National New Homes Month
Improved indoor/outdoor connections
A BALA Platinum award winner, the Gladstone built by Urban NW Homes incorporates many of the top trends for 2022
Top design trends for 2022 shaped by post-pandemic preferences by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director
Each year, NAHB’s Best in American Living Awards (BALA) celebrates dozens of new projects from the past year, spotlighting the most innovative layouts and eye-catching design elements. Congratulations to Urban NW Homes, member of the Building Industry Association of Clark County. The Vancouver-based company won a Platinum Award in the Specialty: Healthy Home category in the 2021 Best in American Living Awards announced at the International Builders’ Show earlier this year. They are the only Washington company recognized this year. Urban NW Homes’ Gladstone was certified to the highest level of the National Green Building Standard. It was the first home in Washington to earn the NGBS+ badge for wellness and the first home ever to earn the NGBS Universal Design badge, which supports the concept of aging in place. NAHB reports this year’s trends reflect the lingering effects of a global pandemic that shifted the way people work, play and live at home. Whether you’re looking to build new homes, designing a remodel or simply interested in what’s new in home design, here’s a glimpse into a few of the top trends straight from NAHB.
An increased emphasis on health and wellness has led to an increased focus on creating intentional, seamless transitions from indoors to outdoors. Material choices can play a large role by visually connecting adjoining spaces, but even details as subtle as skylights in the kitchen or glass walls to take advantage of the surrounding views can usher in these natural connections. Landscape designs are also improving to seamlessly blend the home with the surrounding area.
Creative outdoor spaces
Post-pandemic design continues to utilize the outdoors to develop spaces for relaxing, entertaining, home office or just taking in the views. Multilevel terraces, sunken living rooms with firepits and indoor courtyards are just a few examples of these designs.
More durable materials
As indoor and outdoor spaces continue to blend, materials that operate equally in both conditions are key to creating a smooth transition. This includes not only the doors or track systems to bridge the gap, but also selections such as ceiling treatments or flooring, where materials such as stone can provide a wow factor both inside and out. For more design trends and award-winning home designs, visit bestinamericanliving.com.
april 2022
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