The main lesson of DIY shows is… Don’t do it yourself! Seven in ten people prefer watching on-screen transformations rather than copying them in their own homes
- A further 16 per cent said they lacked the DIY skill to ‘go for it’
Home improvement shows may be among the most popular on TV but research shows most people prefer to admire the on-screen transformations rather than copy them in their own homes, a poll found.
Seven out ten people said they love shows like George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and Kevin McCloud’s Grand Designs but are terrified to try emulate them – especially when it comes to experimenting with colour.
Some 69 per cent of people said they fear being bold and copying the ideas of specialists like the flamboyant Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen may go horribly wrong.
Of them 18 per cent said they wish they were brave enough to take the TV advice and go for new ideas with colours and interior design but lacked the courage.
Overall 27 per cent said neutral colour patterns are ‘more practical’ and a further 16 per cent said they lacked the DIY skill to ‘go for it’.
Some 69 per cent of people said they fear being bold and copying the ideas of specialists like the flamboyant Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (pictured) may go horribly wrong
Seven per cent said experimenting too much could put potential buyers off when it is time to sell up and even drive the price down.
But despite their reluctance to copy their TV favourites 36 per cent of people agreed colourful and daring homes are ‘more cheerful’ and ‘fun’ and 25 per cent said they are more ‘energising’.
The DIY and home improvement website TaskRabbit asked 1,000 UK adults if they have the confidence to experiment with their home decor and interior design colour schemes.
Managing director of Task Rabbit Europe Begum Zarmann said: ‘Neutral tones are the default interior choice for many.
‘It can be daunting introducing bolder tones, but it is clear colourful homes are viewed as more cheerful and energising.
‘A fifth of people say they wish they were brave enough to inject more colour into their home but still opt to play it safe.’
Despite their reluctance to copy their TV favourites 36 per cent of people agreed colourful and daring homes are ‘more cheerful’ and ‘fun’ and 25 per cent said they are more ‘energising’ (Stock Image)
Sophie Robinson, an interior design specialist and former judge on BBC 2’s The Great Interior Design Challenge, added: ‘When it comes to making confident colour choices for your decor, it’s worth enquiring into what colours you love that make to feel happy.
‘I have even had clients want to paint a room in their favourite football teams’ colour, and if it makes them happy I give them full permission to go for it.
‘Honestly, anything goes.’
Researchers also found almost half of people – 48 per cent – resort to changing soft furnishings for something more colourful to make their homes more dramatic.
Another 39 per cent turn to houseplants and flowers to add that splash of colour.
A further 16 per cent said they have used a colour analysis filter on social media to identify the colours in the home most suit them.
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