See a Decade of Enduring Design Ideas From Best of Houzz Winners
Look back at popular design styles and features over the years and see which looks have remained timeless
Mitchell Parker
November 15, 2021
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
Next year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Best of Houzz awards, which recognize home professionals for exceptional design and service. To celebrate the milestone, we look back at kitchen, living room and bathroom photos from each year to see how interior styles and details have evolved over time. Join us as we flip through this yearbook of design and discover that while some tastes may have changed, good design remains timeless.
2012
Refined Traditional Country Kitchens
There are many ways to create a white kitchen. But this sophisticated, elegant take on traditional country style was a particular hit in 2012. The ornate cabinetry (painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore), glass panel fronts, pronounced range hood, traditional-style lighting, stylish backsplash with an inset detail and dark walnut island helped this Minneapolis kitchen by Martha O’Hara Interiors win a 2012 Best of Houzz design award. And since then, the photo has been saved to hundreds of thousands of Houzz ideabooks.
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Refined Traditional Country Kitchens
There are many ways to create a white kitchen. But this sophisticated, elegant take on traditional country style was a particular hit in 2012. The ornate cabinetry (painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore), glass panel fronts, pronounced range hood, traditional-style lighting, stylish backsplash with an inset detail and dark walnut island helped this Minneapolis kitchen by Martha O’Hara Interiors win a 2012 Best of Houzz design award. And since then, the photo has been saved to hundreds of thousands of Houzz ideabooks.
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Relaxed Contemporary Living Rooms
This Mill Valley, California, living room by Artistic Designs for Living features rustic farmhouse details, midcentury influences and casual contemporary furnishings, creating a relaxed yet stylish look full of positive tension. It won a 2012 Best of Houzz design award.
See the Best of Houzz page and get tips for earning an award
This Mill Valley, California, living room by Artistic Designs for Living features rustic farmhouse details, midcentury influences and casual contemporary furnishings, creating a relaxed yet stylish look full of positive tension. It won a 2012 Best of Houzz design award.
See the Best of Houzz page and get tips for earning an award
Asian Contemporary-Style Bathrooms
Rooted in moody stone and woods, clean lines and minimal adornment, this zen-like style made its way from spas into homes. Prestige Custom Building & Construction leaned on the look for this New York bathroom, which won a 2012 Best of Houzz design award.
A custom wood vanity adds warmth and lightness to the dark floor and wall tile. Textured tile lightens the shower without diminishing the drama. And vases and some greenery contribute to the East Asian vibe.
See the Bathroom Styles Homeowners Want Now
Rooted in moody stone and woods, clean lines and minimal adornment, this zen-like style made its way from spas into homes. Prestige Custom Building & Construction leaned on the look for this New York bathroom, which won a 2012 Best of Houzz design award.
A custom wood vanity adds warmth and lightness to the dark floor and wall tile. Textured tile lightens the shower without diminishing the drama. And vases and some greenery contribute to the East Asian vibe.
See the Bathroom Styles Homeowners Want Now
2013
Kitchen Office Hubs
There was a time when you’d be hard-pressed to find a kitchen without some sort of command center located nearby. This feature is great for sorting mail, managing family calendars and schedules, looking up a recipe and working on a laptop. While many of those tasks have gone digital, some people still prefer a designated area for running a household.
This San Diego kitchen office niche by Hamilton-Gray Design, which won a 2013 Best of Houzz design award, has stood the test of time. A 42-inch-wide floating desk combines with a family heirloom message center above. Beadboard walls and warm yellow wall paint give it a cheery feel. For a similar yellow paint color, try Creamed Butter by Dunn-Edwards or Lemon Meringue by Benjamin Moore.
Kitchen Office Hubs
There was a time when you’d be hard-pressed to find a kitchen without some sort of command center located nearby. This feature is great for sorting mail, managing family calendars and schedules, looking up a recipe and working on a laptop. While many of those tasks have gone digital, some people still prefer a designated area for running a household.
This San Diego kitchen office niche by Hamilton-Gray Design, which won a 2013 Best of Houzz design award, has stood the test of time. A 42-inch-wide floating desk combines with a family heirloom message center above. Beadboard walls and warm yellow wall paint give it a cheery feel. For a similar yellow paint color, try Creamed Butter by Dunn-Edwards or Lemon Meringue by Benjamin Moore.
