IKEA report reveals global trends in home life and organization

IKEA’s “Life at Home Report 2026,” based on a survey of over 31,000 participants across 31 countries, reveals shifting consumer priorities regarding living spaces. The study indicates that 56% of respondents view the ideal home primarily as a place for “relaxing and unwinding,” while 38% prioritize space for hobbies and activities.

The report highlights a growing trend toward “meaningful clutter,” where 59% of people prefer a home filled with personal character over a minimalist aesthetic. Many individuals retain items for emotional value, with 82% keeping objects for sentimental reasons even if they are rarely used.

Challenges regarding organization were also noted, such as the kitchen being the most difficult area to keep tidy (24%) and a frequent source of household arguments (37%). Additionally, the research found that 15% of people globally view clutter as an expression of creativity, a sentiment that rises to 31% in China but remains low at 4% in Japan.