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:
TOP 30 FOREIGN COUNTRIES WITH THE BEST INTERIOR DESIGN: