The unusual ways Brits have used their homes over the last year, including ultra-marathons in hallways
In honour of its 2021 campaign, ‘Our House’, new research released by Very* highlights how the nation has been getting creative with their living spaces to accommodate personal and professional needs in lockdown, as well as the nation’s changing views on home life.
Kitchen yoga and bedroom office set-ups have meant much of the household furniture has been used in unconventional ways, as the research uncovered just how Brits have been getting creative with their living spaces to pass the time:
- Attempting to run an ultra-marathon in the hallway
- Having a virtual holiday and turning their son’s bedroom into a pretend beach
- Turning the shed into a casino
- Putting a tent up and camping in the living room
- Turning the hallway into a coffee bar
- Creating their own pubs at home
- Turning the living room into an adventure zone with tunnels
Growing tired of their four walls, more than one in four (29%) say they feel the need to transform their homes once the pandemic is over, with £657 being the average Brits are willing to spend to refresh their spaces.
The nation feels their homes are a far cry from their dream houses, with almost half (45%) revealing that, if they could choose, a window seat with a stunning view would be their preferred feature in their ideal home. A walk-in wardrobe (39%) and a private beach (32%) were also top of the poll.
Confined to their homes, it’s privacy that Brits have been missing over the past 12 months, with over a quarter (28%) admitting to sneaking off to the loo to have some alone time. The research also found that some have even pretended to be on the phone with colleagues so their families would give them some peace and quiet.
Crowned by the majority (71%) as their favourite place to relax, the nation’s living rooms have seen everything from home gym set-ups to cinema experiences over the past 12 months. So, it is perhaps unsurprising that, on average, Brits have been spending 37% more time in this room alone over the past year.
Aware that it is important families are able to enjoy the space they live in, Very has teamed up with interior design guru, Michelle Ogundehin, to offer tips and tricks on how the nation can keep their spaces feeling fresh through lockdown.
Interior design expert and author, Michelle Ogundehin, said: “Spending all our time in the same space inevitably leads to us growing tired of our surroundings. But there are lots of things you can do before reaching for the paint cans and DIY drills.
“Keep household clutter to a minimum. Not only will it make your space feel bigger, but it will help to maintain your sense of wellbeing. Mess equals stress! So the next time you feel like you’re in need of a refresh, clear, curate and contain your things and you might be surprised how much difference it makes.
“Don’t be afraid to shy away from introducing more texture too. Even adding some super tactile comfort in the form of a few gorgeous fluffy cushions can be really powerful — it’s all about letting your sofa give you a hug!”
Recognising that increased time spent at home can be challenging for those who don’t enjoy the space they live in, Very has partnered with Good Guys to supply a host of home makeovers to families in need. Funding the refurbishments, Very will act as the home makeover sponsor to Good Guys, with the aim of making day-to-day life a little easier for those who need it the most.
