Brits who live in shared accommodation often row over one key aspect

From hiding away ‘ugly’ appliances, where to put art, and the colour of the walls, a recent poll has revealed the worst offenders for those living in shared homes

As many as a quarter of people have fallen out with a housemate over how to decorate (Emma Trimble / SWNS)

A quarter of Brits who live in shared accommodation have had a row over how to furnish their home – with the colour of the walls the worst offender.

A poll of 1,000 people who live with others found differing choices of interiors lead to an argument every four months on average.

As many as 20 per cent have disagreed over how many cushions to put on the sofa, 24 per cent have bickered over how to arrange furniture and 15 per cent about the colour of the curtains.

Quarrels are also had about whether to hide away ‘ugly’ appliances when they’re not being used (15 per cent) and where to put wall art or prints (17 per cent).

Other décor debates housemates have include whether personal photos should be on display in communal spaces or whether to have real or fake houseplants (both selected by 11 per cent).

While 15 per cent said they have ‘wasted’ money on shared décor that fits their housemate’s style but not their own.

And 17 per cent admitted they are unlikely to consult their housemates on a design choice for their home – like painting a wall.

Deborah Dolce, group director at Homesense, which commissioned the research said: “Creating a welcoming and comfortable home is so important for our wellbeing.

"Yet as many as a quarter of people have fallen out with a housemate over how to decorate.

“And our research shows that 15 per cent of renters are spending money on décor that wasn’t even to their taste.

“We think that everyone should be afforded the chance to experiment with style.”

The research also found that 51 per cent believe it is important overall to have a similar taste in design as the people they’re living with.

For 54 per cent, this is because they want to feel at home in the place they live, while 42 per cent think it results in fewer arguments.

This comes as nearly a tenth (eight per cent) are unwilling to compromise on how to decorate their home.

Deborah Dolce added: “Our advice is to have conversations about style, decorating and home décor before living together and look for ways in which differing taste might complement each other.

“And above all, shopping for home décor and furnishings together can be great fun and might help alleviate tensions later.”

Respondents were most likely to describe themselves as ‘minimalist’ – enjoying serene, Scandi-inspired décor with a contemporary feel – furniture with clean lines and simple shapes, neutral tones, and no clutter (30 per cent).

Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) were naturalists, reflecting the outside in and decorating with natural textures and earthy tones, brought to life with greenery and florals, and pops of colour.

And only five per cent are maximalist, taking a more is more approach with bright colours, quirky décor, bold prints, and pattern mixing according to the OnePoll.com data.

Top 15 interiors arguments housemates have:

1. The colour of the walls (51 per cent)
2. How to arrange furniture in communal spaces (24 per cent)
3. Choosing between curtains or blinds (22 per cent)
4. The amount of decorative things left on the surfaces (22 per cent)
5. The amount of cushions on a sofa (20 per cent)
6. If internal doors should be open or closed (18 per cent)
7. Decorative items on surfaces (18 per cent)
8. Where to put wall art / prints (17 per cent)
9. Colour of the curtains (15 per cent)
10. If certain appliances should be put away because they are ugly or not (15 per cent)
11. Photos on show (11 per cent)
12. What throws to have on display (11 per cent)
13. Warm or cold toned lightbulbs (11 per cent)
14. To get real or fake houseplants (11 per cent)
15. Fragrances used (11 per cent)