The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released the fourth quarter results of their Home Design Trends Survey, which highlights trends in residential design features that emerged in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Courtesy AIA
The AIA’s most recent report finds that as residential construction activity and demand for residential design continues to rise, homeowners are choosing to spend money on their kitchens and bathrooms, more so than other areas of the house. The most popular kitchen upgrades include electronic charging stations and high-end appliances. Homeowners are still adding larger pantry spaces, double islands, and drinking water filtration systems, but less prominently than in 2014.
Courtesy AIA
In the bathroom, the survey showed that popular features include doorless and large walk-in showers, radiant heated floors, and upscale showers. LED lighting was also a top design trend in both kitchens and baths in 2015, charting a two and three point increase from 2014 in those rooms respectively; universal design upgrades also rated highly.
Courtesy AIA
“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 in a release. “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.”
Courtesy AIA
“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,” AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, said in a release. “Popularity in LED lighting and upper-end appliances continues to grow at a strong rate.”
AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q4 2015 (any score above 50 is positive)
• Billings: 60
• Inquiries for new projects: 60
Courtesy AIA
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.”
View the AIA’s Home Design Trends Survey interactive infographic, here.