Architectural Features in Living Rooms
Many of the design award winners from 2013 feature living rooms with standout architectural components such as built-ins, structural beams, coffered ceilings, pronounced trim and molding or dramatic fireplace mantels and surrounds.
Asher Slaunwhite Architects captured a 2013 Best of Houzz design award for this Philadelphia living room. Creamy white built-ins, fireplace millwork and coffered ceilings lend a comfortable yet sophisticated look to the space. Brazilian teak hardwood floors bring warmth and contrast.
Many of the design award winners from 2013 feature living rooms with standout architectural components such as built-ins, structural beams, coffered ceilings, pronounced trim and molding or dramatic fireplace mantels and surrounds.
Asher Slaunwhite Architects captured a 2013 Best of Houzz design award for this Philadelphia living room. Creamy white built-ins, fireplace millwork and coffered ceilings lend a comfortable yet sophisticated look to the space. Brazilian teak hardwood floors bring warmth and contrast.
Hex Tile Bathroom Flooring
You’ll find lots of hexagonal tile bathroom flooring among the 2013 award winners. It’s a great way to introduce a subtle design detail with a classic material. Mark Williams Design used beautiful Carrara marble hex tile for this Atlanta bathroom, which won a 2013 Best of Houzz design award.
Custom cabinets painted in a color similar to Whale Gray by Benjamin Moore pick up on the colors in the floor tile. Pullout hamper storage also helped popularize this bathroom, which has been saved to hundreds of thousands of Houzz ideabooks over the years.
You’ll find lots of hexagonal tile bathroom flooring among the 2013 award winners. It’s a great way to introduce a subtle design detail with a classic material. Mark Williams Design used beautiful Carrara marble hex tile for this Atlanta bathroom, which won a 2013 Best of Houzz design award.
Custom cabinets painted in a color similar to Whale Gray by Benjamin Moore pick up on the colors in the floor tile. Pullout hamper storage also helped popularize this bathroom, which has been saved to hundreds of thousands of Houzz ideabooks over the years.
2014
Spice Racks
In 2014, dedicated pullouts for storing cooking spices right next to the range were having a moment. Weidmann Remodeling included two flanking the range in this Atlanta-area kitchen, which earned the firm a 2014 Best of Houzz design award and catapulted this photo into hundreds of thousands of Houzz ideabooks, making it one of the most-saved photos of all time on Houzz.
The pullouts feature Rev-a-Shelf components that were installed by Timberland Cabinets. The cabinets are alder with a custom stain. The countertops are Verde Butterfly granite.
Spice Racks
In 2014, dedicated pullouts for storing cooking spices right next to the range were having a moment. Weidmann Remodeling included two flanking the range in this Atlanta-area kitchen, which earned the firm a 2014 Best of Houzz design award and catapulted this photo into hundreds of thousands of Houzz ideabooks, making it one of the most-saved photos of all time on Houzz.
The pullouts feature Rev-a-Shelf components that were installed by Timberland Cabinets. The cabinets are alder with a custom stain. The countertops are Verde Butterfly granite.
Earth Tone Living Rooms
Want to create a warm, comfortable living space for clients? Consider a palette of browns, beiges, sands, tans and creams. The colors were popular in living rooms in 2014, and while grays, whites and other neutrals dominate today’s spaces, earth tones are making a comeback.
Regas Interiors leaned into the earth tone palette for this Atlanta-area living room, which won a 2014 Best of Houzz design award.
Custom 20-foot tan drapes coordinate with a similarly colored sofa. Sandy swivel chairs face the fireplace. A rug with rich brown tones grounds the space. The wall paint is, or is close to, Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore. An antique round table sits between two wingback chairs. Large indoor planters hold dried arrangements.
Sofa: Bernhardt
Time Management Tips That Really Work for Small-Business Owners
Want to create a warm, comfortable living space for clients? Consider a palette of browns, beiges, sands, tans and creams. The colors were popular in living rooms in 2014, and while grays, whites and other neutrals dominate today’s spaces, earth tones are making a comeback.
Regas Interiors leaned into the earth tone palette for this Atlanta-area living room, which won a 2014 Best of Houzz design award.
Custom 20-foot tan drapes coordinate with a similarly colored sofa. Sandy swivel chairs face the fireplace. A rug with rich brown tones grounds the space. The wall paint is, or is close to, Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore. An antique round table sits between two wingback chairs. Large indoor planters hold dried arrangements.
