These 4 simple changes can make your home feel more joyful

For some people, home evokes feelings of joy and comfort. However, according to Ikea’s new Life at Home Report, one in three people struggle to find the joy in their living spaces. The latest report explores why this is—and how, in a world of uncertainty and constant change, small, simple adjustments can help bring more joy into everyday life. Insights gathered from more than 38,000 people across 39 countries show that, while many find it difficult to experience consistent enjoyment in their spaces, joy is often found in life’s smaller moments—through self-expression, cozy comforts, and playful touches. [Image: Ikea] The report highlights four key ingredients for joy at home: feeling good, having fun, building vibes, and making connections. The findings suggest that creating a joyful space doesn’t require drastic changes. Often, it’s the small things—such as expressing personal style through décor, prioritizing well-being, or simply having fun—that can make a difference. “It’s not about a total home makeover. It’s about making small, meaningful changes that can really lift your everyday life,” says Maria Jonsson, Global Insight Leader for the Ikea Life At Home Report. [Image: Ikea] Get organized The report found that one in three people say a tidy space boosts their overall well-being. When a space is clean and organized, a person’s mind tends to feel clearer, Jonsson explains. It’s not about perfection but creating a space that supports everyday well-being. Sleep was highlighted as the number-one activity for nurturing both physical and mental well-being at home. To improve sleep quality, Jonsson noted that it often comes down to getting the basics right—a comfortable mattress, a cool, quiet room, and minimizing light and noise. Additionally, building a bedtime routine, such as limiting screen time before bed or maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can enhance sleep hygiene at home. [Image: Ikea] Create a space for fun The report shows that 66% of people with homes that foster play consider their home their favorite place to be. Spaces that promote playfulness and creativity not only feel safer but also contribute to better mental well-being, with 42% of respondents reporting this benefit compared to the 38% global average. “That might mean setting up a small, dedicated space for the things you love—like a craft area, a reading corner, or a spot to do puzzles or play music. It doesn’t have to be big—just purposeful,” Jonsson says. Creating distinct spaces at home for different activities—and involving everyone in the design or decoration process—can help establish mental boundaries for starting new tasks, making the experience more enjoyable. By intentionally designing a home that encourages fun, it becomes easier to prioritize and make time for it, Jonsson emphasized. [Image: Ikea] Create a vibe Feeling a sense of belonging is essential to truly enjoying a home, the report found. Often, it’s the small, personal touches that make a space feel authentic—whether it’s a cherished object, a meaningful habit, or living in alignment with certain values and purpose. Enjoyment at home is experienced by 57% of people who feel a stronger sense of belonging when they can express their identity there. Homeownership is also linked to greater joy, with 55% of homeowners reporting joy compared to 47% of renters. However, according to the report, renter-friendly solutions trending on social media include peel-and-stick wallpaper, stick-on laminate flooring, temporary stained-glass-effect windows, and swapping out light fixtures or using budget-friendly uplights. Also trending in home design are dopamine decor, which involves designing spaces with colors, textures, patterns, and nostalgic elements, and biophilic design, which focuses on incorporating natural materials and elements to foster a calming atmosphere. [Image: Ikea] Foster connections The report found that gathering over food is a cherished activity for many. Those who see eating as a social experience are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and enjoyment at home. “Creating more moments to eat together is a brilliant way to boost belonging and joy,” Jonsson says. “And globally, sitting down to a home-cooked meal ranks as one of the top five sources of joy.” Additionally, people who find joy in laughing with others are more satisfied with their life at home (68% compared to the 61% global average). Designing spaces that foster conversation, connection, and shared experiences can significantly enhance how people feel in their homes. “Personalization doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated—it’s about surrounding yourself with things that tell your story. Whether that’s family photos, art you’ve made, or souvenirs from travels, these details help your home feel like you,” Jonsson says.

Mar 26, 2025 - 19:25

These 4 simple changes can make your home feel more joyful

For some people, home evokes feelings of joy and comfort. However, according to Ikea’s new Life at Home Report, one in three people struggle to find the joy in their living spaces.

The latest report explores why this is—and how, in a world of uncertainty and constant change, small, simple adjustments can help bring more joy into everyday life. Insights gathered from more than 38,000 people across 39 countries show that, while many find it difficult to experience consistent enjoyment in their spaces, joy is often found in life’s smaller moments—through self-expression, cozy comforts, and playful touches.

The report highlights four key ingredients for joy at home: feeling good, having fun, building vibes, and making connections. The findings suggest that creating a joyful space doesn’t require drastic changes. Often, it’s the small things—such as expressing personal style through décor, prioritizing well-being, or simply having fun—that can make a difference.

“It’s not about a total home makeover. It’s about making small, meaningful changes that can really lift your everyday life,” says Maria Jonsson, Global Insight Leader for the Ikea Life At Home Report.

Get organized

The report found that one in three people say a tidy space boosts their overall well-being. When a space is clean and organized, a person’s mind tends to feel clearer, Jonsson explains. It’s not about perfection but creating a space that supports everyday well-being.

Sleep was highlighted as the number-one activity for nurturing both physical and mental well-being at home. To improve sleep quality, Jonsson noted that it often comes down to getting the basics right—a comfortable mattress, a cool, quiet room, and minimizing light and noise. Additionally, building a bedtime routine, such as limiting screen time before bed or maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can enhance sleep hygiene at home.

Create a space for fun

The report shows that 66% of people with homes that foster play consider their home their favorite place to be. Spaces that promote playfulness and creativity not only feel safer but also contribute to better mental well-being, with 42% of respondents reporting this benefit compared to the 38% global average.

“That might mean setting up a small, dedicated space for the things you love—like a craft area, a reading corner, or a spot to do puzzles or play music. It doesn’t have to be big—just purposeful,” Jonsson says.

Creating distinct spaces at home for different activities—and involving everyone in the design or decoration process—can help establish mental boundaries for starting new tasks, making the experience more enjoyable. By intentionally designing a home that encourages fun, it becomes easier to prioritize and make time for it, Jonsson emphasized.

Create a vibe

Feeling a sense of belonging is essential to truly enjoying a home, the report found. Often, it’s the small, personal touches that make a space feel authentic—whether it’s a cherished object, a meaningful habit, or living in alignment with certain values and purpose.

Enjoyment at home is experienced by 57% of people who feel a stronger sense of belonging when they can express their identity there. Homeownership is also linked to greater joy, with 55% of homeowners reporting joy compared to 47% of renters.

However, according to the report, renter-friendly solutions trending on social media include peel-and-stick wallpaper, stick-on laminate flooring, temporary stained-glass-effect windows, and swapping out light fixtures or using budget-friendly uplights.

Also trending in home design are dopamine decor, which involves designing spaces with colors, textures, patterns, and nostalgic elements, and biophilic design, which focuses on incorporating natural materials and elements to foster a calming atmosphere.

Foster connections

The report found that gathering over food is a cherished activity for many. Those who see eating as a social experience are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and enjoyment at home.

“Creating more moments to eat together is a brilliant way to boost belonging and joy,” Jonsson says. “And globally, sitting down to a home-cooked meal ranks as one of the top five sources of joy.”

Additionally, people who find joy in laughing with others are more satisfied with their life at home (68% compared to the 61% global average). Designing spaces that foster conversation, connection, and shared experiences can significantly enhance how people feel in their homes.

“Personalization doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated—it’s about surrounding yourself with things that tell your story. Whether that’s family photos, art you’ve made, or souvenirs from travels, these details help your home feel like you,” Jonsson says.