Best American Living Awards Reveal Emerging Home Trends

As part of the International Builders’ Show that was held in February in Las Vegas, Nevada, the National Association of Home Builders held the annual Best in American Living Awards (BALA), honoring 92 single-family homes, apartments, condos and remodeling projects.

The winners, who were recognized for their ingenuity in home design, revealed 2014 home design trends through shared style. Collective trends seen among the winners of BALA included bright colors, high-end amenities, bold curb appeal, creative lighting elements and more. Here’s a look at the home design trends of 2014.

Historic Appeal With A Modern Edge

Regardless of the historic nature of a home, designers and builders are adding modern elements to traditional designs. Winners of BALA added modern accents through color, finish, fixture and lighting. While historic and modern design may seem like an unlikely pair, modern elements are being seamlessly integrated into existing designs.

Indoor & Outdoor Flow

Photo: Silver Award for Specialty or Outdoor Room: Parkside Modern in Austin, TX

This year, the lines between interior and exterior spaces are blurring. Single-family homes, condos and apartments are now being constructed or remodeled with expanded outdoor living space, and this trend isn’t limited to homes in warmer climates. Abodes across the country can be found with large glass walls, grand outdoor kitchens, interior courtyards and elements that add more living space. In fact, the most cost effective upgrade for homeowners to complete this year is adding a deck.

Unique Amenities

Single-family and multifamily communities are now being designed with high-end amenities that homebuyers would typically find in a 4-star hotel. Builders and developers that were winners of BALA offered pools with a lazy river, pools for the pups, communal kitchens for cooking classes, electric car charging stations, spas, dog parks, green living walls and grand outdoor living spaces.

Bold Curb Appeal

Photo: Home Of The Year American Craftsman in San Diego, CA

Bold is beautiful this year as we see homes adding pops of exterior color to enhance curb appeal. Whether it’s in the exterior paint job or through materials like the door, windows or shingles, the award winners brought drama and kicked plain colors to the curb.

White And Bright

Photo: Room Of The Year Lake Tibet in Orlando, FL

The winners of this year’s Best in American Living Awards shared similar interior colors or lack there of. Cabinets, backsplashes, counters, appliances, and fixtures are becoming brighter and whiter. White on white is a popular interior trend as it contributes to a fresh and airy feeling inside the home. White elements also give homes a modern edge and provide clean lines. Designers and builders are pulling this trend off by utilizing European cabinetry, shiny surfaces in appliances, backsplashes and countertops, and adding glass into their designs.

Artistic Lighting

Photo: Remodel Of The Year Squaw Creek Ranch in Doss, TX

Specialty lighting fixtures are being added to homes as design elements and pieces of art rather than simply functional elements. Warm lighting fixtures are setting the mood for this new 2014 home design trend. See some artistic lighting fixtures in our recent piece, Marketplace: Light Up Your Home With These Artful Designs

Luxury Master Bath

Photo: Silver Award Winner For Paradise Dawn Bath in Daytona Beach, FL

Dual master baths were all the rage at this year. The winning homes showcased deluxe designs that turn like the bathroom into a luxurious spa for two. Double vanities, large showers and bathtubs are high on the list of home must haves and trends of 2014.

For more information about BALA winners, visit www.bestinamericanlivingawards.com