Lichfield residents reveal top 50 things that make their house feel like home
A comfy sofa, hosting Christmas and celebrating a birthday have been revealed among the top things that those in Lichfield say make a house feel like home.
New research from leading housebuilder, Redrow Midlands, which is currently building at Curborough Lakes, on Watery Lane, has unveiled the top 50 things those across the Midlands say are key in making a house/flat feel like home – and some of the answers may surprise you.
Interestingly, many across the Midlands say they’ve turned to completing a sage cleanse to help them settle in. And although the kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home, this is no longer the case in the Midlands – 54% of those in the region voted their lounge as being at the heart of their home, with 42% prioritising this room in their current property to decorate.
Some of the more unusual, but surprisingly common, features that made the top 50 list were an induction hob, and having an air source heat pump – perhaps a sign that sustainable technology now contributes to our sense of being at home.
On average, it takes those living in the Midlands 6-11 months from moving in for a new house to feel like home (43%), but for 48% it takes more than a year.
Homely décor featured in the list includes family photos, natural light, plants and flowers, or heirlooms passed down through generations. Snuggling up on the sofa to watch a favourite show, family movie nights on the sofa, and getting out in the garden were voted as little actions that also made the top 50.
And it seems those in the Midlands really do enjoy a touch of luxury too – with high ceilings, walk in wardrobes, ensuite bathrooms and underfloor heating also making the final cut.
When asked what makes a house/flat feel less homely, those in the region said when a house feels cold (63%), clutter and lack of storage (51%), when there is not a lot of natural light (24%), cool lighting (21%) and someone else’s décor and style choices (17%) – which is why it’s no surprise that 42% would prefer to decorate from a blank canvas in a new build, rather than just 36% who would prefer to draw inspiration from previous owners in a second-hand property.
Commenting on the data, Elaine Cartwright, Sales Director at Redrow Midlands, said: “The findings of our latest research really capture the essence of what makes a house a home – whether that be making personal décor choices, creating new memories or adding home comforts to help you settle in.
“It’s no surprise that so many people in the region would prefer a newbuild to enable them to create these homely touches from the very start of their property journey – whether that’s choosing design features such as underfloor heating, fixtures and fittings, or home layouts, or simply wanting to enjoy experiences in a home that is wholly theirs from the foundations upwards. We hope our top 50 list helps those currently in the moving process to settle in a bit quicker, now they know what they need to tick off.
“We’d encourage anyone looking to embark on the journey of finding a new home to visit Curborough Lakes and take a look at all that Redrow has to offer.”
The research was compiled to celebrate Redrow’s 50th anniversary, which sees the housebuilder mark half a century of building high quality, premium homes across England and Wales.
Located just three miles from the small town of Lichfield, and with key travel routes within easy reach, including Birmingham and fast trains to London, Curborough Lakes offer village surroundings combined with a well-connected location, making it perfectly placed for first-time buyers, growing families and commuters alike.
For more information about Curborough Lakes and to read the top 50 things that make their house feel like home, visit: redrow.co.uk