2018 Minneapolis Parade of Home Trends
by Deb Williamson
If you had the opportunity to visit Minneapolis last month you may have noticed bright yellow ‘Parade of Home’ signs all over town. Maybe you were even fortunate enough to tour a few of those homes, where you would have seen some beautifully designed spaces, efficient floor plans and current home trends. If you didn’t make it up for the tour, I’d like to share some of the highlights with you today.
Floor Plans
Floor Plans were magnificent! Open, airy and functional come to mind when describing the homes on the Minneapolis Parade of Homes. Most front doors opened into inviting foyers showcasing oversized light fixtures leading into great rooms with sprawling fireplaces stretching to the ceilings and large picture windows framing water views, wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Vaulted ceiling with beams or trays were standard in these amazing homes. Oversized kitchens, main floor master bedrooms with adjoining spa-like baths inspired well-thought-out plans. Staircases were unique and eye-catching as you made your way to different levels containing wet bars, workout rooms, home theatres, offices, guest suites, and typically multiple laundry facilities.
Kitchens
Kitchens did not disappoint! When I walk into a home there are a couple of things I notice right away; the kitchen being a top priority. Most of the kitchens on the tour had wide open floor plans with oversized islands, hoods and light fixtures. Painted cabinets were a common theme in Minneapolis kitchens with an occasional stained hood or island. Unique, oversized hoods were the centerpieces of most of the kitchens, utilizing distinctive materials such as shiplap, stainless steel, huge corbels or wood beams and adorned in beautiful, unusual tiles. Butler’s pantries were a must-have option for these luxury kitchens, taking the place of traditional walk-in pantries and adding lots of character and charm to the spaces. Quartz in black or white tones seemed to be the countertop of choice. Flooring trends leaned towards light tones of weathered woods with washed-out finishes and accented with inset tiles, bricks or carpet.
Bathrooms
Bath and powder rooms were plentiful. Nearly every bedroom included its own private bath. Each bathroom being meticulously planned out, with unique vanities and storage, walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, heated floors and gorgeous tiles throughout. Trending in Minneapolis bathrooms this year were pattern tiles, open or floating vanities with under-cabinet lighting, black and white color schemes and beautiful wall coverings.
Wet Bars
Wet Bars were rich and earthy. While most of the kitchens used light painted cabinets, Minneapolis homes saved the warm, earthy finishes for their wet bars. These spaces were predominately masculine in nature utilizing grainy wood species and warm brown stain finishes accented with stone, bricks or tile. Many of these areas included wine storage, open shelving, islands, television hook-ups, and built-in microwaves and refrigerators.
Design Trends
Design trends made a statement. Throughout the Minneapolis September Parade of Homes there were reoccurring design trends that continue to make their way into Midwestern homes. One of these trends are white windows with black grilles and then carrying that black and white scheme throughout the home. Light colored weathered wood floors with washed out finishes dominated flooring materials trending in many of the homes on tour. Light painted white, grey and green tones were prevalent in kitchen cabinetry finishes, along with oversized hoods and islands being the showstoppers. Tile is increasingly becoming an important design element captivating attention from homeowners. At this year’s Parade of Homes there was special attention to the wide array of unique and interesting tiles being used that came in many different shapes, colors and patterns, giving every home its own unique design element. Oversized light fixtures in foyers, great rooms and over islands also made a statement. As always, finishing touches including trendy cabinet pulls, door knobs, trims and moldings really pulled the designs together and finished off the spaces. Finally, wall coverings (that’s right wallpaper) also keeps rearing its head into designed spaces—I have to say I LOVE IT and hope to see this trend continue and even spread into southern Minnesota!!!
Parade Happens in Spring and Fall
The September 2018 Minneapolis Parade of Homes was definitely worth my time and trip to the Twin Cities. If you have an upcoming home project, I highly recommend taking the time to go to one of the Minneapolis Parade of Homes that takes place every spring and fall. It’s a great way to stay on-trend when choosing materials for your next home project!
