Top Trends from SCWBA Parade of Homes

The South Central Wisconsin Builders Association (SCWBA) Parade of Homes is always a highlight of the year for Advantage Homes, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint! From clever design solutions to stunning finishes, we saw plenty of ideas that had visitors saying, “I want that in my next home.” If you weren’t able to make it or just want a recap of what everyone was loving, here are the top trends that stood out to us.

Open & Flexible Floor Plans

Open-concept layouts are still king, but what stood out this year was flexibility. Homes featured spaces that could easily adapt to changing needs. Think pocket offices tucked off the kitchen, flex rooms that double as guest spaces, or finished basements designed for both entertaining and family downtime.

Spa-Like Bathrooms

Bathrooms are no longer just functional; they’re a retreat. Oversized showers with custom tile, freestanding tubs, and warm finishes created spa-like vibes. Many visitors loved the mix of natural stone and wood tones for a calming, modern feel.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Whether it was a covered porch, a spacious deck, a three-season room, or a patio with a fireplace, outdoor living was a huge hit.

 People loved the idea of extending their entertaining space outside and creating a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors.

Smart Storage Solutions

It’s the little things that make a home work well day-to-day. We saw a big focus on built-in storage benches in mudrooms, oversized pantries, and creative cabinetry solutions in kitchens. Parade visitors especially loved hidden storage that keeps spaces clutter-free.

Custom Accent Walls

One of the most talked-about design elements this year was how homeowners are using walls to add personality. From bold wallpaper patterns to timeless board-and-batten detailing, accent walls brought style and dimension to bedrooms, living areas, and even mudrooms. Visitors loved how these features made spaces feel one-of-a-kind.

Warm & Natural Finishes

Warmer tones are making a comeback. Think soft taupes, warm whites, natural woods, and touches of matte black for contrast. These finishes gave homes a cozy, welcoming feel without sacrificing modern style.

Energy Efficiency & Smart Technology

More homeowners are looking ahead when building, and builders are delivering. Energy-efficient windows, smart thermostats, and high-performance insulation were on display, offering comfort now and savings later.

Bringing Parade Inspiration Into Your Home

The Parade of Homes is about more than just beautiful houses; it’s about sparking ideas for your own dream home. Whether it’s a flexible floor plan, a cozy outdoor space, or the perfect accent wall, these trends can be tailored to fit your lifestyle.

If you missed the Parade of Homes, you can get a closer look at the homes we had on display, or if you did make it but wanted to take another look.

Here is a link to our online gallery of the 2025 Parade of Homes. Learn more about the SCWBA here.

At Advantage Homes, we love helping families bring these ideas to life in a custom build. If you found yourself inspired by this year’s Parade, let’s talk about how to make those must-have features part of your future home.