Last week, over 150 single-family, multifamily, interior design, remodeling, and community projects were honored at the Best in American Living Awards (BALA) in a ceremony held during the 2019 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas.
Judges awarded five Platinum awards, nine Best in Region awards, and one Judges' Discretionary Award for Community Spirit. According to the NAHB, the winning projects represent several home, community, and interior design trends expected to rise in popularity over the next several years. View the winners here.
The winning projects are at the forefront of the products, designs, and features that home buyers want. Below are the top trends exemplified by the winners:
Black window frames. Now available at almost every price point, designers are gravitating to this purposeful frame choice.
The ceiling as the fifth wall of design. When you've finished all four walls, why not look up? Architects are taking advantage of this seemingly blank canvas and transforming it with creative textures, colors and lighting.
Creative integration of outdoor spaces. Even on the smallest and narrowest of lots, winners found inspired solutions to provide homeowners with ample outdoor living.
Delineation of spaces through mixed materials. Whether pairing two unique materials, like stone and brick, or switching directions of one material, homes have better defined spaces—both outdoors and in—through mixed materials.
Indoor/outdoor connections. A trend that's getting stronger each year, most winners included easy physical and visual connections with their outdoor spaces.
Mid-century modern and modern farmhouse. These styles are both incredibly popular across the country, both in new homes and renovations that bring out the home's original character.
Mixed metals. Silver, brass, gold, and more—there's no telling where you'll find metals and how they'll be paired in today's new homes.
Multigenerational living. Homes are increasingly featuring designated multigenerational suites or transition spaces that can be quickly transformed into additional bedrooms, providing for the increasing number of multigenerational households in many parts of the country.
Quiet but purposeful architecture. Forms and ratios are following best practices in a muted but memorable manner.
Stairs as a focal piece. Stairs are taking on a life of their own and featuring fine detailing, unique materials and one-of-a-kind design.
Texture on texture. Goodbye, smooth walls. Interiors are featuring curated texture palettes, from stone to raw wood details to man-made textured wallpaper offerings.
