Homeowners continue to prioritize investing in outdoor living spaces, and there has been a significant surge in popularity in adding technology and systems that can help automate energy consumption. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey covering activity during the second quarter of 2015 that focused on emerging home features, technologies and special function rooms in the home.

“With the tremendous interest in well-designed outdoor living spaces, it’s a pretty strong indication that the days when houses were viewed as a way to flip for a big profit are long gone,” said AIA chief economist Kermit Baker. “Signifying a renewed interest in practicality and use, demand for mud rooms and dedicated guest rooms are also quite high.

“Automation is on its way to becoming standard functionality within homes as there are systems available to regulate temperature, lighting, home audio and energy usage.”

Special Function Rooms/Areas

Products

Systems/Technology in Homes

Special Features

Construction Segments