News
Revealed: Fantasy home improvements for men and women
Men and women differ on their dream property project, but they share a dislike of seventies decor
The top-rated fantasy home improvement of women is a large, open-plan kitchen-diner, while men are more likely to opt for a Man Cave, according to new research by Nationwide.
The mutual found that 21% of women want the dream kitchen, compared to 12% men. However, one in five men want a Man Cave or super-sized shed, compared to just 6% of women.
Overall, the kitchen came top, followed by a loft conversion and a separate garden room.
Age played a key part in respondents’ fantasy home improvements, with those aged 18-24 (24%) and 25-34 (20%) dreaming of a Man Cave, while a fifth of the 35-44 age group, perhaps thinking of growing families, would choose a loft conversion (21%). Those aged 45-54 (18%) and 55+ (20%) prefer the expanded, open-plan kitchen.
Dodgy decor
Men and women overwhelmingly voted for the 1970s as the worst decade for décor was, with avocado bathrooms, tartan furniture and woodchip walls, turning off a whopping 43%. The eighties came a distant second, with 16% of the vote.
The research also found that the average level of spending on their last home improvement job was £114, with one in seven admitting that a botched DIY job had put a strain on their relationship.