Bucharest, September 26, 2025: IKEA is launching a new global initiative designed to bring more joy and moments of connection with loved ones, turning cooking and home dining into a simpler, more enjoyable, more sustainable, and more accessible experience regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle.
According to the latest IKEA Life at Home Report, conducted globally and dedicated to understanding how people live and find happiness at home, 40% of respondents say that cooking is one of the activities that brings them the greatest joy, right after watching TV and reading.
Although the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, it remains the space people are the least satisfied with. Many feel that their kitchen does not fully meet their needs, especially when living in small spaces. Among the biggest challenges are the lack of storage areas and the difficulty of maintaining order and cleanliness.
In Romania, cooking and eating meals at home are among the activities that bring the greatest joy to everyday life 30% of Romanians feel happy when dining together at home, and 23% when cooking. Compared to last year, interest in cooking has increased, with 44% of Romanians cooking more at home and 43% eating at home more often. In addition, almost half (49%) believe that a home-cooked meal is healthier than one eaten out, while 28% say they are excited whenever they have the chance to experience new culinary moments in their own kitchen.
The report shows that preparing and sharing meals together are not just daily routines, but authentic moments that create a strong sense of belonging and contribute significantly to the family’s well-being. In families with children, involving them in cooking has a visible impact: the overall life satisfaction level rises to 72%, compared to 61% when children are not involved.
“Preparing and sharing meals with loved ones remains one of the simplest and most beautiful ways to connect with food, with tradition, and with each other. In the rush of everyday life, especially in rapidly developing cities, the joy of gathering around the table is starting to fade. At IKEA, we want to help people rediscover that joy through kitchens that are more functional, accessible, and creative, designed to suit any lifestyle, budget, or space,”
says Vincent Devloo, Area Retail Manager IKEA SEE.
Complete solutions for the entire cooking and dining experience
With over 80 years of experience studying life at home, IKEA has dedicated itself to understanding people’s cooking and eating habits around the world, analyzing real needs and challenges in the kitchen. Starting in September, IKEA introduces more than 200 new products and solutions, designed to make cooking and spending time in the kitchen a pleasant, practical, and accessible experience.
The new IKEA solutions support the entire kitchen experience from storage, organization, and preparation to cooking, table setting, serving, and cleaning up. The products are designed to be accessible to as many people as possible, so that everyone can enjoy a functional, durable, and adaptable kitchen that meets constantly changing needs, regardless of budget.
In addition, the new range promotes healthier and more sustainable practices, focusing on reducing water consumption, preventing food waste, and encouraging responsible waste sorting. In this way, IKEA not only facilitates home cooking but also supports a more responsible and conscious way of living.
