Homeowners Increase Investments In Kitchens And Bathrooms

A Home Design Trends Survey completed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which specifically focused on kitchen and bathrooms, found that homeowners are looking to increase their home’s market value by completing upscale kitchen and bath remodel projects. The entrance of Scavolini, Italy's number one kitchen cabinet manufacturer, to the American market with a showroom in New York shows just how interested American's are in high-end kitchen renovations. The self-contained kitchen pictured above is completely created to your specifications.

“Now that home prices have hit bottom and are beginning to recover, households are more willing to invest in their homes and willing to undertake higher-end home improvement projects,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker. “Kitchens and baths tend to be the areas that households first look to when they want to upscale their home as markets improve, just as they remained a high priority even during the depths of the downturn.”

A significant portion of the residential architects surveyed reported increases in the number and size of kitchens and baths. Baker added that this increase provides a clearer sign that the housing market has returned to a mode of steady growth.

Over a third of residential architects surveyed also reported that higher-end kitchen appliances are increasing in popularity, which is more than double the numbers reported last year. Other increasingly popular kitchen features include larger pantry space, drinking water filtration systems and wine refrigeration and storage like this fabulous Dacor Discovery WineStation pictured left.

While architects reported strong growth in popularity for upscale showers in the bathroom, they reported a stronger desire among homeowners for universal design and accessibility. Popular bathroom universal design trends reported include large walk in showers, stall showers without a tub, doorless showers and hand showers.

For more information on universal design check out our FAQ: How can I make my bathroom safe for my kids and elderly relatives?

If you’re planning a kitchen or bath remodel make sure you find a local professional to help.