We surveyed over 3,000 people across the country on all the things they do to feel at home.
As well as revealing the top 50* list, our research also revealed the kitchen is no longer the heart of the home. The lounge topped the vote for the room that is the heart of the home (53%), with almost half of Brits stating this room took priority in their current property to decorate first.
Although traditional home décor such as family photos, natural light, plants and flowers were popular ways to add personal touches to a home, creating memories and experiences were a key part of the top 50* things.
Hosting Christmas, marking your child’s height on the walls and bringing home your newborn from the hospital were listed as some of the contributing memorable experiences. While traditions such as family movie nights on the sofa and having friends and family over for a BBQ also made the top 50.*
On average, it takes just over a year (13 months and 6 days to be exact) from moving into a house for it to feel like a home, although 1 in 10 say it felt like home in under 6 months.
When it comes to making a space feel homely furnishings and appliances were key, with a comfy sofa, large television, coffee machine and artwork all on the top 50* list. Whilst those who were more sustainably minded said an air source heat pump, underfloor heating and an induction hob were top of mind.
And it seems we really do enjoy a touch of luxury in our homes – with high ceilings, walk-in wardrobes, ensuite bathrooms and underfloor heating also making the final cut – some of our key selling points.
When asked what makes a house/flat feel less homely, Brits said a cold house (64%), clutter and lack of storage (50%), limited natural light (26%), cool lighting (22%) and someone else’s décor and style choices (19%) – which is why it’s no surprise that 44% would prefer to decorate from a blank canvas in a new build, rather than 32% who would prefer to draw inspiration from previous owners in a second-hand property.
Commenting on the data, James Holmear, Group Sales Director at Redrow, said: “The findings of our latest research really capture the essence of what makes a house a home – whether that’s making personal décor choices, creating new memories or adding home comforts to help you settle in.
“It’s no surprise that so many people across the country would prefer a new build to enable them to create these homely touches from the very start of their property journey – whether that’s choosing design features such as underfloor heating, fixture and fittings, home layouts, or simply wanting to enjoy experiences in a home that is wholly theirs from the foundations upwards. The best bit about buying off-plan means there’s no previous negative energy in your home to sage away either!”
The research was compiled to celebrate Redrow’s 50th anniversary, which sees us mark half a century of building high quality, premium homes across England and Wales.
We are currently building high-quality new homes across England and Wales. Our newest developments all feature homes equipped with eco-friendly features, including an air source heat pumps and EV charging points. The air source heat pump provides a low-carbon alternative to traditional heating systems, efficiently extracting heat from the outside air to warm the home. The inclusion of EV charging points also ensures that the home is future-proofed for the growing number of electric vehicle owners.
To find your nearest Redrow development, or to book an appointment visit our website.
Top 50* things that make a house/flat feel like home:
- A comfy sofa
- Family photos
- Hosting Christmas
- Completing a sage cleanse
- Natural light
- Celebrating a birthday
- Snuggling up on the sofa to watch your favourite show
- Adding small personal touches over time through decorating and accessorising
- Family movie nights on the sofa
- Plants and flowers
- Getting out in your garden
- Sitting down for a family dinner
- Carpets
- Cooking for your family
- Hosting family for tea
- Having friends and family over for a BBQ
- A fireplace
- Tidying away any clutter
- Choosing your fittings and fixtures
- Throw cushions
- Making the bed
- Blankets on the sofa
- A large television
- Sentimental items passed through generations
- Going for a walk in your neighbourhood
- Candles
- Large windows
- Artwork
- Getting to know your neighbours
- Bringing home your newborn from the hospital
- Memorabilia
- Designing your own kitchen
- Matching furniture
- Scented room spray
- Playing your favourite song
- Reading the paper with a cup of coffee
- Baking cookies
- Children’s drawings on the fridge
- Open plan living
- Ensuite bathroom
- Window seat
- A coffee machine
- High ceilings
- Coffee table books
- Walk in wardrobe
- Underfloor heating
- Marking your child’s height on the walls
- Ceiling coving
- Induction hob
- Air source heat pump
* List compiled from five separate survey questions asking what things, actions, features and memories make a house feel like a home in separate questions. The top 50 is in no particular order.
