Interior design and DIY has always remained an increasingly popular past time with the general public.
In recent years, however, after the economy has taken a battering throughout the double dip recession, consumer confidence has taken a dive.
Naturally, this has impacted on how much and how consumers invest in their homes.
Understandably, people are tending to stay put in their properties and renovate and revamp where possible instead of opting to sell up and move on.
Throughout the summer months and bank holidays in particular, DIY stores are consistently overflowing with customers; this is partly because of the good weather and additional holiday time but also because the likes of Homebase and B & Q are reacting to consumer spending patterns and their changing demands and setting their price points and choosing their retail stock accordingly.
People want their homes to be comfortable and are seemingly making their best attempts to make their abode a desirable place to spend time through minor home improvements.
Consumers are commonly questioning the precise elements for what is required to live well as a result of the double dip recession.
Furthermore, consumers are tending towards items for the home with a simple and practical design.
Another consequence of the recession has been consumers' faith in brands.
Consumers are less responsive to constant marketing and advertising and are generally quite bored of being hassled.
Brands have to work harder and decrease prices whilst increasing innovative to secure sales with the increasingly cynical consumer.
It's about creating a sense of belonging, a home in contrast to the increasingly 'globalized' world.
The shift in consumer attitudes has also impacted the choices they make when considering home improvement.
As a result of the widespread financial cutbacks and worry, design has been concentrating on producing eco-friendly and lower cost pieces.
There is an increased popularity of using recycling.
A few examples of the latest styles of such pieces are: lino flooring; this is inexpensive and derived from natural materials.
An alternative to this is Tirex flooring: carpet-style flooring make from reclaimed tyres (making it very durable).
One of the most cost effective ways to add some new accessories to your home is through knitting.
The newly trendy hobby enables people to relax whilst creating practical pieces for the home such as cushions and blankets.
Another 'green' technique which has taken the public by storm is use of eco-friendly, natural paints.
Commonly used paints contain solvents which are damaging to the environment, particularly if the user tips the remnants down the drain.