Parade of Homes Blog

All
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
July 30, 2025

How to Hire a Professional Remodeler (and Why It Matters)

When it comes to remodeling your home, who you choose to work with matters just as much as what you plan to change. A great remodeler will guide you through a complex process with expertise, transparency, and professionalism. And in a world of DIY shows and social media inspiration, it can be tempting to cut corners or rush the hiring process. But a remodel is a major investment in your home — and your peace of mind depends on getting it right from the start.

So, what does hiring a professional remodeler actually look like?

More blog posts

Color Revival

For years, the formula was simple: whitewalls, gray cabinetry, and just enough contrast to keep things interesting. But after more than a decade of cool tones dominating interior design, homeowners are beginning to crave something different.

Color, after all, is in constant evolution. Trends come and go. Homeowner preferences ebb and flow. What may have been the defining color of one era can quickly be labeled outdated, drab, or overdone in the next.

Take a trip back to the ’50s, when pastel hues adorned everything from bathroom tile to kitchen appliances. Then came the earthy golds and oranges of the ’70s, followed by the jewel tones and dramatic prints of the ’80s and ’90s. Fast-forward to the last decade, when a more pared-back approach to color dominated interiors. But now, color is making a comeback—not as a passing trend but as a reflection of homeowners’ desire for spaces that feel personal and lived in.

Here, designers and color experts weigh in on the shades, palettes, and applications defining today’s homes—and how to balance boldness with timeless appeal.

‍

Your Guide to Layered Lighting

Fixtures are often the first thing that come to mind when envisioning the lighting in your new build, but a thoughtful lighting plan goes deeper than picking lamps and bulbs. In fact, lighting plays an important role in setting the overall tone of your home. When lighting is too bright, spaces feel harsh and uncomfortable. Dimly lit rooms are no better, often appearing small and uninviting.

Striking that perfect balance of illumination from natural and artificial light is known as layered lighting, an interior design concept that relies on multiple light sources to foster warmth, add visual interest, and make spaces functional for everyday living. As Kyndra Flowers of Robinson Lighting says, “When in doubt, layer your lighting.”

As you start planning your new build, use this as your guide to design an effective, thoughtful lighting plan that makes every space in your home glow.      

‍

Kitchen Couture

The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home—the place where people come to eat, connect, and enjoy the everyday moments that make a house feel lived in. Whether hosting a holiday soiree or savoring the quiet ritual of making your morning latte, the kitchen is where routines unfold and memories are made. With that in mind, it’s only natural the kitchen’s design should reflect both how we live and how we want to feel at home.

Fortunately, luxury, comfort, and practicality are no longer mutually exclusive. With the kitchen playing such a central role in daily life, thoughtful, personalized upgrades are sure to be worth the investment to transform it into a true sanctuary. So, if you’re ready to dream up your ideal kitchen, industry experts share fresh, inspiring—and most importantly, achievable—ideas for creating a space as beautiful as it is functional.

‍

‍

The Evolution of Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is evolving in new construction. Moving beyond standalone gadgets like smart speakers or video doorbells, homeowners are shifting their attention to more meaningful, lifestyle-focused systems that are integrated across the entire home. Fortunately, these technologies are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. Read onto learn experts’ best practices for installing these smart devices and how they’re benefitting Twin Cities homeowners.

2026 Spring Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2026 Spring Parade of Homes is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across the Twin Cities Metro and Rochester. Here's a roundup of all the press coverage highlighting this year's Spring Parade of Homes.

2025 Fall Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2025 Fall Parade of Homes Twin Cities is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across Minnesota. Here’s a roundup of all the press coverage highlighting this year’s Fall Parade of Homes.

‍

From Inspiration to Reality: Using a HELOC To Fund Your Favorite Features From the Parade of Homes

This is a sponsored message by Magnifi Financial

When you wander through the Parade of Homes, it is easy to feel like you've stepped into a home-design fairytale. One minute, you're admiring a dreamy chef’s kitchen with a dazzling island, and the next you're captivated by a wall of windows that floods a living room with sunshine. These environments do more than showcase beautiful design. They spark ideas and stir your imagination. But once the tour ends and you’re back home, those “I wish I could have that” moments can feel out of reach. That's where a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, can help. Think of it as a flexible financing tool that's tied to your home’s value. It's ready to support the projects you care about most, without the stress of high-interest credit cards.

