AIA Survey Shows Investment in Kitchens and Bathrooms Remains a Top Homeowner Priority
WASHINGTON, DC – March 22, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — With strong demand for residential design in every region across the country, homeowners investment in their kitchens and bathrooms remains a primary focus. Kitchens specifically have reinforced their position as the center of the home with design considerations that accommodate multiple activities. These are among the major findings from the AIA’s Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2015, which focused on kitchen and bath design trends.
“Because kitchens are so central to the home, people feel it’s important to spend time and money selecting materials and appliances that reflect who they are and make them feel good,” said Dawn Zuber, AIA, Chair of the AIA’s Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN). “Architectural lighting is a key component in good kitchen design, too, as it allows people not only to see what they are doing, but to highlight the cabinets, countertops, and appliances that are important to them.”
“Many of the new kitchen features that were really growing in popularity a few years ago have leveled off, such as larger pantry space and double islands,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Popularity in LED lighting and upper-end appliances continues to grow at a strong rate.”
| Popular kitchen products and features* |
2015 |
2014 |
||||
| LED lighting: |
90% |
88% |
||||
| Computer area / recharging stations: |
49% |
50% |
||||
| Upper-end appliances: |
39% |
35% |
||||
| Larger pantry space: |
34% |
43% |
||||
| Drinking water filtration systems: |
29% |
31% |
||||
| Double Island |
25% |
34% |
||||
| Adaptability / universal design: |
25% |
32% |
* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity
| Popular bathroom products and features* |
2015 |
2014 |
||||
| LED lighting |
84% |
81% |
||||
| Stall shower without tub |
65% |
56% |
||||
| Doorless showers |
64% |
66% |
||||
| Large walk-in showers |
64% |
61% |
||||
| Adaptability/universal design |
62% |
63% |
||||
| Water saving toilets |
31% |
43% |
||||
| Radiant heated floors |
40% |
39% |
||||
| Upscale Shower |
32% |
31% |
* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity
Housing market business conditions
AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q4 2015 (any score above 50 is positive)
• Billings: 60
• Inquiries for new projects: 60
Baker added, “Though business conditions for residential architects remain solid, recovery from the Great Recession has leveled off. Remodeling and renovations continue to account for the core of the residential billings.”
| Specific construction segments |
2015 |
2014 |
||||
| Additions / alterations |
61% |
61% |
||||
| Kitchen and bath remodeling |
54% |
55% |
||||
| Move-up home market |
26% |
35% |
||||
| Custom / luxury home market |
25% |
35% |
||||
| Townhouse / condo market |
15% |
15% |
||||
| First-time buyer / affordable home market |
8% |
8% |
||||
| Second / vacation home market |
-8% |
3% |
* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity
About the AIA Home Design Trends Survey
The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of more than 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 overall home layout and use (June 2016) specialty rooms and systems (September 2016) and community design trends (December 2016).
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.
Contact: Matt Tinder
202-626-7462
http://twitter.com/AIA_Media
