Sofological Studies: The Ultimate Interiors Report 2025
The way a home feels is everything. And at the heart of that feeling is interior design – how we transform the four walls of a property into a sanctuary that feels uniquely us.
We’re passionate about helping people create these kinds of spaces. So, to better understand the joys and challenges of this journey, we surveyed 2,000 people across the UK about everything from their style confidence to their redecorating plans.
In this article, we’re going to look at the key findings, providing a snapshot of how Brits approach interior décor.
We are raring to update our interiors
It’s a feeling many of us know well: you look around a room and realise it just doesn’t feel like you anymore.
Our study confirmed this is a mood felt all across the country, revealing an overwhelming desire for something new. A huge 72% of Brits have changes they want to make to their home, with the number one reason being that their space simply feels outdated or tired (40%).
This creates an "aspiration gap" - a space between the home we have and the home we want. That’s because, while we’re brimming with ideas, we’re often held back by real-world barriers, such as the cost of materials and labour (51%), the price of furniture (40%), and the sheer time required (33%) to get the job done.
Our experts believe that this desire for change is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about aligning our environment with our lives. A home should be a living, breathing space that evolves with you. When a room feels ‘tired’, it often means it no longer serves your needs or reflects who you are today. As such, a refresh isn’t just about redecorating; it’s about reclaiming your space and making it work for you again.
It’s all about the living room
When it comes to the spaces we care about most, there’s one clear winner. More than half of us (52%) are most particular about our living room, making it the undisputed heart of the home.
We’ve certainly noticed how the living room’s role has become more dynamic over the last few years, shifting from a formal space to a relaxed, social hub for entertaining, connecting, and unwinding. This makes its anchor piece, the sofa, more important than ever - a decision the nation takes very seriously. Our survey revealed that 39% of us will take our time to find the right one, while a further 33% are prepared to spend a long time searching. It’s a decision that’s worth getting right, after all!
This makes its anchor piece, the sofa, more important than ever - a decision the nation takes very seriously. Our survey revealed that 39% of us will take our time to find the right one, while a further 33% are prepared to spend a long time searching. It’s a decision that’s worth getting right, after all!
Finding our sense of interior style
While we’re full of ideas, 21% of us admit that a lack of confidence in our own interior design choices is a major barrier for making changes. This creates a "cohesion conundrum”, where we have all the right pieces but struggle to make them work harmoniously together.
Our survey found that 32% of Brits want to learn how to confidently mix and match different styles and textures, while 26% want to create a more unified aesthetic throughout their home. And it’s not just our own style struggles contributing to this lack of cohesion. More than 1 in 5 (22%) of 25-34-year-olds cite disagreements with their partner over interior design as a barrier to achieving that cohesive look.
Our experts believe that the secret isn't about feeling tied down to one style forever. It’s completely natural for your tastes to evolve. Instead, it’s about understanding the core elements you love - the colours, textures, and moods that feel like home - and using them as your creative anchor.
So, where do we turn for inspiration?
If you’re searching for that spark of interior inspiration, it appears nothing beats seeing the real thing. Our survey revealed that visiting and browsing physical stores (29%) is the most popular source of ideas, proving the value of seeing and feeling furniture in person. That said, social media is still a massive influence, with 65% of 18-24-year-olds using Instagram for their design fix.
This digital fluency is shaping the trends we love. While the timeless appeal of Scandi style remains the nation's favourite (22%), the emerging trend of Midimalism (20%) is hot on its heels. This liveable blend of minimalist calm and maximalist personality perfectly captures our desire for a home that’s stylish but not sterile.
Ultimately, however, authenticity wins. A huge 69% of Brits want their home to feel more like ‘me’ than a collection of trends. As our experts always say, trends are a fantastic starting point, not a strict rulebook. Take the elements you love and make them your own.
The data speaks for itself: we’re a nation of interior lovers, eager to create spaces that are comfortable, functional, and – above all else – personal. But to bridge the confidence gap, we need the right tools.
For more design tips, read articles on the Sofological blog, or browse our collections of made-to-order sofas.