Survey Finds Homeowners Favoring Eco-Friendly Materials, Ongoing Desire for Larger, More Upscale Kitchens, Bathrooms
NWREporter February 2007
As kitchens have evolved into the most popular room in the home, consumers are increasingly looking for high-end appliances, additional pantry space, island work stations, wine storage areas and recycling centers. The number of bathrooms in homes is also increasing with radiant floors, multi-head showers, dual sink vanities and towel warming products emerging as the most popular features. These findings are from The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey focused specifically on kitchen and bath trends in the fourth quarter of 2006.
There is a strong desire to integrate the kitchen with living space that allows for a more open home environment with the ability to converse and access entertainment options while in the kitchen,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “There has also been a sharp rise in demand for renewable materials for countertops and flooring, as well as dedicated areas for recycling.
Accessibility and universal design to accommodate an aging population are on the rise in bathrooms,” Baker noted, adding, “From an amenities standpoint heated floors lead the way, followed by multiple showers and towel warming racks, with the popularity of whirlpools dropping for the second consecutive year.
Despite the national slowdown in the housing market, Baker said architects report continued strong demand for remodeling and renovation projects, with virtually every other residential category in decline.
Popular kitchen products and features*
Upper-end appliances: 65.2
Increased pantry space: 64.2
Renewable flooring material: 53.3
Wine refrigerators / wine storage: 53.0
Integration with living space: 52.5
Recycling center: 48.3
Island work areas: 43.0
Natural stone countertops: 42.2
Drinking water filtration systems: 37.0
Duplicate appliances: 34.0
Popular bathroom products and features
Radiant heated floors: 62.4
Multi-head showers: 61.9
Accessibility / universal design: 47.5
Doorless showers: 47.3
Linen closet / storage: 36.4
Hand showers: 35.5
Multiple vanities: 26.5
Dressing / cosmetic areas: 22.9
Towel warming drawers / racks: 22.1
Whirlpool baths: -24.3
Specific construction segments (index score computed as % of respondents reporting improving minus those reporting weakening conditions)
About the AIA Home Design Trends Survey
The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of 500 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector. Residential architects are design leaders in shaping how homes function, look, and integrate into communities and this survey helps to identify emerging trends in the housing marketplace. Business conditions are also monitored on a quarterly basis.
Future surveys will focus on home layout (June 2007), special function rooms (September 2007), community design trends (December 2007).
