Topsham developer reveals a list of interior trends for retirees

Met curtains and garden gnomes are OUT, and home gyms and EV charging points are IN, according to new research

A new study of people in the South West aged 65 plus from the developer behind the Pym Court Retirement Living Plus development on Exeter Road in Topsham 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 South West are after top spec home security systems (a must for 46 percent), electric vehicle charging points (39 percent), Alexa (35 percent) and hive heating (18 percent).

Over 65s in the South West also want walk-in wardrobes (51 percent), wet rooms (49 percent), kitchen islands (43 percent), wine fridges (29 percent) and modern art on the walls (21 percent).

On the flip side, as many as 79 percent said fluffy toilet seat covers were old-hat, while 70 percent cannot stand avocado bathrooms suites, and 57 percent would rather have a fashionable blind than a net curtain on their window.

When it comes to tableware, 66 percent wouldn’t dream of using doilies, 61 percent would never lay out a lace tablecloth, and 69 percent wouldn’t be seen dead using a tea cosy.  

And it’s also becoming increasingly unlikely that older people in the South West will have cheeky gnome statues adorning their gardens (47 percent), patterned carpets in their rooms (53 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 (12 percent), and a minimalist kitchen (29 percent).

While 9 percent would like on-trend industrial fixtures and fittings, 6 percent a home gym, and a further 6 percent a yoga practice area.

Verity McKay, Divisional Marketing Manager for McCarthy Stone, which conducted the research said: “This research shows how today's over 65s in the South West 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 (50 percent), traditional china figurines (48 percent) and shag pile carpets (34 percent).

They are also saying goodbye to flowery bed covers (35 percent), lavender soap (42 percent), and talcum powder (37 percent).

So it’s no surprise that over TWO THIRDS (38 percent) of people aged 65 and over in the South West agree that it’s a complete misconception that older people are less stylish than younger generations.

In fact, 61 percent of today’s over 65s think that when it comes to interiors and fashion, older people in South Westare able to put their own stamp on things and don’t follow the crowd, while 53 percent say they avoid short lived trends and instead stick to classic, timeless styles instead.

Over half (55 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, 14 percent of retirees in the South West 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 (67 percent), good restaurants (69 percent) and farmers’ markets (57 percent).

49 percent want to be near a good coffee house, 54 percent are after an independent greengrocer and 34 percent would like to be a stone’s throw away from an artisan bakery.

Once complete, McCarthy Stone’s Pym Court will provide everything the over 70s could want for an enjoyable and independent retirement. Future homeowners at Pym Court will have access to a stylish and welcoming communal lounge, which will be perfect for socialising with new neighbours, landscaped gardens maintained by McCarthy Stone’s team, and a handy guest suite for when family and friends come to stay. The development will also feature an on-site bistro style restaurant.

For more about McCarthy Stone developments in the South West, please visit: www.mccarthystone.co.uk.