Parade showcases stylish details

The 2007 Parade of Homes - with 158 entries from 63 different builders - is the largest ever.

"Last year we had 118 homes, so this year there are about 33 percent more homes to see," said Vernon McClure, president of the Homebuilding Association of Richmond and of Main Street Homes.

The event features the latest in home designs, construction techniques and materials in the homes located in nine counties and two cities.

In addition, there will be a remodeling section to the Parade of Homes with one entry that has undergone extensive renovations by a remodeler member of the association.

Ninety-three of the models on Parade are furnished with the latest decorator trends. This year's event will be weekends only from Oct. 7 to 21.

Designs, locations and price points in Parade vary.

"We've got several entries in the city of Richmond because there is more development going on in the city," McClure says. "Prices for the homes in Parade range from $175,000 to $1,712,500."

Building trends

Traditional, Colonial and transitional homes are standards in the metro Richmond area. But times are changing as more and more homeowners are moving into the area from other parts of the country.

The demand for Craftsman-style homes is on the increase. These charming houses are a throwback to the early 1900s with chunky front-porch columns, shake-shingle siding, unique floor plans and a greater use of stone on the exterior. An example of this type of home can be seen in entry No. 123 in Rountrey by R.S. Hulbert Builders, and entry No. 140 in Tarrington on the James by Dumont Classic Homes Co.

This year's event features single-family homes, town homes and condominiums. The new development Monument Square has both town homes and mansion-style condominiums. The town-home design, derived from the city's Fan District, can be seen in entry Nos. 16 and 17 in Monument Square by Gumenick Properties.

"Our mansion-style structures borrow from the grand homes built along Monument Avenue during the late 19th and early 20th centuries," said Ollin Toler of Gumenick. "All of the interiors are completely modern."

When it comes to building trends, McClure is seeing an increase in the number of families asking for homes with basements or lower levels.

"People are using that space for home theaters, bars, hobbies and offices," he said. "Five years ago you didn't see many basements in the area but people want more living space. They like the value of a basement."

Decorating trends

As you make your way through the homes on Parade, you'll notice that the furnished entries reflect a plethora of decorating trends, everything from hot new colors to funky furniture; from themed rooms for children and teens to bathrooms that simulate a spa experience.

When you enter many of the homes, you'll find a magnificent grand foyer like the one in entry No. 19 in Henley by Orleans Homebuilders with black and white marble floor and two-story entryway.

Living rooms are small but elegant. In many, the decorators use color and texture as a focus. The living room in entry No. 20 in Turnberry by Centex Homes features a lively blue and gold color palette.

Builders are adding a study or an office to many homes. The library/office in entry No. 136 in Haywood Village at Charter Colony by Boone Homes Inc. features a fireplace and an eclectic mask collection.

Dining rooms in the Parade are elegant and inviting. In entry No. 16 at Monument Square by Gumenick Properties you'll find a cozy, tasteful room that opens into a fashionable living room. Decorators in entry No. 121 at FoxCreek by Ryan Homes have used wallpaper on the ceiling as a focal point in the dining room.

In entry No. 119 in FoxCreek by Orleans Homebuilders the room is enhanced by copper-looking ceiling tiles in the tray ceiling. The dining room in entry No. 141 in Tarrington by Homeplaces Ltd. is striking with two-tone color palette accented with woodwork.