Home should be a place of joy – but for many, that’s not always the reality. More than a third of people globally find enjoyment important but don’t feel it enough at home. The latest IKEA Life at Home Report explores why – and how – in a world of uncertainty and constant change – small, simple changes can help bring more joy into everyday life.
“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. Our Life at Home Report insights reveal that joy can come from small moments of self-expression, comfort, and play. Small everyday acts can make a big difference”
– Belén Frau, Global Communication and Positioning Manager at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group)
Home should be a place of joy – but for many, that’s not always the reality. More than a third of people globally find enjoyment important but don’t feel it enough at home. The latest IKEA Life at Home Report explores why – and how – in a world of uncertainty and constant change – small, simple changes can help bring more joy into everyday life.
Now in its 11th year, the Life at Home Report 2024 is one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on how people live and what truly makes them happy at home. Last year’s report identified eight essential needs for a better life – control, comfort, security, nurturing, belonging, accomplishment, aspirations and enjoyment.
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, discovering more joy doesn’t have to be complicated – it’s often found in small moments of self-expression, comfort, and play.
A RECIPE FOR JOY AT HOME: FOUR KEY INGREDIENTS
1. Feeling Good – Health, wellbeing, and daily habits shape home enjoyment, yet they’re often overlooked.
- 1 in 3 people say a tidy or clean space helps maintain their overall wellbeing – proving that a little organisation can go a long way in making home a more joyful place.
- Sleep is the number #1 activity for nurturing our wellbeing, both physical (53%) and mental (51%) at home.
- While 63% of people who say home enables them to live sustainably also say it’s their favourite place to be.
2 Having Fun – Hobbies, creativity, and play add to life’s enjoyment, yet many struggle to prioritise them.
- 66% of people whose homes encourage play say it’s their favourite place to be. Homes that support playfulness and creativity feel safer and boost mental wellbeing (42% vs. 38% global average).
- However, cultural attitudes toward playfulness as well as household size can impact how much time people dedicate to play at home.
3 Building Vibes – personalising a space fosters a sense of identity.
- Expression unlocks joy: Those who own their own home are more likely to experience enjoyment often: 55% of homeowners vs. 47% of renters.
- At a time when the world feels increasingly unpredictable, a well-designed space that reflects personal style creates a stronger emotional connection to home.
4. Making Connections – creating space for togetherness boosts everyday joy.
- People love coming together over food. Those who see eating as a social activity are 7 percentage points more likely than average to experience belonging and enjoyment often at home.
- What’s more, laughter really is the best medicine. 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. Our Life at Home Report insights reveal that joy can come from small moments of self-expression, comfort, and play. Small everyday acts can make a big difference,” says Belén Frau, Global Communication and Positioning Manager at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “Meaningful connections, quality time with loved ones, and a home that feels uniquely yours are key. Especially in these uncertain times, home also needs to offer safety and security. At IKEA, we’re here to make affordable joy possible for the many.”
FROM INSIGHT TO INSPIRATION: TREND-INSPIRED CONCEPT ROOMS
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 that creates architectural concepts and surreal design solutions, each room reflects one of the biggest trends highlighted in this year’s Life at Home Report shaping home enjoyment today and features real IKEA products so people can bring the inspiration into their own spaces:
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. In fact, 50% find unwinding/relaxing important in an ideal home.
Kidulting
Big Talk
Deep conversations need the right setting. This room is designed for connection, with inviting seating and warm lighting – perfect for laughter (34%) and hugs (35%), 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 (vs 61% global average).
Smart Home Harmony
Where tech meets tranquility. A stylish, intuitive space that blends smart solutions with seamless design for a more harmonious everyday. When it comes to supporting the feeling of comfort at home, 21% of Gen Z state that they use music to create the right environment.
Dopamine Décor
Bold colours, big patterns, and mood-boosting design make this space a celebration of self-expression. No surprise that more people are embracing bold self-expression, since 57% of people who say their home reflects their identity at home are often feeling enjoyment at home (vs. 51% of global average).
These artistic interpretations push the boundaries of colour, texture, and functionality, encouraging people to explore new ways to personalise their space – whether that means adding playful elements, embracing nostalgia, or creating a sanctuary for rest and relaxation.
“Everyone should have the freedom to create a home that brings joy,” continued 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. Even the most aspirational trends can be reflected in our everyday spaces.”
For more information on the IKEA Life at Home Report 2024, visit https://lifeathome.ikea.com/
NOTES TO EDITORS
Download the full report and view previous reports in our Media Resources section.
LIFE AT HOME REPORT METHODOLOGY
The quantitative research was carried out by YouGov on behalf of Ingka Holding B.V. – Ingka Group. YouGov is an international research and data analytics group. YouGov interviewed a total sample of 38,630 adults aged 18+ in 39 countries. The survey was conducted in May-June 2024, via online panels for each country.
Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations on 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on www.ingka.com.
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