It’s been a whirlwind week around here. Two trips to urgent care (back and ear infection); turning another year older; and, now, preparing for some of my favorite people to arrive so we can party it up all weekend! But, first, let’s rewind to last weekend…when Joe and I went into full dream mode at this year’s Parade of Homes.

When I was little my parents frequently threw us in the car on weekend afternoons to go “look at houses” and we. hated. it. It was pure torture at the time, so imagine my surprise when I willingly threw out the same idea to Joe 30ish yeas later? As we teeter back and forth between wanting to buy and build a home, we thought it would be a good opportunity to check out what people are doing in the area. Lots of trends emerged, like having your laundry room off of your master bath/closet (genius!), full kitchens in basements (totally a Utah thing) and a lack of TVs in the main living space. What?! No! (Most were in some kind of entertainment room in the basement.)

Here are each of the houses and my favorite spots from each one. I snapped a million pics, so for a full look at all of the houses, click here. (The exterior shot of the house starts its section of photos.)

# 12 – 5,830 sq. ft.

Best part about this monstrous beauty was its view.

# 11 – 4,202 sq. ft.

This was by far the most modern of all the houses, which means it fit us the least (ha!), but we were completely smitten with this massive accent wall in the living room that concealed the stairs.

Here’s Joe, halfway up the stairs, lending some size perspective.

We weren’t a fan, but I’m sure some people would love this crazy kitchen backsplash.

# 10 – 3,139 sq. ft.

This was by far the house that felt most like us in terms of style and function. I loved just about every room, but the pantry prep zone really sweetened the deal.

# 9 – 1,926 sq. ft.

We weren’t thrilled with this one…maybe because it was built in a 55+ community and was designed as such, but the floors were neat.

# 8 – 3,998 sq. ft.

Helllllllo, kitchen. We typically go for white cabinets, but were both surprised by how much we liked this look.

# 7 – 2,180 sq. ft.

Cutest little eating nook off the kitchen. Actually, I’d take any nook at this point.

# 6 – 2,540 sq. ft.

The Mediterranean Villa….in rural Utah! Despite being a total sore thumb, this one really stood out to Joe. Was it the awesome (yet how-do-you-get-out?) sunken tub?

The gorgeous light-filled living room that made us feel like we were back in Spain?

Or…the Star Wars-meets-dinosaurs room?

# 5 – 2,048 sq. ft.

Again, I’m apparently a fan of floors. I love how this tile looks like weathered wood.

# 4 – 5,754 sq. ft.

So many, many things to love about this house. Like tons…TONS…of exposed brick!

I could spend a lot of time in this tub.

The three-car garage was shaped like an L with crazy added storage and work space in the crook of the L. Genius use of space.

Although we loved it, Joe and I were more interested in touring the house next door. It looked awesome.

# 3 – 4,936 sq. ft.

Loved these arched cased openings.

# 2 – 7,565 sq. ft.

This monster of a house had a rockin’ kitchen.

I want all of my appliances to be hiding. The fridge, freezer and produce bins were all separate doors that matched the cabinets.

More exposed brick!

The basement was probably four of our current house and included this gym. G-Y-M!

# 1 – 3,271 sq. ft.

Hello, my name is Marci, and I’d like to live on a farm and, therefore, in a farm house. Let’s start swooning…

Bathroom dreams

Mud room goals

Kitchen hopes

Brick, brick, brick!

And, bonus, check out the owner’s quilt room.

What did you like best?