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 What may have been the defining color of one era can quickly be labeled outdated, drab, or overdone in the next.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.

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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.      

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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.

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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.

Introducing the Spring 2026 Reggie & Trillium Award winners!

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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.

Don't miss out! Mark your calendars and check out these upcoming specials events during the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase.

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.

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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.

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