2020: This Year in Trends
NAHB’s Best in American Living Award (BALA) winners exemplify the best of the best in national design trends, identified by the industry-leading BALA judging panel each year.
Using these winners and trends, NAHB’s Design Committee hosts an annual Design Trends Roundtable during the International Builders’ Show. Trends are expanded upon, debated upon and added to, resulting in the list below.
All photos showcase the latest BALA winners. Clicking on a project name will open the project details and gallery.
Overall Design
Thoughtful, Well-Edited Design
Left: Ray Meadows R270 , photo by ImageArts Productions | Right: Georgetown Flora Green , photo by Tucker English Photography
What’s Old is New Again
Top row: Barn at Walnut Hill , photo by Eastman Creative | Bottom row: Bell Heights , photo by Rob Muir Photo
Overall Styles
Top left: Terra Luna – Plan 1 , photo by AG Photography | Top right: Wedgewood – Plan 2 , photo by Eric Figge Photography | Bottom left: The Rosslyn Model , photo by Ron Blunt Architectural Photography | Bottom right: Hickory Hill , photo by Ashley Avila Photography
How We Live
Sophisticated Indoor/Outdoor Connections
Left: Mercer Island Residence , photo by John Granen Photography | Right: Hermitage Residence Earnhardt , photo by Vance Fox Photography
High-Design Multifamily Amenities
Left and right: The Haven at National Harbor , photos by Studio Trejo
Flex Spaces
Left: The Binkley , photo by David Dominick Photography | Right: Icon Ebony , photo by Mark Davidson Photography
Architectural Features
Non-Traditional Storage Solutions
Left: Kiawah River Butterfly Cottage , photo by Julia Lynn Photography | Right: The E.R.B. , photo by Charmaine David
High-Quality Signature Entries
Left: Glamping Along the Lampasas , photo by Dror Baldinger Photography | Right: The Magnolia House , photo by ProVisuals Media
Expansive, Large-Format Windows
Left: Azure Residence 1 , photo by Chris Mayer Photography | Right: Amory , photo by M-Buck Studio LLC
Color & Materials
Colorful Kitchens
Left: The E.R.B. , photo by Charmaine David | Right: 410 Spruce , photo by Jeremiah Dearinger Photography
Crisp Colors & Warm Woods
Left: The Magnolia House , photo by ProVisuals Media | Right: 41 Miraposa Parkway E , photo by Blue Bruin Photography
Texture Paradise
Left and right: The Belgard NoMa , photo by GTMA
Greater Use of Wood
Left: The Verge House , photo by Brady Architectural Photography | Right: Aspen Retreat – Culinary Elevation , photo by David O. Marlow Photography
Design Details
Curated Design Details
Left: Private Residence 1 , photo by The Greg Wilson Group | Right: Modern on the North End , photo by NativeHouse Photography
Unique Wood Detailing
Left and right: Surf Betty , photo by Craig McMahon
Personalized Lighting Design
Left: Ray Meadows R270 , photo by ImageArts Productions | Right: The Maddie Model , photo by FTD Studios