BALA Forecasts Design Trends for 2017 and Beyond

There were 127 single-family, multifamily, remodeling, and community projects honored at the 2016 Best in American Living Awards ceremony in January at the National Association of Home Builders' International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Florida.

That means there were 127 examples of the top design trends that home buyers expect to see over the next several years in your building and remodeling projects. They include:

Benches and nooks. In single-family custom and production homes, architects and designers include benches and nooks because they’re cozy, chic and practical, serving as places to snuggle up with the kids or a good book.

Big showers and tubs. Showers continue to get larger and free-standing tubs more luxurious. Walk-in showers feature wall-to-wall glass and universal design features.

Board and batten. You’ll see a lot of this siding on the exteriors of this year’s winners, and they also add a classic touch to today’s contemporary interiors. Some winners add a unique spin by adjusting the width of the boards, giving homes a more customized, one-of-a-kind feel.

Dark door and window frames. On multifamily, custom and production homes, architects and designers are choosing dark brown or black frames around windows and doors instead of whites. Windows pop on white or light siding, and dark frames add a striking effect from the interior looking out.

Modern farmhouse. We’re seeing farmhouse sinks, reused wood siding in interior design details and barn doors that are customized to have a more contemporary feel, incorporating glass, white tints and metal hardware.

Metal roofs. Metal roofs are featured on custom homes across the country, from more traditional homes to modern farmhouse and distinctively modern homes.

Natural wood beams. From remodels to new homes, wood beams left in their original state add a natural touch and create a focal point in interiors.

Natural wood ceilings. Hardwood floors have always been popular with home owners, but this year’s winners included an unusual number of homes with natural wood ceilings. These ceilings add warmth and can be used in traditional and more contemporary designs.

Shiplap inside and out. Horizontal shiplap is increasingly chosen for exteriors and is featured in entryways, bathrooms, living rooms and more.

Under-stair storage. Architects and designers did not let spaces under the staircases go to waste. Often, these spaces include shelves for books and works of art. One winner even included an entire bar under the living room stairs.

Unique wine storage. Wine storage is now a prominent feature in the home. Kitchens include floor-to-ceiling open or glass-enclosed wine storage, and customized wine racks appear in many of this year’s winners. Combining the under-stair-storage trend with this one, one team included an extensive wine collection under the stairs with glass doors and display lighting.

White on white. This trend is back in 2017 and appears universally across homes. Perhaps most prominently, white on white is showcased beautifully in kitchens.