Hertfordshire homes are stuck in a style rut, according to a new survey.
The study by floorcare specialist, Vax, found that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of homes in the East of England feature retro touches that haven’t been updated in decades.
The top three throwback looks are Artex ceilings, lino floors and patterned carpets, with 9 per cent of people questioned admitting that some of their interiors haven’t been changed in more than 40 years.
93 per cent said they have updated at least one room in their home in the last five years however – and almost half have done so within the past 12 months.
Despite the ’70s style statements, homeowners dream of modern touches such as American-style fridge freezers (32 per cent), instant boiling water taps (30 per cent) and wireless multi-room sound systems (30 per cent).
Jonathan Rogers of Vax, who commissioned the study to mark the company’s 40th anniversary, said: “What is really interesting is how the typical British home is an amazing contrast between living with the designs of the past, such as Artex ceilings, but also incorporating the latest trends such as hard wooden floors or instant boiling taps.”
He added: “Life has changed significantly since the ’70s and so have our needs, so it is not surprising that 81 per cent of people have redecorated at least one room in their home within the last two years.
“[We] are a nation of proud homeowners, with one of the highest proportions of ownership in Europe. Our home is special and therefore we have a real desire to look after it and create living spaces we can enjoy – but interior design is just one element of this.”
The top 10 home trends of the 1970s standing the test of time in the East of England
1. Artex ceilings
2. Lino floors
3. Patterned carpets
4. Plants in woven hanging baskets
5. Carpet in the bathroom
6. Coloured bathroom suites
7. Pine kitchen cupboards
8. Serving hatch
9. Wicker/bamboo furniture
10. Tan leather upholstery
The top ten modern home trends people in the East of England want in their home
1. American-style fridge freezer
2. Island kitchen unit/ breakfast bar
3. Underfloor heating
4. Instant boiling water tap
5. Log burner stove
6. Cordless vacuum cleaner
7. Real wooden floors
8. Wireless multi-room sound system
9. Open plan kitchen/diner/living space
10. Bi-fold doors
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