DIY Network Blog 2016 Winner Announcement

Updated Look

Updated Look

The home's old asphalt shingle roof was removed and replaced with a metal standing seam roof which helps give the home a bolder and more updated look.

Photo by: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Congratulations to Michael Dunosky of San Jose, California! He and his wife, Patricia, are the proud winners of the DIY Network Blog CabinTM 2016 Giveaway, a grand prize package valued at more than $900,000.

Michael’s name was randomly drawn from more than 43 million entries. "I listened to a voicemail from someone at DIY Network saying they needed to speak with me about my entry," said Dunosky.

Michael Dunosky, pictured with family, is the lucky winner of DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016.

Michael Dunosky, pictured with family, is the lucky winner of DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016.

"My wife Patricia and I didn’t know what to make of it – before we called back, we poured over the DIY Network website trying to figure out what else it could be because we just couldn’t believe we may have won." 

Michael, a data network consultant, actually wasn't feeling well when he learned the good news. "I thought we should celebrate anyway,” said Patricia Dunosky. “I got out our good crystal and we all toasted with ice water!”

We feel so fortunate, lucky and blessed at the same time.
Michael Dunosky

The Dunoskys, along with their two small children, will see the home for the first time in person later this month. 

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Waterfront Location

Located in the waterfront community of Panacea, Florida, DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016 was designed to reflect the coastal activities and natural beauty that surround the property.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Sitting Pretty

This view of the two-story home from the bay shows how the perfectly situated house sits in a peaceful environment with shady trees, but also offers close proximity and views of the water.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Tranquil Bridge

A walking bridge leads from the back of the two-story home to the water.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Lifted Up

Photo By: Mark Elias

A compact crossover fuel-efficient SUV is part of the DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016 prize package.

Photo By: Mark Elias

The SUV’s roomy interior features fold-down back seats that create plenty of space for packing water sports gear or other bulky items.

Photo By: Mark Elias

In the console, a touch-screen makes navigating the area’s coastal highways and byways easier.

Photo By: Mark Elias

Fabulous Finishes

Bolder color choices and new exterior finishes make the home pop and give the waterfront house an architectural flair that was missing before.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Original Detail

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Steel Bracket System

A new steel bracket system on the existing stilts helped make up the height difference needed for current FEMA requirements.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Smart Solution

The solution that makes the home compliant involves the bottom of the lowest horizontal members now being 20 feet above the ground to meet new FEMA maps.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Energy-Saving HVAC

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Soothing Blue Siding

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Updated Look

The home's old asphalt shingle roof was removed and replaced with a metal standing seam roof which helps give the home a bolder and more updated look.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Unique Location

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Stairs to Entry

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Welcome Inside

The stairs lead right to the updated front door and front deck that now offers views of the outdoor bonus room, dubbed the “Sky Cabin,” added during the DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016 renovation.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Local Flavor

Two rope-wrapped fishing float globes hang from the home's front handrail, a nod to the waterfront location of the property.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Striking Siding

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Front Door Changes

The stairs from the ground level lead right to the front deck and to the new front door, which was built in the confines of the original frame but with new sidelights to create a more updated look.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Wonderful Wind Chimes

Sea shells were used to make the attractive wind chimes that greet guests and hang to the right of the home's front door.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Color Combination

The combination of the soothing blue siding with the more neutral taupe and beige trim gives the home a coastal look without feeling overly beachy.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Sun Protection

Lots of existing mature trees provide shade for the two-story waterfront home with strong horizontal lines.

Photo By: Photos: Christopher Shane/Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Keep Reading

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Exterior From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

With its casual coastal architecture, manicured landscaping, and a bold exterior color palette, this Gulf Coast home on stilts offers a spectacular escape.

Decks From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

Three levels of expansive decks offer space for outdoor dining, lounging, and other ways to enjoy breathtaking waterfront views.

Sky Cabin From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

A treehouse-inspired space tucked away in an adjacent wooded area away from the house creates the perfect nook to rest and relax.

Master Suite From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

A palette of soothing hues showcases clever design details, from a custom-built headboard in the bedroom to the oversized walk-in shower in the bathroom.

Living Room From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

A place to gather, watch TV, and enjoy a casual night in, the living room showcases serene coastal colors, relaxing views and a fireplace focal point refinished with tile.

Guest Suite From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

Tucked away on the main floor, the guest bedroom and bathroom offer a private suite with inviting amenities for overnight guests.

Dining Room From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

A rustic-modern dining area, nestled within easy reach of the kitchen, replaces the home's original, formal dining room.

Garden Shed From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

Just steps away from the front door, the build and design team transformed an unused shed into a charming spot for potting plants and storing garden tools.

Kid's Suite From DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

A cheerful, woodsy retreat located on the second floor features earthy colors and whimsical, kid-friendly decor.

Construction Problems, Solved at DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

Meet the challenges posed by local building codes, structural requirements, an HVAC system and rotting wood.

Tour DIY Network Blog Cabin 2016

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