McCarthy Stone's Elizabeth Place development

MARKET HARBOROUGH DEVELOPER REVEALS A LIST OF INTERIOR TRENDS FOR RETIREES THAT ARE IN AND THOSE THAT ARE WELL AND TRUY OUT – GONE ARE THE GNOME STATUES IN FAVOUR OF EV CHARGING POINTS

A new study of people aged 65 plus in the East Midlands from the developer behind the Elizabeth Place Retirement Living Plus development on Trimbush Way in Market Harborough has revealed a list of interior trends for retirees, that are IN and the ones that are well and truly OUT.

The study, by leading developer of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone, has found that today’s over 65s in the East Midlands are after top spec home security systems (a must for 48 percent), electric vehicle charging points (48 percent), Alexa (42 percent) and hive heating (30 percent).

Over 65s in the East Midlands also want walk-in wardrobes (54 percent), wet rooms (61 percent), kitchen islands (59 percent), wine fridges (37 percent) and modern art on the walls (17 percent).

On the flip side, as many as 85 percent said fluffy toilet seat covers were old-hat, while 86 percent cannot stand avocado bathrooms suites, and 65 percent would rather have a fashionable blind than a net curtain on their window.

When it comes to tableware, 69 percent wouldn’t dream of using doilies, 62 percent would never lay out a lace tablecloth, and 81 percent wouldn’t be seen dead using a tea cosy.

And it’s also becoming increasingly unlikely that older people in the East Midlands will have cheeky gnome statues adorning their gardens (55 percent), patterned carpets in their rooms (62 percent) and pebbledash walls on the outside of their homes (55 percent).

Forget upholstered floral print furniture - 35 percent of those polled want a home full of houseplants, hanging pendant lights (23 percent), and a minimalist kitchen (23 percent).

While 13 percent would like on-trend industrial fixtures and fittings, 11 percent a home gym, and a further 9 percent a yoga practice area.

Cheryl Bisset, Divisional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy Stone, which conducted the research said: “This research shows how todays over 65s in the East Midlands are favouring stylish home environments they can tailor to their modern and vibrant lifestyles.

“McCarthy Stone apartments offer plenty of sophisticated design features from spacious open plan living and minimalist kitchens, to walk in wardrobes and wet rooms, and are the perfect canvas to add their own unique style and personality, however they choose. Our research also shows the importance of location and with our unique settings, positioned close to local high streets, whatever our homeowners are into there's something for everyone right on the doorstep.”

The study also found that the over-65s are NOT fans of flowery and patterned wallpaper (51 percent), traditional china figurines (56 percent) and shag pile carpets (37 percent).

They are also saying goodbye to flowery bed covers (44 percent), lavender soap (42 percent), and talcum powder (35 percent).

So, it’s no surprise that over HALF (51 percent) of people in the East Midlands aged 65 and over agree that it’s a complete misconception that older people are less stylish than younger generations.

In fact, 66 percent of todays over 65s think that when it comes to interiors and fashion, older people in the East Midlands are able to put their own stamp on things and don’t follow the crowd, while 63 percent say they avoid short lived trends and instead stick to classic, timeless styles instead.

Over half (58 percent) even say they have more self-confidence in their style than younger people do.

And when it comes to seeking inspiration for fashion and interiors, 13 percent of older people in the East Midlands look to social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest.

The research also revealed that todays over 65s are all about location, location, location, and would like to live close to parks and green spaces (72 percent), good restaurants (61 percent) and farmers’ markets (54 percent).

54 percent want to be near a good coffee house, 59 percent are after an independent greengrocer and 38 percent would like to be a stone’s throw away from an artisan bakery.

Comprising a selection of 58 one and two-bedroom Retirement Living Plus apartments, exclusively designed for people aged 70 and over, Elizabeth Place offers the opportunity to maintain an independent lifestyle, while also having access to tailored domestic assistance packages– and with an on-site bistro-style restaurant serving freshly prepared meals daily.

Facilities at Elizabeth Place include a stylish communal lounge, ideal for socialising; beautiful, landscaped gardens in which to relax; and a hotel-style guest suite, which provides a comfortable stay for visiting family and friends. Designed to provide complete peace-of-mind, there is an Estates team on-hand around the clock, along with a security entrance system and 24-hour emergency call points.

 

THE MOST OUTDATED INTERIORS ACCORDING TO BRITISH OVER 65’S IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

 

  1. Avocado bathrooms                                   86%
  2. Fluffy toilet seat covers                             85%
  3. Tea cosies                                                   82%
  4. Doilies                                                         69%
  5. Net curtains                                                65%
  6. Lace tablecloths                                          62%
  7. Patterned carpets                                      62%
  8. Fake flowers or fruit bowls                       59%
  9. China figurines                                           56%
  10. Garden gnomes                                          55%
  11. Pebbledash walls                                       55%
  12. Flowery or patterned wallpaper               51%
  13. Flowery bed covers                                    44%
  14. Shag pile carpets                                        37%
  15. Pot Pourri                                                    32%

THE INTERIORS THAT OVER 65’S IN THE EAST MIDLANDS WANT IN THEIR HOMES TODAY

 

  1. A wet room shower                                   61%
  2. Kitchen island                                             59%
  3. Walk in wardrobes                                     54%
  4. Electric vehicle charging point                  48%
  5. Home security                                            48%
  6. Alexa                                                           42%
  7. Free standing bath                                     42%
  8. Open plan spaces                                       37%
  9. Wine fridge or rack                                    37%
  10. Herb garden                                                35%
  11. House plants                                               35%
  12. Netflix                                                         35%
  13. Smart speakers                                           31%
  14. Hive heating                                               30%
  15. Scented candles                                         28%