Ikea’s Life at Home report offers options for creating joy at home

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — What makes people enjoy their homes every day? According to a new report from Ikea, more than one-third of people globally find enjoyment important but don’t feel it enough at home.

Now in its 11th year, the Life at Home Report 2024 is a comprehensive study on how people live and what truly makes them happy at home. This year’s insights, gathered from more than 38,000 people across 39 countries, show that while many struggle to achieve enough enjoyment in their spaces every day, it’s often found in small moments of self-expression, comfort and play.

In the report, Ikea offers four key ingredients for finding joy at home:

1. Feeling good – Health, wellbeing, and daily habits

• 1 in 3 people say a tidy or clean space (think organization) helps maintain their overall wellbeing.
• Sleep is the No. 1 activity for nurturing our wellbeing, both physical (53%) and mental (51%) at home.
• 63% of people who say home enables them to live sustainably also say it’s their favorite place to be.

2. Having fun – Hobbies, creativity, and play

• Homes that support playfulness and creativity feel safer and boost mental wellbeing (42% vs. 38% global average).

• Cultural attitudes toward playfulness, as well as household size, can impact how much time people dedicate to play at home.

3. Personalizing a space

• Those who own their own home are more likely to experience enjoyment often: 55% of homeowners vs. 47% of renters.
• A well-designed space that reflects personal style creates a stronger emotional connection to home.

4. Creating space for togetherness 

• People who see eating as a social activity are 7 percentage points more likely than average to experience belonging and enjoyment often at home.
• People who find enjoyment from laughing with those around them are happier with their life at home (68% vs. 61% global average).
• Designing spaces that encourage conversation, togetherness and shared experiences can make a real difference in how people feel at home.

“Home is a place of joy for two thirds of people in the world; still, one third is not experiencing as much as they would like,” said Belén Frau, global communication and positioning manager at Ikea Retail, Ingka Group. “Our Life at Home Report insights reveal that joy can come from small moments of self-expression, comfor, and play. Small everyday acts can make a big difference.”

To help inspire people to open the door to more joy at home, Ikea is unveiling a collection of conceptual imaginary rooms. Designed in partnership with Ulises Studio, a design studio based in Valencia, each room reflects one of the biggest trends highlighted in this year’s report:

• Bedrotting – Why leave your bed when you can turn it into the ultimate cocoon? Think soft textiles, gentle lighting and an invitation to stay wrapped up in comfort.

  

• Kidulting – Who says fun is just for kids? This playful space is designed for play and joyful rebellion.

  

• Big Talk – Deep conversations need the right setting. This room is designed for connection, with inviting seating and warm lighting that are perfect for laughter and hugs, both top drivers of home joy. 

  

• Biophilic Design – Bringing the outside in with greenery, natural textures and earthy tones because 65% of those who find comfort in connecting with nature at home, feel positive about their current life at home.

  

• Smart Home Harmony – A stylish, intuitive space that blends smart solutions with seamless design for a more harmonious everyday. For example, 21% of Gen Z state that they use music to create the right environment.

  

• Dopamine Décor – Bold colors, big patterns and mood-boosting design make this space a celebration of self-expression. 57% of people who say their home reflects their identity are often feeling enjoyment at home.

  

“Everyone should have the freedom to create a home that brings joy,” said Frau. “By transforming emerging home trends into these imaginary rooms, we aim to spark new ideas and show that great design doesn’t have to be out of reach.”

For more information on the Ikea Life at Home Report 2024, click here.