Slippery Rock Gazette

As another sign the housing market is strengthening, the Washington, D.C.-based American Institute of Architects (AIA) said its annual trends survey revealed that homeowners are spending more money on kitchens and baths. 

The AIA said a sizeable share of its members report both the number and size of kitchens and baths are increasing.

“Even more indicative of an improving market is that upscale features and products used in these areas of the home are growing in popularity,” the group said.

The Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2013 indicate residential architects are reporting much stronger market conditions.

The report, which focused specifically on kitchens and bathrooms, said “design billings at residential architecture firms, as well as inquiries for new design projects, have steadily improved over the past two years.”

Moreover, the level of project backlogs — the amount of work currently in-house for these firms — has increased.

“Now that home prices have hit bottom and are beginning to recover, households are more willing to invest in their homes, looking for more features in new homes that they are purchasing, and willing to undertake higher-end home improvement projects,” said Kermit Baker, PhD, AIA’s chief economist.

“Kitchens and baths tend to be the areas that households first look to when they want to upscale their home as markets improve, just as they remained a high priority even during the depths of the downturn.”

Based on the survey, 87% of respondents reported increasing popularity of LED lighting; 44% reported an increase in kitchens integrated with family spaces; and 42% indicated an increase for larger pantry spaces, among other requests.

Popular bathroom products include large walk-in showers, stall showers without tubs, doorless showers, water-saving toilets and universal design features.

For the full report, visit the AIA website at www.aia.org/practicing/AIAB102001