Thanks to the incessant chatter of social media, addictive mobile games, and the internet of everything, we’re slaves to our screens and incapable of tolerating our own company. Yet solitude is a powerful resource that more people are waking up to as they look to reboot, reflect and get mindful.

With mounting responsibilities and digital distractions, Gen Y are creating personal solitude spaces on their homes in search of some peace and quiet. What can these ‘man caves’ and ‘she sheds’ tell us about the demands of future homebuyers and home decor shoppers?

Falling marriage and fertility rates are symptomatic of post-industrial societies – worrying trends for governments trying to handle the growing cost of dependents supported by a diminishing workforce. This effect is magnified in South Korea, with many celebrating their single status.

How do you spend your free time? Playing a sport? Brunching with mates? Clubbing? New research has found that 80% of Japan's single workers are spending their time off alone, and mostly at home. With a culture of overwork, it looks like they’re too tired for socialising.