This morning, the 2026 Parade of Homes REALTOR® Ambassadors gathered somewhere most buyers don’t get to see until they’re deep into the building process: the Harris Doyle Homes Design Studio.
And let me tell you—if you’ve ever worried that building a home means drowning in a sea of tile samples, cabinet doors, and second-guessing every decision you’ve ever made… this was reassuring in the best possible way.
We spent the morning with the design team at Harris Doyle Homes, pulling back the curtain on how they guide clients from “I like everything” to “Yes, this feels like home”—without the burnout that so often comes with big design decisions.
Designing Without the Overwhelm
One thing became clear almost immediately: Harris Doyle has built their entire design process around eliminating design fatigue. That moment when a client is excited… until they’re suddenly exhausted by choices.
Their approach is thoughtful, paced, and client-first.
Once a buyer has selected their community, lot, and floor plan, the design journey officially begins—not in a showroom frenzy, but with preparation.
The first step is a virtual design appointment with the Harris Doyle design team. This one-hour meeting is meant to ease clients into the process, not overwhelm them. It’s an introduction to options, styles, and possibilities—setting expectations and helping clients understand how decisions will unfold later.
At the center of this appointment is something the team affectionately calls “The Book of Awesome.” (Frankly, the name alone lowers blood pressure.) This design catalog gives clients a curated look at selections, materials, and upgrades before they ever set foot in the studio. Translation: fewer surprises, more confidence.
The Three-Hour Selection Appointment (Done Right)
After that virtual groundwork is laid, clients move on to the in-person design appointment, which lasts about three hours and is structured intentionally.
Rather than bouncing randomly from surface to surface, the process flows logically:
- Exterior selections first
- Then cabinets and flooring
- Followed by countertops
- Faucets
- Lighting
- And finishing details that tie it all together
This progression matters. Each decision informs the next, and the designers are there the entire time to help clients stay cohesive—not trendy for trend’s sake, but timeless with personality.
And yes, personality is officially back.
Goodbye All-White Everything?
According to Harris Doyle’s top designers, the days of sterile, all-white interiors are fading—and honestly? Applause all around.
They’re seeing a clear shift toward warm tones, richer palettes, and intentional pops of attitude, especially in tile choices and lighting. Think drama where it counts, contrast where it matters, and homes that feel layered instead of flat.
As for materials, Harris Doyle works with a strong lineup of trusted, recognizable brands, including:
- US Brick
- Acme
- Hardie siding
- Delta
- Shaw
- Daltile
- Aristokraft cabinetry
- Visual Comfort lighting
These aren’t random selections—they’re proven products that balance style, durability, and livability.
What Buyers Are Choosing (and Upgrading)
We also got insight into what today’s buyers are consistently prioritizing.
Top of the list? Hardwoods over carpet, by a landslide. Flooring is currently the number one upgrade clients choose, and it’s easy to see why—buyers want durability, continuity, and a cleaner look throughout the home.
Another standout trend: trim upgrades and built-ins. Harris Doyle clients have a surprising amount of freedom to personalize these architectural details, allowing homes to feel custom without going fully custom. It’s one of those quiet value-adds that makes a big difference in how a home lives day to day.
Cabinets
From Design to Dirt (and Beyond)
Once design selections are finalized, clients move into the next phase: a pre-construction meeting on-site with the builder. This is where plans meet the field and expectations are aligned before construction kicks off.
As the home nears completion, Harris Doyle schedules a Quality Walk, followed by a final walk-through just before closing to ensure everything is move-in ready. No rushing. No skipping steps. Just a methodical process designed to catch details before keys ever change hands.
From start to finish, the typical build timeline runs 100–120 days—efficient, but not hurried.
And for buyers who don’t want to wait? Harris Doyle also keeps a limited selection of move-in-ready homes available in some communities.
Where They Build (and What to Expect)
Harris Doyle Homes currently builds in seven communities around the Birmingham metro, with homes priced from the $300s to the $800s. That range allows them to serve a wide spectrum of buyers while maintaining consistency in quality, process, and design support.
For our REALTOR® Ambassadors, the morning was equal parts education and affirmation. Understanding the why behind the process makes it easier to explain the value to buyers—and to confidently recommend Harris Doyle to clients who want a smooth, well-guided building experience.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Parade of Homes
The timing couldn’t be better. With the 2026 Parade of Homes right around the corner, buyers will soon have the opportunity to see these design philosophies come to life—up close, in person, and fully built.
After spending time with the Harris Doyle team today, one thing is clear: their homes aren’t just thoughtfully designed. Their process is, too.
And that makes all the difference.
