closing in on completion of the rough trades, while finish materials are being finalized and procured.

Outside, renovations to the existing dock are nearly complete, and work is about to begin on the second dock and additional retaining wall around the lake.

This one is going to be pretty amazing 👏

#LuxuryHome #HorseRanch #LakefrontLiving #CustomHome #StAugustine #HomeInProgress

31 1
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 17890774155542729
The future living room of this private lakefront horse ranch in St Augustine is already making a statement. This incredible space will feature three exposed timber trusses, with stained wood paneling wrapping the walls and ceilings to create warmth, texture, and timeless character. We’re closing in on completion of the rough trades, while finish materials are being finalized and procured. Outside, renovations to the existing dock are nearly complete, and work is about to begin on the second dock and additional retaining wall around the lake. This one is going to be pretty amazing 👏 #LuxuryHome #HorseRanch #LakefrontLiving #CustomHome #StAugustine #HomeInProgress
31 1

Your home may not be too small.

It may just not function the way you live anymore.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make with additions is adding square footage without fixing the flow.

Before planning an addition, ask:

Where does daily life feel frustrating?
Which spaces do you avoid or outgrow most often?

Because the best additions don’t just add space; they make everyday life feel easier.

#HomeAddition #HomeRenovation #CustomHomes #FloridaLiving #InteriorDesign #JacksonvilleHomes #JohnMerrillHomes

6 0
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18051183020589659
Your home may not be too small. It may just not function the way you live anymore. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make with additions is adding square footage without fixing the flow. Before planning an addition, ask: Where does daily life feel frustrating? Which spaces do you avoid or outgrow most often? Because the best additions don’t just add space; they make everyday life feel easier. #HomeAddition #HomeRenovation #CustomHomes #FloridaLiving #InteriorDesign #JacksonvilleHomes #JohnMerrillHomes
6 0

🛠️ Under construction:

A little coastal Connecticut inspiration in Fernandina Beach.

This custom home is bringing a fresh architectural perspective to the area, blending classic East Coast coastal style with the craftsmanship and livability John Merrill Homes is known for.

Watch this space as we head into the finishing touches.

13 1
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18022262348662867
🛠️ Under construction: A little coastal Connecticut inspiration in Fernandina Beach. This custom home is bringing a fresh architectural perspective to the area, blending classic East Coast coastal style with the craftsmanship and livability John Merrill Homes is known for. Watch this space as we head into the finishing touches.
13 1

Our Home Addition Diaries: Final update before the big reveal

Still waiting on floors.
Furniture is sitting on moving blankets over concrete.
I’m still working from the hallway. 😂

But… we’re finally living in the new spaces, and they already feel incredible.

✨ Guest room ready just in time for company
✨ Wallpaper going into the guest bath this week
✨ Final details coming together

Next update: the full reveal + photo shoot.

We’re SO close.

👉 Read the latest update at the link in bio.

16 0
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18003824114920211
Our Home Addition Diaries: Final update before the big reveal Still waiting on floors. Furniture is sitting on moving blankets over concrete. I’m still working from the hallway. 😂 But… we’re finally living in the new spaces, and they already feel incredible. ✨ Guest room ready just in time for company ✨ Wallpaper going into the guest bath this week ✨ Final details coming together Next update: the full reveal + photo shoot. We’re SO close. 👉 Read the latest update at the link in bio.
16 0

Everyone’s waiting.
But what if now is actually the sweet spot?

The market feels quieter right now… and that’s not a bad thing. Because building a custom home was never about chasing the market. It’s about creating a space that fits your life—not just today, but years from now.

Think:
✔️ Multi-generational living
✔️ Spaces designed around your routines
✔️ A home that finally feels like you

If you’re exploring the idea of building a custom home in Northeast Florida, this period may offer a prime opportunity, and we’d love to see how we can finally bring your dream home to life.

#CustomHome #FloridaLiving #DreamHome #HomeDesign #CustomHome

4 0
Open post by johnmerrillhomes with ID 18090279263520752
Everyone’s waiting. But what if now is actually the sweet spot? The market feels quieter right now… and that’s not a bad thing. Because building a custom home was never about chasing the market. It’s about creating a space that fits your life—not just today, but years from now. Think: ✔️ Multi-generational living ✔️ Spaces designed around your routines ✔️ A home that finally feels like you If you’re exploring the idea of building a custom home in Northeast Florida, this period may offer a prime opportunity, and we’d love to see how we can finally bring your dream home to life. #CustomHome #FloridaLiving #DreamHome #HomeDesign #CustomHome
4 0