WACO, TEXAS — Nine of 10 households invest more in real estate than they do in the stock market, and that fact continues to drive demand for the $120 billion remodeling industry each year, according to DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.

The national remodeling franchise, which averages more than 20,000 jobs a year, recently conducted its annual poll of its franchise network to identify kitchen and bath trends for 2003. The emerging trends for bathrooms include: oversized “rain” showerheads; showers with body sprays and steam showers; solid surface shower walls; earth tones in tile; radiantly heated tile floors; and traditional styled cabinetry.

The results for kitchen trends include quartz countertops; use of more solid surface materials such as Corian; increasing demand for the commercial look of stainless steel appliances; an open extension into the family room, incorporating fireplaces, family seating and gathering places; and under-cabinet lighting or “hockey puck” lighting under cabinets

The survey revealed that maple is still a popular finish with caramel or ivory glazes in both the kitchen and bath. Hickory, however, is gaining a wider audience, and dark finishes such as “merlot” are expected to become more popular in 2003.

In addition, more homeowners are paying attention to various light sources in their remodeling projects. Indirect, task and ambient lighting are now considered when designing kitchens and baths. Cans and recessed lighting will continue to be prominent in 2003 designs.

“With the size of our franchise network and the variety of jobs we do across the board, we’ve found that we have a keen sense of emerging trends,” said Doug Dwyer, president of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. “Whether it’s a high-end fixture, a surface finish, or a simple color choice, our remodelers are quick to identify key design elements. The 2003 trends are good predictions as more and more homeowners invest in their homes.”

Based in Waco, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has been in more than 2 million homes. It is an associate company of The Dwyer Group, a multi-franchise holding company, which includes the Mr. Rooter plumbing franchise. The company is a national member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the International Franchising Association.