Top Design Trends for 2025
Judie Docs, Executive Officer – CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) ncbia.com
More than 600 projects and professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry – including single-family production, multi-family development, remodeling, and offsite construction – were honored at the 2024 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) ceremony during the 2025 International Builders’ Show, hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in Las Vegas.
BALA Gold Winners include the nation’s best home and community design, interior design, and remodeling, and showcase top design trends home buyers can expect to see in homes and communities over the next several years.
“We’re continuing to see a shift away from harsh exteriors and finishes to warm, rich materials and soft corners, “ said Angela Visbeen of Visbeen Architects, chair of the 2024 judging panel.
Additional trends include:
Rooftop Entertaining Space – Hosting a home is being taken to the next level-literally-in housing across the board, from spec homes to multifamily developments and remodeling projects. These private spaces can enjoy all the amenities and outdoor wellness benefits with the intimacy of a rooftop setting.
Dark or Black Exteriors – From Stark blacks to earthy deep greens, home exteriors are striking a darker tone to make a statement. Often mixed with lighter shades, the contrast can add instant modern curb appeal.
Open Tread Stairs – Equal parts design efficiency and artistic element, open tread stairs make a design statement by creating a “floating focal point,” Visbeen shared. It creates a luxurious, dramatic appeal in homes at all different price points.
Celebrated TV or Fireplace Wall – No longer hidden behind artwork or other features, fireplaces and TV setups are becoming the center of attention in today’s home. Eye-catching accessories, such as rounded coals or colorful glass, help draw attention to flickering flames, while artistic backdrops can help balance the size and scale of an impressive TV set.
Vertically – Vertical elements – whether an accent wall, elongated interior lighting or other accents – “can be used to add texture and depth,” Visbeen noted. Long, lateral lines can add drama and openness to spaces of all sizes, and even become a structural element, such as a divider or see-through wall.
Divided or Separated Garages – Parking is a premium feature but can present a design challenge at times when trying to maximize functionality without sacrificing the balance of a home’s faced. Adding two or more divided or separated garages, especially when paired with design-forward doors, can help break up elevations or provide symmetry without overpowering the design.
Geometry – “Geometric elements provide texture, symmetry, and order to today’s interiors,” Visbeen said. They also provide a great opportunity to mix styles and trends, whether it’s adding linear lines to warm materials for a combination of modern and traditional or using them to enhance a TV wall.
More information about this year’s winners and trends can be found at https://www.nahb.org/nahb-community/awards/best-in-american-living-awards.
We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other services available to help you in the future. So, you can see that you use an NCBIA member for your protection. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the Industry tab).
Our 24/7 Virtual Parade of Homes!!! It lets you look at some of our builders’ new homes and communities on your mobile device or computer. You can also see our remodelers. We know time is our greatest asset, and via our NCBIA Virtual Parade of Homes, we save you time looking for a new home or a community that fits your lifestyle.
NCBIA – Building Homes, Enriching Communities, Changing Lives – Come Build with Us!
Like us or better yet share us on Facebook!