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| Increased interest in sustainable materials for kitchens and baths Renewable materials and energy-efficient products for kitchens and baths have risen in popularity, while economic concerns among homeowners has resulted in a decline in demand for high-end appliances and features. To accommodate an aging and less mobile population, there is also a greater emphasis on accessibility and adaptability throughout the home. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey focused specifically on kitchen and bathrooms in the fourth quarter of 2007. Residential architects have reported the weakest business conditions in the three-year history of this survey, indicating that the housing market is not poised for a recovery in the near term. "Kitchens continue to be the dominant design area within the home, with dedicated computer work areas or cell-phone and personal digital assistant recharging stations becoming an emerging trend. There is also a growing interest in eco-friendly features for kitchens such as bamboo and cork flooring, and concrete and bamboo countertops," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. A recent AIA poll of registered voters revealed that 90% of respondents said they would be willing to pay $5,000 more for a house that would use less energy and protect the Earth. Popular kitchen products and features* 2007 2006 • Renewable flooring materials: 61% 53% • Computer area / recharging stations: 56% n/a • Larger pantry space: 51% 64% • Renewable countertop materials: 49% n/a • Wine refrigerators / wine storage: 49% 53% • High-end appliances: 47% 65% • Drinking water filtration systems: 44% 37% • Recycling center: 45% 48% • Integration with family space: 43% 48% * Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity Baker added, "Water saving toilets and LED lighting options have become more popular in bathrooms, along with continued strong demand for radiant heated flooring. Conversely, there has been a drop-off among homeowners looking for high-end features including towel warming drawers, double-sink vanities and whirlpool baths." "To promote greater accessibility, there is a much greater emphasis on universal design elements in bathrooms and features like doorless and handheld showers." Popular bathroom products and features* 2007 2006 • Radiant heated floors: 60% 62% • Multi-head showers: 59% 62% • Doorless showers: 59% 47% • Accessibility / universal design: 58% 48% • Water saving toilets: 57% n/a • Hand showers: 42% 36% • LED lighting: 39% n/a • Linen closet / storage: 30% 36% * Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity Housing market business conditions AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q4 2007 (any score above 50 is positive) • Billings: 42 (down from 47 in Q3 2007) • Inquiries for new projects: 40 (down from 50 in Q3 2007) "With billings and inquiries both down substantially from last quarter and compared to the same period a year ago, the housing market does not have a favorable outlook. Of additional concern is the shrinking project backlog at residential architecture firms meaning there is less work in the pipeline to keep staffs fully billable," said Baker. Specific construction segments (index score computed as % of respondents reporting improving minus those reporting weakening conditions) • Kitchen and bath remodeling: 25 • Additions / alterations: 22 • Custom / luxury home market: -15 • Townhouse / condo market: -34 • Second / vacation home market: -41 • Move-up home market: -45 • First-time buyer / affordable home market: -64 write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |