The first weekend of the Tri-County and Triangle Parade of Homes has officially passed, but the excitement is still buzzing as there’s still much to look forward to. With two more weekends left for touring homes, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the 243 homes across the region. And there’s still so much to come.

This weekend, the Home Builders Associations will name 2024’s award-winning homes. The HBAs choose gold, silver, and bronze options in different price categories, which represent the most awe-inspiring homes in the area. And if that’s not enough, The Jim Allen Group’s Adventures in Finding Your Home event is still giving away numerous prizes, including $500 each week, instant $10 gift cards, and Parade swag. There’s still time to enter our giveaway — an adventure trip for four to Asheville worth $5,000 — when you download the brand-new JAG Parade app.

In the meantime, there are so many inspiring elements to share about this year’s Parade homes. If you haven’t yet come out, here are the major trends you’ll want to see first-hand.

From stunning townhomes to sprawling luxury homes, this year’s Parade homes feature high-end elements. These elements add distinction, no matter the price. Homes of every level feature quartz and granite countertops, as well as on-trend accessories in brass and brushed metals.

Builders have brought bold colors into this year’s Triangle Parade homes, too. Accent walls designed with bold colors or patterned wallpaper are popular in every price range. So, too, is intricate woodwork, beautifully designed tray ceilings, and stunning tilework that brings in an element of sophistication and playfulness. You can also expect awe-inspiring staircases that become centerpieces in many homes. 

Homes on the Parade tour this year are designed to be respites from the day-to-day stresses of life. Builders are filling homes with the details that will create a calming environment for a home’s homeowners.

For example, spa bathrooms are a hot trend for the 2024 Triangle Parade of Homes event. Walk-in showers with patterned tile work, private soaking tubs, and designer cabinets and accessories add to an upscale ambiance. Spacious, open floor plans feature an abundance of natural light, creating a soothing atmosphere. And private outdoor spaces are low- or maintenance-free to enhance the same sense of calm and comfort, providing a sense of comfort and calm to potential homeowners. Many Triangle builders have also included quiet guest retreats where visitors can enjoy getting away, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

This year’s Parade homes are filled with spots for home buyers to enjoy gatherings both big and small. Triangle-area builders have gone all-out to give homeowners a chance to enjoy family or friend time from the comfort of home.

Popular this year are spacious covered porches, decked out with fireplaces and grilling decks that will invite festivities and togetherness. Designs feature open floor plans, chefs’ kitchens, and even kitchens with massive islands where friends and family can gather. Homes with cozy living spaces have sliding glass that opens, creating a seamless connection between living rooms and outdoor entertainment spaces. Many builders made informal dining and breakfast nooks part of their current design to invite comfort and togetherness. Numerous homes also feature game and media rooms where family can play and connect. Homes feature massive floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors, adding a touch of modern design to comfortable spaces inside.

Post-COVID workspaces have continued to be a priority for builders in the 2024 Parade of Homes. Home offices grew in popularity thanks to the need for people to stay at home and work. But today’s homes have enhanced these spaces and added a new level of dedication to the home office. Many home offices now feature bold pops of wallpaper or color to set a mood. It’s creating a calming space that helps ensure work gets done.

In addition to home offices, 2024 Parade homes have added dens where homeowners can enjoy a more formal workspace. Dens can be a more formal space for studying, reading, or just contemplating the news of the day. Many homes also feature scullery pantries, which are dedicated workspaces for the kitchen. Sculleries feature prep space, full sinks, refrigerators and stoves, storage, and cabinets. Many of these features allow homeowners to tuck away their messes to get work done for entertaining.

Ready to see the trends that are on display at the Triangle Parade? There are still two weekends left to tour these homes. The 2024 Triangle Parade of Homes is October 4-6 | October 11-13 from 12 PM – 5 PM and the Tri-County Parade of Homes is October 5-6 | October 12-13 from 12 PM – 5 PM. While many of The Jim Allen Group’s 60+ homes have sold already, close to 50 are open to tour.

Don’t forget to plan in advance to make the most of your tour. Organize your list to begin, then download the app to make sure you are in the know about prizes and giveaways. Visit the Parade of Homes website and the JAG Parade website for more details about the entire event.