The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced the winners of its 2025 Best in American Living Awards at the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando. The awards, sponsored by Smeg, received nearly 650 submissions. A total of 66 Gold and 159 Silver winners were recognized for their achievements in home and community design, interior design, and remodeling.
According to Jim Sattler, president of Jim Sattler Custom Homes in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and chair of the 2025 BALA Subcommittee: “For the past several years, stark white homes—from exteriors to interiors—have saturated the market. Now, we’re starting to see more pops of accent color with jewel tones inside the home and darker hues for exteriors.”
Key trends identified among this year’s award-winning projects include a focus on nature-inspired elements such as natural light, plants, warm wood materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Tiffany George, a judge for the 2025 BALA Production Team, said: “We’re seeing home owners gravitate toward spaces that feel like a natural extension of the outdoors.” She also noted that multifunctional or flex spaces are becoming increasingly popular: “Home buyers want homes that adapt to how they really live—with an emphasis on combining work, wellness and play—to elevate their living experience.”
Other trends highlighted include exterior finishes using deeper colors like black, gray or dark walnut instead of traditional white farmhouse styles. Richard Gephardt, a judge for Custom Homes in 2025 BALA judging panel commented: “More of a comfortable cottage feel [versus] a minimalist black-and-white,” describing the move towards earth tones and natural wood finishes indoors.
Jim Sattler also pointed out new directions in door design: “Doors with intricate or unexpected details is a design trend that will be prevalent in 2026 and beyond.” This includes features such as black metal framing or wood doors as well as bifold and large glass-paneled doors.
Dimensional features such as arched doorways and vaulted ceilings remain popular according to judges John Harding, Tifanee McCall and Thomas Coronato from Offsite Construction. Ceiling beams are another element seen across many entries; these not only enhance aesthetics but help define open floor plans.
The NAHB supports professionals working within residential construction by offering advocacy efforts, educational opportunities and networking resources designed to promote business success and innovation within home building. The organization maintains a nationwide network for its members through local associations while recognizing excellence in residential design through initiatives like these awards (official website).
As a trade association dedicated to advancing housing growth and affordability across the country (official website), NAHB continues to highlight emerging trends shaping American homes.
