As the recession continues and the housing market declines further, homeowner demand for high-end products and fixtures for kitchens and baths is declining as concerns over affordability and resale value mount, according to a recent survey by The American Institute of Architects (AIA). The fourth-quarter 2008 “AIA Home Design Trends Survey” focused specifically on kitchens and bathrooms.
Instead, architects are seeing increased demand for accessibility and universal design to make using baths and kitchens easier, safer, and more comfortable for older residents. Requests for hand showers increased in 2008, and interest in doorless showers remained high. Clients also have shown increasing interest in environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and water-conserving products and fixtures, such as renewable flooring materials, renewable countertop materials, recycling centers, LED lighting solutions, and low-flow toilets.
Demand for luxury items such as multihead showers and wine refrigerators declined dramatically from 2007 to 2008. For the complete report in AIArchitect, click here.