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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 What may have been the defining color of one era can quickly be labeled outdated, drab, or overdone in the next.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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September 6, 2023

4 Tips for Choosing Your Next Neighborhood

Moving to a new house — whether it’s just down the block, into a new neighborhood, or within a brand-new development — is a big change. Selecting the right neighborhood is an essential part of the process. Every homebuyer’s neighborhood preferences will look different, but it’s important to identify what factors make or break a good fit for you.

Home Tips & Tricks
August 28, 2023

First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway

For so many Minnesotans, the prospect of owning a home is tantalizingly close, but day-to-day expenses prevent them from saving enough to secure that initial down payment. Their dream of homeownership is just out of reach.

Home Tours
Real Stories
August 28, 2023

The Birthplace of the Parade of Homes

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Parade of Homes. In honor of the milestone event, look back at the Parade of Homes’ history — and learn how it continues to benefit homebuilders, homebuyers, and the Twin Cities community today as the largest and longest-running home tour in the country.

Home Tours
August 24, 2023

Introducing Ope'n Haus: Our Signature Anniversary Brew!

In honor of our 75th anniversary, we're excited to announce our limited-edition beer with Bauhaus Brew Labs!

Home Tours
August 22, 2023

Traveling Back in Time with the Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes is 75 this year! In honor of our big milestone anniversary, we’re taking a walk down memory lane to see how far we’ve come and how things have changed.

Home Tours
August 22, 2023

Six Dream Homes Featured on the Fall Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase

Your perfect dream home is here! This year, 5 new construction homes and 1 remodeled home were chosen for the Fall 2023 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, and every penny supports the Housing First Minnesota Foundation in providing homes for veterans and other Minnesotans in need of homes.

‍Purchase your single home tickets or all-access pass today!

Home Tours
August 16, 2023

Fall 2023 │ Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2023 fall tours! These events will introduce you to the teams behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more.

Home Tours
August 4, 2023

Signs It's Time to Find Your Dream House

Your home is more than just a place to lay your head at night; it's a reflection of your dreams, aspirations, and the life you want to build. For many, the idea of finding their dream house might seem like a distant fantasy. However, with the right approach and the help of a new construction builder, turning that dream into reality becomes entirely possible. Here, we explore some signs that is time to embark on the journey of finding your dream house.

Builders & Remodelers
July 27, 2023

How Homes Have Evolved Since the 1950s

A home is strong and steady, a place you can return to when you’re worn out and need to relax. It’s a place of memories, family, and laughter. But was it always this way?

Housing News
July 18, 2023

The Birthplace of the Home Tour

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Parade of Homes!

Home Tours
Housing News
April 28, 2023

How to Add Color in Your Kitchen

Looking to liven up your kitchen design with color but not sure what direction to go in? Whether you’re ready for a vibrant color-splash or prefer more subtle options, we’ve got the guiding questions to help you find your answers. With these easy color additions, you can get the effect of a total kitchen makeover without breaking the bank.

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April 27, 2023

Reggie Awards Given to 21 Spring Parade Homes

Since 1968, Housing First Minnesota has presented the Reggie Award℠, which recognizes excellence in design and construction of homes in the Parade of Homes. The Trillium Awards honor the associates and trade partners for their collaboration with these award-winning builders.

Builders & Remodelers
April 20, 2023

5 Ways to Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Building and remodeling greener homes is an important part of taking care of our planet. Improving energy efficiency can be simple and cost-effective — and it's better for the environment. But where do you start?

Technology