A national survey from CopperSmith shows that more people see their home as more than just a place to live. It has become the space where they expect to recharge. The study found that most Americans struggle to relax in their own homes, and in Texas, where big houses and busy routines often meet, the results highlight something important for buyers, sellers and homeowners to think about.
How Often Do Americans Truly Relax at Home?
The CopperSmith survey of 1,000 U.S. adults found that just 26% of Americans feel they truly relax at home daily. For most, it doesn’t happen right away. About 42% said they need at least thirty minutes after getting home before they feel settled, while just 14% said they can relax as soon as they walk in.
Generational differences showed up as well. Only 9% of Gen Z respondents said they could relax immediately. Women also reported more difficulty than men: 45% said they need at least half an hour, compared to 39% of men.
For many Dallas households dealing with long workdays, Central Expressway traffic, and family obligations, these numbers reflect a familiar reality, finding calm at home often takes extra effort.
Home Size and Everyday Stress
Texas is known for bigger houses, but the survey shows that extra square footage doesn’t always make life calmer. About 39% of people said clutter or crowded rooms are a main reason they can’t relax.
Other common obstacles included:
- 45% said they feel too busy
- 30% said they feel guilty about “doing nothing”
- 30% said noise or too much stimulation gets in the way
Even in larger Dallas homes, the way a space is designed and used matters. A big living room full of clutter can feel just as stressful as a small apartment.
Ways People Relax at Home
Most Americans still choose simple activities to relax. In the survey:
- 51% said lying in bed or on the couch
- 48% said watching TV or streaming
- 29% said scrolling on a phone
- 19% said taking a bath or shower
The living room was the most common place to relax (64%), followed by the bedroom (49%). Outdoor areas came in at 28% and kitchens at 27%.
For homeowners in Dallas, these results point to the value of open family rooms, comfortable outdoor patios, and bathrooms that feel more like a spa. These features support relaxation and can also add value to a home.
Types of Relaxation at Home
The study pointed to six main ways people prefer to relax. Each group shows a different habit or focus:
- Slowdweller (33%) – likes stillness and downtime.
- Hushitect (20%) – pays attention to calming design.
- Soulsoaker (15%) – enjoys baths and water routines.
- Hearthmind (12%) – sees home as part of personal identity.
- Glowmad (10%) – relies on light, candles, or scent.
- Simmercrafter (10%) – relaxes through cooking.
For Texas, these groups matter. They hint at what buyers may notice when walking through a house. A Glowmad may be drawn to accent lighting or a fireplace. A Soulsoaker may look first at the bathroom.
What This Means for Dallas Homes
Relaxation is now part of the selling story. Homes with spa-style bathrooms stand out. Outdoor features like covered patios, a pool, or a small garden space are in demand.
Inside the home, clutter-free rooms make a difference. They look better in photos and help create a calm feeling during showings. Multi-use spaces also matter. A home office that can work as a yoga room, or a guest room that doubles as a reading corner, adds value.
For sellers, presenting the home as a place to recharge can be a simple but strong advantage. For buyers, it’s a reminder that square footage alone is not enough.
Practical Tips for Homeowners
The study shows that creating a more relaxing home does not always require a major remodel. Small adjustments can have a noticeable effect. Some practical steps include:
- Upgrading lighting to set a calmer mood.
- Adding outdoor furniture or shade to make patios more usable.
- Using open layouts or rearranging furniture to reduce clutter.
- Staging rooms with neutral colors and minimal décor for a clean look.
In a city known for long workdays and busy traffic, these changes can make a home easier to live in and easier to market.
Key Takeaways
The survey makes clear that many Americans are looking for calm at home, and not all houses deliver it. For Dallas residents, this can be seen both as a challenge and an opportunity. Homes with spa-style bathrooms, outdoor spaces, or organized layouts support daily comfort and stand out in the housing market.
As buyers continue to look for properties that provide a sense of retreat, homes that emphasize relaxation will carry more appeal.