If you can't decide on the perfect cushions to match your sofa, are not sure if you fancy free standing or wall mounted taps in your bathroom, or have no idea which colour will work best for your kitchen tiles, then it might be time to seek out some inspiration.

And if new research by Homesense is to be believed, you won't have to look very far. The study, which involved a poll of 2,000 women, found that rather than delving into glossy magazines or admiring chic model homes, when it comes to interior design many of us Brits are more likely to nick style ideas from our neighbours.

"Keeping up with the Joneses is nothing new," explained Jenny Spiers, manager of marketing at Homesense. "Stealing design ideas has been around since time began."

Of those surveyed a quarter admitted to making purchases which were directly inspired by designs they spotted at a neighbour's home, while one in three said that their living rooms were inspired by style ideas pinched from a friend.

"People tend to copy interiors they have seen in the flesh, rather than on TV shows and in magazines," Jenny added. "Those looks are attainable and more cost effective to copy."

However, the research also revealed that 37 per cent of women had spotted their own styles being replicated in a friend or neighbour's home and, while most claimed they took the steal as a compliment or laughed it off, some admitted to feeling a little miffed.

Therefore, to avoid irritable neighbours (not to mention a street of homes with identical living rooms or indistinguishable bathrooms) it's advisable only to copy small ideas or individual designs from your neighbour's interiors.

As Jenny points out, stealing small touches such as stylish lampshades, quirky photo frames and chrome towel radiators can really brighten up a room, but will stand you in less chance of being labelled a copycat neighbour.