A new study of people aged 65 plus in the West Midlands from the developer behind the Thorneycroft Retirement Living Plus development on Wood Road in Tettenhall has revealed a list of interior trends for over 65s, 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 West Midlands are after top spec home security systems (a must for 55 percent), electric vehicle charging points (43 percent), Alexa (41 percent) and hive heating (30 percent).

Over 65s in the West Midlands also want walk-in wardrobes (60 percent), wet rooms (55 percent), kitchen islands (49 percent), wine fridges (37 percent) and modern art on the walls (16 percent).

On the flip side, as many as 71 percent said fluffy toilet seat covers were old-hat, while 68 percent cannot stand avocado bathrooms suites, and 55 percent would rather have a fashionable blind than a net curtain on their window.

When it comes to tableware, 64 percent wouldn’t dream of using doilies, 54 percent would never lay out a lace tablecloth, and 61 percent wouldn’t be seen dead using a tea cosy.

And it’s also becoming increasingly unlikely that older people in the West Midlands will have cheeky gnome statues adorning their gardens (53 percent), patterned carpets in their rooms (49 percent) and pebbledash walls on the outside of their homes (52 percent).

Forget upholstered floral print furniture – 39 percent of those polled want a home full of houseplants, hanging pendant lights (16 percent), and a minimalist kitchen (31 percent).

While 13 percent would like on-trend industrial fixtures and fittings, 11 percent a home gym, and a further 5 percent a yoga practice area.

Cheryl Bisset, Divisional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy Stone, which conducted the research said: “This research shows how today’s over 65s in the West 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 (55 percent), traditional china figurines (46 percent) and shag pile carpets (41 percent).

They are also saying goodbye to flowery bed covers (37 percent), lavender soap (34 percent), and talcum powder (30 percent).

So it’s no surprise that almost HALF (49 percent) of people aged 65 and over in the West Midlands agree that it’s a complete misconception that older people are less stylish than younger generations.

In fact, 57 percent of today’s over 65s think that when it comes to interiors and fashion, older people in the West Midlands are able to put their own stamp on things and don’t follow the crowd, while 58 percent say they avoid short lived trends and instead stick to classic, timeless styles instead.

Almost half (46 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, 18 percent of older people in the West Midlands look to social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest.

The research also revealed that today’s over 65s are all about location, location, location, and would like to live close to parks and green spaces (66 percent), good restaurants (69 percent) and farmers’ markets (59 percent).

49 percent want to be near a good coffee house, 54 percent are after an independent greengrocer and 27 percent would like to be a stone’s throw away from an artisan bakery.

Thorneycroft features 57 apartments for the over 70s, with prices currently starting from £200,000

for a one-bedroom apartment and £324,450 for a two-bedroom apartment.

Situated outside of Wolverhampton city, Thorneycroft provides the perfect backdrop to your

retirement years, with an abundance of amenities, leisure activities and attractions on the doorstep.

For more information and prices relating to Retirement Living in Rugby, please call 0800 201 4811 or visit www.mccarthystone.co.uk.

 

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

 

  1. Fluffy toilet seat covers                             72%
  2. Avocado bathrooms                                   68%
  3. Doilies                                                           64%
  4. Tea cosies                                                     62%
  5. Fake flowers or fruit bowls                       59%
  6. Flowery or patterned wallpaper              55%
  7. Net curtains                                                 55%
  8. Lace tablecloths                                          54%
  9. Garden gnomes                                          53%
  10. Pebbledash walls                                        52%
  11. Patterned carpets                                       49%
  12. China figurines                                           46%
  13. Pot Pourri                                                    41%
  14. Shag pile carpets                                        41%
  15. Flowery bed covers                                    37%

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

 

  1. Walk in wardrobes                                     60%
  2. A wet room shower                                    55%
  3. Home security                                            55%
  4. Kitchen island                                            49%
  5. Electric vehicle charging point                43%
  6. Alexa                                                             41%
  7. House plants                                               39%
  8. Wine fridge or rack                                    37%
  9. Netflix                                                           36%
  10. Smart speakers                                           36%
  11. Open plan spaces                                       35%
  12. Herb garden                                                31%
  13. Free standing bath                                     31%
  14. Hive heating                                               30%
  15. Scented candles                                         28%