Sofa: Bernhardt
Time Management Tips That Really Work for Small-Business Owners
Frameless Glass Shower Enclosures
By 2014, it was hard to find a shower that didn’t feature a frameless glass enclosure. The minimal use of hardware and framing creates a light and airy look that’s especially useful in small bathrooms.
Urrutia Design used a frameless glass enclosure for this Greenbrae, California, bathroom, which won a 2014 Best of Houzz design award. The ⅜-inch tempered glass helps visually enlarge the 5-by-10-foot space and puts emphasis on the gray 2-by-8½-inch glass tiles on the back shower wall. The side walls and wainscoting are the same tile in a white finish. White Carrara marble floor tile and countertop and a white custom vanity also lighten the look.
Sconce: Montauk in satin nickel, Hudson Valley Lighting
By 2014, it was hard to find a shower that didn’t feature a frameless glass enclosure. The minimal use of hardware and framing creates a light and airy look that’s especially useful in small bathrooms.
Urrutia Design used a frameless glass enclosure for this Greenbrae, California, bathroom, which won a 2014 Best of Houzz design award. The ⅜-inch tempered glass helps visually enlarge the 5-by-10-foot space and puts emphasis on the gray 2-by-8½-inch glass tiles on the back shower wall. The side walls and wainscoting are the same tile in a white finish. White Carrara marble floor tile and countertop and a white custom vanity also lighten the look.
Sconce: Montauk in satin nickel, Hudson Valley Lighting
2015
Oversize Kitchen Range Hoods
As floor plans began to open up and kitchens became more visible from nearby living spaces, the need for a kitchen focal point arose. Oversize kitchen range hoods were one popular way to create that eye-catching visual in 2015 and beyond.
Courthouse Design/Build used a dramatic range hood in this Washington, D.C., kitchen, which won a 2015 Best of Houzz design award. It features oversize trim pieces in Nordic White from Wood-Mode cabinets, with a middle portion that’s maple in a Dark Lager stain.
The stained piece coordinates with the walnut flooring. The backsplash is polished mosaic marble. The countertop is Calacatta Gold Supreme marble. The walls are Summit Gray by Sherwin-Williams.
Oversize Kitchen Range Hoods
As floor plans began to open up and kitchens became more visible from nearby living spaces, the need for a kitchen focal point arose. Oversize kitchen range hoods were one popular way to create that eye-catching visual in 2015 and beyond.
Courthouse Design/Build used a dramatic range hood in this Washington, D.C., kitchen, which won a 2015 Best of Houzz design award. It features oversize trim pieces in Nordic White from Wood-Mode cabinets, with a middle portion that’s maple in a Dark Lager stain.
The stained piece coordinates with the walnut flooring. The backsplash is polished mosaic marble. The countertop is Calacatta Gold Supreme marble. The walls are Summit Gray by Sherwin-Williams.
Streamlined Living Room Furniture
Streamlined contemporary furnishings create a light and airy look that can also help emphasize modern architecture. It was a popular approach in 2015 and remains so to this day. Ibarra Rosano Design Architects employed the strategy for this Phoenix living room, which earned the firm a 2015 Best of Houzz design award.
A gray wool flannel sofa wraps around a glass coffee table. A white leather Saarinen womb chair sits nearby. A Kasthall Doris handwoven wool rug in a champagne color anchors the arrangement. The TV center is custom rift-cut white oak millwork.
Top Trends From Fall’s European Design Fairs
Streamlined contemporary furnishings create a light and airy look that can also help emphasize modern architecture. It was a popular approach in 2015 and remains so to this day. Ibarra Rosano Design Architects employed the strategy for this Phoenix living room, which earned the firm a 2015 Best of Houzz design award.
A gray wool flannel sofa wraps around a glass coffee table. A white leather Saarinen womb chair sits nearby. A Kasthall Doris handwoven wool rug in a champagne color anchors the arrangement. The TV center is custom rift-cut white oak millwork.
Top Trends From Fall’s European Design Fairs
Greige Bathrooms
In 2015, some designers took the popular earth tone palette and pushed it more neutral, creating elegant mixes of gray and beige. These greiges, as they’re called, work well in bathrooms where you may want to warm up cold neutrals.
That’s what Court Atkins Group did for this Charleston, South Carolina, bathroom. The custom vanity is painted a taupey gray similar to Iron Gate by Benjamin Moore, which complements the beige wall paint and grays found in the marble, or marble-look, countertop. The design won the architecture firm a 2015 Best of Houzz design award.
