'There's no way like the American Way' - the 1937 picture by Margaret Bourke-White.
Taking inspiration from the classic painting, IKEA, the Swedish furnishing giant conducted a survey to find the essential ingredient to an American's way of living - at least in the home.
In a study titled "IKEA US Life at Home Report 2013", the furniture company found that 'Comfort' was the most important thing for an American when it came to home and living.
"Described by consumers, "comfort" is not about any single home furnishing or product function. In fact, it's about creating an environment where household members can connect with each other, relax and live their best lives. In this sense, a comfortable home life means letting your guard down and letting your good feelings out," according to the study.
For the research, IKEA folks conducted online surveys between October 20132 and 2013 on IKEA consumer panel members, which comprises of about 4000 U.S. customers (both male and female) within age 25-54 and have a household income of about $35,000.
They also analyzed several ad hoc home-life studies and global home style trends to arrive at the conclusion.
Key findings of the research:
1. Comfort is the most important thing about a home with about 95 percent respondents saying home is a place they could relax in.
2. The family room or living room is the most popular room of a house. About 65 percent Americans chose it as a personal favorite because that's where the family spends most of the time.
3. 'Cooking' was the most popular pastime with family with about 43 percent respondents choosing the activity over any other action in the house.
4. A third of all the respondents want a 'king-size' bed by the next year because they want to make more room for 'cuddling'.
5. Fifty eight percent of the respondents said they had slept with their pets (cats or dogs) in their bed at some time.
6. Outdoor space was pretty important. About 69 percent of the people said they had a private garden, while the rest either had balconies, porches or a terrace/patio.
7. About 71 percent of the people believed in recycling and 98 percent people used energy-saving appliances.
The research also found some interesting stuff like who controls the remote in the living room and if phones (calls and texts) are allowed at the dining table. Read the full report, here
While this study determined what was most important to Americans about home living, another Realtor.com study found that one could fall head over heels in love with a house!
