Recent Best in American Living Award winners are at the forefront of outstanding home and community design and lead the way when it comes to “what’s trending?” in the home building industry. Twelve trends stood out this year, listed below.
How We Live
Creative integration of outdoor spaces
Even on the smallest and narrowest of lots, winners found inspired solutions to provide home owners with ample outdoor living.
Eastwood, photo by INCKX Photography 
Casavia-Plan 3, photo by Chris Mayer Photography 
Chicago Residence, photo by Scott Shigley
Indoor/outdoor connections
A trend that’s getting stronger each year, most winners included easy physical and visual connections with their outdoor spaces.
Residences of Laule’a, photo by Hans Klett 
Residences of Laule’a, photo by Hans Klett 
Eastwood, photo by INCKX Photography 
Outside In, photo by Werner Segarra 
Beacon, photo by Chris Mayer
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 some parts of the country.
Casavia-Plan 3, multigenerational suite, photo by Chris Mayer Photography
Style and Aesthetics
Quiet but purposeful architecture
Forms and ratios are following best practices in a muted but memorable manner.
Cascade Modern, photo by GS Studio 
Cascade Modern, photo by GS Studio 
Cascade Modern, photo by GS Studio
Mid-century modern
Mid-century modern and modern farmhouse (below) are incredibly popular across the country, both in new homes and renovations that bring out the home’s original character.
Mid-Century Modern Remodel, photo by Inspiro 8 Studios 
Mid-Century Modern Remodel, photo by Inspiro 8 Studios 
Mid-Century Modern Custom Residence, photo by Joshua Curry Photography and Rick Ricozzi Photography 
Mid-Century Modern Custom Residence, photo by Joshua Curry Photography and Rick Ricozzi Photography 
Mid-Century Modern Remodel, photo by Inspiro 8 Studios 
Mid-Century Modern Custom Residence, photo by Joshua Curry Photography and Rick Ricozzi Photography
Modern farmhouse
Modern Farmhouse, photo by Diana Sell Photography 
Modern Farmhouse, photo by Diana Sell Photography 
Modern Farmhouse, photo by Diana Sell Photography 
Modern Farmhouse, photo by Diana Sell Photography
Design Features
Ceiling as the fifth wall of design
When you’ve finished all four walls, why not look up? Architects and designers are taking advantage of this seemingly blank canvas and transforming it with creative textures, colors and lighting.
Michigan Avenue Penthouse, photo by NEWLOOK Development 
A Splendid Idea (House)!, photo by Nat Rea 
Thornapple Modern Prairie, photo by Chuck Heiney Photography 
Larkspur, photo by Chad Mellon 
Mountain Shore Residence, photo by Inspiro 8 Studios
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.
Cherry Hills Village Remodel, photo by David Patterson 
Chicago Residence, photo by Scott Shigley 
Contemporary Loft, photo by Ed Butera, IBI Designs Studio
Black window frames at all price points
Now available at almost every price point, designers are gravitating to this purposeful frame choice.
Artesana – Plan 1, photo by Eric Figge Photography 
Rolling Hills Product C Plan 2, photo by Damian Tsutsumida 
Laidley Cottage, photo by John Lee Pictures 
Wexley, photo by Ashley Avila Photography
Materials
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 outdoor and in—through mixed materials.
Pinehaven Memorial Modern, photo by On Point Custom Homes 
Axis – Sky X, photo by AG Photography 
The Tidewater, photo by Doug Petersen Photography
Texture on texture
Goodbye, smooth walls (or at least, in some cases). Interiors are featuring curated texture palettes, from stone to raw wood details to manmade textured wallpaper offerings.
Mountain Shore Residence, photo by Inspiro 8 Studios 
Prairie Mountain Renovation, photo by Blake Mistich 
SundayHaus, photo by Craig McMahon, AIA 
Cascade Modern, photo by GS Studios
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.
Greystone Point, photo by Dror Baldinger, FAIA 
A Splendid Idea (House)!, photo by Nat Rea
Looking for more inspiration? View all of the 2018 award winners online.