Light fixture: Elise in satin nickel, Savoy House
In 2015, some designers took the popular earth tone palette and pushed it more neutral, creating elegant mixes of gray and beige. These greiges, as they’re called, work well in bathrooms where you may want to warm up cold neutrals.
That’s what Court Atkins Group did for this Charleston, South Carolina, bathroom. The custom vanity is painted a taupey gray similar to Iron Gate by Benjamin Moore, which complements the beige wall paint and grays found in the marble, or marble-look, countertop. The design won the architecture firm a 2015 Best of Houzz design award.
Light fixture: Elise in satin nickel, Savoy House
2016
Hardworking Kitchen Pantry Storage
Kitchen storage has come a long way since basic cabinets and drawers. By 2016, the interior of cabinets frequently featured rollouts and dedicated slots for spices, baking sheets and other items. These features give homeowners who may not have room for a walk-in pantry the kind of hardworking storage needed to organize and store items in a compact area.
KitchenLab Interiors used the strategy for this Chicago kitchen, which won a 2016 Best of Houzz design award.
Hardworking Kitchen Pantry Storage
Kitchen storage has come a long way since basic cabinets and drawers. By 2016, the interior of cabinets frequently featured rollouts and dedicated slots for spices, baking sheets and other items. These features give homeowners who may not have room for a walk-in pantry the kind of hardworking storage needed to organize and store items in a compact area.
KitchenLab Interiors used the strategy for this Chicago kitchen, which won a 2016 Best of Houzz design award.
Gray Living Room Palettes
Cool shades of gray can create a soothing atmosphere. And that works particularly well in living spaces. In 2016, these neutral palettes edged out earth tones to dominate many of the 2016 Best of Houzz design awards, including this Minneapolis space by Peter Eskuche and The Sitting Room interior design studio.
Learn how Houzz Pro software can help you manage your business
Cool shades of gray can create a soothing atmosphere. And that works particularly well in living spaces. In 2016, these neutral palettes edged out earth tones to dominate many of the 2016 Best of Houzz design awards, including this Minneapolis space by Peter Eskuche and The Sitting Room interior design studio.
Learn how Houzz Pro software can help you manage your business
Freestanding Bathtubs
It’s hard to pinpoint when freestanding bathtub models with a flat bottom overtook built-in versions and claw-foot styles, but 2016 definitely felt like an important year for them. Many 2016 Best of Houzz design winners featured a freestanding tub, including this Orange County, California, design by International Custom Designs.
The acrylic tub sits on a section of pebble tile, which combines many of the colors found throughout the space, including the greige walls (Barrel Stove by Dunn-Edwards).
The main flooring is wood-look porcelain tile. The shower walls are 17-by-27-inch porcelain tile with a glass-and-stone mosaic accent band.
It’s hard to pinpoint when freestanding bathtub models with a flat bottom overtook built-in versions and claw-foot styles, but 2016 definitely felt like an important year for them. Many 2016 Best of Houzz design winners featured a freestanding tub, including this Orange County, California, design by International Custom Designs.
The acrylic tub sits on a section of pebble tile, which combines many of the colors found throughout the space, including the greige walls (Barrel Stove by Dunn-Edwards).
The main flooring is wood-look porcelain tile. The shower walls are 17-by-27-inch porcelain tile with a glass-and-stone mosaic accent band.
2017
White-and-Wood Kitchens
An all-white kitchen is a timeless look. One way designers avoid a too-sterile feel is by warming up a mostly white kitchen with wood details. It’s a style that was seen everywhere in 2017 and beyond.
Candelaria Design Associates found the right balance in this Phoenix kitchen, which won a 2017 Best of Houzz design award. Raw rough-hewn beams, a richly stained wood island countertop and French oak flooring layer in contrast to the mostly white space.
White-and-Wood Kitchens
An all-white kitchen is a timeless look. One way designers avoid a too-sterile feel is by warming up a mostly white kitchen with wood details. It’s a style that was seen everywhere in 2017 and beyond.
Candelaria Design Associates found the right balance in this Phoenix kitchen, which won a 2017 Best of Houzz design award. Raw rough-hewn beams, a richly stained wood island countertop and French oak flooring layer in contrast to the mostly white space.
Lofty Living Rooms
In recent years, homeowners took openness to new heights. Open floor plans that combine the kitchen, dining and living areas in one large space became a driving principle of many new home designs and renovations. And lofty living rooms are an extension of that desire for airiness.
