Headed to the Fall Parade of Homes?

Follow expert advice from these interior designers

This is a Pigeon 605 written post, sponsored by Montgomery’s. Sept. 11th, 2024

Whether you’re considering building, renovating or even downsizing your home, it’s definitely worth a trip to the upcoming Fall Parade of Homes.

The event, organized by the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire Inc., offers the chance to view nearly 50 newly built homes from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 14-15 and Sept. 21-22.

In addition to meeting builders at each home, you’ll leave with plenty of design inspiration.

The interior design team at Montgomery’s has worked on many homes showcased at the event and will be there to answer questions and explain the options you’ll see at the event.

"Think of it like a real-life Pinterest page" design consultant Amber Sigler said.

“You get to see all the cool concepts in person. Instead of a collage online, you get to walk through these homes.”

The event also illustrates how homeownership in the Sioux Falls area is evolving, senior interior designer Paula Kruetzfeldt said.

“It’s been really interesting to see the landscape of Sioux Falls change,” she said. “We’re still helping design many single-family homes, but you’ll see in the Fall Parade that increasingly we’ve also worked on some incredible twin homes and townhomes.”

Even if you’re not sure about twin home living, don’t miss stopping in the west-side Cherry Lake Reserve neighborhood during the event, the Montgomery’s designers said.

“This is a whole new type of urban living,” Kruetzfeldt said. “These are two-story twin homes with second-story decks overlooking the lake, so it’s just a fun, new approach to living, and the people who have moved in are having a blast.”

Visitors to the Parade of Homes will be able to view model homes among the 15 twin homes Montgomery’s helped design in partnership with builder Jans Corp.

“We were able to create a luxury feel along with low-maintenance living here,” Sigler said. “A lot of these owners are downsizing but still want an upscale feel on a scale that’s more manageable with travel or work demands, so we’ve brought that elevated approach in a range of different styles.”

The twin home that’s part of the Parade of Homes is at 8602 W. Shoreline Place, but throughout the neighborhood, Montgomery’s delivered 15 individual looks in the new homes.

“You’ll see different cabinetry, finishes, designs, tile concepts because it can be overwhelming to have to pick finishes, especially for people who already are busy,” Sigler said. “So these have neutral palettes but still show very unique looks, from more traditional to more modern, more feminine and more edgy.”

Montgomery’s even will host a hospitality area in the Parade Home with refreshments to show examples of different floor plans and finishes in the neighborhood, along with how designers can assist in 3D-design floor planning.

“So we definitely encourage you to stop by, even if you’re more interested in single-family living, because you’re going to leave with lots of design ideas,” Kruetzfeldt said.

Looking for a new twin home that allows for more customization? Montgomery’s designers also worked in the Nine Mile Lake development in Tea in partnership with BH Construction.

A twin home at 1127 E. Thompson Place will be available to tour.

“If you choose an unfinished home, Montgomery’s definitely can help you in finishing,” Sigler said. “Our complimentary design services can help you with everything from window treatments to furnishings and artwork, all those finishing touches to make it your home.”

If you’re considering downsizing, Montgomery’s designers can help every step of the move, including helping you integrate favorite pieces from your former home as you design your new one.

“That’s something we do all the time,” Kruetzfeldt said. “We are happy to come to your home and show you how the furnishings you want to keep can be incorporated into your new home.”

Here are other pro tips to consider as you plan for the Fall Parade of Homes.

Explore away

Don’t be shy about touring a wide variety of homes – even if they’re not in your target price range or neighborhood, the Montgomery’s designers advise.

“Go to homes in all ranges,” Sigler said. “You might find that one bathroom or that one tile you fall in love with. You can get inspiration anywhere for builds and remodels.”

Builders in a lower price point “might have an idea you can take into your million-dollar home,” Kruetzfeldt added. “They have their own specialties, so definitely go to as many as possible. And even if one is in an area that’s farther away, make an effort to go to it. They put it on the Parade because there’s something special about it, so it’s worth your time to go to as many as possible.”

Take photos and notes

Be sure to document your experience – especially areas in the homes you love.

The Montgomery’s designers can look at your photos and notes in helping guide you through your own project.

“There’s a huge difference between seeing a paint sample and seeing it on a whole wall, or seeing a tiny chip versus seeing a whole kitchen or bathroom counter,” Kruetzfeldt said. “And you never know – you might decide to sell your home and move into a luxury townhome because you realize it’s for you. You just never know what’s going to happen on the Parade of Homes.”

Follow up

Love what you see on the Parade? Montgomery’s designers will be ready to support you literally from floor to ceiling.

“That’s what we mean by a Whole Home Experience,” Kruetzfeldt said. “We’re here to help with everything from flooring and tile to lighting and counters in addition to your furnishings and decor – and the design expertise is entirely complimentary.”

To learn more about the Fall Parade of Homes, click here, and to connect with Montgomery’s designers before or after the tour, stop in any location or start online here.