7 cool things to see on the Twin Cities Parade of Homes

From stunning to smart, here are seven things to see on this year's Parade of Homes.

A wood-slatted headboard wraps onto the ceiling to create a striking modern take on the traditional canopy bed in the master bedroom.

See it: Home #436, the Dream Home in Minneapolis.

A brick arch, painted jet black, creates a dramatic visual element between the kitchen and dining room — and a practical space to tuck a butler's pantry and wet bar.

See it: Home #437 in Minneapolis by Landmark Building Contractors in collaboration with David Charlez Designs and Bria Hammel Interiors.

This two-sided fireplace does double duty, warming up the great room and greeting guests in the front entry foyer — a welcome sight on a cold winter day.

See it: Home #445 in Minnetonka by Lecy Bros. Homes & Remodeling.

See it: Home #436, a modern and green Dream Home in Minneapolis by Sustainable 9 Design + Build.

Simple but clever, this built-in coat tree creates a focal point in the front entry, as well as a convenient place to hang outerwear.

See it: Home #433 in Edina by Refined.

Sport courts have become ubiquitous in upper-bracket homes, but this one has a hockey theme for indoor shooting practice. And for the hockey mom (or dad), there's a ventilated walk-in closet just inside the mudroom with its own stackable washer-dryer, so there's no need to drag stinky jerseys through the house.

See it: Home #434, another Dream Home, this one in Edina by TC Homebuilders.

See it: Home #437 in Minneapolis.

Parade of Homes
What: Self-guided tour featuring 481 new homes, presented by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities. The homes represent a wide price range, from a $198,000 two-bedroom rambler in Cambridge, Minn., to a $2.5 million lake home in Stillwater.
Where: Homes are located throughout the Twin Cities metro area and outlying cities. For descriptions, addresses and other information, visit parade­ofhomes.org, or pick up a free guidebook at Holiday Stationstores.
When: Homes are open for touring noon to 6 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, through March 25.
Cost: Free, $5 fee (per home) to tour five Dream Homes.