It’s a look found in many 2017 Best of Houzz design winners, including this Vancouver, British Columbia, living room by Clay Construction. The 18-foot-high space features a dramatic crystal chandelier, stone fireplace and two large storage cabinets that help bring down the scale in the room. Also notice the use of popular grays and greiges, including greige wall paint (Thunder by Benjamin Moore).
In recent years, homeowners took openness to new heights. Open floor plans that combine the kitchen, dining and living areas in one large space became a driving principle of many new home designs and renovations. And lofty living rooms are an extension of that desire for airiness.
It’s a look found in many 2017 Best of Houzz design winners, including this Vancouver, British Columbia, living room by Clay Construction. The 18-foot-high space features a dramatic crystal chandelier, stone fireplace and two large storage cabinets that help bring down the scale in the room. Also notice the use of popular grays and greiges, including greige wall paint (Thunder by Benjamin Moore).
Large Showers With a Low Curb
In 2017, large showers with a low-curb entry were everywhere. The feature helped One Week Bath win a 2017 Best of Houzz design award for this Los Angeles bathroom.
The 3-by-6-inch Crema Marfil marble tile coordinates with a Crema Marfil marble countertop on a Shaker-style vanity in a chocolate cherry finish.
Vanity: Strasser Woodenworks; wall paint: Gourmet Honey, Dunn-Edwards
In 2017, large showers with a low-curb entry were everywhere. The feature helped One Week Bath win a 2017 Best of Houzz design award for this Los Angeles bathroom.
The 3-by-6-inch Crema Marfil marble tile coordinates with a Crema Marfil marble countertop on a Shaker-style vanity in a chocolate cherry finish.
Vanity: Strasser Woodenworks; wall paint: Gourmet Honey, Dunn-Edwards
2018
Kitchen Coffee Station
If you’re a devout coffee or tea drinker, a dedicated space for making your beverage of choice can create a happy moment in a kitchen. And in 2018, coffee stations were rising up like steam.
Lisa Robazza Design created a coffee bar beneath a staircase in this Canadian kitchen. It features 3-by-6-inch white beveled subway tile, a granite countertop, a small stainless steel sink, interior-lit glass-front cabinets and, of course, an espresso machine. The photo won Robazza a 2018 Best of Houzz design award.
Kitchen Coffee Station
If you’re a devout coffee or tea drinker, a dedicated space for making your beverage of choice can create a happy moment in a kitchen. And in 2018, coffee stations were rising up like steam.
Lisa Robazza Design created a coffee bar beneath a staircase in this Canadian kitchen. It features 3-by-6-inch white beveled subway tile, a granite countertop, a small stainless steel sink, interior-lit glass-front cabinets and, of course, an espresso machine. The photo won Robazza a 2018 Best of Houzz design award.
Stacked-Stone Fireplaces
Stacked-stone fireplaces have been popular for many years. But in 2018, perhaps in conjunction with a rise in interest in midcentury modern design, living rooms with these fireplaces were frequently being saved to Houzz ideabooks. The slim profile of the stone creates a cleaner, more contemporary look than, say, fireplaces made with large river stones.
This fireplace in Melbourne, Australia, by Camilla Molders Design is a good example. Stacked bluestone runs up the chase. The hearth and surround are also bluestone. The photo earned Molders a 2018 Best of Houzz design award.
Stacked-stone fireplaces have been popular for many years. But in 2018, perhaps in conjunction with a rise in interest in midcentury modern design, living rooms with these fireplaces were frequently being saved to Houzz ideabooks. The slim profile of the stone creates a cleaner, more contemporary look than, say, fireplaces made with large river stones.
This fireplace in Melbourne, Australia, by Camilla Molders Design is a good example. Stacked bluestone runs up the chase. The hearth and surround are also bluestone. The photo earned Molders a 2018 Best of Houzz design award.
Marble Tile Bathrooms
Marble has been a popular material in bathrooms for a long time. But in 2018 it really took off. Many of the 2018 Best of Houzz design award winners featured bathrooms with a generous use of marble, including this design by Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft in Columbus, Ohio.
The floors and shower walls are 12-by-24-inch Bianco Venatino marble tile. The same tile was used for the walls surrounding the freestanding tub but in a 3-by-6-inch subway size. The countertop is Carrara marble. And the white cabinetry and trim work and gray walls (Mindful Gray by Sherwin-Williams) bring the whole palette together.
