TOP 30 COUNTRIES BRITS LOOK TO FOR INTERIOR DESIGN INSPO - WITH POPULAR COUNTRY TOPPING THE LIST
Sweden, Italy, Japan, and France, have topped a list of countries – that Brits are most likely to look to for interior design inspiration, a study has found.
Half of British adults have drawn from international styles when it comes to how to decorate their homes – with Norway, Denmark, Spain, and the United States, also featured among the top 30 top décor destinations.
Greece and Morocco rounded out the top 10, with the white buildings of Greece viewed as one of the most iconic specific design styles from around the world.
And when it comes to the design choices which would be most influenced by overseas décor, one in four would select furniture based on their travels, while 26% said the artwork and prints they display would come down to what they had seen in a far-off land.
But closer to home, as many as a fifth (19%), of the 2,000 adults polled, have taken ideas from interiors they have seen during a staycation on UK soil. In fact, “English country cottage” style also appeared among the most popular design trends worldwide.
The research, commissioned by DFS, even found that a third of those polled feel so passionate about interior design, they would choose a holiday destination based on a country’s home décor heritage.
And the same number would be keen to redecorate areas of their home to reflect the style of their favourite places – but 63% don’t think they have the skillset to do so.
Pippa Jameson, sensory design expert, and author of “The Sensory Home”, said: “In the rush of everyday life, we yearn for a sense of escapism, and spaces inspired by our favourite destinations.
“From far-flung locations like Japan and Sweden, to closer to home in the United Kingdom – interior design inspiration can be found in every corner of the globe. Sensory design brings our travels home, creating spaces that unlock a treasure trove of memories and emotions through touch, sight, scent, and sound.
“Our homes serve as sanctuaries – places of solace, inspiration, and connection. Sensory design allows us to tailor our living environments, and merge holiday memories into the fabric of our everyday lives. Whether it's the tranquil hues of a coastal retreat, the rustic charm of a mountain lodge, or the vibrant energy of a tropical paradise.”
The research went on to find the average UK home pays homage to two different countries’ interior styles, with 28% taking inspiration from overseas for the colours used in their home.
An average of five hours is spent researching interior design trends before people redesign a space in their home – with inspiration being taken from interiors websites (33%), browsing retail stores (28%) or their websites (27%), and Pinterest (20%).
Art and colour are also two key things to evoke a sense of escapism, while 58% like to display souvenirs from their travels in their homes – with fridge magnets, ornaments, glasses, cups, and vases topping the trinkets list.
And when coming back from a holiday, almost half (46%) feel inspired to adopt certain parts of the lifestyle – with the diet, culture, and interior design style among the top things they’d like to instate in their day-to-day lives.
Meanwhile, 22% of those polled, via OnePoll, claim travel has encouraged them to step outside their comfort zone when it comes to decorating their home.
Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS, added: “As we head into the summer months, our minds can often drift to getaways and adventure. But we don’t need to hop on a plane to indulge in some wanderlust – we can also embrace escapism from the comfort of our own home.
“Picking up interiors inspiration from holidays and destinations you see online, or on TV, can be a great place to start, and can create a beautifully eclectic space that’s unique to you.”
PIPPA JAMESON’S TOP 10 SENSORY TIPS TO INFUSE YOUR LIVING SPACE WITH INSPIRATION FROM YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAYS:
- Use essential oils, scented candles, or fresh botanicals, to fill your home with the refreshing scents of your holiday. Choose fragrances like lavender or pine to evoke memories of the beautiful countryside and forest retreats.
- Transform your space into a luxurious sanctuary, reminiscent of high-end hotels and resorts, with crisp white linens, plush bedding, and statement furniture pieces, like upholstered headboards and accent chairs.
- Create a travel-inspired room at home to keep your holiday memories alive using print, colour, and texture. For a Spanish Hacienda look, you could combine warm earthy hues, plaster-effect walls, and wooden accents.
- Embrace coastal chic with a calming palette of inky blues and soothing creams, complemented by crisp cotton and smartly striped linens. Incorporate stylish accent pieces with metallic side tables and statement lights, to evoke the chic elegance of seaside living.
- Introduce a bold statement sofa or accent chairs in fun prints or vivid hues, to evoke the lively atmosphere of a tropical holiday.
- Layer rugs, faux-fur throws, and knitted cushions, to add depth and cosiness to your space. Finish your cosy retreat with wooden accessories and mid-century style pieces with tactile fabrics, like brushed cotton or chenille, which will invite you to sink into the furniture and indulge your sense of touch.
- Bring the outdoors in with lush greenery and indoor plants to recreate the tranquillity of nature. Choose furniture pieces like plant stands, botanical prints, and nature-inspired palettes, to enhance the botanical theme and create a seamless connection with the outdoors.
- Set the mood with calm, ambient lighting, that mirrors the warm glow of holiday sunsets by using warm-toned bulbs and dimmable fixtures, or LED bulbs with colour-changing capabilities.
- Where possible, position sofas, armchairs, and dining tables near windows and glass doors to maximise your daylight intake, like a sunny holiday. Natural light can lift our mood, and aid with sleep.
- Recreate the relaxed holiday feeling by introducing a cosy nook within your home. Invest in furniture pieces that prioritise both style and support, such as high-back sofas and oversized armchairs – extra-large cushions and sumptuous upholstery fabrics will ensure maximum comfort.
TOP 30 FOREIGN COUNTRIES WITH THE BEST INTERIOR DESIGN:
- Sweden
- Italy
- Japan
- France
- Denmark
- Norway
- United States
- Spain
- Morocco
- Greece
- Portugal
- Australia
- India
- The Caribbean
- Germany
- Canada
- Egypt
- UAE
- Mexico
- Turkey
- China
- Singapore
- Scotland
- Thailand
- South Korea
- Brazil
- South Africa
- Iran
- Colombia
- Cambodia