Whatever happened to the good old British chats over the garden
fence? According to a new survey out today, more than six in ten
(67%) of us believe that having nice neighbours is the key to a
happy home. Yet when it comes to making 'home improvements',
one of the first things many of us would change is 'them next door'
- with 18% of us wanting to make our neighbours friendlier.
But it's not just the people over the fence that we'd like to change
about our homes.
However, nearly half (43%) believe that getting the interior
decorating done the way they like it is the secret to a truly happy
home. Over a third (35%) is planning on giving their place a lick of
paint this year.
One in ten (9%) is planning a new bathroom, and many others are
aiming to spruce up their gardens and revamp their kitchens and
lounges.
In fact, only 8% of Brits said a plasma TV was an important factor
for a happier home, perhaps reflecting a shift in values in today's
economic climate.
Brett Kahr, a consultant psychologist behind the BBC TV series
Making Slough Happy has been working with Dulux and says:
"Making a change can have a really positive impact on your general
happiness. It's also very empowering, and even a small change
can make a big difference to how you feel. If you are stuck in a
rut or frustrated by all the tales of doom and gloom, try walking a
different way to work, phoning a friend you haven't spoken to for a
while or sorting out those jobs around the house you keep
meaning to get around to."
Ten top tips on making a happier home:
1. Together time - spend a full hour each week talking to
your partner
2. Neighbourhood love - next time you pass someone in
your street, take time out to talk to them
3. Team time - dedicate half an hour for the family to do
the chores together to take the weight off one person's shoulders
4. Hidden pleasures - homes are full of unread books,
unwatched DVDs and unplayed games, start making the most of
them (and save money too)
5. Clear the clutter - sell stuff you don't need, take it to
the charity shop or freecycle it
6. Bitesized DIY - get rid of those little niggling jobs like
fixing the loo seat, dripping tap or cupboard door. Give yourself
deadlines e.g. one per week - and stick to it
7. Change something - even if you can't afford, for
instance, a big kitchen makeover, a small change can make a big
difference. Try painting over the cupboard doors or tiles and putting
up a colourful blind for a completely different look.
8. Ditch the TV - watch less television, cut down on web
surfing and get out from in front of those computer games
9. Get greenfingered - grow something indoors or
outdoors, and get reconnected with nature
10. Smile to yourself - count your blessings and focus on
the good stuff every day and smile!
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