Fears about personal finances and the global economy continue to stay top of mind for many, according to Ikea’s Life at Home report. The survey of more than 37,000 people in 37 countries found that 61 percent of people are concerned about their household finances, 66 percent worry about the general economy in their country, and 21 percent are nervous about job security.
Increased living expenses due to inflation have a significant portion of respondents re-thinking big decisions, with 35 percent expecting to cancel or postpone home improvement plans. And 43 percent expect their hobbies and interests outside the home to be negatively impacted.
“After years of enforced lockdowns for our health, people will likely feel the need to stay at home once again to save on costs, meaning our spaces need to work harder than ever,” said Katie McCrory, leader, Ikea Life at Home Report. “Yet worryingly, only half of us (56 percent) say we experience enjoyment where we live and four in five people say they regularly feel frustrated by everyday gripes such as mess, household chores and too much clutter.”
The report also reflects the growing multi-functionality of rooms in the home, with 8 percent of people saying they have worked in the bathroom, while 22 percent have eaten a meal in bed during the last 12 months. And nearly 1 in 4 people globally have faked excuses so they can avoid going out to stay at home, increasing to one in three among young people.
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According to the report, people whose homes reflects their personality are almost twice as likely (1.7 times) to see the space as a source of mental wellbeing. Pets and plants continue to be important, and as many as 13 percent of people say they have talked to their plants in the last 12 months. Overall, around 4 in 10 people say they feel more positive about their home compared to the same time last year.
“The Life at Home Report results are a crucial moment every year at Ikea,” said Marcus Engman, chief creative officer, Ikea Retail (Ingka Group). “They help us to realize our vision to create a better everyday life for the many people. The insights influence everything from our product range, to initiatives like IKEA Festival, to the social impact campaigns that we run.”
The full report is available at lifeathome.ikea.com.