5 Details to Look for at the Western North Carolina Parade of Homes
Each fall, the Western North Carolina Parade of Homes opens the doors to some of Western North Carolina’s most beautifully designed houses. Visitors tour to admire the craftsmanship, the mountain views, and the latest design ideas – but one feature often goes under the radar, even though it quietly transforms how a home feels and functions: the storage.
From custom closets to mudrooms that actually work, today’s Parade homes are packed with spaces designed to make life easier and more enjoyable. As long-time partners with some of Asheville’s top builders, including Buchanan Construction and Silver Dog Construction, we’re excited to spotlight some of our favorite storage “ideas to watch” as you tour the 2025 homes.
1. Mudrooms That Actually Work
Mudrooms are no longer forgotten catch-alls for shoes and backpacks. Now becoming highly functional transition spaces, Parade homes often feature mudrooms that balance style with utility. A thoughtful mudroom is both practical and curated, keeping chaos at bay the moment you walk through the door. It’s usually one of the first spaces that impresses visitors with clever organization that works for families in every season.
What to look for:
Built-in cubbies and lockers for each family member
Durable finishes that can handle snow boots, muddy sneakers, and pets
Seating that doubles as storage, such as benches with lift-up lids or pull-out drawers
Hooks, racks, and shelves designed for both daily items and seasonal gear
2. Closets With Intention
Gone are the days of wire racks, wasted corners, and cramped walk-ins. Parade homes often showcase custom closets that are both functional and visually stunning. The result? Streamlined daily routines that make getting dressed effortless. Keep an eye out for how builders tailor each layout to the homeowner’s lifestyle.
Features to notice:
Double hanging rods for maximizing vertical space
Built-in drawers and display shelves for accessories and folded items
LED lighting to highlight every corner
Specialized storage zones for handbags, shoes, or seasonal gear
3. Laundry Rooms With Hidden Function
The laundry room is one of those spaces that often gets overlooked… until you see a Parade home with a thoughtfully designed setup. These upgraded spaces make chores feel easier and more organized. A well-designed laundry room proves that even utilitarian spaces can be efficient, functional, and beautiful.
Tips while touring:
Pull-out hampers for sorting laundry efficiently
Folding counters that double as workspaces
Tall cabinets and storage towers for cleaning tools and supplies
Concealed cabinetry that keeps laundry essentials out of sight between loads
4. Garages That Feel Like Workshops
Many modern Parade homes turn the garage into more than just a place for cars. These spaces now often function as organized workshops and hobby hubs. Builders who focus on functional garages know that this space is a daily touchpoint for families, and the best layouts make the garage as practical as it is polished.
What to look for:
Slat wall systems to keep tools, sports gear, and seasonal items visible and organized
Overhead racks for infrequently used or bulky items
Modular cabinetry that can be adjusted as storage needs change
Designs that consider workflow — enough room to work comfortably and move safely
5. Built-Ins That Blend With the Home
Storage doesn’t have to be hidden behind closed doors. Sometimes, the most elegant solutions integrate seamlessly into the home’s architecture. Keep an eye out for the finish details – matching trim, concealed hardware, and materials that echo the home’s overall design aesthetic. These touches make storage feel intentional and cohesive rather than an afterthought. Parade homes often feature creative built-ins in spaces you might not expect:
Entryways: Floating shelves, window seats, and cubbies
Home offices: Built-in desks, bookcases, and filing storage
Living rooms: Cabinetry that hides electronics, displays collections, or provides extra seating
Spotlight on Asheville Builder Partners Who Think Storage Through
Some of Asheville’s top Parade homes stand out because the builders understand the value of thoughtful storage design. Two of our favorite partners consistently deliver homes with spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Check out their 2025 WNC Parade homes here.
Buchanan Construction
A leader in green-certified and luxury home building, Buchanan Construction creates Parade homes that prioritize livability. Their projects often include custom closets, mudrooms, and pantry systems designed by More Space Place Asheville, proving that organization can be a cornerstone of high-end design. Some of our favorite storage solution spaces from Buchanan projects can be found below.
📸 Photo credit: Buchanan Construction
Silver Dog Construction
Led by Jimmy Penland, Silver Dog Construction specializes in homes that balance aesthetics with everyday practicality. Over the past eight years, we’ve partnered on numerous projects to bring custom storage solutions into their Parade homes. From garages to laundry rooms, families that choose Silver Dog can enjoy both beauty and function. See some of their storage solution work below.
📸 Photo credit: Silver Dog Construction
Tips for Touring Parade Homes Like a Pro
To make the most of the Parade and find storage ideas you can apply in your own home:
Take notes on layouts and flow. Notice how mudrooms, closets, and kitchens are positioned for efficiency.
Look beyond the obvious. Secondary spaces like hallways, offices, and kids’ rooms often have clever storage that can inspire your own home.
Snap photos (when allowed - remember to ask for permission!). Capture finishes, hardware, and organizational ideas to reference later.
Ask questions. Builders and designers love sharing their thought process — understanding their rationale can spark new ideas.
Final Thought: Storage That Lives Beyond the Parade
Parade homes are designed to wow, but the spaces that truly transform everyday life are the ones that work as hard as they look. Mudrooms that keep messes contained, closets that simplify mornings, and laundry rooms that stay tidy all prove that thoughtful storage matters.
If you’re leaving the Parade inspired to bring a little more function into your own home, More Space Place Asheville can help. From custom closets to pantry utility and laundry rooms to garages, we design storage that balances style, practicality, and your unique lifestyle.
✨ Let’s turn Parade-level inspiration into your everyday reality ✨
📍 Visit us in Asheville or Greenville
🗓️ Schedule a free consultation