From unique conversions to unusual layouts, new research reveals Brits favour unusual design features over the traditional fare
- Almost 2 in 5 (37%) UK homebuyers are now seeking unique features and unusual shaped spaces
- 1 in 5 homebuyers look for originality when looking for somewhere to live, but with connectivity more important than ever, 45% of Brits value fast, reliable internet connection
- Anna Richardson, Interiors Presenter and Consumer Champion, tours two of the UK’s most unusual homes, while exploring how TalkTalk’s new Future Fibre 900 and Total Home Wi-Fi package ensures full home connectivity allowing you to make use of the quirky spaces in your home
As this year’s interior design trends show maximalism and bold interiors are taking centre stage, 2022 has ushered in a new era of home living with a new survey revealing that over a third (37%) of British homebuyers now prefer quirkier living spaces.
Research commissioned by connectivity provider TalkTalk has found that when searching for somewhere to live, Brits prefer non-traditional homes, with many admitting that quirky features help them to express personal style (58%) and stand out from others (38%).
Just under a third of Brits (29%) live in what they would describe as an unusual property, with over a fifth (21%) admitting that originality is a now top priority when looking for their next dream dwelling.
Celebrating Britain’s love of unconventional living - TalkTalk has partnered with TV personality, Anna Richardson to visit some of the quirkiest homes in the UK, exploring the rise in non-traditional features and unusual layouts, while sharing her top tips for revamping conventional spaces.
As data usage continues to rise, a fast and reliable fibre broadband connection has become more essential than ever for busy households using multiple devices at the same time. When looking to move home, 45% of Brits prioritise finding somewhere with a fast, reliable internet connection in the local area.
This is perhaps unsurprising considering the huge increase of people working from home on and off for the past two years, however, when looking specifically for non-traditional space, almost a fifth (18%) of homebuyers are concerned by W-Fi connectivity in a quirky home.
To meet the needs of modern households, TalkTalk has launched Future Fibre 900 powered by two award-winning eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi routers from Amazon. It’s TalkTalk’s fastest ever full fibre plan - which is 24x faster than standard fibre broadband and up to 5x more reliable. Plus, it comes with Total Home Wi-Fi included as standard – a TalkTalk package enabling Future Fibre customers to extend their Wi-Fi coverage even further by adding an additional Amazon eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi router.
Each eero Pro 6 provides up to 2,000 square ft of Wi-Fi coverage* and can connect up to 75 devices at any one time, so whatever the shape or size of a home (and however quirky) it can fit into today’s super streamer connected lifestyle.
While the pandemic has changed what 20% of Brits look for in a new home, more space (65%) and fast, reliable Wi-Fi connection (45%) are still key drivers, however, proximity to work now matches the value of style and originality (38%) as homebuyers see their homes as sanctuaries, and remote and flexible working becomes a long-term fixture.
Anna Richardson, Interior Design Presenter and Consumer Champion, said: “When it comes to interior design, I’ve always loved the extraordinary – it’s the bold, unconventional and unique features that make a home individual to me! But people who enjoy living in quirky homes and want to make use of every room shouldn’t have to suffer when it comes to connectivity. TalkTalk’s Future Fibre 900 and Total Home Wi-Fi package uses the latest in Wi-Fi 6 technology to support superior speeds and extend the Wi-Fi reach around your whole home - without compromising on personal style!”
Jonathan Kini, Managing Director of TalkTalk Consumer and Direct Business said: “Our Total Home Wifi packages are turbocharging Britain’s Wi-Fi. Many of us are looking to extend our home or make use of more unconventional living spaces. With TalkTalk you can get the latest full fibre technology and the best router around at an affordable price.”
Anna Richardson shares her top five tips for making use of the quirky spaces in your home:
1. Upcycle the ordinary to make it extraordinary - Repurposing to your own taste can be fun, thrifty and good for the planet — and you’ll end up with a unique piece of furniture to boot. A suitcase can transform into a stylish table, a steel bin can become an abstract piece of art – the only limit is your imagination!
2. The bolder the better - Whether bright pops of colour, statement pieces or strong textures, transforming your home starts with boldness. Even re-painting an old piece of furniture can add dramatic character to a room and help to bring multiple quirky spaces together with a cohesive theme.
3. Don’t break the bank – If social media has taught us anything, it’s that Do It Yourself saves more than just pennies. Some things are too complex but with time and determination to learn new tricks you can do wonders. Reusing or salvaging materials can also help to save money and can add to the quirky-ness if you find a hidden gem!
4. Use your own experiences - Having a quirky home is all about expressing your own personality. I love hunting down family keepsakes that have been passed down generations - I have my father's vintage crystal glasses on display, as well as my grandfather's opera glasses - mixing modern with vintage is my personal style of choice. Being unique comes from within, don’t let your home restrict the way you’d like to live. So, while inspiration can be taken from anywhere, don’t forget to sprinkle some of your own personality in there too.
5. Invest in fast, reliable connectivity – There are many factors that can affect a good Wi-Fi connection and unfortunately, living in a quirky home where there is an unusual layout or design can be one of them. TalkTalk’s Future Fibre 900 and Total Home Wi-Fi package uses the latest in Wi-Fi 6 technology to support superior speeds and extend the Wi-Fi reach around the house, meaning there is no sacrifice on connectivity no matter the shape or size of your home.
The most popular quirky features Brits would hope to find when looking for a new home include:
- Period features (21%)
- Garden office (17%)
- Outhouse (16%)
- Underground levels (i.e. a basement) (13%)
- Untraditional, renovated space in the home (12%)
- Concealed rooms (10%)
- Built in wall herb garden (9%)
- Unusual layout e.g. unconventional floorplan, stairs in the middle of a room (9%)
To find out more about TalkTalk’s Future Fibre and Total Home Wi-Fi offering, visit: https://new.talktalk.co.uk/broadband/fttp