The marble bathroom look is a trend we’re seeing return and rise, as evident in the 2021 U. S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study.
Marble has been a popular material in bathrooms for a long time. But in 2018 it really took off. Many of the 2018 Best of Houzz design award winners featured bathrooms with a generous use of marble, including this design by Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft in Columbus, Ohio.
The floors and shower walls are 12-by-24-inch Bianco Venatino marble tile. The same tile was used for the walls surrounding the freestanding tub but in a 3-by-6-inch subway size. The countertop is Carrara marble. And the white cabinetry and trim work and gray walls (Mindful Gray by Sherwin-Williams) bring the whole palette together.
The marble bathroom look is a trend we’re seeing return and rise, as evident in the 2021 U. S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study.
2019
Two-Tone Kitchens
Contrasting color is a great way to add interest to a design. For white kitchen schemes, designers found success in introducing a two-tone color scheme that features white perimeter cabinets, or upper cabinets, with a contrasting island or lower-cabinet color.
By 2019, the look was experiencing a renaissance. Kitchens by Eileen took the approach for this Pennsylvania kitchen, which earned her a 2019 Best of Houzz design award.
The island color is a custom color called Smoke by Signature Custom Cabinetry, but it’s similar to Graphite by Benjamin Moore. The backsplash is marble and the countertops are marble-look quartz.
Tile backsplash: polished Tundra Gray marble, MSI
Two-Tone Kitchens
Contrasting color is a great way to add interest to a design. For white kitchen schemes, designers found success in introducing a two-tone color scheme that features white perimeter cabinets, or upper cabinets, with a contrasting island or lower-cabinet color.
By 2019, the look was experiencing a renaissance. Kitchens by Eileen took the approach for this Pennsylvania kitchen, which earned her a 2019 Best of Houzz design award.
The island color is a custom color called Smoke by Signature Custom Cabinetry, but it’s similar to Graphite by Benjamin Moore. The backsplash is marble and the countertops are marble-look quartz.
Tile backsplash: polished Tundra Gray marble, MSI
Coastal-Style Living Rooms
At some point, homeowners realized breezy beach style wasn’t just for vacation rentals. The relaxed look works great for any modern-day lifestyle. And many 2019 Best of Houzz design winners embraced the coastal vibe with casual palettes replete with sunny whites and watery blues.
Suk Design Group created a fitting seaside style for this award-winning living room in Southampton, New York. White and navy furnishings set the tone, while shiplap walls and nautical-themed decor elevate the design. A brown leather ottoman adds a dose of warmth.
At some point, homeowners realized breezy beach style wasn’t just for vacation rentals. The relaxed look works great for any modern-day lifestyle. And many 2019 Best of Houzz design winners embraced the coastal vibe with casual palettes replete with sunny whites and watery blues.
Suk Design Group created a fitting seaside style for this award-winning living room in Southampton, New York. White and navy furnishings set the tone, while shiplap walls and nautical-themed decor elevate the design. A brown leather ottoman adds a dose of warmth.
Patterned Bathroom Floor Tile
Few things took bathrooms by storm in 2019 quite like patterned Moroccan-inspired cement floor tile. It’s a great way to elevate the look and energy of a bathroom, especially a small one.
Spazio LA came up with a 2019 Best of Houzz award-winning design for this Santa Monica, California, bathroom, which features handmade cement tiles in a lively gray-and-white pattern.
Horizontal shiplap walls are painted Amazing Gray by Sherwin-Williams. A wood vanity adds warmth, while matte black plumbing fixtures and other black details amp up the liveliness.
Floor tile: Bordeaux III, Cement Tile Shop
Few things took bathrooms by storm in 2019 quite like patterned Moroccan-inspired cement floor tile. It’s a great way to elevate the look and energy of a bathroom, especially a small one.
Spazio LA came up with a 2019 Best of Houzz award-winning design for this Santa Monica, California, bathroom, which features handmade cement tiles in a lively gray-and-white pattern.
Horizontal shiplap walls are painted Amazing Gray by Sherwin-Williams. A wood vanity adds warmth, while matte black plumbing fixtures and other black details amp up the liveliness.
Floor tile: Bordeaux III, Cement Tile Shop
2020
Hardworking Kitchen Drawer Storage
It’s difficult to say when drawers overtook cabinets as the preferred lower storage option, but by 2020 they were nearly ubiquitous.
