The Feeling of Home: Serenity Homes Award 'Best in Show' at the 2026 HomeShowExpo
You won't find a house full of gadgets and gimmicks here. This isn't a home designed around the latest technology or the newest trend. Instead, we designed it around something that we believe is becoming increasingly valuable: the feeling of home.
With the world moving faster than ever and technology becoming more present in nearly every part of our lives, we began asking ourselves what people might actually be craving in their homes. Perhaps it isn't more technology. Perhaps it's a place to slow down. A place to sit and read a book. A kitchen where breakfast is made together. A room that feels separate and purposeful instead of everything happening in one large open space. This home is our interpretation of that idea.
Our first year participating in the HomeShowExpo of Greater Des Moines gave us the opportunity to bring that vision to life. We are incredibly honored that our Norwalk, Iowa, home received seven awards, including BEST IN SHOW, Best Kitchen, Best Primary Suite, Interior Design, Craftsmanship, Livability, and Landscaping. With 11 builders participating in the 2026 show, receiving recognition across so many categories was an incredible honor for our small, local custom home building team.
A Nod to the Past, Designed for Today
The architecture and interiors have a traditional foundation with a subtle Parisian influence. Throughout the home, you'll find little pieces of nostalgia woven into the design—from the décor and furnishings to the materials and architectural details. We intentionally incorporated elements that feel as though they could have been collected and loved over time: real marble, an antique-inspired bath vanity, classic trim details, layered tile work, traditional proportions and rooms with distinct purposes.
These are details that can sometimes get lost in today's homes, where clean lines, expansive open spaces and minimal detailing often take center stage. We wanted to bring some of that craftsmanship back. Receiving awards for Interior Design and Craftsmanship was especially meaningful because so much of the character of this home comes from those small, carefully considered details.
The Return of the Room
For years, the open-concept floor plan has dominated residential design. And while we still love the way an open kitchen and living space can bring people together, we also believe there is something special about having rooms that allow you to step away. A quiet room to read. A dining space designed specifically for gathering. A breakfast nook made for lingering over coffee. Spaces that don't all have to serve every purpose at once.
There is comfort in separation. There is intimacy in a smaller room. And there is something nostalgic about a home where different rooms invite you to do different things. That philosophy carries throughout the HomeShowExpo house, including the kitchen and primary suite, which were both recognized with Best Kitchen and Best Primary Suite awards.
Timeless Over Trendy
As a custom home builder serving Norwalk and the surrounding Central Iowa communities, we believe a beautiful home should also be a home that works beautifully for everyday life. That is why receiving the Livability Award was particularly meaningful to us.
The home's setting also played an important role. With pond and Lake Colchester views, the architecture and landscaping were designed to work together with the property. The screened in porch with fireplace and covered deck extends the living space outdoors, while the landscaping of white hydrangeas, roses, and boxwoods extend the European flair into the yard. Receiving the Landscaping Award was a wonderful recognition of that effort.
Seven Awards, One Home
Receiving seven awards at our first HomeShowExpo was an incredible moment for Serenity Homes. Best in Show, Best Kitchen, Best Primary Suite, Interior Design, Craftsmanship, Livability and Landscaping—each award represents a different part of the home, but together they tell a larger story.
Traditional without feeling dated. Thoughtful without being overly complicated. And luxurious without sacrificing comfort.
We hope that when you walk through our HomeShowExpo home, you don't just notice the finishes or the floor plan. We hope you notice how it feels. Maybe you'll linger a little longer in the breakfast nook. Maybe you'll appreciate the texture of the marble or the detail in the trim. Maybe you'll find yourself drawn to a room simply because it feels quiet.
Because ultimately, that was our goal. Not to create the smartest house. Not to create the trendiest house. But to create a home that feels like it has always been there—and a place you can imagine living in for years to come.
That is our interpretation of the feeling of home.
HomeShowExpo Dates & Hours
Three Exciting Weekends - Saddle Ridge, Norwalk, Iowa 50211
Sept. 12–13, 2026 Sept. 17–20, 2026 Sept. 24–27, 2026
Show Hours:
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Photos by Shandri Photo & Media.
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