The American Institute of Architects released its Q3 Home Design Trends Survey, and its results really underscore the pandemic’s impact on design, remodeling, and the housing industry as a whole.
Here are five takeaways from the report:
The remodeling industry is coming back strong
The home improvement industry continues to strengthen, according to the Q3 AIA Home Design Trends Survey. Nearly half of respondents said that the remodeling industry, including additions, alterations, kitchen, and bath, is currently improving in conditions, compared to just 15% for move-up homes and 17% for custom homes. On average, respondents said that affordable homes, townhomes, and vacation home sectors were weakening.
No surprise: Home offices see a sizable increase in popularity
In a true 2020-fashion, the number of respondents who ranked home offices as the most popular special function jumped from 2019 (15%) to 2020 (22%), and 68% said that home offices are increasing in popularity. Though mudrooms are also increasing in demand (38%), home offices overtook their spot for second place in the most in-demand special room. Outdoor living fell slightly in its ranking as the most popular feature (31% compared to 34%), but it remained the reigning champ and stayed consistent in its overall popularity. In-law suites ranked fourth (12%) while a new category, additional multi-functional rooms/flexible spaces, rang in at fifth (11%) and saw strong response for increasing popularity (43%).
Universal design and multiple generation living declines in popularity
Homeowners are less interested in aging in place and universal features in their home, according to the survey. This may surprise some as it seemed like the pandemic might spark an increased investment in these functions as people were forced to quarantine in their homes. However, only 43% said that the popularity of accommodations for multiple generations is increasing, compared to 52% in 2019. Ramps and elevators took an even steeper tumble in, with only 28% reporting increasing popularity. In 2019, 50% reported increases for that category. However, the AIA did include two new categories that seem to be influenced by the pandemic’s conditions: built-in storage (33%) and multiple offices (24%).
Air quality mattered before, but it really matters now
Before many Americans started spending more time in their homes, only a quarter of survey respondents said that there was increasing demand for products that improve indoor air quality. But now nearly 40% report an increase in the category. Meanwhile, the reported popularity fell for smart thermostats (49% compared to 59% in 2019) and synthetic materials (38% compared to 46%).
Government programs helped design firms stay afloat
Although it may feel like ages have gone by since the economy fell off a cliff, it’s really only been half a year since the beginning of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). More than half of respondents said that they applied and received a PPP loan, with a majority receiving $100,000 or less in aid. Of those who received one, 75% said that it helped the firm retain employees that would have otherwise would have been furloughed or laid off. Only 9% said it did not help. Though the economic future is still uncertain with further coronavirus aid stalled, the first round seems to have helped those able to secure funds.