Homeowner interest in specialty rooms, systems utilizing emerging technologies and upscale products is waning as the residential market continues to struggle. Instead, investments within the home have focused on increasing energy efficiency, fostering outdoor living environments and adding wireless communications systems as home offices remain popular. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2011 that focused on emerging home features: systems, technologies and function rooms in the home.
"The majority of special function rooms have seen a noticeable drop in demand in the past year, which makes sense given the state of both the overall economy and the housing market in particular," said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "Rather, homeowners are showing a continued preference to save money on utility costs and improve the resale value of their home through investing in energy efficient upgrades.
Despite the weak housing market, design elements that promote accessibility within the home remain strong led by master bedroom suites located on the first floor and even more expensive features like ramps leading into the home and elevators.
There are signs of stabilization of business conditions for residential architects, although it would be premature to say that the market is entering a recovery phase. Demand for remodeling and renovations is in relatively good shape, but all major new construction categories continue to drag, which is keeping the overall housing market back."