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AIA Releases Home Design Trend Survey

The kitchen continues to be a dominant design area.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 2/20/2008 12:00:00 AM

Residential architecture firms are seeing a slow down turn in business and use of luxury materials, but an increased demand for green design, according to a survey recently released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The AIA Home Design Trend Survey draws from a panel of 500 architecture firms primarily focusing on the residential sector, and is conducted quarterly.

The results for the fourth quarter for 2007 suggest homeowners are asking for renewable materials and energy-efficiency, instead of pricey high-end appliances and features. Popular requests are flooring and countertops from renewable materials, water saving toilets, and LED lighting options. Less interest is shown in towel warming drawers, double-sink vanities, and whirlpool baths.

The survey supports an AIA poll of registered voters that states 90 percent of respondents would be willing to pay $5,000 more for an earth-conscious, energy-efficient house.

'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," says AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.

Respondents also indicate--in the three-year history of the survey--billing and inquires for projects are at an all-time low.

Visit the AIA for complete survey results.