Radiant floor heating held its ground in the fourth quarter of 2007 as a top attraction among homeowner bathroom remodels, according to the AIA "Home Design Trends" survey.

In the AIA’s “Home Design Trends Survey” for the fourth quarter of 2007, residential architects report that the number and size of kitchens and bathrooms are still increasing in popularity. However, with the housing market remaining weak and concern growing over affordability of homes, some concessions are being made.

“Particularly for bathrooms,” says AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Residential architects report that there is less interest in increasing size and numbers as compared to a year ago.” Likewise, architects report a decline in traditional upper-end features and products in these areas of the home.

But the survey did find that radiant-heat flooring continues to be a popular feature in bathrooms, as it was in this survey from a year ago (see chart at right). There is also a growing interest in accessibility and adaptability features in both of these areas to make the home better meet the needs of an aging or less mobile population.

Additionally, there is growing interest in environmentally friendly sustainable products, such as renewable material countertops and flooring in kitchens, and water-saving toilets and LED lighting in bathrooms.

Weak business conditions at residential architecture firms, Baker says, provide no evidence that the housing market is poised for a recovery. Billings and inquiries at residential architecture firms are weakening. All of the major residential construction sectors are weaker than a year ago, while home remodeling sectors remain relatively strong.

For the full survey results, click here.