Home theaters, home offices gain popularity

The rise in popularity, according to the AIA, is fueled by increasing gasoline prices and telecommuting.

Almost half of the survey respondents said those rooms are increasing in demand. The drop in price and the increased availability of audio and video technology options has translated into a surge in popularity for home theaters as well.

“The overall theme that was discovered from these survey results is that home features are now emphasizing convenience and informality,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Ph.D., in a news release. “Upscale entryways and hallways have waned a great deal in popularity, while home features such as siding, decking, countertops, and floor and wall finishes are being designed for flexibility and ease-of-use.”

More than 40 percent of survey respondents reported an increase in the popularity of energy-management building principles and materials, such as solar, geothermal and renewable electrical energy sources.

The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of 600 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector.

Also in the survey, 30 percent of firms reported increased popularity of game rooms and 22 percent reported an increase in dedicated wings or additions for in-home child care providers and for bringing elderly parents into the home.

Special systems for the home also are increasing in popularity, with 32 percent of firms surveyed reporting an increase in the popularity of security systems. Also, 23 percent of firms reported increased inclusion of fire safety systems in home design.

The survey found that housing market business conditions remain strong at residential architecture firms, with nearly 40 percent of respondents indicating increased billings in the second quarter. Only 10 percent of responding firms reported a decline.

“An encouraging bit of news for the continued health of the housing market overall, ... is the fact that 42 percent of survey respondents reported an increase in inquiries for new projects during the second quarter,” Baker added.

The next survey will cover emerging design trends (design of communities, use of technology in the home, new residential products), with results being made available the first week of November, followed by a survey on kitchen and bath features and products, with those results available in February.

The AIA represents the professional interests of nearly 75,000 licensed architects, emerging professionals and allied partners.

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