As recent reports reveal that people are now only moving to a new house on average twice after their first purchase, as opposed to four times, we see homeowners taking to renovation and interior design projects instead as a way of adding their own unique stamp on their properties.
New research conducted by the Wood Window Alliance (WWA) highlights the emergence of homeowners taking real control of their homes and becoming their own interior designers keen to display their properties to the wider world. With the popularity of social media channels such as Pinterest and Instagram at an all-time high it has never been easier to turn a house from a blank canvas into a reflection of our very own character.
Our possessions make a statement about us and our home, the largest and most visible possession we are likely to own, and can become an extension of our personalities – from the colour of the front door to the types of windows we choose to install.
66% of homeowners believe that the home is a direct expression of their personality. Synthetic materials are on their way out of our homes thanks to the much-publicised drive to cut down on the use of plastics in our everyday lives. It certainly makes a public statement about our desire to live more sustainable lives and one in four (23%) homeowners are planning to decrease the amount of plastic in the home this year.
Bill Wallsgrove, expert in colour psychology and advisor to The Design Council, said:
“People are becoming much more experimental with their home design. They want their homes to look good for not only visiting guests but for photos that will inevitably be shared online. Holidays and the popularity of home improvement TV programmes, often spark the initial inspiration, which can then be further researched online. Previously we relied on professional designers but with the abundance of materials and resources available from brands and individuals online it’s given us much more confidence to tackle some of this ourselves. This allows people to truly express themselves through their home design and decoration.”
Over a third (39%) of homeowners wish they were able to change the look of their home more often and unlike clothes or the latest must-have electronic items, in the home we’re three times more likely to adapt the latest trends to our own personal tastes for a more individual look.
While some may opt for larger remodelling projects, whether to make space for expanding families or to ensure they have a personalised living space that works for their lifestyle, sometimes a simple redecoration is enough to create a unique look that shows off our individuality. A lick of paint can create statement features in an otherwise bland space. But it doesn’t just need to be the walls – painted timber doors and window frames can have a strong impact on the aesthetic of a room while also speaking volumes about our inner style.
The online world and presence of social platforms now means that what goes on behind closed doors is no longer private. Our homes and interior design choices are no longer just reserved for visiting guests and people are showcasing their dwellings online with pride, with tags such as #homesweethome being included in over 23 million posts.
So, with the appearance of the home and its features now more important the ever the quality of the products we use, both aesthetically and in performance, needs to be high. As we allow more and more people to see both the outside and inside of our homes we want them to appreciate the quality and its direct association with ourselves. Windows are an excellent example. Public perception, which until recently hadn’t kept up with the advancements in the technology of timber window frames, is now starting to shift making the use of high quality timber frames set to be a popular choice this year.
Tony Pell, Chairman of the Wood Window Alliance said:
“It’s no surprise that we’re becoming increasingly connected to our homes, with the rising costs of property meaning we are taking care of our homes more and more. It’s interesting to see just how many people express themselves through the space around them, and the rise of the younger, millennial generation turning their homes into their own space which reflects their personality.
“We are now seeing houses built with higher quality materials for a more impressive effect as homeowners open their houses, and therefore themselves, up to judgement from the world around them. This includes the increasing use of beautiful timber window frames as people recognise they are as aesthetically beautiful as they are durable, efficient and technologically advanced.”
For more information about the Wood Window Alliance or to read the full Windows of the World report visit www.woodwindowalliance.com