Imagine the beginning of your workday starts like this: You wake up, shower, brew a cup of coffee, and walk to your office—less than 10 feet away from your bedroom (yoga pants optional but encouraged). It sounds too good to be true, but this scenario isn’t far from reality for the increasing number of people who choose to freelance or telecommute, meaning home offices are becoming a “must have” rather than a “nice to have” on the checklists of today’s homeowners. “If it’s designed well and if it’s designed in a way that’s going to make you productive, you are probably working less and getting more done,” says Maggie Tarr, owner of Margaret Jane Design Group. Here, the interior designer and architect shares her tips for creating a space that makes you feel inspired and excited to get down to business.

Ready to be wowed? The sixth annual Artisan Home Tour starts June 7! This year you have the chance to tour 21 spectacular new homes and 11 incredible remodeled homes on the Artisan Home Tour by Parade of Homes. You’ll see innovative technology, high-end finishes, and the latest home inspiration from the region’s most exclusive builders and remodelers.

With the snow melted, now is the time to plan your spring home maintenance chores. It’s especially important in Minnesota where our dry winters bring plenty of snow, ice, and cold followed by hot and humid summers. If you took care of your home last fall, then your springtime efforts will be primarily looking for problems brought on by winter weather. Here’s a handy checklist to get you started.

Myths and misconceptions are as commonplace as mosquitos in Minnesota. You’ve probably heard a few about buying a newly built home, too. But don’t let those scare you away, building a new home is one of the most exciting and rewarding things you can do. Here are five of the most common myths that we’re ready to debunk.

Amanda and Craig have moved around a bit with their careers, but with two young boys, Drennen and Garrett (now 12 and 8), they decided it was time to settle down in one place. They knew their current home in Alabama wasn’t quite where they wanted to be. They discussed the West Coast, where they had lived for a while, and Craig was pushing for Chicago. But Amanda wasn’t convinced until she discovered Minnesota. “I visited Minneapolis for a work convention and fell in love,” she exclaims.

Tile is essential to many a bathroom, kitchen, or mudroom project, and with so many options on the market today, there’s no reason to settle for bland designs. Whether you’re pining for a new backsplash, ready to cozy up in front of a reimagined fireplace, or dreaming of a laundry room that’s both functional and stylish, these seven trends will elevate your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Select builders and remodelers on the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase are hosting special events that introduce you to new neighborhoods, teach you about the latest building and design trends, and much more! Add these special events to your tour, and join us to learn how to find your dream home or transform your house.

When Jason and Courtney found their 1930s home in 2013, they moved quickly.

Rob and Tamara found the “up north” feeling they were looking for on their wooded lot in Bloomington. Remodeling their home made it fit their family's lifestyle perfectly.