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What makes a
Happy Home?
Origin, leading British manufacturer of bifolding doors, windows and blinds, unveils
research into the top property improvements
as voted for by UK homeowners.
»»A bigger kitchen,
having a good sort out, the
addition of a conservatory and
bigger garden are among the top
home improvements wished for
by homeowners, according to a
study by Origin.
Research into the home lives
of 2,000 British families explored
the aspects that lead to a happy
family life and found that more
than two thirds felt that they were
in definite need of more space at
home.
Andrew Halsall, Managing
Director at Origin, explains:
“Space plays such a big part
in creating a happy home
environment. Despite home
technology and gadgets becoming
increasingly popular, families
still consider having the space to
spend time together, entertain
friends and socialise as the most
important element of a happy
home.
“While increasing the size of a
property is not always possible,
changes such as opening up the
home to the garden or letting in
more light can create a feeling of
additional space, without having
to extend or move.”
The research found that
children have other ideas
when it comes to the home
improvements. A tree house is
most wished-for, followed by a
swimming pool in the garden and
a bigger playroom.
Among the list of essentials for
a happy home life were gadgets,
modern comforts and family
traditions. Making the effort to
eat together, a trip away every few
months and having both sets of
grandparents close by were also
seen as big factors. In fact, four
meals together a week, more than
one tablet and a Netflix account
were said to be key for domestic
bliss.
66 » MAY 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
Andrew Halsall said: “The list
of things that people attribute
to happiness at home is an
interesting mix of traditional
processes, efforts to create a
warm environment blended with
the presence of technology and
modern comforts. It’s nice to
see that eating together is still
seen as the biggest sign of family
bonding and a significant part of
what people say makes a happy
home.”
“Whether it’s through
physical changes like extending
or developing the property, or
through making a conscious
effort to do things together more,
building that home environment
clearly leads to happiness. After
all, an Englishman’s home is his
castle.”
Narrowly missing out on the
list was the ability to share the
remote control, having blinds to
keep out nosey neighbours and a
set of bi-fold doors opening out
to the garden.
TOP 10 HOME
IMPROVEMENTS FOR
A HAPPY HOME
1. More Space
2. A conservatory
3. A bigger entrance hall
4. Rearranging the furniture
to make the rooms appear
bigger
5. Updating the furniture
6. A bigger kitchen
7. Having a dining room table
8. Having a good sort out
9. Having a utility room
10. A loft conversion