AIA: Homeowners prioritizing kitchen and bathroom design

Home Design Trends Survey shows continued strong demand for energy-efficient products, universal design elements

March 18, 2013

With the housing market improving over the last year, households are concentrating more on kitchen and bathroom design in general, as well as on emerging products used in these areas of the home. There has been an increase in the size and number of kitchens and bathrooms in U.S. homes, after staying relatively flat in recent years. 

Residential architects are reporting the best business conditions since 2005 for custom design projects, along with high demand for remodeling and renovation projects. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2012, which focused specifically on kitchens and bathrooms. 
 
“Kitchens have reclaimed their place as the true focal point of the home, with a growing emphasis on utilizing more technology,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.  “There has also been renewed interest in integrating more household activities into this space.”
 
Housing market business conditions
 
AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q4 2012 (any score above 50 is positive)
 
Billings: 54
Inquiries for new projects: 63

Specific construction segments (index score computed as percent of respondents reporting improving minus those reporting weakening conditions)
 
Additions / alterations: 59
Kitchen and bath remodeling: 57
First-time buyer / affordable home market: 16
Move-up home market: 19
Custom / luxury home market: 14
Townhouse / condo market: -4
Second / vacation home market: -27
 

SEE NEXT PAGE FOR KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS


 
 

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