The drawer storage beneath a sink in this Washington, D.C.-area kitchen by Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens was a big hit, earning the design firm a 2020 Best of Houzz design award.
Hardworking Kitchen Drawer Storage
It’s difficult to say when drawers overtook cabinets as the preferred lower storage option, but by 2020 they were nearly ubiquitous.
The drawer storage beneath a sink in this Washington, D.C.-area kitchen by Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens was a big hit, earning the design firm a 2020 Best of Houzz design award.
Wood Beam Living Room Ceilings
Wood beams — decorative or structural — bring character, architectural interest, warmth and texture to a living room. They can also help define a living space within an open floor plan and accentuate the length or width of a room, depending on the direction the beams run.
In 2020, we saw a lot of living rooms with wood beam ceilings. Cynthia Hayes Interior Design placed rough-hewn beams in this Providence, Rhode Island, living room. The beams help elongate the room and make the ceiling appear taller than it is. They also warm the mostly white palette.
Other standout features include white nickel-gap boards on the fireplace, a black granite surround and white shiplap ceilings. The design earned a 2020 Best of Houzz design award.
Wood beams — decorative or structural — bring character, architectural interest, warmth and texture to a living room. They can also help define a living space within an open floor plan and accentuate the length or width of a room, depending on the direction the beams run.
In 2020, we saw a lot of living rooms with wood beam ceilings. Cynthia Hayes Interior Design placed rough-hewn beams in this Providence, Rhode Island, living room. The beams help elongate the room and make the ceiling appear taller than it is. They also warm the mostly white palette.
Other standout features include white nickel-gap boards on the fireplace, a black granite surround and white shiplap ceilings. The design earned a 2020 Best of Houzz design award.
Wet-Room Bathrooms
A wet-room setup features the tub and shower in the same open area and creates a stylish and airy spa-like look. The 2020 Best of Houzz design awards featured many bathrooms with this layout.
ZeroEnergy Design won a design award for this Boston wet room. Walnut-look porcelain flooring grounds the space in a warm finish. Matte gray large-format porcelain wall tiles in a stacked pattern and a floating vanity deliver a cool contemporary aesthetic.
A wet-room setup features the tub and shower in the same open area and creates a stylish and airy spa-like look. The 2020 Best of Houzz design awards featured many bathrooms with this layout.
ZeroEnergy Design won a design award for this Boston wet room. Walnut-look porcelain flooring grounds the space in a warm finish. Matte gray large-format porcelain wall tiles in a stacked pattern and a floating vanity deliver a cool contemporary aesthetic.
2021
Light Wood Kitchen Cabinets
As we pointed out in our trends coverage in early 2021, light wood cabinets seemed to be a response to a previous year that felt heavy with emotion. The tone feels more upbeat, and it works well with neutrals like white and grays to create a bright palette that doesn’t veer sterile.
Designer Julie Rootes Interiors used rift-sawn French white oak cabinets in this Tiburon, California, kitchen to create a soft, airy look that nods to nature views. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and a hexagonal Calacatta marble backsplash heighten the experience. The space won a 2021 Best of Houzz design award.
Light Wood Kitchen Cabinets
As we pointed out in our trends coverage in early 2021, light wood cabinets seemed to be a response to a previous year that felt heavy with emotion. The tone feels more upbeat, and it works well with neutrals like white and grays to create a bright palette that doesn’t veer sterile.
Designer Julie Rootes Interiors used rift-sawn French white oak cabinets in this Tiburon, California, kitchen to create a soft, airy look that nods to nature views. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and a hexagonal Calacatta marble backsplash heighten the experience. The space won a 2021 Best of Houzz design award.
Large, Comfy Living Room Sectionals
Perhaps also in response to a trying year, many homeowners gravitated to large, comfortable sectionals that feel like a big hug. Just what 2021 needed.
Designer Irene Lovett of designstiles nearly filled this Santa Monica, California, living room with a large custom sectional covered in indoor-outdoor fabric. A custom blue side chair, wool herringbone-pattern rug and an iron cocktail table in a nickel finish round out the design, which won a 2021 Best of Houzz design award.
Perhaps also in response to a trying year, many homeowners gravitated to large, comfortable sectionals that feel like a big hug. Just what 2021 needed.
