ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Bunk rooms for visiting grandchildren, interiors designed around local artwork and renovations that give older homes a fresh start are among the home design trends visitors can see at the 2026 WNC Parade of Homes, returning Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Now in its 45th year, the self-guided Parade will take visitors across Western North Carolina, from Asheville and Weaverville to Hendersonville, Black Mountain and Mills River. Along the way, they can step inside new homes and renovations, meet the professionals who brought them to life and find inspiration for a future build or a fresh take on their current space.
“Whether you’re planning to build, considering a renovation, or simply gathering ideas, the Parade is a chance to see what’s possible,” said Megan Carroll, executive officer of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which hosts the event.
With homes spanning a wide range of styles and price points, the Parade offers ideas for many tastes, needs and budgets. Here are five home design trends visitors can see during the 2026 WNC Parade of Homes.
1. More room for multigenerational living
As multigenerational living becomes more common, builders are creating flexible spaces that can accommodate family members for a weekend, an extended stay or a new stage of life.
Modern Heritage, built by Ward Enterprises & Ventures in Lake Toxaway’s Hawk Mountain community and available exclusively through the Parade’s online showcase, pairs a main-level primary suite and laundry room with upstairs bedrooms, a grandchildren’s bunk room and finished space above the garage with its own bathroom and kitchenette. Zero-entry showers, 36-inch-wide doorways and step-free garage access also help the home adapt as the owners’ mobility needs change.
At Irons Glen in Fairview, also available exclusively for virtual viewing, Silver Dog Construction has created another family-friendly retreat with a colorful bunk room, a warm-toned media room and an outdoor fire pit where multiple generations can gather.
2. Local art takes center stage
Several homes in this year’s Parade treat art as part of the design, not simply something to hang on the walls.
At Weaverville Mountain Top, for example, HomeSource Real Estate & Construction designed the interiors around the owners’ eclectic art collection. The home also features a custom glass stairwell fixture made by an Asheville artist and a stained-glass sidelight beside the front door.
Tranquil Ridge, an online-only entry built by Buchanan Construction in Burnsville, takes a more sculptural approach. Bold, artistic light fixtures serve as focal points throughout the contemporary home, showing that functional pieces can also double as works of art.
3. Mountain materials move indoors
Stone and wood have long been hallmarks of Western North Carolina homes, but builders are finding fresh ways to bring those familiar materials inside.
At Mills River Modern Farm, built by Towery Builders in Mills River, stone used on the exterior reappears throughout the interior, alongside wide-plank European oak flooring, custom cabinetry, shiplap accent walls and modern tile fireplaces. Large patios and a deck open toward panoramic views, further connecting the home to its pastoral setting.
4. Energy-efficient design starts behind the walls
Some of the most important features in the 2026 WNC Parade of Homes may not be the first ones visitors notice.
At Walnut Cove Vista in Arden, Living Stone Design + Build transformed a steep, boulder-strewn site into a high-performance mountain retreat. Behind luxuries such as a white oak-paneled elevator, expansive porches and a custom waterfall is a design built to use considerably less energy than a typical new home. The home also earned ENERGY STAR and Green Built NC Silver certifications, among other high-performance designations.
In West Asheville, Terra Futura Regenerative Neighborhood — this year’s Featured Community — demonstrates how efficiency can shape an entire community. Its small-footprint homes are paired with shared green spaces and wellness amenities, giving residents private living space while creating more opportunities to connect with their neighbors.
5. Home renovations give older properties new purpose
The Western North Carolina Parade of Homes is not limited to new construction. It also shows what homeowners can accomplish by improving the house they already have.
At Beaver Lake Tea House in North Asheville, Painted Buckeye Builders restored a historic structure originally built as a public amenity for Lake View Park and later converted into a private home. The renovation removed later additions and reclaimed the home’s original footprint, porches, chimney, hearth, staircase and wood ceilings. The team also lifted the house to excavate a full basement for modern mechanical systems, thoughtfully preparing the landmark for its second century of life.
Featured exclusively online, Blue Ridge Revival by Sineath Construction in Black Mountain updates the kitchen, bathrooms, outdoor living areas and major home systems. The whole-home renovation demonstrates how an older property can be refreshed while addressing appearance, function and infrastructure together.
“This year’s Parade shows how local builders are responding to the way people actually live, whether that means making room for family, using less energy, celebrating local art, or giving an older home a new chapter,” said Jessie Edington, BABRM’s events manager. “We invite people to get out, explore the homes, meet the professionals behind them, and see what inspires their own next project.”
The free, self-guided 2026 WNC Parade of Homes runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25. Visitors can build their own itineraries and tour participating properties at their own pace.
Virtual tours, floor plans, photos, project details and builder information will also remain online for a full year, allowing visitors to explore homes they missed and revisit their favorites. To view participating homes and plan your route, visit WNCParadeofHomes.com.