Parade of Homes 2025: Design Trends and Highlights from REALTOR® Day
Each year, the Triangle Parade of Homes gives us an inside look at the latest design and architecture trends shaping new homes across the Raleigh area—and REALTOR® Day is always a favorite! This special day gives REALTORS® the opportunity to tour showstopping homes before the second public weekend of the event.
This year’s Parade was full of thoughtful design details and creative use of texture, color, and natural elements. Here are some of my top takeaways and favorite finds from the homes I toured:
Natural Elements Meet Tranquil Design
Every home incorporated some kind of natural element—from warm wood tones to stone accents—creating an overall zen-like feel. Many builders layered different textures to make spaces feel inviting and balanced.
Color Drench and Bold Accents
While neutral, warm hues were dominant throughout, several builders leaned into bold color choices in specific rooms. The color-drenching technique—using one color across walls, trim, and ceilings—added a dramatic, cohesive effect that really stood out.
Elevated Fixtures and Finishes
The trend of statement lighting, designer fixtures, and eye-catching door hardware continues. Each home found a unique way to elevate everyday details and make them a focal point of the space.
Outdoor Spaces that Flow Naturally
Pools and outdoor living spaces remain incredibly popular, but this year’s designs featured more creative materials and textures to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The result? Backyards that felt like true extensions of the home.
Details, Wallpaper, and Wellness
Scalloped edges and curved details are making their mark, adding softness and personality to interior design. I also noticed wallpaper making a comeback, especially in small doses for accent walls and powder rooms.
Wellness continues to be a theme, with dedicated workout rooms, saunas, and spa-like features showing up more often. And yes—the scullery trend is still going strong!
Function Meets Luxury
Dual laundry rooms are becoming a practical luxury—one in the primary suite and another to serve guest bedrooms. And one of the most striking features I saw was a concrete soaking tub that perfectly anchored a bold, stunning primary bathroom in a home on Reynolds.
A Must-See: The Homes by Dickerson 50th Anniversary Home
My favorite stop of the day was the 50th Anniversary Home by Homes by Dickerson on Ridge Road. Every detail was beautifully executed, and it’s absolutely worth a visit before the Parade wraps up!
Don’t Miss the Final Weekend!
There’s still time to explore this year’s Triangle Parade of Homes—homes are open Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, from 12–5 p.m.
Come to look. Leave inspired!
The Parade of Homes is the perfect way to tour new communities, see the latest design trends, and get inspired by some of the most beautiful homes in the Triangle. Whether you’re thinking about building new or simply gathering ideas for your next home project, you don’t want to miss it.
If you see something you love during the tour, my team at Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty would be thrilled to help represent you as a buyer. Let’s find the home that fits your vision—or help you build one from the ground up! Contact me today at Renee@HREGSells.com or 919-877-6708.