Karen Hiers, a 77-year-old retired substitute teacher from Jacksonville, Florida, has been named the grand prize winner of HGTV’s 2026 Smart Home giveaway. The sweepstakes prize includes a newly constructed, resort-style residence in Orlando, fully furnished, with an estimated value exceeding $1.3 million, along with a $100,000 cash prize. HGTV announced the exciting news, marking a significant win for Hiers after years of consistent participation in the network’s contests.
A Long-Awaited Dream Realized
Hiers, a devoted follower of HGTV programming, diligently entered the giveaway twice daily for an extended period. Her persistence paid off when she was randomly selected from a pool of over 75 million entries. Upon receiving the email notification of her win, Hiers initially expressed disbelief, recounting to HGTV that she questioned its legitimacy and sought confirmation from her son to rule out a scam. She shared with People that she eagerly anticipates sharing her new home with her husband of 55 years, Bill, their two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A Closer Look at the HGTV 2026 Smart Home
The HGTV 2026 Smart Home, designed by the duo Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt, is a two-story beach bungalow situated in Orlando. The residence spans over 3,000 square feet and is designed to embody the vibrant energy of its location while offering a relaxed, sunny Florida lifestyle. Brian Kleinschmidt described the home as capturing Orlando’s spirit with a nod to Florida’s laid-back, sun-drenched atmosphere. Mika Kleinschmidt emphasized the design’s focus on creating a space that is both fun and comfortable, prioritizing effortless living in every detail.
Exterior Features and Landscaping
The home’s exterior is painted a serene light blue and is complemented by lush landscaping, featuring palm trees and abundant greenery set against open land. This thoughtful exterior design contributes to the overall resort-style feel of the property.
Interior Design and Living Spaces
Inside, the interior design adopts a softer, more traditional aesthetic. The entryway leads into a cozy living room, distinguished by a brick fireplace and integrated shelving. The room’s centerpiece is an olive-green sleeper sofa, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Adjacent to this space is the kitchen, which boasts a marble island with a farm-style sink, complemented by white upper cabinets and warm wooden lower cabinets. A circular dining table for four occupies the remaining area in this open-concept section.
Another living area, located just off the entryway, offers a more sophisticated ambiance. It features a large lounge sofa and a leather ottoman, with walls painted in a darker blue-grey hue. Strategically placed skylights are designed to maximize natural light, enhancing the room’s airy feel. Sliding glass doors in this living room provide direct access and picturesque views of the wood deck and swimming pool area.
Outdoor Entertainment and Amenities
The outdoor living space is a significant highlight, designed for entertainment and relaxation. A covered outdoor kitchen, fully equipped with a range stove and grill, is situated to the left of the pool. A rectangular dining table is placed under the covered patio, perfect for al fresco meals. Beyond the pool, a miniature putting green offers a fun recreational activity, alongside additional lawn seating for guests.
Private Quarters and Additional Rooms
The primary bedroom, located on the first floor, exudes a cottage-inspired charm with light green accents and wooden furnishings. It includes an en-suite master bathroom featuring a soaking tub and a separate shower, as well as a walk-in closet.
Upstairs, the home features a dedicated game room equipped with a wall-sized multi-sport simulator, providing hours of entertainment. The second floor also houses two additional bedrooms: one designed for a child and a guest room. The guest room is decorated with light pink tones, while the child’s room incorporates light blue accents and features an elevated bed positioned above a plush sunroom couch. These two rooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, which incorporates subtle coastal design elements with blue accents and a woven mirror above a double vanity.
The Sweepstakes Timeline
Hiers specifically mentioned that her favorite aspect of the HGTV 2026 Smart Home is the spacious and entertainment-ready backyard. The entry period for the HGTV 2026 Smart Home sweepstakes ran from April 21 to June 19, drawing millions of hopeful participants nationwide.
Conclusion
Karen Hiers’s win represents a remarkable outcome for a dedicated viewer who consistently participated in the HGTV Smart Home giveaway. The prize, a fully furnished luxury home in Orlando valued at over $1.3 million, plus a substantial cash award, signifies the culmination of her long-term engagement with the network’s promotions. The home itself, designed for comfort and entertainment, reflects a modern yet relaxed Florida lifestyle, offering extensive amenities for Hiers and her extended family to enjoy.
