The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released findings from its Q1 2025 Home Design Trends Survey, which focuses on kitchens and bathrooms.
What the data found
The data reveals a notable uptick in demand for upscale, innovative home design features, reflecting evolving consumer preferences in the housing market. Key insights from the 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 and have seen a noticeable 4-point rise in popularity.
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 – popularity for relevant solutions increased by 8 points.
Radiant Heated Floors: The growing trend of radiant heating systems in bathrooms and kitchens reflects a shared pursuit of enhanced comfort and luxury, with popularity growing by 5 points.
Upscale Shower Designs: Homeowners desire bathrooms that provide spa-like sanctuaries, showcasing the beauty of custom tiles, natural materials, and premium fixtures. With an 18-point rise in popularity, this shift reflects a shared desire to turn shower spaces into retreats that inspire relaxation and renewal.
The survey also identified moderate shifts in kitchen design priorities:
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. Popularity for these versatile spaces has grown by 4 points.
Wine Storage: Elegant wine storage has become a coveted feature, celebrated not just for its practicality but also for its beauty, as shown by a remarkable 12-point rise in popularity.
“These survey findings reflect a clear trend toward creating thoughtfully designed spaces that blend luxury, functionality, and wellness,” says Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, AIA Chief Economist. “These design preferences showcase how homeowners are looking to elevate their living spaces.”
Despite fluctuations in the broader housing market, the AIA survey signals healthy project backlogs and improved billings for residential architecture firms, indicating continued confidence in the custom housing sector.