My two favorite rooms in my house are the kitchen and bathroom. Whether I’m hovering over the stove concocting a new sauce or soaking away in the bathtub, both enclaves serve as sanctuaries for entertainment and relaxation.

Recent market forecaster reports from K+BB magazine and the National Kitchen & Bath Association found that both bath and kitchen remodeling projects topped the list of homeowners’ needs, and industry observers say the trend will continue to grow over the next year.

1. In 2007, Americans spent more than $220 billion on new construction and remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Six out of every seven new kitchens last year were remodeled, while one in seven were new construction.

3. Nearly 75 percent of existing bathrooms last year were remodeled, while a little more than a quarter of them were new  construction.

4. Bucking the downturn in the housing market, the number of kitchen and bath remodeling projects actually increased in 2007 over 2006 levels.

5. About 6.9 million kitchen and 8.5 million bath remodeling jobs are projected for 2008.

6. Dipping home values and prices have helped spark an interest in remodeling projects, as sellers are spending more on home improvements to increase the value of their home and appeal to more prospective buyers. Homeowners that have chosen not to move because of the current housing slump have decided to reinvest in remodeling projects as they wait out the storm.

7. With 36 states facing water shortages by 2015, consumers will need to look at more eco-friendly fixtures. Bathrooms account for more than half of all household daily water use. Kitchen and bath companies are offering a wider selection of affordable water conservation products.

8. For every 20 bathroom projects undertaken last year, nine were master baths; eight were full baths and three were powder rooms.

Got hot local housing tips or a story you want to share? Contact Amy Le at openingdoorsblog@homescape.com.