The troubled housing market has homeowners concerned about affordability with an increasing preference for functionality over extravagance in special function rooms and home features.
There also continues to be a strong willingness to invest in energy efficient products and systems to help reduce utility costs.
These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2010 that focused on emerging home features: systems, technologies and function rooms in the home.
"As the overall economy has slowed in recent years home offices have become the new home theaters," said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.
"Homeowners are placing a far greater priority on specialty rooms that get the most use, as well as incorporating outdoor living elements within their lifestyles."