Your Happy Place
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine|May 2017

Out with formal and in with cosy; new research reveals the laid back living room is key to our happiness.

Your Happy Place

Research commissioned in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, by leading sofa brand DFS has revealed the nation’s perfect living room. As our lifestyles have changed, the living room has been revolutionised from a formal entertaining space, into a relaxing haven; multifunctional but still traditional enough to marry form and function.

We’re now a nation of living room loungers; on average the majority of us spend approximately 21 hours a week in our living room during summer. This almost doubles to 35 hours a week during the delights of wintertime, making this obvious heart of the home all the more significant in lifting our spirits as we retreat from the cold.

Happiness at home

The research highlighted the very significant role the living room plays in our emotional wellbeing. According to the research, over half of the population cited the living room as the space in the home where they feel happiest.

This emotional attachment to our living room seems to be driven by our love of hunkering down for near-hibernation, especially during the bleakness of winter, with half of the respondents saying they are truly relaxed when in the living room.

This story is from the May 2017 edition of Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2017 edition of Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM IRELAND'S HOMES INTERIORS & LIVING MAGAZINEView All
Look up!
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

Look up!

This issue our gardening expert Conrad McCormick focuses on climbing plants.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
#madeinireland
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

#madeinireland

Support local and add a little artistry and originality into your home with this month's pick of Irish brands and makers.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
My Home: Dundalk
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

My Home: Dundalk

Ceramicist Sarah McKenna tells us more about the place she calls home.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
Ciao Sicily
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

Ciao Sicily

This month Marty O'Neill takes us to the historic and picturesque island of Sicily.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
Contemporary Class
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

Contemporary Class

This Belfast home needed a contemporary kitchen scheme that was functional, durable and made best use of the existing space.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
Total Transformation
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

Total Transformation

A complete renovation of this period-style home in Co. Down allowed the owners to create the kitchen they had always wanted.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
A Family Connection
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

A Family Connection

Embracing biophilic design combined with bold colour gives this home a unique look that’s easy on the eye and functions perfectly for a busy family of four.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
AWARD WINNING KITCHENS
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

AWARD WINNING KITCHENS

Direct Wholesale Kitchens has just been named as Kitchen Supplier of the Year at the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards for the fourth year running. We take a closer look at the company’s winning ways and discover the key to its success.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
Meeting The Brief
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

Meeting The Brief

This large home in Holywood, Co. Down was given the all-star treatment thanks to design expert Kunal Trehan.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
Lakeside Retreat
Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine

Lakeside Retreat

Mairead and John’s summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire draws inspiration from its stunning unspoilt surroundings, with natural materials and textures enhancing its effortlessly cool New England vibe.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023