Parade of Homes 2018 – Design Trends

The last two years, one of my favorite events is the Parade of Homes tour in Colorado Springs. But, when we moved back to California in June, I had to miss it this year. I was so disappointed, because this tour gives me tons of fantastic woodworking and interior design ideas every year. And besides, who doesn’t love walking through other people’s houses? But, thanks to the internet, I can still grab pictures from the homes on the tour that my favorite design/build firm created, and share them with all of you.

Let me first share the reasons why I love this builder (All About Home) so much:

1. They have a keen understanding of today’s trends! You will see aspects of the ever-popular farmhouse style, for example, but presented in a modern and exciting way.
2. They use tons of built-ins! I have said many times that I adore built-ins, so these guys caught my attention from the start. Mudrooms, office furniture, nooks, entertainment units, shelving…you name it. And, it’s all gorgeous!
3. They aren’t afraid to make bold design choices! Every room makes a statement with unique wall treatments, beautiful moulding, fun wallpaper, and exciting color and pattern choices.

So, shall we look at some house eye candy together and see if we can pick out this year’s trends?

Check out that wallpaper, and the paneled cove ceiling in this beautiful entry. I also love the modern front door, and the gorgeous trim around that cased opening. Yummy!

The plaid wallpaper in this bathroom is amazing. I want it.

This is a cute little laundry room with a doggie station, sure, but would you take a look at the dog wallpaper!!

I’ve always had a thing for basement wet bars…probably because there are no basements in California. That wallpaper is so much fun – it’s filled with popular board game titles. Add in some brick and a barn door, and those gorgeous chairs, and this is a place you’d definitely find me hanging out in.

Now, just to the right of the above image is the entrance to a fantastic bunk room. I think I want to live here.

And, here’s a closer shot of that bunk room…uh-mazing! Love that bold pop of color.

Here’s a bedroom that caught my eye. I love the navy and ivory color scheme, and that rich wallpaper accent wall. So simple, yet so pretty!

Here’s another gorgeous bedroom. Love the blush color scheme with the light wood and gold accents. So very pretty!

Now, of course we love mudrooms here at WDS, but what really caught my eye here was that cute little dog door (with shiplap!) and that fun buffalo check floor.

Oh how I love office built-ins! A perfect spot for homework. Light wood floors are definitely on trend right now.

This bunk room was from a different house (same designer), but is still just as fabulous as the first. Love the pop of Kelly green in this one, and all the different plaid patterns working perfectly together.

What teenage boy would not love this room? And those built-ins…

And speaking of built-ins…check out this great craft room. Shiplap, gray cabinets, gold accents, and blush pink…that’s it, I’m moving into this house!

OK, so if we were to summarize the 2018 trends from this designer, I’d have to say:

• gray cabinets
• brass and gold accents (same as last year)
• Black windows and black glass doors
• shiplap (clear, not distressed)
• wide, light wood floors
• bold wallpaper
• black and white buffalo check pattern, and plaid in general

Hope you enjoyed these pictures from the 2018 Parade of Homes. I will really miss attending in person each year, but you can be sure I’ll be checking in on this designer every year!