What have your neighbours done with their homes in Lockdown?

Now that we’re emerging, blinking in the light of some restored freedom, it’s clear that a lot has changed. Your neighbours have likely been busy. Research shows that spending on home improvement has rocketed during the various lockdowns, and the results of that spend are visible now, if you just go for a wander around your neighbourhood.

As you go on your detective walks, it’s worth thinking about why people have spent and what they’ve chosen to do – with months of staring at the same four walls, are people doing them up for their own enjoyment or looking to make the house more appealing for sale? Either way, there are some common themes.

Get inspired during your walks through the neighbourhood!

What’s on trend within your local area?


The garden – with a reported 3m extra gardeners, in the UK since lockdown began, and 77% of homeowners investing in outside spaces, gardening has been one of the real growth industries in the last year. While many have been continuing the trend for home-grown produce, at least as big a focus has been put on beautifying the garden, and whether it’s specifically for these reasons or for mental health or fitness reasons, you’re bound to see houses nearby where people have upped their geranium game.


Home renovations during lock down


77% of homeowners investing in outside spaces

After gardens, the most visible improvements to the outside of houses have been made to windows and window coverings. Lockdown has been a boom time for shutters and premium blind companies. Whether adding beautiful shutters to the front of the house, upgrading the kitchen rollers or proving the light control to stop the sun glinting off the screen in your latest Netflix binge, homeowners up and down the country have found that their dusty old curtains don’t cut the mustard. In these days of extreme hygiene consciousness, the combination of style, clean lines and easy maintenance of shutters has put them top of the list. All the more so because they’re so good for both light control and privacy.


Lockdown has been a boom time for shutters and premium blinds companies!

Less visibly, many have chosen to improve their interior spaces, and this has continued as the discussion about home versus office working continues. Home office upgrades show no signs of abating in pace, and research by Zoopla shows that many people have committed to longer-term high-ticket items such as loft conversions, garden offices and extensions. Paint sales continue to run at approximately double pre-lockdown levels.

Interior or exterior?


Less visibly, many have chosen to improve their interior spaces, and this has continued as the discussion about home versus office working continues. Home office upgrades show no signs of abating in pace, and research by Zoopla shows that many people have committed to longer-term high-ticket items such as loft conversions, garden offices and extensions. Paint sales continue to run at approximately double pre-lockdown levels.


With lockdown lifting what’s next?


So is this all going to come to an end as lockdown lifts? If anything, consumer behaviour seems to be tipping the other way! Lockdown has caused many people to re-evaluate how they spend their money, and how they, and others, look at their homes.

Now that we’re all going round checking out what our neighbours have done, it seems that there’s even more pressure to keep up with the Joneses, so get out there and compare, or tilt your new shutters just right to let the light in and keep inquisitive gazes out!

Why not contact your local Shuttercraft?

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About the Author

Maddie Racher

Maddie Racher is a creative and driven individual, with an impeccable eye for interior design. She has a passion for writing, and creating exciting content with her extensive knowledge of the product portfolio.

As a Marketing Assistant, Maddie is dedicated to crafting content that showcases how you can transform your home with high-quality, premium products.

In her role, Maddie handles Shuttercraft’s social media presence, so always has an eye on ...

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