Ah, sweet fall. I don't know about you, but there is something about crisp morning air that presents a promise of new possibilities—and the joy of a good bonfire. As the leaves descend into their annual transformation, dancing from green to gold, I find myself drawn to the beauty of fresh beginnings. Much like autumn ushers in a new season, I had the joy of partnering with Parade of Homes to make my rounds throughout the Twin Cities during the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase. With so many to select from, the ability to plan our route right in the app was beyond helpful to navigate this tour with PRECISION.
After a day of dreaming, I can tell you each home I visited truly embodied transformation in the most inspiring ways—each with a story to tell. With October around the corner (...how!), what better way to embrace change than by refreshing the spaces we call home?
Discovering Remodel Respite: Highlights from the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase
What is the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase?
Think of the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase as the ultimate behind-the-scenes tour for home enthusiasts (hello, it's me!). Through this fall showcase, stunning transformations took center stage, and we were blessed to walk through homes beautifully reimagined by the top design and build teams in the area. It was an absolute joy. From complete remodels to room-specific renovations, the Remodelers Showcase is all about fresh ideas, expert craftsmanship, and sparking inspiration for your own space. Whether you’re dreaming of a kitchen makeover or a whole-home refresh, this is where you’ll find the creativity and expertise to make it happen. *Queues music* I'll be your guide to four incredible homes featured this fall, and I cannot wait for you to see what made them so special, and also, equip you with a few design trends for your own remodel—no idea is too big or too small. With that, let's begin the tour!
1. McDonald Remodeling Inc. – 2222 Mount View Avenue, Minneapolis (R12)
Walking through this Bryn Mawr gem felt very on brand for fall: out with the old, in with the new. The removal of a load-bearing wall gave the home’s main level a breath of fresh air, allowing light to flow freely. Perhaps my most favorite element caught my eye immediately upon entry: a bold lighting fixture that figuratively and visually illuminated the heart of this lovely home, reminding me of autumn’s golden hour—equal parts warm and inviting.
The beauty of this remodel lies in the thoughtful choices of finishes—like the soft matte cabinetry in the kitchen that plays beautifully against the natural wood tones, balancing modern minimalism with warmth. Want to take a closer look? You can explore the main level finishes here and upper level finishes here to get a feel for the materials that make this home both timeless and modern. McDonald Remodeling’s work is a testament to how change, when thoughtfully curated, can breathe new life into familiar surroundings.
2. Fox Homes LLC – 4236 Scott Terrace, Minneapolis (R16)
Next on our tour was the personality-fillled Fox Homes’ project. When you step inside this remodel, you can feel each space blooming with purpose. The open floor plan struck me as the ultimate “reset,” allowing the home to grow and shift with the seasons of life. This remodel shines through its use of natural elements, from the walnut cabinetry to the brass pendants that make the kitchen feel stylish, yet relatable. The sleekness of these finishes gives the home a modern edge, while the earthy tones root it in warmth. Going upstairs I immediately fell in love with the master bathroom. Seeing is certainly believing!:
3. Quartersawn Design Build – 4835 Thomas Avenue S., Minneapolis (R15)
This Tuscan-style kitchen immediately transported me to a cozy fall evening at home. I could envision entertaining with conversation flowing throughout this well-appointed remodel. The rich, wooden tones and gothic-inspired archways felt majestic, inviting, and full of depth.
What truly stood out in this home was the custom kitchen island, beautifully finished with a stone countertop. The kitchen’s cabinetry featured a soft walnut finish, adding warmth and depth to the space, while the light fixtures brought an unexpected pop of modernity. Seeing this home’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable—and the before and after photos show just how impactful the right finishes can be. Check out the before photos here and afters here!
4. Fieldstone Family Homes Inc. – 24335 Dodd Boulevard, Lakeville (R35)
Now, let’s talk about the dream home—a space that was evidently more than just a house; it gave the heir of a destination. Fieldstone Family Homes created a “Staycation Retreat” that rivals any fall getaway, if I do say so myself! Picture this: an indoor basketball court for hoops at your leisure, a luxury pool experience for unwinding, and a temperature-controlled cigar room for those crisp fall evenings (if that's your vibe).
