In the course of compiling our annual IKEA Living at Home Report, numerous individuals express dissatisfaction with their current living spaces, prompting us to seek insights from IKEA experts Monica Keaney, Sustainability Manager, and Sietske Gerla, Interior Design Specialist.

The duo offers guidance on balancing five crucial aspects of home life.

Amid a global sentiment of strained friendships, Sietske advocates for a home refresh to rekindle connections. Small changes, like incorporating flowers or new towels, can rejuvenate spaces and foster a sense of pride in welcoming friends.

Emphasizing the importance of nature, Monica encourages "re-wilding" homes with simple touches like planting herbs or creating bee-friendly backyards, promoting stress relief and a connection to the wider world.

With 93% prioritizing comfort in their homes, Sietske recommends organized spaces that strike a balance between open and closed storage. Keeping cherished items on display while stowing others out of sight ensures harmony.

Recognizing the significance of sleep and rest, Sietske suggests altering home environments, adopting different lighting for various activities, and creating distinct spaces for work and relaxation.

Acknowledging the desire for home exercise and personal projects, Sietske underscores self-compassion. Investing in home products that support desired activities, such as purchasing a yoga mat, facilitates the development of positive habits without the need for extensive or costly solutions.

Ultimately, the experts from IKEA offer practical insights to transform homes into havens that not only meet practical needs but also contribute to overall well-being.

In the pursuit of enhancing our understanding of modern living dynamics, the annual IKEA Living at Home Report becomes a valuable repository of insights. Through extensive interviews, a prevailing sentiment emerges – dissatisfaction with current living spaces.

In response to this, IKEA experts Monica Keaney, Sustainability Manager, and Sietske Gerla, Interior Design Specialist, provide nuanced guidance, focusing on five critical facets of home life.

In a world where 20% of people globally feel the strain on their friendships, Sietske Gerla advocates for a transformative approach to home spaces. Suggesting a subtle yet effective revitalization, she proposes introducing small changes to instill a renewed sense of pride in one's living environment.

Simple additions, like vibrant bouquets or fresh towels, can elevate the ambiance, fostering an inviting atmosphere for reconnecting with friends.

Monica Keaney, on the other hand, emphasizes the therapeutic role of nature in cultivating a sense of belonging. Recognizing the constraints of limited outdoor spaces, she champions the idea of 're-wilding' homes.

From cultivating herbs on windowsills to creating bee-friendly backyards, these initiatives not only alleviate stress but also instill a sense of purpose, prompting individuals to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.

Comfort, a universal priority for 93% of respondents, becomes the focal point for Sietske Gerla's insights on home organization. Striking a harmonious balance between open and closed storage, she recommends a curated display of cherished items while discreetly concealing the rest.

This approach ensures that homes become functional sanctuaries that cater to individual preferences and needs.

Turning attention to the realms of sleep and rest, Sietske Gerla introduces the idea of "dressing" one's home differently for distinct activities. By making subtle changes in the home environment, such as adjusting lighting or repurposing spaces, individuals can foster healthier habits that contribute to overall well-being.

In response to the evolving desires of home dwellers, particularly the inclination towards home-based exercise and personal projects, Sietske Gerla advocates self-compassion. Proposing practical solutions, she suggests acquiring home products that facilitate desired activities.

Small yet impactful choices, like purchasing a yoga mat or creating designated spaces for hobbies, lay the groundwork for the development and sustainability of positive habits.