Millions of Brits consider their home to be a ‘stressful’ place, new survey reveals
MILLIONS of Brits consider their home to be a "stressful"; place, a new survey reveals.
A study of 2,000 adults found a lack of space, poor natural lighting and paintwork which needs touching up mean more than a quarter are unhappy with their home's appearance.
And around one in eight went as far as to say it leaves them feeling stressed in what should be their sanctuary with women far more likely to feel this way.
Just two thirds consider their home to be relaxed, with another one in seven describing it as a "chaotic" environment.
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It also emerged nearly a third think more work is needed on their home to optimise the space they have.
A spokesperson for David Village Lighting, which commissioned the study, said: “Our homes reflect our personalities, so it’s important to make the most of what you have, even if space is at a premium.
“Small improvements and adjustments to elements like lighting, furniture and even arrangement can completely transform a space, and many homeowners may not realise what these tweaks can achieve.”
The study also found one in five adults have made furniture adjustments to try and improve the Feng Shui of their home.
And 44 per cent have tried to strategically place mirrors around their home in order to make the space appear larger than it really is.
More than six in 10 have even tried re-painting a room to give the illusion of a bigger space while 27 per cent have turned to lighting to make their home feel bigger than it is.
But a fifth wish their home got more natural light from outside.
Top ways people try to improve their homes
1. Lighting of different colours and strength
2. Adding plants and flowers
3. Painting walls a different colour
4. Purchasing new furniture
5. Using mirrors to create the illusion of more space
6. The placement of ornaments or art
7. Improving technology such as sound system
When it comes to lighting, half of homeowners make decisions on which type of light to use based on the kind of mood they are trying to achieve.
One in five have even used a smartphone app to control their lighting.
The study also found 45 per cent think their living room is the best room in their home, and 18 per cent like their bedroom best.
When it’s time for a re-vamp, nearly two thirds have touched up the paintwork in their home, and 59 per cent have bought new furniture to give their space an update.
Half have even fitted new lighting themselves.
But when the job is too big, a third have hired outside help from painters, decorators and builders to make their dream interior a reality.
Despite this, 73 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, enjoy decorating their home, and 12 per cent of those surveyed will make tweaks to their home décor every six months.
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A spokesperson for David Village Lighting added: “A home should be an ongoing project, with incremental improvements and changes made regularly to achieve your vision, as well as keep on top of trends.
“A homeowner should never feel like their dream aesthetic is unachievable, and we would like to encourage readers to consider their home as an evolving space which grows with them over time.”
For further information on the report and to see top tips on home improvements .