WITH the explosion in home design programmes and the boom in all forms of in-house entertainment, it comes as no surprise that the home has become more than just a status symbol.

Some argue it has become the most significant element of the ‘me-brand’, which is what marketing-savvy consumers consider to represent their persona. A recent survey by the Future Foundation showed that people now place their home above their car, job, clothes and holiday destinations, as saying most about their image.

Regional sales director for David Wilson Homes Eastern, Theresa Cremin, said: “In the past, we may have liked to project our personalities through choice of cars or clothes, however, nowadays the home is an outlet for self-expression.

“We are seeing a real shift in how people view their homes. This puts more pressure on the home in terms of design and flexibility of space.

“Staying in as the new going out continues; friends are invited around for a laid back evening, all that is needed is comfortable seating, atmospheric lighting, chilled-out tunes and a well stocked fridge.”

The average UK household spends £2,300 each year on home products, with this figure expected to rise by 30 per cent in the next five years.

Theresa said: “While the dining room still plays an important role, we are seeing more informal entertaining, with people eating in the kitchen and lounge during winter or in the garden or conservatory in warmer months.”

But it seems there are other reasons, apart from programmes like Changing Rooms, why we have caught the home improvement bug. While we cannot all afford large scale projects, many of us are driven to stamp our individuality on our home. Some argue it is the result of our desk and screen jobs increasingly lacking in creativity, prompting even the DIY lethargic to become decorating divas and make-over magicians.

To find out more about the David Wilson homes being built in your area, call 0800 234455 or visit www.davidwilsonhomes.co.uk.