In Photos: 12 Finishing Trends to Watch at This Year’s Parade of Homes

The Madison Area Parade of Homes is one of our favorite annual events—equal parts inspiration and admiration. As we walked through this year’s homes (in a heat wave!), a few finishing trends caught our eye. If you’re planning to attend the final weekend, here's what to watch for:

1. Blue Hues Everywhere

From smoky slate to soft green-blues, this calming color appeared on cabinets, furnishings, tile, and walls. It's versatile, modern, and easy to love.

2. Oversized Light Fixtures

Big lighting made a bold statement, from massive pendants over kitchen islands to dramatic chandeliers in bedrooms.

3. Traditional-Style Hardware

The hardware cabinetry throughout many of the homes showcased a return to classic elegance, featuring metal hardware in timeless shapes.

4. Arches

Arched details were used in doorways, wall paneling, and built-ins to add softness and architectural charm.

5. Built-In Details

Benches, bookshelves, and workstations were beautifully integrated into walls and nooks for functionality and style.

6. Ceiling Treatments

Ceilings did not go unnoticed with coffers, paneling, and beams that added warmth and depth to large open spaces.

7. Wall Paneling & Molding

Wall treatments, like paneling and picture frame molding, added elegance and dimension to bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms.

8. Herringbone Floors

This classic pattern continues to rise in popularity in wood flooring or tilework—it's a beautiful way to add movement and interest.

9. Organic-Inspired Tile

From wood-look designs to handmade-inspired textures, organic tile brought a warm, natural feel to bathrooms throughout the homes.

10. Textured Feature Walls

Wood slats and dimensional geometric designs created bold accent walls in modern-style homes.

11. Metal Cabinet Inserts

Mesh-like inlays on these cabinet doors are a fresh, slightly industrial touch, yet still refined.

12. Sleek Wine Storage

We even spotted a sleek under-the-stairs wine cellar that reminded us of a recent project that transformed an unused storage area into a rustic wine nook.

Feeling Inspired? Let’s Bring It Home.

If these details sparked ideas for your own space, we’d love to help you bring them to life. From picture frame molding and feature walls to built-ins and ceiling treatments, we specialize in custom finishes that make a house feel like home.