Seven Hot Home Building and Design Trends for 2014

by Lauren Busser Direct from the Designers™’ Editorial Director

The Best in American Living Awards (BALA) reveal many emerging trends in the homebuilding industry. After reviewing over ninety-two homes, condos, apartments and remodeling projects, BALA has shown us seven key new trends in home design.

White on White

White is making a comeback, with backsplashes, fixtures, appliances and flooring all donning shades of white. You might understandably assume that an all white interior might be to clinical or institutional. Rest assured that when white interior design is done thoughtfully, beautiful and inviting results can be had by mixing and matching different shades by layering them on top of and adjacent to each other.

The white-on-white style is particularly popular in bathrooms and kitchens where a modern feel can be achieved with the addition of glossy surfaces and darker accents. Stainless steel appliances, neutral countertops, color backsplashes and incorporated glass walls all add an inviting touch to a white room.

Bold Exterior Colors

People are paying more attention to the outside of their homes. Whitewash is only one of many options today. You can now use a mix of cladding materials, doors, windows, and porches to create a visually interesting mix of colors.

Last year, DaVinci Roofscapes® and Sensational Color put their talents together to create a downloadable PDF called {FRESH} Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior. This effort has resulted in a great resource to help homeowners design a beautiful home with curb appeal from the top down with step-by-step instructions for tastefully adding color to a variety of home styles.

Lighting as Art

Pendant lighting is all the rage this year and designers are lighting up their designs with either custom fixtures or artsy stock. Pendant lighting is a great way to add task lighting to your study or over a kitchen counter and today there are many options to use lighting as art rather than as simply a functional element.

Merging Inside with the Outside

The lines between indoor and outdoor spaces are continuously being blurred. Outdoor living spaces are no longer limited to warmer climates and are being seen all across the country. It is not uncommon to find a gourmet outdoor kitchen or moveable glass walls in today’s designs. You can even find see-through fireplaces that can serve as a centerpiece for both your indoor and outdoor living rooms.

Historic Style with Modern Flair

Whether your home is new or remodeled, Craftsman or Contemporary, modern flair is being adding through traditional designs in a variety of ways. Whether through color, finish, fixture, or lighting selection designs are becoming modernized but still give a nod to the past with the use of reclaimed building materials and classic proportions and detailing.

Luxurious Amenities

Whether it is a home spa or great outdoor spaces, savvy homebuyers want luxury while keeping it green. Many homebuyers in today's market would like to feel as though they are living in a four-star hotel. Even smaller homes can have luxuries like a Toto® Washlet®, a whirlpool tub, water features by the pool and an energy saving Nest Smart Thermostat.

Dual Master Baths

Glamorous yet functional, dual master baths are all the rage. Dual master baths often have a shared shower and feature fixtures, colors, and finishes that give off a home spa-like feel. Surprisingly, you don’t need a lot of space for them and they can be as simple or elaborate as you would like.

We are only into the first quarter of 2014, and these trends are brand-new new yet extensions of the old. You can be sure that with features such as these your homes are sure to please the most discriminating of buyers.