Washington, D.C. -- For the tenth anniversary of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey, a panel of more than 500 residential architects were asked what they thought would be the most significant home design elements over the next ten years.

“Historically, the dominant factors in home design have been economic and demographic shifts. Residential architects are seeing these forces at play in their vision for the next decade as well,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker.  “Homeowners have indicated a strong preference for functionality, accessibility, and sustainability over the last ten years and architects expect that to accelerate, with increasing demand for healthy building materials and furnishings."

Top 10 residential design trends for the next 10 years:

• Technological integration becoming more prevalent,  with both dedicated support for personal devices, along with automated controls for temperature, security and lighting
• Increased consumer awareness about environmental health issues leading to more widespread use of low or no volatile organic compounds for paint and composite wood, natural fiber upholstery, carpets without polyvinyl chloride backing and air purification systems
• Growing demand for design strategies that strengthen homes against natural disasters including elevating residences, windows with impact glazing, dedicated safe rooms and backup power generation
• Increasing use of energy-efficient and other sustainable design elements and products such as solar panels, water reclamation systems and tankless water heaters
• Aging-in-place and universal design elements to accommodate an aging population including wider hallways, added handrails and one-level living spaces
• Kitchens serving as focal point of the home highlighted by open design concepts
• Heavy emphasis and investment in outdoor living spaces
• Need for space devoted to home offices reflecting changing work patterns
• Infill development promoting smaller, better designed homes
• Strong preference for urban lifestyle characteristics resulting in higher-density development that provide additional amenities to residents

For more details and analysis on the drivers of these trends, see accompanying article:
The Coming Decade for Residential Design,  also see www.aia.org.