‘Del Boy’ bar tops poll of home design crimes
Design fads of previous decades still haunt the homes of the UK, and what was once considered the height of good taste now strikes a sour note among many of today’s homebuyers, according to new research from Post Office Mortgages.
Post Office Mortgages’ Property Fads and Fashions Report shows that the stalwart of ‘Del Boy’ chic - the built-in bar (a famous fixture in the Trotter’s lounge in TV’s ‘Only Fools and Horses’) - ranks as the worst furniture fad of the last 30 years, according to a quarter (23 per cent) of respondents.
Other crimes against design from decades gone by which fared badly in the poll were mock fireplaces, animal print rugs, and black ash furniture - all featuring in the top ten. Artex walls topped the poll for worst interior design fad of the last 30 years, with one in five (18 per cent) ranking it number one.
Under 34s are the most willing to see past dodgy DIY and interior design faux-pas in order to bag a bargain, with only 51 per cent who would walk away from a property because of botched DIY jobs compared to 69 per cent of over 55s. Only 18 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds are put off by mock Tudor interiors compared to over a third (36 per cent) of over 55s.
Top ten worst fads of the last 30 years
Worst interior design fads
1 Artex walls
2 Avocado bathroom
3 Woodchip walls
4 Removal of original features
5 Fake laminate wood flooring
6 Exposed brickwork on interior walls
7 Brightly coloured Formica kitchens
8 Lino
9 Spiral staircases
10 Wood panelling
Worst furniture fads
1 Built-in bar
2 Mock fireplaces
3 Animal print rugs
4 Net curtains
5 MDF built-in cupboards
6 Black ash furniture
7 Futons
8 Reproduction ‘antique’ furniture
9 Teak sideboards
10 Multi-functional furniture
However, regardless of distasteful décor or furniture fads, when it comes to selling their property homeowners don’t need to break the bank to woo prospective buyers. Small and inexpensive improvements can make all the difference as 57 per cent of people claimed they’d be more likely to buy a clean and tidy property. Despite this, 49 per cent of homeowners said they wouldn’t clean and tidy their home to make it more attractive and only 48 per cent said they’d remove clutter to make it appear bigger.
Post Office Head of Mortgages, Mike Cook, said: “Making improvements to your home before you put it on the market can make all the difference between a forever lingering ‘for-sale’ sign and sealing the deal. Whilst some prospective buyers will always see past out-dated décor, sellers who still cherish features such as built-in bars and artex walls might want to consider making some modernisations to appeal to the rest!
“With home buyers trying to make their money go as far as possible in the current environment, they can free up money for any modernisations by keeping costs low elsewhere. Post Office Mortgages offers a range of competitive and easy to understand mortgage products, some with no arrangement or valuation fees. Our products are designed to suit everyone, so whether your deposit is 35 per cent or 10 per cent, you won’t pay over the odds.”
Customers can pick up information about Post Office Mortgages and rates online at postoffice.co.uk/mortgages.