Demand for luxury kitchen and bath items has fallen significantly, says the recently released quarterly home design trends survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
“Because of concerns over affordability and re-sale value, it’s not surprising that there has been a sharp decline in demand for high-end kitchen and bath products,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker in a press release.
The survey also found that buyers are increasingly interested in building products that are renewable and energy-efficient.
”People are both budget-conscious and environmentally-conscious. They ask a lot more questions,” said custom builder Phil Kean of Phil Kean Designs, in Winter Park, Fla. “People look at [green products] as a long-term investment.”
Kean said that some of his buyers are choosing energy-efficient designs expressly for cost management. “This year I’ve actually had people say, ‘I don’t want as high ceilings because I don’t want to have to heat that space,’” said Kean. However, he added, “people that are more environmentally conscious from the start are most likely to ask about green options, but I think people are moving that direction.”
Status may provide part of the motivation. “Consumer awareness of ‘green’ products” has made eco-friendly features this season’s must-haves in kitchen and bath design. “There is a real cache in being able to show your neighbors your very cool recycling center or countertops made from recycled products,” Edwards said.
Source: Buider Online
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