Some new Parade Homes have the feel of living out in the country rather than on a suburban cul-de-sac. In the past few years, we've gazed at plenty of sliding barn doors, farmhouse sinks and walls clad in rustic reclaimed barnwood.
Interior design trends on Parade of Homes tour
Twin Cities Parade of Homes showcases fresh and functional features, from modern farmhouse looks to the "kitchen within a kitchen."
September 17, 2016 at 4:48PM
Farmhouse-style features in new construction are still strong, but this fall, keep an eye out for a modern spin, said Katy Baar, style editor for the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, which presents the twice-yearly Parade of Homes tour.
"HGTV shows like 'Fixer-Upper' have elevated the look of shiplap and barn doors," she said. "Now we're seeing a modern play on a popular trend."
Look for these contemporary farmhouse accents, as well as other interior design trends, on the Parade of Homes, which continues through Oct. 2.
New-fashioned farmhouse
• Stainless-steel farmhouse sink in place of traditional white porcelain.
• Windows trimmed in black casings against white woodwork and walls.
• Sleek tin accent wall instead of distressed barnwood.
• Charcoal gray or black shiplap paneling rather than plain white.
• A "modern farmhouse" Dream Home in Edina juxtaposes metal stair railings and concrete vanities with rough-sawn wood beams and batten-board finishes.
Hot in the kitchen
• Today's kitchens often sit in the center of an open floor plan. Owners of upper-bracket homes are requesting separate prep and cleanup areas, called a "kitchen within a kitchen," to keep messes and small appliances out of sight.
Homes without that extra space typically include a big walk-in pantry. "It's bringing back that segmented room without compromising the open concept," said Baar.
• Bold-patterned mosaic backsplashes make an arty statement against a neutral white backdrop. "High-end Dream Homes tend to go more cutting-edge with backsplashes," said Baar.
• While gray and white kitchens are still the rage, some consumers are going back to rich darker-stained cabinets.
• For counter and island tops, slabs of quartz, soapstone, marble, recycled glass and butcher block have become popular alternatives to the familiar granite.
• Edison bulbs inside glass pendants illuminate islands with a golden glow. "It's a modernized look from the past," said Baar.
• Appliances include double-wall ovens, oversized refrigerators, microwave ovens concealed in pullout drawers and cooktops with storage below — all in stainless steel, of course.
Bonus and flex rooms
• A lofted area at the top of a staircase to do homework, watch movies, serve as a kids' play zone or just a place to unwind before bedtime. "It can change as the kids grow," said Baar.
• Wine cellars in a lower level can serve as simple storage or can be large enough to include a wine-tasting room.
• Sport courts and indoor putting greens for year-round practice and play.
Lynn Underwood • 612-673-7619
@LyUnderwood
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