Inside the World’s Living Rooms: Insights from Global Home and Living Trends
It’s a simple word, but never a simple idea. For some, it’s the familiar smell of morning tea. For others, it’s the quiet relief of closing the door after a long day.
For many, it’s the people inside it, even more than the space itself.
When we at TPS set out to understand how people around the world truly feel about their homes, we expected differences shaped by geography, income, and culture. What we discovered instead was something far more universal: a shared heartbeat of comfort, belonging, and hope.
This survey brings alive the human story behind global home and living trends, what people cherish, what they struggle with, and what they dream of when they imagine a better life.
Here’s what voices from India, South Africa, Nigeria, UAE, Indonesia, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, the UK, and more revealed.
Home Isn’t Just a Place — It’s a Life Stage in Motion
Our respondents were a diverse blend of the world itself, from young adults (25–34 making up 38.3%) to people entering calmer years (45–54 at 20.8%) and men and women were almost perfectly balanced at 52.5% male and 47.2% female.
And the most telling detail:
60% live in bustling metro cities — yet 64.7% live with family.
It hints at a silent truth visible across many countries today: Urban life is expanding, but so is the instinct for togetherness.
Crowded metros, high rents, and fast-paced jobs are pulling people into cities, but emotional and financial comfort keeps them close to their families or partners.
People want growth, but they don’t want to outgrow their sense of belonging.
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People Are Mostly Happy at Home but Not Fully Satisfied
The overall home satisfaction score stood at:
This paints a beautiful picture.
Across continents, despite income gaps and culture gaps, people are mostly at peace in their living spaces. But the small group rating their homes below 3 (around 21.7%) tells another side of the story. They’re not dissatisfied with the idea of home, but with the conditions that home currently offers: limited space, too much clutter, or affordability challenges.
For many satisfaction is high but aspiration is higher.
People are okay with what they have, but they clearly envision something more.
What Makes a Home “Home”?
- Comfort
- Cleanliness
- Privacy
- Natural light
- Location
- Safety
- Storage space
- Aesthetics/decor
When we put all the responses together, one thing becomes very clear that people want their homes to feel good before they look good.
Comfort consistently ranks at the very top, showing that for most of us, a home is first about being able to relax, unwind, and just be ourselves. Right behind comfort comes cleanliness, because no matter where we live, city, town, or countryside, a clean space simply makes life easier and calmer. Privacy also scores high across respondents, reminding us that home is where we expect personal space, boundaries, and a sense of our own little world.
In simple terms, no matter which country we’re from or how old we are, we all want a home that feels peaceful, safe, and ours. Decor trends may change and dream-home styles may vary, but the heart of “home” remains the same: comfort first, beauty later.
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Everyday Joy at Home: Cooking, Organizing & Bringing Life Alive
The Global Dream Home? It’s Peaceful, Not Flashy
People don’t dream of glass towers. They dream of breathing space.
A farmhouse or countryside home ranking so high across countries reflects a universal craving for nature, silence, and control over one’s environment
But What Holds These Dreams Back? Two Words: Money. Life.
When it comes to dream homes, people across countries share a common story: the heart wants what it wants, but real life has its own rules.
The biggest barrier is budget, with 76.9% of respondents saying affordability is the number one thing standing between them and their ideal home. That’s nearly 8 out of every 10 people, reminding us that dream homes aren’t just about taste or aspiration; they’re deeply tied to financial realities.
Family commitments (37.8%) highlight that home decisions are rarely personal. They’re shared. Whether it’s caring for parents, supporting children, or simply making choices that work for everyone under the same roof, people often put collective needs before individual desires.
Then comes location (33.1%), a clear sign of how challenging it can be to find the “perfect” place. Rapid urbanization, overcrowded cities, and limited housing options mean that even when someone knows exactly what they want, the where often gets in the way.
Redecorating Is the New Self-Care
People aren’t waiting for big moments to refresh their homes. They’re doing it regularly. With most upgrading yearly or every few months, redecorating has become a form of emotional reset. It’s less about aesthetics and more about reclaiming control, comfort, and calm. For many, updating a space feels like updating their mindset.
Who Makes Home Decisions? Almost Everyone Together
Household decisions are no longer top-down. Nearly half say they decide, but an equally strong share makes choices collaboratively. Only a small minority leave decisions to someone else. This shift toward shared responsibility reflects changing family dynamics globally—homes today are shaped by conversation, not command, and that’s a remarkably positive trend.
To Sum it Up
Home is more than a place. It’s a feeling we build, shape, negotiate, and nurture every single day. From comfort and cleanliness to safety and sunlight, people across countries echoed the same truth: we may live differently, but we long for home in remarkably similar ways. Our spaces reflect our identities, our circumstances, and our dreams, yet they also mirror our challenges, whether it’s budgets, family commitments, or simply the realities of modern life.
Still, people aren’t giving up. They’re redecorating for joy, choosing together for harmony, and dreaming boldly despite limitations. And that’s the real story our data reveals: home and living is not just about bricks, furniture, or square footage; it’s about the everyday choices that help us belong.
Disclaimer:
These insights are not just for brands; they are for anyone trying to understand how decisions are made in 2025-26. The more people share, the clearer the picture becomes.
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FAQ's
1. What does comfort mean to people today?
Comfort today means feeling safe, relaxed, and emotionally secure. It extends beyond physical surroundings to include routines, relationships, and environments that reduce stress and provide a sense of familiarity.
2. How do people create comfort in daily life?
People create comfort through familiar habits, supportive relationships, and personalized spaces. Small routines, trusted connections, and moments of calm help individuals manage stress and feel grounded.
3. Why is comfort important for well-being?
Comfort supports well-being by reducing anxiety and promoting emotional balance. Feeling comfortable allows people to recharge, cope with challenges, and maintain mental and physical health.
4. How does belonging contribute to comfort?
Belonging contributes to comfort by creating emotional safety and acceptance. Feeling understood and included helps people feel at ease and more confident in their surroundings.
5. Do people seek comfort differently across age groups?
Yes, comfort-seeking varies by age. Younger people may seek comfort through social connection and self-expression, while older groups often prioritize stability, routine, and familiar environments.
6. How do living spaces affect feelings of comfort?
Living spaces influence comfort through layout, cleanliness, and personalization. Environments that reflect personal preferences and support daily needs contribute to relaxation and well-being.
7. How do relationships influence comfort and belonging?
Relationships influence comfort by offering emotional support and trust. Positive interactions with family, friends, and communities help individuals feel valued and secure.
8. Are people prioritizing comfort more today?
According to a study by The Panel Station, many people are prioritizing comfort more due to increased stress and uncertainty. Comfort is increasingly viewed as essential to maintaining balance rather than as a luxury.
