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Top 10 Residential Trends for Next Decade02-10-16 | Economic News

Top 10 Residential Trends for Next Decade
According to Institute of Architects' Survey

The American Institute of Architects asked 500 of its member-architects what they thought the top 10 residential trends for the next 10 years would be. The results are published in this article.

In a recent survey, 500 residential architects were asked what they thought would be the most significant home design elements in the next 10 years.

The American Institute of Architects conducted the survey, and the top 10 design features are listed at the end of this article.

"Historically, the dominant factors in home design have been economic and demographic shifts," said Kermit Baker, chief economist for the AIA. "Residential architects are seeing these forces at play in their vision for the next decade as well.

"Homeowners have indicated a strong preference for functionality, accessibility and sustainability over the last 10 years," Baker added. "Architects expect that to accelerate, with increasing demand for healthy building materials and furnishings, along with designs that provide measures of resistance to weather-related calamities."

The top 10 residential design trends for the next decade are as follows:

Because technology is so prevalent, consumers will want to see more personal, automated devices that control temperature, security and lighting.

Environmental health issues will lead to widespread use of low or no volatile organic compounds for paint and composite wood, natural fiber upholstery, carpets without polyvinyl chloride backing and air purification systems.

There will be a growing demand for homes that can better withstand natural disasters. Design features would include elevated residences, windows with impact glazing, dedicated safe rooms and backup power generators.

Homeowners will went to see more energy-efficient and other sustainable design elements and products, such as solar panels, water reclamation systems and tankless water heaters.

Because the senior citizen population is growing, emphasis will be on certain design elements such as wider hallways, handrails and one-level living spaces.