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.

Accent wall

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.

Noir nook

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.

Warm welcome

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.

Blue mood

LED light panels give this lower-level bar a pop of color that echoes the aqua of the bold open-tread staircase with black metal railings.

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

Branching out

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.

Shoot, score, scrub!

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.

Room for two

How big is the shower in this deluxe owners' bathroom? Big enough to also hold the soaking tub — and an eye-catching seat.

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.