[metafunctor]

Over here in Finland, nobody has returns in each room. It's a cold climate, so houses are heavily insulated, and moisture condensation is a concern during the winters.

We typically have returns in toilets, showers, etc. with one or more supply vents in each room; a large room may have several. Air flows in via supply vents, flows out under mandatory gaps in doors (if closed), through to the toilets and then outside. Moisture, CO2, and smells are constantly flushed in the right direction.

When the hood is on for cooking, air supply is typically enhanced so it doesn't mess up the overall pressure too much.

Incoming air is filtered, of course. The ventilation unit transfers heat from outgoing air to the incoming air to save energy and avoid problems with condensation.

In my home office, TVOC as measured by an Eve Room rarely goes above 100 (mostly happens when I pour an occasional whisky in the evening).

Old houses don't have ventilation machines at all, but rely on natural ventilation instead: warmer air flows upwards via chimneys and such due to gravity, pulling in fresh air from whatever gaps the structure has (accidental or purpose-built).