HOME STYLING
HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTH IS
Percy Doughty explores how ambience shapes modern British homes and how self-builders can craft a truly warm, inviting space.
A
s the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, the focus naturally shifts indoors.
Across the UK, homeowners are re- evaluating what makes a home feel warm, inviting and truly comfortable. It’s not just about staying warm – it’s about creating an atmosphere that fosters relaxation, connection and a sense of belonging. Recent national research has shed light on how important ambience has become in British homes, revealing that more than half of households would rather light a fi re than turn on the central heating when the temperature drops. It’s a fi nding that captures a broader truth: for most people, the glow of a fi re symbolises
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comfort, familiarity and togetherness in a way no thermostat ever could.
WHERE COSINESS LIVES The living room remains the nation’s comfort one. Over four in fi ve respondents described it as the cosiest space in their home – a place to unwind, gather with family and escape from the outside world. Among older generations, this sentiment is even stronger, with more than nine in 10 over-65s naming the living room as their ultimate comfort space. Younger homeowners, meanwhile, are
reshaping the concept of “cosy.” Nearly three-quarters of 18-24 year olds and two thirds of those aged 25-34 said the
bedroom is their sanctuary – a place for rest and personal retreat. Interestingly, a small but growing number of younger adults identifi ed the bathroom as their preferred cosy space, suggesting an increasing focus on wellness and self-care within interior design. These differences highlight how lifestyle, property type and generational priorities shape our sense of comfort. For self-builders, understanding these shifting expectations can help ensure that design choices align with how the home will actually be lived in. Regional preferences across the
UK reveal an equally diverse picture. In the North East, nearly nine in 10 homeowners list the living room as
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