By William Sampson
wsampson@wattnet.net
Anew trend survey released by the American Institute of Architects ays declines in the housing market are also reducing requests for high-end kitchen and bath features, but an aging population has increased demand for greater accessibility and universal design. Also, demand is strong for products related to energy saving and green initiatives.
According to the AIA Home Design Trends Survey, which focused specifically on kitchens and bathrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008, the report registered the weakest business conditions in the four-year history of the survey.
“Because of concerns over afford-
ability and resale value, it’s not surpris-
ing that there has been a sharp decline in demand for high-end kitchen and bath products,” says AIA chief economist Kermit Baker, Ph.D., Hon. AIA. “However, some products and features remain in high demand. Despite the difficult economic conditions, homeowners are extremely interested in renewable flooring and countertops, energy-efficient and water-saving products, as well as having a dedicated recycling center.”
Current eco-
nomic pressures are
decreasing demand
Renewable mat. ;oor
Drink water ;lter
Sustainability still strong with kitchen products
respond, report popularity “increasing” minus report “decreasing”; Q4
49
49
31 44
4 49 4
54
61 54
4 65
314
Renewable mat. countertops
20
02
0
for elaborate kitchen facilities that
have expanded kitchen projects in
recent years, according to surveyed ar-
chitects. “Residential architects report
that the increase in the number of
kitchen facilities in a home, including
secondary food storage or food
preparation areas, has
been declining in popu-
larity compared with
levels of the past few
years,” Baker says. A
similar downward
trend was also
evident in the size
of kitchens.
But there are
some kitchen features
and extras that still
remain strong, according
to the survey. Additional pan-
try space and computer work areas
led the list. Also, still in demand are
recycling centers. Architects report a
continuing trend to integrate kitchens
with family space. Wine refrigeration
and storage also scored highly.
Reflecting the aging population, demand in the survey jumped for requests for increased adaptability and universal design features in the kitchen.
Demand remains strong for sustainable products, such as flooring and countertops made from renewable materials.
10
20
30
26
40
50
60
70
Natural wood cabinets
2008
20
2007
Environmental trends continue to boost the drive for sustainability in
References:
Archives