Outdoor kitchens more popular: AIA survey
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Residential architects are benefitting from good economic conditions as homeowners explore new options for kitchen and bathroom products. Though the desired size of a home’s kitchen may not be growing, architects have seen an increase in demand for outdoor kitchens. These are among the major findings from the AIA’s Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2016, which focused on kitchen and bath design trends.

“Homeowners continue to find new ways to add value to their homes by creating more functional space, which is apparent in the rise in popularity of outdoor kitchens,” said AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker. “Kitchens have become a hub for the home, now homeowners want to bring some of that activity to their outside space.”

Popular kitchen products include computer area/recharging stations, undercounter appliances, larger pantry space, upper-end appliances, adaptability and universal design and double islands.

“Bathroom adaptability and accessibility continue to be the primary focus for homeowners,” Baker said. “Increasing numbers of homeowners with disability concerns will drive trends in bath design for the foreseeable future.”

Popular bathroom products and features include doorless showers, adaptability and universal design, stall shower without tub and radiant heated floors.

According to AIA, billings and inquiries remain healthy, and business conditions for residential architects will continue to strengthen.

See http://www.aia.org.

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Karl Forth

Karl D. Forth is online editor for CCI Media. He also writes news and feature stories in FDMC Magazine, in addition to newsletters and custom publishing projects. He is also involved in event organization, and compiles the annual FDM 300 list of industry leaders. He can be reached at [email protected].