This home was a welcomed reminder that sometimes, the best way to transition into a new season is by creating a sanctuary at home, a place where you can recharge and embrace the moments that matter most. I am still in awe:
The Trends: What I Learned from These Remodels
From bold, statement lighting to custom cabinetry, the homes I visited were full of inspiration for anyone ready to embrace change. As we move into fall, these trends remind us that this season is about making room for something fresh and lasting. Here’s what I observed:
Bold Lighting for Instant Drama| Lighting isn’t just functional—it’s transformative. Statement fixtures added depth and became the focal points in many of the homes, proving that bold lighting is having its moment.
Earthy Tones for Warmth| Rich, natural tones like walnut cabinetry, mustard tones and terracotta accents rooted the spaces in warmth, giving the homes a cozy, timeless feel.
Multi-Functional Spaces for Modern Living| These homes embraced versatility, from pocket offices to nooks for quiet retreats. Design that adapts to your lifestyle is key for modern living.
Natural Materials for Lasting Impact| Whether it was stone, wood, or Corian surfaces in the kitchen, these natural materials added texture and durability, grounding the homes in timeless beauty.
Custom Cabinetry for Personalized Luxury| Custom cabinetry brought both beauty and function, creating tailored storage solutions while adding a high-end feel to the space.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow for Natural Harmony| Expansive windows and thoughtful plant integration blurred the line between indoors and out, creating homes that breathe with the seasons.
Embrace Luxury on Your Terms| Whether it’s an indoor basketball court or a serene spa, luxury is personal. These homes showcased how to create spaces that feel indulgent and tailored to your lifestyle.
The beauty of fall is that it teaches us that there is a season to let go and make space for the new, and these homes reflected that perfectly. Whether it’s adding a pocket office or transforming your kitchen, is now the time for you to start planning your home’s next chapter? Just as the seasons change, so do our homes, and this tour is the perfect opportunity to get inspired for your next renovation. If you missed this round of home tours, don’t you worry! The next tour is the Spring Parade of Homes, happening March 7 - April 6, 2025, Friday-Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM. The Remodelers Showcase focuses on homes that have been reimagined, while the Dream Homes offer a glimpse into the possibilities of custom-built luxury.
As we step into this new season, I encourage you to think about the spaces in your home that could use a refresh. Whether it’s creating a cozy retreat or embracing the open-concept trend, these talented remodeling teams are ready to make your vision a reality. So grab a warm cup of cider, browse their portfolios, and let’s start planning for the season ahead!
Cheers to your new season!
xxShayla
About Parade of Homes and Housing First Minnesota Foundation
Parade of Homes is brought to life by Housing First Minnesota, an organization deeply rooted in supporting housing needs across our state. The Housing First Minnesota Foundation makes a lasting impact by providing housing for families in transition. It’s a reminder that, much like the work we put into our homes, there’s a greater purpose—one that builds strong foundations for the future.
About THE PLANT PENTHOUSE
The Plant Penthouse is a flora-inspired interiors and lifestyle brand founded by Minnesota native, Shayla Owodunni. Since Shayla's early days as a boisterous kindergartner insistent on wearing neon knee-highs with brightly-printed dresses, curating vibrant juxtapositions (like a tropical oasis in Minneapolis) has become a joy-filled way of life.
Through plant care education, home décor inspiration and tastemaking tidbits, this is our residence to reimagine ‘posh’ penthouse concepts for life’s everyday moments—because here, we believe there is opulence to embrace in each dwelling space; regardless of size, location or circumstance.
Shayla has contributed to The Jason Show, Twin Cities Live, Artful Living, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Wit & Delight; with features by HGTV, HomeGoods, Apartment Therapy, Star Tribune, and The Wall Street Journal.
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