Copycat Neighbors: Flattering or Flat Out Annoying?
Updated: Nov. 21, 2023
A majority of homeowners admit to copying a neighbors' decor or home design, but a majority of people who were copied say it made them uncomfortable.
Time to fess up. An estimated 70 percent of American homeowners copy home-related ideas from their neighbors. They’re copying everything from retro lawn furniture to color choices, lighting upgrades and replacement windows.
No showroom model or Pinterest board is as convincing as seeing a color or a kitchen remodel in action in a neighbor’s home. Chances also are high that neighboring homes were built in the same era and are similarly sized, which makes copying someone else’s remodeling and décor choices reasonable.
But, is this practice flattering or flat-out annoying? MyJobQuote surveyed 2,275 U.S. homeowners alongside those in the U.K. on this topic to find out. Here’s what they found:
Most Homeowners Copy Décor
When it comes to what neighbors like to copy, the survey showed 69 percent bought the same or similar indoor furniture or other items. About 61 percent copied outdoor furniture and items, while 47 percent swiped ideas for indoor accessories. More than half of the respondents—53 percent—used a neighbor’s color scheme, while 42 percent mimicked a garden design.
Respondents also copied exterior house design (39 percent) and house architecture (34 percent), while a quarter of homeowners copied a room design. About 11 percent used the same floor plan.
Your neighbors want you to stop doing these 15 things.
Most People Give a Thumbs Down to Copycats
Oscar Wilde said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…,” but 67 percent of homeowners found it uncomfortable to be copied. Roughly half of those surveyed felt competitiveness or a sense of violation, while 44 percent said they were flattered, and nearly 40 percent were angry and annoyed. Just 17 percent said their copycat neighbors made them feel happy.
Keeping Up with the Joneses
At least 28 percent of respondents felt “very” pressured to keep up with neighbors, and 21 percent felt “somewhat” pressured. Those who felt the need to likewise invest in renovations and refreshed décor said they’d spend up to $5,000 (25 percent) or up to $10,000 (30 percent) to keep up with the neighbors.
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Originally Published: February 05, 2020
