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Marvin Survey: Homeowners Value Natural Light, Fresh Air

The well-being movement continues to grow and spark new ways homeowners think about and incorporate wellness into their spaces, according to a new survey conducted on behalf of Marvin. Respondents indicated the home ranks second on Americans’ list of things that contribute to their state of happiness, and nearly 3 out of 5 homeowners plan to renovate within the next three months. 
 
“Designing for Happiness at Home,” a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Marvin, shows that 58 percent of builders and 48 percent of architects surveyed often or always have homeowners ask for products in the home to improve their health and happiness. Top must-haves include increased natural light and outdoor views of nature/greenery or the world around them. 
 
“With so many uncertainties still lingering, one thing is clear – the home must be a comforting sanctuary that promotes emotional, physical, and social well-being as people continue to work, play, and learn indoors,” says Christine Marvin, VP of design at Marvin.
 
As professionals plan for the new year, millennials are making larger investments in home projects. This generation plans to spend and tackle projects that typically cost more, such as upgrading their appliances, adding more natural light, and increasing square footage in their spaces. Millennials are also more likely than older generations, like Baby Boomers, to want to add dedicated spaces for yoga or meditation (36 percent vs. 5 percent) or cozy window nooks (35 percent vs. 26 percent). 
 
Knowing consumers’ individual well-being needs is just as important as understanding geographical preferences. People moving to new locations may not understand how the climate, sunlight, weather, or temperature will affect their product choices for the home. 
 
For example, those in the Northeast are more likely than those in the Midwest and West to crave more natural light in their homes (66 percent vs. 53 percent and 52 percent respectively) and are more likely to say that natural light has a positive impact on sleep patterns and productivity when compared to other U.S. regions. However, residents in the South are more likely than those in the Northeast to say they struggle to fall asleep if it’s too bright (53 percent vs. 43 percent). 
 
When people are purchasing a new home, 95 percent say air circulation and 92 percent say outside noises are important considerations, and poor soundproofing or air quality could deter them from purchasing.