Searching for the simple life

As the Fiat 500 makes its return to our roads and Jamie Oliver champions ‘growing your own’, Brits are turning their backs on their cash-rich, time poor-lifestyles and returning to the simple pleasures in life.

In today’s ever demanding, fast paced world, consumers are focusing on what is most important to them – their family and friends. And according to national housebuilder David Wilson Homes, they are doing this in the comfort of their own home. Take for example the comeback of the traditional Sunday roast as pubs bemoan the loss of customers who prefer to have friends round for dinner.

Sales director, Ronel Segar, from David Wilson Homes South Midlands, comments: “We are seeing an increase in consumers seeking comfort and sanctuary in people, places and products that are familiar and echo the past. As a nation we are gravitating to things reminiscent of a kinder and gentler society which is stimulating a whole new way of life.

“However, this somewhat inevitable backlash to the chaotic and confusing pace of modern life is putting brand new demands on the home in terms of space, design and flexibility.”

Come dine with me

The traditional family meal is one example of a return to the simple life. As a result, a number of David Wilson Homes’ larger properties incorporate a highly flexible space right at the heart of the home, an open area where the kitchen flows into a large family room ideal for informal meals.

The space is designed for people to congregate - children playing, doing homework or watching TV within sight, partners sharing the happenings of the day at work, friends chatting over a glass of wine - all while food is prepared.

It’s a modern alternative for those families who don’t always want to use the lounge or dining room, preferring a separate, more informal space.

Study Space

Increasing numbers of parents with younger families are rejecting full time working as they try and juggle work and childcare; this may mean taking a less demanding job or one that provides more flexible working, be it flexible hours or home working. But, as Ronel Segar explains, having the right space is essential:

“A separate study means you don’t lose a bedroom or dining room and can therefore be totally dedicated to the home office with a separate phone line and storage solutions. It can be decorated in calming or inspirational colours and at the end of the working day the door can be closed behind you as you embrace family life.”

Spiritual Sanctuary

Traditionally, the home is where we leave behind the baggage of the modern world and return to our spiritual sanctuary. It is also a place of personal pride and an outlet for creativity, stimulated by the plethora of primetime home and garden design programmes. The priority is all about ‘nesting’ and making a house a home - easy to achieve with a newly built home and its low-maintenance, ‘blank canvas’ appeal.

Traditional Activities

There is also a definite trend towards staying-in, using our homes much more as entertainment and dining ‘destinations’. Alongside this, there is also a renewed focus on home cooking and a return to the traditional activities of yesteryear. We’re rediscovering the satisfaction of everything from growing fruit and vegetables, to jam-making and baking. Even washing and ironing, with its scented water, seems less of a chore, with utility rooms being transformed into fragrant and floral laundry rooms. All this represents a new search for ‘real’ experiences and a quest for something other than material reward.

Re-locate to a Healthier Environment

And it is not just about what’s inside the home that counts - traditionally the setting and location are equally important and that’s not changed. David Wilson Homes takes longer and searches harder to find the best locations - desirable locations where new communities can be formed and new friendships forged.

With over 15 developments across the South Midlands, David Wilson Homes offers a variety of accommodation, from apartments and townhouses to four, five and six bedroom family homes. For further information on any of the developments visit Dwh.co.uk.