I Asked People on Social Media What They Wish Their Homes Had—Here’s What They Said Makes a More Satisfying Space
photo by Trulery via Midjourney; Plants not only look pretty but enhance problem-solving, concentration, and creativity as pleasant environments demand less mental processing.
Ever walk into your home and feel like something’s missing? Maybe it’s a little extra storage, a cozy reading nook, or that dream kitchen layout you saw on Pinterest. You’re not alone, Home dissatisfaction is something a lot of us deal with, especially when our ideal space and reality don’t quite match up. And the bigger that gap, the more we create a home that truly feels like “us.”
As someone fascinated by design psychology, I wanted to dig deeper into what makes a home feel satisfying. So, I turned to social media and asked people in an interior design group: What do you wish your home had? After reviewing over 120 responses, I noticed reoccurring themes like a desire for better storage options, access to nature, and multi-purpose rooms.
Why Do We Feel Unsatisfied With Our Homes?
Science tells us that home satisfaction isn’t just about having a big house or expensive decor. It’s about how well our space meets our needs. In fact, research shows that people feel happier in homes that are purposeful, or functional and efficient. But when a home fails to meet our needs and we feel stuck, dissatisfaction kicks in, and we start longing for change.
Another big factor that affects our home satisfaction? Comparison. If we’re constantly measuring our home against past residences or scrolling through Instagram-perfect interiors, it can make us feel like our space isn’t enough—especially if finances make upgrades feel impossible.
What People Wish Their Homes Had (Based on 120+ Responses)
photo by Trulery via Midjourney; Access to outdoor spaces can provide a sense of spaciousness, improving well-being.
I categorized the responses into common themes. Here’s what people said they wanted most:
Convenience:
better organization and storage (e.g., larger closets, built-in cabinets)
efficient home design (e.g., kitchen trash under the sink, a laundry room
entrance from the garage)
domestic help/home management (e.g., housekeeper)
work-from-home space
multi-purpose rooms
Sustainability (e.g., eco-friendly materials; gas-free homes)
Nature (e.g., more windows; views of greenery; internal courtyards for sunlight)
Spaciousness (e.g., more open layouts)
Self-care (e.g., soaking tubs)
Sensory comfort (e.g., better cooling/heating distribution; sound absorption)
Simplicity (e.g., downsized home)
Accessibility (e.g., single-level living, wheelchair-friendly features)
Aesthetics (e.g., architectural details, cohesive flooring)
Pet amenities (e.g., dedicated pet spaces, “petatoriums”)
Home ownership goals (e.g., paying off mortgages, full home equity)
Social needs:
privacy (e.g., secret rooms, enclosed entryways)community (e.g., larger foyers, front porches for socializing)
Health and safety (e.g., built-in ventilation, tornado safe rooms, covered porches)
The Psychology of a “Satisfying” Home
If we break these categories down even further, we can look at them through the lens of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs— a psychological framework designed to help us reach self-actualization, or in simpler terms, become the best version of ourselves. Design psychologists have adapted this concept to create a self-actualized home—one that actively supports our well-being, growth, and personal goals.
According to this theory, our homes need to fulfill certain fundamental needs including safety, psychological, social, and aesthetic needs. What satisfies one person’s psychological or other needs may not work for someone else. Some needs even overlap-what fulfills my social needs might also meet my psychological needs. For the sake of clarity, I’ve categorized the responses into the needs they most closely align with.
Home as Shelter (shelter, safety, liveability)
Convenience; health and safety; home ownership goals; pet amenities; accessibility; simplicity; sensory comfort; spaciousness; sustainability
Home as a Reflection of Psychological Needs (self-expression, love, sense of belonging)
Self-care
Home as a Reflection of Social Needs
Privacy; community and gathering spaces
Home as a Reflection of Aesthetic Needs (pleasure of beauty and harmony)
Aesthetics; nature
The Role of Control in Home Satisfaction
Photo by Trulery via Midjourney; Once considered niche, pet needs and petatoriums have become front and center, securing its own section in mainstream retail stores.
Another big factor in how satisfied we feel with our homes is control. The more control we have over our space, the happier we tend to be. Research shows we can break this down into three areas:
Behavioral Control: Can you physically change your home? (e.g., renovations, buying new furniture)
Decisional Control: Do you have options when designing your space? (e.g., picking decor, layouts, or colors)
Cognitive control: Can you shift your perspective to feel better about your space? (e.g., using mirrors to make a room feel bigger, adding plants for a nature boost)
If you’re renting or on a tight budget, cognitive control is your secret weapon. Even small tweaks, like incorporating nature-inspired artwork if you lack a good view, can increase home satisfaction.
What Does a Fulfilling Home Look Like for You?
If you’re feeling that itch to improve your home, here are some questions to ask yourself.
Does my home support my needs?
Does it make me feel safe and comfortable?
Does my home reflect who I am, what I love, and what makes me feel like myself?
Does it allow for both privacy and social interaction?
Is my home aligned with my values?
Does my space fit my lifestyle (e.g., If you work from home, do you have a space designed for focus?)
Does my home reflect those things that truly matter to me?
What aspects of control can I maximize?
Behavioral control: what practical changes can I make within my budget?
Decisional control: what choices do I have regarding layout, furniture, or decor?
Cognitive control: how can I reframe my space to feel better about it?
Final Thoughts
Photo by Trulery via Midjourney; A highly stimulating red, laundry room is bound to make you get work done.
Essentially, a home isn’t just a structure—it’s a space that should nurture, inspire, and support you. Instead of being preoccupied what your home lacks, shift toward what you can enhance. Sometimes the smallest tweaks can create the biggest shift in how we feel about where we live. What’s one small change you could make to enhance your space?