Designer Irene Lovett of designstiles nearly filled this Santa Monica, California, living room with a large custom sectional covered in indoor-outdoor fabric. A custom blue side chair, wool herringbone-pattern rug and an iron cocktail table in a nickel finish round out the design, which won a 2021 Best of Houzz design award.
Curbless Showers
The main benefit of a curbless shower is simple: Without a curb, there’s less potential to slip or trip. The lack of threshold also allows wheelchair access into the shower if needed. Plus, the clean transition creates a smooth, attractive look.
Wendy O’Brien Interior Planning & Design added a curbless shower to this Portland, Oregon, bathroom, earning her a 2021 Best of Houzz design award. Wood-look porcelain tile runs throughout the space. A metal-and-glass panel divides the shower from the main area, which includes a concrete bathtub. The shower accent wall is marble tile in a quilted pattern. Also notice the greige cabinet paint, a color that’s remained popular over the years.
View all the Best of Houzz 2021 award winners
The main benefit of a curbless shower is simple: Without a curb, there’s less potential to slip or trip. The lack of threshold also allows wheelchair access into the shower if needed. Plus, the clean transition creates a smooth, attractive look.
Wendy O’Brien Interior Planning & Design added a curbless shower to this Portland, Oregon, bathroom, earning her a 2021 Best of Houzz design award. Wood-look porcelain tile runs throughout the space. A metal-and-glass panel divides the shower from the main area, which includes a concrete bathtub. The shower accent wall is marble tile in a quilted pattern. Also notice the greige cabinet paint, a color that’s remained popular over the years.
View all the Best of Houzz 2021 award winners
Badge Basics
If a professional wins a Best of Houzz award, a badge, like those shown here, automatically appears on their Houzz profile page. (2022 Best of Houzz badges will appear in January 2022.) High-resolution versions of badges are available for pros to use in marketing materials as well. Winners also receive an email with a full promotional kit that helps them get more exposure for the award.
Just 3% of the 2.7 million home design and remodeling professionals on Houzz receive a Best of Houzz award each year. There are three categories: design, service and photography. Pros can earn an award for design, service or both in the same year. And there’s still time to qualify for a 2022 service award. Encourage your clients to submit a review by midnight Dec. 31, 2021.
Professional photographers who upload photos to Houzz also can earn an award.
Houzz Pro subscribers also may add the Best of Houzz standout to their profile and directory listing and include it in their profile highlight view. Learn more about standouts.
Your turn: Which of these trends from the past 10 years is your favorite? Did you use any in a client’s bathroom renovation? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Surefire Ways to Get Clients to Review Your Business
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in the Pro-to-Pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
If a professional wins a Best of Houzz award, a badge, like those shown here, automatically appears on their Houzz profile page. (2022 Best of Houzz badges will appear in January 2022.) High-resolution versions of badges are available for pros to use in marketing materials as well. Winners also receive an email with a full promotional kit that helps them get more exposure for the award.
Just 3% of the 2.7 million home design and remodeling professionals on Houzz receive a Best of Houzz award each year. There are three categories: design, service and photography. Pros can earn an award for design, service or both in the same year. And there’s still time to qualify for a 2022 service award. Encourage your clients to submit a review by midnight Dec. 31, 2021.
Professional photographers who upload photos to Houzz also can earn an award.
Houzz Pro subscribers also may add the Best of Houzz standout to their profile and directory listing and include it in their profile highlight view. Learn more about standouts.
Your turn: Which of these trends from the past 10 years is your favorite? Did you use any in a client’s bathroom renovation? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Surefire Ways to Get Clients to Review Your Business
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in the Pro-to-Pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
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I am seeing more light wood kitchens, most with cool toned wood, often oak. I'm wondering how long the wood will keep these cool tones? I'm thinking of the maple cabinets I had installed - initially the wood was so gorgeous but over time it changed and became warmer and yellower and after a few years was no longer the look I had fallen in love with.
My favorite of the above is 2021: Light Wood Kitchen Cabinets. Our new-to-us 25-year-old home has original light-wood cabinets in kitchen and baths, and it's hard to think they have yellowed much, because they are not yellow! They are a slightly rosy beige wood (I am not good with recognizing wood species; maybe ash?) that manages to look good with pink-gray tile floors, pink countertop, and light mint walls. None of which would have been my choices, but they work and we are happy with the overall effect.
I have a two tone kitchen, white uppers and black lowers and love it. I maxed out my pantry and found a guy on Etsy who makes spice racks in what ever size you want.