A kitchen by designer Tineke Triggs, who says cooks should invest in ranges, not refrigerators. Image courtesy Stuart Lirette

Kitchens and bathrooms may still be among the most popular rooms that homeowners want to improve since they gravitate to the first as a hub to spend time with family and friends and cook and to the second as a place to unwind.

But how nice and luxurious homeowners now want each space to be is being influenced by the economy. According to the American Institute of Architects’ 2008 Home Design Trends survey, some homeowners are showing less interest in upscale equipment, products and features for these rooms. No longer can everyone afford to splurge on the biggest and swankest stainless-steel refrigerator or deep, long soaking tub with multiple jets; a good refrigerator and comfortable tub will do quite nicely, thank you very much.

At the same time, many homeowners are putting greater emphasis on accessibility and universal-design features, which make home life easier and safer, especially for those aging in place. Plus, many remain “extremely interested in renewable flooring and countertops, energy efficient and water saving products, as well as having a dedicated recycling center,” says AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.

When it comes to sustainable options, designer Michael Wolk of Michael Wolk Design Associates, Miami, says that even if homeowners aren’t requesting sustainable options, they still may benefit because of changes many manufacturers are initiating on their own due to increased overall interest in energy-efficient appliances, low- and no-VOC paints, and water-conserving toilets, faucets and shower heads.

So, what’s a budget-conscious, eco-concerned homeowner to do these days, particularly those who worry that going green may add a higher price tag? Prioritize choices, says Cinda K. Lester, AIA, AICP, of 12/12 Architects & Planners, Downers Grove, Ill. “I have more clients picking cabinetry at places like IKEA to save or buying countertops off the shelf at Home Depot,” she ays. The bottom line: Decide which choices make the most sense for your budget and lifestyle.

Kitchen Appliances

Tineke Triggs, owner of Artistic Designs for Living in San Francisco, advises serious cooks to put more money into ranges and less into refrigerators. She’s also found that more clients eliminate bells and whistles such as warming drawers, pricey built-in coffee centers and wine coolers.

Cabinetry

With the cost of cabinetry and installation often adding up to 60 percent of the total cost of a job, cabinetry is one feature that’s being looked at carefully to lower a budget. The danger in selecting a too-inexpensive choice, however, is that it may last as long as you’d like, and thus time-consuming and expensive to replace. “Homeowners should consider how beat up their cabinets will get – if kids will use them,” says Lester.

Flooring

Interest in wood flooring has increased because it often matches floors in adjacent rooms and is considered easier on feet than tile. While some like the idea of using renewable bamboo, others consider it too soft in a heavily-trafficked area. Joe Skiffington, a homebuilder and owner of Skiffington Homes in Moultonborough, N.H., also has had increased interest in radiant-heated floors.

Lighting

The importance of a variety of light sources beyond recessed cans is being budgeted for, with more homeowners also requesting under-cabinet, in-cabinet and pendant lights for mood and tasks. Dimmers are essential as an option for mood and energy efficiency.

Bathroom Essentials

Including two sinks is no longer considered de rigueur since few homeowners brush their teeth side-by-side; more prefer the extra space to be devoted to a larger countertop space for toiletry essentials. A shower remains more popular than a tub in a master bathroom if space and cost don’t permit both and if there’s another tub in another bathroom in the home. On the must-have list are water-conserving toilets and LED lighting. But fewer homeowners want more than one body spray or showerhead and some are no longer want to splurge on frameless glass shower doors.

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