DIY is the new Prada for today's time-poor, cash-rich couples, according to a new report from Crown Paints. A period of rapid social change resulting in a growing number of childless couples has created a desire for a home environment which complements their taste for designer label clothes and an aspirational lifestyle.

The report into the future of the DIY market by Professor Donald McFetridge, head of retail studies at the University of Ulster at Coleraine, was commissioned by leading paint manufacturer, Crown Paints.Professor McFetridge confirms that the biggest trend in the DIY market is for consumers with busy lifestyles who, when departing the stress of office life, want to return to the comfort of a well-decorated, perfectly furnished private home, which offers them comfort, solace and escapism with no expense spared.

Professor McFetridge said: "Consumers have stopped needing and started wanting for the home. Prada separates, Armani power suits and Manolo heels have become the norm, and they are now turning their eye to the design, detail and fashion elements of their homes."

The report indicates this trend is set to impact significantly on the DIY market, with this retail sector set to outgrow all others over the next five years as consumers satisfy their desire for the perfect home. Market analysts are already predicting market growth in the DIY arena at around 36%, making the sector worth approximately £70 billion per annum by 2006.

Professor McFetridge continued: "It's evident that people are becoming more home focused. Property is the one constant in many people's lives. With so much talk of recession, pension shortfalls, Rolex watch muggers and car thieves, the only place there is any guarantee of feeling safe is in the home and financially it is one of the best bets. No wonder, with higher disposable income levels, people are pouring money into decoration and furnishings at the expense of flashy clothes and jewellery. No one wants to draw attention to themselves - it is becoming too risky".

So what will the 'it-home' look like? The latest breed of 'coordinate or die' decorators will create an individualistic look focused on strong personal style, clever use of colour, bespoke furniture and accessories. The home is an antidote to their high-powered lifestyles so is more likely to be decorated in pale, calming colours to act a haven from the workplace.

Judy Smith, Colour Consultant to Crown Paints explained: "Personalisation is at the heart of interior trends right now. People are becoming increasingly experimental with colour and design, taking inspiration from catwalk trends. For example, lilac teamed with raspberry is a scheme set to take walls by storm and is reminiscent of Italian fashion house Missioni's distinctive collections. You can now literally coordinate your wardrobe and your walls to give your home real identity to reflect your personal style."

However, DIY retailers will have to take a leaf out of their fashion counterparts' books, as Crown's European Area Director, Stephanie Knowles explains, "The new breed of DIY consumers is price-conscious and choice-orientated. They live in an 'Instant Society': it's instant coffee, instant whip - and instant DIY. To satisfy their personal sense of style they want to choose from a wide range of quick-to-deliver, products and they want them available now. Critically, products also need to have a 'must have', aspirational edge as consumers are ready to make sacrifices to be able to purchase the right address and have their property adorned with the season's trendiest looks and accessories at any cost."