Yet nearly 800,000 UK bathrooms still sport the look

A third could be put off buying a property because of an interior ‘faux pas’

The nation has voted 1970s avocado bathroom suites the most tasteless interior design feature of all time*. Over half of British householders (56%) think that the green coloured bathrooms are the epitome of ‘naff’ – despite the fact that there are nearly 800,000** of them still in existence in homes across the UK.

The research, conducted by Churchill Home Insurance, looks at British householders’ tastes in home décor. It reveals that although Brits are a nation of ‘DIYers’, spending an average £3,299 on home improvements in the last three years, overall we have made some questionable decisions when it comes to choosing décor.

The top ten ‘naff’ interior design trends as voted for by British householders are:

1. Avocado bathroom suites (56%)
2. Woodchip wallpaper (55%)
3. Floral carpets (45%)
4. Flock wallpaper (43%)
5. Chintz/floral furniture/furnishings (42%)
6. Artex (42%)
7. Floral/chintz décor (42%)
8. Waterbeds (40%)
9. Shell-shaped corner baths (38%)
10. Themed kitchens/bedrooms (38%)

Despite having a place in the bad taste décor ‘hall of fame’, a fifth (21%) of householders still have Artex on their ceilings, a tenth (11%) have floral or patterned carpets and one in ten (10%) have woodchip wallpaper adorning their walls.

The research does show that only one percent of householders admit they have rag-rolling, sponging, waterbeds and shell-shaped corner baths in their homes - meaning these have nearly been banished to the history books.

Despite their appearance on the lists, it seems many of these ‘unfashionable’ interior trends are here to stay for some time. A third (33%) of those with a top ten ‘naff’ interior design feature in their current home can’t afford to replace it, whilst three in ten (29%) say they like it.

Unfortunately, this may cost householders money in the long-run, as over a third of house-hunters (36%) could be so put off a tasteless interior feature that they wouldn’t put in an offer on the property as a result - even if they liked all the other aspects of the home.

Martin Scott, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, says: “The research shows householders’ tastes can vary hugely. Whilst some of us are happy to leave our bathroom in an avocado time warp, for others it brings back an era of Fawlty Towers and should be flushed away immediately.

“Whatever their style, householders should have adequate insurance to protect their home and possessions.”

For more information please contact:

Abi Clark / Kate Ellis

RBS Insurance

Tel: 0208 290 3069 / 0208 313 5741

Email: abi.clark@rbs.co.uk / kate.ellis@rbs.co.uk

Notes to editors:

* Research conducted by Opinium Research LLP on 18-25th March 2008, polling 2,135 British adults

** According to Communities and Local Government statistics there were 26.4 million dwellings (rented and owner occupied) in the UK in 2006

Churchill Home Insurance

Find out more about Churchill Insurance and read the latest press releases by visiting Churchill’s online press office at www.churchill.com.  Churchill is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.  It offers car, home, pet and travel Insurance.  Customers can find out more about Churchill home insurance or get a quote by calling 0800 032 6167 or visiting www.churchill.com.