BIG TICKETS AND ‘ULTRA LOUNGES’ SIGNAL LIFESTYLE SHIFTS RATHER THAN HOUSE MOVES

Sales trends at interiors and furnishings store Housing Units are signalling that homeowners are increasingly thinking about lifestyle shifts rather than house moves. Big ticket deals such as complete kitchen, dining room, bathroom, bedroom and living room makeover packages are on the increase with average single-room spends well into five figures. “There’s no doubt that people are recognising that moving house may not be the best move, deciding to stay put, then choosing to completely change the theme and scheme of one or more rooms – with kitchen design and makeovers averaging around £15,000 purchase price,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.

“But they’re thinking much longer term too: around half of the customers who buy full-room makeovers also specify that we build into the design an element enabling them to update either in terms of style or technology as new trends develop or new consumer electrical equipment comes on to the market. “We’re also finding that some of designs and furnishings are guiding rooms down very specific style and usage routes too, particularly living rooms which are more and more specified as ‘ultra lounges’: not just comfy sofas and chairs, but full-on cinema-style rooms with big screen TV and luxury reclining cinema seating as well as décor and accessories to match.

“Dining rooms are also coming in for attention to, with moves towards turning them into restaurant-style home entertaining destinations for friends and family alike. “It used to be these makeovers were all about investing in the value of the home, but now the trend is investing in the future of the house as a home given the state of the housing market.”