New research has revealed that redecorating has gone out of style in favour of regular mini makeovers. Almost half (46%) of those surveyed have never redecorated! While only 25% had redecorated at least once in the last decade. More than half (59%) said they redecorate less in recent years in favour of smaller retouches instead.
More than a third (35%) of those surveyed by The House & Garden Festival, which returns to London Olympia this Wednesday, said they refresh elements of their décor every one to two years and 80% prefer a simpler seasonal spruce up. More than half (51%) are now updating their homeware items and accessories at least annually. While two thirds have noticed that family and friends are also opting for re-furnishings or slight décor updates rather than entire renovations.
The living room was affirmed as the heart of home style with 71% of those surveyed saying this is the room they care about most when it came to redecoration. Next up was the kitchen (14%), the main bedroom (6%) and the least important room that lay undecorated for years on end was the guest bedroom (1%). The research also found that spring is the season most home owners spruce up their interiors with 45% saying this was the time of year they refresh their design, followed by summer (27%), winter (20%) and finally autumn (6%) where people choose to take time out to relax!
Emma Hooton, Associate of the British Institute of Interior Design says: “It’s easier than you think to give your interior a quick refresh without needing to carry out major works. There are so many fabulous patterned or textured wallpapers out there that can totally change the way a space feels or lovely bold paint colours to add character. Accessories are a great way of adding layers of interest, simply by stacking books and grouping ceramics together, throwing in some fun cushions, gorgeous candles and adding big leafy plants around the room, you can update your interior instantly”.
Home design enthusiasts looking for this season’s new accessories will find everything they need at The House & Garden Festival. Returning this week on Wednesday 20th until Sunday 24th June, with The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia taking place for an extended period of time, from Wednesday 20th until Wednesday 27th June.
With over 400 exhibitors, the festival offers discerning shoppers a remarkable selection of interior and lifestyle brands within its four events. The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia has been running for 46 years and is widely recognised as one of the most established art and antiques fairs in Europe, selling everything from diamonds to dining tables with all pieces being vetted by independent experts. HOUSE adds design and interiors products such as furniture, kitchens, bathrooms, fabric, lampshades, rugs, lighting and accessories and GROW London has a myriad of ideas on how to transform an outdoor space. Spirit of Summer offers hand-picked independent boutiques and lifestyle products next to the UK’s finest artisan food producers.
Alongside the shopping opportunities will be plenty of professional advice and ideas on hand from interior, garden and lifestyle experts in the form of talks and workshops in the Festival theatre, tours, gardens and ‘style rooms’. For those in need of sustenance to keep shopping there will be the Mosimann’s pop up restaurant and two Champagne bars.
