A big stack of board games, a treat cupboard and a good coffee machine are just a few of the essentials for a happy home, as chosen by UK homeowners in our latest research into domestic bliss.
Origin asked 2,000 British families to let us know what they think leads to a happy home life, which pulled in some interesting findings. The list includes a mix of traditional family values, home improvements and must-have gadgets.
Family at the heart of the home
Family bonding was at the heart of the survey, and many felt that having both sets of grandparents close by and eating together at least four times a week was key for a harmonious life. A big comfortable sofa, board games to play together and monthly trips to the cinema as a family also made the top 50 list. The study also revealed that keeping the place tidy, cooking with the children and having in-jokes makes all the difference in fuelling a great home environment.
Home improvement
Two thirds of families wanted more space in their home, with a bigger kitchen being the most sought after home improvement. Narrowly missing out on the top 50 elements for family happiness was having well lit rooms, good quality blinds to give privacy from the neighbours and a set of bi-fold doors opening out to the garden. The addition of a conservatory and a bigger garden were also rated highly.
A tree house, a swimming pool in the garden and a big playroom topped the list of home improvements for children, while having more pets also made the kids’ list.
On the technology front, everyone in the family having their own tablet or Smartphone, subscribing to a Netflix account and a TV in every room in the house was thought to be essential to avoid squabbles. Fast Wi-Fi and being able to share the remote control were also sighted as must have home comforts.
Whether it’s through making an effort to enjoy more activities together, or physical changes such as developing, extending or refurbishing, building that home environment clearly leads to happiness. After all, an Englishman's home is his castle.
Top factors for a happy home, as voted for by British homeowners:
All eating together
Laughing a lot
Keeping the home tidy
Feeling safe and secure
Hugs
Enough sofas for everyone to sit on
Making time for each other
Regular family trips out
Knowing when to say sorry
A family pet
Nice neighbours
Not rowing in front of the kids
A big garden
Cooking with the children
Helping the kids with their homework
Not having secrets
Movie nights
Playing board games together
Putting the kids’ paintings on the walls
Sharing chores
Everyone picking their clothes up off of the floor
Having lots of photos together around the house
Knowing when someone wants to be left alone
Having a treat cupboard
Having a play room for the kids
Having a big TV in the lounge
Having fast Wi-Fi
Having 'in' jokes
A large kitchen
Having regular heart-to-hearts
Privacy from the outside world
Having a takeaway night every few weeks or so
Having a dishwasher
Plenty of music
A weekly walk
Nice views
A lock on the bathroom door
Having Sky TV
Well-lit rooms
Having designated days where we spend time together
Double glazing to reduce noise
Everyone having their own tablet or smartphone
Everyone having their own set of keys
Having grandparents nearby to look after the kids
A spacious kitchen
A Netflix account
Having a tumble drier
Big windows
Having several bathrooms
Separate cupboard space in the bedroom
