ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Whether you are planning a custom home, remodeling an existing property or gathering ideas for the future, the Western North Carolina Parade of Homes offers examples from builders and renovation professionals across the region.
Hosted annually by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the free, self-guided event features new and remodeled homes in Asheville, Hendersonville and surrounding mountain communities. The 2026 in-person tours are scheduled for Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25. Until then, visitors can explore the 2025 entries online through virtual tours, photographs, floor plans and builder profiles.
Here are five mountain home design trends highlighted by the 2025 Parade.
1. Affordable Living, Reimagined
One of the biggest takeaways from the 2025 WNC Parade of Homes was that affordability doesn’t have to come at the expense of thoughtful design.
Few spaces captured that better than Compact Cottages’ Origami Home. At just 388 square feet, this foldable prefab home is designed to work as a starter home, backyard cottage, or investment property. Even better, it can grow alongside its owners, offering an innovative approach to flexible, attainable housing.
The Parade also highlighted how restoring older homes can help expand affordable homeownership opportunities.
In Asheville’s historic Burton Street neighborhood, the Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust and the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County rehabilitated one of the community’s oldest homes, preserving original features while making thoughtful updates for modern living.
When the house goes on the market, it will be sold for less than $200,000—less than half its market value—and in turn, will remain affordable for future homeowners.
2.High-Performance Home Design
Not long ago, features like geothermal heating and solar panels were considered nice-to-have extras. Today, they’re increasingly becoming part of the conversation as homeowners look for ways to lower energy costs and improve comfort.
In West Asheville, Assembly Architecture + Build’s Haith home offers a glimpse of what’s possible, pairing net-zero-ready construction with abundant natural light and thoughtful design. The result is a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
In North Asheville, Mountain Sun Building & Design’s Elk Wallow Gap incorporates geothermal heating and cooling, a hidden solar array, and a living roof, demonstrating how energy-efficient features can be seamlessly integrated into exceptional design.
3.Outdoor Living Beyond the Backyard
Today’s homes are giving outdoor spaces the same level of attention as the rooms inside. One example is Beaverbrook by Herrington Homes in Asheville. The Parade’s Best in Show winner features oversized sliding glass doors and expansive covered outdoor living spaces that create a seamless connection between the home’s interior and the landscape.
In Weaverville, the Reems Trace Residence by Dröm Construction features a large deck designed for entertaining and lounging. The space creates another gathering place for family and friends, proving that some of the most inviting “rooms” in a home don’t always have four walls.
4.Natural Materials, Timeless Style
Some trends come and go, but natural materials like woods and stone remain a hallmark of mountain design. That was evident during the 2025 WNC Parade of Homes.
In Hendersonville, for instance, The Arlow by Ward Enterprises pairs real wood and stone with clean, contemporary design, creating a home that feels both modern and rooted in its surroundings.
That same appreciation for craftsmanship is on display at Cane Break Cabin in Burnsville. During the whole-home renovation, Sineath Construction carefully restored and recreated the home’s original millwork and trim while updating its systems for modern comfort and efficiency. The result is a home that honors its rustic character while ensuring it will serve its owners for decades to come.
5.Renovations That Add New Life
As housing costs continue to rise, more homeowners are choosing to expand and modernize the homes they already love.
The Elk Mountain Retreat Bathroom Addition by Innovex Renovations in Asheville is proof that even a single-room renovation can have a dramatic impact. Designed to maximize both mountain and downtown views, the addition transforms an everyday bathroom into a spa-like retreat with a wet room, soaking tub, sauna, and abundant natural light.
For homeowners ready to think even bigger, Jake’s Rock Retreat in Spruce Pine showcased the possibilities of a whole-home remodel. The renovation added functional living space, expanded the kitchen, redesigned the primary suite, and incorporated custom cabinetry, energy-efficient windows and doors, and updated finishes throughout, creating a home that feels entirely new without starting from scratch.
Experience the Trends for Yourself
No matter if your next project is years away or already taking shape, the WNC Parade of Homes offers ideas you can bring home. From outdoor living spaces to high-performance homes and timeless craftsmanship, it’s a chance to see what’s shaping the next generation of mountain living.
If you can’t visit every home during the event—or simply want to revisit your favorites afterward—the entire 2026 Parade will remain available online for a full year, with virtual tours, photos, floor plans, and builder information to explore at your own pace. Learn more at wncparadeofhomes.com.