‍

April 19, 2023

2023 Remodeling Trends

What's trending in the world of home transformations and renovations? Twin Cities builders and remodelers break down the remodeling trends they’re anticipating this year.

Remodeling
April 11, 2023

7 Front Door Trends to Increase Your Curb Appeal

Talk about a first impression! The entrance to your home is the first thing people see when they arrive — so why shouldn’t it make a statement? Whatever your style or budget, there are plenty of ways to add an instant dose of curb appeal through your home’s entrance. Here are our favorite front door styles and some contemporary trends that steal the show.

Design
April 10, 2023

6 Rooms Where You Should Consider Adding Tile

When we say "tile," we know your head goes straight to bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes. But the design possibilities are endless when it comes to using tile in your home. Plus, with the infinite combinations of size, shape, color, pattern, and finish, you can bring personality and versatility to any space in your home. Looking for some inspiration on what spaces could benefit from a tile upgrade? We’ve got you covered.

Design
April 6, 2023

Why People are Buying New Construction in 2023

The housing market is constantly changing — and so are people's preferences for what constitutes the "home of their dreams." What's on your must-have list? Is it a spacious kitchen with ample storage? What about a neighborhood near family and friends? Are you most interested in modern technology features? We looked at the latest trends (according to Zillow) in new construction to find out what home features many people are falling in love with in 2023.

Builders & Remodelers
Technology
March 29, 2023

Looking for Fast, Reliable Internet and Mobile?

Brought to you by our 2023 Spring Parade of Homes sponsor, Xfinity.

Technology
March 29, 2023

Why Choose Marvin?

Brought to you by our 2023 Remodelers Showcase sponsor, Marvin.

Technology
March 23, 2023

What is a Home Performance Report?

When looking to buy a new home, knowing the ins and outs of your purchase is important. Being informed about the many aspects of your home allows you to manage, evaluate, and make decisions that best suit you. When exploring purchasing a new home and wondering about a home's energy efficiency, ask for a Home Performance Report (HPR).

Builders & Remodelers
March 17, 2023

How Do You Style a Room Like an Interior Designer?

From complementary paint colors and timeless finishes to bold accents and curated furniture collections, it’s easy to spot a room where the design elements come together seamlessly. But that perceived effortlessness can be difficult to achieve without the touch of an experienced design professional. Here, Twin Cities interior designers break down how different elements in four local new build spaces blend to create a look that is cohesive and aesthetically pleasing.

Design
March 16, 2023

5 Tips for Touring on the Parade of Homes

What’s the optimal way to tour the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase? It all starts with a solid plan and the right tools. These tips will help you tour like a pro.

Home Tours
March 14, 2023

Unique Tour Types on the Parade of Homes

Whether you’re looking for a spec home that’s move-in ready, a brand new neighborhood, or a floor plan foundation to build your dream home from, the Parade of Homes has the home entry for you. We make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for with these unique home types.

Home Tours
March 13, 2023

Tour & Toast to Women in Construction

To celebrate Women in Construction Week and International Women's Day, the Parade of Homes hosted a champagne toast at two magnificent Dream Homes on the Spring Parade of Homes. The goal was to bring together women in the housing industry to honor their impact, celebrate their accomplishments, and highlight the opportunities available to women in construction.

Home Tours
March 10, 2023

2023 Spring Parade of Homes Press Coverage

Catch up on all the places the 2023 Spring Parade of Homes Twin Cities has been covered in the news.

Home Tours
February 27, 2023

Falen on Making Her Home Her Own

For many homebuyers, there is a specific feature or look to a home that inspires them to buy, but making the home fit your personal style can be a process. For KDWB radio star and influencer Falen, making her home feel like her own has become a passion project.

Design