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Would you prioritise decorating the guest room over your own bedroom?
Entertaining space is vital for first-time buyers, with 55 per cent saying they would even move into a house without a bed as long as there was room to host, research by John Lewis has found.
According to their OnePoll study of 1,000 first-time buyers, 47 per cent said they would prioritise the guest room over their own bedroom, with six in 10 explaining they would only purchase homewares to impress visitors.
Buying a new home is one of life's most exciting experiences, but it seems the pandemic has shifted what homeowners desire when it comes to shopping. In fact, John Lewis found that 21 per cent would host a housewarming party before decorating, while over a quarter said a matching dinner service (31 per cent) and glassware set (27 per cent) were priorities.
Elsewhere, the study also discovered the first-buyers think setting up Wi-Fi is more important than ordering a bed, while one in five would take nine days or longer to sort out home insurance. Everyone has different priorities when it comes to buying, but it seems many are gearing up to host loved ones once again — especially after being apart for so long.
'It's really difficult to get on the housing ladder, so when you do, you want to enjoy it with others and celebrate,' says Camilla Rowe, Partner and Head of Buying for John Lewis home products.
'First-time buyers might feel they need to forego items, or opt for cheaper products they don't like as much. For some, there is the temptation to fill the home with as many essentials as possible, as quickly as possible, just to make it look finished.'
Interested to see what first-time buyers prioritise? Take a look at the full list below...
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Ideal for a garden bench or armchair, this delightful striped bolster cushion has a durable water resistant finish and piped edge for a stylish look.
Get the best of both worlds with this outdoor floor cushion – one side is a block natural sand colour and the other a sand stripe pattern on white. It has a water repellent polyester fabric, so it's perfect for entertaining and lounging in the garden.
This striking cobalt blue cushion not only looks good but it boasts eco credentials too – these cushions have been hand-woven in Italy from recycled plastic bottles. It's soft to the touch and comes with a sumptuous polyester pad for a luxurious yet firm feel.
This ditsy floral design is the perfect way to embrace summer. These outdoor seat pads (you can choose from a set of two, four, six or eight) are not only reversible but they're deep filled, bringing you extra comfort.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces, this stylish woven cushion hits the spot. It might be made from recycled plastic bottles, but it has a cosy softness to it.
If you're not sure what colour or pattern to go for, you can never go wrong with stripes in neutral shades. This white/grey cushion cover will provide an effortless update.
This fun and frilly gingham outdoor cushion is perfect to layer up on your garden sofa or bench. The shower-resistant cushion is made of cotton with a coating to repel light rainfall.
Keep warm on chilly summer evenings with this heated outdoor cushion. With three heat settings and pockets on the side, it will keep both your hands and body warm when the sun goes down.
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This waterproof garden cushion is perfect for your outdoor space. Thanks to its anti-fungal coating and waterproof lining, it's brilliant for alfresco dining. Barbecue at home, anyone?
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Give yourself extra comfort on a wooden chair with this floral seat mat, made of 100 per cent cotton with a cotton filling. So chic!
Bring a playful touch to your outdoor decor with this orange print garden cushion from M&S. With a water resistant finish, we particularly love the stylish braided edge. You get two for the price, too.
Comfortable and practical, this water resistant bench pad with a foam filling is perfect for alfresco dining. Any spillages can be cleaned effectively thanks to its showerproof cover and wipe-clean surface.
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Whether children are playing in the sunshine or you want somewhere relaxing to unwind, this blush pink floor cushion ticks all the right boxes.
READ MORE: Floor cushions: 15 styles to help you lounge comfortably
You can't go wrong with stripes! With a showerproof and UV resistant design, this striped outdoor cushion boasts a decorative piped edge, and is double stitched for added durability.