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 What may have been the defining color of one era can quickly be labeled outdated, drab, or overdone in the next.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

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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.      

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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.

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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.

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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.

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March 1, 2024

Spring Tour Community Pop-Up Events

The Parade of Homes invites you to join us for special pop-up events throughout the Twin Cities that celebrate new construction and growing communities. There is something to keep everyone entertained — adults and kids alike! See you on the tour!

Home Tours
February 26, 2024

Inside Zoë François' Minneapolis Kitchen

Pastry chef, best-selling cookbook author, Instagram phenom, and TV star Zoë François lives and works in her Minneapolis kitchen. "Work from home" has a bit of a different meaning for Zoë. Her singular kitchen, which sits in the rear of her Kenwood house, is not only the heart of the home, but her office. In a sense.

Design
February 21, 2024

Spring 2024 | Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2024 spring tours, plus a few Parade of Homes pop-up events! These events will introduce you to the teams behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more.

Events
February 21, 2024

How to Design & Organize Your Dream Walk-In Closet

Ready to level up your closet game? We asked an expert at Scherer Custom Closets to share the best-kept secrets to crafting a well-organized, functional, and spacious closet. Angie Curd, a senior design consultant, gave us a few insights into designing the perfect walk-in closet.

Design
February 19, 2024

Seven Dream Homes Featured on the Spring Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase

Your perfect dream home is here! This year, 6 new construction homes and 1 remodeled home were chosen for the Spring 2024 Dream Homes. The epitome of class and refinement, these gorgeous homes are the best place to find inspiration and current trends. Admission to each home is $5 at the door, and every penny supports the Housing First Minnesota Foundation in providing homes for veterans and other Minnesotans in need of homes.

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February 16, 2024

Local Home & Design Events | February 2024

Calling all Parade of Homes fans! If you're looking for something to do this month, check out these local home and design events near you.

Events
February 13, 2024

How to Finance Your Remodeling Project

Saving the necessary funds to kickstart a big remodel project can be daunting. But if you plan ahead, set some money aside, and understand your options, you'll be ready to remodel when the time is right!

Remodeling
December 18, 2023

Christmas Décor Trends To Help You Feel Festive

We’ve begun the countdown to Christmas celebrations! Decorate to impress with a mix of traditional elements—garlands, candles, Christmas trees—and pops of unique decor.

Design
December 15, 2023

Decorating for the Holidays with Heather Fox

We got a sneak peek inside the home of Heather Fox—realtor and designer with Fox Homes and Foxwell—to see how she decorates for the holidays. Take some inspiration from her subtle swaps and creative flairs to recreate a festive look in your own home!

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October 2, 2023

Sharing Decades of Love for the Parade of Homes

For 75 years, the Parade of Homes has been a community-driven event centered on showcasing modern housing trends and providing housing opportunities for Twin Cities homeowners.

Home Tours
September 26, 2023

2023 Fall Parade of Homes In the News

The 2023 Fall Parade of Homes Twin Cities is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across Minnesota. Here are all the places the fall tour has been covered in the press.

Home Tours
September 14, 2023

7 Tips for Selecting Window Coverings

Delve into the expert advice of local design professionals as they share their insights on choosing the perfect window coverings for your remodeled home.

Design
September 7, 2023

Get Your Move On With Xfinity

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

Technology