WASHINGTON — Despite fluctuations in the broader housing market, a new survey by the American Institute of Architects signals “healthy project backlogs and improved billings” for residential architecture firms, “indicating continued confidence in the custom housing sector.”
The AIA’s Q1 2025 Home Design Trends Survey, whose results were released in April, reveals a “notable uptick” in demand for upscale, innovative home design features, including those for bathrooms and kitchens.
“The survey findings reflect a clear trend toward creating thoughtfully designed spaces that blend luxury, functionality and wellness,” said Kermit Baker, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based AIA. “These design preferences showcase how homeowners are looking to elevate their living spaces.”
The AIA’s “Home Design Trends Surveys,” released quarterly, highlight consumer preferences and emerging trends in a variety of home design categories. Key insights from the first-quarter 2025 report include growing interest in the following areas as it relates to bathroom design:
- Doorless Showers: Homeowners are increasingly drawn to sleek, modern bathroom designs that feature walk-in, doorless showers. “These spaces aren’t just about aesthetics; they blend style with functionality,” the AIA observed.
- Daylighting: The desire for more natural light in homes is growing, with many turning to architectural features like expansive windows and skylights to craft brighter, more eco-friendly spaces.
- Radiant Heated Floors: The growing trend of radiant heating systems in bathrooms and kitchens reflects a shared pursuit of enhanced comfort and luxury.
- Upscale Shower Designs: Homeowners desire bathrooms that provide spa-like sanctuaries, showcasing the beauty of custom tiles, natural materials, and premium fixtures, the AIA said. “This shift reflects a shared desire to turn shower spaces into retreats that inspire relaxation and renewal,” the AIA noted.
The survey also identified moderate shifts in kitchen design priorities. Among them:
- Butler Pantries: Homeowners are increasingly drawn to smarter storage solutions, with butler pantries standing out for their practicality and their knack for decluttering main kitchen spaces, the AIA observed.
- Wine Storage: Elegant wine storage “has become a coveted feature, celebrated not just for its practicality but also for its beauty,” the trade association added.