The Secret Home Setup That Helps Couples Thrive Through the Holidays and Beyond

Moving in together is a big step, and while most couples agree that being together this time of year with loved ones is a gift, a staggering number also admit that they like their alone time just as much.

Yes, 89% of Americans say it’s important for both partners to have their own personal space, according to new research from Alan’s Factory Outlet, a builder of custom garages and sheds.

Personal retreat spaces like man caves and she-sheds have been on the rise for years, but according to these new findings, they may actually be the key to more couples staying together longer.

Harmony in the home

The survey found that 30% of Americans sometimes feel they spend too much time with their partner. This has led to a surge in personal spaces within homes, from hobby rooms and reading nooks to converted garages.

In fact, 33% of couples converted their home offices into personal retreats, signaling a shift from work-life balance to what we could call the love-life balance. Nearly 9 in 10 respondents agreed that having personal space is essential, with the ideal amount of time being apart being about 15 hours per week.

Personal spaces were credited with numerous benefits, according to the survey. They include better mental health and reduced stress (50%), increased happiness at home (47%), and greater respect for boundaries (39%).

Additionally, 38% reported a stronger sense of independence, while others noted fewer conflicts (22%), deeper emotional connection (20%), and improved communication (18%).

A man cave or a she-shed

The survey examined two types of personal retreats: the man cave, such as a den or garage, and the she-shed, such as a hobby room or an outdoor accessory dwelling unit.

She-sheds were linked to improved relationships for 54% of owners and greater overall happiness for 47%. Meanwhile, man caves were associated with better mental health and lower stress for 46% of owners, while 48% reported increased overall happiness.

Nearly a quarter of men (24%) have a dedicated man cave, slightly higher than the 14% of women who have a she-shed. Both groups value their retreats, but they use them differently.

Men most often use their spaces for relaxing, watching TV or playing games, listening to music or podcasts, pursuing hobbies, and reading. Meanwhile, women prioritize relaxing, listening to music or podcasts, watching TV or playing games, reading, and engaging in hobbies.

A home layout and backyard oasis

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s 2026 Design Trends Real Estate Report highlights that homebuyers increasingly seek layouts that accommodate personal space and evolving lifestyles.

“Spaces people can customize and make their own are becoming more important," design influencer Kelsey Mansingh told the outlet. "Buyers want homes that adapt to their routines and priorities. What matters most is how well a space works, not how big it is.”

While having a spare room is ideal for a personal retreat, many homeowners are expanding into their yards. According to the Alan’s Factory Outlet survey, 1 in 5 Americans (20%) have invested over $5,000 in creating a retreat space, and over 1 in 10 (12%) have spent more than $10,000.

And the money can be well worth the investment when couples want to sell their homes, too.

“Both an ADU and an addition can increase your home’s value when it comes time to sell,” Omer Reiner, a real estate agent and president of Florida Cash Home Buyers, tells Realtor.com®. “How much value depends on what potential buyers are seeking.”

For instance, Jeremy Nova, co-founder and creative director of StudioHome, says he’s seen detached ADUs appraising for as high as 1.5 times the cost to build in high-cost markets.

So, for many couples, having the spare space can be a win-win, while living in the home and when they're ready to move on to another place.