**Gen Z and Millennials Look to Parents for Home Inspiration**
When it comes to envisioning their perfect home, Britain’s younger generations are turning out to be far more influenced by their childhood than by celebrity culture or social media trends. According to a recent poll sampling over 2,000 UK adults, nearly one in four (24%) Gen Z and Millennial respondents admitted their dream home would be much like the one they grew up in, echoing the tastes and lifestyles of their parents.
The survey, commissioned by homewares brand Brabantia, found that aspirations for multimillion-pound mansions or Instagram-ready interiors are being outpaced by the simpler, more familiar comforts of family homes. This trend even surpasses the appeal of celebrity and influencer abodes, which were chosen by 23%, or iconic houses from television series (20%), and far exceeds the influence of Pinterest and Instagram aesthetics, which only attracted the attention of 12% of young adults.
It would seem, then, that the modern ideal of what a ‘dream home’ looks like is evolving dramatically. While social media once set the standard for interior design aspirations, young adults today appear to place a premium on inheritance—both tangible and emotional—over fantasy or fame. This marks a notable twist, revealing a generation that values comfort, familiarity, and practicality.
The findings highlight a shift in the way pressure manifests for the younger generations. Among Gen Z, a significant 72% say they feel compelled to create the perfect home environment, yet for almost a third (30%) of them, that pressure originates from family members rather than online influencers or TV property shows. Social media pressure was cited by just 11%, and television property programming influenced only 5% of respondents, underscoring the enduring impact of parental expectations and values.
Interestingly, when it comes to specific features of an ideal home, there is clear agreement between young adults and their parents’ generation. Both groups show a strong desire for upgraded kitchens (34%), improved living spaces (32%), and plush, welcoming bathrooms (29%). However, the priorities have shifted to focus less on extravagant extras and more on the day-to-day usefulness of the living space. In fact, 91% of participants underscored the necessity of a functional layout and smart storage solutions to accommodate their routines and activities.
This is further evidenced by some generational distinctions: while older adults might dream of luxurious countertops, Gen Z is much more likely to seek dedicated spaces for health and productivity, including home gyms—favoured by a quarter of younger respondents, compared to just 5% of their parents—and home offices, required by 16% of young adults surveyed.
Despite these aspirations, few young people feel they have already reached their ideal. Over two-thirds (70%) view their current abode as a work in progress, if not a temporary fix. This perception has spurred a culture of innovation within the home, with almost three-quarters (72%) of Gen Z reporting that they’ve experimented with “hacks” to improve their living space. In contrast, only 23% of Baby Boomers claim to have done the same.
These DIY efforts range from upcycling old furniture to creative use of lighting and bold colour choices. Notably, 16% of younger adults have even tried to craft lookalikes of pricier designer items themselves—reflecting both resourcefulness and a desire for personalisation within limited means.
Experts suggest that this trend towards parental emulation is not simply nostalgic, but rooted in the psychological comforts of home. Interiors author Reena Simon observes that contemporary Britons are searching for environments that work with—not against—their daily lives. “Function is taking precedence over flashy features,” she notes, adding that the modern dream home is one of comfort and ease, rather than spectacle.
Clinical psychologist Dr Angharad Rudkin echoes this, pointing out that for many young adults, recreating the familiar surroundings of childhood can provide a sense of security and wellbeing. “Once we step into adult independence, it’s common to look back and cherish what we had. Emulating our parents’ homes is not only practical—it’s a subtle tribute, a way to thank them and preserve family values in our own adult lives,” she explains.
The poll’s results challenge conventional wisdom about generational rebellion. Instead, they reveal that Gen Z and Millennials are crafting homes that blend personal innovation with inherited tradition, placing emotional comfort on equal footing with modern convenience. As British housing continues to evolve, it would seem that the family home remains a quietly powerful symbol—one the Instagram age hasn’t managed to shake.